May 21, 2026
Milton to honor the fallen at Memorial Day ceremony
MILTON, Ga. — The City of Milton invites friends and neighbors to the Green at Crabapple Market on Monday, May 25 for its annual Memorial Day ceremony starting at 10 a.m.
The event is open to all to reflect and commemorate fallen veterans who nobly served in all military branches during conflicts around the world.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker will be 1st Lt. Ginny Dornheggen, a recent inductee into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame. A Pennsylvania native who later established roots in Georgia, Dornheggen joined the Army Student Nurse program during her final year of nursing school. She went on to provide medical care at Fort Sam Houston, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and in Vietnam – specifically the 67th Evacuation Hospital in Qui Nhon in an orthopedic ward and emergency room.
Milton, Blessed Trinity girls win state lacrosse titles
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
CUMMING, Ga. — The Georgia High School Association held two state title games for girls lacrosse May 13 at West Forsyth High School.
Blessed Trinity defeated Cambridge, 14-12, for the Division I title. Milton pushed past Lassiter, 12-8, for the Division II crown.
For the Division I championship, it was the third year in a row that Cambridge had faced Blessed Trinity for their final game of the season. The Bears were coming off back-to-back
DIVISION I GIRLS: TITANS 14, BEARS 12
DIVISION II GIRLS: EAGLES 12, TROJANS 8
titles, hoping to go for three straight.
But it was Blessed Trinity who got out to a hot start, scoring less than a minute into the game on a free position shot by team captain Hannah Daley. Daley posted eight goals to lead her team to their first championship in three years.
Hannah and her younger sister Morgan combined for 10 of the Titans’ 14 goals. The Murray sisters on Blessed Trinity and two more sets of sisters on
Milton also won a championship together. This season, the Bears and Titans met in the regular season March 12, when Cambridge came out on top, 14-9, after a furious scoring frenzy in the third quarter.
Both Cambridge and BT came into the title game on a postseason tear, putting up 19 or more goals on their first three opponents in the tournament. Both were hungry, with significant senior classes on each side who were unwilling to go home empty-handed for their last opportunity to win a GHSA championship.
See LACROSSE, Page 26
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
The Milton Eagles celebrate their program’s 19th GHSA title at West Forsyth High School May 13. They defeated Lassiter 12-8 in dominant fashion to win their ninth straight championship.
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Police charge man for TikTok prank
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Police arrested a man who entered the Sandy Springs Church of Scientology building and sprinted through as part of a TikTok trend, according to authorities.
Jackson Sensing, 20, was arrested May 13. Sandy Springs Police said Sensing unlawfully entered the Church of Scientology at 5395 Roswell Road on April 29.
Sensing was with several other individuals “participating in a social media trend known as ‘Scientology Speedrunning,’” the
department said in a social media post.
“The trend involves individuals unlawfully entering Church of Scientology facilities and recording themselves running through the building to see how far they can make it before being confronted or escorted out by security,” according to police.
Sandy Springs Police said its investigation revealed that Sensing and several unidentified males entered the property without authorization while participating
in the trend.
Sensing is charged with disorderly conduct.
“While some social media challenges may appear harmless online, unlawfully entering private property can lead to criminal charges and create unnecessary safety concerns for everyone involved,” the department said in the post.
The investigation remains ongoing to identify the other individuals involved.
— Dyana Bagby
Police charge suspect in domestic assault case
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs Police arrested a suspect May 13 after an alleged domestic assault at the Glen Lake Apartments.
Dennis Carter, 33, is charged with false imprisonment, simple battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and reckless conduct, Sgt. Giovanni Gomez, spokesperson for the department, said in a news release.
Vehicle goes airborne on Alpharetta Street
CUSTOM FRAMING
ROSWELL, Ga. — A Roswell woman was airlifted to North Fulton Hospital May 3 after her car hit a median on Alpharetta Street, went airborne and struck a building farther down the road.
She was dealing with back pain and a head laceration after the crash. She was later life flighted to Kennestone Hospital in critical condition.
According to witnesses, the blue Volkswagen Beetle was leaving
Police received a 911 call from a woman at 6831 Glenlake Pkwy. just after 8 a.m. who said she had been assaulted by Carter, the father of her child, Gomez said.
When officers arrived on the scene, they learned Carter had returned to his apartment and barricaded himself inside. As officers approached the apartment, they heard what they believed to be gunshots coming from
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.
the scene of a hit and run at the intersection of Oak Street and Bush Street that was allegedly caused by the female driver. The car fled north on Ga. 9, and the driver lost control of the vehicle before the intersection with Woodstock Street.
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within the residence, Gomez said.
"Sandy Springs Police negotiators established communication with Mr. Carter and were ultimately able to convince him to surrender peacefully without incident," Gomez said.
The investigation remains active and more charges are possible, he said.
— Dyana Bagby
The car hit a power control box that steered it through the landscape area of a business and into the center median of Liberty Square. The crash sent the car into the air before it hit a building on Alpharetta Street.
Police observed tire and scrub marks on the street and on multiple medians along Ga. 9.
The car’s damage was extensive, with the engine thrown 20 feet from the frame and car parts scattered. Police say this indicated the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed.
— Hannah Yahne
Lester legacy lives on with Eagles progeny
Sons recall inspiration father provided them
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — On Jan. 12, 2021, at 8:04 a.m., 8-year retired NFL veteran Timothy Lee Lester passed away at home of a pulmonary embolism due to COVID-19.
The night before he died, he relayed one of his final wishes to his family. Despite the illness, he got on a FaceTime call to say he wanted his two sons, eighth grader Timothy Jr. and seventh grader Tristan, to transfer and play football for Milton High School.
His family followed his wishes and succeeded… and how.
Today, more than three years after the transfer from Fellowship Christian, the boys are two-time state champions with the Eagles and will be teammates again at Marshall University next season.
May 19, Tristan will walk the stage at graduation at Milton High School, closing the Eagle chapter of his family’s story.
“Milton has completely changed my life,” Tristan said. “Just to close it off on a good note, it’s just really a blessing for me.”
At the time Tim made his final wish, Milton had a different head coach, offen-
sive coordinator, defensive coordinator and athletic director than today. However, the Lesters never called the program’s continuity into question.
Nearly two years after Tim’s passing, the day came for T.J., a running back, and Tristan, a defensive back, to transfer. The decision was made after Tim spoke to his widow Natalie in a dream; it was the second time he had appeared in one of her dreams since his passing.
“What are you waiting for?” he said in the dream. “It’s time to go.”
Tim and Natalie met when she was teaching at his alma mater, Miami Southridge High School. During his time as running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is best-known from his career, he would come home in the offseason and substitute teach. Natalie still works in education as a consultant.
After playing for the Steelers and acquiring his nickname “the Bus Driver” for carving out holes for all-pro running back Jerome Bettis, who was known as “the Bus,” Tim closed his career playing one year for the Dallas Cowboys.
Tim told Appen Media later that the Cowboys were his “all-time favorite childhood team.”
See LESTER, Page 24
ALISE CUA PHOTOGRAPHY/PROVIDED
The Lester family stands for a portrait in 2018. Tim, right, was a youth football coach ingrained in the community before he passed away due to complications of COVID-19 in 2021.
Cambridge, Roswell boys bring home hardware
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
CUMMING, Ga. — Two boys lacrosse teams made history May 14 after being crowned champions at the Georgia High School Association’s second night of title week at West Forsyth High School.
Cambridge defeated Lovett 11-4, never trailing to win the program’s first championship. Roswell mounted a comeback over rival Milton, securing four straight state titles with a 17-14 victory.
Cambridge, who finished the season 12-10 overall, had a tough road to its ultimate game of the season. The team faced obstacles in the regular season with injuries and deaths in players’ families but pushed ahead.
Despite a losing record, the Bears secured a first round bye in the postseason. They powered through their second-round matchup, dominating Westminster 11-2.
Cambridge’s next three playoff games, however, came against teams they lost to in the regular season as they persevered through a schedule ranked the third-toughest in the state.
Eight of their 10 losses were at the hands of teams that made the Final Four or championship game. One was to a North Carolina team that has not yet started the postseason. They also beat two more teams that made the Division III semifinals.
In their final three games, the Bears defeated teams they lost to in the regular season. DIVISION I BOYS: BEARS 11, LIONS 4; DIVISION II BOYS: HORNETS 17,
CAMBRIDGE ATHLETICS/PROVIDED
The Cambridge boys lacrosse team celebrates the program’s first GHSA championship at West Forsyth High School May 14. The Bears defeated Lovett 11-4 to make school history.
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U.S. Soccer opens training facility in Fayetteville
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — U.S. Soccer has a new home in Fayetteville, Georgia. The organization celebrated the ribbon-cutting for its new training facility on May 7, which features 17 soccer fields and indoor facilities.
The facility will be the home base for the national teams, youth programs and other U.S. Soccer teams and activities. The National Training Center occupies 123 developed acres on a 200-acre site and is designed to accommodate future expansion as soccer continues to grow.
The facility features:
• 17 outdoor playing surfaces, including 13 regulation-size natural grass fields, two artificial turf fields and two sand pitches for beach soccer.
• More than 400,000 square feet of total facilities with two indoor playing surfaces, including an indoor artificial turf training facility and a full-size futsal/ power court.
• Indoor space with a 10,000 square foot gym, 20 locker rooms, 19 meeting rooms and dedicated
• Headquarters space for all U.S. Soccer staff. It also includes a dedicated charging room for power soccer chairs.
U.S. Soccer will host its first event this month at the National Training Center, holding the annual AdaptandThrive Invitational. The Men’s National Team will also train at the facility at the end of the month as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The National Training Center is anchored by a $50 million lead gift from Arthur Blank and a land donation from Dan Cathy.
Alongside the backing of the city of Fayetteville, Fayette County, Georgia, and other partners, their collaboration and commitment will help define the impact and legacy of the National Training Center for years to come, according to a news release.
“The National Training Center represents so much of what we want U.S. Soccer to be,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said. “It honors the people who have built this game over
more than a century, and it gives us a home where we can serve the next generation of players, coaches, referees, members and fans.”
She added that the facility was built for U.S. Soccer’s 27 National Teams and the entire soccer community. U.S. Soccer JT Batson said the opening of the facility is an exciting for leap for the sport.
See SOCCER, Page 27
ZOE SEILER/APPEN MEDIA
Bea Perez with Coca-Cola, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson, Arthur Blank, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, and Dan Cathy with Trilith cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, on May 7.
Wein hits walk-off to advance Tigers to Final Four
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — King's Ridge baseball fell in the Final Four to Holy Innocents on May 14, finishing the season 30-6. The Tigers made it to the semifinals on a three-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the seventh inning by senior Luke Wein. The score was tied 10-10, and the series was tied at one game apiece before Wein swung for the fences.
Wein went 3-for-5 at the plate and contributed six RBIs in the Elite Eight win over Lovett.
King's Ridge got out to an early lead in the deciding game of the series thanks to RBIs from Wein, Taylor Markakis and Jack Brantner.
Lovett answered with a five-run spree in the fourth inning. The Tigers played errorless defense to hold up their chances of making the Final Four.
King's Ridge pulled the momentum back to their side in the sixth inning, taking a 10-9 lead.
In their final batting opportunity, Lovett tied the game once again, leaving an opening for a walk-off series ender. King's Ridge had the advantage as the home team batting last, and they capitalized with Wein's neargrand slam.
The win marked the third time in four years that the Tigers have made it to or past the third round of the postseason.
Annual Splash ‘N Bash marks city pool opening
MILTON, Ga. — The Splash ‘N Bash is returning to the Milton City Park and Preserve from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23 to celebrate the season opening of the city’s pool.
The family-friendly event invites anyone to enjoy the pool and live music performed by students at the School of Rock for free on the pool deck at 1785 Dinsmore Road.
Kidokinetics will oversee outdoor activities on the lawn at the Milton City Park and Preserve, and there will be an
inflatable obstacle course in the parking lot.
Inside the community center, children can enjoy creative activities with art and Legos.
Volunteers from the Milton Fire Corps will cook complimentary hot dogs for guests. Those wanting a sweet treat can stop at the cotton candy machine or buy something at the Kona Ice truck that will be in the parking lot starting at noon.
— Hannah Yahne
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL/PROVIDED
The King’s Ridge baseball team celebrates their quarterfinal victory over Lovett May 8. They defeated the Lions 13-10 to move on to the GHSA Final Four.
Milton Montessori preparing students for the future
Brought to you by –
Milton Montessori School
Milton Montessori School serves students from infancy through middle school, providing a comprehensive Montessori education designed to support academic growth, independence, and critical thinking at every stage of development.
The school’s Elementary and Middle School programs are built on the Montessori philosophy of hands-on, studentcentered learning led by Montessori-certified teachers. Through individualized instruction and collaborative learning environments, students are encouraged to develop strong academic foundations while building confidence, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.
Milton Montessori offers programs and resources that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom experience. Students have access to a science lab, media center, performing arts opportunities, and a Young Entrepreneurs Program that introduces elementary and middle school students to leadership, creativity, and practical business concepts.
The campus also emphasizes outdoor learning and exploration. Students ben-
Milton Milton Montessori Montessori
efit from spacious playgrounds, naturebased experiences, and educational field trips that support classroom instruction and encourage engagement with the world around them.
Safety and campus structure remain a priority for the school and its families. Milton Montessori maintains on-campus security while fostering a welcoming and respectful school environment for students and staff.
By combining authentic Montessori instruction with enriched academic and extracurricular opportunities, Milton Montessori School provides students with an educational experience that prepares them for future academic success while supporting their social and personal development.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Fulton Science Academy
Nurturing excellence from Pre-K to High School
Brought to you by - Fulton Science Academy
At Fulton Science Academy (FSA), education begins with a promise to develop confident, curious, and compassionate students who are prepared to lead wherever life takes them. Named Georgia’s #1 private, college-prep, and STEM school by Niche.com,
FSA offers a well-rounded, values-based education for advanced and gifted learners from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Our commitment starts early. In our awardwinning Pre-K and Elementary programs, students engage in hands-on STEAM learning that
sparks creativity and builds strong academic foundations. With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a caring environment, children grow academically while developing strong character and emotional confidence.
As students move into Middle and High School, they become analytical thinkers and responsible leaders. Our ICARE values—Integrity, Curiosity, Advocacy, Resiliency, and Empathy—are part of everyday life, shaping students into individuals who lead with Purpose.
From academic competitions to robotics, music, sports, and Model UN, our students excel in a wide range of pursuits. They benefit
from modern facilities like our Innovation Lab and Observatory, and graduate with impressive results. With an average SAT score of 1440 and a 98% AP pass rate, they don’t just feel ready for top universities—they are accepted to them. Our alumni attend schools like Yale, Princeton, and many more.
But beyond the numbers, it is the experience that matters most. FSA is a structured, supportive community where students are known, encouraged, and inspired every day. Discover what makes FSA different. A world-class education starts here.
Apply now at www.fultonscienceacademy.org
Riding the wave… or getting caught in it
Brought
– Leah Burnett, Summit Counseling
One of the best times in my personal life I can remember is living in Southern California for a couple of years during graduate school. I was lucky enough to live a 5-minute walk from the beach and the bustling Pacific Ocean. I lived in Huntington Beach, a place very well known to surfers around the world. So, I told myself upon moving there that I would learn to surf. I followed through with my vow and took a lesson.
After a few tries, I was able to stand up and ride a wave with nothing but the water and a thin foam board holding me up. Inevitably there came times when I attempted to stand up knowing I was going to fall right back into the water. I wanted to grow and become stronger, so why not right? The problem is when you go for a 5-foot-tall wave and you’re used to surfing 1–2-foot waves, everything feels 5x faster and more intense… including the crash.
I can remember a time when I paddled my heart out for a “too big” wave. All at once, I found myself paddling over the quickly forming wave as I let it lift me higher until I had no choice but to
PROVIDED
Leah Burnett, M.A., Licensed Associate Professional Counselor
try and stand up. The momentum was too strong, and I couldn’t hold it together. In an instant, I fell straight down the 5-foot wall of rushing water until I was no longer above the wave or deep under it (which is preferable), but I was caught in the middle of it.
If you have never been caught in a crashing Pacific Ocean wave while attached to a surfboard, I can promise you it is nothing short of what can only be compared to being caught in a washing machine set to heavy duty. The only way to get through it is to let it pass. The more you struggle and fight against it, the more tired you will become and the more difficult it will be to swim to safety once it has passed. There is common DBT skill that is used when teaching emotional regula-
tion called “riding the wave”. But I want to take it one step further. Because knowing it will pass is one thing, but choosing to embrace it and allow it to wash over you is another. I like this metaphor of surfing because it reminds us that sometimes we can’t ride the wave perfectly. We get caught in it and it feels like it will never pass. But emotions, while incredibly uncomfortable at times, are not bad. They are simply indicators of some part of us that need care and attention.
Often, the more we struggle and fight against our emotions, the harder it makes it for them to pass. Next time you feel an uncomfortable emotion, I invite you to try and not fight it. But rather be curious about it, sit with it, ask it questions, and trust that it will pass without you having to do anything to force it to go away. Most importantly, give yourself grace for feeling emotion in the first place. Riding the wave can be easier said than done, but just like surfing, you will get better with practice.
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Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world.
Academic programs
The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse students. Through the use of STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The college-prep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment.
For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day
and work to develop greater selfsufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma.
The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online.
Post-Graduate programs
LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills in order to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local businesses and life skill development in our model apartment. The LIFE program works with
young adults living in their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support in areas such as meal-prep, budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping.
Supported Employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. A job coach serves as a liaison between the participant and job sites.
The College Foundations Program (CFP) is designed for individuals who completed high school but are not ready for college or to live on their own. CFP enhances students’ abilities in academics, social settings, independent living, and employment. Students receive onthe-job experience and academic enrichment to enable them to enter college and live independently.
Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.
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Touchmark National Bank introduces to the community, Mason Young
Mason Young is a 23-year-old Auburn University Graduate that brings a strong foundation in relationship driven customer service and financial engagement to the communities of North Fulton, Gwinnett, and the surrounding metro Atlanta areas. He is passionate about helping individuals and businesses navigate their financial goals with confidence and clarity. Throughout his work, Mason focuses on building meaningful relationships and providing dependable support tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether assisting with everyday banking or flexible commercial lending, he is committed to delivering thoughtful solutions and a high level of service. With a growing knowledge of the banking industry and a dedication
to continuous improvement, Mason strives to make a positive impact both professionally and within the community. His approachable style and attention to detail make him a trusted resource for those seeking reliable financial guidance. Dedicated to supporting the success of his clients and the strength of the local economy, Mason is eager to build lasting connections and contribute to the continued growth of the region. You can reach Mason at 770-8141077 or mason.young@touchmarknb. com
The first 60 days without a plan
Center USA
No one wants to think about it. But after a loss, life does not pause. Bills still arrive.
Accounts may be inaccessible. Mail keeps coming. Important decisions cannot wait. And during the first 60 days, families are often forced to navigate legal, financial, and practical issues while still grieving.
Without an estate plan in place, loved ones may face:
• Court involvement
• Delays in accessing accounts or property
• Confusion over who has authority to act
• Unnecessary legal and administrative expenses
• Costly delays that can impact finances for months
• Family disagreements caused by uncertainty and confusion
• Added stress during an already overwhelming time
When there is no clear plan, confusion often leads to conflict.
Questions about money, decisions,
property, and responsibilities can quickly create tension between family members during an already emotional time. Estate planning is not about fear. It is about protecting your family from unnecessary complications, expenses, conflict, and uncertainty when they need clarity the most.
A proper plan helps determine:
• Who can make decisions
• How assets are accessed
• Whether the process stays private or involves the court
• How unnecessary costs can be avoided
• And how smoothly your family can move forward
Planning cannot remove grief. But it can reduce confusion, delays, conflict, and avoidable financial burdens. And in the first 60 days, that can make all the difference. If you would like to better understand how the process works — and how to help your family avoid unnecessary court involvement, conflict, and expenses — join one of our free educational workshops.
MASON YOUNG
COMMUNITY
Ladies share love of reading for more than three decades
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — No one ever wants to miss book club, and that’s especially true for the women in the Page Turners Book Club, 30-year member Laura Gordon said.
“I mean we’ve been doing book club before book clubs were really a thing to do,” Carole Siracusa said.
The Page Turners started out of Lawrenceville in 1994 and grew to nearly 20 members at its peak, but it has since been pared down to the same 11 members for the past two decades. The women have moved across the Southeast, but they all prioritize getting together once a month.
“It’s gotten harder since we’ve split up from Lawrenceville,” Jeanne Stern said. “But in some ways, I feel it’s better, because when we do get together now, it’s more of an adventure.”
The women take turns hosting; sometimes they spend a weekend at Gor don’s home in Roswell. Others they’re at members’ homes on Lake Hartwell.
A group of them toured Cumberland Island after reading about self-taught naturalist Carol Ruckdeschel who lived off the land. After reading “Look Homeward Angel,” they visited author Thomas Wolfe’s home in Asheville. Some members took a field trip to the High Museum for an exhibit of “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” in 2013 when the painting traveled to the United States from the Mauritshuis museum in the Netherlands.
If it’s Gordon’s turn to present that month’s book, there’s usually an activity or props tied to the meeting. As a former teacher, she has a knack for designing headbands simulating animal ears or crafting outfits to emulate characters.
In an overfilled binder, Susan Nock keeps track of books the club has read and each member’s corresponding score. The earliest pages were typed on a typewriter and are reminiscent of a time the Page Turners sent postcards to schedule meetings. Members rank the book before and after a guided discussion, which can make a big difference at times.
“The beauty of it is that you get out of your comfort zone,” Stern said. “I’m reading things that I never would have thought of reading.”
She said it’s pleasantly surprising to see members come around to a book they were reluctant to read. Members often don’t look forward to the classics like “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” or “East of Eden,” but those tend to spark great conversation.
don said. “…I can speak unfiltered about anything and share my thoughts and opinions without judgement.”
Despite different backgrounds and beliefs, they all need the sense of belonging they feel with the Page Turners.
Some women get lost in the details while others enjoy the journey and character development.
“After book club, the whole world opened up,” Stern said. “You became way more open-minded about what you are willing to read and what you’re willing to learn.”
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Carole Siracusa, Jeanne Stern, Susan Nock, Laura Gordon, Patty Sakalik and Lee Ann Gregg, six of the 11 members of the Page Turners Book Club.
COMMUNITY
Classic cars, community fill downtown Cumming
By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com
CUMMING, Ga. — Classic cars lined the streets as automotive enthusiasts gathered for the May 7 Tin Cup CruiseIn Car Show at City Center in downtown Cumming.
The free event, hosted by Tin Cup Grill, took place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and featured dozens of vintage and custom vehicles parked along the main street. Organizers closed the road prior to the event to allow classic car owners to fill the street on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Owners and spectators alike spent the evening sharing stories, admiring restored vehicles, and reconnecting over a shared love of automobiles.
Sammy McDaniel attended the event for the first time, bringing his 1930 Ford Model A.
“I came 1.5 miles, and you never know if you’ll make it this far,” McDaniel joked while standing beside the nearly century-old vehicle.
For many attendees, the attraction went beyond the cars themselves.
Ben Schneider and his date, Kevin Belles, said the vintage vehicles remind them of days gone by.
“We like the older cars because they bring back memories,” Schneider said.
Among the more unique entries was a restored Checker taxi owned by Jeff Ladka. Ladka said the vehicle originally was not a cab when he purchased it years ago from a woman in Atlanta.
“I bought this from a lady in Atlanta many years ago who bought it because her husband could get in and out of it easily when going to doctor appointments,” Ladka said.
About 10 years ago, Ladka converted the vehicle into a taxi replica. He noted Checker produced between 4,000 and 5,000 vehicles annually, with only about 10% built for private use rather than taxi service.
Kenny Kimbrell, who previously worked professionally in the automotive industry, showcased his restored 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe. Kimbrell said he personally completed all the body and suspension work on the vehicle.
Throughout the evening, attendees repeatedly described themselves simply as “car enthusiasts” who enjoy seeing a variety of vehicles and meeting fellow collectors.
The Tin Cup Cruise-In will continue on the first Thursday of every month at City Center, giving residents and visitors regular opportunities to experience classic automobiles and community fellowship in downtown Cumming. ‘=
increased foot traffic to restaurants, shops and businesses throughout the area.
Crowds stroll through the Tin Cup
Car
at City Center in downtown Cumming, taking in a wide variety of classic and custom vehicles on display as enthusiasts and families gather for an evening of cars, conversation, and community.
— Photos by Stanley Leary
Greg Mollica and Joanna Dusseau take in the Tin Cup Cruise-In Car Show at City Center in downtown Cumming, enjoying the wide variety of classic and custom cars on display as crowds gathered for the monthly community event.
Kenny Kimbrell sits in the driver’s seat of his 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe during the Tin Cup Cruise-In Car Show at City Center in downtown Cumming.
The interior of a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is shown during the Tin Cup Cruise-In Car Show at City Center in downtown Cumming.
Cruise-In
Show
A drone view shows classic cars lining the streets during the Tin Cup Cruise-In May 7 at City Center in downtown Cumming. The monthly event draws large crowds of car enthusiasts and families, bringing
Sammy McDaniel stands beside his 1930 Ford Model A during the Tin Cup Cruise-In Car Show May 7 at City Center in downtown Cumming.
OPINION
Honoring Pvt. James Hooper, Revolutionary War soldier
James Hooper (1746-1836) is one of only two Revolutionary War soldiers known to be buried in North Fulton. The other is John T. Maxwell (1763-1840), who was a subject in a column I wrote about the Maxwell family in July 2024. Both men survived the war. Hooper is buried in the United Methodist Cemetery in Sandy Springs. Maxwell is buried in the Maxwell family cemetery in Alpharetta. This column will focus on James Hooper who has an interesting story to tell.
First, why are there so few Revolutionary soldiers buried in North Fulton while there are more than 3,500 soldiers’ graves and records in the state of Georgia according to the book “Georgia Revolutionary Soldiers and Sailors, Patriots and Pioneers” by H. Ross Arnold and Hank Burnham?
North Fulton was settled in two waves due to different Native American land cessions. Both waves took place well after the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). By the time European settlers came to North Fulton, Revolutionary War soldiers were elderly or deceased.
The southern tier of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Shallowford was settled in the early 1820s. The land was Creek (Muscogee) territory and was ceded to the United States under the 1821 Treaty of Indian Springs.
The northern tier of Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton and other communities was part of the Cherokee Nation throughout the Revolutionary War.
James Hooper
James Hooper was born in Lunenburg County Virginia in 1746. His parents were Obediah Hooper Sr. (1720-1803) and Massilva or Massilina Brooks (1723-1800). They had 11 children. Both parents died in Georgia, but details of their burials are unknown. Like many women of that time, Massilva’s name had several variants because they were recorded phonetically in official documents.
The family moved to Georgia from South Carolina in 1789 where Obediah purchased 150 acres in Franklin County. He served as justice of the peace from 1796-1798.
In 1778 at age 32, James joined the Continental Army, our country’s first army and its primary military organization during the Revolutionary War. He served for a year as a private with the 6th Virginia Regiment.
It is not known in how many battles James fought in, but he fought in the March 15, 1781, Battle of Guilford
Courthouse in a small town near today’s Greensboro, N.C. The battle was "the largest and most hotly contested action" in the southern theater, according to the National Park Service which preserves the battlefield as the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.
A 2,100-man British force, under the command of Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis defeated Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene's 4,500 Americans. However, it turned out to be a victory within a defeat for the Americans as the British forces soon after the battle were forced to abandon the South.
The British forces suffered major casualties during the battle – up to 27 percent of their total force according to some estimates, while the Americans also had
significant casualties but far fewer wounded. Having failed to destroy Southern resistance, Cornwallis took his troops to Virginia where he was defeated at Yorktown by Gen. George Washington in the fall of 1781 which led to the formal surrender of Cornwallis on Oct. 19, 1781, and the end of the Revolutionary War.
In 1781, James married Elizabeth Chambers (1746-1839) in Lunenburg. They raised six children. James and his family may have moved to Georgia around 1800 after his parents migrated to Georgia. The family eventually settled in today’s Sandy Springs area.
When James died in 1836, he was buried in land that was used as a community gathering point and burial site because
of its location near the “Sandy Spring.” Sometime between 1849 and 1851, Wilson Spruill, an early Sandy Springs settler, donated 5 acres for the construction of a log cabin church and school which served until after the Civil War when a frame structure was built.
Today, James is buried in the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery.
On April 18 this year, the Sandy Springs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR, held a Grave Marking Ceremony in honor of James Hooper before a large and appreciative audience at the soldier’s gravesite. Celia Méndez, Regent of the Sandy Springs Chapter of the DAR, gave a history of James Hooper and together with Mary Wolff, Vice Regent of the Sandy Springs Chapter dedicated a plaque to Private Hooper. Other DAR Chapter representatives were Lisa Cappetto, Sandy Springs Vice Regent; Joseph Habersham Chapter, Regent Luann Miller; Roswell King Chapter, Regent Lauren Hays; Kennesaw Mountain Chapter, Regent Betsy Wampler; Fielding Lewis Chapter, Vice Regent Andrea Riddle; Mount Vernon SAR Chapter President Tom Hewett and Captain John Collins SAR Chapter President Jim Poole.
Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission,
tor 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.
direc-
PHOTOS BY: BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA
Members of the Sandy Springs Chapter NSDAR stand at the ceremony honoring Revolutionary War soldier James Hooper. Front row, from left: Regent Cynthia Waskowsky, Regent Luann Miller, Regent Lauren Hays, State Corresponding Secretary Scarlett Gibson, Regent Celia Mendez, Northwest District Director Jennifer Anderson, Honorary Regent Pat Bradford and Vice Regent Andrea Riddle. Back row, from left: Mt. Vernon SAR Color Guard: Shep Hammock, Bill Floyd, Larry Guzy, President Tom Hewett and David Wellons
DAR Plaque honoring Private James Hooper
BOB MEYERS Columnist
PAST TENSE
Perimeter banking began in cow pasture
Ethel Spruill wrote about the first financial institution to come to the Perimeter Center area in “The Story of Dunwoody,” the book she coauthored with Elizabeth Davis.
Tucker Federal Savings and Loan was located at the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and 2 Perimeter Center East. Spruill said the building was “sparkling white” and “stood like an oasis in a cow pasture when it opened for business June 4, 1970.”
It was on a tiny piece of the property along Ashford Dunwoody Road once owned by her husband, Stephen Spruill.
Tucker Federal’s decision to build was based on the growing population in the area and the planned Perimeter Mall, which opened Aug. 11, 1971. Trust Company Bank, Citizens and Southern Bank, First National Bank and National Bank of Georgia soon followed Tucker Federal’s lead,
Memorial:
Continued from Page 1
Dornheggen, who earned a Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone, completed her active-duty service and ended up working 43 years in nursing. She’s since actively shared stories from her time as an Army nurse, including as part of a project with the Atlanta History Museum and the first chapter of the book, “Women in War,” which chronicles the stories of women who served in combat.
The May 25 event will feature a live rendition of the National Anthem, the playing of bagpipes, remarks from Mayor Peyton Jamison and key figures in the local veterans community. A Vietnam War-era helicopter will be on site for viewing.
The ceremony is open to everyone. To help with planning, please email rsvp@ miltonga.gov by May 18 with the names and number of people in your group who plan to attend.
— Hannah Yahne
building branches at Perimeter Center.
Tucker Federal Savings and Loan began operations in downtown Tucker in 1957. In 1961 they moved into a new brick building on Main Street in Tucker. Their first branch office was at 4855 Briarcliff Road, opening in 1966, across the road from the future Northlake Mall. (Atlanta Journal ads, 1961 and 1966)
The savings and loan also made an impact on Doraville when they opened their location at the intersection of Buford Highway and Park Avenue on Jan. 2, 1969. The unusual round architecture was described as “…a unique 2,200 square foot structure with a street level lobby cantilevering over a lower terrace level. The exterior is pre-cast panels of concrete with a sparkling white stone finish.” (Atlanta Journal ad, Dec. 30, 1968)
Atlanta architects Cunningham and Forehand designed the Buford Highway and Briarcliff Road offices of Tucker Federal Savings and Loan.
Anyone that opened an account with $200 or more at the grand opening of the Doraville Tucker Federal Savings and Loan received
The 1970 Tucker Federal Savings and Loan at the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and 2 Perimeter Center East.
an electric serving tray as a gift.
The Dunwoody branch offered new account holders a choice of an electric serving tray, red and white checked picnic tablecloth or barbecue tools. Both offices also held drawings for door prizes. Prizes offered ranged from a minibike to a 12-inch RCA television.
The grand opening advertisement
for the Dunwoody office described the building:
“The beautiful semi-contemporary building has 2,500 square feet with indoor and outdoor exposure to open courts. The lobby is enhanced with subdued lighting from a raised ceiling.”
The 1960s and 1970s were a time for interesting bank architecture. Trust Company Bank built their circular branch office, designed by Henry Jova, along Monroe Drive and adjacent to I-85 in the 1960s.
The former Tucker Federal buildings at Perimeter Center and Doraville have had different owners and names over the years. Today, the office at Perimeter Center is Georgia’s Own Credit Union. The Doraville branch on Buford Highway is PNC Bank. The Briarcliff Road office stands empty.
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.
An attendee of last year’s
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
PHOTO FROM “THE STORY OF DUNWOODY,” BY ETHEL W. SPRUILL AND ELIZABETH L. DAVIS
CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED
Memorial Day ceremony in Milton walks past flags on display at the city’s annual event. This year’s Memorial Day remembrance will be Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at the Green at Crabapple Market.
OPINION
Housing market hits pause amid economic uncertainty
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com
Inflation, mortgage rates, and gasoline prices have all surged to threeyear highs, placing significant pressure on the U.S. housing market and causing real estate activity to slow sharply in recent weeks. Mortgage applications have cooled dramatically, consumer confidence has weakened, and for many Americans the dream of homeownership once again feels like a subscription service nobody can afford.
At first glance, the outlook appears bleak. But beneath the headlines, there are signs this may be less a collapse and more a temporary economic detour driven largely by geopolitical instability.
Before the escalation of the Persian Gulf conflict on March 10, the housing
Hardware:
Continued from Page 6
In April, Lovett, ranked No. 5 in the state by MaxPreps and No. 6 by LaxNumbers, bested Cambridge 6-5. It was revenge for the Bears souring their season in overtime last year in the quarterfinals.
In the end, Cambridge came out on top at the state championship. The Bears are ranked No. 7 by MaxPreps and No. 9 by LaxNumbers after making the program’s first title game appearance.
No amount of outside noise or past losses could keep Cambridge from coming out against Lovett with surgical execution from the moment the clock started. No penalties were called for the entire game.
Bears head coach Aaron Darling said before the season started that his team had set their minds to improving upon last season’s Final Four finish. It was a championship or bust.
He said having to “grind out wins” took his team the distance this year.
“I always tell them, ‘If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best,’” Darling said. “All these games lead into where we got to. They’re used to competing and fighting to give ourselves a chance, so we’ve seen it all.”
He highlighted the team’s defensive performance, especially the toughness of goalie Ayan Moghe who had 11 saves. The all-region senior goalie nearly had to leave the game after a crease violation where he took a hit by an opposing player but stayed in to finish his final game as a Bear.
“Our defense kind of carried us throughout the whole season,” Darling
market was showing meaningful signs of renewed strength. Mortgage rates had briefly moved below the psychologically important 6 percent threshold, mortgage applications during February and early March were outperforming normal seasonal trends, and home sales activity was steadily improving during what is traditionally a slower period of the year. At the same time, gasoline prices were hovering near $2.50 per gallon, and inflation readings had stabilized below 3 percent. In short, consumers were beginning to regain confidence and the housing market responded accordingly.
Then came the geopolitical shock.
Since March, rising energy prices and renewed inflation concerns have driven bond yields and mortgage rates sharply higher. Consumers are now confronting borrowing costs, fuel prices and economic uncertainty not seen in several years. Add in the normal sea -
sonal distractions of spring break travel, graduations and wedding season; periods that historically slow housing activity even in healthy markets and the recent decline in real estate sales becomes far less surprising.
Wall Street, meanwhile, continues to react to every overseas headline like a guy trying to day-trade espresso shots. One week investors are pricing in recession, the next week they are convinced inflation is immortal. The result has been heightened volatility across both the bond and mortgage markets.
The encouraging reality, however, is that underlying housing demand did not disappear. We saw clear evidence of pent-up demand earlier this year when rates briefly fell below 6 percent. Buyers returned quickly, applications improved, and sales activity strengthened almost immediately. That demand is likely still there; simply waiting for
The Roswell boys lacrosse team makes state history for the second year in a row at West Forsyth High School May 14. The Hornets defeated rival Milton 17-14 after being down 10-6 at the half.
said. “From the beginning of the season, our kids had a mission.”
Moghe and the Bears defense held the Lions to one goal in the first half and one goal in the fourth quarter.
Senior attacker Cooper Hamilton also went out with a bang, putting up five goals in the championship. Junior midfielder Michael Joines was the second leading scorer with a hat trick.
Division II game
The Division II game was a rematch of a regular-season game in which Roswell beat Milton 17-2.
The Eagles’ mindset shifted after several Milton players returned from being injured.
No matter what sport, these two teams always play their best against one another, which stems from a 1950s rivalry.
Roswell, who has been the consensus No. 1 team in Georgia since they beat Lam-
economic stability to re-emerge.
Should geopolitical tensions ease and energy markets stabilize, inflation pressures could moderate relatively quickly, allowing mortgage rates to retreat toward pre-March levels. If that occurs, the housing market may rebound faster than many currently expect.
For now, the real estate sector appears less like a market in collapse and more like a market stuck in traffic; frustrated, expensive, and wondering why the warning lights came on all at once.
DC Aiken is Senior Vice President of Lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC or its affiliates.
Seven of Roswell’s nine all-state first teamers played the last game of their high school careers and came into the second half with a fire. Faceoff specialist Jack Dowdy led the charge going 75 percent at the dot in the third period after dipping below 50 percent in the first half.
Dowdy and the other seniors closed their Hornet careers with an 81-9 record over four years. In the quarterfinals Dowdy set a state record with 347 — now 383 — faceoff wins in a single season. He also eclipsed 800 on his career in the title game.
bert March 14, is nationally ranked by Lax Numbers at No. 49 and No. 5 in the South region. The Hornets got out to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter.
From there, Milton scored six straight goals. The Eagles were spearheaded by sophomore Cooper Schindler who posted eight goals in his first championship appearance.
Roswell junior Linkin Miller then connected on a behind-the-back shot to halt the Eagles’ run and posted the Hornets’ next two goals. He tallied five goals throughout the night. Fellow junior all-state first team midfielder Blake O’Neal notched five assists.
After Miller’s three-goal spree, Milton went on another three-goal run to close the first half up 10-6.
After already making history last season as the first Georgia boys team to win three straight championships, Roswell’s senior class is the first to go four-for-four.
“It’s always a good feeling to be the one to get the wheels rolling for the team,” he said. “For us seniors, that was our last ever game, so it meant a lot to us. We weren’t going to let all the hard work we put in all season, all the Saturday practices, not pay off.”
With Dowdy as a spark plug, the Hornets lit aflame for six goals in the third quarter. Senior attacker Jackson Hardwick finished his Hornet career strong with six goals, including three straight to give Roswell its first lead since the first period.
Fellow senior attacker Kaden Parla posted five points in his ultimate game as a Hornet, three goals and two assists.
Head coach Bryan Wallace said his team took Milton’s “best shot” on the chin. Even though the Hornets allowed their highest number of goals yet this season, Wallace said he felt his team stayed composed.
“We always tell the kids ‘Ride the highs and get over the lows,’” he said. “[The 2023 and 2024 titles] were running clock championships. The last two have definitely been earned across the board. This group, we took everybody’s best shot for years.”
ROSWELL ATHLETICS/PROVIDED
Lester:
Continued from Page 4
After marrying in 2001, Tim and Natalie moved to Alpharetta in 2007 when Hurricane Katrina damaged their property and caused insurance issues trying to get their fence fixed.
Tim, who originated the idea to relocate, traveled to Georgia alone, found an in-progress house, and wrote a check for a down payment.
Natalie, who was pregnant with T.J. and didn’t lay eyes on the house until closing, says the process worked out exactly as God intended. Being able to raise her kids in a more “innocent” environment than south Florida was also one that could provide the depth of support they would later need when he passed away.
“Everything he did, he did it based on his intuition and prayer,” Natalie said. “And at that time, I was just a little bit different, because I’ve now gotten to the point where now I move based on what God puts on my heart.”
Once they got to this area, Tim became involved with youth football. He formed and coached a team called the Milton Steelers, where he hoped to create a free league for kids to play.
The organization he founded came to be known as New Found Life Youth Football League. But as much as the Lester family has poured into the community, Milton has supported them just as much, Natalie said.
“I don’t even have the words to explain what a blessing Milton, the community [has been,]” she said. “That journey, that school, those people, the community, they have no idea how we’ve been blessed by them. It’s just overwhelming.”
Milton football
Eagles head coach Ben Reaves, who joined the program as offensive coordinator in 2017, said it didn’t take long for him to realize what Tim means to Milton.
He also got acquainted with the Lester boys from the private training he used to give to young kids, because Tristan at the time was a quarterback and trained with his future head coach.
Reaves said that when the boys transferred, he was aware of Tim’s wish. It was of the utmost importance to him to maintain program continuity as a second-year head coach.
“It was an honor, and something that I didn’t take lightly whenever I heard that,” he said. “Their two sons and the entire family, because Natalie gave so much of her time as well. You talk about leaving a place better than you found it, and they did that.”
How they showed up on the field couldn’t be ignored, but Reaves said they made an even bigger impact in the locker room, serving the community, “elevating the culture” and “never letting anyone outwork them.”
“They had every reason to make
excuses, or tank, or quit and say, ‘forget this,” Reaves said. “They didn’t just lose one person, they lost two. Their dad and their coach.”
Milton’s former Athletic Director Gary Sylvestri helped the Lesters with their hardship forms required to enroll at Milton even though they never moved and always lived in the Milton district.
“To me, it was so important to do it the right way,” Gary said. “A, to be compliant, because you want to do that, but also B, because I knew this was one of Tim’s wishes, and I don’t want to mess this thing up.”
The Lester and Sylvestri families are forever bonded. Gary’s wife Alisha is the Eagles’ director of football operations, and their son Vinny is the running backs coach and special teams coordinator.
Vinny worked closely with T.J. as he set numerous school records his senior year after picking up 40 yards shy of 2,000 allpurpose yards. His 27 rushing touchdowns now holds the single-season record, along with his 29 total touchdowns.
Vinny was responsible for both Lester brothers reaching the end zone. Tristan, who hasn’t played offense since freshman year at Fellowship Christian, brought it in for six in his senior year, against Alpharetta off a blocked punt.
As the acting athletic director, Gary was intimately involved with the process for Tristan and T.J. to transfer to Milton. But his connection to their family goes back further.
Once the Lesters moved to Georgia, Gary realized he had crossed paths with Tim as a fellow South Florida native. Operating two youth football programs that sometimes fell at odds with one another, Gary said the programs came to an understanding.
“If he came up to ask for something, I made it happen because I just believed in what Tim was doing,” Gary said. “I believed in his vision and I knew his pure heart. He was doing it to serve God, to serve the community and to serve underprivileged kids.”
‘Dad is dancing in heaven’
T.J. wore number 21 on the field and Tristan number 12, representing the year and date their father passed away. They both have chains adorning the number 34, the number Tim wore for the Steelers.
Although T.J. graduated last year, he still was able to attend several games for his brother’s senior season. He also helped mentor the Eagles’ new running backs.
T.J. originally signed to his father’s alma mater, Eastern Kentucky University. Halfway through his senior season, he flipped to follow what God put on his heart and committed to the University of West Georgia.
It became a full-circle moment Sept. 20 when EKU played UWG. Even more so when T.J. recorded his first 100-yard game in college against the team his father played for. He went on to rack up 436 yards and six touchdowns on the season.
At the end of the Wolves’ season, T.J.
entered the transfer portal to “take a leap of faith” and “trust the path God has laid out” for him, he said on Instagram.
This past season while playing on a different team than his brother for the first time in several years, Tristan was named a team captain and was described by coach Reaves as “the quarterback of the defense.”
Milton went 8-4 overall this year, facing a tough strength of schedule and falling in the second round of the playoffs.
Injury plagued the Eagles, and they turned to another aspect they could exert control over to take back the reins of their season.
Tristan and two of his teammates, Ayden Williams and Champ Hatfield, banded together at the beginning of this season. They recognized the adversity ahead and knew exactly what would bond the team — their faith.
The trio started a Bible study that ran all season and has now been picked up by a rising senior to continue this summer and into next year. Grant Haviland, a Vanderbilt commit and ESPN’s No. 1 tight end in the class of 2027, will continue the tradition and lead Bible study going forward.
Tristan said he and Haviland have become close friends. In fact, Haviland asked Tristan to baptize him last year.
Haviland said he has Tristan to thank for how far his faith journey has taken him.
“He was just a guy I could always be completely open with throughout my faith journey,” Haviland said. “It meant a lot [to have Tristan there for the baptism] because I don’t think I would have been in that situation without him being a person that I could really open up to.”
Tristan said being asked to baptize Grant meant so much. He picked up where his dad left off, sharing the Gospel with friends.
Teammates once again
In the coming football season, the brothers will play for the same team once again. Though Tristan will walk in the May 19 graduation, he completed all his high school requirements at the semester and graduated early to attend Marshall in the spring semester.
Tristan said although the speed of the game is a big adjustment from high school, the transition to college has gone well.
“At Milton, I was playing against the best of the best,” he said. “Even in practice, I was guarding C.J. Wiley, Ethan Barbour, those kids at Georgia, and going against them, that’s already top-tier competition.”
He said he came to value that aspect of the Milton program, thanks to his dad.
“My dad always told me, ‘If you want to play the best of the best, you have to play in the biggest classification,”’ Tristan said. “The level of competition at Milton is great because it’s like, iron sharpens iron, every single day.”
T.J. said the transitions have been smooth for him, and he attributes his success today to the hard work he put in at
Milton and the coaching he received there.
“It’s meant a lot to be a part of the program, it’s really set me up for where I am today,” he said. “It’s really like a family, everyone’s there if you’re at your highest, or your lowest. When I had injuries, my teammates and coaches would always check in on me.”
T.J. said he has his sights set on a Sun Belt championship.
“My individual goal is to never miss a moment, never take a moment for granted,” he said. “Anything can be gone like that, especially with injuries in football, because it’s such a physical sport.”
Tristan’s goals for the season reach as far as a bowl game appearance.
“Individual goals for me, I just want to find a role and make an impact on the team,” Tristan said. “Just continue so when my opportunity comes, I make the most of it. Just continue trusting God, because I know God has a plan for me.”
Natalie said her sons teaming up again is especially miraculous because T.J.’s decision had little to do with his brother’s presence at Marshall.
T.J. said between the three schools he was considering, Marshall felt the most familiar, and he would have chosen that school even if his brother wasn’t there.
“I couldn’t pass it up,” he said.
“Family is everything”
Tristan described his mom as “selfless.”
“She hasn’t folded once,” he said. “She’s always been there for me and T.J., supporting us through thick and thin.”
T.J. agreed. He recounted a less-thanideal nutrition experience at his first college, saying that every week his mom would drive four hours round-trip after cooking him seven meal preps.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without that,” T.J. said.
He said he still feels his dad’s presence every day, especially when he does tackle breaker drills.
“Whenever I put on a jersey or do something football-related, he’s always in the back of my mind,” T.J. said. “He used to wake us up at 5 a.m., run hills… that prepared me for high school and college. I’m grateful for it.”
He said in short yardage situations, he can hear his dad’s voice telling him to push through.
Tristan also said he can still hear his dad’s voice in his toughest moments. He described his dad as his “why.”
“I see him through my sports and also the ministry aspect,” he said. “It just comes down to, you have to do it. There’s no halfway doing stuff, you have to fully do it 100%.”
Come what may this season, the Lesters are anchored by the faith that Tim planted. Natalie often tells her sons, “I’m proud of you,” in a roundabout way.
“Dad is dancing in heaven,” reads several captions of Natalie’s Instagram. He will do the polka this year watching his sons reunite once again.
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 5, 4 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
SOME OLD FOLKS
1. Spiral sea shell. Bird of prey. Scoundrel of old.
2. Brunch choice. Lord’s worker, of yore. Canyon effect.
3. Round Table figure. Mountain pool. Aleutian island.
4. Sunscreen ingredient. Middle Ages goofball. Cut of beef.
5. Antiquated title for woman of distinction. Souped-up car. Hurry.
6. Trick taking card game. Fencing sword. Feudal lord.
7. Lomé’s home. Long standing Hindu mystic. Like Krypton.
1 Spiral sea shell. Bird of prey. Scoundrel of old.
2. Brunch choice. Lord’s worker, of yore. Canyon effect
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. Round Table figure. Mountain pool. Aleutian island
4. Sunscreen ingredient. Middle Ages goofball. Cut of beef.
5. Antiquated title for a woman of distinction Souped-up car. Hurry.
6. Trick taking card game. Fencing sword. Feudal lord
7. Lomé’s home Long standing Hindu mystic. Like krypton.
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.
Lacrosse:
Continued from Page 1
The first quarter was back-andforth, with two ties before Cambridge took a 5-3 lead to end the first period. The Bears continued their streak into the second quarter, headlined by three straight from sophomore Linden Donner assisted by senior Gabi Johnson, until the Titans cut off Cambridge’s 9-2 run near the end of the half.
Morgan Daley kicked off a three-goal Titan spree going into the break, cutting the deficit to two goals.
BT head coach Gordon Dudley said he told the team at halftime that the game was within their reach.
“The big message at halftime was, ‘now’s not the time to stop,’” he said.
Dudley said he gives his team a Bible verse before each game, and for the championship it was about having faith the size of a mustard seed.
The seed sprouted and grew in the second half. In the middle two quarters, Blessed Trinity answered Cambridge’s scoring streak with a nine-goal run of their own.
With a three-goal lead going into the final period, the Titans played an elaborate game of tag to keep the ball away from the Bears. Cambridge found the back of the net just once in the final frame, cutting the lead to two goals.
Dudley sang the praises of the seniors.
“This group of seniors took it upon themselves to really just never give up,” he said. “[Goalie] Adalyn [Kramer] had the performance of her career. The last two years, the motto has been that we play better together as a team, and I think tonight showed that."
Hannah Daley reflected on her Titan career alongside her close friend and flag football teammate Maggie Sullivan. Sullivan posted a hat trick in her final game in green and gold.
“For three years, we’ve been talking about coming back and winning,” Hannah said. “We knew it wasn’t gonna be easy, we knew we were gonna be in
a deficit at one point, but everything we’ve done since February has been for this game. We knew then that we would make it back here, and we weren’t gonna let them embarrass us again.”
Hannah will play for the Naval Academy next season, but she said she couldn’t move forward without one final win as a Titan.
“We showed them that we are the number one team, and we will stay that way,” she said.
After winning the flag football championship earlier this year — and also as freshmen — Sullivan said she was happy to “bookend” four rings in high school.
“That’s what happens when you never give up,” she said. “Nothing means more to me. I sent Hannah a text before the game, I said, ‘I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.”
In the Division II game, Milton dominated Lassiter 12-8 for the program’s 19th championship. The last time these teams faced off was last year in the regular season when the Eagles won 18-8.
Head coach Tim Godby said the as-
tounding number of championships Milton has won since 2005 — never missing a championship game — may start to set in next year if he reaches 20 titles.
“We’re still working hard every year, still grinding and putting in the time as a coaching staff and as a team, getting the girls prepared,” he said. “They say defense wins championships, and our defense was lights out.”
The Eagles got out to a slower start than normal, putting up just one goal in the first quarter. Milton struggled to gain possession at times due to Lassiter senior Sophie Hortman’s dominance at the draw.
It was a matchup between two of the top three draw specialists in the state. Milton junior Lillian Katula held her own and pulled down several draw controls in an uphill battle.
Once the Eagles’ shots started to find the back of the net, and especially once the second half started, the game was decided. Even with three of their eight goals coming in the fourth quarter, Lassiter couldn’t close the gap against the perennial powerhouse.
The Trojans never cut the deficit to less than two, with the Eagles’ smallest lead coming in the second quarter 4-2. Milton found ways to turn up their defense and kept the game from becoming a nail-biter.
Senior Kylie Waters led the team
DEATH
with a hat trick and one assist. She was emotional reflecting on her time with a program.
She also said despite the game getting a little closer than they were comfortable with at times, she was happy with how things played out and to close her career with a group she has played with since childhood.
“It’s not really that fun when we play teams that aren’t on our competition level,” Waters said. “We like these better [more competitive] games because they’re more fun. I’m glad we went out with a bang.”
Waters will join another Eagle alum next season as part of Clemson’s women’s lacrosse team. Ella Pauley graduated from Milton last year, and there is a third metro player on the team who was previously the all-time leader in goals scored before tearing her ACL last season.
Kayla MacLeod is a Roswell graduate with 99 goals for the Tigers, and her younger sister Claire is a junior on the Hornets with plans to play for Ohio State alongside two Eagles, Jessie DeGroodt and Alyssa Brackley.
Waters’ fellow senior Anna Kate Taglienti went all-out as well for her final game as an Eagle, posting two goals. Two other Milton players, juniors Lillian Katula and Caroline Marshall, also posted two goals.
Luis Velasco, age 54, of Roswell, GA passed away on May 4, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Jose Velasquez Garcia, age 72, of Roswell, GA passed away on May 8, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
The Blessed Trinity Titans celebrate winning the Division I GHSA championship at West Forsyth High School May 13. They defeated familiar foe Cambridge 14-12.
Soccer:
Continued from Page 8
“The National Training Center is the product of a shared vision and deep partnership,” Batson said. “Because of the commitment and hard work of so many, we’ve delivered a world-class facility on time and on budget, ensuring U.S. Soccer is in our new home ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
U.S. Soccer officials, including Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes, emphasized the importance of feeling at home at the new facility. Currently, teams practice at other professional stadiums across the country.
Hayes is excited for the Women’s National Team to train at the facility. She was involved in the design process to lean into a female lens, with nursing rooms and sleep pods, while also giving the programs room to grow at the center.
“My dream would be to have a female leadership academy here, even within our coach education and across U.S. Soccer, we are working hard to deliver the vision of positioning the female lens at the heart of everything we do, especially at WNT,” Hayes said.
She looks forward to being in a calm, peaceful training environment. The Women’s National Team won’t practice in Georgia ahead of its games in Brazil in June, but the coaching staff is reviewing the schedule to find time for the team to be at the new center over the next 14 months.
“We can put ourselves in our own space, but also come into the main building with staff and players, if we
Request for Proposals
choose to,” Hayes said.
The National Training Center aims to bring the U.S. Way to life – creating a player-first environment built for performance, accessibility and long-term development that will allow for shared standards and best practices. The center will also provide coaches, players and support staff with access to advanced sports science and performance data.
“Today marks a defining moment, not just for soccer, but for our entire community,” Arthur Blank said. “To see this vision come to life is incredibly powerful. This has been a true team effort, driven by shared belief, partnership and a commitment to growing the beautiful game across our state and throughout the country.”
Beyond the impact on the National Teams, the facility will serve as a powerful catalyst for growth for the entire soccer community in the United States. Atlanta is also slated to gain a professional women’s soccer team in 2028.
“Hopefully, with us being here and having a permanent residency, we too can contribute to this already traditional soccer community,” Hayes said.
Local soccer clubs and teams are excited about U.S. Soccer’s presence in Georgia and hope it will inspire their players.
“Having one of the most important soccer organizations in the country invest directly into our city validates the growth of the game here and reinforces that Atlanta is becoming a true soccer hub in the United States,” said John Downey, chief soccer officer at Inter Atlanta FC. “For our players, it makes the pathway feel more real.”
He added that young players are
Fire Station Generators - Annual Maintenance & Repair Services
RFP NUMBER 26-FD01
Proposal Due Date: June 10, 2026, by 2:00PM Local Time
Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps
Names for submissions received will be publicly announced via a virtual bid opening at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. If the contract(s) is awarded, it will be awarded to the highest scoring Offeror(s) whose proposal meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the request for proposals.
The City of Milton is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to establish a pool of contractors to provide inspection, preventative maintenance, testing, and repair services for natural gas emergency standby generators at Milton's Fire Stations. This contract is primarily intended to support Milton Fire-Rescue operations; however, other City departments may utilize the contract at their discretion if needed.
All qualified proposals will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin. The request for electronic proposals for RFP 26-FD01, Fire Station Generators - Annual Maintenance and Repair Services will be posted on the following websites the week of May 21, 2026: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps and https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/
influenced by what they can see and experience, so having a world-class facility nearby gives them something to aspire to.
“It creates a stronger connection between grassroots soccer and the highest levels of the game,” Downey said. “The opportunity to see opportunities physically present in Atlanta can have a huge impact on motivation.”
Increased visibility, events and national attention will bring more opportunities to the soccer community in metro Atlanta.
“We believe the long-term effect will be increased participation, stronger player development standards, and even more collaboration across the soccer community as the sport continues to grow at every level,” Downey said.
Neil McNab, executive director of Rush Union Soccer in Dunwoody and Milton, said the facility may not have an impact in the short term, but it is a tremendous step forward in the long term. The facility showcases the growth of soccer in Georgia over the years.
“Having this facility in Georgia will give our community direct access to the best and brightest minds and athletes in the sport,” McNab said. “This can have a lasting impact on how the sport is developed in Georgia that will ultimately impact the quality of the youth experience in our communities.”
He added that the training facility will bring coaching, referee and player development at all levels.
“This will give our players the best people to look up to in all areas of the sport,” McNab said. “Being the home state for U.S. Soccer will have a tremendous impact on the game in all parts of the state and metro Atlanta. We will be the first to trial new initiatives, to take advantage of the expansive network of U.S. Soccer, and have direct access to
the resources available.”
Decatur FC, a semi-pro women’s soccer team in Decatur, Georgia, is also happy about the facility and U.S. Soccer moving to Georgia.
“Between Atlanta’s new NWSL team, so many great WPSL teams in the city, and the state’s exceptional youth programming, Atlanta is quickly becoming an epicenter of women’s soccer and very close to having a complete player pathway for young women,” Decatur FC General Manager Joel Gould said.
The Fayette County Youth Soccer League (FCYSL) was involved with the U.S. Soccer facility from the beginning. U.S. Soccer used some of its fields for youth team camps while the training center was under construction. The organization also made improvements to some of Fayette County’s soccer fields and facilities.
“The biggest impact will not so much be in the facility itself, but in the staff who are coming to work there,” FCYSL Board President Bryan McDermott said. “We have already gotten an influx of U.S. Soccer staff members and their kids who are playing and coaching in our leagues.”
The U.S. Soccer facility also offers FCYSL new opportunities, such as scrimmages against youth national teams.
“That will most likely continue,” McDermott said. “Another opportunity came up recently in which adults and kids of certain ages were being asked to help out with referee education videos, which will be filmed at the NTC. Those kinds of opportunities will probably continue.”
He added that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will do more to grow soccer in the state, but U.S. Soccer will help Georgia be at the forefront of innovations in playing, coaching and refereeing
CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Date: Tuesday June 9, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Location: Milton City Hall – Council Chambers 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004
678-242-2528
On the date and time, and at the location stated above, the Design Review Board shall conduct a public hearing to consider the following applications for Certificate of Appropriateness.
1. Demolition Permit Review: A. Address: 15750 Freemanville Road Applicant: Scott D. Reece
** This meeting will replace the regularly scheduled meeting date of June 2, 2026**
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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.
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Sawnee EMC is seeking a Coordinator, General Accounting to oversee and supervise the Bookkeeping and General Accounting staff. This position will verify, allocate, and post details of business transactions, authorize, and execute cash/wire transfers for payments; assist in creating reports, analyzing ledger accounts, and maintaining subsidiary records. Requires: a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, and a minimum of seven (7) years related experience and/or training in an accounting/ bookkeeping to include a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a supervisor or manager in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 22, 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.
Operations Specialist (Alpharetta, GA) sought by Milton NY Pizza Inc. Will oversee daily operational activities to ensure efficiency & service quality; manage inventory & supply chain processes to maintain optimal stock levels & coord w/ suppliers for timely, cost-effective procurement; supv personnel by handling scheduling, performance oversight, & team coord’n to foster a productive work environment; implmt & refine operational procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, & improve customer satisfaction; & analyze business performance data to identify trends, streamline operations, & support strategic decision-making. 24 Months of exp in the job or in a managerial role overseeing business operations is reqd. Send resume to Gokhan Karakollukcu, President, 980 Birmingham Rd, Ste 200, Alpharetta, GA 30004.
Logistics Assistant Manager needed in Duluth, GA: Send resume to HL Logistics America Corporation, 4200 Northpark Dr., Oplelika, AL 36801.
Midway Preschool is looking for an experienced Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org.
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III –Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, computer, communication, and general office skills. Requires one (1) year experience in a customer service call center or service-type organization, utility, finance, banking, or equivalent industry. Bilingual is preferred, fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5PM, May 29, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363, extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
Sr. Manager – Project Mgmt. Job location: Alpharetta, GA. Duties: Resp. for mngng implement. of end-to-end dlvry in SAP S/4 HANA finance modules implmntg BRIM, O2C & SAP success factors. Manage full lifecycle SAP S/4 HANA implement. & transform. projs using Agile & Hybrid methodologies. Monitor risk mgmt.. & fin perfrmnc using BRIM & Order to Cash (O2C) processes. Supervise & mentor proj. mgrs., consultants & dlvry teams. Participate in presales activities incl. proposal dvlp. & client presentations. Reqs: Bach.’s deg (or frgn equiv.) in Comp. Sci., Eng. or rltd field & 5 yrs. exp. in job offered or 5 yrs. exp. as a Consultant or Proj Mgr. Concurrent exp. must incl.: 5 yrs. exp. mngng implement. in SAP S/4 HANA finance modules; & 5 yrs. exp. w/ BRIM & Order to Cash (O2C) processes. Send resume (no calls) to: Nikia London, Acuiti Labs, Inc., 8000 Avalon Blvd., Ste. 100, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
SCM Group North America, Inc. - Sales Area Manager (Duluth, GA): Prospect new business development and maintain existing accounts; Support dealer relationships and distributor sales efforts and training distributors on SCM’s products. Role requires up to 75% domestic travel and 10% international travel. Position permits remote work up to 5 days per week throughout the U.S. Mail resume to: SCM Group North America, Inc., Attn: Amanda McKisson - 2475 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30096. Reference job # RM12136.
SOFTWARE ENGINEERS: Cumming, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S.: Dsgn & impl highly sclbl dstrbtd sw & rbst data sys that process lrg vlms of strctrd & unstrctrd data. Archt end-to-end prcsng wrkflws inclu ingstn, trnsfrmtn, vldtn, strg & srvng layers & dvlp backend srvcs & APIs. Mdl cmplx datasets u/advncd SQL & data engg tchnqs & apply sttstcl & ML mthds. Bld data-drvn feats lvrgng applied AI. Invstgt rlblty issues thru rca & impl long-term solns to trnslt ambgs rqmts into sclbl, mntnbl tech dsgns suprt biz-crtcl pltfrms. Master’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any) is req’d. Mail CV: HR, Jobly Solutions, LLC., itservices@joblysolutions.com.
Mortgage Loan Officers sought by Crosscountry Mortgage, LLC for a pos based in Alpharetta, GA. Must have four yrs as a mortgage loan officer, assistant mortgage loan officer, or rltd; or bachelor’s deg in biz mgmt, finance (or rltd). Duties incl: Assist ind & families w/ meeting the reqs for mortgage loan approval by obtaining info such as income & asset docs; Prep & submit loans for underwriting & processing. Must have exp w/ Encompass, Desktop Underwriting & Loan Prod Advisor. Must have valid state of Georgia Annual Mortgage Loan Originator License. Send resumes to: jason.redman@ccm.com.
Senior Quality Assurance needed by AT&T Services, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to be responsible for the performance of all functions involved in quality assurance and test execution for new and existing applications and interfaces. 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-108280.
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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