Johns Creek Herald - September 11, 2025

Report: State feels weight of new market conditions

► PAGE 3

Elections Board appointments stall amid fines

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted along party lines Sept. 3 to “table” a vote on the Republican Party’s nominees to the Registration and Elections Board until a state Appellate Court ruling.

The decision at the end of the board’s first September meeting came after a lengthy executive session, which commissioners held after seeking the county attorney’s guidance on how to proceed after an Aug. 29 court ruling.

Commissioners voted unanimously on executive session items, including

a $90,000 contract in support of compliance with the consent decree pertaining to the Fulton County Jail.

Executive sessions are closed to public and media.

In late August, a State Superior Court judge found the Board of Commissioners in civil contempt and im -

posed a $10,000 per day fine, unless Republican nominees are appointed to the County Elections Board. The judge ruled county commissioners must appoint Elections Board nominees submitted by the Republican Party’s executive officer.

Exchange program opens young eyes to world cultures

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On Marcella Vega’s blazer were a gold crown, red maple leaf, seasoned elote, kiwi bird and pink-blossomed cherry tree.

The Johns Creek High School senior received each of the unique pins and dozens of others from fellow exchange students she met during her almost year-long stay in Sweden. Marcella spoke to the Rotary Club of Johns Creek-North Fulton Aug. 27 during a presentation about the organization’s exchange student program.

The experience, she said, broadened her perspective of the world and enlarged her understanding of what is possible in life.

“Being abroad made me realize that there's more than two options,” she said. “You can make your own path if there's not one built already for you.”

At the Aug. 27 meeting, Marcella and fellow exchange student Erika Gabrielson, who visited Brazil, provided accounts of their experiences to Rotary members. Their talk was preceded by an introduction from Marcella’s sister, Melissa Vega, who was preparing to set out on an exchange trip of her own.

See STUDENT, Page 29

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Rotary Club of Johns Creek-North Fulton President David Bernard presents Melissa Vega with a check Aug. 25 at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce. The $25,000 is to fund her visit to Italy as an exchange student.

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

Family found dead in apparent murder-suicide

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Three family members were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a Johns Creek home Aug. 31.

Officers discovered James, 52; Myoung, 52; and Grace Choi, 15; deceased at 2108 Glen Castle Court about 4:14 p.m., the Johns Creek Police Department said. Police were dispatched to the family’s home to

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.

Thousands in jewelry reported stolen at store

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — More than $12,000 in jewelry was reported stolen from a North Point Parkway store Aug. 21.

Alpharetta police said a 28-year-old manager said he suspected the jewelry had been stolen after he received an email from another jewelry store asking about the items. The jewelry was sent to the business for repairs.

The manager said he was unsure whether the package containing the items had been received.

He said the store has sometimes received deliveries with items missing.

The incident was classified as a felony theft by taking, greater than $1,500.

— Jon Wilcox

Woman falls victim to cyber bank theft

ROSWELL, Ga. — A 59-year-old Roswell woman reported falling victim to

conduct a welfare check.

Police suspect James Choi was responsible for the killings.

“This tragic incident has deeply affected not only the family and neighbors, but our entire community,” said Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to those impacted and ask that the community keep them in their thoughts

a felony cyber theft Aug. 19 after an alleged scammer gained access to her bank accounts.

The victim said she received a text Aug. 25 that she believed to be from the Digital Federal Credit Union, which notified her of potential fraud on her account.

Shortly after, she said a man identifying himself as a bank employee called her to speak about the potential fraud.

The victim said she allowed the caller to access her accounts after he listed her personal information, account numbers and recent transactions.

After confirming her account was linked to Veno, PayPal and Zelle, the victim said the caller paid himself $3,337.27 using the three applications.

The officer said the woman provided him with the usernames of the suspect’s accounts with each peer-topeer payment platform.

When speaking with the officer, the victim said she was already working on changing her passwords and security information for each account.

As of Sept. 2, the case remains active with no suspect identified.

— Hayden Sumlin

Woman reports dog bite while walking at apartment

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 24-year-old Alpharetta woman was treated for a

during this incredibly difficult time.”

The deaths are thought to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety, police said.

The department declined to release additional information to preserve the integrity of their ongoing investigation and to respect family members.

— Jon Wilcox

dog bite after she was attacked at her apartment Aug. 24.

Alpharetta police said the woman told officers she was walking around the building when a large brown dog lunged at her and bit her leg above the knee. Paramedics told officers she likely would need stitches.

The dog had no leash.

Officers talked with the animal’s owner, a 31-year-old woman who also lives at the apartment. The woman said her dog, a large Shar Pei breed, was current on its vaccinations.

The owner said the dog has never bitten anyone before.

The case was turned over to Fulton Animal Control officers.

— Jon Wilcox

Man receives cut lip in fight after concert

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated a reported battery at a Windward Parkway hotel Aug. 24.

Alpharetta police said a 22-year-old Suwanee man punched a 22-year-old man in the face. The alleged assault occurred after a concert, and both were allegedly intoxicated when an argument broke out, police said.

That night, Ameris Amphitheater hosted country singer Jason Aldean.

The injured man suffered a cut to his lip. He refused medical treatment

— Jon Wilcox

Georgia, Metro Atlanta feel weight of unsettled economic conditions

ATLANTA — Georgia is enduring its share of fallout from federal layoffs and spending cuts, less tourism from abroad to a pullback in film and TV spending by big Hollywood studios.

But the state’s multifaceted economy is also benefiting from a boom in data center construction, continued in-migration of retirees, and an expected boost to the aerospace industry due to European NATO nations pledging to boost defense spending in coming years, according to Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Dhawan delivered the semi-annual forecast during his Aug. 28 confer -

ence. Job additions in calendar year 2024 totaled 41,900, much lower than the 66,800 jobs added in 2023. This pace was incidentally half of the rate of job creation seen from 2017 to 2019. In the first half of 2025 the state added only 11,700 jobs.

The biggest reason for this sharp slowdown and anemic job growth performance, Dhawan said, is the stress seen in the white-collar, middlemanagement, service-sector jobs that

are battling AI advances, iffy world economic growth, and the changing focus of film-and-television production, where notably Marvel Studios has pulled up stakes for London. Revenue growth in the first half of 2025 for Delta Air Lines, the state’s largest private employer with a big footprint in international travel, was an anemic 1.0 percent, with coach ticket sales dropping by 3.6 percent. “The bread-and-butter of middle-class jobs in three well-paying service sectors — corporate, information technology (including specialized movie production) and wholesale (B2B) — constitute almost one-fourth of the state’s employment base and have lost more

than 37,000 jobs since Jan. 2023,” Dhawan said.

Following Dhawan’s “Triangle of Money” logic, the impact of anemic job growth in high-paying service sectors that affects consumer spending is also evident in the rate of growth for sales tax collections at the state level. These collections grew at a solid double-digit level in 2022 but have since fallen to low single-digit levels. Turning to positives in the state’s multifaceted economy, a data center construction boom initiated by technology giants has created an arms race in AI computing. With Georgia having surpassed North -

DHAWAN

Rotary Club thanks nurses with free lunches

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Nurses are the glue that holds healthcare together, said members of the Rotary Club of North Fulton.

On Aug. 19, the club decided the least it could do was give them a free lunch.

Rotary Club members said thanks by visiting Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center in Alpharetta and Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Members Steve Cory, Richard Matherly and others donated packages that included cookies, granola bars, trail mix and sandwiches.

“I asked some nurses, ‘What's the hardest thing for you guys? How can we show our appreciation?’” Cory said. “They said, ‘Boy, you know, grabbing lunch is always a challenge for us.’”

The visits were the latest in an ongoing cardiac health endeavor that has included providing automated external defibrillators to the community and teaching residents how to save lives in the event of a heart emergency.

Come Sept. 20, the Rotary Club’s classes at local fire departments and hospitals like Wellstar’s will have taught their 1,000th community member, Cory said. The classes, at least one of which was taught in Spanish, demonstrate the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators among other techniques.

“We couldn't do it without the hundreds of people who sign up to attend a class,” Cory said.

During a cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly and unexpectedly loses function.

If lifesaving action starts within the first few minutes, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent. Without im-

Rotary Club member Richard Matherly, left, speaks with local nurses after delivering lunches to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Aug. 19. Matherly was admitted to the hospital in 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

mediate intervention, the chance of survival decreases by about 10 percent each minute.

More than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrests outside the hospital each year in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association.

Matherly, an Alpharetta resident, was one of those people.

In 2024, he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing tennis.

“I picked up a ball, and I started walking off the court, and I said, ‘Give me a minute,’” he said previously. “And I collapsed just like a ton of bricks, right down. That is all I remember.”

During his Aug. 19 visit, Matherly had the chance to thank the nurses who were present after he was rushed to the hospital.

“They hadn't seen him since,” Cory said. ”He was able to say, ‘Thank you for saving my life.’ It was amazing.”

ROTARY CLUB OF NORTH FULTON/PROVIDED

Tune-Up Projects

Kitchen Tune-Up

Paint Cabinets

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

New Backsplash

Cut Down 2-level

Island

Bathroom Tune-Up

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Enlarge Shower

Shower Glass

Shower Safety Full Remodel

Kitchen Remodel

Total Cabinet Replacement

Large Island

Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations

Open Concept –Move Walls

9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat

Showroom – Design Center

Projects

Bathroom Remodel

New Larger Shower

Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink

Free Standing Tub

Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Plumbing Fixtures

Gladiators sweep Cougars in battle of Johns Creek

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga — The Johns Creek volleyball team took the long trek down State Bridge Road to Chattahoochee High School Sept. 4 and left with a sweep of the Cougars 3-0.

Johns Creek head coach Ally Hall said the Gladiators have “some fire and some fight,” that the high standards the team set for themselves at the beginning of the season have brought them closer to their goals.

“We did the little things right,” she said. “We kept our errors to a minimum. We were pressing from the shoulders when blocking and we were serving tough, all-around I’m happy with our play.”

Outside hitter Hana Catic and middle hitter Sara Buoni logged nine kills apiece, leading the team.

Setter Adonia Haile posted 30 assists, eight digs and three kills, including back-to-back in the first set. Haile’s 15 serves scored her team 9 points.

Middle hitter Emerson Jarboe is fifth in Region 7 of Class 5A in total blocks. She notched one block assist and five kills against the Cougars.

Chattahoochee scored the first two points of the first set, but Johns Creek found their stride quickly. After the score was tied at three points, the Cougars never regained the lead that night. Johns Creek dominated the first set 25-12.

Chattahoochee’s defense improved as the night went on, the crowd erupting when the Cougars got a tough dig.

Junior Elise Martinez was active in the front and back row with four kills, 10 digs and 17 serve receives.

Freshman Madi Rowe showed promise in the program’s future with four kills, two digs and a block assist.

Senior Charlotte Laskos has the tenth-highest number of serving aces in Region 7 of 5A this season. In the second set, Laskos was on rotation to serve after a set-point steal by Martinez.

Laskos locked in to serve an ace after another Martinez kill. Laskos’ serving would prompt a six-point run by the Cougars to close the final deficit to 25-13.

Backs against the wall, the Cougars competed hard down the stretch of the third set. Defense was sharp, with several Johns Creek spikes that would have earlier reached the ground being returned to the Gladiators.

However, miscommunications and service errors at times plagued the Cougars, falling to a 3-0 sweep with a final score of 25-13 again for the third set.

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

The Johns Creek volleyball team celebrates after a kill by junior Sara Buoni (No. 11) at Chattahoochee High School Sept. 4. The Gladiators swept the Cougars 3-0.

Chattahoochee juniors Julia Karabolad (No. 1) and Elise Martinez prepare to receive a serve at Chattahoochee High School

$94,355,750.96

That is the actual total cost of building the Performing Arts Center as supported by our Mayor in his annual state of the city address and in multiple work sessions and city council meetings.

• $40,000,000.00 in a general obligation bond paid over twenty years. (According to Appen Media, this will result in a 14.5%-17.5% property tax increase for every property tax owner in the city for the next 20 years).

• $20,000,000.00 in “found money” from city reserves and “anticipated” surpluses in FY ’26-‘27.

• $23,355,750.96 in interest over twenty years and this assumes the loan at 5%. (The city has said the interest rate could vary between 4-6% so this is the middle calculation).

• $11,000,000.00 for classrooms: $1,000,000.00 in 2028 and $10,000,000.00 in 2029 to add classrooms. (This request is part of the $173,400,000.00 in UNFUNDED capital requests for fiscal years 2026-2030).

This is for construction of an “approximately” 800 seat performing arts center, 54 car parking spots, 3 bus parking spots and classrooms.

After it is built, it must then be operated—forever. They are unwilling to be transparent and either can’t or won’t say exactly how much the annual taxpayer subsidy will be, but, in their own words:

Kimberly Greer, City Manager May 19, 2025, Work Session Agenda Report

“Very few performing art facilities breakeven and even fewer make money.” “…if the Council chooses to pursue having a PAC it would indicate the Council believes the cost to operate the facility (over revenues received) is an appropriate investment…”

“…this potential Performing Arts Center would match the regional and local trend of requiring additional annual investment to cover operational costs.”

Mayor John Bradberry speaking to the PAC operations at the April 14th, 2025, Work Session:

“… we know that this is probably never going to break even. If it does one day, I consider that complete gravy.”

“This is my number one priority…(we) get this big thing done and other things if and when we can.”

Mayor Bradberry confirming that his pet project will come at the expense of previous commitments at the May 19, 2025, Work Session:

“…yes, this is a big project and yes, there is some temporary crowding out.”

Northern Ridge District welcomes August Eagle Scouts

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 August 28 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

Top row, from left:

Karthik Kandimalla , of Troop 1459, sponsored by St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. His project was the design and construction of four benches and two speaker stands for the Chinmaya Mission.

Jay Gunnar Slocum , of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. Gunnar’s project was the design and construction of six benches and one table at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Andrew Garcia , of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. Andrew’s project was the design and construction of six wooden benches and the cleanup around the tennis facilities at Alpharetta High School.

Jack Ryan McGuigan , of Troop 87, sponsored by Roswell Presbyterian Church. Jack’s project was the design and construction of a Little Library reading area at Boling Park. Jack cleared an area, built and installed a bench and a little library, as well as landscaped the area. Jack also held a book drive and collected 60 books to keep the library stocked.

Duncan Siddall , of Troop 629, sponsored by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church. Duncan’s project was the design and construction of a bike trail with culverts and drainage ditches at Big Creek Park.

Middle row, from left:

James Henry Southern , of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. James’ project was the design and construction of two sitting areas at Cauley Creek Park. Each sitting area was a landscaped square with a wooden bench.

Ryan Joseph , of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Ryan’s project was the design and construction of a rainwater irrigation system, including drip hoses, for the flower beds at Alpharetta International Academy.

Appen Press Club

Vaideesh Kudumuri , of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Vaideesh’s project was the design and construction of a large fence around the greenhouse area of Chattahoochee High School, protecting the outdoor gardens. Vaideesh also built an arbor to serve as a decorative entrance way.

Shane Blaiss , of Troop 1818, sponsored by North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center. Shane’s project was the design and construction of four picnic tables for the Chabad North Fulton.

Suraj Gunna , of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners, whose project was the design and construction of two picnic tables and the refurbishment of two others at the North America Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta.

Bottom row, from left:

Noor Ahmed , of Troop 12G, sponsored by the Muslim American Society Youth Center. Noor’s project was the design and construction of four raised brick garden beds for the community garden at Masjid Al-Momineen.

Maryam Ahmed , of Troop 12G, sponsored by the Muslim American Society Youth Center. Maryam’s project was the collection and distribution of 50 food boxes for Ethaar, an organization that helps refugees in Clarkston. Each food box contained beans, flour, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, rice, pasta, oatmeal, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, chips, garlic powder and cereal.

Zeina Kader , of Troop 12G, sponsored by the Muslim American Society Youth Center. Zeina’s project was the design and construction of an outdoor greenhouse for Summerour Middle School.

Janna Kader , of Troop 12G, sponsored by the Muslim American Society Youth Center. Janna’s project was the design and construction of an outdoor cabinet for the outdoor classroom at building an outdoor cabinet for Summerour Middle School.

Anhar Kader , of Troop 12G, sponsored by the Muslim American Society Youth Center. Anhar’s project was the design and construction of two wheelchair accessible garden beds for Summerour Middle School.

Support local news that follows the story. Join the Appen Press Club today at appenmedia.com/join.

MD Johns Creek Only: Mon., Tues.,

PROVIDED

Newly-awarded Eagle Scouts stand at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

Public safety departments reorganized in Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The City of Alpharetta is restructuring how it delivers public safety services after changes in leadership.

At an Aug. 18 meeting, the City Council appointed John Robison as assistant city administrator. Robison previously served as chief of public safety.

The decision resulted in the creation of three independent but collaborating police, fire and emergency operations center departments.

Trent Lindgren, former police major, will serve as police chief. Brad Denkinger, former fire operations chief, will serve as

fire chief. The city’s 911 center also will see enhancements.

The changes are aimed at meeting the needs of the city’s growing and evolving community, the city said.

“Each department will have a dedicated leader focused on improving service, enhancing training and meeting the demands of a growing city,” the city said in a statement. “Joint training, shared communications and coordinated on-scene responses will remain central to how Alpharetta keeps its community safe.”

— Jon Wilcox

HOME FURNISHINGS! 1101 Alpharetta St • Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 OPEN: Tuesday–Saturday 10-5:30 Nowcelebratingour33rdyear—thankyouforshoppinglocal!

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Just opened?

10 | Johns Creek Herald | September 11, 2025

Dunwoody Barber Shop sustains small-town feel

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Longtime Dunwoody residents know Ernie “the Barber” Smith but have not been able to get a haircut from the local legend since he experienced health problems last May.

After 40 years of service in Dunwoody, residents only call Smith by his first name. Not too long ago, almost everyone in the city knew Ernie.

The barber shop is on the first floor of the Dunwoody Professional Building at 5064 Nandina Lane next to the Shops of Dunwoody and the Village.

Former City Councilman Terry Nall, an active community member who routinely answers his neighbors’ questions on the Dunwoody Area Community Forum, said Ernie has had some serious health issues some 18 months ago.

“He is known to most people as just Ernie. I doubt many even know his last name,” Nall wrote. “Ernie’s fame by just his first name is similar to Nell, the owner and operator of Nell’s Produce Market in Dunwoody and [Johns Creek].”

Sadly, the Proctor family announced Nell’s passing Aug. 29.

Nall said he last heard from Ernie this summer. The community cornerstone lives north of the city in Gwinnett County.

Amid health challenges, Smith sold Ernie’s Barber Shop last May to his righthand man and fellow hairdresser Kevin Lam, who renamed it the Dunwoody Barber Shop.

The 17-year-old city has changed dramatically since incorporation, but it still has community cornerstones like the Dunwoody Barber Shop. Fewer people are out and about in the community, but

The Dunwoody Barber Shop, a four-chair traditional salon within in the Nandina Lane business park, is under the new ownership of Woodstock resident Kevin Lam. A once bustling community hub — full of city officials, community leaders and the Dunwoody Crier’s founder Dick Williams — needs a post-pandemic resurgence. See BARBER, Page 11

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

BUSINESSPOSTS

Barber:

Continued from Page 10

that trend is changing after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nandina Lane, which connects Chamblee Dunwoody Road to Mount Vernon at the Village, is now a one-street, causing more traffic congestion at the intersection. The city converted it last year to improve roadway safety and walkability, but traffic congestion remains an issue.

Dunwoody resident Mike Palumbo, who moved to Dunwoody from Gwinnett County just after the city incorporated in 2008, said he remembers seeing members of the Dunwoody City Council and the Crier’s founder Dick Williams talking about local news, community rumors and Atlanta sports with a room packed full of neighbors and friends.

“When I go in … [Lam] says that business is slow, and people are still wondering what happened to Ernie,” Palumbo said. “Due to the language barrier, he thinks people don’t fully understand what happened and that he was friends with Ernie and worked for him.”

Lam, a Woodstock resident, speaks and understands English, but it is not his native tongue. The Vietnamese entrepreneur fled political persecution and hardship via boat in 1980 following the end of American involvement in the war in 1975. Lam said it

In early September, Appen Media met with the father-and-son duo at the barber shop for a routine cut.

“I started coming here because I’m from New York, so I like old school,” Palumbo said, letting his northern accent show a little. “I like the barber shop; I don’t like the Supercuts thing.”

James, an eighth grader at Peachtree Charter Middle School, said he gets good reviews from schoolmates after a fresh haircut.

More than a decade ago, the Dunwoody Crier’s office sat above the Barber Shop, serving as a central location near the Dunwoody Village for community members to hang out, get to know one another and enjoy each other’s company.

“Back when it was Ernie working here, all the city officials were coming,” Palumbo said, smiling as he recounted the shop’s former glory. “This was like the place you could find out a lot of that stuff going on in the community. There was a lot of people who came here … everybody knew Ernie.”

wasn’t too tough after his boat made it to a refugee camp in Indonesia.

“I’ve been cutting hair for more than 35 years,” he said. “I went to an old barber school.”

Lam told Appen Media he first started working with Ernie in 2013 after cutting hair up Ga. 400 in Cumming. He said Ernie was having a very hard time before he sold to him last May.

GRAND OPENING SALE

With over 40 years of expertise in the oriental carpet industry, we’re excited to open our new showroom, offering a wide selection of authentic, high-quality handmade and power-loom rugs, new, semi antique and antique oriental rugs from around the world, including Persia, India, China, Turkey, and Egypt. We offer all sizes, up to palace sizes, at the best prices around. Conveniently located on the corner of State Bridge and Kimball Bridge, come visit our new showroom to experience top notch quality, prices, and white glove services!

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 1pm-6pm

Lam said he wanted the community to know that Ernie’s Barber Shop is still open. With a new name and owner, he said he enjoys running a one-man operation. With more support from the community, Lam said he could hire someone to help. Palumbo said he has been a patron since moving to the city, and his 14-yearold son James got his first haircut from Ernie as a baby.

There aren’t many barber shops left in Dunwoody, and many residents cross the county line into Sandy Springs for a haircut.

“There are no real barbershops around anymore, and we would hate to lose this one in the heart of our community where my kids received their first haircuts as small children many years ago by Ernie,” Palumbo said. “We all would love to thank Ernie for the many years of service!”

PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, James and Mike Palumbo get a haircut from Kevin Lam, the new owner of the Dunwoody Barber Shop, after community legend Ernie “the Barber” Smith sold it amid health challenges last year. Lam said he needs the Dunwoody community’s support to keep the barber shop afloat.

Buzz-ness provides entry point for those exploring beekeeping

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — They produce a nutritious food from flower nectar. Their sound may have a calming effect on the mind. They play a vital role in the natural environment.

And they are surprisingly low maintenance, said Brian Hudes, owner of Big Creek Bees in Forsyth County.

“Bees are very resilient,” Hudes said. “If you don't bother them, for the most part, they don't really care about you.”

Bees may be the perfect neighbor, and Hudes’ business aims to make their care even easier. He sells everything amateur and veteran beekeepers need to care for the insects. He also provides a concierge service, installing and caring for bees to anyone willing to host them.

“You will produce so much honey for yourself and your friends that they'll all get tired of getting all your honey,” he said.

Hudes, who grew up in the suburbs of Long Island, may be a relative newcomer to the art of beekeeping, but he has learned fast. The gastroenterologist decided to start his business to exercise his problem-solving skills while working with living things.

“To me, beekeeping was another patient, another sort of spectrum of treatments. It's right in my wheelhouse,” Hudes said. “It just feels good taking care of the bees. Plus, it's fun.”

He also likes the idea of leaving the planet in a better place than he found it.

An important insect

Bees have been around for about 130 million years, forming an essential part of the evolutionary development of 400,000 species of flowering plants, the World Wildlife Fund said.

About a third of the world’s food production relies on bees’ ability to transport pollen from one flower to another, the United Nations Environment Programme said.

Unfortunately, bee populations are in a precarious place.

An extensive study found between June 2024 and January 2025 that about 62 percent of commercial bee colonies in the U.S. died, marking the largest die-off on record, according to an extensive survey, the Apiary Inspec-

tors of America said. It followed a 55 percent die-off from the previous winter.

Pesticides play a significant role in the troubling population decline.

Bees can travel up to 5-6 miles a day in search of food. During those travels, they can easily pick up pesticides from yards and fields, transporting them back to the hive.

“They come back, and they mix in with the other bees, and then all of a sudden, your bees die,” Hudes said.

It’s an easily overlooked tragedy, especially when considering how much bees have to offer humans.

Programs such as Virginia’s HIVES, or Honeybee Initiative for Veterans Empowerment and Support, are exploring the practice of beekeeping to help veterans manage their PTSD, anxiety and depression. Scientific studies suggest the sound of buzzing bees may have a calming effect, potentially easing symptoms of anxious thinking.

Hudes said he has witnessed that healing effect firsthand.

“It’s very calming,” he said.

The sting that heals

Bee stings, although relatively rare, also have been shown to have healing properties.

Studies have shown bee venom and honey are antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, according to a 2023 scientific paper.

Big Creek Bees may soon relocate its brick-and-mortar location at 5695 Ga. 400 near Cumming, but it also operates an online store. The business sells everything wouldbe beekeepers need to host bees.

Hudes said he wants to connect with residents who would be willing to allow him to relocate somewhere on Ga. 400 between Alpharetta and Coal Mountain.

Hudes is particularly proud of his beehive boxes and frames fashioned out of wood double dipped in wax and pieced together with dovetail joints. The result is a structure that repeatedly withstands temperature and moisture swings.

Hudes also sells bee food, smokers and other tools and protective suits, which often are unnecessary given bees’ surprisingly docile nature.

“A lot of beekeepers don't even wear bee suits or gloves,” Hudes said. “You'll see the bees crawling all over them.”

Hands-on help

For those looking for an even more hands-off experience, Hudes is willing to install bee hives on properties and care for them. He splits the honey with the host.

Beekeeping enjoys enormous protections in Georgia. State law prohibits cities and counties from banning beekeeping, although it allows municipalities to regulate the practice through zoning ordinances.

Suburban beekeeping is hardly a fantasy considering the number of flowers in subdivisions and urban environments, Hudes said. A hives’ tens of thousands of bees can cover up to 80 square miles in search of food, navigating with landmarks, the sun and internal vectoring.

“Any of these fancy, upscale subdivisions, they have a lot of flowers,” Hudes said. “The bees are very happy with that.”

Hudes said his journey into the world of bees may only be about a year old, but already he has found incredible satisfaction and numerous benefits in his newfound fascination.

Beekeeping may seem difficult to learn and hard to keep up with, but Hudes promises it is actually far easier and more rewarding than many realize.

“That's why people spend all day in their beehives,” he said. “Because it becomes almost addicting.”

Our chapel mausoleum offers timeless options of

Contact us for further information on the Chapel of Reflections and our many other offerings.

BRIAN HUDES/PROVIDED

Brian Hudes, owner of Big Creek Bees, stands in a south Georgia field that is home to dozens of bee hives.

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Name: Concept Home Rugs

Owner: Ebrahim Mahdavi

Description: With over 40 years of expertise in the oriental carpet industry, we’re excited to open our new showroom, offering a wide selection of authentic, high-quality handmade and power-loom rugs, new, semi antique and antique oriental rugs from around the world,

including Persia, India, China, Turkey, and Egypt.

Opened: July 2025

Address: 11266 State Bridge Road, Suite 300, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Phone: 678-404-7555

Web Address: https:// concepthomerugs.com/ Email: ebrahim@concepthomerugs. com

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER COMMUNITY MEETING

The City of Johns Creek will hold a series of community meetings related to the General Obligation Bond Referendum for the purpose of a Performing Arts Center (PAC):

Thursday, September 18th 6pm

Wednesday, October 1st 6pm

Thursday, October 16th 6pm

Johns Creek City Hall

Park Place at Newtown Park

Johns Creek City Hall

All meetings at City Hall will be held in the Council Chambers located at 11360 Lakefield Drive. Meetings at Newtown Park will be held in Park Place located at 3125 Old Alabama Road. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions.

Allison Tarpley, City Clerk

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the

BEST

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

Does testosterone make melanomas more aggressive?

Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is more common in men than women. That raises the question: does testosterone fuel melanoma? Is estrogen protective? Or are behavioral differences the real factor?

The answer is more complicated. Women actually develop slightly more melanomas than men until their late 40s. Then, around age 50, male incidence soars. By age 80, men develop three times as many melanomas as women.

If testosterone were causing melanomas and estrogen were protective, we would expect the opposite trend: higher rates in young men, then narrowing differences as testosterone declines with age. Instead, women lead in youth— when men’s testosterone is highest.

The tanning bed effect

One explanation may lie in tanning salons. Roughly 75% of tanning bed users are women, most aged 16 to 29.

Tanning bed use increases melanoma risk by about 75%. “Heavy users”—with more than 100 sessions—face a 150–200% higher risk. One study even estimated a nearly 2% higher melanoma risk per tanning session per year.

Because women use tanning beds far more often than men, this may explain why women develop more melanomas before age 50. But it does not explain why men overtake women so dramatically afterward.

Sun and biology

Studies suggest men generally experience more outdoor sun exposure than women. Still, that alone doesn’t account for the gap.

Biology likely plays a role. Estrogen tends to strengthen the immune system, while testosterone suppresses parts of it. T cells—critical in fighting viruses and cancer—are more adversely affected by testosterone than B cells. That difference could make men more vulnerable.

Chromosomes and cancer

Sex differences extend beyond hormones. Women have two X chromosomes, men an X and a Y. The X chromosome contains more tumor-suppressing genes. In effect, women often have a genetic “backup” that men lack.

Other cancers show a similar pattern.

Colon cancer is 33% more common in men. Leukemia is 37% more common. In the U.S., melanoma is about 36% more common in men than in women.

Clinical impact

What does this mean for patients?

I recently had a patient with a history of skin cancer—though not melanoma—ask if he should continue testosterone therapy.

A large Medicare study found that men who had taken supplemental testosterone were about 70% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. But the study could not control for other factors such as sun exposure or tanning bed use. Were testosterone users simply spending more time outdoors? How much of the risk came from the hormone itself?

Research also shows that men with metastatic melanoma and high testosterone levels tend to do worse. Whether testosterone supplementation should be avoided in men with only localized melanoma or other skin cancers is controversial. A patient might harbor undetectable metastatic melanoma, and supplemental testosterone could accelerate its growth.

Patient choice

In this country, patient freedom is paramount. The physician’s role is often to present the data and allow the patient to decide.

Some patients want to maximize life expectancy. Others balance quality and quantity of life. For some, the energy and mood benefits of testosterone may outweigh uncertain cancer risks. For others, minimizing risk comes first.

Based on current literature, the right answer is patient-specific.

The bottom line

Testosterone may contribute to worse outcomes in advanced melanoma, and supplementation could raise melanoma risk. But the evidence is not definitive. What is clear is that prevention and early detection matter most. Avoiding tanning beds, protecting your skin from UV exposure, and getting regular dermatology exams remain the best ways to lower melanoma risk.

For someone with a history of melanoma, testosterone supplementation is likely contraindicated. For others, the decision comes down to preference, risk tolerance, and weighing likely quality of life benefits against poorly defined quantity of life concerns.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Straight teeth without braces

Brought to you by - Atlanta Center for Dental

We all remember when straighter teeth meant metal braces. You could have straight teeth. You just had to have metal bands, brackets, and wires on your teeth for 18-24 months. We all loved the results; we just didn’t like the process we had to go through.

Technology has come a long way over the last few years. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health offers Invisalign to all their patients. Invisalign is a revolutionary new way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth and gradually move them into a straighter, better position, and better bite to improve your appearance, comfort with chewing, the longevity of the teeth, and overall health.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is almost invisible, so you don’t have to worry about your smile being altered by metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are a comfortable way to move the teeth and improve your appearance, bite, and health. Invisalign is much more comfortable to wear than metal braces and can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth.

Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic consideration, it’s also important for your oral health. When your teeth are misaligned, it can cause overcrowding, which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Invisalign can help correct your bite and alignment issues, reducing your risk for these oral health problems.

Invisalign can also help improve your appearance. Straighter teeth can make you look and feel more attractive. When teeth are straight and properly aligned,

it can make your smile look brighter and healthier. It can also help with speech and chewing problems that can be caused by crooked teeth. Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces. You don’t have to worry about frequent trips to the dentist for adjustments, and you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces.

Invisalign is typically much faster than traditional braces, so you can enjoy your new, straighter smile in a matter of months instead of years. Overall, Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your teeth and

improve your oral health. It’s comfortable, convenient, and nearly invisible, so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile without the discomfort and hassle of traditional braces. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, Invisalign is worth considering. Nearly everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. You are invited to call or stop by for more information or a complimentary consultation and smile outcome simulation.

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health are dedicated to your health and longevity. We provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with noninvasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that he provides each patient with the perfect solution for their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

Out of sight, still a threat: What we forget about prostate cancer

Brought to you by – Wellstar

Urologist Dr. Scott Miller

Five years ago, you probably had hand sanitizer in your car, a thermometer in your bag and a mental checklist for every sniffle. That was life during COVID. But these days? It’s easy to forget what once felt urgent.

The same thing happens with men’s health—especially prostate cancer. For a brief moment, maybe after a friend was diagnosed or during a Movember campaign, it’s top-of-mind. But if nothing seems wrong, it quickly slips to the back burner.

That’s a problem—because prostate cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.

At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, we see too many men surprised by late diagnoses. Why? Because they felt fine. Because they had no symptoms. Because they believed some version of the same three myths:

• “Prostate cancer doesn’t kill men.” Actually, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. But when ignored, it’s dangerous.

• “I don’t have symptoms, so I’m good.”

Most early-stage prostate cancers are completely silent. No pain, no urinary issues, no warning. That’s why screening matters

• “Testing leads to side effects.”

Screening doesn’t mean treatment. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple tool that helps guide the next steps. Many men with slowgrowing cancers don’t need surgery— just monitoring. For those who do need treatment, options are far more

Men’s Health Reminder Checklist

• Over 50? Ask about PSA screening.

• Black men or those with a family history? Start the conversation even earlier, when you’re 45 if you’re Black, and 40 if you have a family history.

• Already tested? Know your number and track changes over time.

• Don’t wait for symptoms. They often come late.

• Have questions? Ask. Your health is worth it.

precise and less invasive than they used to be.

Still, fear or discomfort around the prostate keeps many men from checking in until it’s too late. We get it. It’s not the most glamorous part of the body—but it’s vital.

Think of it this way: you’d never ignore a lump on your neck or blood in your stool. Why ignore the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer) just because it’s not visible?

Our team at Wellstar makes prostate cancer screening simple, discreet and personalized. We’re here to talk through your family history, explain your risks and offer guidance without pressure. Whether it’s time for a PSA test, a digital exam or just a conversation, we meet you where you are.

Remember: ignoring prostate cancer doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it harder to treat. Learn more about prostate cancer care at wellstar.org/prostatecancer.

Ready to take action?

Visit wellstar.org/urology to find a location near you and book your appointment online. What’s out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind. Learn more about cancer care at wellstar.org/ northfultoncancercare.

MILLER

At Wellstar, you'll find a multidisciplinary team of cancer care experts built around your needs and dedicated to comprehensive, personalized treatment.

We are a leader in cancer care, embracing innovation to improve patient outcomes. Our cancer specialists will help you understand the type of prostate cancer you have and every option to move forward, from active surveillance to leading-edge treatments such as radiation therapies and robotic prostate removal procedures. We also offer genetic testing, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and clinical trials that offer promising treatment. wellstar.org/prostatecancer

At Home Helpers, our focus every day is matching the right caregiver with each of our clients. We guarantee a good match. Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.

Keeping your balance with fall prevention

September is National Falls Prevention and Awareness Month, an often underrated issue that is extremely important for you or your older loved one. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, with over 2.8 million emergency room visits annually. The National Commission On Aging (NCOA) reports that every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall, and one in four seniors fall each year. Every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.

Many of these falls result in serious injuries such as hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries, which can have lasting consequences on independence and quality of life. More than 70% of all falls happen in the home, with bathrooms and bedrooms accounting for 80% of these incidents - highlighting the need to be proactive.

Be attentive to early warning signs in older loved ones, such as frequently holding onto chairs or walls while walking, struggling to rise from a seated position without support, or exhibiting muscle weakness. These behaviors can signal underlying balance or mobility challenges. Additional risk factors include adverse effects from multiple medications, vision issues, and problems with gait or dizziness from chronic health issues.

Often, the place that feels safest— one’s longtime home—can present hid-

den dangers. Clutter, poorly arranged furniture, inadequate lighting, throw rugs and uneven stairs can all contribute to falls. Simple home modifications like grab bars, shower chairs, improved lighting and addressing health concerns can make a significant difference in reducing these risks.

A skilled, heart-centered Home Helpers caregiver can play a vital role in fall prevention. Caregivers can assist with bathing and grooming—two activities of daily living that present significant hazards, especially in slippery bathrooms. Their expertise helps minimize risks, ensuring these tasks are performed safely. They assist with all personal care, help around the house, can accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s support.

A dedicated caregiver can also provide support after a stroke, surgery or extended hospital stay. Encouraging balance and therapy exercises prescribed to improve strength and stability with consistent follow-up is essential for recovery and preserving mobility. For those in assisted living communities who become high fall risks, in-home care can make all the difference. With personalized care plans to meet individual needs, an older loved one can continue living in the community they love.

For a free consultation and exceptional care management from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Roswell Dental Care now offers genetic testing!

Brought to you by – Dr. Destinee Hood, Roswell Dental Care

So, you may be asking why having genetic information is so important for your dentist. With this information, the clinician will be able to create a more personalized risk assessment for cavities and periodontal disease. For example, how is the patient’s genetics contributing to the severity of disease? How will the patient respond to treatment? And how susceptible is the patient to relapse? As healthcare is going towards “precision medicine,” which looks at the genetics, environment, and lifestyle of a person to select treatment that could work best for them, we can now provide even further personalized dental health care.

Understanding saliva testing

Saliva is a vital fluid produced by the salivary glands, playing a key role in digestion, oral hygiene, and overall health. It contains a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, and microorganisms. This composition makes saliva a valuable diagnostic tool. Saliva testing involves analyzing these components to gain insights into a patient’s health status. In our office, we utilize OralDNA® Labs. These saliva tests can identify the specific type and concentration of 11 disease-causing bacteria as well as identify your interleukin-6 (IL6) genotype, which is a crucial factor in promoting the inflammation pathway in the body. Information from these tests detect risk for disease, guide strategies for maintaining health, offer more accurate diagnosis, and guide treatment choices for a wide variety of conditions.”

Systemic effects of oral bacteria

These bacteria, especially at high levels, and in combination with an individual's genetic inflammatory response, result in bad breath, painful bleeding gums, loss of bone, and eventually tooth loss. The consequences of these same bacteria, present for years and decades, add significantly to the risk of a wide range of life-threatening diseases beyond the mouth. Below are some of those diseases and the measurable risk of those diseases becoming serious if these oral pathogens are not treated.

Cardiovascular disease

Periodontal bacteria contribute to the initiation, progression, and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. There is also over a 2-fold increase in the risk of stroke and peripheral vascular disease. The plaque in your mouth is the same as plaque in your heart!

Metabolic health and diabetes

Elevated levels of periodontal bacteria can directly cause hyperglycemia. Early de-

tection of periodontal infection and proactive management to reduce bacterial loads can improve blood sugar control and lessen complications of diabetes and the consequence of periodontitis.

Health during pregnancy

The oral microbiota changes when women become pregnant, and levels of periodontal pathogens increase. During pregnancy, there is a marked risk of infection of the maternal blood and the placenta, which leads to an increase in preterm labor, lower birth weight and even the chance of fetal loss due specifically to the bacteria

Development of cancer & risk of progression

Advanced periodontal disease is associated with a 2.5-fold increase in smokingrelated cancers. People with elevated levels of certain periodontal pathogens have a greater chance of breast cancer recurrence or failed response to treatment. Several recent studies show that these pathogens can be identified within the primary cancer cells from colonic tumors and are carried to metastatic sites involving regional lymph nodes. This is a newly observed phenomenon that will affect how cancer treatment protocols will be developed in the future.

Joint & Musculoskeletal health

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition. There was a significantly increased risk of periodontitis in people with RA compared to healthy controls. Importantly, the bacteria are typically found before the onset of symptoms, so the reduction of bacterial load may reduce symptoms and improve prognosis of arthritis.

Dementia and brain health

There is now evidence that certain periodontal pathogens present in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid may be involved in producing the abnormal proteins characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the direct effects of those oral bacteria to cause atherosclerosis in the vessels within the brain impart significant risk for stroke and vascular types of dementia. The plaque in your mouth is the same as plaque in your brain!

Dr. Destinee Hood is excited to provide this service to her patients. Our entire team at Roswell Dental Care creates a caring, judgement-free environment to help educate and empower you to become your best self! We take the time to listen to you, hear you, and guide you! Knowledge is power! Call and make your appointment today at 770-998-6736 or visit www.Roswell dentalcare.com.

Building ‘We-ness’: Fostering Partnership in Your Relationship

Brought to

you

by - Will Goodwin, M.A

One of the strongest indicators of relationship satisfaction and resilience is what researchers call we-ness — a sense of shared identity, partnership, and emotional connection. Couples who cultivate this sense of togetherness tend to weather life’s inevitable challenges with greater ease and maintain deeper emotional bonds over time. But how do you actually grow this “we” in the daily grind of a long-term relationship?

1. Prioritize shared meaning

The Gottman Institute emphasizes the importance of building shared meaning — the rituals, values, and goals that define your relationship. This could be as simple as weekly coffee dates, celebrating milestones, or aligning on family traditions. These shared experiences reinforce the sense that you’re building a life together, not just coexisting.

2. Communicate as a team

Adopt language that reflects partnership. Saying “We need to tackle this” instead of “You have to fix this” fosters unity. Regularly check in about both practical matters and emotional needs to stay aligned.

3. Celebrate wins and face challenges together

Couples with strong we-ness don’t just stick together during tough times; they actively celebrate small victories and express gratitude for each other. Facing challenges as a team — even the minor day-to-day ones — builds confidence in your partnership.

4. Maintain individuality while prioritizing connection

We-ness isn’t about losing your -

self; it’s about blending individuality with partnership. Support each other’s personal growth while keeping your relationship a central, nurtured space.

5. Cultivate shared enjoyment

While there is much in life that requires us to maintain a certain level of seriousness, deep bonds between people are often formed and strengthened within the realm of pleasure and enjoyment in life. So whether it is a common hobby, a shared sense of humor, or a mutual topic of interest, investing in the experience of enjoyment as a couple can meaningfully contribute to your sense of we-ness in your relationship.

In the end, growing we-ness is an intentional practice. With small, consistent efforts, couples can deepen their bond, creating a partnership that feels connected, resilient, and truly shared.

Local news is vital for staying informed and connected, and through this collaboration, we’re making it easier than ever. Now, you can access timely updates and our stories about the things happening in your area, all while engaging in meaningful conversations with real neighbors.

Don’t miss out on the stories that matter most to you –join us on your favorite social media platform to stay connected with everything that’s happening. Together, let’s build stronger, more informed communities!

As AJC newspaper closes, our newsroom has your back

CARL APPEN

Director

of Content and Development

carl@appenmedia.com

The Atlanta JournalConstitution announced last week, through The New York Times, that the Dec. 31 print edition will be its last. After 157 years of newspapers, the company will cease to print. You can read more about it in Atlanta's Saporta Report.

It's a bittersweet moment for everyone in the South, and those around the country who follow closely the local news industry. I'm sure you'll hear in coming weeks how AJC staff and readers are responding to the announcement.

I wanted to take the moment to share some good news in the face of today's alert: at Appen Media, we're growing. We are dedicated to doing what we can to support a robust news environment here in Metro Atlanta. It's critically important.

One specific bright spot? A few months after buying the staple Decaturish.com (and hiring on their staff) we launched a brand new newspaper - Decaturish Ink. That's right - print news. The best part? Twice in the last month or so Hans (our publisher and my brother) has had to increase the press runs for Ink. The paper has been so popular we have had trouble keeping the racks full and homes delivered.

Support local news

You can help our newsroom by contributing to our fall fundraiser at appenmedia.com/join or mailing a check to Appen Media, 319 North Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009.

campaigns soon, but you can get ahead of it today by making a contribution to support:

• the northern regions via the Appen Press Club at appenmedia.com/join

• the southern regions via Decaturish Subscribers at Decaturish.com/support

The AJC's announcement said they currently have around 40,000 print subscribers. Today at Appen we deliver 114,000 papers. A couple years ago we were doing 75,000. Then we bought the Dunwoody Crier, started the Sandy Springs Crier and launched Decaturish Ink.

It just goes to show that the appetite, importance and place of local news (including newspapers) isn't going anywhere. At least, not as long as our crew is around.

We're hiring a new staff reporter to

help cover local government. We're looking for delivery drivers to help distribute our papers. We're gearing up for a wildly busy municipal election season. We're in it for the long haul, but we're going to need your help.

In a few days we are launching two Fall Fundraisers. The Appen Press Club is trying to raise $25,000 to support our work in the "northern" region of our coverage - from Forsyth County down to Dunwoody. Decaturish Subscribers want to raise $40,000 for the "southern" regions. You'll hear more from the team about those

Let me be clear. I have immense respect for the AJC crew. I've had the paper delivered to my house my entire life. Our Managing Editor (and one of the most brilliant, hard-working and influential news people I've known) Pat Fox spent a big part of his career at the AJC. Losing that newspaper will be a damper for us all. I hope the folks in charge are doing it for the right reasons, and I have no reason to think otherwise.

I know our local newsroom will continue to have your back, as long as you have ours.

Consider showing your support today by giving to the Appen Press Club or the Decaturish Subscribers.

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen leads a Q&A session for the newsroom’s “Listening Tour” in 2024.

An old geezer competes with time to stop aging

I remember in elementary school PE class being out on the playground and feeling sorry for those kids who were overweight, uncoordinated, weak, or otherwise ill-adapted for playground sports in any way, shape or form. Same thing goes in middle school –watching those kids try to climb the ropes and not even being able to progress more than one or two pulls “up.” Or, when we did wrestling, and their names were called, watching the pure abject fear, or maybe just resignation, at being objects of laughter as they walked out to the center of the mat knowing the humiliation that awaited. I was the guy who did almost everything athletic without much effort. I set the school record for pullups; I won the county high jump. Won Punt, Pass and Kick several years. I was “most athletic” one year. I could do kip ups without using my arms. I thought I would be king of the mountain forever!

That was, of course, until my growth spurt didn’t spurt, and everyone else’s did – around 9th grade. Without changing anything, almost overnight, I seemed to tumble down from my lofty perch to average – to the mean.

Later, in high school, I tried to redeem myself as a tennis player. I figured if I practiced 3-5 hours a day, seven days a week – which I did – I would eventually become

fairly good. I almost got there after three years of that regimen. I can still hit a tennis ball fairly well today – courtesy of those three years or dedicated work done roughly 50 years ago.

Later in life, as an adult, as a father, husband and guy trying to start a career at the Miami Herald and then a business (Appen Newspapers) here in Alpharetta, I ran. And ran. And ran.

In Miami, almost every single day, I ran across bridges, along beaches and causeways. My runs were usually through turf that was drop-dead stunning, regenerative and peaceful. The more stressed out I was, the farther I ran. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than running along the beach on Key Biscayne almost every day for an hour or two. Just call me Forrest Gump.

In Alpharetta, I lost my runs through stunning scenery – although had I dared to run along Freemanville Road or Birmingham Highway, I would have retained it – that is, if I wasn’t hit by someone driving a $150,000 vehicle – in a hurry to no place in particular and on their phone. Instead, I usually ran along Haynes Bridge Road, across Ga. 400, and farther. It wasn’t as pretty but, with my headphones blasting and usually in deep thought, I almost didn’t notice and certainly didn’t care. Later, I added swimming and lifting weights at the Y starting at 5 a.m. every weekday to my anti-stress – anti-aging regimen. And honestly, it worked – kind of. Swim in the mornings. Run after work in the late afternoons or at night. The routine forced me to retro-manage my life – toward health – eat better, sleep bet -

ter and abstain from stuff like alcohol. If I wanted my run and swim, I had to take care of myself; it was a simple choice. Which did I want more? Fast forward to 71. No way. I am still Forrest pounding out the miles. Not.

Time has been such a snark to me these past few years. I made a new friend that goes by the name of sciatic. Had never met him nor – honestly – had I even ever heard of this “guy.” Wow, do I ever know “sciatic” now. It has taken me just at a year to make that new friend disappear.

Then of course, my lower back. My X-rays came back “sever compressed disc” and “very severely compressed disc.” So, okay, no more running. That one truly hurt – my heart. But if I have to stop running to avoid my friend sciatic or my friends L2 and L3, I guess I haven’t much choice.

Which brings me to those aerobics’ classes – that Zumba, Body Pump, Flow Yoga, pilates and the like – all done in large rooms, filled with people, music blasting, and frequently a masochistic instructor with a microphone and little empathy.

So, I went to one of those things with my wife Christina the other night. I suspected that it was not going to feel

quite the same as running along the beach at dusk or smacking a tennis ball against a backboard. It wasn’t. It was just me, one other guy, and maybe 50 women of all ages – all in better shape than me – or at least in better gym-condition doing those things. I expected humbling. I got it. I expected hard, really hard. It was that. I didn’t expect it to be fun. It wasn’t. I expected to make a fool of myself, but I didn’t dare to look around to see how many of those women were laughing and shaking their heads feeling sorry for that old guy over there. So, I just assumed I made a fool of myself without confirmation.

I felt like an anemic, toneless, muscle-less, bumbling Richard Simmons mime trying to lead a class and tripping over his shoelaces and falling flat on his face while still chanting “and 1 and 2 and 3.” It was ugly. So, I decided to stick with my swimming at the Y so early in the morning that I almost always have my own lane and rarely have any witnesses. Seventy-one and counting. Go to heck sciatic. And if I close my eyes during those laps (I’m up to a mile now) it feels kind of like running along the ocean's edge. I’ll go with that.

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

Dunwoody family farms meant all hands on deck

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

Richard Adams was born in 1934 in a home along what is now Dunwoody Club Drive. He recalled working in the fields during the summer and fall months as a child. Everyone in the family would contribute and work together.

“Mother would prepare food so that no time would be lost going back home.” (Richard Adams memoirs, Dunwoody Preservation Trust)

When Adams was a baby, his parents would bring him along and put him on a quilt in the shade. Adams remembered. “As I grew, my daddy would give me a hoe to work cleaning the terraces.” One of his jobs was getting water for everyone by walking to the home’s well and filling as many jars as he could carry.

Canning was the principal source for preserving food, which was needed to sustain the family during the winter months. At the end of a long day working in the field, the family enjoyed a satisfying meal back at the house.

Horace DeLong lived with his parents, 10 brothers and two sisters in a home along what is now Spalding Drive. His family had cotton fields close to the Chattahoochee River. Horace and his twin brother Doris were the youngest children. After spending a long day picking cotton, the children would sometimes cool off in the river. Horace DeLong also picked cotton for Adam Jett, who lived on the other side of the river. (Dunwoody Preservation Trust, oral history archives)

Kathryne Carpenter, born in 1909 to Ambrey Monroe and Effie Spruill Carpenter, grew up at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Tilly Mill Roads. According to Kathryne, “We raised all our vegetables. We just about raised everything we ate.” They kept chickens, cows and hogs. (Dunwoody Crier, April 20, 1978, “Happy Birthday Effie).

Kathryne said when she and her siblings, Lucy and A.M. Jr., came home from school, “We didn’t have to ask what to do. We would change clothes, get something to eat and head outside to help with all the chores.”

Ambrey and Effie Carpenter sold much of what they grew on a peddling route, following in the tradition of Ambrey’s parents. Every Friday, they took their goods to Atlanta, using a “spring wagon which had a top on it and side curtains which could be rolled up or let down.”

It was pulled by their gentle mule

Circa 1945, from left, Kathryne, Ambrey

Roudi. The wagon was loaded at 1 a.m. with eggs, buttermilk, chicken, fruit and vegetables. In later years, a Model T car was used for the peddling route. Jeff Porter was 8 years old in 1939 when his family decided to move to the country. They chose land in Dunwoody where MJCC is located today. They kept a cow, horse, lamb and pig, along with chickens, turkeys, ducks and sometimes guineas as well. They grew corn, potatoes and watermelon. In addition, the family planted peach trees, assorted berries and 20 chestnut trees. (Interview with Jeff Porter, 2009)

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

ANDERSON FAMILY/PROVIDED

and Effie Carpenter sit in front of their home at Tilly Mill and Mt. Vernon Road.

puzzle below 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 6, 4 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!

MONSTER MASH

1. Comrade in arms. Exploding star. Scandinavian sea monster.

2. Scottish sea monster. Beige. Vitamin supplement.

3. Clamorous. Abominable Snowman. Oak dropping.

4. Mandolin relative. Kick out. Nordic demon.

5. Boxing venue. Greek female monster. Egg holder.

6. Japanese monster. Store sign. Hospital worker.

7. Kind of community. Wild dog of Australia. Giant monster.

1 Comrade in arms. Exploding star. Scandinavian sea monster

2. Scottish sea monster. Beige. Vitamin supplement.

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. Clamorous. Abominable Snowman Oak dropping.

4. Mandolin relative. Kick out. Nordic demon

5. Boxing venue. Greek female monster. Egg

6.

A

Roswell vs Milton: a football rivalry for the ages

BOB MEYERS

Milton High School began welcoming students in 1921, with a new campus replacing the old in 2005.

Roswell High School opened its doors in 1950, the year that saw the beginning of one of the most intense athletic rivalries in Georgia history.

Tim McFarlin bore witness to many exciting events during his 42 years as a coach. Born and raised in Milton, Coach McFarlin understood the uniqueness of each community, even though the competing schools were just a few miles apart.

The main rivals, Roswell High and Milton High, have traditionally put strong football teams on the field. The competition is not exclusive to football. The schools compete fervently in basketball, baseball and lacrosse. Local businesses and alumni support their schools, making the rivalry a truly community affair.

The McFarlin family was one of the early families in Old Milton County. The Milton City Hall opened in 2017 on land once owned by the McFarlin family.

Tim McFarlin’s great, great, great grandfather was from a farming family in Northern Ireland. He migrated to South Carolina where he continued as a farmer. His son moved to Toccoa, Georgia, where he raised watermelons and corn. Tim’s father, the Rev. George Washington McFarlin (1917-1976) stayed close to his roots and became a pastor in a small church in Toccoa. In early 1950, he moved to Crabapple and served as pastor of Crabapple Baptist Church where the former city hall is today. His first land purchase was 4.3 acres strategically located at Crabapple crossroads. Tim’s maternal ancestors are of English descent.

Tim’s mother “Lottie” Wood (19202010) worked with George McFarland at the Georgia Department of Revenue until George went into the Army during World War ll. After the war, George went back to work in Atlanta where he wooed his future wife, who at that point was working for Bell Aircraft Corporation during war. Later, she worked for Fulton County Schools. The couple married in 1941 and bought 58 acres in Crabapple in 1953. George

In 1981 Tim accepted an offer to coach multiple sports at Roswell High School before becoming head football coach in 1998. He led the team to the State Championship in 2006 and was inducted into the Roswell Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Tim’s career record was 216 wins, 60 losses and 2 ties, a record for any coach in North Fulton history.

In 2008, Tim stepped away from football and continued to coach the golf team and his son until 2011. Four years later, he became coach at Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell, known for its academic excellence and winning sports teams.

Coach McFarlin led his team to three state championships and seven region championships. In 2021 he became the coach at Fellowship Christian School. He retired after the 2022 season.

Since 2022 McFarlin has served as director of High School Relations for Georgia Tech Football. He is a founding member of the Georgia Football Coaches Association, a board member of the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame and a 30-year member of the Roswell Rotary Club.

Coach McFarlin’s philosophy of coaching is unique in some respects. For example, he did not hold spring practices and encouraged his players to compete in other sports. He believed that cross-training built better and smarter athletes. His focus was not just on winning seasons. He always emphasized program building for the long term. He says, “successful coaching requires strong commitment to the team and to the future.”

provided the produce from 20 acres where the Crabapple Crossing Elementary School is today to the Crabapple Baptist Church. Church volunteers produced cotton and corn throughout the 1950s. The McFarlin Farm began at Birmingham Highway and extended beyond the current location of the Milton City Hall. George named Charlotte Drive after Tim’s sister. McFarlin Lane in Milton is testimony to the family’s active civic involvement.

Tim’s father went to work in the poultry division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and became good friends with Herman Talmage and served as chaplin for two governors in their offices, Carl Sanders who served 1963-1967 and Lester Maddox 1967-1971.

Tim McFarlin was born and raised in Crabapple. He attended Milton High School where he earned 12 varsity letters in five sports and years later in 2025 was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. He attended Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville where he majored in secondary education and played baseball. He met his wife Kay at Georgia College during his second week at school. They have been married for 43 years. Kay never missed a game Tim coached in his 42-year career. Their daughter, Courtney, and son, Will, are, as you might expect, very athletic. Courtney played basketball and was a pole vaulter at Roswell High School. Will was an all-state golfer before coaching at North Georgia University.

Milton Mayor Peyton Jameson, who played football for McFarlin at Roswell High School, says of McFarlin, “He was more than a coach. His influence extended far beyond the field. He was a role model who touched and shaped countless lives in our community.”

The Milton-Roswell rivalry is one of the most remembered high school rivalries in the state’s history. The right combination of coach and schools produced a rivalry for the ages.

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.

Columnist

PHOTO FAMILY PROVIDED

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key, third from left, and Tim McFarlin fourth from left, during 2023 Georgia Tech game vs Clemson. Before joining Georgia Tech football in early 2023 as director of High School Relations, McFarlin was one of the most successful high school coaches in Georgia for many years.

2 4 3 2 8 3 9 5 1 3

Join today for

DC Aiken

Big Sky Franchise Team

David & Michelle Bertany

Amour & Duane Carthy

Adam Corder

Barbara Anderson

Kerry Arias

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club

CHARTER MEMBER

Patrick Cressaty

Robert Flint

Robin Fricton

Zachary Hahn

Allison January

David Conti

Theodore Davis III

Michael Kenig

Roderick Liptrot

Bob Meyers

Claude Nardy

Cliff Oxford

MEMBER+

Ali Mahbod

Richard Matherly

Ross & Lori Ramsey

Sarah Reiter

Mark Rundle

Matthew Sayle

Lynn Thomas Kim Truett Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall

Jennifer Phillippi

Robert Popp

Carol Williams

Scott Baynton

Joseph Bell

Rita Brown

Mark Casas

Carl Abernathy

Bruce Ackley

Salpi Adrouny

Alpharetta Lions Club

Omar Altalib

Dave Altman

Ron Altman

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

Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Caroline Blackmon

Tochie Blan

Ron Boddicker

Jodi Bogen

Sherri Bolles-Rogers

Helen Borland

Debra Bowen

Joe Bowen

Kenneth Bowman

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

William Carter

William Cartwright

Maureen Drumm

Charlcie Forehand

Aileen Horton

Deborah Jackson

Linda & Frank Catroppa

Pat Check

Virginia Christman

Ann Coaloa

Kim Coggins

Evelyn Collazo

Michael Mackenzie

Communications

Joan Compton

Carol Cookerly

Terri Coons

Rhonda Cude

Connie Cunningham

Christopher Cupit

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

Grady Evans

Carol Fain

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

Evan McElroy

Vickie McElroy

Patricia Miller

Anne Peer

MEMBER

Christopher Goodrich

Jim Gray

Ralph Griffin

Carolyn Hall

Marilee Hamilton

Susan Hanna

Marion Hannah

Roxanne Hazen

Joe Hirsch

Penn Hodge

Dianne & Steffan Holmquist

Joan Hostetter

Julie Hostetter

Austin Hughes

Jacqueline Hursh

Paul Huth

Sue Jacques

Lynn Johnson

Tyler Jones

Arthur Kebanli

Laura Keck

Mark Kelly

Nancy Kennell

Randall Kent

Carol Kerr

Allison Kloster

Dyna Kohler

Brett Koutnik

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

William Maxwell

Rachel McCord

Dave Rhinehart

Sergey Savin

Kate Seng

Kimberly Verska

Austin McCully

Diane McDonald

Karen McEnerny

Lynn McIntyre

Mike McLoughlin

Jennifer Mendoza

Al Merrill

Chris Miller

Christine Miller

Patricia Miller

Joe Modica

Fred Moeller

Sarah Moen

Catherine Moore

Carol Morgan

Kathy Morgan

Stu Moring

Leslie Mullis

Donna Murphy

Jack Murphy

Aileen Nakamura

Cindy Nolan North Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.

Tricia Novarro

Bob O’Brien

Diana O’Sullivan

Anne Pappas

Lynn Pennington

Jonathan Peters

Kurt & Leslie Phillips

Mary & Jan Phillips

James Potts

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

Courtney Rozear

Kelly Sarmiento

Robert Scholz

Stephanie Schuette

Susan Searles

Frances Segars

Tracy Shealy

Tina Shelton

Lisa Shippel

Tom Simon

Cindy Simpson

Robert Singleton

Faye Sklar

Mitchel Skyer

Judith Slaughter

Andy Smith

Gena Spears

Donald Spencer

Melissa Spencer

Gloria Stathos

Robert Stevens

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Diana Sullivan

Andy Sumlin

Carol Tall

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

The Small Business Advisor

Suzanne & Bob Thomas

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

Theresa Woolridge

Stephanie Schniederjan The Schoenblum Family

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.

Jonathan Young

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

County:

Continued from Page 1

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts said the county will begin paying daily fines when the state Appellate Court takes up the case, which could be another three months.

Right before the motion to table passed, Pitts said he wants everyone to understand the motion to table was “until the Appellate Court rules.”

In the court order, Senior Judge David Emerson wrote “local legislation does not include language authorizing the Commission to veto the selection of any qualified nominee,” and that the Commission “shall” appoint the nominees submitted by the party’s executive officer if they are otherwise qualified.

“As was recently the argument by the defendant Fulton County in Adams v. Fulton County, [Julie] Adams had a mandatory duty to certify election results because of the word ‘shall’ is ‘generally a word of command,’” the judge wrote.

The Fulton County Republican Party’s nominees are Julie Adams, a sitting member of the Registration and Elections Board, and twice-nominated Adam Frazier.

In Adams elections results lawsuit, she was required to certify the 2024 primary results after a court ruling.

Frazier has also sued the Fulton County Registration and Elections Board, but he withdrew the suit last year after alleging violations of state and federal law for failing to remove ineligible voters in a timely manner.

To open the discussion, Pitts said he thinks a lot of what is happening is because of President Donald Trump and his administration, while acknowledging the legal fight’s potential cost to taxpayers.

Economy:

Continued from Page 3

ern Virginia as the nation’s most active market for data centers, Dhawan noted that the data center boom has expanded beyond metro Atlanta to locations including Bartow and Richmond counties (home to Cartersville and Augusta, respectively) in the search for cheap land and energy.

“This is good news for construction industry, and other supporting professions (e.g. HVAC technicians, ready-made concrete suppliers, and electricians) who have had steady work – more – and will continue to do so,” Dhawan said.

As electricity needs rise, more

This story is brought to you by members of the Appen Press Club

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

“I think we can all agree that we are a nation of laws, but we’re at a moment in history in which even the president of United States himself has set the tone that if a judge or if a court issues a ruling that he disagrees with, he just ignores it and does what he wants to do,” Pitts said. “I make my own decisions; I do my research and use my best judgment in terms of what I believe is in the best interest of the people of Fulton County.”

Pitts said the issue should be resolved in court, and he laid out three options for commissioners: vote to deny the nominees, appoint them or table the decision.

“There are two names before us that we’ve rejected in the past, and I voted to reject them in the past,” he said. “We are stuck with Julie Adams, I don’t think there can be any disagreement about that until such time as the Republican Party, even though her term has expired, she’s going to be on that board until such time as she is replaced.”

District 2 County Commissioner Bob Ellis, a Republican first elected in 2014, said it’s no surprise that Republicans and Democrats disagree on election policy. Ellis said he would approve the appointments if they were put to a vote.

“The law as I read it, and as a judge has interpreted it and ruled on it, was that we had an obligation to review the criteria of the people you know, that were put up for nomination, the very specific criteria,” Ellis said. “If those

power plants will be constructed outside core Atlanta metro counties, along with the associated construction multiplier. In the interim, the state’s economy must ride the economic swells as best as it can before job growth starts to pick up by early 2026 as tariff rate structure settles, and the expected, and aggressive rate cuts by the Federal Reserve help the housing market.

The state’s aerospace and defense companies, including Lockhead Martin and Gulfstream Aerospace, will also benefit, Dhwan said, due to European NATO nations pledging to raise defense spending to 5 percent of their GDP. More demand for aerospace products will start its own multiplier for suppliers downstream that located all over Georgia.

— Patrick Fox

were met, then we had an obligation to ratify those, and up until that point in time that had been our practice…”

He said that he recalled prior times when Elections Board appointments had been ratified on the consent agenda, with no fanfare.

According to Georgia law, nominees to the county election board must be a resident of Fulton County, a registered voter in the state and not seek or hold elected office.

Other county commissioners had vastly different perspectives on the Republican Party’s proposed nominees, reflecting hardline partisan disagreements common in American politics.

A group of state Democratic lawmakers sent a letter before the meeting that urged the five commissioners in their party to block the GOP appointments, alleging a conspiracy that the nominees seek to undermine elections and voter confidence.

District 4 County Commissioner Mo Ivory said the Republican Party’s nominees are a part of a broader national conspiracy to disenfranchise their political opponents and repeal the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“Just believe they’ll do exactly what they said they would do because they are … Bye-bye to the Voting Rights Act because that’s what this is about,” Ivory said. “You should be concerned about what’s going to happen when everybody gets in the voting booth in ’26, because it’s being worked on right now, in front of your face, and when

Economic highlights

someone shows you who they are, believe them. Our residents deserve appointees who are unquestionably committed to fairness, transparency and ethical standards in election administration.”

District 1 County Commissioner Bridget Thorne, who also spoke in favor of appointing the Republican nominees, said the county party did not have the funds to fight against the Board’s first rejection of Frazier’s nomination in 2023.

“Now … the Republican National Committee is paying, so they’re ready to fight all the way down the appeal process, all the way we want to go,” Thorne said. “I feel like it’s a fake controversy, just trying to drum up a fake thing that these people are somehow going to ‘bye, bye’ to your Voting Rights Act. You’re not going to be able to vote anymore … It’s so ridiculous.”

Thorne said she would hold Frazier and Adams accountable if they “did anything that was illegal or harmful or falsely removed anybody.”

“Nobody wants to deny anybody’s vote. We’re all up here. We all want fair, independent, accountable and transparent elections.” Thorne said. “That’s what was stated that you guys want. [The] Republican Party wants the exact same thing.”

Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon said he will seek to hold Democrats on the Board of Commissioners accountable to the law.

“Even by today’s standards, the extent of the continuing hypocrisy required to refuse to comply with the plain language of Georgia law and an order of a Superior Court judge is breathtaking,” McKoon said. “I never want to hear any of these Democrats breathe a word about respect for the rule of law again.”

Here are some key economic points from Rajeev Dhawan’s Aug. 28 Economic Forecast for Atlanta and Georgia:

• Georgia jobs: The state added 66,800 jobs in calendar year 2023 and that pace moderated to 41,900 jobs in 2024. Job additions will moderate further to 33,700 jobs in 2025 (3,400 premium). In 2026, the state will add 65,800 jobs (12,500 premium) and then 83,300 jobs in 2027 (19,200 premium).

• Income: Georgia’s nominal personal income will grow 5.4 percent in 2025, a similar rate of 5.3 percent in 2026, then 6 percent in 2027.

• Atlanta jobs: The metro area will add 24,800 jobs in 2025 (2,200 premium). As recovery takes hold in 2026, the metro area will add a respectable 44,300 jobs (9,900 premium), and 60,500 jobs (14,800 premium) in 2027.

• Housing market: Atlanta housing permitting activity grew by 4.7 percent in 2024; single-family permits increased by 6.5 percent and multifamily permits by 2.0 percent. Total permit numbers will fall by 21.5 percent in 2025 as multifamily permits experience a sharp drop of 40 percent and single-family permits also decrease by 10 percent. In 2026, total permit numbers inch up by 1.3 percent as single-family permits increase by 2.4 percent. Normalcy will return in 2027 when permit activity grows by 13 percent.

Student:

Continued from Page 1

Melissa, who will be visiting Italy, spent the past six months learning Italian and studying the culture. She admitted she feels a little nervous about the visit but overall sees it as an adventure. For 10 months, she will stay with a local family in Cremona, a city of about 70,000 in the country’s northern Lombardy region.

“I like getting out of my comfort zone,” Melissa said.

Rotary Club members presented her with a check for $25,000 to fund her stay. The club’s exchange student program serves to enrich young people by immersing them in other cultures, bridging the divides between countries, said member Bob MacDonald.

“It's not just travel as it is transformation,” MacDonald said. “It’s shaping young people into global citizens and future leaders.”

The Rotary Youth Exchange program

has existed since 1975, although the club has a long history of sending youths abroad that stretches back to the 1920s.

More than 4,000 Rotary Club chapters across the globe participate in 127 countries. Last year, 6,655 students took advantage of the program.

Melissa applied last year and was selected from a pool of about 50 applicants.

Melissa, Marcella, Erika and other Rotary exchange students represent the best that communities have to offer, MacDonald said.

“We're so proud of you, and I can tell

you, I've known these kids — these two young women — for two years, and they are the most respectful and delightful,” MacDonald said.

The program also has a way of building students into confident, capable adults, a transition that chapter President David Bernard noted when Marcella addressed the group.

“I remember you two years ago when Bob introduced you guys, and you have really matured amazingly,” Bernard said. “I think going overseas, all the uncertainty, you have become certain of it.”

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Exchange students Marcella Vega, left, and Erika Gabrielson speak to Rotary Club of Johns Creek-North members during an Aug. 27 meeting at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce.

EL

DON MEXICAN RESTAURANT INC.

Purchasing Agent (Alpharetta, GA) Purchase products incl kitchen supplies, tableware, & cleaning materials. Assess vendors based on several criteria: price, quality, & timely delivery. Address product issues promptly, ensuring swift resolution through returns, exchanges, or refunds. Bach’s deg in Economics, Finance, or Business Administration; M-F, 40 hrs./wk; Send Resume to Kamil Kaya, Owner, El Don Mexican Restaurant Inc, 6320 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Primerica Life Insurance Company seeks a Lead Robotics Architect to architect/design business application & automated solutions using Pega Robotics & develop automation operating model. $150,000 to $171,000/ year. Job in Duluth GA & allow remote work from anywhere w/in U.S. w/in EST hours. Health/Dental/ Vision ins., 401(K), PTO, Life/Disability Ins. & more. Apply @ https://primerica.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PRI. JOB #. R-380:082025

Apptad Inc in Alpharetta, GA seeks the following positions:

Solution Data Architect (s) to implement & optimize data architecture, data modelling, & data solutions. Salary: $135,533.00

Data Quality - Senior Developer (s) to troubleshoot complex data issues, optimize workflows & lead technical aspects of projects. Salary: $152,131.00

Data Engineer (s) to collaborate w/ data model architectures, data quality governance & data solutions. Salary: $152,131.00 Travel & relocation possible to unanticipated client location throughout the US. for all positions. To apply: E-mail resume & position applied for to: Lavanya Arunkumar, Director – Legal & Immigration immigration.usa@apptadinc.com

Software Developer (Cumming, Georgia) 4 Positions - Design and develop Software Applications. Determine design specifications or details, resolve information technology issues. Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system. Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces. Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints. Master’s in Computer Applications or related required. Please email resumes to careers@bristechsolutions.com

Education Manager

The Education Manager is responsible for coordinating the educational activities ranging from formal classroom to on-line programs, and workshops. Programming includes ESL, GED, Workforce Development and Financial Support events for families working toward financial stability. The Education Manager supervises NFCC team members within the program department including the Sr. Education Specialist, Workforce Development Coordinator and contract ESL Instructors.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in Adult Education or other relevant field and 3 years’ experience in a non-profit program manager role or other relevant experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Administrative and HR Coordinator

The Administrative & HR Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative support to the President and essential human resources functions to the Vice President of People and Culture. This dual role combines executive administrative duties including board meeting preparation, correspondence management, and event coordination with HR responsibilities such as recruitment support, benefits administration, and employee record maintenance.

The Administrative & HR Coordinator takes initiative, can multi-task and remain very organized. The role requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources or another relevant field, at least two years of administrative experience and enjoy project management and coordination, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

IT POSITIONS: Alpharetta, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S: SOFTWARE ENGINEERS: Archt solns bsd on tech rqmts & dvlp sw apps. Dvlp POCs, hgh lvl, Low-lvl dsgns & tech Specs/archt to impl biz rqmts. Dsgn & implmnt Scalable microsrvc-bsd archts u/Spring Boot. Dsgn & impl JMS srvcs, Kafka Bsd event driven archt solns u/ Kafka streams. Dvlp & dply AWS cld-bsd apps & provide post -prodtn app suprt. Skills req’d: Java, Groovy, Rest API, Kafka, Hibernate. Docker, Intellij, Gradle, Kibana & Jenkins. Bachelor’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any) w/5 yrs exp in job off’d or rltd occup is req’d. TEST ENGINEERS: Gather & anlyz sys rqmts. Create a test plan & strtgy. Dsgn & dvlp test cases. Set up & enhnc test frmwrk. Perf test exectn. Cndct defect logng & verfictn. Cndct sys, functnl, GUI, intgrtn, user acceptance, regresn, stress, smoke, sanity, positive & negative, boundary value, data drivn, backend, end to end, cross browser, & load test activities. Skills req’d: Java, C#, JavaScript, Unix, Linux, Selenium, SOAPUI, JIRA, SQL, DB2, HP-ALM, XML, TestNG, Junit, Ant, Maven & Jenkins. Bachelor’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any); Comp Apps w/5 yrs exp in job off’d or rltd occup is req’d. BOTH JOBS: Mail resume: HR, Verinova Technologies LLC.,4080 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Ste 1301, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Caremark LLC, a CVS Health company, is hiring for the following roles in Alpharetta, GA: Staff Data Engineer (R0697018) to Develop, build, and manage large-scale data structures, pipelines, and efficient Extract/Load/Transform (ETL) workflows to address complex problems and support business applications. Pay Range: $129688.00/year to $230000.00/year. Multiple Positions. Related degree &/or experience &/or skills &/or license required for all positions. The Company offers a full range of benefits. For more detailed information on available benefits, please visit https://jobs.cvshealth.com/us/ en/benefits. Apply online at http://jobs.cvshealth. com/. Or send resume to istappintake@cvshealth. com. Must reference job title, location, & Req ID.

ESL Contractor Instructor (Evening)

NFCC is seeking an Evening ESL Contractor Instructor to teach English classes through our Adult Education program, serving students throughout North Fulton and surrounding counties. Our ESL Program runs three sessions annually, with comprehensive lessons covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, along with regular assessments to track student progress.

We’re looking for an instructor who is available to teach evening classes. The ideal candidate will be committed to maintaining strong enrollment of at least ten students per class and who can create an engaging learning environment that supports adult learners in achieving their English language goals.

If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics or applied linguistics with a TESL certificate, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Truck Driver

NFCC is seeking a Truck Driver (Donor Operations Services Associate II) to join our Facilities team. Our Truck Driver collects scheduled donations from businesses, residential locations, and special events while serving as a key point of contact for donors to coordinate pickup appointments. As the face of NFCC during donor interactions, this role requires maintaining a professional and a welcoming presence that reflects the organization’s values. Additionally, this position contributes to facility maintenance operations as needed.

The Truck Driver works Monday through Friday 9am – 2pm and periodically on Saturdays or Sundays for special events.

If you have 1-2 years of Box Truck delivery experience, maintain a valid Ga Driver’s License free of any traffic violations for the past 3 years and enjoy providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org To place a

ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com. Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm

AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

No cleaning gutters guaranteed! LeafFilter - most advanced gutter protection, backed by a no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. 833-6101936 schedule free inspection & estimate. Get 75% off install & $250 bonus discount! Restrictions apply, see rep for warranty & details

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

Wesley Financial Group, LLC timeshare cancellation experts over $50 million timeshare debt/fees cancelled in 2019. Free info package. 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

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 9/30/25.) 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

value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code! 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.

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

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

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! 833-890-1262

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

SunSetter. America’s number one awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis. Up to 10-year limited warranty. Call now and SAVE $350 today! 1-855-914-1148

Old guitars wanted! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Etc. 1930’sto 1980’s. Top dollar paid. Call 866-433-8277

Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network!

Autos Wanted Miscellaneous Home Services

BUYING