Fulton County commissioner promotes unity at town hall
DeJulio draws line at 5th term
High Point community celebrates local schools
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — High Point Civic Association’s April 23 annual meeting served as the forum for a surprise announcement from one of Sandy Springs’ founders.
City Councilman Tibby DeJulio, who has represented
District 5 in the city’s southeast since incorporation in 2005, announced that he will not run for reelection this year.
“Forty years ago this summer, I moved to High Point; two years later, I became a board member of the High Point Civic Association,” DeJulio said. “I met a lady by the name of Eva Galambos, and my life has
never been the same.”
After 38 years working to create the city and then manage it, DeJulio said he is now the oldest and longest tenured employee in Sandy Springs. He said working for Sandy Springs has been a tremendous honor and privilege.
See DEJULIO, Page 11
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA Sandy Springs City Councilman Tibby DeJulio tells the High Point Civic Association that he will not be running for reelection to the District 5 seat this year. DeJulio, who began his public service 38 years ago with the civic association, said he is proud of the city that Sandy Springs has become but it’s his time to step down.
Gillespie outlines looming struggles for Fulton schools
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Fulton County School Board member Sara Gillespie says the district faces funding challenges from multiple directions this year.
At her monthly community meeting April 23 at Sweet Apple Elementary School, Gillespie highlighted several changes and potential policies that could take affect soon.
Her interchange with residents of her district, which includes Roswell and parts of Alpharetta, carried over into the April 24 Board of Education meeting in Union City.
The School Board reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, feeling the weight of future revenue challenges.
“Board, as you’re aware, as you direct us, just to always not think just the short term, but the long term as we make our decisions, and this will definitely impact us in the long-term tax allocation,” Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef said.
The school system faces declining enrollment, uncertain federal support and an inflation rate of 2.8 percent.
Gillespie also said the new senior homestead exemption – a $10,000 reduction in assessed property values for those 65 and older – will also have an effect. See SCHOOLS, Page 15
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Fulton County Schools recognizes top seniors
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
FULTON CO. — A month before the next generation of Fulton County Schools graduates walk the stage in May, highachieving seniors were honored at the third annual Senior Recognition Luncheon April 22 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
More than 60 seniors from across the county walked in procession to shake hands with Superintendent Mike Looney and School Board members.
Valedictorians and salutatorians, alongside family members and principals, were invited to the luncheon to celebrate their academic achievements at their schools.
Chattahoochee High School salutato-
rian Saishriyans Pandya plans to study computer engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“It’s great to celebrate all the hard work of the past four years,” Pandya said.
Seniors in the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program and REACH scholars were also recognized.
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program honors Georgia’s highest achieving seniors through the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation. REACH scholars are given a $10,000 needs-based mentoring scholarship based on specific academic, behavior and graduation counseling requirements.
Superintendent Looney saluted the seniors, families and educators, wishing
the soon-to-graduates the best of luck in the future.
“I love this time of year is where there's a lot of events happening, a lot of celebratory events happening across our district highlighting the accomplishments of our students that are graduating this year,” Looney said.
School Board President Kristen McCabe also recognized the seniors, thanking them for inspiring her and giving her hope for the future.
“When we say we are proud, we truly are proud,” McCabe said. “We're proud of all of our students, but these individual students have worked extremely hard and persevered.”
Keynote speaker, Alex Plavin spoke to the seniors about what it means to
embody excellence, resilience and commitment.
Plavin, manager at Collective Insight and founder and owner of Charcuterie Chick, encouraged the seniors to make a difference in their community. Plavin is a Riverwood High School class of 2016 graduate,
“The more you lean in, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you,” Plavin said.
Plavin left the seniors with one final piece of advice before they head for the stage in May. She told seniors that comparison is the thief of joy.
“My advice to you is this, get involved, seek out organizations and experiences that resonate with you, but don't forget your roots,” Plavin said.
Fulton County commissioner promotes unity at town hall
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County
Commissioner Bridget Thorne held a District 1 Town Hall April 22, inviting state congressmen for a legislative update and recognizing local high schoolers.
The county just received $9.4 million in funding through the General Assembly to open a behavioral health crisis center in North Fulton, External Affairs Director Jessica Corbitt said. The proposed location is the future North Fulton Health and Human Services Center at 4700 North Point Parkway, though nothing has been locked in yet.
Corbitt said House Speaker pro tempore Jan Jones (R–District 48, Milton) fought to make sure the funding was added back to legislation after a cut earlier in the 2025 session.
Julie Adams, a Republican member of the county’s Registration and Elections Board, said the special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission Nov. 4 is important because the panel sets utility rates.
Thorne told the crowd of around 100 that she wants to stay engaged with her constituents.
Bipartisanship involves opposing political parties finding common ground through compromise, a central theme throughout U.S. history that’s many find sorely lacking in Washington today. It’s a different story in Fulton County, at least if you ask the Republicans and Democrats at the town hall.
Chairman Robb Pitts briefly spoke at the start of the town hall, drawing attention to Fulton’s prominence among the more than 3,000 counties throughout the country.
Fulton County has about 1.2 million
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne chats with District 1 constituents during her April 22 town hall at the Customer Service Center off Maxwell Road in Alpharetta. Thorne said she works closely with Chairman Robb Pitts to find compromises between Republicans and Democrats on the Board of Commissioners.
residents, with each of the six commission districts representing around 200,000 constituents, the same as a Georgia State Senate district.
“I know that sometimes there are differences of opinion as to what you think we’re doing or should be doing, but we’re doing a great job,” Pitts said. “Commissioner Thorne is doing a great job in her first term representing District 1; she and I have worked closely together.”
Pitts has chaired the Board of Commissioners since 2018 after serving as a
commissioner and Atlanta City Council member. He said in his four decades of public service, “Coach Thorne” has been his favorite travel companion.
“She and I have worked very closely together; I guess probably 90 percent of the time we’re on the same page,” Pitts said. “When we’re not on the same page, we disagree amicably.”
Thorne said she appreciates Pitts as a mentor and loves how he has represented the county on a global stage, whether at the 1996 Summer Olympics or the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
“A lot of times, what I think is best and what he thinks is best were different, but how can we compromise?” Thorne said. “Democrats and Republicans coming together for the best of what’s good for the county.”
As a simple rule, Commissioner Thorne represents most of the east side of Ga. 400 in North Fulton County, and District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis serves most of the western half north of I-285.
A part of District 1 bleeds over Ga. 400 into parts of Roswell, and District 3 includes all Sandy Springs residents south of I-285 and some just north of it.
State Rep. Scott Hilton (R–District 48, Peachtree Corners) gave a legislative update following the Georgia General Assembly 2025 session.
Hilton said he is optimistic that Gov. Brian Kemp’s “tort reform” will “balance the pendulum” between trial lawyers and business interests. Democrats typically
refer to the legislation as a “legal overhaul” because of its limits on lawsuits and jury awards, saying it’s a giveaway to insurance companies.
Some Kemp allies say the effect on insurance premiums will be minimal. Businesses and commercial property owners are more likely to see a decrease in liability coverage than a consumer is on their monthly insurance payments.
“The only thing we are constitutionally required to do is pass a budget … we could do that and go home,” Hilton said. “We actually have a budget surplus … we’re able to invest while at the same time cutting your taxes.”
One Fulton County resident asked Hilton whether the declining income tax rate means the state is investing less. Hilton said the tax cuts are possible because of the state’s surplus, and the annual budget continues to grow.
In the past decade, the state has added about a million residents. While some other states are millions of dollars in debt and spending public dollars on attracting new residents, Hilton says most people don’t realize how good Georgia is doing relative to most of the country.
State Sen. Shawn Still (R–District 48, Norcross) touted legislation including the expansion of the state’s homestead exemption, school choice vouchers, mental health and increased monitoring of students who threaten violence at school.
Of the 5,000 bills drafted for the 2025 session, fewer than 400 passed both chambers and only eight have Kemp’s signature, Still said.
One of the highlights of the town hall was hearing from local students on the Fulton County Youth Commission, which engages local high schoolers in policies and legislation that impacts them directly.
Youth Commissioner Nathan Dsilva, a sophomore at Milton High School, played a pivotal role in the enactment of SB 351, which bans cellphone use by students in grades K-8.
Other local politicians attended the town hall, including Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry with City Council members Bob Erramilli and Larry DiBiase, and Roswell City council members Lee Hills and Christine Hall.
Thorne and Pitts honored Former District 1 Commissioner Lynne Riley with a proclamation for her years of service and contributions to the county and state government. Riley sports an extensive public service resume, including state treasurer, a term as a state representative and her collaboration with the Fulton Legislative Delegation in creating the cities of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Milton.
North Springs sophomore wins Georgia essay contest
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sophomore Maria Valentina Rodriguez was one of five North Springs High School students honored April 21 for their submissions to the 2025 Georgia Rotary Club’s Laws of Life Essay Contest.
The Sandy Springs Rotary Club recognized school winner Rodriguez and four honorable mentions with a luncheon April 21 at the Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Suites hotel off Peachtree Dunwoody Road.
Rodriguez’s essay, which explores her formative life experience and her grandmother’s lasting wisdom, stood out among entries that challenged students to reflect on core values and meaningful life lessons.
“I am appreciative of this opportunity and being recognized for my Laws of Life essay,” Rodriguez said. Writing about something so personal was difficult, impactful and healing, she said, noting a meaningful quote her grandmother told her, “Everything comes at its time, just have faith.”
Rodriguez is one of five North Springs students honored by the Georgia Rotary Club at the school level. Other students who received honorable mentions for their compelling and thoughtful essays include freshman Theo Ballowe, sophomores Treasure Omorodion and Christian Cain and junior Carson Mayeske.
In its 17th year, the Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest encourages high school students to reflect on personal experiences and the values that guide their lives with 500- to 700-word essays.
This year, the organization received 30,394 submissions from students across Georgia, and 140 essays were selected as school winners from among 65 participating high schools.
Carol Gray-Walker, executive director at Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, said every paper written statewide reflected on personal values, shared powerful stories and inspired us all.
“We deeply thank the volunteer essay judges, Rotary Clubs, and generous sponsors who helped make this contest successful,” Gray-Walker said. “[Their] support ensures that students' voices are heard, and their stories celebrated.”
—
Hayden Sumlin
City simplifies permitting for small at-home projects
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The new EasyBuild Permit program provides a simplified process for homeowners and residential contractors in Sandy Springs to obtain a construction permit for simple new accessory structures.
Sandy Springs introduced its new permitting program April 21, designing it to accelerate the permit approval process for accessory structures and simple decks up to 500 square feet in size, offering significant time and cost savings. Other qualifying projects can include free-standing garages, outdoor kitchens, pool houses, storage sheds and uncovered decks. It does not apply to residential renovations or additions.
Ineligible projects include those within stream buffers, river corridors or special zoning considerations, as well as any structures more than 500 square feet.
The city says its staff are available by appointment twice a week for dedicated 90-minute meetings with applicants to discuss eligibility and their specific project
in detail.
Next, city staff will review the proposed site plan and dimensioned floor plans provided by the applicant to determine if they meet site-specific zoning regulations and to determine if additional construction details are required for the permit. If appropriate, the city may provide code-compliant construction details to the applicant for use with their permit submittal.
Community Development Director Ginger Sottile said Sandy Springs’ unique natural features, including trees, waterways and elevation changes, make the city a beautiful place to live in.
“But they can also present design and regulatory challenges,” Sottile said. “The EasyBuild permitting program is designed to help applicants navigate these complexities efficiently and is offered free of charge.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.sandyspringsga. gov/easybuild.
— Hayden Sumlin
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NORTH SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL/PROVIDED
From left, North Springs High School language arts teacher Adam Throne, junior Carson Mayeske, sophomores Maria Valentina Rodriguez, Christian Cain and Treasure Omorodion celebrate winning submissions the 2025 Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest April 21 at the Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Suites hotel.
City Springs Theatre Company welcomes Carole King musical
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The City Springs Theatre Company is wrapping up its seventh season at the Byers Theatre with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” May 2-18 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
The City Springs Theatre Company is a local nonprofit and one of the nation’s newest and fastest growing professional theater companies. It relies heavily on ticket sales and the support of the Metro Atlanta community.
Carole King is a celebrated singer-songwriter of the 1960s and ’70s whose music helped shape a generation. The Broadway hit musical is the untold story of King's journey from schoolgirl to songwriter to superstar from her relationship with husband and songwriting partner Gerry Goffin to her remarkable rise to stardom, becoming one of the most successful solo acts in pop music history.
The musical features hit songs like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “One Fine Day.”
Playing the title role will be Atlanta’s own Megan K. Hill, who was most recently seen in City Springs productions of Disney’s “Frozen” and “Ragtime: The Musical.”
“We have an enormous talent pool here in Atlanta, and Megan is a considerable talent whom we have had our eyes on for some time,” Executive Director Natalie DeLancey said. “We’re fortunate and so thrilled to have her as our Carole. Megan is an electric performer, and I cannot wait for Atlanta audiences to fall in love with her.”
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” also features Broadway veterans Lily Kaufmann, as Cynthia Weil, and Courtenay Collins, as Carole’s mother Genie Klein.
Making their return to the Byers Theatre stage are Nick Walker as Gerry Goffin; Haden Rider as Barry Mann and Jordan Sam Rich as famed manager Don Kirschner.
Shane DeLancey, who previously helmed hit productions of “Spamalot” and “Jersey Boys,” is set to direct the production with musical conductor Chase Anderson and choreographer Jordan Pretorius.
Evening performances run May 2-18 Wednesday through Sunday at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at Roswell Road and Mount Vernon Highway. There are also some matinees available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Individual tickets to see the City Springs Theatre Company’s production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” range from $64 to $115, including all fees, with discounts for seniors, students, groups and active and retired military personnel. Call 404-4774365
The production contains adult themes and language and is recommended for ages 13 and older.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. cityspringstheatre.com.
— Hayden Sumlin
ART SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED
A look at the 2004 Sandy Springs Town Turtles shows some examples of what residents can expect for the 20th anniversary Turtle Walk on the City Green from mid-June through early September. The turtle sculptures raised $750,000 for the city, which it used to purchase parks from Fulton County.
Turtle sculptures to return for Arts Sandy Springs fest
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Art Sandy Springs Executive Director Dina Chumney announced plans for a 20th Anniversary Turtle Walk on the City Green, harkening back to a pre-incorporation fundraiser for the city.
“We are proposing to create this display of Sandy Springs Town Turtles on City Green, which would commemorate both the 20th anniversary of the city and the fundraising project,” Chumney said. “Just to give you guys a little history … as a Sandy Springs native, I remember very clearly back in 2004 when this project was started by the Sandy Springs Society.”
There were originally 75 Town Turtles, or roughly 4-foot-high sculptures mimicking the indigenous eastern box turtle. The designs are based off drawings from local artist Jack Elrod.
“As a nod to the grassroots effort of the new city formation that took some time, it’s slow and steady wins the race,” Chumney said. “They then were displayed in various locations around the city, auctioned off to individuals and business and raised $750,000 for the newly formed city.”
She said those funds were used to purchase parks from Fulton County and to build the Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Sandy Springs.
The 2025 exhibit, featuring about 10 of the turtle sculptures, will run from mid-June through early September. Each sculpture will sit on the City Green’s concrete bases, used for the annual Arts Walk contest.
The Turtle Walk is a joint project between Art Sandy Springs and the Sandy Springs Society with donors from each nonprofit sharing the cost of installation and removal.
There will be signage featuring the name of the turtle sculpture, the donor’s name and a link to a city webpage recognizing the city’s 20th anniversary and a history of the fundraiser.
Some of the sculpture names are King & Queen Turtle, Leonardo Terrapini and Springs is Bustling Turtle. Most recognize a city landmark,
natural feature or pop culture reference.
City Councilman Tibby DeJulio, an elected official representing District 5 since incorporation, said the turtle sculpture fundraiser was a big deal for residents at the time and thanked the nonprofit for bringing some of them back.
Arts Sandy Springs Board members appeared at the April 15 Sandy Springs City Council work session to chat about the nonprofit’s 2025-26 budget and its annual allocation from the city.
The nonprofit is requesting $60,000 this fiscal year to complement its $25,000 reserves. In years past, the city and Art Sandy Springs have partnered for the annual Arts Walk contest on the City Green.
Because the City Council requested a shift in priority from outdoor to indoor installations, Art Sandy Springs is focusing on wall hangings and paintings inside City Springs.
Phase one of the “City Springs Master Art Plan” calls for a City Hall Feature Wall piece and smaller ones on the third-floor conference level. City Councilman Andy Bauman said he thinks funding for paintings on the third floor of City Springs is not the best use of tax dollars for public art installations.
Cheri Morris, head of public art initiatives for Art Sandy Springs, recapped the nonprofit’s existing work at the Abernathy Arts Center, quarterly exhibits at City Hall and sculptures around the City Springs Green. Morris also touted Art Sandy Springs sculptures alongside local capital projects like Veterans Park and the Old Riverside Park playground.
For upcoming improvements to Mount Vernon Highway and Hammond Drive, Art Sandy Springs is interested in working with city officials to include public art, often murals, along with the new infrastructure.
Mayor Rusty Paul said it’s important to incorporate art into public spaces whenever possible, and Sandy Springs has made progress over the years.
“I’m looking forward to the resurrection of the turtles,” Paul said.
BUSINESS
Biscuit restaurant rises to meet growing demand
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company.
“It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.”
Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a house-made pimento cheese.
Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blueclapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots.
Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.
Often, the drive-thru line stretches into the street and down to a nearby Tribble Gap Road intersection, White said. The procession can be so crowded that White sometimes has to make peace between driv-
BRANDY WHITE/PROVIDED
The bacon, egg and cheese biscuit is one of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit’s most popular items.
“You could tell everything was made with love,” White said. “And that's something that we try to put back in here.”
Customers also have taken notice, saying the restaurant’s biscuits have an indefinable, homemade charm.
“Customers say, ‘Don't tell my grandma, but this is just like hers,’” White said. “They make people feel like they're at a second home.”
YOUR VOICE. YOUR BUSINESS. YOUR SUCCESS. YOU ARE WHAT MAKES US GREATER.
ers when someone cuts in.
White’s staff has made a practice of opening 15 minutes early to serve a regular “breakfast club” group of early risers who stop by routinely for a bite before heading to work.
“We have people who come here every single day,” White said.
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Dawsonville resident Zack Sams said he has been coming since his grandfather started taking him when he was 6.
Although his grandfather is no longer alive, Sams said he continues to drop by.
“We used to come here at least every other weekend,” Sam said. “We'd come here and eat breakfast, and now I come here by myself.”
In 2018, White left behind a career in graphic design and purchased Sawnee Mountain Biscuit from her father’s stepmother, who had run the spot for years. The restaurant was already doing well, but she saw an opportunity to do better.
White called on her marketing experience to establish a social media presence to spread the word. She installed a point-ofsale system and replaced the cash register with a tablet to ensure orders went out promptly. They also take DoorDash deliveries, which contribute significantly to sales.
While the service initiatives have tripled sales, White says one thing will never change — the biscuits.
“It's always remained buttermilk, lard and flour,” White said. “That’s it, three simple ingredients.”
The restaurant’s most popular item, the bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, combines its popular buttery biscuit with crisp but chewy bacon, gooey melted cheese and fluffy eggs into a breakfast symphony.
Competition in the Cumming biscuit scene has been fierce, and Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has at times had as many as six competitors. But White said her restaurant’s biscuits have something special. They are made with love.
After all, biscuits hold a special place in White’s heart, she said.
As a little girl, her grandmother made a point of serving biscuits every morning along with a heaping breakfast of Southern cooking.
That second-home mentality extends beyond the food and into the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Richard Bellini, a former employee and now regular customer, said the warmth is a key reason why people keep coming back.
“When customers roll up, it’s ‘How's your family? How's the kids?’” he said. “That means something to people.”
Like her grandmother, White said she finds immense satisfaction in serving people delicious food that will power them through their day. At the restaurant, she performs all manner of tasks, whether taking orders in the drive-thru line or simply pausing to catch up with customers. She has even run biscuits across the street to the school she once attended.
“It's just fun to me,” she said. “I like seeing people happy, and we try to create happiness through serving great food.”
White said she thinks hometown restaurants like hers are doing better than ever because customers’ tastes have shifted away from fast food and chains. Sawnee Mountain Biscuit’s sales have been so good lately that White is looking to expand and considering staying open past noon.
The renovated mobile home on 13th Street has plenty of good memories, but White said the business has outgrown the tiny space.
“Business is increasing,” she said. “It’s increased significantly.”
Years have passed since White left her career, and she said she loves her new life running the restaurant. Most mornings, she gets out of bed with excitement and purpose, eager to start another day serving delicious biscuits.
It is a life calling she thinks her grandmother would have understood.
“Her making that meal for me, it made me happy,” White said. “She continued to do that because she enjoyed taking the time to make something special. That's something I enjoy — making something special.”
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter Lennon White at the entrance of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company just outside the City of Cumming.
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The consequences of not having a Property Estate Planning done by an attorney
Take the example of a well-known celebrity, let’s call him “Chris.” Chris was a beloved actor with a career spanning decades. Despite his success and substantial fortune, he never took the time to create a comprehensive estate plan. When Chris unexpectedly passed away, his family was left to navigate the complex and often confusing legal process of distributing his assets.
1. Legal Battles and Family Disputes: Without a clear and comprehensive estate plan, Chris’s family found themselves embroiled in legal battles. Different relatives claimed entitlement to various parts of his estate, leading to prolonged court cases and strained family relationships. A well-drafted estate plan could have provided clear instructions and prevented much of the discord.
2. Financial Burden: Chris’s estate was subject to significant taxes and fees that could have been minimized with proper planning. Estate planning tools such as trusts can help reduce the tax burden and ensure more wealth is passed on to heirs rather than lost to taxes and legal costs.
3. Delayed Distribution of Assets: The absence of a comprehensive estate plan meant that the distribution of Chris’s assets was delayed significantly. Probate, the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, can be time-consuming and complicated. An estate plan can streamline this process, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their inheritance more quickly.
4. Business and Real Estate: Without a proper trust, Chris's real estate and business had to be liquidated to pay off the creditors at a substantially reduced price due to the probate process and disputes between the beneficiaries as to keeping or selling the business and real estate.
5. Unfulfilled Wishes: Without a comprehensive estate plan, there’s no guarantee that Chris’s assets were distributed according to his wishes. An estate plan allows individuals to specify exactly how they want their assets allocated, ensuring their in-tentions and wishes are honored after their death.
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•
COMMUNITY
Bestseller’s 10-year anniversary to be marked in Roswell May 31
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
Becky Albertalli, author of “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” and 10 other works, is one of Roswell’s busiest literary stars, as evidenced by a short list of accomplishments in just the past 13 years.
In 2012, Albertalli was a psychologist specializing in working with LGBTQ teens and gender-nonconforming children. Then her first son was born, and she decided to try writing a novel. A year later, she connected with her first agent at the fall 2013 Atlanta Writers Conference. Two years later, “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” debuted. Three years after that, “Love, Simon,” the film based on the book, was released. Then “Love, Victor,” the spin-off TV series inspired by the novel and movie, aired in 2020.
The accolades she accumulated in the process have been equally impressive. "Simon," which was longlisted for the National Book Award and the Lambda Literary Award, won a host of other honors, including the William C. Morris Award. The movie scored a variety of commendations, as did the Hulu series. And all the while Albertalli continued publishing acclaimed work, including the New York Times bestseller “Imogen, Obviously,” as well as “What if It’s
Thursday, May 8, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Mary Kay Andrews Mother’s Day Tea. The presale launch of Harvey’s new novel, “Beach House Rules,” sponsored by Poe & Company Bookstore, includes a signed copy. $50. 11 a.m. The RoofTop at Crabapple Market, 12630 Crabapple Road, Suite 340, Milton. 770797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore. com.
Monday, May 12, Kinley Bryan reflecting on “The Lost Women of Mill Street,” for the Friends of the Roswell Library’s 40th anniversary. Free. 2 p.m. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-6129700.
Thursday, May 15, Friday, May 16 and Thursday, May 22, Jenn Hildreth, Emmy Award-winning ESPN broadcaster, will discuss her debut book, "Tough as a Mother: Women in Sports, Working Moms, and the Shared Traits that Empower Us All,” at three free events. On May 15 at 6:30 p.m. she will be at Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. https://www.read-it-again.com/ event/tough-mother-release-party. On May 16, at 6 p.m. she will be at Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.
Us” and “Here’s to Us,” co-authored with Adam Silvera, and “Yes No Maybe So,” co-authored with Aisha Saeed.
Now, for the 10th anniversary of her first book, a deluxe limited paperback edition is being released and celebrated at a free event at Albertalli’s longtime library. Hosted by Bookmiser and the Roswell Library, she will be in conversation with author Matthew Hubbard Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m.
“It’s been a very surreal 10 years,” Albertalli said. “I can’t believe how quickly time has flown. More than anything, I’m grateful for the incredible readers, authors and industry professionals I’ve met along the way.
“The Bookmiser event on May 31st feels like the perfect way to celebrate my favorite things about this entire journey,” she continued. “It’s a true hometown event – held at my community’s public library, hosted by a bookstore I’ve loved for years, and in conversation with a brilliant author I’m lucky to call a friend.”
Details are below, along with other May events.
com. And on May 22 at 5:30 p.m., Hildreth will be at Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com.
Saturday, May 17, J.M. Failde will spotlight her adult vampire romantasy duology, “The Sun Child” and “The Crow Lord.” Free. 5 p.m. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-6969999. johnscreekbooks.com.
Saturday, May 24, Tenille Bell will lead story time with her children’s books, “Ryder's Ride to the Grocery Store” and “At the Chicken Nugget Farm.” Free. 11 a.m. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com.
Saturday, May 31, Becky Albertalli celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” in conversation with Matthew Hubbard. Bookmiser and the Roswell Library are hosting the event. Free. 2 p.m. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 770509-5611.
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.
DeJulio:
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“People ask me all the time about what we think about the city,” DeJulio said. “Sandy Springs has not only achieved what we hoped for, it achieved beyond our greatest expectations.”
The announcement clears the dais to another battle on the Sandy Springs City Council. All seats and the mayor’s position are up for election Nov. 4. So far, four candidates, including two sitting council members, have announced their run against incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul.
The civic association’s annual meetings draw dozens of residents, most elected officials and members of the Georgia General Assembly. The Church of the Redeemer off Peachtree Dunwoody Road hosted the April 23 gathering.
The civic association covers 4 square miles in the southeastern corner of the city, extending from the city’s southern border with Atlanta north to I-285 and from the DeKalb County line west to Roswell Road (Ga. 9).
The HPCA’s mission is protect property values, create community and advocate on behalf of neighbors. Throughout the year, the leadership team keeps High Point residents connected with the Sandy Springs City Council and the city’s public safety departments.
High Point President Mary Ford thanked the community for its support of the civic association’s college scholarships for students at Riverwood International Charter School. The Scholarship Fund awards $3,000 to two graduating seniors from low-income families in the area, and donations have already surpassed the goal.
High Point Elementary Principal Danielle Miller and administrators from Ridgeview Middle and Riverwood spoke about how neighbors can chip in and volunteer their time with local students. Miller said the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at all three schools ensures graduates are prepared for life after high school and thanked the civic association for its support.
Sandy Springs Assistant Communications Director Dan Coffer updated the crowd about city projects affecting the neighborhood, focusing on Roswell Road sidewalks and the start of tree clearing for PATH 400. Contractors have begun work on the multi-use path along Ga. 400 and construction is expected to last a few years, Coffer said.
State Sen. Josh McLaurin (D–District 14, Sandy Springs) and State Rep. Betsy Holland (D–District 54, Atlanta) updated action from the 2025 Georgia General Assembly.
With a room full of constituents across the political spectrum, the local Democrats kept things as neutral and nonpartisan as possible while sharing
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA High Point Civic Association President Mary Ford thanks members for their support of the Scholarship Fund, which provides $3,000 to two Riverwood Internation Charter School students attending college next fall.
some basics about how the Legislature works.
“We’re right now in the no man’s land; the governor has 40 days between the time we end the General Assembly session and the time he has to sign or veto those bills,” Holland said. “The only bill that we are constitutionally mandated to pass over the course of the session is a balanced budget for the state, which is around $38 billion this year.”
Holland said uncertainty about the state’s share of federal funds is a “stomachache.”
McLaurin said the State Capitol is a chaotic place, especially on crossover day when bills must pass the chamber where it was introduced.
“We play villains on TV that the local officials don’t play as much; state-level politics, unfortunately, is a lot more partisan,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being substantially more bipartisan than D.C., but a lot of the culture war issues … come through our level of government.”
McLaurin discussed SB 68, which depending on which side of the aisle someone sits on, is either “tort reform” or “a legislative overhaul.” He said the bill favors insurance companies over “the little guy,” but he added the governor’s perspective that it limits massive verdicts and helps businesses. McLaurin said he doubts Georgians will see insurance premiums go down.
Other legislation with a local impact includes a ban on cellphone use in grades K-8, requirements for out-of-state owners of single-family homes and expanded school vouchers and charters.
The Democrats criticized legislation addressing school safety because it lacked firearm regulations.
“Year-after-year in this political climate, unfortunately, we’re dealing with the reality that state level politics are more and more like our national politics,” McLaurin said.
Holland said it’s a distraction from issues important to the day-to-day lives of Georgians.
ALBERTALLI
Growing herbs in containers 101
Herbs are a great way to start food gardening. They tend to be a bit less picky than vegetables, and there are a wide range of choices for various moisture and sun conditions. Many of them also do well in containers, making them a good choice for patios and porches, too. All herbs should do well in a garden bed except the mint family! Anything in the mint family should only be planted in containers. Mint can spread invasively and take over your bed, your yard and maybe even your house! So, it is best in a pot on its own. It will spread throughout whatever container you choose and choke out whatever else you plant with it. But it is worth the bit of management so you can have it handy to add quickly to water, tea, salads or recipes.
Because mint spreads so quickly, it is very easy to propagate by division or by rooting a cutting in water. It is perfect to receive as a pass-along from a friend or neighbor. Mint will tolerate more conditions than most herbs, including some shade.
In contrast, rosemary can start in a container but will eventually want to be planted in-ground as most forms will result in a large bush if planted in a sunny place.
Mint and rosemary are both perennials. Other herbal perennials that will do well either in containers or in the ground include chives, sage and thyme. Sage and thyme both like drier conditions and work well together as the filler and spiller in a container. Chives are easy to propagate by division, so it is another opportunity to get or receive a starter plant from a friend. Chives like more water and would best be planted with some of the annuals mentioned below.
In most locations in Fulton County, you can harvest these perennial herbs all year long. Harvest times for annual herbs will either be warm season/summer, e.g., basil, or cool season, e.g., parsley.
Many annual herbs can be grown in a container, but check the label as some of them, like santolina, tarragon and dill, will like a big container best. Parsley is easy to grow and can tolerate some shade, so it is a great filler for a planter with other herbs or flowers. While basil loves to get big in the ground, it behaves well in containers, too, and makes a great thriller for your container arrangement.
When planting your containers:
• Select an appropriately sized planter for the number of herbs you are including. Clay pots are a good place to start, but you can be creative. Ensure they have drainage holes, and you have placed them in areas that receive the right amount of sun. It is easier to move them to their final location before you add the soil. In some cases, you may want them on wheels so they can be moved.
• It is always handy to have some herbs right near the kitchen door so you can easily just “snip and go” when you need them for recipes.
• The containers should be filled with a good potting mix. (Not from your yard or “garden soil” from the store.)
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Sue Boehlke, a Master Gardener intern. Sue is a member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in economics and an MBA. She is a lifelong, avid gardener and is now working on the challenge of downsizing her gardening to a small city lot in Alpharetta, where fungus, pests and weeds still find her.
• It is easier to start with small plants from the garden center or a friend than with seeds if you are a new gardener.
• If you plant basil and chives that have big crops and lots of harvest, you will occasionally need to add fertilizer throughout the growing season.
• Water appropriately for the herbs in that container. You should save the tags they come with when you purchase them as a reminder of the sun and water requirements as well as to predict their eventual size.
• Harvest throughout the growing season. You do not want your herbs to bloom with flowers or you will lose flavor, as they put their energy into flowers and seed instead of flavor in the leaves.
When planning your containers, remember that herbs do not need to be exclusive. You can mix them with other vegetables, small shrubs (depending on container size) or even flowers (foodscaping is the practice where food is incorporated in your decorative landscape). It is important to have consistent water and sun requirements for all plants in a particular container so they can thrive. Keep in mind the eventual size and shape of the plants you select so you do not under- or over-plant.
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.
Herbs + Flowers = Beautiful planters
Learn more
Herbs in Southern Gardens, UGA Extension Publications, Bulletin 1170
SUE BOEHIKE Guest Columnist
PHOTOS BY SUE BOEHLKE/PROVIDED
Healthy mix of starters from the garden center
Food scaping
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!
RIVERS OF EUROPE
1. Witch trials locale. Swiss river through Bern. Deadly African snake.
2. Kick out. Fencing sword. European river carrying more traffic than any other.
3. Crazy. Famous English river. Garbage hauler.
4. France’s longest river. Ranch young. Coffee order.
5. Greek cheese. Spotted wildcat. Italy’s river.
6. Russian river, longest in Europe. Halo. Squirrel food.
7. Kiln. Second longest European river. Really big show.
1 Witch trials locale. Swiss river through Bern. Deadly African snake
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!
2. Kick out. Fencing sword. European river carrying more traffic than any other river in the world
3. Crazy. Famous English river. Garbage hauler
4. France’s longest river. Ranch young. Coffee order
5. Greek cheese. Spotted wildcat. Italy’s river
6. Russian river, longest in Europe. Halo. Squirrel food
7. Kiln. Second longest European river. Really big show
Fulton County Schools District 1 Board Member
Sara Gillespie presents potential budget impacts at the monthly community meeting on April 23 at Sweet Apple Elementary School.
Schools:
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Another piece of legislation, which must pass a countywide referendum, would exempt 50 percent of property assessments going to education for those 70 and older. If passed this fall, it would result in the loss of some $50 million in school tax revenue for Fulton County Schools in fiscal year 2027.
“That's a reduction to our revenue stream as well, so we're taking that into account,” Gillespie said. For the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, local property taxes accounted for about
64 percent of revenues for the school district.
The board will hold two public hearings for the budget May 6 and May 13. Final adoption is set for June 10.
In other matters at the April 23 community meeting, Gillespie mentioned new legislation that may affect the technology policy for students. The policy will include cell phones, smart watches, earbuds and anything that is device related.
“We can't see what's going on and but yet, we're still somewhat responsible for that student and what is happening inside the school,” Gillespie said.
Gillespie plans to go into further detail on what the policy will look like at the next community meeting, which will be held virtually May 8.
the Handyman - Carpentry, painting, drywall, plumbing. Electrical and small jobs. 404-547-2079.
sale-everything must go Saturday May 3rd 9AM-4PM 2737 Fontainebleau Drive, Dunwoody Furniture, yard equipment, TVs, craft supplies and much more! For more info, email Jill at jillwc@aol.com Vice President of Client Programs NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Client Programs position. The Vice President of Client Programs (VPCP) is a senior leader responsible for creating and implementing the Client Services department strategy for NFCC. This includes creating programs and services, monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring funds are distributed appropriately. The VPCP also leads a team of 13 client services staff who handle client intake, case management, impact and outcomes data, education (GED/English classes) and workforce development programs.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
