Johns Creek Herald - April 30, 2026

Serbian envoys visit Johns Creek

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce continued its outreach to international business interests April 22 hosting delegates of the Serbian business community. It was the latest in a series of

summits with business leaders from around the world.

At their Johns Creek Parkway headquarters, chamber members met with Vladimir Matic, Rotary Club charter president in Belgrade, and Vladimir Lalosevic, president of the Serbian Association of Employers. The men visited Johns Creek to explore future

business partnerships.

Richard Brooks, chamber management consultant, said the meetings in recent years have proved fruitful. The organization has hosted groups from a number of locales from Quebec to Burkina Faso.

See ENVOYS, Page 19

Stalled makerspace plan draws council attention

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council discussed potential cost savings for a planned community robotics workshop after a contractual road bump in March delayed the project.

City staff presented cost-savings options for the project to council members during an April 20 work session. Council members will decide later whether to move forward with a site at Cauley Creek Park or choose another location. They also will decide whether to consolidate the workshop with a potential indoor recreation center, potentially resulting in construction and other savings.

The robotics workshop, dubbed “makerspace,” is back for council consideration after a design-build contract fell through in March. Council members terminated the contract after contractor MAPP failed to account for assembly occupancy requirements for gatherings, potentially adding $500,000 to the price tag.

former water reclamation building at Cauley Creek Park is one of the planned sites for a community robotics workshop.

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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.

Officers investigate report of alleged sexual assault

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a reported sexual assault March 25.

Alpharetta police said a female reported she was assaulted March 24. The alleged victim’s age and city of residence were withheld to protect her identity.

She reported a man she knew sexually assaulted her at a pool about 1 a.m.

The man continued the assault despite her telling him to stop, police said.

Officers suggested she visit the hospital for a sexual assault examination.

It’s unclear whether the man, whose name also was withheld, was charged with a crime — Jon Wilcox

Pills, marijuana seized following traffic stop

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police confiscated a variety of illicit drugs after initiating a traffic stop the evening of April 12 at Riverside Road and Indian Springs Drive.

An officer pulled over the black Chevrolet for driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer reported smelling marijuana and saw remnants of smoking materials on the center console.

After an additional patrol unit arrived, police conducted a probable cause search of the driver and the vehicle.

In the search, police found

approximately 11 grams of marijuana, two green circular pills that were identified as Oxycodone, and two capsules of Gabapentin.

The driver was arrested on multiple counts of possession, reckless driving and having a suspended registration — Hannah Yahne

Police detain suspect in burglary, hit-and-run

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated an alleged hit-and-run crash and burglary March 23.

Alpharetta police said officers stopped a 19-year-old Cumming man who was walking from a vehicle on Thompson Street. The vehicle allegedly matched the description of one identified in a hit-and-run crash in Forsyth County.

The man, who had scratches on his face and cuts on his shirt, declined to comment to officers about his potential involvement in a crash, police said.

While waiting to transfer the man to Forsyth County custody, officers learned of a reported vehicle break in on Chiswick Circle. Gift cards were reported stolen.

A search of the man allegedly found numerous gift cards in his possession.

Jon Wilcox

Several Roswell restaurants report counterfeit money

ROSWELL, Ga. — Two reports of counterfeit money were filed with the Roswell Police Department April 10 after a man requested change for a $100 bill at the Loyal Tavern and Crabapple Tavern.

There have been reports of similar incidents recently at Lola’s Burger and Tequila Bar and Chaplin’s Bar and Grill as well.

The incident at the Loyal Tavern took place around 9:30 p.m. on April 9 and was reported to police the next day.

A bartender on staff reported

being handed a $100 bill by a Black male with short dreadlocks who appeared between the age of 16 and 24. After examining the counterfeit bill, the bartender said she couldn’t accept the money, and the male left the Canton Street restaurant.

On April 10, a similar incident occurred at the Crabapple Tavern.

A Black male believed to be in his early 20s entered the business with a $100 bill and asked the hostess for change in $20 bills. After the hostess collected the money, staff determined it was fake.

The general manager tried to find the male, but he had already left the business on Arnold Mill Road.

The report is similar to an incident documented five months ago at Lola’s Burger and Tequila Bar on Canton Street.

Employees said a black male in a dark hoodie ordered a soda at the bar and offered to pay with a $100 bill. The bartender gave him the drink for free and was asked if they could make change for the bill.

The man was given $100 in smaller bills and left the restaurant.

A responding Roswell officer spoke with an employe from Rock N Taco who alleged the same male ordered a soda and paid with a $100 bill. He was given $97 in change before leaving the restaurant.

After realizing the bill was fake, the bartender confronted the male in another restaurant. He said the suspect ran and started driving away in a grey Nissan Sentra with the door open and his leg sticking out. The bartender followed in his own vehicle and took a picture of the Nissan’s license plate, which is registered in Decatur without a phone number listed.

Another Roswell officer was dispatched to CBD Store & More on Canton Street in reference to a fake $100 bill that same day. He alleged it was the same male and prop money used.

— Hannah Yahne

Transgender activist challenges state Rep. Panitch in May primary

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The campaign trail is heating up in North Fulton, where transgender software architect and digital activist Aaron Baker is challenging state Rep. Esther Panitch in the May 19 Democratic primary for House District 51. The district includes portions of Sandy Springs and Roswell.

Baker is a first-time candidate and member of the Democratic Socialists of America. She says she is running a progressive, grassroots campaign and is fighting for working people, affordable housing and fully funding public schools. If elected, she would make history as Georgia’s first openly trans legislator. She is Jewish and a lesbian.

“Progress isn’t extremism,” Baker said. “If you’ve felt like your voice isn’t being heard or your priorities aren’t being taken seriously, you’re not alone.”

But she’ll have a fight on her hands, and it’s a fight Panitch said she’s ready for. Panitch said she welcomes Baker’s challenge but questioned her motives.

“Anybody who’s trying to take down a successful incumbent — it’s a fight,” she said. “I’m a trial lawyer. Competition strengthens me. I’ve developed the skills

DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE

to fight not just for my clients, but my constituents. We’re in a democracy. I welcome the competition, and I wish her well, but I do not wish her luck.”

Baker said she got her start in politics in 2023 when the Georgia legislature passed Senate Bill 140 that limits gender-affirming medical care for transgender children.

“I was [at the state Capitol] when SB 140 was passed — a bill that took away life-saving essential medical care from kids, the same medical care that I knew had changed and saved my life,” Baker said. “It was in that moment that I knew I needed to do more.”

Baker, a software architect for CocaCola, built two publicly available websites — Georgia Fast Track and Georgia Fast Money — that are designed to simplify the legislative process and expose corporate campaign contributions. She

also seeks to demystify politics for her 50,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok through clips that explain how to reach out to their representatives to advocate for issues important to them.

“It almost feels intentionally obfuscated — like they don’t want you involved in the process,” Baker said of Georgia’s legislative system. “So, I built tools to make Georgia politics more accessible and expose money in politics.”

Baker said state lawmakers would find it harder to pass anti-trans legislation with a transgender person as a colleague. But, she said, corporate money in politics means most people do not have a seat at the table.

“The truth is trans people don’t have a seat at the table, but the people of Georgia don’t have a seat at the table. Politicians are funded by corporations and corporate interests. And the result of that is that we do not have a government that represents the people,” she said.

Residents in Roswell will soon be without a MARTA bus route on Holcomb Bridge Road. Baker said this is an issue she wants to take up at the state Capitol.

“I talked to workers in the district who do not know how they’re going to get to work,” Baker said.

DRIVEWAYS

Panitch is a trial lawyer. She was elected to the General Assembly in 2022 and she is the only Jewish legislator in the General Assembly. She touts a record of bipartisan accomplishment where Democrats are in the minority.

For example, she was the lead Democratic sponsor of Georgia’s IVF protection bill last year and authored legislation in 2023 codifying a state definition of antisemitism. This year, she passed a bill establishing a formal structure for Family Justice Centers across the state to provide coordinated services to victims of family violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

“The people of House District 51 elected me to get things done,” Panitch said. “We hear a lot of excuses from Democrats because we’re in the minority, but I have learned how to reach across the aisle and find common ground.”

Panitch dismissed Baker’s politics and membership in the DSA as being out of step with the values of District 51 voters. These values include entrepreneurship, home ownership and people who want to send their kids to good public schools, she said.

See PRIMARY, Page 18

Area dignitaries mark start of Ga. 400 widening work

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Local, state and federal officials gathered atop a parking garage overlooking Ga. 400 to herald the start of an ambitious project to expand the highway.

The officials and a crowd of about 200 gathered atop of the Avalon parking deck in Alpharetta to mark the groundbreaking for the multibillion-dollar Georgia State Route 400 Express Lanes project April 22.

The project will add express lanes in both directions along a 16-mile stretch of Ga. 400 from the North Springs MARTA Station in Fulton County north to just past McFarland Parkway in Forsyth County. The lanes, which will use variable-priced tolls and Peach Pass transponders, are expected to be open in 2031.

The project is the result of a privatepublic partnership with private partner SR 400 Peach Partners, which will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the express lanes for 50 years under state oversight.

Funding is provided by a $3.9 billion U.S. Department of Transportation loan, $3.4 billion in private activity bonds,

Sean McMaster, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, speaks atop the Avalon parking deck during a ceremony for the Georgia State Route 400 Express Lanes project April 22.

$3.4 billion of developer equity and $120 million in state money.

The project’s scale makes it one of the most ambitious in the nation and the largest infrastructure project in Georgia history.

See PROJECT, Page 18

May 2

International Festival

Across from Atlanta Athletic Club - 12 p.m.

May 8

Boardwalk at Town Center Grand Opening & Summer Concert

Boardwalk at Town Center - 6 p.m.

May 11

City Council Work Session

City Hall - 5 p.m.

City Council Meeting

City Hall - 7 p.m.

May 16

Touch-a-Truck

City Hall - 12 p.m.

May 19

Board of Zoning Appeals

City Hall - 7 p.m.

May 20

Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee

City Hall - 6:30 p.m.

May 25

Memorial Day

City Offices Closed

May 30

Bulky Recycling Day

City Hall - 9 a.m.

Scan the QR Code to learn more or to contact the City of Johns Creek!

Tune-Up Projects

Kitchen Tune-Up

Paint Cabinets

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

New Backsplash

Cut Down 2-level Island

Bathroom Tune-Up

New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Enlarge Shower Shower Glass Shower Safety Full Remodel

Kitchen Remodel

Total Cabinet Replacement

Large Island

Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations

Open Concept –Move Walls

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Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)

Projects

Bathroom Remodel

New Larger Shower

Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink

Free Standing Tub

Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Plumbing Fixtures

Alpharetta and Fulton County officials prepare to cut the ribbon for a $25 million Health & Human Services building at 4700 North Point Pkwy. April 16.

County announces opening of Health & Human Services – North

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County officially opened its $25 million Health & Human Services – North facility April 16 at 4700 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta.

Officials say the facility will improve access to area residents who need health and human services care, support and resources.

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said the project demonstrates the county’s commitment to residents in the northern cities.

“This is a major investment in qual-

ity, access and community well-being, reflecting our dedication to delivering high-impact services across the county,” Pitts said. “By consolidating these services into one modern, accessible space, we’re improving convenience, supporting coordinated care and building a stronger foundation for long-term community health."

Fulton County Chief Operating Officer Dr. Pamela Roshell said the facility represents years of “foresight, planning and determination.”

In 2019, Fulton County purchased

the 24-acre site and building, which hosted a Comcast call center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as a testing and vaccination site.

The county began renovations in 2024 to repurpose it as a facility that consolidates a variety of essential services into one location.

The county said the site will improve access for a variety of services, including preventative care, immunizations, family planning, senior services, behavioral health stabilization, tuberculosis treatment, chronic disease management

and health education. The expansion of vital records services also will give easier access to birth and death certificates.

Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne said the facility will benefit the community by bringing numerous services under one roof.

“We’re delivering real results for North Fulton by expanding access, strengthening services and bringing critical care closer to our residents,” she said.

— Jon Wilcox

The Health & Human Services – North facility, 4700 North Point Parkway, hosts a variety of services and departments including:

Fulton County Board of Health: Children’s dental, WIC, nursing, women’s health, environmental health and vital records.

Behavioral health and developmental disabilities: Adult behavioral health, child and adolescent behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability services for adults, reentry and diversion services and opioid use disorder treatment.

Senior services: Senior center, adult

day health program and transportation services.

Recovery Treatment Court: Group therapy, substance abuse testing and program meetings for defendants enrolled in the Recovery Treatment Court program.

Customer service support: Complaint monitoring and resolution, translation and accessibility support, A-to-Z service directory and general inquiries and navigation.

Amasa Mexican Kitchen plans Alpharetta opening

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Starting this summer, Amasa Mexican Kitchen will offer a seafood-forward menu of vibrant Mexican dishes at City Center in Alpharetta, 15 Academy Street, Suite 1E.

The venture is a new sister restaurant to Chichería Mexican Kitchen owned by Juan Calle.

“Bringing Amasa to Alpharetta is incredibly exciting for us,” Calle said. “We’re building on what guests already love about Chichería while introducing new experiences, from our seafood-forward menu to our tequila program and live entertainment. We can’t wait to welcome the community.”

Amasa hopes to deliver a unique dining experience with a gluten-free menu focused on bold flavors and high-quality ingredients.

The restaurant will feature a dynamic and social atmosphere, with communal tables upstairs and two private dining rooms downstairs for more intimate gatherings.

In addition to its daily offerings, Amasa will introduce its Sunday cazuela brunch buffet, inspired by the flavors of Mexico City. Evening programming will include live jazz, saxophone performances and Spanish singer-songwriters.

Amasa will be family-friendly, offering thoughtful menu options for children, and will host a variety of culinary events such as multi-

course tastings, tequila classes and dancing lessons. A dedicated tequila room and premium margarita flights will further enhance the guest experience.

— Hannah Yahne

8 | Johns Creek Herald | April 30, 2026

Childhood learning center to open location in Roswell

ROSWELL, Ga. — Ivy Kids Early Learning Center has announced plans to open a new location in Roswell this summer.

The Roswell West location will mark the second Metro Atlanta early learning center for owners Karim Badani and his wife, Shraddha Naik, joining the Johns Creek location. The couple plans to continue expanding their footprint across North Fulton, with a location slated to open in Alpharetta in the fall.

“Opening our second location in Metro Atlanta is incredibly meaningful for our family,” Badani said. “Education has always been a driving force in my life, and we’re passionate about creating an environment where every child is supported, challenged and inspired.”

Located at 10650 Houze Road, Ivy Kids Roswell West will offer educational programs for children ages 6 weeks through pre-K, as well as after-school care for children ages 5–12. The 11,940-square-foot facility will feature 10 classrooms and maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio that exceeds state requirements.

The school offers an exclusive, research-based MultiPrep Curriculum, which promotes academic excellence through active, individualized learning.

In addition, Ivy Kids Learning Center’s World Changers Character Development Program helps instill strong character values through storytelling, play and guided classroom discus -

sions. Students also participate in the BrainBites Nutrition Program, which emphasizes healthy foods.

After immigrating to the United States at age 12 in pursuit of greater educational opportunities, Badani developed a passion for supporting student growth, regularly volunteering in schools and learning centers before transitioning from a career in banking. Naik, a healthcare professional at a local hospital, shares that passion and plays an active role in operations management.

“At Ivy Kids, we’re not just providing care, we’re building a strong educational foundation that helps children grow in confidence, curiosity and character from an early age,” Badani said.

Families interested in learning more about Ivy Kids Roswell West or pre-registration can call (678) 9295993 or visit IvyKidsRoswellWest. com. For additional information about Ivy Kids Learning Center, visit www. ivykids.com.

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COMMUNITY

THE ESTATE OF WHITNEY E. HOUSTON/PROVIDED

A young Whitney Houston plays tennis, a sport she played regularly throughout her life. The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation is launching a pickleball tournament in her name to continue its mission to support youth programs.

Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation slates pickleball tournament fundraiser

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — To expand upon and continue the mission of late singer Whitney Houston, her estate announced the Whitney E. Houston Pickleball Tournament to be hosted on Saturday, June 6.

The tournament will be held at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club, 10800 Davis Drive, from 1 -8 p.m. The tournament invites both experienced and casual pickleball players to participate.

The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation was founded by Houston’s estate in 2020 to provide financial support to youth programs. Donations also support the Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative and Performing Arts.

In addition to the pickleball tournament, the foundation presents two other annual events including, its signature Legacy of Love Gala and the Winter Wonderland holiday event in December. All three events are held in the Metro Atlanta area.

While Houston was known as a global superstar, she was an avid tennis player among a family of professional

I have visited several Chambers and have found my home at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce. The group is committed, involved, and I have made many good friends -Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel

LIFT CHAIR SALE!

athletes, including her brother Gary Houston, a former NBA player with the Denver Nuggets.

Pat Houston, executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and president of the Legacy Foundation, said they played tennis regularly after the singer moved to Alpharetta in 2003.

“Whitney was an athlete at heart. We spent a great deal of time on the courts,” Pat Houston said. “She would have loved pickleball and would have played as my partner. We look forward to inviting the community of Alpharetta and the surrounding areas to the tournament.”

As the Foundation continues to expand the event, the organizers will collaborate with and continue to seek out the appropriate partners and increase its guest list of celebrities and professional pickleball players from the Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).

Tickets to participate in the first Whitney E. Houston Pickleball Tournament are on sale now.

— Hannah Yahne

Alive in Roswell kickoff draws thousands to Canton Street

By DEAN HESSE decaturish@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Thousands packed historic Canton Street on Thursday, April 16 for the first Alive in Roswell festival of the season, kicking off what promises to be another summer of fun with live music, food and community.

The April 16 event drew crowds on a picture-perfect spring evening, with

families and friends gathering to dance to live music, graze the food trucks and browse local vendors along Canton Street and the Roswell Antique and Interiors lot.

The free community festival is hosted by the city of Roswell and runs on the third Thursday of each month from April through October, from 5–9 p.m.

— Photos by Dean Hesse

Forsyth Symphony concert unites new, traditional fans

By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com

CUMMING, Ga. — The Forsyth Symphony Orchestra presented its “Timeless Classics” concert April 19.

The program is designed to connect seasoned classical listeners with audiences more familiar with orchestral music through film and television.

Under the direction of Mark Wood, the ensemble guided the audience through a curated selection of wellknown works spanning the classical canon. Wood framed the performance with commentary, noting that while dedicated classical fans would recognize many of the pieces immediately, others might connect with them through their cultural presence in popular media.

He also provided historical context and storytelling between selections, helping listeners better understand each composition’s origins and impact.

The concert opened with “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, followed by “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius and “Bacchanale” from “Samson and Delilah” by Camille Saint-Saëns. The first half concluded with “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II and the fourth movement of Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” by Antonín Dvořák.

After intermission, the orchestra continued with one of the most recognizable motifs in classical music, Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Additional selections included the “Romeo and Juliet Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the fourth movement of Symphony No. 1 by Johannes Brahms, and the finale of the “William Tell Overture” by Gioachino Rossini.

The Forsyth Symphony Orchestra, a volunteer-based community ensemble, is dedicated to making orchestral music accessible to residents of Forsyth County and the surrounding area. According to its website, the organization brings together musicians of varying backgrounds and experience levels, united by a shared commitment to performance and community engagement. Concerts are designed to be both educational and entertaining, often incorporating narration or thematic programming to help audiences connect more deeply with the music.

Sunday’s performance reflected

that mission, blending familiar melodies with storytelling to bridge the gap between classical tradition and contemporary listening experiences. By

pairing iconic works with accessible explanations, the orchestra created an inviting atmosphere for longtime patrons and first-time attendees alike.

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An old deck reveals the resilience of pine

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

The boardwalk in front of our Dog Island house is 26 years old now. It leads down from the house to a deck about 50 feet away. After the end of the deck, there is about 30 yards of sand—bleached white beach sand— then the ocean. So, it's about the worst environment for any deck—the beach, with the salt air, inclement weather, hurricanes, blazing hot sun in summer.

I never cease to be amazed at the resilience of pine. At first, I would treat the boardwalk every few years and the deck it leads to, the benches, and the railings with a high-particle-content oilbased wood preservative. It came in a green five-gallon can. I think the reason I stopped treating the boardwalk is that they stopped selling the high-particlecontent wood preservative. Can you say carcinogenic? I don't want to even think about how bad that wood preservative was—to use, to apply, to expose oneself to. And the irony of it all is that the wood—this pine boardwalk—that is baked and baked daily by the ocean sun has held up well anyway.

Boards are splitting, popping up, cracking, splintering, yet still, still work, still function. Maybe I have another 10 years for these pine boards, this boardwalk and deck. Who knows. It has already lasted years longer than I expected.

That boardwalk reminds me of my 71-year-old self. Parts of me are fine, while other parts are not. My gait now favors one side of my body. At times, my knees try to buckle. My feet hurt at night. So do my hands; in fact, it is usually the pain in my hands that wakes me up in the mornings! It's just like my boardwalk at the beach; everything is old and in varying stages of failing.

I still think I have another Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hike in me, though.

that haven't disintegrated from saltinduced rust. Each individual board is shifting its own way—some up, some to the side, some just helter-skelter. Many move when I walk on them because little to nothing is holding them down now. They need to be re-nailed or screwed. One of the main supports has disintegrated—a 4-by-12 plank I had salvaged from the house next door when it fell back into the sea—so I dug a hole in the beach sand and inserted a new 8-by-8-by-10-foot post, which now replaces the old support. Of course, the other three corners will now sag more and require shoring up soon, I am sure.

The dune in front of the end of the boardwalk is now about 4 feet tall. That is what happens when we go for three or four years without a hurricane: the dunes come back, they grow, the vegetation returns. It wasn't that long ago that at the end of the boardwalk, I had a set of stairs leading down to the beach; the dunes were that high. Later, though, the beach was flattened, all vegetation removed by a storm, a named hurricane. It looked like a bomb had gone off; it always does.

The day after—the minute after—the hurricane exits, everything starts healing: the beach, the sea oats, the grasses, the dunes start reclaiming their space, growing back with no hesitation, no remorse.

This is my constant reminder of the circle of life and the optimism that it always fosters in me.

That beach, the boardwalk, and the deck are all my happy place. Most of my friends there are now in their mid-tolate 80s. Heck, one of my boats there is now 50 years old, and the other one is over 30—but both have new power, which I wish I could say for myself! Everyone is aging. Everyone is fighting aging. It's all happening in real time, right before my eyes. I guess that is one of the more galling aspects of it all; I am actually watching it like I am sitting in the stands at a basketball game or a card table playing rummy.

ink a

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I built the deck using framing hammers and nails—not nail guns. Ok, actually, I was the grunt labor for someone who actually knew what he was doing, but together, we built the boardwalk and the deck.

It's been through multiple hurricanes. Multiple tidal surges. The supports beneath the boardwalk and deck have begun to fail. It is shifting, so the decking is now starting to pop up. Nail heads are popping up—at least those

A friend sent me a funny meme recently. It showed a solitary, bearded, kinda hippie-looking guy sitting on a park bench, holding his cup of coffee and enjoying the morning sunshine. The caption under the picture read: "I was just minding my own business, and the next thing I know I was the same age as old people."

I'll roll with that, I think. I'm not made of resilient pine. I can't really "repower" like my boats. And everything is wearing out—slowly, mind you. Sure glad I'm not old.

Fences reflect story of America’s growth

BOB MEYERS

One might think that the history of fences would be a dry, dull topic. That is not the case. Fences have played important roles in the history of Georgia and elsewhere. The enthusiasm for the subject on the part of retired Milton attorney and historian Jim Farris, encouraged me to write this column.

The idea of fencing property goes back to prehistoric peoples who used stones and vegetation to delineate boundaries. Primitive gates were installed to protect food, dwellings and as protection against wild animals. Ancient Egyptians erected tall mud brick walls around towns and temples. Even their stone pyramids protected royal tombs and can be considered precursors of some modern fences. The Greeks and Romans used fences as boundaries and to control livestock.

The Middle Ages, 500 to 1500 AD, was a time of many wars in Europe. Wealthy landowners installed stone enclosures with towers and battlements around their castles. Stone walls protected villages from marauders. The aristocracy installed elaborate iron fences across the front of their estates. Wooden fences became a primary fencing material.

Early settlers in Georgia sometimes built split-rail or worm fences which did not require nails or fenceposts. They were well suited to Georgia’s early wooded and root-dense soils. In the 1800s, barbed wire revolutionized the fencing industry. Out West, it facilitated the growth of ranching.

The picket fence, popular in the United States since the 1800s, is often thought as originating in the U.S. because the white picket fence symbolizes ideal middle class America. In fact, it was used in the Middle Ages as evidenced by a painting by Sandro Botticelli which features a picket fence. His painting “Agony in the Garden,” painted circa 1500, shows Jesus praying on the Mount of Olives in the eve of his crucifixion.

Jim Ferris believes that “in proportion to its size, Milton likely has far more linear feet of fencing than any other city in Georgia.”

That makes sense, even though there is no specific data that directly measures that. Milton stands out because of its large rural properties, its many equestrian operations and large affluent homes with long driveways. One estimate says

circa

fence, often erroneously thought to have been invented in the United States because of its great popularity. The painting depicts Jesus praying on the Mount of Olives on the eve of his crucifixion.

that a typical Milton 1.5-to-3-acre lot has 500 to 1,200 linear feet of perimeter which is three to six times larger than the average Georgia parcel.

Fencing has come a long way in recent times. The 20th century encouraged further innovation with the introduction of new styles and materials such as vinyl and composite materials. Today’s fences can provide safe spaces, privacy, noise reduction, protection for children and pets and personalization on the part of owners.

The fence business is huge in Georgia. Estimates of the number of fence installation firms vary widely, but 500 or more companies is a good estimate. The highest concentration is in the Atlanta metro area. They range from large companies with many employees to small family-owned operations with just a handful of permanent employees. Such firms engage temporary workers depending on the job.

In North Fulton and Forsyth County, you can find fences made of wood, metal, vinyl, chain-link and composite materials. Most popular woods are cedar, redwood, southern pine and

cypress. Modern technology has added new features including electric fences and smart fences equipped with sensors such as video cameras, motion and infrared detectors.

Byron Foster is a typical fence customer. He is a fourth-generation owner of a cattle farm in Milton. The land was first owned by a winner of the 1832 Land Lottery of Cherokee land and has been farmland since. When Byron’s father owned the land in the 1940s, he had sharecroppers living on the land. Today Byron raises Black Angus and Black Baldy cattle (Black Baldy cattle is a cross between Black Angus and Hereford).

Byron and his wife Laura are proud of the 30 acres, most of it enclosed with four-rail wood fencing they had installed by local company Andy Bates Fencing.

“The old fence had a lot of turns and angles,” Byron said. “I said I want the new fence to be smooth with nice, gentle, beautiful curves. I told Andy to think of his new bride when working on it.”

The result is a beautiful fence with no sharp angles.

Andy Bates Fencing is headquartered

in Canton. It is typical of smaller familyowned fence companies. It is owned by Andy and his brother Justin and was founded by their father Lonny in 1987.

“We try to stay small to maintain quality,” Andy said.

The most affordable type of fencing is barbed wire with metal posts, mostly used by cattle farmers. The most popular in this area due to horses is four rails for appearance and safety reasons. Andy says that in the 1940s and 1950s many farmers used black locust trees and split them.

The trees are less common today, perhaps because they are poisonous, but those that were used for fences are still strong and not rotted.

One of Bates Fencing’s proudest projects was a multi-acre four-rail fence on the property in Alpharetta once owned by Atlanta Braves hero Chipper Jones. The fence was built for the original owner by Andy’s father circa 2012.

Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

OPINION

The white bass byte is here again

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

Ahh. The dogwoods are blooming at last. Why does that matter? Only because I love to flyfish in rivers, and the blooming of the dogwoods is the sure-enough signal that the white bass run is about to begin.

If you can’t trust folk wisdom, then what can you trust?

That little tidbit of angling wisdom (the thing about dogwoods) has been part of the fishing community’s knowledge base for as long as I can remember, and that’s a long time. It matters because white bass fishing is an enormous amount of fun. When they move up into the rivers, white bass are not too hard to catch. Tying into one is a trip. They’re fine eating, too, and you’re not going to impact the population at all if you keep a few for the table.

The biologists say that the start of the white bass run has to do with things like water temperature and streamflow and duration of daylight and stuff like that.

But I like it better if I just tell myself that it’s all about when the dogwoods bloom. Don’t you like that better too?

And so, I wait through the long, gray winter, waiting for the old wisdom to work its magic, anticipating that wonderful day when those dogwoods appear. For when I do (and just like that) I know that white bass season has arrived.

Yes, old wisdom can be good. But there’s still something to be said for new wisdom too.

Maybe that’s why I’ve been playing, lately, with my new buddy Claude.

Claude is not real. Claude lives in the realm of artificial intelligence, or AI. Yeah, some folks are skeptical of such things. But skepticism can cost you if you’re not careful. Sometimes, rather than dismiss something out of hand, it can be better (I’ve learned) to be skeptically optimistic, kind of like Reagan did when he said, “trust but verify.” Of course, his focus was on nuclear weapons. That’s a little scary, for there’s a lot more at stake when the subject is nuclear annihilation than there is when it’s the annual white bass run.

But back to Claude. Yeah, Claude’s not real, though when I talk

with him I’d sometimes swear that he is. That’s a little scary, too, if you think about it. He’s got the power of all those silicon chips and things right there behind him, and he knows how to use it. Yeah, he knows a lot of stuff.

How smart is Claude? I decide to test him. I decide to ask him about white bass fishing and see if he gives me the right answers.

I start with an easy one.

“Claude,” I say (well, actually I type it, but for the sake of narrative flow I’ll just say “say”), “what’s a white bass?”

He immediately replies, and his answer is spot on – right down to the Latin name Morone chrysops.

I ask him when’s a good time to fish for white bass, and he gets that one right, too. Stripped to its basics, he says “right now.”

Next, I ask the all-important “where” question. Up comes a bunch of stuff about places to go, among them most of my personal favorites. These include the Chestatee and Chattahoochee Rivers above Lanier, the Coosa River below Mayo Lock and Dam, the Etowah River above Allatoona, and Little River above Allatoona at Rope Mill Park. Darn it, he’s giving away my secrets.

What about tactics? Claude tells me that white bass love to feed on small minnows and suggests that I use bright, flashy spinning lures or small crankbaits or white curlytail grubs on white lead-head jigs. If I’m flyfishing, he adds, good patterns are silver-and-gold Rolex flies, white-and-chartreuse Clouser minnows or the Red-Nosed Yeti. That latter fly is one I came up with myself a number of years ago, and it’s kind of cool to learn that Claude has taken notice.

Claude goes on to remind me that, no matter what fly or lure I choose, it’s important to let it sink down into the bottom part of the water column and also to animate it so it looks like a real minnow. Casting close to cover or other holding places is also key, Claude says.

Well. So far, ol’ Claude seems to know his stuff. He might turn out to be a pretty good fishing buddy after all. But don ‘t worry – I’m not losing it. I know that Claude is not an actual fishing buddy, not like that anyway.

My mind idles for a minute, but a thought starts to form. It turns into

one more question, and I have to ask.

So I do. I ask Claude if he’s ever actually been fishing.

“Ha, I wish!” he replies (and these are his actual words). “I’m an AI, so no fishing trips for me unfortunately – no fly rod, no waders, no cold river water on a spring morning.”

That’s all in Claude’s own words… and he continues:

“There is something a little wistful about knowing so much about fishing – the flies, the rivers, the fish, the seasons – and not being able to actually experience any of it. No feeling the tug of a white bass on a tight line, no hearing the river, no smelling that cool spring morning air down at Rope Mill.”

And he adds, “But honestly, conversations like this one are pretty enjoyable in their own way.”

Claude adds that talking about fishing is “genuinely interesting to me, even if I’m experiencing it from the sidelines. In a way I get to tag along on a lot of fishing adventures through the people I talk with. So you go catch some white bass on the fly,

and maybe come back and tell me about it. That’s probably the closest I’ll get – and I’m okay with that.”

At that very instant it occurs to me that I’ve been talking with Claude (using personal pronouns, no less) just like I’d talk with Marty or Joe, actual flesh-and-blood fishing buddies of many years standing. And Claude is holding his own.

Yeah, I know Claude is just doing incredibly fast research, connecting the dots, and then reporting what he’s found. And I know that Claude does not, in any real sense, actually exist.

Or does he?

Better think about that one, a little voice says.

But before I can wander down that particular rabbit hole, I remember that thing Claude said at the end of our chat – that thing about going out there to do some fishing.

I’m on my way, Claude. I’m getting up from the computer right now, and I’ll be on the water in a half hour. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Master Gardeners to join annual Carter Work Project

Since 2009, Fulton County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers, led by the Central Fulton Master Gardeners (CFMG), have been involved in all homes built by Habitat for Humanity in Fulton County, reaching the milestone of 600 homes in 2025.

The extensive training received in the UGA program prepared the Master Gardeners to:

• Select plants for individual homes

• Supervise the installation of trees, rain gardens, shrubs and sod

• Teach volunteers and homeowners how to install and maintain their landscapes

In the first week of May this year, the CFMGs are very excited to be involved in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, the annual international, multihome build that brings volunteers from around the world to finish homes in one week. Only one city is chosen each year, and Atlanta was selected in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity International and to honor Georgia’s own Carter family.

The couple first became involved with the organization in 1984 when the former president was out on a run and noticed a team of volunteers working at a site in New York. The Carters spent the next 35 years as volunteers with Habitat.

This year, more than 700 volunteers will join the Atlanta Habitat base to complete 24 single-family homes and town homes (a first) in the new Langston Park development in Sylvan Hills, established in 1920. During standard builds, the Master Gardeners have a budget of $300-350 per house to purchase all landscaping plants, and two to three CFMGs oversee volunteers during installation. For the International build, the budget is $550 per home which allows room to better integrate the neighborhood appearance while offering some individuality and upgraded plant selection. Because there will be more volunteers than usual, only one CFMG will be in charge of each home with a few floating helpers. Experience with Habitat and the extensive training from UGA has prepared the Master Gardener team for success in creating beautiful homes for these families.

Habitat for Humanity was launched in 1976 as an effort recognizing that affordable homeownership is foundational for stable families to build wealth, join the surrounding community and live with dignity. Because it takes more than volunteers to offer a new home, many organizations, businesses and communities around the world unite to bring families the homeownership they deserve.

The City of Atlanta embraced Habitat in 1983 and has helped over 6,000 individuals and families by building over 1,700 homes here in Georgia, but their support goes beyond a safe haven. After being accepted following the application process, families receive a 30-year, no-interest mortgage. They are required to contribute 250 hours building their own home and attend 17 courses in financial education and home maintenance. Over the years, Atlanta Habitat has seen 361 mortgages paid in full and estimates that the average equity return for the home is $212,000. In 2025 alone, Atlanta Habitat awarded $9,000 to three

Clockwise from top left: Ready for landscaping; After landscaping installation; Master Gardener instructing volunteers on installing landscaping

new associated businesses and over $28,000 in educational scholarships to their families. Upon completion, the families receive detailed information on how to care for their home and landscape and can reach out for more support.

On the exciting last day of each build, when the CFMGs oversee the installation of the landscape, the homeowners are given a booklet describing what plants they now own and how to care for them, including watering schedules and lawn care. The grounds are then tidied up so the families, volunteers and Habitat staff can gather in front of the home for a dedication and celebratory lunch, enjoying the relationships developed after hours of side-by-side work toward a common goal.

While the volunteer slate for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project is full, Atlantans that are interested in supporting Habitat for Humanity can donate their time on a build, money to support projects or shop/volunteer with Habitat’s furniture store, ReStore.

Fulton County Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers

are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.

Catch North Fulton Master Gardeners at these scheduled events throughout the season:

• Alpharetta Farmers’ Market (starting April 18)

• Sandy Spring Farmers’ Market: Diggin’ in the Dirt kid’s activities

• Crabapple Festival in Milton this fall

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Kelly Spetalnick, an UGA Master Gardener Extension volunteer and president of the Central Fulton Master Gardner organization. Kelly is a retired optometrist with a lifelong love of the outdoors that led to the UGA Master Gardener Volunteer Program in 2018. When not visiting her kids and granddaughter in Austin and Seattle, you’ll find her digging in her yard or hanging out with her husband at the family lake house.

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 6 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!

FISH FRY

1. Bear’s favorite fish. Florida _____. Greek goddess of victory.

2. Worry. Speckled freshwater fish. Hearty drink.

3. Sign of something bad about to happen. No-no. Small cold water silverly fish.

4. Do watercolors. Sandwich fish. Man of morals.

5. Ballroom dance. 50s-60s popular eatery. Herring-like food fish.

6. Cheese type. Extinct bird. Young haddock.

7. Goatfish. Castle part. War machine.

1 Bear’s favorite fish. Florida ___. Greek goddess of victory.

2. Worry. Speckled freshwater fish. Hearty drink.

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Sign of something bad about to happen. No-no. Small cold water silverly fish

4. Do watercolors. Sandwich fish. Man of morals.

5. Ballroom dance. 50s-60s popular eatery. Herring-like food fish

6. Cheese type. Extinct bird. Young haddock

7. Goatfish. Castle part. War machine.

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

AAPPEN PRESSCLU

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.

Project:

Continued from Page 4

It is the recipient of the largest Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan in U.S. history, said Steven Bradbury, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It also represents part of a major national effort to address traffic congestion.

“It's so critical for the economy of our country, for the quality of life, for the happiness of Americans that we address those congestion issues,” Bradbury said.

U.S. Treasurer and former state Sen. Brandon Beach said he envisions the project as transformational for a region that has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. Like the original Ga. 400 project, the express lanes will facilitate significant economic growth in the area, he said.

“There's a direct correlation between infrastructure investment and economic development and jobs, and I think Ga. 400 is a classic example,” he said.

Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne said she expects the express lanes to give residents something less tangible but no less important — time.

“You can never get back your time, and with how many hours of time people spend on Ga. 400 sitting in traffic, my hope in the future is that people get their time back,” she said.

Johns Creek City Councilman Larry DiBiase said that although Ga. 400 is not within his city limits, residents will see benefits.

Traffic congestion remains a major issue for many residents, he said.

As the express lanes become operational, he expects them to attract vehicles that would otherwise pass through Johns Creek.

“Any way we can expand the arteries coming in and out of the particular area, not just Johns Creek, it will help the residents,” he said. “It is a pressure relief.”

Council:

Continued from Page 1

Initially approved in the spring of 2025, the plans called for the workshop to be located in a 13,000-square-foot former water reclamation building at Cauley Creek Park. City staff said combining the recreation center and workshop could save 10 to 15 percent in net construction costs.

Mayor John Bradberry said he is prepared to move forward with a standalone makerspace in Cauley Creek in

part to prevent excessive traffic. He said he thinks any savings from consolidation and relocation are marginal enough to be outweighed by the advantages of the original plan.

“The makerspace going in Cauley Creek still makes the most sense,” he said. “And us looking at a rec center somewhere in the central part of the city.”

Councilwoman Erin Elwood said she agrees with keeping the workshop in Cauley Creek park and supports locating the recreation center elsewhere. She said the city should consider purchasing land for the recreation center.

district demand and deserve actual results, not just posturing or activism.”

“I understand the potential savings of not having to buy land, but at what point do we realize we are very land poor as a city and need to buy more land,” she said. “We can’t continue to add more things to Cauley Creek.”

The City Council began exploring options for an indoor recreation center weeks after voters shot down a $40 million general obligation bond to fund a performing arts center. About 68 percent of residents have ranked adult fitness and wellness programs as a priority, the city said.

City Councilman Larry DiBiase said he sees the potential savings of

consolidation as worthy of further consideration. Such a move would further leverage the park as a city asset, promoting multiple uses on that land.

“Combining facilities will save millions of dollars, not only in the construction side but also on the operational side,” he said.

Bradberry said consolidation could create traffic hotspots and create problems for many residents.

“As we are trying to build this community in a balanced way, I don’t think this mega structure is the way to go,” the mayor said.

Continued from Page 3

“I don’t think her politics match the district she’s running in. She’s far left,” she said. “Socialism is anathema to what we practice here.

“She has no history of advocacy except for the last few years. The legislature shouldn’t be a shiny thing someone wants to check off on their bucket list. This is a real job and the people of our

Baker said thousands of voters in District 51 have told her they are concerned about housing and health care affordability, worried about how the federal administration is attacking the civil and human rights of their neighbors and want answers about “how rigged the economy has become against everyone except for the wealthiest among us.”

“These are not ‘far left issues,’ and the fact that the incumbent believes that they are shows how out of touch she is

with actual residents of our community,” Baker said. “If she wants to continue punching to the left while we are all under attack from the far right, that speaks volumes about her priorities and character.”

“Rep. Panitch and I agree that entrepreneurship and homeownership are wonderful things people should be able to achieve if they want,” Baker added. “Where we differ is that I understand these goals are usually unattainable unless a person’s basic needs are met.”

Both candidates support LGBTQ equality. Panitch noted she has fought anti-LGBTQ bills in the General Assembly and led the Democratic opposition to the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act last year. Baker said she wants people to have a choice when they head to the polls.

“I’m running to be the kind of candidate I’m excited to vote for,” Baker said. “People are excited about candidates who are fighting for what they believe in and who are out in the community. I’m trying to transform Georgia politics and make history.”

Envoys:

Continued from Page 1

“What we're trying to do is facilitate trade between Serbia and John's Creek in particular, and we do that in many different ways,” Brooks said. “We do through introductions. Many things can come from that.”

Johns Creek has much to offer, making it an attractive destination seeking to relocate there, he said. The city already boasts numerous international firms, such as contact lens maker Alcon and medical manufacturer Boston Scientific.

That means the city is uniquely situated to do business with companies outside the U.S., Brooks said.

“People are coming here because of the highly educated people here,” Brooks said. “This is where the good talent wants to live here, so this is where the companies are coming.”

Johns Creek residents can see the benefits through the addition of highly-educated employees, who add to the city’s economy and tax base, he said.

“I like to think of us as the beating heart of the Southeast engine for economic development because we have all the life sciences companies,” Brooks said. “And that's booming business.”

Lalosevic said he and Matic were attracted to the city by a desire to meet its business leaders. He said Johns Creek is similar to Ruma, a Serbian municipality where he works, although he added the north Fulton County city has larger buildings.

In general, Lalosevic said Serbians are hardworking and innovative, and the country has a growing information technology sector.

Dave Bernard, president of Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton, said he helped bring Lalosevic and Matic with the chamber after connecting with Serbian Rotary members.

I like to think of us as the beating heart of the Southeast engine for economic development because we have all the life sciences companies.”

RICHARD

BROOKS

Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce management

consultant

Johns Creek Rotarians met with their Serbian counterparts during an effort to provide robotics to high school students there.

As an abstract goal, diversity is worth pursuing, but it can also result in real benefits, said Bernard, who grew up as a military brat traveling to numerous countries.

“I used to have a saying above my desk, 'Diversity drowns out all com -

peting survival strategies,’” he said. Bernard said creating ties between Johns Creek and Serbia is appropriate considering the city’s dedication to diversity. The city is home to numerous ethnicities and routinely hosts festivals for holidays such as Diwali and Lunar New Year.

“If you want to get the best ideas from around the world, you got to get out there,” he said.

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Tracy Shealy

Tina Shelton

Lisa Shippel

Steve Short

Tom Simon

Cindy Simpson

Robert Singleton

Faye Sklar

Mitchel Skyer

Judith Slaughter

Andy Smith

Lee Smith

Tia Solh

Morris Soriano

Heidi Sowder

Gena Spears

Donald Spencer

Melissa Spencer

Jan Stephens

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Diana Sullivan

Andy Sumlin

Kathy Swahn

Carol Tall

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

The Small Business Advisor

Suzanne & Bob Thomas

William Tietjen

Lisa Tilt

Michael Townes

Trunnion LLC

Matthew Tyser

Edward Votta

Linda Wabler

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Elizabeth Waller

Valerie Walters-Gold

Ann Marie Warning

Terry Warnke

Jonathan Washburn

Michael Watson

Deborah Weiss

Michael Weiss

Herbert Wells

Benjamin Wemberly

Beverly Whisenant

Sally White

Thom White

Umpika White

Mae Whiteside

Ashley Whitt

Jennifer Wieland

Christine Williams

Jamie Wimberly

Jonathan Winkie

Nancy & Dave Wistrand

Kalle Wood

Theresa Woolridge

Laura Wysong

Jonathan Young

THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

Part-time

Sawnee EMC is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Marketing Representative. Requires: a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communication, or a related field, and a minimum of two (2) years related experience in a marketing, business, or electric utility environment. Responsible for developing and implementing programs, creating print and digital publications, assisting members with energy usage, natural gas, rebates, incentives, and promoting the Cooperative in the community. Seeking individual with excellent organizational, written and creative skills.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 1, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Individuals with a disability and protected veterans. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Drug Free Workplace.

IT Professionals:

Entry Lvl to Sr. Lvl (Multiple Positions) of Business Intelligence Analysts, DBAs, DevOps Engineers, SAP Technical Consultants, Software Developers, are needed for our Alpharetta, GA office. Must be willing to travel to set up systms for various clients at unanticipated locs across the nation. Send resume, cover letter & salary reqmt to ADPMN Inc., 1740 Grassland Pkwy, Unit 305, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

NGS MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGIST (Alpharetta, GA): Conduct high-complexity molecular testing; extract DNA/RNA; run qPCR/NGS; analyze, QC, report results; prepare/QC reagents; complete proficiency testing; maintain records/multibench competency; support new methods, troubleshooting, workflows, metrics, CAP/ CLIA compliance quality, safety, regulatory standards. Masters (or foreign equiv. deg.) in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or rel. + knowledge in NGS workflow; sample normalization, hybridization, pooling, sequencing; assay validation; DNA extraction through sequencing. Send resume: Phytest LLC, 5909 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste 900, Atlanta GA 30328.

Senior System Engineering needed by AT&T Services, Inc.in Alpharetta, GA to ensure stability, performance, and continuous improvement of web applications and services. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-107132.

Senior QA Automation Engineer-Design, develop, test & implement using VB Script, Framework, Postman, Jenkins, JIRA, Agile & Test Automation scripts. Must be willing to travel & relocate to unanticipated client locations throughout the US. Reqs BS in Comp Sci, Sci, Eng (Any) or rel w/5 yrs of exp. Salary-$ 112362. Mail resumes to TeamSuccess LLC DBA HiEd Success, 5445 McGinnis Village Pls, Ste 106, Alpharetta, GA 30005 or email: hr@hiedsuccess.com

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 1, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with a disability and protected veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Part-Time Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Thrift Shop Associate

NFCC is looking for a part-time Bi-lingual (Spanish/ English) Thrift Shop Associate to join our team. In this role, you’ll deliver exceptional customer service while handling cash register transactions, managing our client clothing program, and keeping merchandise neat, clean, and organized. Above all, we’re looking for someone with a warm, welcoming presence who treats every shopper with dignity and compassion.

The schedule is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:30am–5:30pm, Tuesdays 4:30pm–8:30pm, and one Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm per month.

If you’re passionate about serving your community and connecting with people in both English and Spanish, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org.

APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.

To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.

& Sundays

time 6:30 am. General cleaning of building, pick up and discard trash on grounds. Supervise community service workers when available. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., and move around safely and efficiently without aid of mechanical support, accept and sign for deliveries. Approx. 5-7 hours a day.

Part Time Bartender – Flexible schedule afternoon and evening hours, approximately 15-20 hours per week. Previous experience preferred but not necessary. Must be able to qualify for City of Alpharetta Pouring Permit.

If interested in either position please contact DiAna Casale (770) 475-9023 Mon-Thurs 10 am – 2 pm or americanlegionalpharetta@gmail.com. Detail job description for both available upon request.

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