Milton High rising senior wins 3D modeling contest
MILTON, Ga. — Shiven Sharma, a rising senior at Milton High School, won in 3D modeling at the Georgia Student Technology Competition in March as a member of the Eagle Labs engineering club.
In the category, competitors create original digital 3D models using specialized software. The projects involve designing objects, environments, prototypes or other creative and functional models without requiring physical construction. Competitors are expected to present their work digitally and explain the intended purpose of their model, along with the design process and the tools and techniques used.
See SHARMA, Page 27
Roswell community mourns San Diego shooting victims
PAGE 10
Prasse, 5, waves a U.S. flag during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day Ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 26.
Remembering the fallen
City of Milton holds Memorial Day ceremony
By DEAN HESSE newsroom@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — The city of Milton honored U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces during its Memorial Day Ceremony at City Hall May 25. The ceremony included the mayor's reading of the city's proclamation recognizing May
25 as Memorial Day in Milton, the presentation of colors and the performance of the national anthem.
The Rev. Chip Magner, retired U.S. Navy captain, opened with an invocation.
"We remember not only names etched in monuments, but lives filled with courage, sacrifice and love of country," Magner said.
Mayor Peyton Jamison, in his
welcoming remarks, reflected on the human cost of military service.
"We remember those who left home and never returned," Jamison said. "Every name, every marker, every flag placed in honor represents a life — not an idea, not a statistic — a life, a person with a story, a family, faith, courage, humor, and love."
See MEMORIAL, Page 12
Chloe
DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA
SHIVEN SHARMA/PROVIDED
Shiven Sharma holds his first-place medal March 6 after representing Milton High School at the Georgia Student Technology Competition in 3D modeling.
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POLICE BLOTTER
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Woman reports jewelry theft while in process of moving
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated the reported theft of thousands of dollars of heirloom jewelry May 10 while a Johns Creek woman was in the process of moving to a residence at Soul Aly.
Alpharetta police said the woman said she had hired a Roswell company to help her move numerous boxes and items.
Police said she placed valuables in a black duffel, which she left in her bedroom and planned to transport herself. The woman took a video conference call while the movers were working, then later discovered jewelry was missing from the bag after relocating to the new home, police said.
The missing jewelry included earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Their total value was set at about $5,100.
The woman said she spoke to a moving company manager, who told her they would begin an investigation into the alleged theft.
The incident was classified as a felony theft by taking.
— Jon Wilcox
Man faces drug charges following traffic stop
CUSTOM FRAMING
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 31-year-old Cumming man was arrested on drug charges during a May 15 traffic stop.
Alpharetta police said officers stopped the man’s vehicle at Windward Parkway and Westfield Drive after it made a U-turn at a red light.
Officers arrested the man after learning he was charged with a Forsyth County warrant.
• Canvas Stretching, Rugs, Mirrors
• Round, Oval and Float Frames
• Sports & Military Memorabilia
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• Frame Repairs & Touch-Ups
A search found several pills of dextroamphetamine and alprazolam in his wallet.
The man was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance.
— Jon Wilcox
Police cite homeowner over graduation party
ROSWELL, Ga. — A party involving some 50-70 high school students at a house on Kingridge Court in Roswell ended after police arrived and cited the homeowner for a loud residential gathering.
Police heard loud music as they arrived on scene May 18 and entered the backyard to see the partygoers surrounded by containers of alcoholic beverages discarded on the ground. A variety of liquors and other beverages were observed on a folding table.
A juvenile told police that no one was 21 or older, and all individuals were detained on the property.
An officer found the homeowner among the crowd of underage drinkers, who told police it was his daughter’s high school graduation party. The homeowner had slowed speech and appeared intoxicated, according to the police report, and said he had just arrived home drinking on Canton Street.
Police questioned the homeowner’s daughter, who said she told partygoers they were not allowed to have alcohol but that it got out of control when more people arrived.
All individuals were checked for their age and if they had been drinking any alcohol. Those who were drinking were transported from the home by a sober driver.
Police said there were too many people to cite or arrest for underage drinking.
Police found it unreasonable that the homeowner had no knowledge of the crime taking place and cited him for a loud and unruly gathering in a residential neighborhood.
— Hannah Yahne
THE PICTURE FRAMER HAS MOVED!
Building materials stolen at Heardsville Road home
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a home burglary May 15. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said doors and tin roofing were reported stolen from the property on Heardsville Road.
A 37-year-old Gainesville man who owns the property reported the theft, saying his agent had found four people there earlier in the day. The agent provided their license plate numbers to deputies.
The roofing was valued between $3,000 and $4,000.
The incident was classified as a felony burglary of a home and theft by taking case.
Jon Wilcox
Authorities investigate reports of elder neglect
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated reports of neglect of two elderly women May 8.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said an employee with the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services reported the 84-year-old Gainesville woman suffers from a medical condition. The condition was redacted from the deputy’s report.
The employee said the woman is left unattended while her son goes to work, the sheriff’s report stated. The employee said he had serious concerns about the condition of the woman’s home, adding it smelled strongly of urine and feces.
The incident was classified as a felony cruelty to a person 65 years or older case.
Deputies also investigated a report made by a Northside Hospital Forsyth nurse who said a 90-year-old Suwanee woman was admitted to the hospital for a fall.
Dried feces was found on the woman, raising concerns she may have been left unattended.
The incident also was classified as a felony cruelty to a person 65 years or older case.
— Jon Wilcox
MARKETING MATTERS
Originally listed with another agent for over four months in peak spring and summer markets, we encouraged our sellers to paint, and our team staged the home to create renewed interest. After listing, we were under contract and closed in just over two months.
Originally listed with another agent for 297 days, our team staged, painted and added new lighting to the home. We listed the property for a higher price and went under contract in five days with multiple offers and a backup contract.
$176M+
$127M+ SOLD IN MILTON IN 2025
With 25 years of experience understanding what buyers want, we focus on presenting both the home and the Milton lifestyle. We would love to help you take advantage of our vibrant market! Dear Milton Neighbor,
We specialize in homes that did not sell the first time and are happy to consult with you on home updates or marketing adjustments to ensure a successful sale. Proper staging, accurate pricing, strong community relationships, agent connections and high-quality photography and videography all play a role in attracting the right buyer.
SOLD • 616 Glenover Drive
SOLD • 1970 Bethany Way
Milton honors top officers at annual awards ceremony
MILTON, Ga. — In recognition of National Police Week, the Milton Police Department presented multiple awards May 15 to honor their top officers.
Officer Shi-Peng Ma was named Milton Police’s Officer of the Year, bestowed for his professional and proactive policing work. He recently took on the role as a school liaison officer at Crabapple Middle School and was described as “the definition of a dedicated public servant,” by Deputy Police Chief Chris Ward.
Supervisor of the Year was awarded to Sgt. Luke Hayduk, who also earned an Instructor Ribbon for his dedication to helping others develop within the profession.
Ten officers were awarded the Officer Jeremy Labonte Award from the Roswell Police Department, an award named for the Roswell officer killed in the line of duty last year.
The Milton recipients were officers Ma, Robert Ateca, Ingrid Smith, Andrew Richards, Hunter Ray, Sarah Ellison, James Tomalka, Gaetano Todaro, Jason Jackson and Alexander Huffman.
Sgt. David Little earned three awards for his response to an incident in Roswell as a member of the North Fulton SWAT team. Little was presented with a Combat Cross, Purple Heart and Medal of Valor. The latter two were the first of
From left, Milton Police Chief Jason Griffin presents Paul Acetta, a representative of the Home Depot store on Windward Parkway, with the Citizen Service Medal May 15 for supporting the Milton Police Department.
their kind bestowed in Milton Police’s history.
Citizen awards
The Milton Police Department honored civilians for their support as well.
See AWARDS, Page 27
Officer Josh Harrell, right, receives the Lifesaving Award during the Milton Police’s annual awards ceremony held in Milton Municipal Court May 15.
From left, Officer Shi-Peng Ma accepts the award for Milton Police Officer of the Year from Deputy Chief Chris Ward May 15 at the police department’s annual awards ceremony held in Milton Municipal Court.
PHOTOS BY: OKSANA SOLOVEI/PROVIDED
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STORE CLOSING
Milton High computer team
MILTON, Ga. — In its first year, the computer programming team at Milton High School is reflecting on its accomplishments with two second-place finishes at top technology competitions this season.
The team consists of three members: junior Dev Daswani and sophomores Anish Daswani and Shanmuka Gottimukkala.
The trio began a season of competitions with the Fulton County Student Technology Competition in January, completing projects entailing game design and programming.
One month later, the team placed second among more than 40 teams
spanning various states in the virtual Code Quest competition hosted by Lockheed Martin. They solved a set of 30 problems based on real-life scenarios that challenged the group’s grasps on complex topics in calculus and knowledge of the Python programming language.
In March, Milton’s computer programming team competed virtually against 20 teams at the Georgia Student Technology Competition and earned second place using the same programming language. The competition was sponsored by the Georgia Educational Technology Consortium.
— Hannah Yahne
ANISH DASWANI/PROVIDED
From left, Anish Daswani, Shanmuka Gottimukkala and Dev Daswani hold the second-place trophy from this year’s national Code Quest competition hosted by Lockheed Martin in February.
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Milton High graduate, artist to return home for studio show, sale
MILTON, Ga. — Lauren Whitley, a graduate of Milton High School, will be returning to her hometown Saturday, June 13, for a studio sale of her career’s collection of works.
The studio sale will be from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 15800 Birmingham Highway.
Whitley has been working out of Athens most recently since 2017. She originally moved to The Classic City from Asheville, North Carolina, after receiving her undergraduate degree in 2008.
“I was always drawn to the local art and music scene while growing up,” Whitley said, “and joining that community was a dream come true.”
Art has allowed Whitney to travel across the Southeast in pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts degree and find inspiration in New Orleans for several years.
For a 2022 series, “Animals
and Plants,” Whitley used common flora and fauna in the Southeast to create mixed-media pieces, oil paintings and drawings. She researched European folklore and indigenous cultural myths to bring animals and nature to life through vibrant colors and symbolism.
While studying plants, trees and traditional medicine, Whitley said her imagination came to life in a new way.
“Then one day I just started painting them and haven’t stopped since,” Whitley said.
She takes elements from the real world to convey alternate meanings in a form she calls magical realism. Similarly, she said her work in sculpture and installation arranges commonplace items to take on greater significance.
To view her work, visit laurenjwhitleyart.com. — Hannah Yahne
Milton-born
Saturday, June 13, for an exhibition and sale of
Times bestselling writer Lisa See to speak on new novel
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Roswell Reads, in partnership with the City of Roswell and Bookmiser, will feature Lisa See, the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women,” “The Island of Sea Women,” “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” and 10 other titles, June 20 in Dunwoody.
See will be discussing and signing her new novel, “Daughters of the Sun and Moon.” Named a Most Anticipated
Book of the Year by Today.com, the book will be released just 11 days before her Roswell Reads appearance.
The event will be at 5 p.m. at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody. Two ticket prices (including fees) are offered: $23.50 for the presentation only, or $49.25 for premium single tickets that include general admis-
sion seating and an autographed and/or personalized hardback copy of the book, "Daughters of the Sun and Moon."
After working as a freelance journalist as well as 13 years as Publishers Weekly’s West Coast correspondent, See penned her first book in 1995, “On Gold Mountain,” which tells the story of her Chinese American family’s settlement in Los Angeles.
That is also when her research began for the historical event around which her latest novel revolves – the L.A. Chinese massacre of 1871. Set amid the vibrancy
and turmoil of that forgotten piece of American history, “Daughters of the Sun and Moon” tells the story of three women, based on real Chinese women living in L.A. at the time, who managed to survive and eventually thrive, despite all odds.
To order tickets, go to roswellcac. showare.com/eventperformances. asp?evt=246, call 770-594-6232, or go to Roswell Cultural Arts Center box office. For more information, go to RoswellReads.com, Facebook at Roswell Reads or Instagram at RoswellGaReads.
LAUREN WHITLEY/PROVIDED
artist Lauren Whitley will return to her hometown
her work at 15800 Birmingham Highway.
Webb Bridge Middle School students celebrate with Fulton County Schools officials May 19 after reading the most minutes during the district-wide 10-million-minute reading challenge.
Webb Bridge Middle students win district reading challenge
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Webb Bridge Middle School students celebrated May 19 after reading for more than one million minutes throughout the school year and becoming the top school in the district-wide reading challenge.
The school and its media and educational tech instructor Nan Brown were recognized with a banner and trophy by district officials. For winning the challenge, students got to spray the school district’s Superintendent Mike
Looney with Silly String.
This past school year, Fulton County Schools set a district-wide goal to read a collective 10 million minutes by May 1. Students logged books throughout the year to help represent their school in the challenge.
Collectively, Fulton County Schools students read more than 11.1 million minutes throughout the 2025-26 school year.
Hannah Yahne
Roswell community mourns San Diego shooting victims
By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — As members of Roswell Community Masjid grieved the deadly May 18 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, they chose to respond by opening their doors to neighbors and people of different faiths.
On May 20, the mosque hosted a community vigil and Salat al-Janazah in absentia, an Islamic funeral prayer offered when the deceased are not physically present, honoring three men killed during the San Diego attack who community members said died while protecting children.
“We are first honoring the lives of the three men who gave their lives for protecting the children,” said Shannon Landry, development and communications representative for Roswell Community Masjid.
The gathering brought together faith leaders, city officials, law enforcement and residents from across Roswell in an expression of support and shared grief.
For Dania of Roswell Community Masjid, the tragedy felt especially personal.
Dania lived in San Diego for two and a half years and attended the Islamic Center of San Diego.
and a half years ago.
She said people told her the tree would take seven years to bear fruit, and last year it finally did.
For Robichaux, the tree represented something larger.
“The roots of the Muslim faith community are deep in our community,” she said.
Roswell Community Masjid Imam Abdullah Jaber encouraged those gathered to respond with resilience rather than fear.
“Being resilient as a Muslim community because faith under pressure doesn’t break but deepens,” Jaber said. He also urged attendees to continue making room for others.
“Every stride we make as a nation is making room for others in our hearts,” he said.
As the vigil ended, Jaber offered one final thought that captured the evening’s message.
“This was my mosque,” Dania said, explaining that family members still live in the area, including a cousin who attends the school’s second-grade program.
“We are grieving and also asking people to allow for our humanity in this time and recognize it for the hate crime it is,” she said.
Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux reflected on relationships built between the mosque and the wider community over the years. She recalled helping plant a fig tree outside the masjid seven
“Learn to love your children as my children,” he said.
The event’s focus remained on honoring lives lost, but throughout the evening, another message surfaced repeatedly: grief shared across communities can become a bridge rather than a dividing line.
STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
Roswell Community Masjid Imam Abdullah Jaber speaks during a community vigil Wednesday evening in Roswell, honoring victims of the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California.
Memorial:
Continued from Page 1
Jamison also tied this year's ceremony to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary.
"America 250 is more than a milestone," he said. "It is an invitation to reflect on our country, the ideals that came at its birth, and the responsibility each of us carries to shape its future."
Jamison said a visit to Normandy last summer reinforced his belief in the importance of passing history to the next generation.
"Standing on those beaches and walking among the rows of white crosses, you see how young they were," he said. "You feel the weight of what happened there, and you realize that freedom is not just something we talk about — it is something that was fought for, sacrificed for and secured by real people in real places."
Featured speaker Ginny Deardorff Dornheggen, a registered nurse and first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, shared her experiences serving in Vietnam.
"This day is not about those who might have returned," she said. "Today is about everything we can be. Every name etched on a headstone represents a life interrupted, a family forever changed, a future that might have been."
Dornheggen described visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the first time and being overwhelmed by the sheer number of names before her.
"The silence at the wall is unlike any other silence," she said. "You see your own reflection mixed among the engraved names, as if the living and the fallen stand together for one brief moment."
— Photos by Dean Hesse
Featured speaker Ginny Deardorff Dornheggen, RN, 1st Lt., U.S. Army Nurse Corps, delivers remarks during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day Ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 25.
Members of the Milton Public Safety Honor Guard present the colors during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day Ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 25.
Mayor Peyton Jamison delivers welcoming remarks during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 25.
Rev. Chip Magner, a retired U.S. Navy captain, gives the invocation during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day Ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 25.
Tom Crawford plays the bagpipes during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day Ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 25.
Doug Lackey, Bob Maynard, Ross Ivey, Chuck Bayless and Bob Nolan of the Georgia Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association pose with a “Huey” they brought for display during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day Ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 25.
25. Memorial markers line the street outside City Hall during the city of Milton’s Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25.
What’s driving demand in Milton right now?
Brought to you by - Lauren Bryant | REALTOR, Founding Member | HOME Luxury Real Estate, North Atlanta | 404.981.1018 | LaurenBryant@ HOMEgeorgia.com | Instagram: @lauren.housetohome
There’s a reason so many people are quietly drawn to Milton right now- and it has very little to do with square footage alone.
As a real estate advisor working throughout North Atlanta, I’ve noticed that the conversations buyers are having lately feel different than they did a few years ago. People are no longer simply searching for larger homes or impressive finishes. They’re reevaluating how they want daily life to feel.
And Milton represents something many families are craving right now: space to breathe without sacrificing connection.
For some, that means more land,
more privacy, and quieter mornings. For others, it’s the ability to step outside and feel connected to nature while still remaining close to great schools, restaurants, golf, shopping, and the energy of nearby Alpharetta. There’s a balance here that feels increasingly rare- a lifestyle that offers both calm and convenience. What continues to drive demand in Milton is that it doesn’t feel overly manufactured. Even as the area grows, it has managed to preserve much of the character that drew people there in the first place. The rolling land, equestrian influence, winding roads, custom homes, and intentional pace of life create a feeling that many buyers immediately connect with emotionally.
I often hear families describe want-
ing “more space,” but what they’re really describing is wanting more ease. More room for children to run outside, more opportunities to gather at home, and a lifestyle that feels grounded. Luxury itself has evolved in many ways. Buyers still appreciate beautiful homes and thoughtful design, but increasingly, luxury is being defined by how life feels once you’re living there. Convenience. Privacy. Time. Peace. Community. Those are the things people are prioritizing now.
Milton also attracts buyers who are seeking a more intentional version of luxury- one that feels understated rather than performative. It’s less about being seen and more about creating a meaningful life around the home itself.
That shift is shaping the market in a very real way.
Demand remains strong because Milton offers something increasingly difficult to find: the feeling of being con-
nected without feeling overwhelmed. Buyers are drawn to the balance of privacy, lifestyle and access – whether that’s acreage with room to breathe or proximity to the restaurants, shops and community life of nearby Alpharetta.
For sellers, that shift matters too. Today’s buyers are not simply evaluating square footage or finishes – they’re paying attention to how a home lives and how it makes them feel. Homes that are well-maintained and aligned with the lifestyle buyers are seeking continue to stand out in the market.
In many ways, the demand we’re seeing in Milton reflects a broader lifestyle shift happening across North Atlanta. Families are becoming more intentional about where and how they live prioritizing alignment, ease and quality of life in a way that’s reshaping the market in real time.
And right now, few places capture that better than Milton.
LAUREN BRYANT
LLANE & Co is a boutique real estate brokerage founded by Lori Lane.
At LLANE & Co, we’re proud to represent an exceptional collection of builders and communities across Georgia. Featured here are a few of our new construction communities and partners.
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Trade traffic for charm — discover life in Senoia
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As more homebuyers search for communities that blend charm, convenience, and lifestyle, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward South Atlanta—and few places capture that appeal quite like the historic town of Senoia, Georgia. Known for its picturesque downtown, walkable streets, and vibrant small-town atmosphere, Senoia has become one of metro Atlanta’s most sought-after destinations for those looking to enjoy a more connected way of life without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Located approximately 35 miles south of Atlanta, Senoia offers residents an exceptional quality of life with locally owned boutiques, coffee houses, restaurants, entertainment venues, and year-round community events centered around its thriving downtown district. Sidewalk-lined streets and beautifully preserved architecture create a welcom-
ing environment where neighbors gather for farmers markets, festivals, and evenings on Main Street. The town’s accessibility to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and major employment centers only adds to its growing appeal.
At the center of this momentum is Gin Property, a thoughtfully planned mixed-use community that reflects the very best of what modern small-town living can offer. Positioned within walking distance of downtown Senoia, Gin Property combines residential living with walkable access to shopping, dining, and entertainment in a setting designed to foster connection and community.
The community is attracting some of the region’s most respected builders, including the renowned JW Collection by John Wieland and award-winning Baker Homes. JW Collection recently announced the groundbreaking of five additional luxury townhomes at Gin
Property, further expanding its presence within the community. Priced from the $799,900s, the Overlook at Gin Property Townhomes continue JW Collection’s legacy of design-driven living, quality craftsmanship, and timeless architecture built over more than 50 years and 30,000 homes.
Adding to the community’s appeal is a charming village of cottages by Baker Homes. Builders Brett and Belle Baker have brought their thoughtfully designed, award-winning cottage homes to Gin Property, currently priced from the $525,000s. The cottages provide an inviting blend of character, efficiency, and style that complements the community’s overall vision.
Together, the variety of housing options at Gin Property—from cottages to luxury townhomes to future singlefamily opportunities—creates a unique residential environment designed around walkability, lifestyle, and architectural character.
As development pressures and rising land costs continue to challenge growth in many northern Atlanta suburbs, communities like Senoia are becoming increasingly attractive to both builders and buyers seeking value, authenticity, and livability. Gin Property represents that shift perfectly—offering a refined yet approachable lifestyle in one of Georgia’s most charming towns. With momentum continuing to build and demand steadily increasing, Gin Property and Historic Senoia are proving that the future of metro Atlanta living may be found not in the city’s congestion, but in the communities that prioritize connection, character, and quality of life.
For more information visit www.GinProperty.com or call 770-790-0175.
79 Bourbon Street, Senoia, GA 30276. Sales and marketing by LLane & Co.
Setting the stage for your listing
Brought
to you by –
Bill Rawlings, CEO & Founder of Peachtree Town & Country
“The first fourteen days of a listing are not a window. They are the entire stage. What happens in that opening act sets the ceiling for everything that follows.” — BILL RAWLINGS, FOUNDER & CEO
THE FIRST IMPRESSION IS THE ONLY IMPRESSION
In today’s market, a home does not get a second chance to launch. Buyers are more informed, more selective, and more skeptical than at any time in recent memory. They watch listings the moment they hit the market, and they form an opinion within hours, not weeks. Once that first impression is set, it is exceptionally difficult to reset.
This is why pricing, presentation, and timing must be aligned the day a home goes live, not corrected weeks later.
WHY THE OPENING WINDOW MATTERS MOST
The first fourteen days of a listing generate the highest concentration of buyer activity it will ever receive. Saved searches alert. Agents preview. Showings cluster. Online traffic peaks. This is the window where the home is at its most visible, most discussed, and most competitive. A home priced correctly in this window invites momentum. A home priced ambitiously in this window invites silence. And silence, in real estate,
BILL RAWLINGS
is the most expensive sound there is.
THE COST OF “TESTING” A PRICE
In a strong seller’s market, an aspirational price can sometimes work. In today’s more measured market, it rarely does. When a home is priced beyond what the market will support, buyers usually do not negotiate — they move on. Days on market accumulate, and price reductions begin to signal weakness instead of strength.
By the time a correction happens, the most qualified buyers have often already passed on the listing. The home is no longer fresh, and the opportunity to create competition has been lost.
WHAT STRATEGIC PRICING ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE
Strategic pricing is not about pricing low. It is about pricing precisely. It reflects a careful read of comparable sales, current inventory, buyer behavior, and the home itself. Done well, it attracts the strongest pool of
qualified buyers and creates the conditions for multiple offers. That is where leverage is created — not by hoping one buyer will stretch, but by motivating several buyers to act.
PREPARATION IS PART OF PRICING
A home’s price cannot be separated from how it is presented. Photography, staging, repairs, and curb appeal directly influence what buyers are willing to pay. A home that is priced confidently must also be prepared completely. The two work in concert, and neither can carry the listing alone. This is why our advisors invest meaningful time before a home ever goes live. The work done before launch is what determines what is possible after launch.
OUR PERSPECTIVE RIGHT NOW
The Atlanta market remains active and opportunity-rich, but today’s market rewards discipline over assumption. Inside the Perimeter, well-prepared homes priced strategically continue to attract strong interest, while overpriced properties are sitting longer and trading lower.Outside the Perimeter, demand remains healthy across Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and North Atlanta, but increased new construction and more buyer options mean resale sellers must compete with thoughtful pricing and strong presentation.
Across both markets, the takeaway is simple: homes that launch well sell well. Homes that launch without intention often spend the rest of their market time trying to recover from the first two weeks.
The most dangerous place for seniors
Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen
The bathroom, a place we take for granted, transforms into one of the most hazardous areas in the home for aging seniors. With slippery surfaces, high tub walls, and the need for frequent maneuvering, the risk of falls—the leading cause of injury among older adults—spikes dramatically. John Hogan, President of Bath and Kitchen Galleria and Aging in Place Expert says, “Proactive bathroom modifications are not merely an upgrade; they are an essential investment in the long-term safety, independence, and dignity of our seniors.”
To mitigate the dangers, several specific aspects of the bathroom should be modified to create a supportive and accessible environment:
Shower and Bathtub: The single greatest fall risk is often stepping over a high tub wall. The ideal solution is a curbless or low-threshold walk-in shower to eliminate this barrier entirely. For added security, install a permanent shower seat or bench and a handheld showerhead to allow for comfortable, seated bathing. Shower floor should have non-slip tile surfaces.
Grab Bars: Strategically placed sturdy, professional-grade grab bars are critical. They must be securely anchored into wall studs, not just
the drywall. Placement is key: near the toilet to assist with sitting and standing, and both inside and just outside the shower/tub for secure entry and exit. Modern grab bars come in a variety of stylish finishes to seamlessly blend with your décor.
Toilet Area: A standard toilet can be difficult to use for those with limited mobility. Installing a comfort-height or raised toilet seat reduces the strain on joints and makes the transition from sitting to standing much easier. Pairing this with well-placed grab bars provides a significant boost in stability.
Flooring and Lighting: Replace slippery tile or remove loose bathmats and throw rugs, which are tripping
hazards. Install slip-resistant flooring throughout the bathroom. Finally, good lighting is paramount. Bright, even lighting—including motion-sensor nightlights—helps seniors navigate safely, especially during middle-of-thenight trips.
By implementing these thoughtful changes, the bathroom can evolve from a high-risk area into a secure, comfortable, and accessible space that supports an aging senior’s desire to age in place safely at home. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-459-2292.
Galleria
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 Projects
Kitchen Remodel
Total Cabinet Replacement
Large Island
Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations
Open Concept –Move Walls
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Bathroom Remodel
New Larger Shower
Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink
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Your Expectations
Brought to you by – The Dolan Group | Ansley Real Estate | Christie's International Real Estate
Let's be honest — "good enough" has become far too acceptable.
Slow responses. Missed details. Service that gets the job done without ever making you feel like it mattered. At some point, a lot of people stopped expecting excellence and started settling for average.
But elevated experiences still exist. You know them when you find them — the hotel that anticipated what you needed before you asked, the restaurant where every detail was considered, the professional who treated your situation like it was the most important one on their desk. Once you experience that standard, adequate stops feeling like enough.
Real estate is no different. Buying or selling a home is emotional, financial, and deeply personal. It deserves strategy, preparation, and someone who genuinely shows up — not just at the easy parts, but at every step of the process.
It starts with how you live in your home. The updates you make, the quality you choose, the details that make a space feel elevated rather than adequate. Those decisions compound — in your daily experience and in what the market rewards when the time comes.
When sellers bring the right preparation and the right team together, the results speak for themselves.
High expectations aren't unrealistic. They're the standard.
That's what elevated looks like.
What happens to inheritance when passed to children without proper trust protections
70% of children use or lose their parents' inheritance within their own lifetime. And the number one reason right now is divorce. Here's what most people don't realize: if your assets pass to your children outside of a trust, those assets are not considered premarital property. That means if your child goes through a divorce after you pass, that inheritance could walk right out of your family.
The same applies if they get sued. Or if they die before their spouse.
Once it leaves your hands without the right trust structure in place, it can leave your bloodline entirely.
The goal of estate planning isn't just to pass on what you've built. It's to make sure it stays protected for the people you built it for.
We cover how to structure your plan to protect your children's inheritance in our free estate planning workshops.
HOLLY GEERDES
The old man and the vampire romantasy
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Life sometimes both amazes and humbles me. And lately, it keeps teaching me lessons that broaden my horizons and make "day to day" simply more fun. I offer this example.
I am a sentimental old fool. It is just who I am. I cling to connections to the past — especially old friends and "childhood." I go to class reunions. I write Christmas cards. I pick up the phone and call. I help out the children of old friends when I have the opportunity. I go to funerals; I always show up for funerals, no matter how far away — usually the parents of my childhood friends, but increasingly, my childhood friends themselves.
So, when one of my childhood friends called me recently and told me that her younger adult daughter, Natalie, had written a book and asked if I would consider editing it for her, I responded, "Of course."
"It's kind of long," she said, to which I replied, "That's OK."
So, I thought to myself, "Just be-
PRESERVING THE PAST
cause you publish newspapers, people think you can edit."
Well, I can, sort of. I am not sure, however, I would rely on myself to edit a book I wrote, but what the heck, she asked, so I will do my best.
So, I emailed Natalie. In hindsight, I should have called. I am determined to stop emailing and texting people instead of calling or visiting face-to-face, but that is another story.
"It's a long book," she said.
OK, the second time I have heard that. Little alarms should have started ringing but didn't. "That's OK, Natalie."
"It's about vampires," she said.
More alarm bells; I don't think I have ever read a book about vampires and generally don't read fantasy (except for "Harry Potter," "Dune," and "Lord of the Rings," but they don't count; those aren't about vampires, sort of).
"That's OK," I replied again.
What was I thinking?
"How do you want me to send it to you?" Natalie asked. "I can put it on Google Drive. Would that work for you?"
Now, everyone knows that newspaper people know about Google Drive and how to use it to edit novels, right? Of course. So, I naturally replied with — you guessed it — "of course." But not
that "of course" — the "of course" that means "No, I have no idea how Google Drive works, and I am too embarrassed to admit it, much less suggest that 'editing' is not necessarily a skill that I was born with or formally trained to do."
And, yes, of course, if the book is only around 350 pages, sure, why not?
So, we set up Google Drive, but first, Natalie asks how much I charge to edit. I did appreciate the question, but I growled at her in response.
"Natalie, you are family and family doesn't charge family — for anything."
That would never enter my mind, although what did go through my mind was how long — how much of my precious time — I just committed. Gzzzeezz.
"What about sex?" she asked next.
"OK," I think, "What?"
"It has sex," Natalie said. "Do you want me to leave those chapters out?"
"Natalie, I'm 71," I said. "This is a book. I can handle it. But thank you for asking. You don't have to leave out the sex."
Fast forward about four weeks.
Natalie has asked me to finish editing by the end of July so she can send the manuscript to potential publishers as soon as possible. So, I double up on my editing timeline.
I now get up early every day — or try to — and spend about an hour on Natalie's book, and I edit twice as many chapters. I am now past the halfway point of the book, through Chapter 50. And, well, wow.
So here is the thing. This book is actually really good — I mean, like it is publishable, I think. And I don't even like vampire novels. Granted, I have no idea what publishers are looking for and what the market is for vampire-romance-fantasy novels, also known as "romantasies."
I am excited because I volunteered to help Natalie, committing to take on a rather substantial body of work. History says that I don't usually finish these types of projects. I start them, then just stop. I know this.
I took the project on because I want to fix myself — fix this character flaw. That's what I am trying to do now, in my 71st year — get better, become more intentional, and be more willing to step outside my comfort zone and engage.
That is, do things that I would have avoided in the past. Because who wants to just fade away? Not me.
And the icing on the cake? Well, how cool would it be to get a mention — one of those dust jacket or "after the last page" thank-yous on a new best seller! "Very," I think to myself. Next?
The historic Sherrill House and the Old Federal Road in Forsyth County
For some people a special joy is renovating an ancient house that has deteriorated over the years. Patience, commitment, a willingness to work and a source of funds play important roles.
We are fortunate that some wonderful examples exist in North Fulton County, either completed or in progress. Today’s column will highlight the historic Eli and Cynthia Heard Sherrill House in Forsyth County and some related structures.
The Sherrill House was built in 1904 and is one of the most important historic structures still surviving in northern Forsyth County.
The house
The Sherrill House was in the center of a small crossroads community called Hightower. The house is on the historic Old Federal Road in former Cherokee territory which, like many settlement communities, consisted of farms, taverns, inns and other buildings including a dairy. The structures
are all gone with the exception of the Sherrill House and a tavern now in a park in Cumming.
In 1904 the Sherrill family moved into the Blackburn Inn while their house was being built. Jimmy and Martha McConnell, co-presidents of the Forsyth County Historical Society, explain that the tavern was moved across the road for 100 years until the City of Cumming moved it to the Cumming Fairgrounds where it is called the Buffington/Blackburn Tavern, named after previous owners.
The Sherrill House is on 225 acres along the Old Federal Road purchased by Forsyth County in 2009 to become Eagles Beak Park. The house is typical of the era, one story wood-frame farmhouse with gables, brick chimneys and a wraparound porch. It was occupied by the Sherrill family until circa 1980 when it became a rental property until the mid-1990s. The house then sat vacant for 20 years and experienced extensive deterioration. The family included Eli Stanhope Sherrill (1859-1925), his wife Cynthia Ann Heard (1871-1957) and at least one son, Herman Eli Sherrill (1906-1933).
BOB MEYERS
Columnist
REMNANTS
The historic Sherrill House built circa 1904 has been undergoing
renovation by the Forsyth County Historical Society since 2012 with the support of the county and
historic structures remaining in North Forsyth County.
Each line in the 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!
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
1. Seaweed for sea urchins. Game on horseback. Large brown bear.
2. Saint topper. Racket sport. Supreme god of ancient Greece.
3. Horseshoes game. Neat. Highlander.
4. Spring purchase. Young pigeon. Lawn game.
5. Italian bowling game. Boredom. Measles symptom.
6. Greek sandwich. Water sport. Milky white gem.
7. Football game. White Cliffs place. Locate.
1 Seaweed for sea urchins. Game on horseback. Large brown bear
2. Saint topper. Racket sport. Supreme god of ancient Greece.
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. Horseshoes game. Neat. Highlander.
4. Spring purchase. Young pigeon. Lawn game.
5. Italian bowling game. Boredom. Measles symptom
6. Greek sandwich. Water sport. Milky white gem
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.
Treat your garden with some lovely lavender
Who wouldn’t be interested in a perennial, evergreen flowering herb that thrives on neglect, is drought tolerant, is a favorite of pollinators and hummingbirds and one that deer won’t eat? Then think of lavender! Lavender has been popular for thousands of years for its aroma and medicinal properties of treating headaches, anxiety and insomnia. Today, lavender is grown as an ornamental shrub, as a cut flower and for essential oil which is used in soaps, candles and lotions.
There are many species of lavender that are part of the Lavandula genus of the mint family.
The four most important types of lavender are: Lavandula augustifolia, a hardy English lavender grown mostly for its cut flowers; Lavandula dentata, French lavender with leaves covered with soft fuzz and rosemary-scented flowers, Lavandula stoechas; Spanish lavender with tall, elegant dark purple flowers; and Lavandula x intermedia, also known as Lavandin a sterile hybrid developed for the French perfume industry. Lavandin is more aromatic than other lavender species and has the highest yield of flowers and lavender essential oil. The two most common species grown in north Georgia are Lavandula augustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia.
Where lavender thrives
Lavender will thrive under the right growing conditions. It requires welldrained soil, full sun and alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5), so soil testing is strongly recommended. It does not like wet feet, so consider adding sand or grit to the
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Anne Wiskind, a Master Gardner who completed her Fulton County Master Gardner training in 2024. She is a life-long gardener with an active interest in encouraging biologic diversity and growing beautiful flowers for pollinators.
farms in North Georgia where you can purchase specific species with growing instructions. Because they are propagated locally, you can be sure they are adapted to our climate.
Lavender farms in North Georgia:
• Red Oak Lavender Farm and Shop (Dahlonega): redoaklavender.com
• The Lavender Cottage and Garden (Helen): thelavendercottageandgarden. com
soil to improve drainage, and planting in mounds, slopes or rock gardens. Lavender can be difficult to grow in pots due to the tendency for the soil to retain moisture and may only last as annuals They do not grow reliably from seed but are easily propagated from live plants. Plants in the landscape should be spaced at least 18 inches apart to maintain good airflow and watered weekly until established, then sparingly. Crushed stone or shells may be considered as mulch to prevent moisture from being trapped around the roots. Lavender can be planted near doors, windows and outdoor seating areas where the scent can repel mosquitoes.
CITY OF MILTON PUBLIC NOTICE
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing shall be held on the 15th day of June, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, Georgia before the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton at which time ordinances pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget amendment shall be sounded.
A subsequent vote to consider adoption of the amendments will be held on the 6th day of July 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Milton City Hall.
The proposed budget amendments will be available online at www.miltonga.gov the Thursday prior to the public hearing.
This public hearing is in accordance with O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All citizens and stakeholders of Milton are invited to attend.
Caring for lavender
Lavender plants should be pruned after the first bloom to establish shape. Established plants also benefit from pruning every spring, about 2-3 inches above where the leaves meet the woody base. During the growing season, dead leaves and stems should be removed and the lower branches trimmed to maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Good companion plants to grow with lavender also tend to be drought resistant and like alkaline soil, such as other herbs, (rosemary, sage, and thyme), coneflower, yarrow, salvia, Shasta daisy, black-eyed Susan, marigold and zinnia.
Anticipating lavender issues
Lavender does not suffer from many diseases or pests, but they are susceptible to crown and root rot which can be a challenge with our hot, humid summers. The best treatment is prevention with good spacing and airflow. Use very well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. With proper care, you will be rewarded with longlasting blooms that are the favorite of pollinators.
Where to find lavender
Lavender plants can be purchased in many nurseries and big-box stores, but there are also several lavender
• White Hills Lavender and Herb Farm (near Athens): whitehillsfarm.us
The best time to visit these farms is between the end of May and early July. Mornings are the best time when the scents are the strongest. Some of these places have U-pick or special classes. So, plan ahead to catch all the activities that might be of interest.
Treat yourself to a scent-sational and relaxing experience this summer.
Happy Gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.
Catch North Fulton Master Gardeners at these scheduled events throughout the season:
• Alpharetta Farmers’ Market
• Sandy Spring Farmers’ Market: Diggin’ in the Dirt kid’s activities
• Crabapple Festival in Milton this fall
ANNE WISKIND Guest Columnist
KAREN BURPO/PROVIDED
Ian Burpo explores the lavender farm on the Fruit Loop in Hood River Valley, Oregon.
Meyers:
Continued from Page 24
The Forsyth County Historical Society has been renovating the house since 2012 under the terms of a 15year agreement with Forsyth County for restoration and adaptive reuse. The McConnell’s report that plans call for a native American, Black history and pioneer heritage center. Thus far the historical society has stabilized the foundation, installed a new roof, rewired the house and replaced some flooring. Most of the work was donated. Volunteers are committed to the project, and financial support comes from various sources. The local Chestatee River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR, has taken responsibility for gardens and pathway support and the county cuts the grass.
The taverns
The taverns have a history of their own. The McConnells explain that the Vann’s Tavern was built by Cherokee leader Chief James Vann (circa 17621809) in 1804. A second tavern which Vann built was the Buffington Tavern, later called the Blackburn Inn on the Etowah River.
Chief Vann had negotiated an agreement with the government that allowed him to build and operate three taverns and collect the revenues. Two of the taverns were in Forsyth County. The taverns served as inns, trading posts and stagecoach stops.
As a result of the agreement, Chief Vann became the richest man in the Cherokee Nation. He built a two-story brick mansion in 1804 which he called Diamond Hill. He built a ferry boat service across the Chattahoochee River, built a store and a trading post and
Awards:
Continued from Page 4
The Citizen Services Medal was awarded to store manager Stephanie Curtis and the team at the Home Depot off Windward Parkway for consistently supporting the Police Department.
Police Records Clerk Veronica Hernandez earned the Civilian of the Year Award for the professionalism and work she brings to the department. The Chief’s Award for Excellence was presented to Crime and Intelligence Analyst Jammie Peters.
Department honorees
Several members of the Milton Police Department were honored with Pro-
donated land for a Moravian mission school. He owned hundreds of acres and had more than 100 slaves. Vann’s father was Scotch and his mother was Cherokee.
Vann was murdered in the Buffington Tavern in February 1809 by an unidentified person. Vann was known for his terrible temper and heavy drinking, and it is thought that his killer may have been someone he had wronged. Some others believe his killing was ordered by his sister who was concerned that his reputation was a danger to the family.
President James Monroe slept in the Blackburn Tavern/Inn in 1819 during a tour of the South.
The Old Federal Road
The Old Federal Road was the principal trade and migration route through the Cherokee territory. It was constructed following the 1805 Treaty of Tellico with the Cherokee Nation.
Initially it was a narrow horse path. Later it was the first vehicular road and postal route. It crossed east to west through the Hightower area.
The federal government wanted a military and postal route and a migration corridor for settlers going west. A route through Cherokee territory was the best way to do that and they hired the bilingual James Vann to negotiate with the Cherokees for the rights to build a highway through Cherokee lands. The government gave the Cherokees the rights to tolls at river crossings. The road played a major role in the early American expansion.
Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
fessional Education Ribbons for their academic accomplishments.
Lt. Logan Pacheco received one for completing Georgia’s Peace Officer Standards & Training Management certificate and Guardian Leadership courses.
Det. Randy Dula received a ribbon for completing the FBI LEEDA Trilogy, a three-course leadership program.
Officer Julia Ross received a master’s degree from Liberty University earning her an education ribbon of her own.
Sgt. Luke Hayduk and Officer Ingrid Smith took home Instructor Ribbons for their work to help train officers.
Officer Michael Piurkowski received the Military Service Award for his ongoing service in the U.S. Army.
Officer Josh Harrell received a Lifesaving Award for successfully resuscitating someone.
— Hannah Yahne
SHIVEN SHARMA/PROVIDED
Shiven Sharma sits in the go-kart he built based one the 3D model he designed for this year’s Georgia Student Technology Competition where he won first place.
Sharma:
Continued from Page 1
For the competition, Shiven created a 3D model of a go-kart, which he built based on his full design.
“I’m thankful for the support from my teachers and school for providing me with the foundation and opportunities to do what I’m passionate about,” Shiven said.
Shiven started the school’s first engineering club, Eagle Labs, last year. It provides more than 20 stu -
these turbulent times,
dents the opportunity to collaborate during hands-on computing tasks. Extending his impact on the Milton community, Shiven regularly volunteers at the Milton First Responders Foundation – a nonprofit that supports Milton police and firefighters. He also interns at Reimagine Robotics, where he enjoys teaching VEX Robotics and introducing young students to engineering concepts. This summer, Shiven will be attending the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
— Hannah Yahne
courage
Lead Software Engineering needed by AT&T Services, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to collaborate to gather and review software requirements/ user stories, provide estimates, create software design specifications, and work with engineers/ architects to assess and test hardware and software interactions. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-110609.
Nuvia MSO LLC seeks a Dental Laboratory Coordinator. Req: 24 mos exp as Clinical Coordinator, Dental Lab Coordinator or Admin. Supervisor. Duties incl.: coord. daily lab workflow; communicate w/ dentists, patients & staff; monitor inventory & order supplies; assist w/ quality checks; ensure safety/hygiene compliance; maintain records & reports; promote teamwork. Worksite: Alpharetta, GA. Sal: $72,000/yr. Mail CV: Douglas Salazar, 11456 S Temple Dr, Ste 202, South Jordan, UT 84095
Midway Preschool is looking for an experienced Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org.
To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com. Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm
Sawnee EMC is seeking an Associate Vice President, Power Supply to support the Vice President, Power Supply in the development, evaluation, and execution of the cooperative’s power supply strategy. This role is responsible for supporting key initiatives related to load forecasting, resource planning, wholesale power cost analysis, contract evaluation, and long-range portfolio strategy. The position will also contribute to the assessment of power purchase opportunities, market options, renewable and demand-side resources, and emerging large-load requirements, while providing analytical support for executive decision-making and member-focused outcomes. Requires: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, or a related field is required; advanced degree preferred, with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility power supply, financial analysis, resource planning, rate support, commodity markets, or related areas.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, June 12, 2026 . Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
YOUTH DIRECTOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church — Alpharetta, GA
APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.
To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.
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Kathleen DeMartino
Nancy Diamond
Sarah Donehoo
Rebecca Donlan
James Dorsey
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Thomas Edmonds
William Edmundson
Cliff Oxford
Bruce Paulk
Ross & Lori Ramsey
Sarah Reiter
Mark Rundle
Jennifer Phillippi
Robert Popp
Dave Rhinehart
Sergey Savin
Heather Sawyer
Kate Seng
Karen Shih
Denise Eicher
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Grady Evans
Leslie Ann Everett
Steve Fabian
Carol Fain
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Renai Fitzpatrick
Daniel Fleck
Lee Fleck
Laura Floyd
Andrew Flynn
Cathy Flynn
Paul Folger
Adrienne Fontaine
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tim Fulton
Andrew Garner
Tracey Ganesh
Steve Garrett
Daniel Gay
Matthew Geller
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam
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.
Matthew Sayle
Lynn Thomas
Kim Truett
Roger Wise Jr.
Colt Whittall
Bob Stevens
Kimberly Verska
Carol Williams
Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Christopher Goodrich
Jim Gray
Ralph Griffin
Rihard Griffiths
Elaine Gwynn
Carolyn Hall
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Marion Hannah
Roxanne Hazen
Joe Hirsch
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Julie Hostetter
Krista Howland
Austin Hughes
Jason Hunyar
Jacqueline Hursh
Susan Huss
Paul Huth
Jeffrey Hyde
J. Craig Inman
Sandra Jacobs
Sue Jacques
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Zach Jones
Patricia Kachur
Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club
Amy Kanderis
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Nancy Kennell
Randall Kent
Carol Kerr
Sally Klaskala
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Brett Koutnik
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Sarah Lamm
Daniel Lashinsky
Richard Lapin
Christine Law
Brandon Leach
Dennis Lee
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Melissa Libby
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Karen Lippert
Harlan Little
Jarrett Long
Ross Long
Kyser Lough
Rita Loventhal
Jerry Lucas
Brenda Lundy
Harry Lutz
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Freda Manning-Rumph
Kyile Marshall
Support Local News Join Appen Press Club
MEMBER (CONT.)
Julie Martin
Linda & Todd Martinez
Carla Masecar
Valerie Matthews
Theresea Mattioli
William Maxwell
Nicole Mayer
Rachel McCord
Austin McCully
Diane McDonald
Evan McElroy
Karen McEnerny
Jack McGinnis
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Margaret McManus
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Patricia Miller
Milton Animal Hospital
George Mobley
Joe Modica
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Catherine Moore
Ralph Moore
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Aileen Nakamura
George Nathan
Caroline Naughton
Richard Nichols
THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS
Cindy Nolan North Fulton Master Gardeners, 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
Seth Price
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Pankaj Rajankar
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Manu Rao
James Rasmussen
Paula Rattray
Lori Rausch
Jean Rearick
Joseph Reed
Scarlett Reynolds
Righteous PR
Angie Rigney
Sean Riley
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kim Romaner
Courtney Rozear
Fran Russell
Janet Sandberg
Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.
Kelly Sarmiento
Derek Scheidt
Stephanie Schniederjan
The Schoenblum Family
Robert Scholz
Robert Schreiner
Stephanie Schuette
Susan Searles
Frances Segars
Tracy Shealy
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Steve Short
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Mitchel Skyer
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Lee Smith
Tia Solh
Morris Soriano
Heidi Sowder
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Melissa Spencer
Jan Stephens
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Diana Sullivan
Andy Sumlin
Kathy Swahn
Carol Tall
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
Suzanne & Bob Thomas
William Tietjen
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
Edward Votta
Linda Wabler
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Elizabeth Waller
Valerie Walters-Gold
Ann Marie Warning
Terry Warnke
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Deborah Weiss
Michael Weiss
Herbert Wells
Benjamin Wemberly
Beverly Whisenant
Sally White
Thom White
Umpika White
Mae Whiteside
Ashley Whitt
Jennifer Wieland
Christine Williams
Jamie Wimberly
Jonathan Winkie
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Kalle Wood
Theresa Woolridge
Laura Wysong
Jonathan Young
THE APPEN PRESS CLUB
One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.
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.
