Spring Fling gala acts to preserve Milton heritage
By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Historical Society brought together history, conservation and community on April 24 during its annual Spring Fling, held at The Wildflower Barn in Milton.
The event blended live music, local storytelling and preservation efforts into a relaxed gathering that highlighted the people working to protect Milton’s heritage. It serves as both a fundraiser and a community gathering offering residents an opportunity to connect with the people and stories that have shaped Milton as it continues to grow.
By bringing together conservationists, historians, musicians and community leaders, the evening reflected a shared commitment to preserving Milton’s character while looking toward its future.
Among them was Chip Reed, who hosted a table to share the conservation work he and his wife, Roberta Reed, began in 1994. Through the land trust they helped establish, the couple has worked with landowners to protect more than 1,300 properties totaling more than 500,000 acres across Georgia. Their approach allows families to preserve land through conservation easements while maintaining ownership, helping balance growth with long-term environmental stewardship.
See SPRING, Page 27
GDOT posts survey for Milton on detours, bridge replacements
MILTON, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Transportation is seeking residents’ input through May 15 on the detours and two bridge replacements over Little River planned to begin in 2036.
Residents can provide feedback on the Georgia Department of Transportation’s website.
The two bridges that connect Milton with Cherokee County could be closed at the same time for around 18 months. Detours will use Antioch Road, New Bullpen Road, Birmingham Highway and Hickory Flat Road to divert drivers around construction.
GDOT oversees inspections of
bridges across the state, determining which ones need maximum load limitations, repairs or replacements. It controls every aspect of subsequent projects, including construction and detours.
See GDOT, Page 26
STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Byron Foster, Laura Foster, Diane Harrell and Paul Harrell view exhibits on historic Milton sites while attending the Milton Historical Society Spring Fling in Milton April 24.
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Seasonal state burn ban runs through September
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The state’s annual burn ban for 54 North Georgia counties starts May 1, adding to the 91 counties in South and Central Georgia under a 30-day ban to prevent wildfires.
State law prohibits the open burning of yard and land-clearing debris in Metro Atlanta between May 1 and September 30. This is in addition to the year-round state ban on the burning of household garbage.
The ban is enacted to lessen the
Jewelry reported stolen in North Point burglary
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise was reported stolen from a North Point Parkway jewelry store April 9.
Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the business about 5 a.m. after an alarm was triggered.
Officers found a front door had been pried open, and jewelry cases were ransacked.
No suspects were found at the location.
About $10,000 of jewelry was reported stolen, according to the police report.
The incident was classified as a felony forced burglary of a business. — Jon Wilcox
Police discover fentanyl on female driver’s person
CUSTOM FRAMING
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police reported retrieving 6.87 grams of fentanyl and other drugrelated items from an Acworth woman’s body cavity during a traffic stop April 21 at an apartment complex in East Roswell April 21.
The woman, driving a 2022 blue Toyota Camry, was stopped after a Roswell officer received an alert that the car had been reported stolen out of Cherokee County the week before.
The driver was ordered from the vehicle at gunpoint and detained in handcuffs as the car was searched.
The driver said she lived at the apartment complex and had been
• Canvas Stretching, Rugs, Mirrors
• Round, Oval and Float Frames
• Sports & Military Memorabilia
• Shadowboxes & Specialty Mounts
• Frame Repairs & Touch-Ups
likelihood of wildfires and to enhance air quality in the drier months.
In Milton, there will be no open burning on properties zoned agricultural unless it qualifies for a specific exemption. However, those exemptions don’t apply when the Georgia Forestry Commission deems the fire danger to be a 3 or higher, which can be checked online daily.
Whether it’s before or after May 1, open burns for the disposal of yard debris are not allowed year-round in parts of
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.
borrowing the vehicle from a former client since the beginning of April and hasn’t spoken to him since.
She told officers that she’d recently been arrested for an outstanding warrant and just started operating the vehicle again about 15 minutes before being pulled over.
Roswell contacted the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and learned that the vehicle’s registered owner reported lending the car to a female matching the female driver’s description for automotive work, but it was never returned.
Upon being taken into custody onscene, police asked if the woman had any illicit items or contraband, to which she said she had an estimated 50 rocks in her private area. A female police officer retrieved a bag with 6.87 grams of fentanyl, a glass pipe and an empty bag from her person.
In the vehicle, police discovered a folding knife, 1 gram of fentanyl separated into two bags and approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine spilled on the car’s floorboard.
While still on scene, the woman told officers she swallowed a large amount of methamphetamine after the traffic stop was initiated. Shortly after, she went in and
THE PICTURE FRAMER HAS MOVED!
Milton that aren’t zoned agricultural. The burn ban coincides with the majority of Fulton County experiencing an extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, despite recent rainfall.
Wildfires continue to break out in counties across South Georgia after the burn ban was implemented April 22. The two largest wildfires, the Pineland Road Fire and Ga. 82 Fire, have burned nearly 55,000 acres combined.
— Hannah Yahne
out of consciousness, began seizing and ceased breathing. Officers administered three doses of Narcan and provided care until emergency medical services arrived on scene. She was then transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
The driver was charged April 22 with five felonies, including possession of controlled substances and theft by receiving stolen property.
— Hannah Yahne
Social worker alleges elder abuse of woman
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Police Department was alerted to a possible incident of elder abuse and financial fraud at a private residence April 22. It occurred while a 79-year-old woman was living with her daughter off Nesbitt Ferry Road.
The woman was admitted to a nursing and rehabilitation center on Cliffton Road and disclosed to a social worker that she was not properly cared for while living with her daughter. She reported she would only receive one change a day when multiple changes were required.
She also alleged that her daughter would use her debit card without permission and make unauthorized purchases and withdrawals. She was unable to provide specific dates or amount of money taken.
The Roswell Police Department said it would file an inquiry with adult protective services.
— Hannah Yahne
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Milton architect leaves his mark on community he helped design
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — After nearly 14 years helping shape Milton’s architectural identity, Community Development Director Bob Buscemi has retired, leaving his mark on the elegant, equestrian environment residents recognize as home.
Buscemi brought so much detail and personality to his designs, Public Works Director Sara Leaders said. His passion for each city project showed every time he spoke.
“I think that’s a big reason that he’s beloved by so many in the community,” Communications Director Greg Botelho said. “Because he not only understands the details, he understands Milton and he loved his work.”
Buscemi, who stepped down in April, began working with the city in 2012 as a consultant and eventually moved into the role of city architect. He became Community Development director in 2021.
“I’ve seen a lot happen over that time,” Buscemi said. “The biggest, most
positive change has been the creation of a very Milton-esque style of architecture.”
Buscemi had a hand in the look of multiple public buildings, including City Hall and the Public Safety Complex. They hold his signature touches of wood accents over the windows and building materials that give Milton its unstated elegance.
“It’s not just about the look and feel, it’s also about the connection to community,” City Manager Steven Krokoff said. “And that is something that was just innate for Bob.”
He recounted when Leaders and Buscemi preserved wood from trees valued by the community and repurposed it into building materials visible in the lobby of City Hall.
Buscemi saw creating a well-built, functional City Hall as a major milestone for the community.
“Still, there have been so many city projects over the years, all of which have made a positive impact on our city and citizens’ quality of life,” Buscemi said.
See BUSCEMI, Page 26
CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED
Former Community Development Director Bob Buscemi receives a proclamation from the Milton City Council April 13 for his pivotal role in every major construction project in Milton’s history.
MARKETING MATTERS
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Milton adjusts regulations on alcohol licensing policy
By JAEDON MASON newsroom@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — City Manager Steven Krokoff presented a series of amendments to Milton’s alcohol licensing policy during the April 27 City Council meeting, which were passed unanimously.
The two most significant changes to the code rework the city’s licensing and fee structure and allow breweries to sell local wines and wineries to sell local beer.
Also included in the amendments are a number of clerical changes updating and clarifying the language to make the code more easily enforceable and consistent with state law.
“The recommended amendments are not a rewrite of the alcohol code, nor are they intended to change the city’s overall approach to alcohol licensing,” Krokoff said.
He described the amendments as instead making “targeted improvements” to make the code clearer and fairer.
Bars and package liquor stores are specifically prohibited in Milton. The city code does allow for breweries that have fewer than five taps or Georgia Farm Winery tasting rooms.
Krokoff said the amendments, in addition to slightly expanding the options that these kinds of establishments can offer, are meant to encourage local connections.
The amendments require wineries that want to sell beer to carry at least one offering from a Milton brewer. Similarly, brewers wishing to sell wine would need to carry one local label.
In either case, if there isn’t a Milton producer, the product would have to come from a business within 100 miles of the city.
Language outlining consumption for establishments with a limited tap license was updated to create a single daily limit for malt beverages and wine. These businesses do not sell food and are limited to having five or fewer malt beverage taps.
The revised section limits an individual to no more than three drinks in one day and defines a single drink in ounces: 16 ounces in one malt beverage and 6 ounces in a glass of wine.
This amendment maintains the threedrinks-per-day limit for patrons of these establishments which was added to city code in 2022.
The other major category of changes was the fees associated with the city’s alcohol licensing policy.
The city amended the way it assesses the annual alcohol license fee by charging license holders when they begin serving alcohol rather than when they apply for the
license.
This change, targeted at easing a burden on businesses that apply for a license months before opening, was accompanied by another change to temporary license fees.
The temporary license is for businesses that require an expedited review. This license lasts for 90 days and was previously assessed as 25 percent of the annual license fee.
Previously, businesses approved for a temporary license were paying twice for the same privilege: the 25 percent temporary license fee on top of the regular annual license fee.
The amendments decrease the fee for a temporary license to $100, and clarifies the charge is to cover administrative costs of an expedited review.
Once approved for a permanent license, businesses still have to pay a prorated annual license fee but no longer have to pay an additional 25 percent on top of that.
Krokoff said that the proposed changes “[create] a more transparent, defensible and business-friendly fee structure while preserving the city’s review and oversight responsibility.”
Also at the meeting, the 2025 fiscal year audit found about $1.5 million in misidentified spending relating to construction in progress and infrastructure. When asked by City Council about how these reporting errors occurred and how they’re being addressed, Deputy City Manager Bernadette Harvill said the city had changed the way it tracked capital assets. When the Finance Department switched back to its original tracking method, the reporting errors were caught.
CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED City Manager Steven Krokoff outlines details of an amendment to Milton’s alcohol licensing policy during the April 27 City Council meeting.
TASTE OF ALPHARETTA
Fulton Schools’ Human Resources earns Oglethorpe Award
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — In a first for education organizations across the state, Fulton County Schools’ Human Resources Division was recognized with the Georgia Oglethorpe Award in April for its high-level performance.
The award from The Sterling Council honors the division’s commitment to strategic human capital leadership, operational excellence and customer-focused service delivery.
Chief Human Resources Officer Gonzalo La Cava, Ph.D. has now led two school district human resources organizations to this recognition during his career.
“This honor reflects the commitment of our HR team and the strong partnerships we have built across Fulton County Schools,” he said. “I am proud of our district for receiving this recognition for the first time. It represents focused work to align talent strategy with district priorities.”
The Oglethorpe Award is based on the nationally recognized Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, a proven leadership framework that has guided organizations for more than 30 years in achieving high performance and continuous improvement.
The Sterling Council, the organization behind the award, has similarly demonstrated more than 33 years of success using the Baldrige framework to help organizations reach state and national benchmark levels, advancing a shared mission of performance excellence.
“On behalf of the Fulton County Board of Education, we commend our Human Resources Division for this outstanding achievement,” said Board President Kristin McCabe. “This recognition reflects a strong commitment to excellence and to building a workforce that supports
The Fulton County Schools Human Resources Division provides comprehensive services in recruitment and retention, employee relations, leadership development, compensation, workforce planning and organizational effectiveness. The division supports thousands of employees across one of Georgia’s largest school systems and plays a critical role in ensuring schools are staffed with quality educators and professionals.
Through a strong focus on continuous improvement and collaboration, the division has implemented innovative practices that streamline hiring, strengthen leadership pipelines and enhance service delivery to schools and departments. Central to this work is a culture of teamwork and shared accountability, positioning the division as a strategic partner to schools and district leaders.
The division also launched its signature professional development program, Level Up Fulton, designed to build HR capability, strengthen leadership skills and develop a pipeline of future-ready professionals. The initiative reflects the division’s commitment to investing in its people while elevating service and performance across the organization.
“Fulton County Schools is proud of the outstanding work of our Human Resources Division,” said Superintendent Mike Looney. “This recognition reflects their dedication to building systems that attract, develop and retain exceptional talent. Their teamwork, innovation and focus on supporting our employees directly benefit our schools and, ultimately, our students.”
— Hannah Yahne
student success across our district.”
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED
Fulton County Schools’ Chief Human Resources Officer Gonzalo La Cava, Ph.D., led the department to be the first education organization recognized with the Georgia Oglethorpe Award in April.
Eagles sweep Vikings in round one of playoffs
Milton dominates Lakeside-DeKalb in first home playoff series in 6 years
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Milton High School hosted its first baseball playoff series since 2019, sweeping Lakeside-DeKalb April 24.
The first game ended after five innings as the Eagles took a 10-0 lead over the Vikings. The second game ran the full seven innings and ended 8-1.
Milton was energized by a visit from retired MLB pitcher and Milton High alum Kyle Farnsworth, who threw the first pitch. Farnsworth was inducted into Milton’s Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
The last time Milton hosted in the playoffs was 2019 after winning the region championship. The 2019 team also swept their firstround opponent.
The senior class of nine players made their first playoff appearance as the Eagles have not played in the postseason since 2022 when they lost in the first round to Woodstock.
The Eagles collected 20 hits in the two games. Milton scored four or more runs in an inning three times.
The senior class accounted for eight of the 12 innings pitched. Jackson Haug pitched all five innings in the first game. LaGrange College commit Weston Blevins pitched the first three innings of game two before two underclassmen came in relief.
Lakeside scored one run all day.
In the first game, sophomore Caelen Frederick went 2-for-3 at the plate and smashed the only home run of the evening in the bottom of the third inning. He also tallied four RBIs and one stolen base.
“I think we put on a really good offensive performance tonight, and pitching defensively,” Frederick said. “We worked hard all year leading up to this, and I think it’s nice to… reap the benefits.”
Head coach Dustin Rennspies said Frederick has earned the lead-off spot, being moved up from third down the stretch of the regular season.
“Sky’s the limit for him, the kid’s a sophomore,” Rennspies said. “I’m excited to see how he’s gonna continue to grow.”
Lakeside felt the heat around the corner, turning on the jets to avoid a shutout on the series before they were shut down after the third inning of game two when they scored their only run.
Rennspies said he’s pleased with how his team is finishing games and shared his pride in the senior class for how far they’ve come to make the playoffs for the first time in four years.
“[The team has] put a lot of hard work in,” he said. “Didn’t start off so great, but we’ve gotten better and better and better, and it seems like we’re starting to pick up at the right moment, so we’re just gonna keep riding it.”
NANCY DANIELS/PROVIDED
Milton sophomore Caelen Frederick crushes a pitch at Milton High School April 24. Frederick hit the only home run in the series sweep of Lakeside-DeKalb in the first round of the GHSA 5A playoffs.
Class of 1996 Milton graduate Kyle Farnsworth throws the ceremonial first pitch April 24 at his alma mater’s first home playoff series since 2019. Farnsworth retired from the MLB after a 16-year career in the pros where he amassed 963 strikeouts.
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11 | Milton Herald | May 7, 2026
Milton Farmers Market seeks produce vendors
MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Farmers Market will return for the season, bringing fresh-grown, handmade and unique items to the Market District Crabapple starting May 20.
Vendor applications are open continuously throughout the season, and Renée Rivers, the Milton market’s manager, said they want to expand their produce and agricultural offerings this year.
The Milton Farmers Market will take place from 4-7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month through October.
Interested vendors can email Renée Rivers at trubluepoundcakesllc@gmail. com to participate. Residents can stay up to date on market offerings by following @miltongafarmers on Instagram.
— Hannah Yahne
APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO
Milton Market Report | Spring 2026
Brought to you by – Aislinn Wren | REALTOR, Founding Member | HOME Luxury Real Estate, North Atlanta | 678.977.5392 | Aislinn@HOMEgeorgia. com | Instagram: @she.sells.atl
Milton continues to be one of the most sought-after markets in the greater Atlanta area, and this spring, the numbers reflect strong momentum for sellers.
The median sale price in Milton has reached $1.2 million- up more than 20% from this time last year. That kind of appreciation repre -
AISLINN WREN
sents real value, and protecting it takes thoughtful strategy.
Buyer demand remains high. Milton is drawing serious, motivated buyers from across the country, many of whom are actively relocating and have already identified this area as their target destination. These aren't casual browsers. They're ready to move, and they're watching the market closely.
Most homes are selling at approximately 2% below list price, which means how your home is positioned and presented makes a measurable difference in your outcome.
Two things I encourage every seller to do before listing:
1. Focus on first impressions. Curb appeal drives early interest. And early interest drives stronger offers. Fresh landscaping, a clean exterior, and a freshly painted front door can meaningfully impact how buyers perceive your home before they ever step inside.
2. Take care of the small things. Minor deferred maintenance like a dripping faucet, a sticky door, or scuffed baseboards can raise questions in a buyer's mind about the larger condition of the home. A quick walk-through to address these details signals a well-cared-for property and protects your negotiating position.
If you're considering selling this year, I'd love to sit down with you. Every home is different, and a conversation about your specific property, timeline, and goals is always the best place to start.
I'm here when you're ready!
The rise of off-market appeal
Brought you by – Peachtree Town and Country
There has been growing conversation around homes being sold “off-market” or as private exclusives — quietly shared with a limited audience before ever reaching the broader market.
On the surface, this approach can feel appealing. It suggests discretion, control, and efficiency.
But in today’s market, it also raises an important question: what is potentially being left behind?
Value is defined by the market
A home’s value is not determined in isolation; it is established by what the market is willing to pay. And the only way to truly understand that value is through full exposure. When a home is introduced to the entire market, it invites visibility, interest, and most critically, competition.
Where competition changes everything
More buyers create more engagement. More engagement creates urgency. And urgency is what ultimately drives stronger pricing. Without that dynamic, the outcome relies on a smaller, more
limited pool of buyers—and the hope that one of them is willing to meet the highest possible value.
The power of timing and momentum
In our experience, the strongest offers rarely come from the first showing or a single interested party. They emerge when multiple buyers recognize the opportunity at the same time, understand the stakes, and act decisively. That environment simply cannot be replicated in a private, off-market setting.
Our Director of Growth and Excellence, Gina Campbell, recently shared a telling example: “I showed a couple a home that, on paper, was a strong on-market opportunity, but it ultimately didn’t feel like the right fit. Their hesitation came down to price—especially when compared to a more updated home across the street that was being offered off-market. What’s interesting, though, is that the on-market home still closed nearly $50,000 over asking—a reminder that the market ultimately tells the real story.”
Confidence drives stronger outcomes
Equally important is buyer confidence. Today’s buyers expect transpar -
ency. They want to feel assured they are seeing all available opportunities and participating in a fair, open process. When that confidence is present, it often translates into stronger offers, better terms, and a smoother overall transaction.
Our perspective is right now
For these reasons, our guidance remains clear. The most effective path for most homeowners is to prepare thoughtfully, launch strategically, and allow the full market to engage. That is where momentum is built, and where optimal outcomes are achieved.
Because ultimately, selling a home is not just about finding a buyer. It is about creating the right conditions for the best possible result. And those conditions are only realized when the market is fully aware, fully engaged, and allowed to do what it does best.
“The goal isn’t simply to find a buyer, it’s to create the conditions where the best buyer is compelled to act. When the market is fully aware, buyers move with confidence, and that confidence is what drives stronger outcomes.”
— Bill Rawlings, Founder & CEO, Peachtree Town & Country
The most dangerous place for seniors
Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen Galleria
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 walkin 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 comfortheight or raised toilet seat reduces the strain on joints and makes the transition from sitting to standing much easier. Pairing this with wellplaced 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 motionsensor nightlights—helps seniors navigate safely, especially during middle-of-the-night 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.
Tune-Up Projects
Kitchen Tune-Up
Paint Cabinets
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
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Cut Down 2-level
Island
Bathroom Tune-Up
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
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Creekside Overlook debuts near Lake Lanier with model now open and homes from the $700s
Brought to you by - LLANE & Co.
A rare opportunity for spacious, refined living has arrived just minutes from Lake Lanier with the official debut of Creekside Overlook—now selling from the $700s. Featuring a beautifully decorated model home now open for touring, this new community offers a distinctive blend of luxury, privacy, and convenience in one of North Georgia’s most desirable settings. Creekside Overlook is designed for buyers seeking more room to live, entertain, and unwind. Homes are situated on expansive homesites ranging from .59 acre to over 1.39 acre, providing a level of space and separation that
is increasingly hard to find in today’s market. The community’s natural setting, paired with its generous lot sizes, creates an elevated residential experience that feels both private and connected to the surrounding landscape.
The newly opened decorated model home offers a firsthand look at the thoughtful design and craftsmanship that define Creekside Overlook. Built by David Patterson Homes these floorplans showcase open concept living, designer finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The model highlights how today’s buyers can enjoy both everyday comfort and upscale entertaining. From spacious kitchens and inviting gathering areas to well-
appointed owner’s suites, each home is designed to reflect modern lifestyles with timeless appeal.
Beyond the homes themselves, Creekside Overlook’s location is a major draw. Just minutes from Lake Lanier, residents have easy access to boating, waterfront dining, and yearround recreation. Whether it’s a morning on the water, an afternoon hike, or an evening out nearby, the community offers a lifestyle that balances relaxation with activity.
At the same time, Creekside Overlook remains conveniently connected to major thoroughfares, shopping, and dining, allowing homeowners to enjoy the tranquility of a more natural set -
ting without sacrificing accessibility. Currently Creekside Overlook has 5 Homes Ready for Move-In this summer. With homes now selling from the $700s, a decorated model open for tours, and up to $45K in special incentives, Creekside Overlook is poised to attract buyers looking for space, style, and a location that truly stands apart. For those seeking a new home near Lake Lanier with room to grow and room to breathe, Creekside Overlook delivers a compelling new choice in the North Atlanta market. Open House every weekend – Saturday: 11am –5pm and Sunday: 1pm – 5pm. Sales and Marketing by LLANE & Co. Equal Housing Opportunity.
The standard you set
Brought to you by – The Dolan Group
There’s a version of every experience that’s merely adequate.
The contractor who shows up — but has to come back twice. The financial advisor who answers your questions — but never anticipated them. The service that gets the job done without ever making you feel like it mattered.
And then there’s the version where someone has clearly thought about you.
Where the process feels less like a transaction and more like a partnership. Where the person across the table understands not just what you’re asking
for — but what you actually need.
That gap — between adequate and exceptional — isn’t about price. It’s about intention. It’s about who’s in your corner and how seriously they take that role.
In a community like Milton and Alpharetta, where the decisions people make are deeply personal ones, that standard matters. It’s the one we hold ourselves to — and the one we’d encour age anyone to expect from the people they trust with the important things.
Luxury isn’t a price point.
The Dolan Group | Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International Real Estate
The risks of transfer on death deeds
Brought to you by – Estates Law Center USA
In July 2024, Georgia quietly joined a growing number of states allowing transferon-death deeds (TODDs) for real estate. Codified under O.C.G.A. § 44-17-1 et seq., this new law allows property owners to name a beneficiary who automatically receives real estate upon death—without probate.
At first glance, TOD deeds seem like a simple, inexpensive solution. But beneath that simplicity lies a range of legal risks that can create serious unintended consequences. For many property owners, these dangers outweigh the perceived benefits.
Georgia has strict post-death deadlines. Georgia’s TOD statute includes a critical— and often overlooked—requirement:
• The beneficiary must file an affidavit and supporting documents
• Within 9 months of death
• Or the property reverts back to the estate
This creates a dangerous scenario where: 1) Beneficiaries may not know about the deed; 2) Deadlines are missed; 3) Probate becomes necessary anyway. In addition, Title companies have been refusing to provide title insurance for sale of property after death of owner because there is no probate or Trust to determine outstanding debts, creditors, and heirs.
Another failure of the TOD is there is no protection against a beneficiary from
losing your property to his or her creditors, bankruptcy and divorces. Moreover, beneficiary's divorces and creditors could put a lien on your property while you are alive for the beneficiary's interest. Instead, a Trust can shield your home from beneficiary's creditors, lawsuits, and divorces while you are alive and even after your death.
In actuality, TODs provide a false sense of security and marketed as cheap and easy probate avoidance. But that simplicity is exactly the problem that can create "complex legal and financial issues when not carefully planned. TODs cannot do the following:
• Do not address incapacity planning
• Do not coordinate your wishes for multiple beneficiaries
• Do not provide tax or asset protection strategies
• Do not prevent beneficiary's creditors and liens on the property
Bottom line-Georgia’s new TOD deed law offers convenience—but convenience is not the same as good planning
For many individuals, TOD deeds:
• Oversimplify complex estates
• Create unintended consequences
• Increase the risk of disputes and loss of control
• Increases the probability of beneficiary's creditors and divorces from putting liens on a TOD that otherwise would not exist
The reality is that TOD deeds are often a band-aid solution, not a comprehensive strategy. The biggest danger of a transfer-on-death deed isn’t what it does—it’s what it fails to do. Before using a TOD, property owners should carefully evaluate whether they are trading short-term simplicity for long-term problems.
Learn more by reserving a spot in one of our in person workshops.
HOLLY GEERDES
Nothing stays the same, does it?
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Many years ago, Florida State University was my home for nearly a decade. Every time I drive through Tallahassee or south toward the coast, the sense of time passing hits me like a cold shower.
From Tallahassee to the Gulf, the landscape remains largely old Florida. Century-old oaks draped in Spanish moss line slow, winding roads with Native American names. Families still farm land-grant acreage originally deeded by Spanish colonial authorities or the U.S. government in the early 1800s. North of town, between Tallahassee and Thomasville, Georgia, sprawling hunting plantations occupy thousands of acres originally owned — and some still owned — by Northeastern industrialists, among them the Phipps and Carnegie families.
Many continue to operate today, hosting well-heeled guests during hunting season.
To the west, however, much of that old Florida is gone. Some new residential communities feature coastal mansions listed at $5 million to $10 million. The area now resembles an overdeveloped, gated resort community more than a stretch of natural coastline. Development is coming to the rest of the Panhandle, but for now, a few years may remain.
Some of the old haunts I frequented in Tallahassee are gone. I spent countless hours at Pastime Billiards on Tennessee Street — far more time than I spent studying. The floor was covered in peanut shells; patrons simply threw them down. Cheap beer, boiled peanuts, thick cigarette smoke and some of the South's best pool hustlers filled the place, most playing 9-ball for thousands of dollars. Pastime drew players from across the region because of its central location along the circuit connecting New
Orleans, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte and Jacksonville. The best of them, Mike Carella, held a permanent table in the corner. Watching him play was like watching Tiger Woods or Wayne Gretzky at the height of their craft — except it was pool. He could run rack after rack without missing, always for money, and was known as much for his gambling as for his skill at the table.
He was later confirmed to have been running drug shipments into the United States for a cartel. He was found dead in a Miami hotel room, shot multiple times. He was, in some ways, a force of nature.
Mike's Beer Barn, another institution, was nearby. So was Bullwinkle's, a bar on Tennessee Street across from the FSU campus, founded in 1956 by former FSU football player Mike Norman. By 1961, the establishment was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, moving thousands of kegs of beer. In the 1970s, it was ranked the No. 1 beer retailer in the nation. It is still in business today, though the old Tal-
lahassee atmosphere has faded — as it has everywhere.
Fred's Dry Dock operated two locations: one on Tennessee Street on the west side of town, another off Tharp Street to the north. Both were high-volume, no-frills bars serving stiff, cheap drinks to packed crowds. Any number of FSU students barely survived the 50-cent bottom-shelf shots. One of the manager-bartenders, a woman named Brenda, eventually went to prison for what she was selling under the bar — and it was not liquor. Both locations have since closed, which is probably for the best. Very little stays the same over time. Perhaps that is what makes the things that do endure — or nearly endure — so compelling. It is a race against time, and no one wins. But if we are smart and fortunate, we embrace the passage of time and savor each moment, each image, each memory, each relationship, whether it involves people, places or the natural world. Old Florida is worth savoring. There is still some of it left.
Falling in love with houses you can’t afford
There’s a peculiar modern ritual in homebuying: you scroll listings, tour a few homes, imagine where the couch goes, maybe even name the future dog — then discover you can’t actually buy the place. It’s like testdriving a Ferrari with a bicycle budget. Enter mortgage pre-approval, the unglamorous but essential step that separates the serious buyers from the enthusiastic tourists.
Here’s the reality, minus the fairy tale.
1: It tells what you can afford
Without pre-approval, you’re operating on vibes and Zillow optimism. A lender, however, deals in numbers — your income, debt, credit, and assets — and translates that into a price range grounded in reality.
It may not be as fun as guessing, but it does prevent the emotional spiral of falling in love with a home that belongs to someone with a significantly larger paycheck.
2: Sellers take you seriously
In competitive markets, submitting an offer without pre-approval is a bit like proposing on a first date — with no job. Sellers want certainty. A pre-approval letter tells them you’ve been vetted and are capable of closing. Without it, your offer can quietly slide into the “nice try” pile.
3: It lets you move at market speed
Good homes don’t linger. They appear, they charm, they vanish. If you’re not preapproved, you’re pausing to call a lender while someone else is already signing paperwork. Pre-approval means you can act immediately — no scrambling, no missed opportunities.
4: It reduces unpleasant surprises
There are few experiences more
frustrating than getting under contract, paying for inspections, and then discovering your financing falls apart. Pre-approval pushes most of that financial scrutiny to the front of the process, where it belongs — before you’re emotionally or financially invested.
5: It strengthens your negotiating position
Sellers don’t always choose the highest offer — they choose the one most likely to close. Certainty has value. A pre-approved buyer brings that certainty, and that can make your offer more attractive, even in a crowded field.
6: It helps you fix problems early
If there’s an issue — credit, debt, savings — you’ll find out before you’re picturing yourself hosting holidays in the dining room. That early awareness gives you time to address the problem and re-enter the market in a stronger position.
Sometimes we’ll make the call
When needed, we’ll even reach out to the listing agent and advocate on your behalf — because in real estate, a little reassurance can go a long way.
The bottom line
House hunting without pre-approval is like shopping without checking your bank account. It’s fun right up until reality arrives. Pre-approval, on the other hand, turns curiosity into capability.
It’s the difference between browsing… and actually buying.
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.
OPINION
Tips and tricks for ‘senior’ gardeners
Not that any of this applies to you, but in case you are “asking for a friend...” Read on!
Gardening is the second most common leisure activity for older adults. The personal benefits of gardening are wellestablished: stress relief, exercise, fitness and regulation of emotions. As we age, gardening also protects our cognitive function and improves our ability to focus. It gives us a sense of accomplishment, which boosts our overall health and happiness. Studies show gardening promotes positive aging and may lower the risk of dementia by up to 36 percent.
Who can turn down an opportunity to dig in the dirt? However, with aging we may develop mobility, functional and physical limitations. Read on for smart gardening suggestions to protect and extend our abilities to garden.
Protect aging skin. Skin becomes thinner and more sensitive as we age, increasing the risks of cuts, scraps and rashes. Wear long sleeves, gloves and pants to protect your skin. Always use SPF sun protection and a hat.
Minimize pain. Aching muscles and joints are often an obstacle for older gardeners, particularly low back pain, neck pain, shoulder tendonitis, carpal tunnel and kneecap bursitis. A few ways to deal with these issues:
• Limit bending over by using a garden bench/seat and long tools for weeding.
• Keep all your tools handy with a garden tool belt or a rolling cart.
• Water efficiently with drip systems or soaker hoses or use lightweight expandable hoses to minimize hauling heavy hoses around the yard.
• Prioritize mulching to decrease weeds and watering requirements.
• Minimize hand and wrist fatigue with lightweight, ergonomic tools designed for “experienced” fingers.
• Using long-handled tools such as a stirrup or diamond tipped hoe can really simplify weeding.
• Use garden augers attached to any power drill to make planting bulbs and small plants easier and cut through those pesky roots.
Most injuries from gardening come from heavy lifting and repetitive motion, such as hauling bags of soil and weeding. Recent research has focused on gardening biomechanics and ergonomics to prevent injury. Here are some recommendations:
• Break up gardening tasks into
PROVIDED
You can make large containers easier to move around by reducing the weight and filling the bottom with pinecones or recycled water bottles before adding potting soil.
While bagged raised bed soil is excellent quality, filling a large, raised bed with bagged soil and compost can be expensive. Other options for filling a raised bed are the “lasagna method” and “hügelkultur” (an old German technique). With the lasagna method, the bed is filled with alternating layers of green and brown material. The green layer consists of vegetable scraps, garden trimmings and grass trimmings. The brown layer includes dry leaves, shredded newspaper, peat and pine needles and should be twice as thick as the green layers. Garden soil is placed on top. With hügelkultur, a layer of cardboard is placed at the bottom of the bed, followed by decaying logs, thinner sticks, 12 inches of compost and topped with garden soil. Both methods are inexpensive and sustainable.
You are never too old to enjoy the experience of planting and the wonder of watching things grow.
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/.
20–30-minute increments.
• Change your body position and grip during longer activities.
• Warm up your body with stretching or a short walk before gardening.
• Take breaks to stretch during your gardening and especially afterward.
• Counter the effects of gardening on your body with swimming and yoga.
• Recruit help if you are unable to safely complete a task.
Raised garden beds and container gardening can allow us to continue to benefit from gardening with fewer physical demands.
The higher the raised bed, the less need for bending and stretching. Raised bed soil is loose, well-draining, and free of contamination from pests and weeds. Raised beds can be freeform, square or rectangular, are usually wood or metal
and may be on wheels or elevated to facilitate gardening from a wheelchair.
Metal raised beds are usually galvanized steel, coated with a zinc alloy to prevent rusting. They can be ordered online in numerous sizes, colors and configurations. Selection usually depends on available space and access to a water source. The height should be at least 3 feet to limit bending. To minimize stretching, the width is typically 2 feet but may be as wide as 4 feet if the bed is accessible on all sides. The depth of an elevated bed should be at least 18 inches, and 24 inches or deeper is ideal. Ensure adequate drainage. Low maintenance plants such as daylilies, herbs, hostas, coral bells and succulents are likely to thrive in a raised bed with minimal care. Raised beds are food-safe and ideal for raising vegetables.
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
About the Author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Anne Wiskind, a Master Gardner who completed her Fulton County Master Gardner curriculum in April 2024. She is a lifelong gardener with an active interest in ecological gardening and encouraging biological diversity. Anne is appreciative of the mentorship from the North Fulton County Master Gardeners. She does most of her gardening at her home in Blairsville, Ga.
ANNE WISKIND Guest Columnist
Tools for smart gardening: rolling cart, garden tool pouch, garden sleeves, sunhat, stirrup hoe.
OPINION
Club to honor Georgia jazz great Mary Lou Williams
Mary Lou Williams (born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs; 1910–1981) was born in Atlanta and was one of America's greatest and most multitalented jazz musicians of all time. She is also one of the least well-known.
Today's column highlights her musical greatness as Decatur prepares to welcome the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Center, which will open in Decatur this summer. It will host a restaurant, a recording center and a music academy.
Jazz is the only musical artform that is truly and uniquely American. The wellknown writer and essayist Gerald Early once said that "when they study our civilization two thousand years from now, there will only be three things that Americans will be known for: the Constitution, baseball and jazz music."
The jazz center is the brainchild of Will Scruggs, who is not related to Mary Scruggs/Mary Lou Williams. Scruggs, a professional jazz saxophonist, is "excited about the number of really great jazz players in the Atlanta area."
The center is the cooperative effort of the Cornerstone Jazz Collective that Scruggs founded. The organization is funded by about 200 local investors, which is why Scruggs calls the Jazz Center a "community owned social enterprise."
Before she died, Williams established a foundation and left all rights to her music and manuscripts to it. The Mary Lou Williams Jazz Foundation will work with the jazz center for special events such as an annual composer's festival to commission new arrangements and new recordings of Mary Lou's work.
"The festival will allow some amazing local people to reimagine her work in wonderful ways," Scruggs said.
The jazz center will occupy the former Decatur Post Office, a large New Deal white marble structure built in 1935. Scruggs' idea is to have activities going on all day. There will be jazz instruction during the day. The restaurant will feature Cuban cuisine and will be called Clave, which is a two-stick Cuban percussion instrument and a Cuban rhythm.
Jazz history
Jazz is different from classical music or rock 'n' roll because jazz musicians can improvise their music while other musicians play works that have been composed to be played repeatedly.
Jazz had its beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries largely
Portrait of Mary Lou Williams in her New York apartment circa 1946. The photo was taken by author/photographer William P. Gottlieb who took some 1,600 photos of jazz musicians from 1938 –1948, the “Golden Age of Jazz” when swing was at its peak. It was the first time that the jazz idiom was commercially successful. The Library of Congress purchased the photos in 1995, and as Gottlieb desired, his photos were put in the public domain.
in New Orleans, although its roots go back further than that. Southern slaves brought their music to America. They came from different West African tribes with different musical traditions. One of the earliest influences was ragtime, which dates to the plantation system and was made famous by Scott Joplin and others in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Jazz was influenced by a wide range of different musical styles but always based on improvisation.
Around 1910, New Orleans jazz, known as Dixieland, was made famous in part by the Original Dixieland Jass Band (ODJB) that recorded the first jazz song ever issued, the "Livery Stable Blues." The band inspired the creation of many other jazz bands, and the 1920s to the 1930s became known as the Jazz Age. In 1918, the ODJB recorded "Tiger Rag," which quickly became and still is a jazz standard. In 2003, the original
ing. Williams' biological father left the family while she was an infant. Fletcher Burley was her stepfather who provided stability to the family even though he was not a musician. When Williams was about 4, the family moved to Pittsburgh. Williams had one older biological sister, Mamie, and five stepsiblings from Burley.
She began performing publicly at the age of seven. In 1923, at age 13, Williams played with Duke Ellington and his band. In 1927, she married John Overton Williams, a saxophonist. They moved to Memphis where Williams played piano in his band. That was followed by various jobs as a soloist and freelance arranger for Earl Hines, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. In 1942, after she had divorced her husband, she moved back to Philadelphia and then to New York to join Duke Ellington's orchestra.
In the 1940s, Williams wrote and arranged for Benny Goodman among others. She was a friend and teacher to numerous other celebrated musicians, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker, who were frequent visitors to her apartment in Harlem, along with Sarah Vaughan. In 1945, she began a weekly radio show in New York called "Mary Lou Williams's Piano Workshop" on WNEW. She frequently visited her brother who lived in Atlanta.
In 1954, Williams converted to Catholicism. She transformed her apartment in Harlem into a halfway house for the poor and for musicians who were suffering from drug addiction.
recording was entered into the National Recording Registry in the U.S. Library of Congress.
The word Dixieland originally referred to the ODJB, not the music. Due in part to Louis Armstrong's All Stars association with the word in the 1940s, Dixieland became associated with the music.
Mary Lou Williams
Mary Lou Williams (1910–1981) is an integral part of the southern jazz tradition. She was a jazz pianist, arranger and composer. She recorded more than 100 records and wrote and arranged for many of the jazz greats of her time. Williams was a philanthropist, educator and mentor to young people until her death from cancer.
She was a child prodigy who was taught piano at age 3 by her mother Virginia Winn, who was an accomplished singer and pianist with classical train-
Circa 1964, she created two companies, Mary Records, her own independent record company, and Cecilia Music, a music publisher to allow her to control her musical output. In 1971, she performed her religious piece "Mary Lou's Mass" on the Dick Cavett Show, and sometime in the early 1970s, she appeared on Sesame Street. In 1977, she performed at Carnegie Hall, and in 1980, she began teaching at Duke University as artist in residence. Sadly, she died just a year later.
Williams was an amazing woman who played throughout all the stages of jazz. The Mary Lou Williams Jazz Center will help her achieve the recognition she deserves.
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.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
LIBRARY OF CONBRESS/WILLIAM P. GOTTLIEB COLLECTION
Puzzles
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 4, 5 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!
WEATHER WATCH
1. Apothecary’s weight. Sultry. Gardener’s stock.
2. Breezy. Knight fight. Baker’s supply.
3. Winter forecast. Thin cracker. South American mountain range.
4. Bread unit. Bird of prey. Nice weather prediction.
5. Coffee order. Kind of prize. Umbrella weather.
6. Music genre. Wintry. Belt-shaped region in the heavens.
7. Part of AWOL. Opera star. Dry as a bone.
1 Apothecary’s weight. Sultry. Gardener’s stock.
2. Breezy. Knight fight, Baker’s supply.
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. Winter forecast. Thin cracker. South American mountain range
4. Bread unit. Bird of prey. Nice weather prediction
5. Coffee order. Kind of prize. Umbrella weather
6. Music genre. Wintry. Belt-shaped region in the heavens.
7.
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to 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.
Buscemi:
Continued from Page 4
His work to transform the small site on Thompson Road into the rustic, barn-inspired design of Fire Station No. 42 is remembered as a quintessential project.
Buscemi’s ability to make any deal a win-win for those involved is fondly remembered.
When creating a solution for multiple neighborhoods’ stormwater runoff, Buscemi suggested creating Mayfield Lake and secured its construction, plus a dock and trails at no cost to the city.
“Mayfield Park is such a great example of the multidimensional approach that Bob takes because the creation of that was a win for everybody,” Krokoff said.
Community Development Director Tracie Wildes remembers Buscemi’s leadership and ability to steer a project.
“He would always say that you could have the vision, but if you don’t have a team that implements the vision, it never comes to fruition,” Wildes said.
Buscemi had an instant connection with anyone who shared his passion for Milton, she said, and that love fueled his work and doing what’s best for his neighbors. Although he will soon no longer call Milton home, Buscemi said his family is proud to be from this community.
“Milton has become not merely a place to live but a place to be proud of,” Buscemi said. “It becomes part of who you are, helping shape your character. And for me, Milton is in my soul.
NOTICE OF MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE FOR THE CITY OF MILTON
RZ26-04 – Text Amendment to Sec. 8.2 Use Tables, Sec. 8.5.5, Sec. 6.3 Table
6.3.1.B Rural Milton Overlay Use Table, and Sec. 9.1.2.B Festival parking of the Unified Development Code to prohibit the use “Festivals, or Events, Outdoor/ Indoor”.
The above item will be considered at the following meetings and public hearings:
Planning Commission Public Hearing
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Mayor and City Council Public Hearing
Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Location:
Milton City Hall – Council Chambers
2006 Heritage Walk
Milton, GA 30004
678-242-2540
GDOT:
Continued from Page 1
GDOT plans to replace the bridge on Hickory Flat Road which serves an average of 6,200 vehicles a day. Inspections showed it has an unstable support structure and minor cracks in its beams.
The new bridge will be longer and wider with two 11-foot lanes and a 6.5-foot shoulder on both sides. It will be raised roughly 7.7 feet to meet hydraulic requirements for the Little River and to prevent flooding.
A single-lane bridge on Clarity Road is also being replaced due to splitting in certain areas in the wood bridge and other structural issues.
GDOT plans to build a bridge more than 20 feet longer than the current one. It will be raised by 3 feet and realigned to allow a better turning radius for cars ap-
proaching from the south.
While not in control of the project, Milton staff are working with GDOT to incorporate Milton aesthetics on both bridges to blend with the city’s rural heritage.
To participate in the survey, visit: dot. ga.gov, click on the “Projects” tab, then scroll to “Public Outreach & Community Engagement.” Find the bridge project survey under Fulton and Cherokee counties in the project search.
— Hannah Yahne
CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED
Bob Buscemi makes a presentation during his time as Milton’s Community Development director which began in 2021. Buscemi worked with the city for almost 14 years.
Spring:
Continued from Page 1
Music for the evening was provided by Tina Collins, an indie folk artist known for her project Tina & Her Pony. Her acoustic performance, rooted in Appalachian and Americana traditions, added an intimate tone to the event.
Local historian Bob Meyers greeted attendees while signing copies of his book, “Barns of Old Milton County.” The book documents the history, architecture, and family stories behind many of the area’s remaining barns. His presence was especially fitting, as the event took place in a historic barn similar to those featured in his research.
The society also honored Jeff Dufresne for his years of service, including his leadership as president. Organizers recognized his contributions in advancing the society’s mission and strengthening its role in the community.
AAPPEN PRESSCLU
Kenneth Sandiford, age 92, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 21, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
stands
sharing information about conservation work he and his wife, Roberta Reed, began in 1994. Through the land trust they helped establish, the couple has worked with landowners to protect more than 1,300 properties totaling more than 500,000 acres across Georgia. Their efforts focus on conservation easements that allow families to retain ownership while preserving land and supporting longterm environmental stewardship.
Author Bob Meyers, left, signs a copy of his book “Barns of Old Milton County” for Renata Rommel during the Milton Historical Society Spring Fling in Milton.
Chip Reed
in front of his table
PHOTOS BY: STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
Mary Cronk greets guests to the Milton Historical Society Spring Fling at The Wildflower Barn April 24.
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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
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
Cindy Nolan
THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS
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
Kelly Sarmiento
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.
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.
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