Sandy Springs Crier - December 1, 2022

DELANEY TARR/ APPEN MEDIA

Couple gives Cuban cuisine tasty upgrade

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Cuba may be known for its classic cars and vintage feel, but Alvaro Carta Su arez wants his restaurant to be set squarely in the present. Azucar Cuban Café, 8599 Roswell Road, has a menu packed with classic Cuban cuisine, but the walk-up spot is decidedly modern.

“What we want to show the people is that Cuba is not (old) all the time,” Carta Suarez said. “I want to show that it can be a modern type, too.”

Carta Suarez and his wife Claudia Marquez started Azucar as a food truck in August 2020. Two years later, they opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Azucar is now a breakfast and lunch spot on weekdays, and the couple taking the food truck to events on the weekends.

Metro Atlanta churches raise $8.4 million from annual campaign

ATLANTA — Eight Atlanta-area church es announced Nov. 20 that an annual campaign has raised more than $8.4 million and thousands of service hours volunteered for area nonprofits.

The annual Be Rich initiative was started in 2007 by North Point Com munity Church in Alpharetta, Browns Bridge Church in Cumming and Buck head Church in Buckhead as a “global generosity movement.”

It has since grown to include 64 churches in 20 states, including churches in Decatur, Sugar Hill, Buford, Woodstock and Marietta, and it has raised more than $79 million for non-profit groups like North Fulton Community Charities, the Drake House, The Place of Forsyth, Family Promise and many others.

“The campaign name is inspired by 1 Timothy 6:18 which states, ‘Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds

and to be generous, and willing to share.’ As a result, Be Rich challenges people to give, serve and love others within their communities and around the world,” North Point Community Church Spokes person Amanda Roper said.

Each year, congregation members at North Point Ministries throughout greater Atlanta are asked to give $39.95, and to serve a local nonprofit.

“Every dollar given, and hour served,

benefits local and global nonprofit part ners,” Roper said. “Church staffers col laborate with the nonprofits to identify projects addressing areas like food-inse curity, foster care, medical care, hous ing, and education.”

Those interested in joining the Be Rich initiative in 2023 and service op portunities with local nonprofits avail able through the end of the year, visit https://berich.org/.

Five members of Head family served together during WWII

Alvaro Carta Suarez and Claudia Marquez stand at the bar of Azucar Cuban Café in Sandy Springs.

770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com

319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Man sentenced to 12 years for fentanyl death

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

770-442-3278 | AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen

770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com

319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

PUBLISHER: Hans Appen

MANAGING

PUBLISHER: Hans Appen

EDITOR:

Patrick Fox

PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen

MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox

EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:

PUBLISHER: Hans Appen

MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox

ATLANTA — A Roswell man has been sentenced to federal prison for sell ing fentanyl-laced pills that killed one person and seriously injured another in 2017 and 2018.

EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Calendar: ext. 122

Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell: ext.122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext.123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Sandy Springs: ext.102

EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Calendar: ext. 122

The U.S. Department of Justice an nounced Nov. 22, that Hubert Nathans, 33, of Roswell, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for sell ing fake Roxicodone pills containing fentanyl, which led to the death of a 24-year-old.

“Nathans and Culton remorselessly sought to profit from drug addiction at any cost,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said. “Their greed resulted in the tragic death of one person and the near-death of another. As the opioid epidemic continues to rage na tionwide, these significant sentences should make clear that opioid suppli ers and dealers will be held account able for the devastation they wreak in our communities.”

“Each and every pill distributed by Nathans and Culton in our community represented the potential for another life lost,” Roswell Police Chief James Conroy said. “We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to stem the tide of overdose deaths, and to aggressively pursuing the entire criminal ecosystem that contrib utes to them.”

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL:

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL:

News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL:

News / Press Releases: newsroom@appenmedia.com Calendar / Events: AppenMedia.com/Calendar

ADVERTISING QUESTIONS:

News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar

Nathans and his supplier, Edward Culton, a 29-year-old Atlanta man, were arrested following an investigation by the Roswell Police Department, the DEA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 2018.

According to Justice Department Officials, Nathans and Culton contin ued selling fentanyl-laced pills, even after learning their pills had caused a fatal overdose, leading to another nearly fatal overdose.

Agents seized almost 1,000 pills containing fentanyl during a search of Culton’s apartment, officials said.

Nathans pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl Aug. 13, 2018. In addition to the12-year prison sentence, he will spend another 15 years under supervised release.

Culton was convicted on similar charges Sept. 8, 2022, and has been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison for his part in the illegal enter prise.

ADVERTISING QUESTIONS:

ADVERTISING QUESTIONS:

General Advertising: ext.100 advertising@appenmedia.com

General Advertising: ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com

Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmedia.com

Circulation / Subscriptions / Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmedia.com

OUR PUBLICATIONS:

General Advertising: ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation

OUR PUBLICATIONS:

UGA graduate Delaney Tarr joins Appen Media as reporter

ROSWELL, Ga.

OUR PUBLICATIONS:

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation

Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation

Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation

Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation

Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Sandy Springs Crier: 12,000 circulation

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation

Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

— Appen Media Group announced Nov. 15 that Delaney Tarr will join its staff as a reporter. Tarr will cover local government and community news. She will report to Carl Appen, director of content and development, and be based in Alpharetta.

“It’s a great day when we can add someone like Delaney to our team,” Appen said. “She has multi-media chops and a fair, inquisitive approach to reporting. I’m excited to see the impact she’ll have, and drive, in our community.”

Originally from South Florida, Tarr recently graduated from the University of Georgia’s journalism program. In her time at UGA, Tarr worked for local newspaper the Red & Black, as well as student-run news station Grady Newsource. Tarr covered politics, culture and food across outlets and platforms.

“I’m excited to do the boots-on-theground coverage I’ve always dreamed of,” Tarr said. “To me, journalism has always been about the stories of people and community. Local news is vital to that, and I’m thrilled to finally play a part in it.”

To contact Tarr with news tips or story ideas, email delaney@ appenmedia.com.

TARR

Cookerly Public Relations names Stewart as CEO

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Cookerly Public Relations, a Southeastern public rela tions and marketing agency with clients including McDonald’s, SunTrust and Mercedes-Benz, has announced Cory Stewart as the company’s chief executive of ficer. Stewart will join Cookerly’s president Stephen Brown in lead ing the firm.

“As I take on this new role, I’m highly cognizant that our reputation, carefully built on quality work, is the sum of many dedicated colleagues’ efforts,” Stewart said.

Stewart will take over the position from founder Carol Cookerly, who will step aside from some responsibilities and focus on the crisis and issues practice.

“While the firm bears my name, for more than a decade I have not directly impacted many of our clients,” Cook erly said.

The firm was founded more than 30 years ago, originally known for managing high-profile issues and crises. It became a full-service communi cations provider 25 years ago.

Stewart joined the com pany in 2005. He had previ ously served as the firm’s chief operating officer. He’s provided counsel and campaign execu tions for clients across a variety of sectors.

Prior to joining Cookerly, he worked in the banking industry as a regional marketing officer for BBVA bank in Birmingham, Ala bama. He also serves as a board member of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House and the Coastal Conservation Association At lanta Chapter. Stewart previously served on the Chattahoochee Nature Center. He lives in Sandy Springs.

New Business Spotlight: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Name: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Owner: Jeni Britton

Description: We build ice creams completely from scratch using a unique recipe honed and perfected over more than 20 years. Our ice creams have a uniquely smooth texture and but tercream body, with bright flavor and clean finish. We’re here to set new standards for ice cream and to create our own.

Opened: October 2022 Phone: 470-391-2869

Address: 1230 Ashford Crossing Dunwoody, GA 30346 Website: https://jenis.com/

Just opened?

Appen Media publishes New Busi ness Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenme dia.com/newbusiness.

STEWART

Azucar:

Transitioning from food truck to sitdown restaurant was a big leap.

“We risked everything,” Carta Suarez said.

But the journey there felt natural. Carta Suarez was born in Cuba and moved to the Dominican Republic for high school. From there, he chased ad venture to the food industry in Florida. On a trip to Atlanta, he met Marquez.

“All I did was ask for a picture with him,” Marquez joked. “Three months later he moved in!”

Marquez is Mexican and had expe rience with her culture’s cuisine and in the food industry. The pair had the experience and inspiration, it was just a matter of what they needed to do next.

“We started because there weren’t that many options here in the city,” Carta Suarez said. “I can count them with my hand.”

They chose to open a food truck to travel across Georgia, from Carrollton to Dunwoody. It was named Azucar as an ode to Cuban tradition.

“Everything has sugar on it, in cluding the coffee,” Carta Suarez said.

The food truck worked for a while, but the pair had recently had a child, and the weekend travel got tiring. More than anything, Carta Suarez said it was hard for customers to keep up with the constant relocation.

The pair had always dreamed of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but they weren’t expecting the oppor tunity to come so soon. They took up shop in a defunct Subway, and Marquez completely renovated the place.

Now, Azucar is a modern walkup destination. The airy space is full of rat tan and greenery, with a large mural of the pastel buildings in Havana, Cuba, on the wall. The music rings over the speakers, a mix of Cuban classics like Celia Cruz and modern Latin favorites like Bad Bunny.

The restaurant is a clear blend of classically Cuban culture and updates for a modern audience. The feel is re flected in the menu, a combination of Cuban and Cuban-American cuisine, with Mexican flair and newer changes.

“I wanted to do something from Cuba, because we have Miami,” Carta Suarez said. “But the flavors here have a lot of Cuba.”

The coffee menu is a Cuban staple.

The espresso is strong and sweet, made from Café Bustelo like most Cuban cof fee. Carta Suarez made a few changes, though.

There’s iced café con leche, a cold version of the Cuban espresso with milk that’s a response to the popularity of iced coffees in the United States.

“We have to keep up with a modern audience, we have to update,” Carta Suarez said.

Take the Cuban sandwich: Typi cally, it consists of sliced pork and ham, melted cheese, pickles and mustard pressed between Cuban bread. Carta Suarez’s version is mostly the same, but he said they use shredded pork that has a lot more flavor.

The changes are subtle, but they reflect the couple’s focus on creating big flavors and high-quality dishes.

Carta Suarez hopes the menu op tions will expand people’s understand ing of Cuban cuisine. Plenty of Hispanic people come by, but they also get a lot of customers who’ve only ever had a Cuban sandwich.

“It’s tough to show them something they’ve never known,” Carta Suarez said. “But when I moved here, I didn’t even know what a biscuit was.”

It’s been a learning curve for the couple and their customers, but Carta

Suarez said they’ve had positive recep tion since opening — even if they do a lot of explaining of the menu.

“I get a lot of questions,” Carta Su arez said.

Customers are often shocked by dishes like ropa vieja, a shredded beef dish cooked in tomatoes that translates in English to “old clothes.”

Once they try the unfamiliar food, though, Carta Suarez said the reception has been positive.

“We’ve already got some special people who call, and we already know what they’ll order,” Carta Suarez said.

The restaurant hasn’t been open for long, but Carta Suarez and Marquez already feel it’s helped add variety to the restaurant landscape in Sandy Springs.

“There’s plenty of taco places, but not many Cuban restaurants,” Carta Suarez said. “I want to change that.”

While the pair has plans to expand into more locations eventually, for now they’re focused on the success of the restaurant and food truck.

“Dreams do come true,” Marquez said. “It’s the American dream for us.”

Business pages

Each week Appen Media asks a staff reporter to profile a business, nonprofit or commerce group they find interesting.

The selection can be from any where in the Metro Atlanta area.

The decision is up to the reporter and is made entirely independent of the Sales department.

Do you have an idea for a future profile? Send tips and story leads to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

“That’s what we say, Cubans have sugar in the blood.”

PHOTOS BY DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

A cortadito, a Cuban espresso with a splash of milk, sits next to a Cuban pastry filled with guava and cream cheese.

Marquez makes an espresso shot for one of the many coffee options on Azu car Cuban Café’s menu.

Five siblings from Head family serve during WW II

Recently I wrote about the Head family who lived along Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Their homes were where Boxwood Place, Shadow Bend, Shadow Court and Pine Acres Court are located. After dis covering that all five children of Roy and Pamela Head served during World War II, I wanted to know more about where and how they served.

Lt. Richard Head was the oldest of the siblings, born in 1916. He did his training at Camp Hu len, Texas. His son, Larkin Head, shared that his father was a quartermaster. When the war ended, Lt. Head was on a troop ship off the coast of Okinawa.

Charles Morgan Head, known as Charlie, was born in 1917. According to his draft card, he had moved to Miami and was working for Woolworth’s. By 1943, he was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving in North Africa in the 380th Bomber Squadron, 310th Bomber Group, which was part of the 57th Bomb Wing.

On July 25, 1943, Charlie Head went out on a B-25 as the navigator along with

pilot 1st Lt. Earl Stutts and engineer Staff Sgt. Alfred Jensen. They were checking a major repair that had been performed on the left wing. (http://57thbombwing. com/310thHistory)

The eyewitness report of Maj. James Gavin describes the airplane taking two or three trips up and down the beach, turning east, then toward the Tabarka lighthouse. The airplane went into a dive and spin into the water. No parachutes were seen leaving the airplane. Search

Roswell Dance Theatre presents

crews were sent out but did not find any survivors. Charlie and the other two men were reported as missing in action.

They are memorialized at the North Africa American Cemetery Tablets of the Missing in Tunisia. There is also a marker at Westview Cemetery placed by his family to memorialize Charlie Head. It reads, “In loving memory, Lt. Charles Morgan Head, U.S. Air Force 1917-1943.” (American Battle Monuments Commission, abmc.org)

Sgt. Roy Head Jr., born 1920, trained at Ford Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. He served overseas in the Third Army tank destroyer group under General Patton. He received a Bronze Star while serving in the 774th Tank Battalion. (Atlanta Constitution, Roy C. Head, Jr. obituary, Dec. 22, 2002)

Patricia Head was the only daughter and was born in 1922. She went from working as a secretary for her father to enlisting in the Aviation Women’s Reserve of the Marine Corps. Head de scribes her motivation.

“I’ve got four brothers in the servicein the air corps, anti-aircraft, and tank destroyer branches of the Army and in the Navy. I figured we ought to have at least one Marine in the family.”

She became a sergeant, working in the officer procurement department and

finishing college at the same time. In May of 1943, she received her degree from the University of Georgia Evening College in a ceremony at Peachtree Christian Church. She wore her Marine sergeant uniform under her black graduation robe.

The Atlanta Constitution article fea tures Patricia Head and Judge Robert Car penter, who was graduating from the same program. Carpenter was a judge in the civil court of Fulton County. He graduated from Emory Law School in 1928 but had not quite completed his Bachelor of Sci ence degree requirements. Patricia Head’s next step after graduation was going to boot camp. (Atlanta Constitution, May 28, 1943, “Girl Marine Sergeant, Judge will graduate together here”)

William Head was born in 1925. He went into the Navy V-12 program and was stationed at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The V-12 Navy College Training program sent recruits to colleges and universities across the U.S. with a goal of supplementing the number of commissioned officers in the Navy.

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

new year's eve swingin' party

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

HEAD FAMILY

From left, William Head, Charles Head, Roy Head Sr. and Roy Head Jr. gather on their property along Chamblee Dun woody Road. This photo was probably taken in 1942 by Richard Head, also son of Roy Head Sr.

Support your local press. 100% of the $13/month that you give goes directly to supporting your local press. Every article we write about local elections, school board budgets, public safety and more is made possible by your donation. The more members we have, the more coverage of these important issues is made possible.

• Appen Press Club T-Shirt & Mug.

• Name listed on our membership directory in print and online.

• Free entry to all Appen Press Club events and seminars. $13/month

Sandy Springs #1 Kitchen

Can the pace of home remodeling continue?

Center

Throughout 2021 home remodel ing seemed virtually unaffected by the Covid pandemic. Home sales continue to be robust, but the pace of home remodeling is even greater. New home buyers tend to remodel as soon as they move into their new home, but the remodeling craze seems to apply to everyone. “Our Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling business has experienced a 75% year over year increase” says John Hogan, president of Remodeling Expo Center, “and we don’t see any slowdown in sight.”

There’s been a rapid change to supply chains in our entire economy and while some businesses are suf fering, others are prospering. Demand for products and services are at record levels and businesses are required to re-think their supply chain from end to end; those businesses that creative ly maneuver around the supply chain

issues are prospering.

“Last year we re-focused all of our purchasing to those suppliers with local inventory, so we get instant ac cess to products, then we diverted custom built products to smaller, more nimble suppliers, and finally we began to inventory some items so our remodeling jobs could get started faster and eliminate job progress interruptions. These changes weren’t easy but without them we couldn’t be in the hyper-growth mode that we’re presently experiencing, says Bobbie Kohm, Vice President of Remodeling Expo Center, “Turnkey Design-Build companies, like us, keep the process very simple.”

Low interest rates are going to be around for a long time and investment in our homes is likely to continue. For more information on Remodeling Expo Center (RemodelingExpo.com), contact them at their showroom at 48 King Street in Roswell or at 404-910-3969.

Brought to you by – Remodeling Expo

Sponsored Section

Time to get your home ready for the winter!

Brought to you by - Dan Griffin, Compass, Inc.

As the weather’s getting colder, it’s im portant to think about protecting your home against the elements this winter. Here are a few ways you can get your home ready for the winter months:

Check your heating system - The last thing you want is to have your heating system stop working on a cold night. It’s a good idea to check your vent systems to make sure there aren’t any leaks, so you stay warm all winter long.

Clean your fireplace & chimney - A chimney blockage could cause your house to fill with smoke when you try to light your first fire of the season. Make sure your chimney is clear of bird nests and soot buildup so you can curl up by the fire on winter’s chilly evenings.

Clean your gutters - Now is a good time to clear out your gutters, which may be full of leaves and debris. If your gutters are blocked, heavy rain could cause them to break off and damage your house. If you can’t reach your gutters, hire a professional to clean them so they’re ready for winter storms.

Check your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors - The warm, dry air from your heating system can create the perfect environment for a fire or for carbon monoxide to build up. Make sure your detectors have fresh batteries so you can relax, knowing they’ll work when you need them.

For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. When you take the time to maintain your home, you’re protecting the value of your investment for years to come.

Dan Griffin Broker/Realtor

Compass, Inc.

Dan.griffin@compass.com

GRIFFIN

Frank Paras

Tara Tucker

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON

This holiday season, consider giving your newspaper delivery person a tip for their weekly delivery of the free community newspaper to your driveway. These folks work hard to make sure you are informed of all the local happenings, rain or shine, week in and week out.

Importantly, at Appen Media, we have always been intentional about our desire to keep delivery of our newspapers free. That said, it would mean the world to us if you would consider tipping your newspaper delivery person so that they will have a little extra money for the holiday season.

If you can help us help these amazing people, we promise to keep delivering high quality news to your driveway, for free, every week. Free home delivery of 105,000 homes is hard work –and we couldn’t do it without our amazing delivery folks.

How you can give your delivery person a tip:

We have created an online portal at www.appenmedia.com/deliverytip.

100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it.

If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to “Appen Media Group C/O Newspaper Delivery Tip” to 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Part Time

Seeking part-time Building/Facilities Assistant Manager for Alpharetta Presbyterian Church from about 12-4 Monday – Friday.

Candidate needs basic knowledge/competency in building maintenance and grounds keeping as well as strong interpersonal skills. Computer skills are desired. Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks. Full job description can be seen at https://alpharettapres. com/about-us/jobs/.

Qualified candidates please send resume to office@alpharettapres.com

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs.  A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $5,000.