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Alpharetta council approves North Point redevelopment plan By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JASON STINE/PROVIDED
Alyssa Labonte speaks Aug. 22 before the 5K race honoring her husband, Jeremy, a Roswell police officer who was killed in the line of duty last year.
Roswell 5K honors fallen officer By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Around 700 runners participated in the Aug. 22 Jeremy Labonte Memorial 5K in what organizers said was an “incredible reflection” of the community’s support for the fallen officer’s family and the Roswell Police Department. Labonte, a Roswell police officer, was
Roswell firefighters rescue dog from fire ► PAGE 2
shot and killed in the line of duty last year. Before the race began, his widow, Alyssa, spoke about Labonte’s life and impact. The race is in its second year. The Friends of Roswell Police Foundation worked for months alongside Jason Stine and Elizabeth Greer from Junction 311 Endurance Sports to host and manage the event. Teri Bell, a volunteer with the
Roswell petitions court for OK on tax collection ► PAGE 4
police foundation, said there was a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to make the day possible. “Our commitment was focused on creating an event that appropriately honored Officer Labonte, supported the Labonte family and gave the Roswell community an opportunity to come together,” Bell said.
See LABONTE, Page 21
September to welcome Tim McGraw, fall fashion show ► PAGE 6
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A plan to transform North Point Mall into a massive sports and entertainment district received city council approval Aug. 24, paving the way for a potential National Hockey League franchise in Alpharetta. In a 4-3 vote, council members approved a master plan amendment, rezoning, a conditional use permit and variances for a mixed-use development anchored by a 20,000-seat hockey arena. The project also includes ample shopping, dining, residential and office space. Planned amenities include a 2,000-seat community hockey rink, 4,000-seat music hall, 500-seat movie theater, 45,000-square-foot conference center, 400-room full-service hotel, 300room hybrid hotel, 750,000 square feet of office and 1,385 for-rent multifamily homes. The district would also be home to a 20-story tower, which would feature for-rent housing. The North Point project is competing with The Gathering at South Forsyth, another planned mixed-use development, in attracting an NHL franchise. Alpharetta’s approved plan makes construction of the for-rent homes contingent on the hockey team being awarded to the city.
See COUNCIL, Page 21
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2 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
Roswell firefighters save dog from Aug. 17 house fire
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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.
Atlanta man arrested after former boss reports theft ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 33-year-old Dallas man was arrested after allegedly striking a woman’s buttocks at a Webb Bridge Road clinic Aug. 4. Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the business about 10 a.m. Officers reviewed a video recording that allegedly showed the man slapping the woman’s buttocks. Police spoke with the woman, who confirmed the incident occurred. The man allegedly resisted arrest and
ROSWELL FIRE DEPARTMENT/PROVIDED
Roswell firefighters check on a canine occupant of an Ashton Drive home Aug. 17. Fire crews rescued the pup from the two-story home, which was damaged in a blaze likely caused by an electrical issue. No injuries — human or dog — were reported.
attempted to pull away when officers handcuffed him. He was taken to the Alpharetta Detention Center and charged with misdemeanor sexual battery and obstruction or resisting arrest. — Jon Wilcox
Roswell woman charged with cocaine possession after crash ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 42-year-old Roswell woman was arrested on drug charges after a single-vehicle crash Aug. 1. Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the crash site on northbound Georgia 400 near Haynes Bridge Road about 9 p.m. The vehicle was facing the wrong direction and blocking center lanes. The woman and her 4-year-old son were riding as passengers in the wrecked vehicle.
Officers investigated the driver, a 34-year-old Buchanan man, for intoxicated driving. At press time, it is unclear whether the man was charged with intoxicated driving. Officers began to suspect the woman was intoxicated after noticing she allegedly appeared confused and had trouble staying still, police said. A clear plastic baggie with drug paraphernalia was found under the woman’s seat, a police report noted. The woman was handcuffed after she allegedly attempted to walk away from officers, requiring them to first secure her with an armbar technique, police said. A search of the woman found a plastic bag containing 5 grams of suspected cocaine in her pants pocket, police said. The woman was taken to the Alpharetta Detention Center and charged with possession of cocaine and obstruction or resisting arrest. — Jon Wilcox
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ROSWELL, Ga. — If this Ashton Drive dog could talk, it’d surely be thanking local firefighters for an Aug. 17 assist. Roswell Fire Department employees rescued the pup from a two-story house fire just after 6:30 p.m. The department was alerted to the blaze by a neighbor, who saw smoke and called 911. The first crew arrived within six minutes and, after seeing smoke from the home’s roof vents, went inside and found a fire on the first floor. Crews battled the blaze from the inside of the home while also searching for any occupants of the structure. The dog was hiding under an upstairs bed when
firefighters found it. They rescued the canine, giving it oxygen through a pet mask and also supplying it with water. The dog — who was uninjured — was later reunited with the home’s two residents. The residents weren’t home when the fire started, and no injuries were reported. Investigators said the cause of the fire was likely electrical and, even though the home had a smoke alarm, it wasn’t working at the time.Firefighters said the neighbor’s vigilance helped crews get to the scene early — and they urged neighbors to continue checking on one another and reporting any suspicious activity. City officials also urged residents to test their smoke detectors and fire alarms monthly and to replace their batteries at least once a year.
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AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 3
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4 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
NEWS
Roswell City Council asking court to begin tax collection By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council on Aug. 24 approved a resolution directing the city attorney to petition Fulton County Superior Court for permission to begin collecting property taxes immediately. The petition follows the Fulton County Board of Tax Assessors' failure to complete its annual property assessment process on schedule, delaying the county's tax digest. Roswell relies on the digest to calculate property tax bills. Without a court order allowing tax collection, the city risks being unable to pay its debts and employee salaries on time, maintain normal government operations or preserve its credit rating. Assistant City Attorney Joseph Cusack said the authorization is a precautionary measure in case the digest continues to be delayed and is not ready by the expected date. "We do believe there will be a digest and that this may be a moot issue if the digest comes in on time ... for us to get our tax bills out," Cusack said. "So this is, right now, a matter of just doing our due diligence, making sure we have this authorization in place in case we
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need to file this temporary tax order to collect. But in the chance the digest is not ready, this will allow us to file that petition. This is a matter of security right now." Roswell Arts Festival The council approved accepting the Roswell Arts Festival donation and a $48,000 budget amendment for updates to Liberty Square Park, East Roswell Dog Park and the Crabapple Center Performing Arts Studio. The Roswell Arts Festival began in fall 1966 with a mission to promote art and raise funds to reinvest in the Roswell park system. Over the years, festival proceeds have funded more than $1.6 million in projects throughout Roswell, including playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation centers and trails. Council Member Eren Brumley thanked the Roswell Recreation Association, which organizes the festival, for its contributions to the parks and the community. "I'm very, very excited with the projects that we'll be able to fund this year with that [donation], but also about the festival which is coming up; I just want to remind everybody ... please
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Roswell City Hall is located at 38 Hill Street. come and spend some time and look at beautiful art," Brumley said. The $16,000 contribution to Liberty Square Park will help enhance a community gathering space. The $25,208 donation to East Roswell Dog Park will fully fund two shade structures, providing sun protection and creating a more comfortable environment for dog park users. The $6,792 contribution to the Crabapple studio will add seating and movable platforms, making the performance space more flexible and welcoming. Valerie Morelli, chair of the Roswell Recreation Association, said its volunteers devote countless hours to ensure the festival proceeds support the city. "This festival has truly become a
In other council business: • The council approved a $171,030 contract with Sesco Lighting to buy light poles and fixtures for the Smith Plantation Trail. • The council also approved a $171,871 contract with Prime Contractors for light pole and fixture installation at the trail, with a total project authorization of $197,651.65. • The council also approved applying for and accepting a $45,000 Georgia Council for the Arts facilities grant for the Art Center West ceramics studio expansion project. • The council recognized City Attorney David Davidson upon his retirement, honoring his 26 years of service to the city of Roswell. • The council also held a ceremonial swearing-in for Cusack, who will succeed Davidson as city attorney. Cusack will begin his new role Sept. 2. ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY.
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AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 5
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6 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
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By JOSHUA WILSON joshua@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Plan ahead for a busy September in Alpharetta. Awesome Alpharetta, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, compiles a list of activities happening in and around the city each month. Here is the September rundown: Sept. 5 — The Alpharetta Farmers Market continues at the Town Green from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Home By Dark brings a “listening room” concert to Union Hill Park at 8 p.m.; the ticketed event features music and storytelling. The Hayley Williams Show performs at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 7 — Labor Day holiday. Sept. 11 — The Alpharetta Moonlight Market transforms North Broad Street and the City Center retail district into an open-air market from 5 to 10 p.m.; admission is free. Fridays on the Green offers a free concert at the Alpharetta Town Green at 6 p.m. Brooks & Dunn perform their Neon Moon Tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 12 — The Alpharetta Farmers Market continues at the Town Green from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Grilling & Gridiron brings an SEC-style tailgate to 37 Old Roswell St. from noon to 7:30 p.m., benefiting The Lionheart School with more than 25 food tents and an all-you-can-eat wristband for $25. Nathan Angelo and Jesse Terry perform at Songwriters at Sundown, a free outdoor concert at Brooke Street Park from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Empire of the Sun performs its “Ask That God” tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 13 — The Makers Market Local Artist Fair brings more than 25 local artisans to Avalon from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; admission is free. Sept. 14 — Punchline Comedy Night offers a free show at Avalon/ Palmer Plaza at 7:30 p.m.; the event was moved from its usual Labor Day date. Sept. 16 — BabyMetal performs its World Tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 17 — The Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K Race brings a Peachtree qualifier race, Kids Fun Run and food trucks to Alpharetta City Hall from 4 to 8 p.m.; registration is required and proceeds benefit charities supported
PHOTO BY STEVE KWAK, CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION 2.0 GENERIC
Tim McGraw performs at a benefit concert in 2015. He will perform at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta on Sept. 24.
by Alpharetta Rotary. Noon to Night showcases fall fashion trends at Avalon from 6 to 9 p.m., benefiting Bert’s Big Adventure; admission is required. Koe Wetzel performs at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 18-20 — Pauly Shore performs stand-up at Helium Comedy Club, with shows at 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sept. 19 — The Alpharetta Farmers Market continues at the Town Green from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Under the Stars returns to Brooke Street Park from 6 to 11 p.m.; the ticketed event requires a reserved table. NEEDTOBREATHE performs its Long Surrender Tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 22 — Roxette performs its 40th Anniversary Tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 24 — Mingle & Mahjong brings an American mahjong night to Avalon; a ticket purchase is required. Alpharetta Food Truck Alley sets up at 37 Old Roswell St. from 5 to 9 p.m.; admission is free.
See EVENTS, Page 10
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 7
Just opened? Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness. 8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026
Summit Coffee opens new location at Williams-Payne House By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Coffee and history enthusiasts alike can find something to enjoy at Summit Coffee’s newest location in Sandy Springs. Tucked on the bottom floor of the historic Williams-Payne House, the coffee shop is getting long-time residents, like Howard and Linda Reisman, into the building for the first time. “It’s so nice to have a little coffee shop like this … out in the woods,” Howard said. “It’s kind of neat.” The business is situated behind the Heritage Green, a city-owned park where the City Springs Entertainment Lawn is located. Guests can stroll the property with their coffee to explore the bubbling spring, sit underneath one of two gazebos or picnic on the grass. Co-owner Adam Cook said he and his 10 fellow owners wanted to expand to Sandy Springs after the Dunwoody community embraced that location so well. Three out of the five investing couples call Sandy Springs home. When the city put the site up for bid, Cook said the team envisioned creating a community hub where people can come have fun celebrations and hard conversations. Cook and his team started renovating the historic home in March. They framed the inside to include the coffee bar on the ground floor while building around the existing brick pillars. Summit Coffee’s
PHOTOS BY: HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Guests chat over coffee in the bottom level of Summit Coffee at the Williams-Payne House in Sandy Springs. art director Tyler Helfrich led the design efforts, and a friend, Kimberly Crosby, painted original pieces, like she has for the other Summit Coffee locations that Cook co-owns in Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and soon, Johns Creek. Now, the coffee shop is leaning into the history of the two-story farmhouse from 1869 rather than demolishing it. Visitors can walk on the home’s original hardwood floors, touch historic artifacts on display and read proclamations about
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the property. Julianna, from Dallas, Georgia, said she likes the historic feel of the coffee shop. She and a friend traveled to meet at the Summit Coffee in Sandy Springs after seeing a video of the space on TikTok. Trinity Stone lives in Sandy Springs and said she has not frequented other coffee shops since discovering Summit Coffee. “You get the perfect mixture of the outdoors, the sightseeing, the outside patio … I love it,” Stone said. She said the two hours of free parking is another reason to keep coming back. Before Summit Coffee moved into the space, the Sandy Springs Garden Club and the Sandy Springs Society worked together to upkeep the Williams-Payne House as the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Cook said before they started doing renovations, he and fellow co-owners invited historians and community members who shared stories of being married out back and museum curators who recognized original furniture from the 1860s. They honored the work of these organizations by naming rooms after them, their names now brandished on the wall. “People have done a lot of life here,” Cook said, “and we want to respect that.”
Summit Coffee opened a new location at the Williams-Payne House, 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, in Sandy Springs in July.
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 9
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10 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
NEWS
Fulton County issues property tax bills amid digest delay By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Property tax bills were mailed to Fulton County residents Aug. 15, following a Fulton County Superior Court judge’s authorization to send out temporary bills based on valuations in the preliminary 2026 tax digest and last year’s millage rates. Fulton County sought a temporary collection order from the court after there was a delay in submitting this year’s tax digest to the Georgia Department of Revenue. The state department has to certify the tax digest before taxing authorities can
Events: Continued from Page 6 Tim McGraw performs his Pawn Shop Guitar Tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Sept. 25 — The Alpharetta Moonlight Market returns to City Center from 5 to 10 p.m.; admission is free. Fridays on the Green offers a free concert at the Alpharetta Town
set their annual millage rates. Local governments depend on property tax revenues to provide services, and a delay in certifying the tax digest postpones the issuance and collection of property taxes. It also delays the millage rate process, which is the rate at which local municipalities within Fulton County calculate property taxes. Taxpayers will have the opportunity to provide input during the millage rate-setting process. Johns Creek adopted a tentative millage rate of 3.492 in July; Alpharetta held steady at 5.750 mills. In June, Sandy Springs approved its budget that included a millage rate of
4.731. Fulton County Schools will be proposing an increased rate of 18.08 mills. Once millage rates have been set, final property tax calculations will be made. A refund or revised tax bill will be issued only as needed. If a taxpayer overpaid, they will be refunded with interest. Fulton County residents living outside the city of Atlanta must pay their property taxes by Oct. 15. Tax bills can be viewed online at fultoncountytaxes.org. If you are a property owner and do not receive an expected tax bill by Sept. 15, contact the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 404-613-
6100. If taxes are not paid by the due date, interest will begin accruing the next day and continue until the bill is paid in full. An additional 5% penalty will be charged on the 120th day after the due date and will continue to accrue 5% every 120 days thereafter until paid in full, up to a maximum of 20%. The Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office accepts partial payments, but interest will accrue on the unpaid principal balance until the balance is paid in full. Property tax payments can be made online at fultoncountytaxes.org/ propertyTax/search or by telephone at 404-613-6100.
Green at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 — The Alpharetta Farmers Market continues at the Town Green from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Matildas Music Under the Pines hosts an outdoor concert in Milton from 8 to 10 p.m.; gates open one hour before the show. Sept. 27 — Alpharetta Uncorked debuts in Downtown Alpharetta from 2 to 6 p.m., pairing wine tastings with live music and local food; a ticket is required.
Find additional details at awesomealpharetta.com/calendar.
— atlanta.heliumcomedy.com — regular stand-up lineup
Venues to check out Ameris Bank Amphitheatre — amerisbankampatl.com — hosts most of the touring concerts in this piece Avalon — experienceavalon. com — Makers Market, Punchline Comedy, Mingle & Mahjong all recur here monthly Helium Comedy Club Alpharetta
Recurring events and series Alpharetta Farmers Market — alpharettafarmersmarket.com — weekly through Nov. 14 Fridays on the Green — rotaryconcerts.com — free concert series Alpharetta Moonlight Market — facebook.com/amoonlightmarket — runs through September
SCREENSHOT/ALPHARETTAFARMERSMARKET.COM
A screenshot shows an interactive map of the Alpharetta Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning through Nov. 14, Alpharetta City Center bustles with activity as local artisans, farmers and bakers display food, handmade crafts and blooming flowers.
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 11
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12 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Short films festival, awards show set for Aug. 29 ROSWELL, Ga. — The Southern Shorts Awards Film Festival, returning to Roswell for its 10th anniversary Aug. 29, will feature short films from around the world. Filmmaker Stephen P. Sherwood founded the festival in 2016 with the mission of recognizing filmmakers whose short films demonstrate their ability to make well-crafted motion pictures. The festival has received more than 2,300 submissions since its inception. “I started this film festival out of frustration … with other festivals because there was almost never any feedback provided, or there was an additional charge to receive it,” Sherwood said. “Filmmakers need the same kind of critique as screenwriters, which is why we send everyone their scoresheet. Improvement requires assessment." This season’s featured shorts vary in genre and presentation, with a South Korean musical, a French fantasy western and a Pixar-style animated film among the selections. Other featured genres include drama, comedy, documentary, science fiction and fantasy, mystery, and artificial intelligence- and student-produced features. Every film is judged by IMDb-
SOUTHERN SHORTS AWARDS/PROVIDED
The Southern Shorts Awards Film Festival will be held at the Aurora Cineplex in Roswell Aug. 29. qualified judges, who provide written feedback as well as a scoresheet for cast and crew. Scoring covers 10 factors, including originality, screenplay, direction, acting, cinematography, sound design, editing, music, production design and overall quality. Judges include filmmaker Kevin L.
Powers, director of photography and colorist Steve Anderson, producer Ted Rubin, actress Deborah Childs, and screenwriter and novelist Brian W. Peterson. The festival will be held at the Aurora Cineplex, 5100 Commerce Parkway. Festival tickets cost $10 each and are
available at the cineplex. The festival schedule includes: • 11 a.m. — Screenings of 12 previous “Best Picture” winners begin. • 2:15 p.m. — A screening of three of Sherwood’s films begins. • 4 p.m. — Screenings of the 14 films in the summer 2026 season begin. • 8:45 p.m. — An Oscars-style awards presentation begins. Awards will be given using these scores: • 70-79, Award of Merit: Demonstrates a solid craft across the scoring criteria. • 80-89, Award of Excellence: Displays exceptional work with clear command of the medium. • 90-95, Award of Distinction: A rare score given to shorts with nearly flawless filmmaking. • 96-100, Orson Award: The highest honor; reserved for shorts that change how a judge sees the craft. Individual achievement awards will also be given for director, lead actor, lead actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, cinematographer, editor, sound designer, composer, production designer and screenwriter. — Erlandrya Rutledge
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 13
IMAGES PROVIDED TO APPEN MEDIA
Atlanta Writers Club Executive Director George Weinstein, far left, works with a panel of publishing professionals during the Atlanta Writers Conference in May.
35th Atlanta Writers Conference important event for authors By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — Writers in search of literary agents or editors, take note: The Atlanta Writers Club just might change your life. Twice a year, the 112-year-old organization for established and aspiring authors hosts the Atlanta Writers Conference, a two-day, one-stop shop for all scribe-related subjects. From hands-on help with the craft of writing to possible literary representation and book deals, the event is something of a publishing be-all and end-all. The club's next conference, its 35th, will be Nov. 6-7 at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel. Thirty literary agents and publishers will provide manuscript and query letter critiques, take pitches and conduct Q&A panels. While these sessions often sell out, more than half of November's panelists still have spots available, and all other weekend activities are open. In other words, there's still time to sign up for an event that has been lifealtering for many Atlanta-area authors. "After nearly every one of the past 34 conferences, one or more writers have received representation offers from literary agents and/or publishing offers from the acquisitions editors they met with," said George Weinstein, the club's executive director and conference director. "Some writers have received sixfigure book deals," he said, "and one author so far — Becky Albertalli — has had her book turned into a movie and TV series." Weinstein said the 35th conference will include first-time sessions such as a legal issues seminar, one-on-one meetings with an entertainment lawyer and a marketing and public relations
Johns Creek author Toni Bellon volunteering at a recent Atlanta Writers Conference. expert, and a workshop on perfecting the first five pages of a manuscript. "The conference also features pitch practice sessions, a book fair, a social mixer with agents and publishers, and an award ceremony with giveaway drawings," he added. While the twice-yearly events routinely draw writers from across the country, the 1,600-member club plans an abundance of activities for local members, 70% of whom are from suburbs along the Perimeter and
farther north to Milton, Cumming and beyond, Weinstein said. Those offerings include monthly educational meetings and periodic workshops on the craft and business of writing, more than 60 critique groups, a self-publishing conference, writing contests, the biennial Townsend Prize for Fiction, two mentorship programs and a craft of writing certificate program, he said. Toni Bellon, a Johns Creek author and longtime club member, has
benefited from a number of those resources. She is also one of the conference's many success stories. Bellon published her first novel, "L.E.A.P.," in 2024. "Back in 2017, I was introduced to the Atlanta Writers Club by an exneighbor," Bellon said. Since then, she has regularly attended meetings and conferences to learn about the writing process and improve her skills. Five years later, at the November 2022 conference, she met Geoff Habiger of Artemesia Publishing. "In 2023, he offered me a contract for my first book," Bellon said. "Thanks to George Weinstein and all those who taught at the Atlanta Writers Club." For Bellon, literary lightning struck twice at another conference a year later. "The AWC also allowed my next book, 'The Cost of Sin,' to be picked up by Histria Books" and distributed by Simon & Schuster, she said. Bellon will launch "The Cost of Sin" at 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. Register on Eventbrite. In addition to discussing her new novel and the third book she's working on, she just might mention how the club has affected her life. "It has helped me become convinced that I am a writer," said Bellon, who retired as assistant dean of education at the University of North Georgia. "I wasn't sure I could call myself a writer until others told me my writing was good enough to be published. "It doesn't matter how many books I sell," she said. "Someone thinks they are good enough.” For more information about November's conference, go to atlantawritersconference.com.
14 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
SPORTS
From Milton to the world stage: Carrasquillo’s lacrosse run By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An unexpected rain delay at the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship became an unforgettable memory for Puerto Rico team captain and Milton graduate Bri Carrasquillo. Carrasquillo competed with Puerto Rico’s national team in Tokyo from July 24 through Aug. 1. She told Appen Media that the rain delay before their game against England gave the team a new outlook. “Puerto Rico is a very diverse island, and it’s awesome to get to combine so many different perspectives and get to play for something that’s bigger than ourselves,” she said before the tournament. “It’s a special moment.” Carrasquillo was the first of three Eagle lacrosse standouts from her family after they moved from Long Island in 2017. Bri’s brother Jordan is a senior at Milton this year, and her sister Skylar later joined her at Yale. Skylar is now the defensive coordinator at Ohio State. She brought on three area players since joining the Buckeyes staff, including a goalie and a defender sporting three rings with Milton. Jordan originally committed to play lacrosse at OSU as well before flipping teams and sports to play wide receiver for Indiana. Bri said when her dad informed her that his job required a move, she was convinced her lacrosse career was over due to loss of skill. Without the competition level of the lacrosse hotbed she grew up in, she thought she would arrive at Yale a completely different player than the one the Bulldogs recruited. Her junior year was the first season she put on the Eagles jersey, and as a member of the class of 2019, she was part of the last group to not be subject to the current recruiting restrictions that prevent athletes committing before Sept. 1 of their junior year. Bri had played on the varsity team back home since seventh grade and had verbally committed to Yale as a freshman. Bri recounted the story of meeting Milton head coach Tim Godby for the first time at a club tournament, where he attempted to persuade her to join his Eagle Stix team. Bri and Skylar both went on to win several championships for the Eagles, but they remained with the Long Island Yellow Jackets until graduating from high school. Despite her worries about her new school, Bri said she “assimilated very quickly.” She said her new team was welcoming and provided her a new opportunity of out-of-state travel for
PUERTO RICO LACROSSE/PROVIDED
Milton High School graduate Bri Carrasquillo smiles in Tokyo ahead of the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship. She served as the team captain of Team Puerto Rico and scored eight goals in the tournament. games. Once she recognized the coach and program’s “go-getter” attitude, she realized she was in the right place after all. Following high school, six games into her freshman season at Yale, the pandemic canceled the school year, and she came home to Alpharetta. Less than two months later, Bri was in for another life-changing shakeup. After losing over 20 pounds in just a few weeks, Bri was admitted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Adjusting to a new chronic illness
was a challenge to overcome, but it didn’t take long for Bri to start missing her sport. So, she started to give four to six lessons a day to young lacrosse players in the area. When asked who was her biggest success story, she named a Stanford commit, Johns Creek senior Sydnee Cane. Bri continued to pour into youth by coaching for Eagle Stix, laying the groundwork for a Division I assistant position later. After returning to lacrosse for her sophomore season in 2022 with a new chronic illness to manage, Bri said
establishing a routine and having the support of her teammates allowed her to thrive in new conditions. Her athletic trainers are able to monitor her readings through a mobile app that connects to her Dexcom. The blood glucose monitor also offered her an NIL deal to represent the company and diabetic athletes. That summer, she had the opportunity to compete in her first Women’s Lacrosse World Championship alongside Skylar. “I looked at it as, hey, this is my first opportunity to play on the world stage, and also to play with diabetes on the world stage,” Bri said. “Why not use that confidence, that fuel, in tandem to make the most of a situation that not many others have the opportunity to do, lacrosse-wise or chronic illnesswise?” Bri and Skylar played together at Yale for one year before Bri transferred to Oregon to play her grad transfer season. Bri said she wanted something “completely different” from her previous school and was drawn to the nature in the Pacific Northwest. After exhausting her NCAA eligibility, she was drawn to nature once again and accepted an assistant coach position at the University of Vermont. Last year, Puerto Rico hosted the PALA Sixes Cup — where there are six players on the field as opposed to the typical 11 — and placed second. Bri said it was beyond meaningful for the team to be so successful on their home field. Returning to the world championship this year was a full-circle moment for Bri, even if Skylar couldn’t join due to OSU recruitment interfering with the tournament. 2022 team captain Monica Negron took over as the head coach and handed the captain honor down to Bri. Puerto Rico ended up placing eighth overall out of pool play and then lost to Team USA in the quarterfinals. But the team gained numerous irreplaceable memories. After facing and overcoming major changes in high school with a crosscountry move and in college with the diagnosis of a chronic illness, Bri was ready for another big change, this time in her career. She started working in Manhattan in tech sales this summer. She also continues to advocate for diabetes treatment as an ambassador in the Dexcom Warrior program. Bri said the Olympic qualifiers are next, and she’s looking forward to continuing her athletic career — with a chance for her and her sister to be part of the first group of lacrosse players in Olympic history.
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Medical science can sometimes help us step back in time and understand the past as though centuries no longer separate us. Homer's The Odyssey has received renewed attention through Christopher Nolan's recent film adaptation, providing an opportunity to revisit medicine in Homer's world. By understanding the effects of two plants—nightshade and snowdrops—modern pharmacology sheds light on one of the epic's most perplexing episodes: the transformation of Odysseus's men into swine. Christopher Nolan's adaptation includes the startling scene in which the sorceress Circe turns Odysseus's men into pigs. In Homer's original epic, Circe poisons the soldiers' drink. The god Hermes gives Odysseus an antidote in the form of a plant called Moly, described as having a black root and a white flower. Odysseus consumes the herb, drinks Circe's poisoned brew without harm, then confronts Circe and rescues his men. To modern audiences, Circe's potion seems fantastical. But to ancient listeners familiar with local plants and traditional healing, it may have suggested something far more recognizable. One influential interpretation proposes that Circe's potion was inspired by poisonous plants of the nightshade family, which profoundly affect the nervous system. Normally, the body shifts between "rest and digest" and "fight or flight" through the action of acetylcholine. Nightshade blocks acetylcholine, pushing the nervous system toward "fight or flight." In larger doses, the consequences become severe. Poisoning by nightshade produces the classic symptoms: "blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone." Victims may suffer blurred vision, impaired sweating, confusion, hallucinations, and delusions. Nightshade is among history's most famous poisons, appearing in Homer, Shakespeare, and countless ancient texts. Homer's audience would likely have recognized its effects. Nightshade could leave Odysseus's men as helpless as pigs—or even convince them they were pigs. Medical historians have suggested that
Moly may have been the snowdrop (Galanthus), which has a white flower, dark roots when freshly dug up, and which contains galantamine, a compound PROVIDED that increases acetylcholine activity and largely counteracts the effects of nightshade. But snowdrops are not harmless. In excessive doses, they can slow the heart, weaken breathing, lower blood pressure, and become poisonous themselves. Only a master herbalist or a hero with Hermes as his guide could have chosen the proper balance. For ancient audiences, the story likely gained another layer of suspense now largely lost on us. They may have recognized that Moly itself was dangerous. Once Odysseus swallowed it, the clock began ticking. Odysseus had to drink Circe’s nightshade before the snowdrop killed him. The antidote became the poison, and the poison became the antidote. When Odysseus consumed Moly, ancient listeners may have experienced the same suspense we feel watching heroes race to obtain an antidote in modern films. When Odysseus swallowed one poison in preparation for another, ancient listeners, too, were likely on the edge of their seats. Almost any substance can be a medicine at one dose and a poison at another. That paradox—and the knowledge that Hermes' "gift" was both antidote and toxin—deepens our understanding of the peril Odysseus faced. Between Circe and Hermes, nightshade and snowdrops, he navigates a medicinal Scylla and Charybdis in which each plant is both poison and cure. A knowledge of ancient herbal medicine and modern pharmacology makes sense of a scene of soldiers turned into pigs and helps us appreciate a moment of tremendous danger and suspense for our great ancient hero Odysseus.
EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 17
Change is right around the corner for your 2027 plan Brought to you by – Senior Source Medicare
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In life, change is inevitable. This is also reflected in the world of Medicare insurance. Medicare is health insurance for individuals age 65 and older, or for those under age 65 who have certain disabilities. Medicare itself, meaning traditional Medicare, stays very consistent through time. It’s the private-sector options like Medicare Advantage Plans and StandAlone Prescription Drug Plans that need to be reviewed every year. Medicare Supplements Plans DO NOT change in benefit year over year, but they do go up in price every year and should be “price-shopped” every so often (suggested every 3-5 years).
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Puzzles
Dunwoody Crier 8/27/26 Connect-It
Connect-It
Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com
Alpharetta-Roswell Herald...................August 27, 2026 | 18 Dunwoody Crier 8/27/26 Crossword
Across
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1 Giraffe cousin 6 Renown 10 Pesky insect 14 Speeder’s bane 15 Legal claim 16 NV city 17 Karate experts 19 Consequently 20 18-wheeler 21 Foolhardy 22 Western film classic, The Magnificent ___ 23 Showman Ziegfeld 25 Tin can appliance 27 Large bird of prey, the Great ___ 31 Filth 32 Cereal grain 33 Condo division 35 Knitting ___ 39 All excited 41 Type of stare or cartridge 43 Diva’s song 44 Indicate 46 Moonshine mix 48 Mornings, for short 49 Burden 51 Gainsborough painting 53 Withstand 55 Hostel 56 Explosion 57 Wilted 60 Jason’s ship 64 Final notice 65 Embarrassed to the hilt
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8/27/26 Kakuro PuzzleJun How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle Dunwoody above has Crier three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 1. first Hurried. speak. Sailing with 2 masts. the letter ofSnake the second answer, and sovessel 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 2. the Conundrum. Kakuro, alsodemand. known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, a crossword grid. The rules are easy for 3 answers on Chick thepuzzle, line.speak. Buteach here’sWorker’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line solved 1 mayin(or may not) style actually To solve the Sudoku row, column and above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal li be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck! box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 3. Dog speak. Watery part of milk. Smooth-tongued.
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 an
4. Owl speak. Certain football player. The Old Sod.
Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com
67 Exploding star 68 Above 69 The Republic writer 70 Water pitcher 71 Sets 72 Brusque Down 1 Globes 2 Curly cabbage 3 Comic Sandler 4 Appease 5 Aggravate 6 Chigger 7 Suffers 8 Modus operandi 9 Print measures
1. Hurried. Snake speak. Sailing vessel with 2 masts. 2. Conundrum. Chick speak. Worker’s demand. 3. Dog speak. Watery part of milk. Smooth-tongued. 4. Owl speak. Certain football player. The Old Sod. 5. Donkey speak. Little angel. Spill the beans. 6. Indian princess. Found on the shoreline. Lion speak. 7. Breakfast sizzler. Lackluster. Horse speak. PuzzleJunction.com
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Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 5 and 4 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
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10 Healthy Chinese beverage 11 Audacity 12 Infuriate 13 Warner Bros. creation 18 Grizzly, e.g. 22 Arid 24 Singer Rawls 26 Walking papers 27 Egg on 28 The latest thing 29 Town on the Thames 30 ___ Abner 34 Scottish cap 36 Ho-hum 37 Airport pickup 38 Effortless
40 Kindergarten reward 42 Apprehend 45 Race track tipster 47 4th century barbarian 50 Computer key 52 Empower 53 Pasta shape 54 Gullible 56 Dog treat 58 Matinee ___ 59 Driving direction finders 61 Back 62 Catches on 63 Native Nebraskan 65 Dust remover 66 Pertinent
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6. Indian princess. They are usually found on the shoreline. Lion speak.
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Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
See puzzle solutions on Page 29
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How to Solve:Copyright Kakuro,©2026 also PuzzleJunction.com known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal 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.
Solution
COMMUNITY
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 19
PHOTOS BY: JAMIE GODIN/APPEN MEDIA
Paveena Callozzo waves toward shore while paddling past a Murph’s Surf buoy during the Sandy Springs SUP Showdown at Morgan Falls Overlook Park Aug. 15.
Paddlers tackle Chattahoochee during Sandy Springs showdown By JAMIE GODIN newsroom@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Dense fog hung over the Chattahoochee River Saturday morning, Aug. 15, as about 35 paddlers prepared for the inaugural Sandy Springs SUP Showdown at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. The six-mile stand-up paddleboard (SUP) race was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., but organizers held competitors near the starting line while waiting for visibility to improve. The race began at about 8:15 a.m., sending paddlers three miles upstream to Azalea Park before turning around for the trip back to Morgan Falls. The event was organized by the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department in partnership with Murph’s Surf. Jane Jarrett, leisure coordinator for Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks, said the city wanted the event to build on a paddling tradition established by High Country Outfitters, which held its Stand Up for the Hooch race before the COVID-19 pandemic. “We wanted to pay homage to High Country Outfitters,” Jarrett said. “They used to operate a Stand Up for the Hooch [race] from probably about 2016 to 2019, and then, of course, COVID happened, and so the race didn’t continue.” Jarrett said the city brought the concept back while putting its own spin on the event through its
Caio Melo approaches the finish with his Pomeranian aboard his paddleboard during the Sandy Springs SUP Showdown at Morgan Falls Overlook Park Aug. 15. partnership with Murph’s Surf. Racers competed on an open section of the Chattahoochee, with swift-water rescue personnel and other safety crews positioned along the course. Organizers warned participants before the start about changing river conditions, submerged obstacles and the heat expected as the morning progressed. Organizers also offered an adaptive athlete division supported by Catalyst Sports, though no adaptive athletes entered this year’s race. Adaptive sports are designed for athletes with disabilities. Jarrett said including adaptive athletes is a priority across the races she organizes for the city. “With all the races that I put on, I always have an adaptive athlete
Second-place finisher Mitch Cherry, left, receives a high five from third-place finisher Allen Alquist as first-place finisher William McCracken looks on during the awards ceremony following the Sandy Springs SUP Showdown at Morgan Falls Overlook Park Aug. 15. component, too,” Jarrett said. She said she hopes adaptive athletes will enter future races. William McCracken of Asheville, North Carolina, finished first among the men, followed by Mitch Cherry of Atlanta and Allen Alquist of Dunnellon, Florida. Amy Carlson of Canton, Georgia, finished first among the women, followed by Emmye Cherry
of Atlanta and Robbin Rolader of Woodstock, Georgia. First-place finishers received $250, with $100 awarded for second place and $50 for third. Organizers plan to bring the SUP Showdown back to Morgan Falls in 2027. concessions in this seasonal installation that is quickly becoming an annual tradition for many families.
20 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
COMMUNITY
Forsyth fashion show saddles up to fight cancer By DEAN HESSE dean@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Local cancer survivors, dressed to the nines in western wear, strutted down the runway with confidence and attitude during Cowboy Couture for the Cure, an Aug. 14 fashion show benefiting cancer research. The evening, which honored cancer survivors and celebrated caregivers, included dinner, a silent auction and line dancing. Proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society. Among the models strutting the runway was 101-year-old Tachia Rivas, a bladder and kidney cancer survivor who is marking one year free of cancer. She said she embraces each day with gratitude and hopes she can inspire others to keep fighting, cherish every moment and believe that hope is stronger than fear. The show, held at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College in Cumming, served as the kickoff event for the 2027 North Georgia Cattle Baron’s Ball. The ball will be held on Feb. 27, 2027, at Reid Barn on Majors Road in Cumming. It aims to bring communities together around a shared goal — finishing the fight against cancer. Barons’ balls started in Dallas in 1974 and have evolved into one of the cancer society’s premier fundraisers. Next year’s North Georgia ball will be the first one held in North Fulton and South Forsyth. Learn more about the North Georgia Cattle Baron’s Ball at nfsf.acscbb.org. — Photos by Dean Hesse
A cancer survivor modeling western wear tips his hat during the Aug. 14 Cowboy Couture for a Cure fashion show in Cumming.
Line dancers perform at the Aug. 14 Cowboy Couture for a Cure fashion show in Cumming.
Tachia Rivas, a 101-year-old bladder and kidney cancer survivor, struts the runway at the Aug. 14 Cowboy Couture for a Cure fashion show in Cumming.
A cancer survivor turned model twirls on the runway at the Aug. 14 Cowboy Couture for a Cure fashion show in Cumming.
Labonte:
NEWS
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 21
Continued from Page 1 “We are incredibly grateful to Junction 311, our community partners, volunteers, the Roswell Police Department and everyone who helped make this special event a reality.” Tim Lupo, public information officer with Roswell Police, said the morning was lively and energetic, which was reflective of Labonte’s character. He said events like this are central to the department’s commitment to remember Labonte, and the steadfast support officers still receive is a powerful testament of community love and support. Bell said events like this are a great reminder of what makes Roswell such a special place. “It was truly wonderful to see so many members of the community come out to support the Labonte family and the Roswell Police Department,” Bell said. “When one of our families experiences an unimaginable loss, our community comes together to show that they are not alone.”
JASON STINE/PROVIDED
Around 700 participants gathered at Sweet Apple Elementary School the morning of Aug. 22 for the Jeremy Labonte Memorial 5K. The race honored Labonte’s memory and impact on the Roswell community. The Roswell police officer was killed in the line of duty last year.
Council: Continued from Page 1
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
A concept plan for a sports and entertainment district in the North Point Mall area is shown. The mixed-use development was approved by the Alpharetta City Council Aug. 24. It could be anchored by a hockey arena for a potential National Hockey League franchise.
The plan is proposed by North Point Mall property owner New York Life and partner developer Jamestown LP. The developer has worked on projects like Ponce City Market in Atlanta and One Times Square and Chelsea Market in New York City. North Point Mall was once a premier shopping destination that has been eclipsed by mixed-use developments like Avalon, which is located at the intersection of Georgia 400 and Old Milton Parkway. The area surrounding the mall has seen significant declines in property value in recent years. The approval follows the creation of a tax allocation district and at least two failed proposals to revamp the mall property. Mayor Jim Gilvin and council members Dan Merkel, Kirk Driskell and John Hipes voted in favor of the project, saying the chance to breathe new life into the declining North Point Mall area was too great to pass up. “What we are left with is an opportunity,” Hipes said. “NHL wants to potentially come to Alpharetta, and that can be a catalyst for a successful mall redevelopment project … If we deny this, I have serious concerns.” Council members Katie Reeves, Douglas DeRito and Fergal Brady voted against the project. “Is this kind of density in character with our community? Will we still be Alpharetta? Twenty-story buildings seem so out of place,” Reeves said. “We don’t have anything like that up here, and I’m not sure everybody wants that up here.”
22 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
OPINION
Milestone! I killed my phone, at least for a day.
RAY APPEN
Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny." — attributed to Lao Tzu
Recently I did a little experiment. I did not touch my phone or laptop — or stare at a screen — for 24 hours. I never went online. I didn't text, email or call anyone. The phone never moved. No emergency needed me. Nothing important or meaningful happened on social media that I can tell. The only thing I really missed was my camera, because I often use it to take notes. So I made the notes by hand instead. The sun still came up the next morning. My blood pressure probably went down. I was less angry. I didn't miss the news — any news. And I figure I added two to five hours back to my life that otherwise would have been discarded,
like food scraps at a restaurant, into the trash can of the digi-verse. Instead of screens, I watched birds on the beach, clouds and ghost crabs, and I read more than usual. How did I feel? Lighter, a bit more alive and a bit more rested. But the change was subtle. There was no earthquake, no shock. I just felt better. Watch your actions; they become your habits. I talked to an old friend later about my little experiment, and he told me he was headed in the same direction. He said he was tired of the noise — the distraction — and wanted, as he put it, "my own life back." His own life back. That idea struck me. It resonated. It made me think that not having your own life sounds a lot like what happens with addiction: A person serves the addiction instead of the self. Life becomes centered on something else, not you. Addictions by any other name are habits — except with teeth. Denial is part of the story, too. Someone addicted to opioids often doesn't recognize the addiction until the supply runs out, and even then is apt to deny it: "I just feel better when I take them." Screens are not unlike opioids. Think about it. Try leaving your phone
at home. Try going to the store without your phone in your pocket or purse. Try not picking up that phone for 24 hours. Taking the phone with you is the action. Staring at the screen is the habit. A habit taken to the extreme is called addiction — something that controls how you spend your time. The screen and the content it delivers subtly become reality, and reality is no longer real. If we no longer live each moment with intent, with direct engagement in the world around us, then we begin to live as if in a matrix: something synthetic, something else, something not us. Watch your habits. They become your character. Examples of what screens do to people — to their character and their judgment — are everywhere. Consider the rise of mass shootings, the conspiracy theories that multiply within minutes of any major event, the return of diseases that vaccines had all but eliminated, and the social and political polarization that plagues this country. The effect of substituting screens and digital experience for direct personal engagement cannot be overstated. We become what we see through the screens, and our values follow. Our character becomes our destiny.
Merriam-Webster defines character as "the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation." No one wants a destiny of war, poverty, disease or hatred. Screens by themselves do not control our destiny. It is when we substitute screens for direct interaction — with people, culture and organizations — that we hand over control of our lives, and our destiny, to someone or something other than ourselves. We need balance, moderation and engagement. Screens give us access to unlimited information, which can be a good thing, but that information has to pass through the filter of steady, direct human experience to do us any good. I have drastically reduced my screen time since my little experiment. It is work, though. My goal is to touch my phone twice a day — once in the morning and once in the late afternoon, to check messages. I am going to join a book club. I am going to get back on the tennis court and socialize more. I hope to re-engage with people. It is a worthwhile goal, I think, and one that will be good for my physical and mental health. What do you think? Email me at rayappen@gmail.com, or talk to me at book club or on the tennis court.
PAST TENSE
The Sandy Springs home of John and Margaret Ball On Roswell Road, at the site of Big Trees Forest Preserve, James Tilden Lamberth lived on the farm of his grandparents, John W. Ball (18401920) and Margaret VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Adams Ball (18451905). The history Columnist in this article comes from Lamberth’s memories, as told to his daughter, Virginia Lamberth Allison, and shared by Burt Terrell, a great-grandchild of John and Margaret Ball. John W. Ball was one of 10 children of Peter and Margaret Robertson Ball, who came to Georgia from South Carolina in 1829. Their farmland extended from Georgia 400 to the intersection of Mount Vernon and Ashford Dunwoody roads. Margaret’s parents were Salathiel and Sarah Harris Adams, who arrived in 1835 and owned a farm where Murphey Candler Park is today. When John Ball returned home after fighting with the Confederate Army, he
“IMAGES OF AMERICA: SANDY SPRINGS,” KIMBERLY M. BRIGANCE AND MORRIS V. MOORE
In 1915, John Ball (center, behind table) gathered at home with his family for his 75th birthday. The home was located along Roswell Road where Big Trees Forest Preserve is today. built a log cabin on his land. The cabin was one room, 15 feet by 30 feet, with a fireplace at one end and a door at the other. He later added two bedrooms.
When the family was ready for a larger two-story house, he connected the two homes with a breezeway. Ball built both homes and the furniture inside them.
James Tilden Lamberth was born March 18, 1902. His father was Jerry Tilden Lamberth, and his mother was Mary Lenora Ball Perkins. Jerry Lamberth died of pneumonia before James was born. His mother remarried, and her new husband had teenage children. James ended up living with his grandparents. Lamberth recalled that his grandmother was a seamstress who worked in the attic of the home. She carded cotton and used a spinning wheel to turn it into thread, and the thread was made into cloth. She also made bar soap from hardwood ashes. “Water poured over the ashes would seep out the bottom of the pit as lye, which she made into soap in a wash pot,” Lamberth said. Margaret Ball died when Lamberth was 5 years old. Two large barns stood on the farm. One held corn and wheat, plus a pea thresher. The other had a corn sheller and was used to store feed for the mules and cows. John Ball built the pea thresher and the corn sheller.
See BALL, Page 28
OPINION
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 23
GARDEN BUZZ
Please plant native for picky eaters Increasingly, scientists and backyard gardeners are recognizing the importance of native plants to the survival of native insect populations. What is a native plant? Native plants are Guest Columnist species that have grown naturally in a specific region for thousands of years. Most were here before European settlement, and they have thrived and contributed to the health of our ecosystem. Some native insects depend DANA HALLBERG on one or a handful of Guest Columnist specific native plants for survival. One urgent example is the eastern monarch butterfly, which has declined over the past several decades.
About the authors This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnists are Carole MacMullan and Dana Hallberg, both master gardeners and Milton residents. Carole is a former biology teacher who enjoys using her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the North Fulton Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, and reading. Dana is a retired, pharmaceutical research chemist turned scientific and healthcare staffing executive. Dana has lived and gardened in New Jersey and Southern California before moving to Georgia.
CAROLE MACMULLAN
What do butterflies and moths need? Two types of native plants are essential to many butterflies and moths: nectar-rich plants, which sustain adults so they can reproduce and lay eggs, and host plants, which nourish the caterpillars that emerge from the eggs. Be a friend to butterflies and other pollinators by planting nectar-rich natives such as bee balm, coneflower, beardtongue, columbine, salvia, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly weed, milkweed, blazing star, goldenrod and asters. Butterfly bush (Buddleia), confusingly, is neither a native nor a host plant. It earned the moniker by attracting butterflies as a nectar source. Monarchs require milkweed as a host plant The key to the monarch’s long-term survival is a single plant: milkweed. Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed in the Asclepias genus. They are picky eaters. The leaves feed the caterpillars and, because of chemical toxins called cardenolides, make both caterpillars and adult monarchs poisonous to predators. Monarchs’ generational migration Eastern U.S. monarchs, like all butterflies and moths, have a four-part life cycle: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa and adult. Adults are known for their long, round-trip migration in the spring from their winter roosts in the mountains of Mexico to the northeastern United States and back to Mexico in the fall. But the story is more complicated than
PAT MILLIKEN/PROVIDED
Upper Left: Monarch butterfly enjoying nectar from a pink-flowering swamp milkweed Upper Right: Monarch feeding on orange-flowering butterfly milkweed Lower left: A single white, monarch butterfly egg on a milkweed leaf Lower middle: Two monarch butterfly caterpillars on a milkweed plant Lower right: A monarch pupa after emerging that, because no single butterfly makes the whole trip. On the journey north, monarchs stop at four locations with one objective: to reproduce. Four generations are born over the course of a year before the last of them returns to Mexico. First generation The sexually immature adults overwinter in Mexico. As the weather warms in the spring, they mature, travel north and make their first stop to reproduce in a Southeastern state. Second generation These offspring travel to a midAtlantic location to find a mate and lay their eggs on the leaves of the essential milkweed, so the picky caterpillars can grow into adults. Egg laying is a laborious process. The female lays one egg per milkweed leaf until her supply is depleted. When the eggs hatch, after a three- to eight-day incubation period, each caterpillar has an instant source of food. Both the second and third generations die within two weeks of reproducing. Third generation A desire to travel is built into a monarch’s DNA. The third generation flies to a northern location to reproduce, and its descendants fly farther north to reproduce for the last time.
Fourth generation The fourth generation is supercharged. These monarchs do not reproduce, and they can live six to nine months. The best chance to see monarchs in Georgia comes in late summer and early fall, as they travel south and stop here to fuel up on nectar-rich plants. That energy carries them on a 1,500-mile journey to their winter home in the mountains of Michoacán state, west of Mexico City. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, shelters them in an oyamel fir forest for four or five months, until the spring odyssey begins again. Georgia gardeners have three suggested native milkweeds: swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), which has pink flowers; butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), which has orange flowers; and whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), which has white flowers. These plants are often difficult to find locally, so growing them from seed is an excellent alternative. Growing milkweed from seed Buy organic seed that has not been treated with systemic pesticides. Place the seeds on a paper towel or coffee filter, seal them in a plastic bag and refrigerate them in the crisper drawer for 30 to 45 days to simulate the winter cold they need to
germinate. Once the chilling period is complete, it is time to plant. Use a well-draining seedstarting mix in deep containers, because milkweed develops a long taproot. Press the seeds into the soil, cover them with a quarter-inch of soil and set the containers in a sunny window or under a grow light until they sprout. Keep the soil consistently moist. Gardeners should avoid tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) and hairy balls milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus), which are sold at some big-box stores and large nurseries. These nonnative species do not die back in the winter in temperate areas such as ours, and as a result they interfere with monarch migration and reproduction. Cultivating native plants is a direct investment in the survival of the monarch butterfly. By choosing native milkweed and nectar plants, backyard gardeners can support the essential migration pathways needed to keep these magnificent monarchs flying for generations to come. 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 about horticulture and ecology 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 at appenmedia.com/opinion/ columnists/garden_buzz. Come visit us at the Alpharetta Farmers Market and the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. We will also have a booth at the Crabapple Festival in Milton on Oct. 3.
24 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
AIKENOMICS
OPINION
Oil’s retreat gives mortgage rates a respite After weeks of geopolitical tensions helping drive mortgage rates higher, financial markets finally found a measure of relief as easing concerns over global oil supplies sent energy prices lower. The decline followed two developments investors viewed as reducing near -term supply D.C. AIKEN risks. Reports that the United Guest Columnist dcaiken.com States is pursuing diplomatic engagement with Iran, rather than immediate military action, eased fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. At the same time, OPEC+ announced another increase in oil production, signaling that additional supply could reach the market in the months ahead. Together, those developments removed much of the geopolitical “risk premium” that had been supporting crude prices. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is trading near $80 per barrel, down roughly 5.3%, while Brent crude has fallen nearly 4.7% to about $84 per barrel, marking one of the largest one-day declines in recent months. For the mortgage market, lower oil prices carry implications beyond the gas pump. Energy costs influence inflation across the economy. As oil prices decline, transportation and production costs often ease, helping moderate inflation expectations. Investors typically respond
move was limited, it marked the first meaningful improvement in several weeks. The market’s attention now shifts from geopolitics to economic data. The Labor Department will soon release its monthly Employment Situation Report, one of the Federal Reserve’s most closely watched indicators. A softer -than-expected report could reinforce expectations that inflation continues to cool, providing additional support for lower mortgage rates. A stronger -than-expected reading, however, could renew concerns that interest rates will remain elevated for longer, reversing much of this week’s progress. For now, markets have welcomed a pause in geopolitical uncertainty. Whether that develops into a sustained decline in mortgage rates — or proves to be only a temporary reprieve — will likely depend on the economic data released in the days ahead. And finally, for what it’s worth: I’ll be on vacation next week. If history is any indication, mortgage rates have a funny habit of moving lower whenever I’m out of town. Here’s hoping that streak stays alive. IMAGE PROVIDED TO APPEN MEDIA
by increasing purchases of longer -term Treasury securities and mortgage-backed bonds, pushing yields—and ultimately mortgage rates- lower. That relationship was evident recently as Treasury yields edged lower, allowing mortgage rates to improve modestly after climbing to their highest levels in nearly two years. While the
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.
Local news, mostly fun days and many stories to tell
JOSHUA WILSON Managing Editor joshua@appenmedia.com
It’s time for me to say hello. I’m Joshua, the newish managing editor at Appen Media Group. I started in July and have been off to the races since day one, working with our incredible team to boost our news coverage of the Atlanta metro. I’m
having a blast. I’m relatively new to the metro. I previously lived in Macon, where I oversaw a small and scrappy news startup. I’m a native Mississippian, though, and the Magnolia State will always have a piece of my heart. I fell in love with the Atlanta area years ago during my first visit. I was born and raised in the sticks, so this sprawling place was truly “the Big City” in my eyes. I was captivated by the tall buildings, the numerous
things to do and yes, even the traffic. During that trip, I decided that one day I’d move to Atlanta. It took 15 years, but I finally did. I’m glad to be here and honored to be playing a key role in the perseverance and growth of our local news ecosystem. I’m a community journalist at heart. I’ve never aspired to work in the national news space. Instead, I’ve always enjoyed talking to locals about the issues that affect their daily lives — things like education, crime, healthcare access, economic development, government accountability and more. I care about an area’s quality of life, the transparency of its government and the civic participation of its people. I also care about telling captivating stories, highlighting people from every walk of life and doing my work in an ethical and fair manner. I think journalists, who advocate for transparency from other organizations, should themselves be transparent, and I
Appen Press Club Support local news that follows the story. Join the Appen Press Club today at appenmedia.com/join. often publish notes or explainers on how and why stories were covered. My commitment to you is to continue these efforts and to have fun while doing it. My career has been many things — strange, transformative, winding — but on 95% of the days, I sit down on my couch and think, “Well, that was a fun day. I made a difference, or at least I tried to do so.” I suspect most journalists share those same reflections, even if their number isn’t quite 95%. When I started in this business 21 years ago, newspapers were still king. Journalists were still respected. Advertising dollars poured
in and allowed for big staffs and ambitious reporting projects. Those things have certainly changed, but I will always believe in the value and future of local news. Without it, research has found civic participation drops, governments become corrupt and secretive, false and misleading information spreads, and communities become increasingly polarized. Local news, long the uncontested glue of a community, has lost some of its tack, but it hasn’t let go. I think the news business is in an exciting time of its life — a time to adapt, to hone our craft and to reconnect with audiences by finding new ways to reach them. I’m honored to be doing that work in this area and with this team. We’ll continue to grow, adjust and build on our solid foundation. Thank you for reading local news. I’m always just a note away, and I look forward to connecting with you.
BRADSHAW’S BRIEF
OPINION
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 27, 2026 | 25
The most wonderful time of the year I don’t mean the holiday season. I mean football season! Professional football. College football. High school football. Peewee football. I love it all. STEVE BRADSHAW But I tend to prefer Columnist pro football. decaturish@appenmedia.com My NFL awakening occurred when I was a young boy in the 1970s. The team of that decade was the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was easy to root for a team with players like Franco Harris, L ynn Swann, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount and of course “Mean” Joe Greene. Throughout those Super Bowl-winning seasons, their quarterback was Terry Bradshaw. Since I was a kid, I assumed that he and I were related somehow. So I became a fan, and my love of black and gold remains firmly in place. Last year I attended my first Steelers home game, and it was awesome. During our few days in Pittsburgh, I met fans who had come in for the game from all over the country, which made the entire experience even more enjoyable. Two years ago, my wife took me to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This was also a lot of fun! As someone who has lived in metro Atlanta for more than 30 years, I am also an Atlanta Falcons fan. But at times they make it difficult. Candidly, I don’t think I have fully recovered from the Super Bowl LI debacle in February 2017. I am sure I am not alone in this feeling. But I won’t dwell on that. I start every season with high hopes for my Dirty Birds. This season will be no exception. We’ll see how long it lasts. I enjoy college football as well, although I’m still not completely sure how the transfer portal or the name, image and likeness system works. At the Division I level, most of the athletes are very talented, and the pageantry around college football is unrivaled. During the first five seasons of Georgia State University football — my graduate school alma mater — we were season ticket holders. The Panthers initially played their home games at the old Georgia Dome, and attending was a lot of fun and easy to get to via MARTA. The team now plays at Center Parc Stadium, the reconfigured former Turner Field,
FILE PHOTO
Former DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw speaks during Tucker’s Juneteenth Jubilee hosted by Citizens for Family Activities in Tucker on Saturday, June 18, 2022.
which is very nice. I still try to get to one or two home games a year. I haven’t attended a high school football game in years. While I do appreciate Friday night lights, most weeks, by Friday evening, the thought of hanging out in a crowd at a football game does not outweigh the appeal of sitting in my easy chair at home. It has been even longer since I attended a peewee football game. But watching the little kids play was always a hoot for me. Once, when my nephew was about 10, I was watching a game in which he was playing running back. On one play, he broke through the line and had some good open-field running. Then, all of a sudden, he was clotheslined, and for a second I was horrified. But he popped right back up and trotted back to his team’s huddle, so I didn’t worry about it. To underscore how long ago that was, that same nephew will be getting married within the next few weeks. But that anecdote highlights a larger and irrefutable point. Football at every level is a violent game. Consequently, many contemporary parents are opting not to allow their kids to play tackle football. Flag football is an alternative. But it is not the same game. Not even close. And for those of us who are football fans, we must come to terms with the notion that the violence of the game
is part of the attraction. I like to use the term “controlled violence.” But it is violence nonetheless. When large human beings collide at high speeds, people will get hurt. Today, the equipment is much better than it was years ago, and certain rules have been put in place to make the game safer for players. I suppose more can be done at the margins. But the nature of the game remains the same. As a kid, I played a lot of football in the neighborhood, which some might call sandlot football. I remember at least a couple of occasions after getting my bell rung when I went home a little woozy. I probably had concussions and didn’t even know what they were. By the time high school rolled around, I was way too skinny to play at the varsity level. I would have been crushed. If only I weighed what I weigh now. I like to think I would have had the smarts and mental toughness to play quarterback, but I still probably lacked the arm strength to throw the deep ball accurately and consistently. More than likely, I
would have played strong safety with a linebacker’s mentality and derived great pleasure from tackling people. Irrespective of the downsides, I still love the game. And soon my Sunday afternoons will be spoken for. The ideal Sunday would unfold like this: At noon I would watch one of the pregame shows, probably “Fox NFL Sunday,” where my cousin Terry Bradshaw is one of the hosts. Then I would be primed for the 1 p.m. game. I would fall asleep in my easy chair about halfway through the second quarter, then wake up late in the third or early in the fourth to watch the end of the game. Then I would be rested and ready for the 4:30 p.m. game, with enough reserve energy to last until halftime of the Sunday night game. A perfect day! The anticipation is building. Football season is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. I can’t
Public Notice Community Reinvestment Act Strategic Plan Public Comments Invited Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) regulations require a bank that has developed a CRA Strategic Plan (the “Plan”) to publish a Notice of the Plan and solicit formal written public comment for at least a 30day period. In conformance with this requirement, United Trust Bank (the “Bank”) hereby provides notice of its intention to submit a CRA Strategic Plan to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), covering the Bank’s Illinois, Georgia, and Ohio Assessment Areas. Written comments from the public concerning the Plan are encouraged. Individuals may request a copy of the Bank’s CRA Strategic Plan at no charge by contacting Mike Mashke, Community Reinvestment Act Officer, by email at mmashke@utbhome.com, or by mail at 12330 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463. All written comments regarding the Plan should be directed to Mr. Mashke at the address listed above. Comments will be accepted for at least 30 days following publication, following which time the Plan will be submitted for approval to the OCC. The Bank will review all comments and incorporate suggestions into the Plan at its discretion.
26 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
In Memoriam
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North Fulton’s Only On-Site Crematory 12050 Crabapple Road • Roswell, GA 30075 CITY OF MOUNTAIN PARK NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC The City of Mountain Park's Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing regarding the City's 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the Community Building located at 100 Lakeshore Drive, Roswell, Georgia 30075, prior to the regularly scheduled Council Work Session. This is a state-required hearing that must be held once the Comprehensive Plan Update has been drafted and made available for public review, but prior to its transmittal to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for their review. The purpose of this hearing is to brief the community on the contents of the draft plan; provide an opportunity for residents to make final suggestions, additions or revisions; and notify the community of when the plan will be submitted to the ARC and DCA. All interested parties should attend. Questions should be directed to Jennifer Zalokar, City Administrator and Clerk, at city.clerk@mountainparkgov.com or (770) T:\ADS_2026\City 993-4231. of Roswell Legals\ Comm-Dev Randy Knighton City Administrator
City of Roswell Notice of Public Hearing
Mary Robichaux Mayor
The following Items will be considered at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 7:00 PM, Roswell City Hall, Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075. a. Text Amendment – Modify 10.3.22 and 14.2: Temporary Sign Permit Required and Defined Terms b. Text Amendment – Modify 10.3.16: Signs Which Require No Permit c. Text Amendment – UDC 4, 6, 9: Initiation - Auto Showroom and Maintenance The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning & Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, GA, 770.817.6720 or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.
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Emma Elizabeth Stefanuk May 1, 2012 – August 16, 2026
Emma Stefanuk of Alpharetta, Georgia, died August 16, 2026. She was 14 years old. Emma was a freshman at the Innovation Academy in Alpharetta. She lived life with an intensity and light that touched everyone who knew her. She loved hanging out with her friends online, playing games, and watching anime. She also loved producing digital art and left the world with many treasures. She is survived by her mother, father, step-father, brother, and step-brother. Memorial services will be held
on August 28 6:30 pm at Midway United Methodist Church, 5025 Atlanta Hwy in Alpharetta, GA 30004, and a Celebration of Emma’s Life will be held on August 29 at 3pm at the American Legion at 201 Wills Rd in Alpharetta. The family requests that any gifts be made in the form of donations to the JED foundation, supporting mental health and suicide prevention in teens and young adults. Visit https://jedfoundationinmemoriam. crowdchange.co/60030 to make your gift in Emma’s name.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, September 14, 2026 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. PH-26-16 116/126 North Main Street – Change of Condition Consideration of a change of conditions to allow a portion of the rooftop to be enclosed on the building closest to North Main Street. The enclosed space and outdoor rooftop would be used for a restaurant. The enclosed space represents a 4 th floor on the building. The property is located at 116 & 126 North Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1252, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. The following items will be considered by the City Council on Monday, September 28, 2026 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. b. E-26-02 6120 Windward Parkway Sign Exception Consideration of a sign exception to allow for an additional monument sign. An exception is requested from Unified Development Code Subsection 2.6.12(C) to allow an additional monument sign. The property is located at 6120 Windward Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1108, 2nd District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. V-26-16 Shirley/4290 Webb Bridge Road Detached Garage Variance Consideration of a variance to allow a detached garage in the front yard of a single-family detached lot. A variance is requested from Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 2.3.3(C) to allow a detached garage in the front yard of a single-family detached lot. The property is located at 4290 Webb Bridge Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1249, 2nd District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
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Ball: Continued from Page 22 The family grew cotton for many years, until that was no longer profitable. Their farm provided all the food they needed except for items such as coffee, sugar, salt and soap powder, which they bought at the grocery store. One night in the middle of a cold winter, John Ball decided to try something new. “Sitting around the huge fireplace, my grandfather got out the Sears Roebuck catalog, which was only about an inch thick at that time, and found a sorghum cane juice extractor powered by a one-cylinder gas engine with two huge flywheels,” Lamberth said. Ball ordered the extractor without the engine and put his mule, Ol’ Ned, to work providing the power. Lamberth remembered that the mule worked hard and was cooperative when spoken to in a kind voice, but did the opposite if anyone shouted at him. John and Margaret Ball are buried in the Ball family cemetery, next door to the former site of their home. Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. Write her at pasttensega@gmail.com. Learn more at pasttensega.com.
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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.
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30 | August 27, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
Full-time Data Analytics Engineer (Alpharetta, GA) Help dsgn & implmt global co’s data analytics platform using SQL while collaborating w/ cross-functional Data Analysts, Data Engineers, & bus. stakeholders to dsgn robust data solutions. Partner w/ Underwriting, Reinsurance, & Engineering teams to apply expertise in quantitative analysis, data mining, & statistical prgmg languages such as Python, R, & SAS. Create interactive dashboards & reports using Power BI to visualize complex data sets & provide insights to stakeholders. Ensure proper d/base architecture, coding stds, data qlty, & integrity. Master’s in Comp Sci, Info Systems, Applied Comp Sci, or Data Analytics & 2 yrs of exp in job or 2 yrs data engg/data analytics exp specializing in data mining &/or visualization. Starr Insurance Holdings, Inc., Attn: Matt Metropulos, 3353 Peachtree Rd, NE, Ste 1000, Atlanta, GA 30326. Landis+Gyr Technology, Inc. Solutions Director Alpharetta, GA Job Description: Work with the company’s sales professionals to develop account-winning strategies by driving & managing the technology evaluation stage of the sales process & bringing new products to market. Provide product sales engineering support to successfully close deals, researching customer needs & defining technical and business solutions. Domestic travel up to 50% to unanticipated client sites. SALARY: $165,000 - $175,000/ YEAR Requirements: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engg, Comp Sci, or related field & 5 yrs exp evaluating technology & market trends in energy & utilities industry. Exp must include 3 yrs each of following: assessing potential of proposed designs for electric distribution systems; developing & executing strategic technology plans for operational technology (OT) & IT convergence in utility environments; leading strategic planning, roadmap development, & execution for industrial digital transformation initiatives; assessing integration architectures & system designs for electric distribution networks, including substation automation, SCADA, & historian systems; delivering technical presentations to utility clients, internal stakeholders, & cross-functional engineering teams; product management including concept validation, requirements definition, & crossfunctional coordination. Exp may be gained concurrently. Domestic travel up to 50% to unanticipated client sites. To apply, please send resume via email to Portia.Ehoussou@landisgyr. com or mail to Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc., c/o Portia Ehoussou, HR, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Please reference job title (Solutions Director).
Junior Accountant (Alpharetta, GA) Lvg. adv knowldg of bus analytics & resp for anlyz fin’l acct’g & fin’l perf to ensure all bus. & fin’l compliance rqmts. Req: BS or frgn equiv deg in Finance, Account’g, Bus. Anly. or rel fld + 2yr exp perf fin’l anlysis & accountg. May telecomm up to 50% of work wk from any US loc. Send resume: Kehui Qian, HR Business Partner, V America Operations (fka VIDAA USA), 3600 Mansell Rd, Ste 300, Alpharetta GA 30022. IT Professionals: Ent. Lvl to Sen. Lvl Software Devs, Net Devs, Salesforce Architects, Project Mgrs, D/base Admins & Comp Sys Analysts are needed for our Alpharetta, GA office. May req. traveling. Send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to ACQUIS CONSULTING INC, 5470 McGinnis Village Place, Ste 102, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Senior Supply Chain Analyst to monitor system performance & identify opportunities for improvement; collaborate w/ business stakeholders to define system reqmts & tailor configurations accordingly; conduct end-to-end testing of system configurations & upgrades; support automation initiatives & the adoption of new features; analyze & evaluate advanced supply chain optimization methodologies, predictive analytics models & emerging logistics technologies to improve operational efficiency & decision making; mentor junior supply chain analyst(s). Req: Master’s deg (or foreign equiv) in Logistics, Industrial Engg, or a rltd field of study; 6 months of job-rltd exp (any title); Exp to incl working w/ Microsoft Excel (Advanced Formulas, Pivot Tables), Excel VBA (Report Automation), SAP, & SQL. Frequent travel/ relocation to various unanticipated locations w/in the U.S. possible. Resume: VCO LLC dba VCO Systems, 645 Hembree Parkway, Ste A, Roswell, GA 30076. Refer: GAMP26. Senior Civil Engineer (Lawrenceville, GA) to study project plans & specs; Prep project feasibility plans; Analyze scope of work; Establish reference points, grades & elevations; Analyze & recommend pollution & erosion control measures; Analyze traffic control reports; Research emerging civil engg technologies, materials, & methodologies to enhance project outcomes; Mentor & provide techn’l guidance to jr engineers & engg staff. Req.: Master’s deg (or foreign equiv) in Civil Engg, Construction Mgmt, or a rltd field of study; 1 yr of job-rltd exp (any title); Exp to incl working w/ AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, project sched tools & surveying instruments (Total Stations, GPS eqpmt & laser levels). Resume: Ohmshiv Construction, LLC, 805 Progress Court, Ste A, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Job ID: OCKB26.
Midway Preschool is looking for an experienced Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org.
Sawnee EMC is seeking a Staff Accountant – Financial Services to provide financial and accounting services in compliance with RUS accounting requirements and standards, coordinate budgeting and financial planning functions, compile and analyze financial information, prepare financial statements, statistical analyses, balance sheet and financial position statements, make recommendations on reserves, collect appropriate data to prepare tax returns, and prepare related reports to management. Requires: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in accounting with a minimum of two years progressively responsible work experience; high level of competency in MS Office, Accounting, Spreadsheet and Database Software; knowledge of RUS System of Accounts preferred. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 11, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
SUPPLY CHAIN SPECIALISTS: Alpharetta, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout US: Dvlp sols for complex processes to imprve biz & oprtnl efficiency using WMS & MS Office. Dsgn, build, & execte key wrhs procss. Stratgz, create & optmze Wrhs Mgmt implmtn lfcycls w/in timeln. Scope & budget lfcycle using Excel, Visio & MS Project. Anlyze current state & idtfy gaps in procsses & sys. Redce distrbtn costs by rsrchng, dsgng, & exectng cmplx biz & sys procsses like Receiving, Putaway, Alloctn, Replnshmt, Cubing, Taskng, Routing, & Trsnprtn. Dvlp metrics, KPIs, & data vislztns using Power BI & SQL. Master’s in Business Admin, Sci, Tech, or Engg (any) req’d. Email resume: HR, ITeckSoft, Inc, support@itecksoft.com.
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Ross: City should have residents pick fiscal fate
Public Service Commission race headed to runoff election
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Wills Park brims with area visitors on Fourth of July By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
A girl waves an American flag as she dances to music by Davis and the Love at Roswell Area Park July 4.
PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Kendall, from left, John, Brooks and Reid Hill sit on a picnic blanket at Roswell Area Park to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Roswell crowd celebrates America’s 249th birthday By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Food trucks, live music and fireworks were on the menu for America’s birthday in Roswell. A crowd of over 1,000 piled into Roswell Area Park July 4 to celebrate America’s 249th birthday.
Kendall and John Hill travelled from East Cobb to bring their two little ones to the show. “The kids love it,” John Hill said. Baseball fields and multi-use fields were filled with families and friends awaiting the firework show at dusk.
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Pitts: Raising millage rate would be mistake
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From left, Traci Foreman, Chris Foreman and John Hanley watch fireworks in Wills Park July 4.
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By JON WILCOX | jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The heart of the holiday was shining through the music, food and fun of Creek’s Juneteenth celebration. As the sun set on a warm Saturday evening, Midway grandmother Matilda Riles sat in a lawnchair, watching her grandchildren play on the park lawn amid the sound of booming live music and mouthwatering aroma of food trucks. Before the fun started, Riles, who attended with three generations of family, educated the kids about the reason for Juneteenth. “It's a point in time when enslaved people no longer had to be enslaved, and certain places did not relay the message at the time that it should have been relayed,” Riles said. “And, therefore this is a celebration as to when the final group of people were told you no longer had to be enslaved.” Several thousand visitors descended on the city’s annual celebration at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, doubling last year’s attendance. The celebration resembled a giant block party with live music performances, chatting neighbors, plenty of food and rows of arts and craft vendors.
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, blue-clapboard 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.
See BISCUIT, Page 6
Two-year-old Cameron holds a beach ball at the City of Roswell Fourth of July celebration at Roswell Area Park.
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Residents celebrate, remember meaning behind Juneteenth
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Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter, Lennon, at the entrance to her Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company on 13th Street just outside Cumming.
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is working to complete converting an old elementary school into a law enforcement training center. Since October, the training center has hosted a public safety academy as part of a partnership between the sheriff’s office and University of North Georgia. The academy, funded by the
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sheriff’s office, provides training for law enforcement officers in Forsyth County and surrounding jurisdictions, Capt. Rob Heagerty said. At an April 22 work session, the County Board of Commissioners discussed a proposal to allocate $47,993 for design services with ar chitectural firm Wiley Wilson to create plans, conduct inspections and
make changes to water heaters. The sheriff’s office wants to install showers and locker rooms at the building at 4805 Atlanta Highway, Heagerty said. The improvements are important because exercise and physical conditioning are essential in maintaining capable deputies, he said. The building already houses classrooms, meeting rooms, a cafeteria,
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gym, simulator room and an empty wing where deputies can conduct building-clearing and other training exercises. The work is part of a second phase to transform former Midway Elementary School into a law enforcement training center.
See SHERIFF, Page 12
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County restores original funding to cultural arts
Children play in the lawn at Newtown Park during a Juneteenth celebration in Johns Creek June 21. JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to restore funding for a program within the Arts & Culture Department to $3 million a year Sept. 17. While the unanimous vote reflects unity and bipartisanship, some commissioners criticized colleagues for the delay. The item, sponsored by Democratic commissioners Khadijah AbdurRahman and Marvin Arrington Jr. and Republican commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne, includes an increase of $1.7 million for a previously requested program and its full $3 million in funding set aside in the 2026 budget.
See JUNETEENTH, Page 10
sions last January and writing false reports about each of the incidents. “The (Justice Department’s) Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law ATLANTA — Fulton County Jail employee has been indicted in federal court for alleg- enforcement officers who abuse public edly using excessive force against prisoners. trust through excessive force and concealThe 47-year-old sergeant is accused of ing their misconduct,” said Assistant U.S. repeatedly using tasers on compliant, non- Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “We resisting pre-trial detainees on three occawill vigorously safeguard the constitutional
Dunwoody opens doors to refine future land-use By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Front center, Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, holds the ribbon for phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 while City Councilman Tom Lambert, front right, gets ready to cut it. The Perimeter CIDs and Dunwoody split the project’s $1.5 million construction cost.
Commercial partners and city celebrate new path By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
See FULTON, Page 20
Fulton jail staff faces civil rights indictments By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat
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County considers funding for sheriff’s training facility
See FOURTH, Page 23
County delays closing Alpharetta jail site
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands filled Wills Park to celebrate July 4 with a bang. Hours before darkness fell, friends and families filled the park’s lawns, Equestrian Center, trails and athletic fields. Everywhere, children played, cartwheeling, running, tossing balls and waving glow sticks. Alpharettan Lindsey Landis, her husband, two children and two dogs were part the crowd, passing the golden hour on a blanket laid out on the grass.
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Biscuit eatery rises to meet high demand
rights of all individuals, including those in custody.” “Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted,” added Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Solomon faces up to 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation and 20
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Summer Veggies Annuals Pollinator Plants and So Much More! Friday April 11- Sunday April 13
years behind bars for each false report. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.
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Miniature goldendoodle Lexi cools off at the Milton city pool on Sept. 13. Canine companions gathered there to celebrate summer’s end. See the story and more photos from Sarah Donehoo on page 18.
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A look down the completed phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 shows the two-way cycle track parallel to the revamped sidewalk.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody elected officials, city staff and Perimeter Community Improvement Districts Executive Director Ann Hanlon cut the ribbon April 3 on phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path. “We’re super proud to partner with the city of Dunwoody on building this trail project,” Hanlon
said. “And we’ll look forward to many more phases to come.” A little over two years ago, the group gathered at the same spot near the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive for phase one’s groundbreaking. Phase one of the corridor’s path includes a two-way raised cycle track separated from traffic by a wide landscape buffer
See PATH, Page 17
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is streamlining development rules and updating its vision for the city’s future as part of a state-mandated overhaul. City officials and representatives from consulting firm TSW Design, which was tasked with creating a plan, gave a two-hour presentation about the changes April 1 during a special meeting at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Residents received and discussed the creation of a unified development ordinance and changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. Dunwoody is updating its comprehensive plan as part of a state mandate that requires an overhaul every five years, said Allison Stewart-Harris, an associate principal and planner at TSW. Stewart-Harris presented the changes to about 30 residents who attended the meeting.
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By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs announced that the Billboard Music Award-winning band Lit is headlining Friday night Sept. 26 at the third annual Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival. The festival will take place in the heart of Sandy Springs Friday, Sept. 26, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lit is an American rock band from Orange County,
California, formed in 1988. They are best known for their platinum-selling 1999 power-pop punk album “A Place in the Sun” and its massive hit single “My Own Worst Enemy.” The band is set to headline the main stage Friday night at 8 p.m. In addition to Lit, the family-friendly festival features music all day long across multiple stages, an artist market with more than 80 vendors and a Kids Zone.
See LIT, Page 9
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Motorists line up at the Boylston Drive signal to turn left onto Hammond Drive Aug. 14. Sandy Springs will begin work in September to realign Boylston to the east and eliminate a nearby traffic light.
Realignment construction begins on Hammond-Boylston intersection
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Sandy Springs said Billboard Music Award-winning band, Lit, is headlining this year’s festival Sept. 26-27 at City Springs.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs contractors are set to begin work in September on realigning the intersection of Boylston and Hammond drives and removing a redundant traffic light. The city says work will last around 15 months, and the intersection will remain open during construction, but there will be occasional lane closures so crews can get the work done safely. Initially, city officials expected the project
to begin in mid-August. No explanation was given. Currently, there are two separate sets of traffic lights less than 100 feet away from one another, one at the Hammond Glen Retirement Community’s driveway and another at the office building next door. The new configuration will shift Boylston Drive to the east, aligning it with the Hammond Glen driveway and eliminating the traffic light at the driveway to the office building at 325 Hammond Drive.
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Wild Nest Bird Rehab finds roost at Legacy Park
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See BOYLSTON, Page 8
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Hundreds attend Intown Ace Hardware’s annual Ladies Night
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Billboard Music Award winner to headline Sandy Springs fest
See REFINE, Page 17
About 30 residents fill a dining room at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road April 1 to hear a presentation by TSW Design planner Allison Stewart-Harris, who spoke on the city’s future land-use strategy.
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