Johns Creek Herald - July 23, 2026

City council approves home business rules

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Establishing her business at home just made sense when Nevenka Marx decided to take her hobby of personalizing items to the next level.

Founded about a year ago, Custom Mark Studios creates bespoke gifts like shirts and water bottles for businesses.

Marx is one of many Johns Creek residents who have based their businesses out of their homes. For her, the decision is about convenience and avoiding costly rent for a storefront for her small, burgeoning business.

At a July 13 meeting, the Johns Creek City Council approved an update to the city’s Home Occupation Code, adding restrictions and regulations for home businesses. The changes intend to maintain a balance between entrepreneurship and the character and quality of neighborhoods.

The changes restrict certain types of businesses from operating in homes. Examples include gun sellers, taxidermists, commercial cabinet-makers, junk and salvage recyclers, massage therapists, businesses that use flammable or toxic materials, and animal boarders and groomers.

See COUNCIL, Page 18

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

The Johns Creek City Council convenes for a July 13 meeting that saw the approval of home business rules.

Crowd gathers for World Cup final at Johns Creek park

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Despite the giant screen at the front of the pavilion, Argentina superfan Lucy Rayberg was watching the World Cup final on her phone.

“There’s a 15-second delay on the big screen,” said Rayberg, of Johns Creek.

About 350 residents attended a watch party at Newtown Park July 19 for the final game of the 2026 World Cup. With her daughter by her side, Rayberg sat in the front row, her brow furrowed with focus.

See SOCCER, Page 18

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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.

Police confiscate drugs following trespass call

ROSWELL, Ga. — A woman detained for trespassing at a restaurant on Holcomb Bridge Road after midnight July 9 attempted to flee and intentionally injured herself before being released from custody.

After the restaurant owner confirmed she was no longer banned from the property, the woman was released from custody but was given a warning for drugrelated offenses.

Officers patrolling the parking lot in an unmarked car recognized two individuals leaving the restaurant who had previously been barred from the property. When asked, the man acknowledged he was not allowed on the premises, and the woman disputed that her ban was still in effect.

An officer checked with an employee inside, who confirmed both individuals had been issued a criminal trespass notice and wanted them removed again. Both were put in handcuffs.

The man told officers he had marijuana in his backpack; the woman said she had a methamphetamine pipe in hers.

The woman sprung from her seated position and said, “I’m definitely going to kill myself,” before trying to flee on foot while in handcuffs. After not being able to run, she fell to the ground and started forcefully slamming her head on the cobblestone pavement.

Officers restrained the woman and moved her to a safe position. While doing so, her pit bull charged at officers aggressively, prompting them to draw their weapons.

Meanwhile, another officer learned from the business owner that the

woman’s trespass ban had been lifted, and she was released. Emergency medical services evaluated her for a head laceration, but she declined further treatment. A search of her backpack turned up five drug-related items; she was issued a warning and released at the scene.

The man’s backpack contained 6.5 grams of marijuana. He was cited and transported to the jail in Cherokee County.

— Hannah Yahne

Burglar removes valuables from Mid Broadwell home

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a burglary reported at a Mid Broadwell Road home June 21.

Alpharetta police said a 28-year-old Canton man reported the alleged theft. The man said he found an inside door open and items disturbed.

Officers cleared the home, which was being renovated, but found no one inside.

A trail camera was reported missing.

The man said he had left his wallet in the home overnight. He said he was notified of fraudulent attempted purchases on his credit card.

The incident was classified as a felony burglary.

— Jon Wilcox

Deputies arrest suspect in attempted robbery

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 23-yearold man was arrested July 8 after allegedly attempting to rob another man of his car.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said the 23-year-old man brandished a gun and fired at a man at a gas station at the intersection of McGinnis Ferry and Old Atlanta roads. The victim was uninjured.

Deputies and Johns Creek police officers were dispatched to the gas station.

After the robbery, which occurred at the gas pumps, the 23-year-old man fled the area, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Detectives determined the suspect was at a home in the St. Marlo neighborhood, where he was apprehended and charged with armed robbery, motor vehicle hijacking and aggravated assault.

— Jon Wilcox

Deputies investigate bomb threat at store

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a bomb threat at a Walmart on Ga. 9, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said July 5.

Deputies with the assistance of K-9s cleared the store, determining there was no threat. The Walmart was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Sheriff’s Office investigators will conduct a follow-up investigation.

— Jon Wilcox

Police charge woman after man reports assault

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 37-year-old Alpharetta woman was charged June 18 after allegedly assaulting a man she was in a relationship with.

Alpharetta police said a 53-yearold Johns Creek man reported the woman prevented him from leaving her Avalon Boulevard home following an argument June 17.

The woman brandished a pair of scissors and told him he was not allowed to leave, police said.

During the argument, the woman also held a knife to his chest and struck his head with the weapon, police said. The man also reported she kicked him and hit him with a broom handle, police said.

Officers observed numerous wounds on the man consistent with the reported assault.

Police attempted to contact the woman but were unsuccessful and obtained warrants charging her with false imprisonment and battery.

— Jon Wilcox

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Main Street construction aggravates local businesses

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — First Body Wellness Center staff send new clients directions and a map before their appointments.

Even then, it’s often not enough, said owner Lucy Jimenez, whose business sits just north of downtown Alpharetta on Main Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

“Everyone is always lost,” Jimenez said. “People are constantly complaining because they pull up 100 N. Main St., and when they get to the front, they’re like, ‘Where are we?’”

Since moving to its three-story building in 2024, the business has dealt with ongoing road construction that has often closed its main driveway and caused delays along Main Street. Jimenez and other affected business owners said they are frustrated the project has been delayed for years, citing damaged driveways, lane closures and other issues that hinder customers from reaching them.

“We’re pissed … honestly, just really annoyed that it’s taken this long,” Jimenez said.

DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE

Led by the Georgia Department of Transportation, the construction is part of a series of projects to overhaul Main Street and Ga. 9 to the Forsyth County line.

Officials expect the project to ease traffic flow issues as the area continues to grow.

Construction began in April 2021 for improvements along Ga. 9 from Upper Hembree Road to Windward Parkway, with an initial expected completion date in the spring of 2024. Utility delays and design changes pushed that timeline to the spring of 2026, the state department said. City officials said the project is likely in its final stages.

The $50 million project will add two lanes for vehicles, bike lanes, on-street parking, upgraded drainage and pedestrian lighting, among other improvements.

The delays encountered by the state transportation department are in stark contrast with a tandem project led by the city from Old Milton Avenue to Academy Street, said Pete Sewczwicz, director of public works.

The city’s portion of that endeavor was completed years ago.

See DELAYS, Page 19

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‘This Story Might Save Your Life’ author to speak at Roswell library

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

It’s not often that a debut author’s freshman effort garners over 140,000 Good Reads reviews in just four months. But Tiffany Crum’s “This Story Might Save Your Life” has done exactly that.

Atlanta Authors will spotlight Crum detailing her book and whirlwind publishing journey Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. Ahead of that conversation with local author Carlie Walker, Crum answered a few questions.

Q: You were raised on a dairy farm near which maximum-security prison?

A: I grew up in Chino, Calif., just down the road from the California Institution for Men. Other than the prison, we had very few neighbors, just thousands of cows and a billion flies.

Q: When did you move to Metro Atlanta?

A: My husband and I moved here in 2021 after spending almost two decades in Los Angeles, where I had a variety of jobs over the years, including working as an executive assistant and later doing bookkeeping for my husband’s production company.

Q: When did you decide to become an author?

A: Writing wasn’t something I stumbled into overnight. It was a long process of learning the craft, writing multiple manuscripts, and figuring out what kind of stories I wanted to tell before I finally wrote the book that sold. I’ve wanted to be a novelist for a long time. I decided to seriously pursue writing when my son was born, and he’s 19 now, so this has definitely been a long journey.

Q: What proved instrumental in getting published?

A. I earned an MFA in creative writing and spent years writing literary fiction before realizing my heart was really in mystery and suspense. Like many authors, I wrote several novels before writing the one that found a publisher. The previous manuscripts will never see the light of day, but that’s OK. I’ve thanked them for making me a better writer and moved on.

Q: Was the novel penned in Atlanta?

A: Yes, I wrote “This Story Might Save Your Life” after moving to Georgia.

Q: Can you sum up the accolades and honors your book has so far amassed?

A: The response has been far beyond anything I imagined. “This Story Might Save Your Life” debuted as a New York Times bestseller and has since been named one of the best books of the year by Amazon, Indigo and Spotify. It was also a Book of the Month Main Selection, a LibraryReads pick, and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club selection, and it’s being translated into 23 languages.

Q. Touch on yet another development, the TV adaptation.

A. We’re still very early in the TV process, and anyone who’s spent time around Hollywood knows there’s a long and unpredictable road between an option and seeing something on screen, but I’m crossing my fingers.

Q. What has most surprised you since the novel’s March release?

A. I hoped people would find the book, but I never imagined how many would have read it by this point. That’s been the biggest surprise. Hearing from readers around the world and realizing the story has reached far more people in just four months than I could’ve ever dreamed, has been incredibly surreal. I’m immensely grateful.

Q: Have you and your presentation partner, Carlie Walker, collaborated previously?

A: Carlie and I actually just met at the last event we did together, but I’m already a fan. One of my favorite parts of becoming an author has been getting to know other writers, especially here in Georgia. Writing is such a solitary job, so it’s always a treat to spend an afternoon talking books with someone who truly understands the ups and downs of this business.

Q: What are you planning for Atlanta Authors?

A: Attendees can expect a fun, relaxed conversation about writing and publishing, along with plenty of time for audience questions. I hope readers come for the mystery but stay for the friendship.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I’m currently writing my second novel, which has also been picked up by Flatiron.

There is no charge to attend Crum’s Atlanta Authors event, but registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/ atlanta-authors-presents-tiffany-crumtickets-1989374592960.

For more information, go to AtlantaAuthorsGa.com.

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8 | Johns Creek Herald | July 23, 2026

North Point redevelopment officials discuss latest site plans at town hall

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Developers behind a massive arena-centered project to transform the aging North Point Mall site discussed traffic, building heights and taxes during a second town hall meeting July 8.

For months, city officials have reviewed plans to overhaul property that was once home to one of Georgia’s most premier shopping malls. In late 2025, the City Council approved a tax allocation district that would fund improvements for land that has seen considerable property value decline in recent years.

In February, mall owner New York Life announced it had tapped developer Jamestown to create a plan to redevelop the mall into a sports and entertainment district. Jamestown has participated in numerous similar projects including Ponce City Market, One Times Square and Chelsea Market in New York and Industry City in Brooklyn.

The North Point Mall redevelopment is competing with The Gathering at South Forsyth for a National Hockey League franchise.

The North Point plan, first presented June 8 to several hundred residents at City Hall, includes a 20,000-seat hockey arena and ample shopping, dining, residential and office space. Specifics include a 2,000seat community hockey rink, 4,000-seat music hall, a 500-seat movie theater, 45,000-square-foot hotel conference center, 400-room full-service hotel, 300-room hybrid hotel, 750,000 square feet of office and 1,385 for-rent multifamily homes.

Frances Bohn, Jamestown director of development and construction, said Jamestown envisions the project as a way to revitalize the area while contributing to Alpharetta’s prestige as a North Atlanta economic hub.

“It’s bringing jobs. It’s increasing your tax base. It’s providing additional

See MALL, Page 9

Frances Bohn, Jamestown director of development and construction, addresses a crowd of several hundred residents

Mall:

Continued from Page 8

community benefits that don’t exist today,” Bohn said. “It’s a benefit across the board.”

The project is expected to go before the Planning Commission Aug. 6 for a master plan amendment, rezoning, conditional use and variances. A City Council hearing and vote is scheduled for Aug. 24.

Traffic, building heights

A traffic study for the North Point Mall redevelopment shows substantial traffic infrastructure is already in place, said John Walker, senior traffic engineer for Kimley Horn, which was hired by New York Life.

The study will be reviewed by the City of Alpharetta, Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Department of Transportation.

Conveniently, the sports-entertainment district would be able to use traffic infrastructure that once served the demands of the North Point Mall, Walker said.

The site is located near Ga. 400 between interchanges at Mansell and Haynes Bridge roads. Additionally, Walker pointed to six lanes of traffic on North Point Parkway and Haynes Bridge Road and four signalized intersections nearby.

“That’s very, very unique to find a site that has those size roads and in between interchanges like that,” Walker said.

The project would include sufficient on-site parking for daily visitation and call on partnerships with nearby businesses’ lots to manage additional vehicles during games and events.

Jamestown’s plan proposes several buildings that

BUSINESSPOSTS

JAMESTOWN/PROVIDED

Jamestown envisions a sports-entertainment district anchored by a 20,000-seat hockey arena at property occupied by North Point Mall.

would become the tallest in Alpharetta.

Avalon currently features a 12-story hotel.

The developer’s plan calls for 20-story towers, including a for-rent multifamily residential building. Other buildings’ stories could reach into the teens.

Bohn said the heights are well suited for the project and its area. Jamestown’s application points out the North Point Business Master Plan already allows nearby properties building heights as high as 30 stories.

“We believe that density fits with the site and fits with the surroundings,” Bohn said, adding, the area could see additional taller buildings as it experiences redevelopment.

Taxes

During a question and answer period, numerous residents expressed concerns about the project’s public funding, asking whether it could raise their tax bills.

“How much of this is going to be borne cost-wise by the taxpayer?” one man asked.

Although financial incentives would be discussed by council members after an initial rezoning vote, City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said he can say the project already has numerous mechanisms that would not draw from the city’s general fund which is heavily dependent on property tax revenue.

“Public funding for these types of projects does not mean it automatically impacts the taxpayer,” Lagerbloom said.

The already established tax allocation district could provide funding to be invested in the project, he said.

A tax allocation district, or TAD, does not institute a new tax. But it does allow a portion of future property taxes generated within its boundaries to be set aside and used for improvements.

With participation by Fulton County and Fulton County Schools, the TAD could generate more than $950 million over 30 years, according to estimates. Without their participation, the city’s contribution would amount to about $153 million.

A study commissioned by the city predicts about a 400 percent increase in the area’s tax digest by 2040.

The site also lies within the True North 400 community improvement district, a self-taxing entity formed in 2003 that “advances infrastructure projects that enhance the livability, walkability and drivability.”

The project also could see tax abatements from the Alpharetta Development Authority and ticket surcharges.

“There are a tremendous amount of ways and different discussions to be had with revenue, and they don’t start with the general fund,” Lagerbloom said.

Jimmy

Alpharetta park gets new swing courtesy of Rotary, CVB

By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta recently gifted a new swing to the city of Alpharetta.

Located in Main Street Park at the northwest corner of North Main Street and Milton Avenue, the swing is custom-built and designed to be a new landmark that reflects the city’s spirit of community and collaboration.

The colors surrounding the swing were strategically chosen, with the blue reflecting the colors that are on the signs around the park and the gold signifying the official Rotary Club color.

The swing initiative started as an idea for Rotary Club President Paul Slavik and evolved into something even more meaningful, with the finished product offering a hub for the community to converse, celebrate or just swing.

“Working alongside the Alpharetta CVB and the city of Alpharetta Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Department made it possible to provide a meaningful amenity to residents and visitors alike, without any cost to the city,” Slavik said. “This swing is a win for everyone. Rotary continues its commitment to give back to the communi-

ty, and the community has a beautiful new park feature to enjoy.”

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta is a group of passionate individuals who are committed to making a lasting impact to the community, Slavik said. With goals of service and fellowship, club members work to create meaningful change throughout the city and beyond, he added.

Each year, members lead hands-on projects that address local and global issues, organizing food drives, supporting education, building homes and partnering with international communities.

Slavik said he hopes this landmark is set apart from others in the city.

“It sits right in downtown,” Slavik said. “But also it ties a civic organization closer to the city by having our name and showing our presence, as well as Awesome Alpharetta, which is [the convention and visitors bureau’s] slogan. So, I think it just shows the stronger tie between all the different groups that support our community.”

The two organizations added the swing as part of an ongoing effort to create unforgettable experiences throughout the city. The groups hope the swing becomes an “Instagram-worthy” spot for guests.

See SWING, Page 19

A tale of two sunscreens

How the FDA helped us finish first by finishing last

For more than thirty years, the US and Europe have followed different sunscreen paths. In Europe, twelve new sunscreen filters have been approved since 1996. In the US, as of August 2026, the FDA approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) as a safe and effective over-thecounter sunscreen ingredient—the first new sunscreen filter approved here in twenty years. Europe approved BEMT in 1999, and the US approved BEMT in 2026. But who really won: the turtle or the hare?

The Bullet We Dodged Patients often ask why the United States has taken so long to approve newer sunscreen filters available in Europe for years. The answer lies in a fundamental regulatory difference. Europe generally regulates sunscreens as cosmetics, while the United States classifies them as over-the-counter drugs and is very concerned with how much sunscreens are absorbed through the skin. That higher standard requires manufacturers to demonstrate multiple indicators of safety before products reach consumers in the US.

The contrast became especially clear with 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). This UV filter was approved fifty years ago in Europe and was widely

used for decades but never gained FDA approval because it failed to satisfy the agency’s safety requirements. Subsequent research confirmed that 4-MBC acts as an endocrine disruptor with estrogen-like activity, alters thyroid hormone levels, may be genotoxic, and causes significant environmental toxicity, including developmental abnormalities in some vertebrates.

The European Union ultimately banned retail sales of products containing 4-MBC beginning May 1, 2026, after fifty years of use. It was never allowed to be sold in the United States.

Meanwhile, twenty-seven years after its European approval, bemotrizinol has finally gained FDA approval.

Getting to know BEMT

Bemotrizinol’s story is an unexpected one. In the early 1990s, Swiss chemists developed it as an industrial plastic stabilizer to protect outdoor materials from UV damage before realizing it absorbed ultraviolet light remarkably well while remaining exceptionally stable. Most importantly, its stability, negligible skin absorption, and reassuring toxicity data make it an ideal sunscreen ingredient.

Its unusually large molecular structure limits penetration into the bloodstream while providing excellent protection against both UVA rays, which accelerate skin aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Its broad-spectrum protection rivals zinc oxide without leaving the heavy white residue many people dislike. Bemotrizinol also stabilizes older ingredients such as avobenzone,

See PREMIER, Page 12

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Continued from Page 11

helping some sunscreen formulations remain effective longer.

Cleaner for the Ocean?

Mineral sunscreens have long been promoted as the only “reef-safe” option. However, growing research suggests that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles may stress some marine organisms and contribute to coral damage under certain conditions.

Bemotrizinol appears environmentally promising. It is highly stable, does not readily dissolve into seawater, and produces few reactive breakdown products. Although long-term studies are still underway, early evidence suggests it may prove less disruptive to marine ecosystems than some mineral formulations.

When Can You Buy It?

DSM-Firmenich first applied for FDA approval in 2005, but the application stalled for years under the previous review process. The 2020 CARES Act modernized that system, allowing the FDA to evaluate sunscreen ingredients more efficiently.

As an incentive for the company’s extensive safety testing, Congress granted

DSM an 18-month exclusivity period through February 2028. The parent company of Neutrogena and Aveeno has already announced plans to incorporate bemotrizinol into selected sunscreens under the trade name “Parsol Shield.”

Premium formulations containing bemotrizinol are expected to reach U.S. store shelves around September 2026, followed by generic versions in 2028. The FDA’s streamlined approval process and exclusivity incentive may also pave the way for several additional modern sunscreen filters including Tinosorb M to come to the US.

The FDA’s review process may sometimes seem frustratingly slow. We waited a long time for BEMT, but we also avoided toxic 4-MBC while it was used for fifty years in Europe. When protecting both our skin and long-term health, caution can be one of medicine’s greatest strengths. In this case, the tortoise beat the hare.

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Retiring amid a circle of friends; what a way to go

PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com

You cannot imagine the unease a newspaperman feels when a city issues a proclamation in his honor.

Members of the press are expected to be at odds with government. Some take pride in it.

When the Alpharetta City Council chose to honor my 45 years in newspapers July 13, I was ambivalent. On one hand, it is humbling to be celebrated by such a remarkable city. On the other, journalists feel more comfortable being lambasted from the dais because it shows they’re not in cahoots with government.

I haven’t the fingers and toes to count the number of times officials have blasted me during meetings, attacking my account of the mess they’ve made or the imprudent path they’ve pursued.

Years ago, I recall covering one county commissioner who’d spent the evening in jail on what turned out to be a bogus DUI charge. Two blood tests showed zero alcohol.

He declined to speak on the record that night, but he added that if he were going to talk with anyone from the press, it would be me. I was not a soft touch, but I always listened.

That’s how journalists should operate. Give everyone a fair shake but keep your eyes open.

I later uncovered evidence that same commissioner was part of a coalition that profited by voting to overpay for park land. He resigned amid a grand jury investigation.

After having spent some 15 years covering Alpharetta, it strikes me that the city gets things right more than it gets them wrong. It has smart people on and off the dais, and its government operates with a lot more openness than most cities and counties I’ve covered.

Going out of their way

The July 13 affair was made more exhilarating by the people who turned out to wish me well. There were many Alpharettans, great people I’ve come to know.

Most startling was the number of colleagues, past and present, who attended. There were Aldo Nahed and Jonathan Copsey, my first newsroom

That’s how journalists should operate. Give everyone a fair shake but keep your eyes open.”

PATRICK FOX Managing Editor

mates at Appen Media 12 years ago. Aldo looked younger. Jonathan looked the same.

There were many wonderful current and former reporters. It was so humbling to have them make the effort.

Dan Whisenhunt, the current executive editor, was there, although I know he works at least 24 hours a day.

And, there were the Appens — Ray, Christina, Hans and Carl — who, over the years, always spoke of how they valued me. You only get treated like that at a true family-owned newspaper.

What lies ahead In retirement, every day is Saturday. There is much to do around the house, and I may write a little.

If money runs tight, though, I have a few schemes to earn some cash:

• Express checkout lane bouncer — I’d have to bulk up for this, but those who feel entitled to overload the express checkout lane should be called out.

• Certified jellybean accountant (CJA)

— Plenty of gigs available in the outdoor entertainment industry. County fairs, shopping center promotions — the list is endless.

• Booking agent for church aisle seats

— Back in the day, devotional etiquette required you scoot toward the center of the pew when arriving for worship. Today, even those arriving on time face an obstacle course of legs and knees simply to find a seat. Churches should charge a premium for aisle seats. I could handle the arrangements.

• Thanksgiving dinner fact-checker — Oh, the fun of setting Uncle Raymond straight when he prattles on about the latest news he read on the internet. Families could rent me out to do what I’ve been doing for the past 45 years. So long for now.

The gift of never casting judgment

RAY

APPEN Publisher Emeritus

ray@appenmedia.com

Every time I write a column, I am torn between writing about a subject that is local, timely and in some way unique or writing about a topic that is not necessarily “local” but instead “universal,” like love, loss, kindness, education, patriotism or faith.

I know that regardless of which direction a column takes, it always helps to tell a story. We all love stories. And, if one can tell a story that also recognizes someone or something important, teaches a lesson or imparts a positive value — all the better. So, here is a story for you. Ralph Rucker, one of the people I admired more than almost anyone else in this world, recently died. His death took me by surprise because — even though he was closer to 90 than he was 80 — it never entered my mind that he was, as we all are, subject to mortality. He was too strong, too indestructible, too good, too kind, too loyal and too

fierce in his unshakable faith.

Yet, despite all that, we lost him. His death made me notice others lately who have passed — many famous, many not and many not so very old.

Some made big splashes; they built businesses, wrote books and made movies. They invented things, made lots of money, traveled across the world, gave lectures, taught and healed. They drove expensive cars, lived in big houses and ran for office. Others struggled, as single parents, to raise kids and put food on the table. Their greatest accomplishment — their proudest achievement — was raising a kid who didn’t do drugs, respected people and grew up strong, honest and self-sufficient.

And it never occurred to them that they could have done “better.” They knocked it out of the ballpark.

I think we tend to not remember so much what people did, or how much they had, as much as how they lived — how they treated other people, how they saw their lives in relationship to the world around them, how many people they touched and helped in some way. That, I think, determines if one is remembered — if there is something left

over after mortality catches up with us.

Part and parcel to how we treat other people is how we don’t treat other people. When my friend died, I took inventory of why he was so important to me and to others. One thing stood out more than almost everything else. I never — as in never ever — heard him say a single disparaging remark about another person. Never. Think about that. He didn’t cast judgment — no red or blue attacks, no making someone else feel smaller. There was no “holier than thou” attitude with Ralph Rucker. That value is, to me, life’s gamechanger. Look around. Isn’t life really, honestly, way too short to blow through your very limited time and energy doing stuff as unproductive, destructive, debilitating and downright unfun as casting stones in judgment of others? Don’t we all have better things to do?

George Carlin used to do a shtick about grudges. He said that holding a grudge was like drinking poison in the hope the other guy dies. Casting judgment — and disparaging other people — seems, to me, very close to holding a grudge.

One of the best things I have ever done for myself was to make a

conscious, deliberate decision a couple years ago to never be in a hurry again — for anything or anyone. Doing that has literally changed my life. It’s like a whole new ballgame. My stress level plunged. Incidences of anger and frustration plummeted. My patience with other people greatly increased, and because I am less occupied with being frustrated and angry, I have the capacity to engage in other stuff — stuff that is healthy, nurturing and simply more fun.

Eliminating the default impulse to negatively judge others — to criticize or disparage — will be a much harder task than deciding to stop being in a hurry. I know this. It will require a lot of work, a lot of discipline. But I also know the rewards will be far greater.

It seems like a no-brainer to me. Game on. Going for it.

Thank you, Ralph Rucker, for being the example for me — for leading my way to that path. I wonder how many other people have followed or will follow your lead. What a wonderful gift you left — a present that will surely endure for a very long time.

Ray Appen is the publisher emeritus at Appen Media Group.

Forsyth County’s unique history and a special citizen

Forsyth County is a special place with a unique history and some special people as today’s column will illustrate.

Forsyth County was occupied by the Cherokee Indians for hundreds of years before white settlers began to arrive in 1829 after gold was discovered. The Georgia Legislature divided Cherokee lands into 10 counties in 1832, including Forsyth County which they named after John Forsyth, a noted politician at the time. The following year elections were held to select county officials. In 1834, Cumming was incorporated as the county seat. The population of the county was slightly more than 2,000 whites immediately following the government’s gold lottery of 1833. The Cherokee left the area for Oklahoma beginning in 1838. Fort Campbell in Forsyth County was one of the assembly points used to gather them for the treacherous forced hike to Oklahoma known as the Trail of Tears.

The naming of the county after John Forsyth (1780 –1841) was a political gesture since he had no personal connection to the county. He served as Georgia’s 33rd governor from 1827 to 1829. He was U.S. Secretary of State from 1834 to 1841 and later was U.S. Minister to Spain. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He was portrayed in the 1997 movie “Amistad”. Forsyth was born

disappeared.

One example is Chestatee, once a significant rural community with strong Cherokee roots. The name translates as “place of lights” and is derived from the Cherokee practice of lighting fires along riverbanks while hunting or fishing. It was located where the Chestatee River and Chattahoochee River join near the Vann Ferry operated by Cherokee leader James Vann. White settlers established farms throughout the area in the 1800s after gold was discovered in 1828. The 1832 land lottery followed, and the city of Cumming was founded in 1833. The forced removal of the Cherokee came in 1838. The community grew gradually with churches, ferries, stores and roads. A post office was established in 1880.

Creek District of South Forsyth County. He milked up to 10 cows every morning before school, mended fences and fed the calves.

Isaac attended the four-room Bethelview School which provided grades one through five. Four teachers taught all grades. While at Forsyth Central High School he played shortstop on the baseball team and was proficient in track high jumps, long jumps, discus and shot put. Isaac says, “We students developed special relationships with teachers who became friends for life.”

in Virginia, but his family moved to Augusta, Georgia, when he was a child.

In the 1950s, the Army Corps of Engineers built Buford Dam which led to the creation of Lake Lanier. In the 1970s, construction of Ga. 400 linked Cumming and Atlanta, bringing change and growth to the county. Today the population is about 287,000.

Forgotten place names

Forsyth County was home to many crossroads communities that have

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Chestatee was a small but significant community of cotton, corn, livestock and poultry farms in the 19th and early 20th century. There was no downtown area. There was never a sudden event that caused the community’s demise. It gradually lost its identity with the changing times. The post office closed in 1904 when Rural Free Delivery began.

The creation of Lake Lanier altered the landscape as roads and farmland were changed, suburban development and linkage to the Atlanta metropolitan area growth reduced the need for a crossroads community. Today the name survives in schools, roads, churches, cemeteries and the Chestatee River.

Chestatee was not alone in its transition to modernity.

Oscarville, Big Creek, Ducktown, Coal Mountain, Hightower, Silver City, New Hope, Old Atlanta, Young Deer Creek, Holbrook, Keith’s Ferry and Bridge, Chattahoochee River Mill Villages, Bethelview, Fort Campbell, Poole’s Mill and Federal Road communities and other places have undergone their own transitions. Matt is unique in that it thrives today. Perhaps a column highlighting forgotten places is in order.

A unique individual I like historians. They are smart and have great memories. I mentioned one Forsyth example in a recent column, Jimmy and Maratha McConnell, co-presidents of the Forsyth County Historical Society. Today I will feature Isaac Lang who is blessed with a photographic memory and who has led a most interesting life.

Isaac was born and raised on a 900-acre dairy farm in the Vicory

Isaac is descended from early Forsyth pioneers William Hobson Bacon the third (1799-1868) and his wife Mary Polly Cunningham Bacon (1802-1872) who came to Georgia when Forsyth County was created circa 1832. Hobson volunteered to fight for the Confederacy during the Civil War, but he was not accepted because he was “too old.” He bought property from someone who had won property in the 1832 gold lottery and became a prosperous dairy farmer. The couple raised eight children. When Hobson died, his land was divided among his children.

Hobson was very interested in education, and while serving as foreman of a grand jury in 1848, he recommended that the state start a school system and pay for it. The scattered field schools with dirt floors were consolidated into one unified system in 1873. The county had about 1,460 students at that time. Most of the Bacon family members are buried in the Mars Hill Cemetery.

After high school, Isaac joined the Navy and became a pilot, serving for 23 years. He flew A4, A7 and Phantom jets on 12 of the Navy’s 14 aircraft carriers. He served as a flight instructor during the Israeli War in 1973. Along the way, he earned an MBA and studied abnormal psychology with a thesis in behavioral modification.

Following his military service, Isaac flew for several commercial airlines and finally retired from Delta Airlines. He is now enjoying his retirement and fulfilling his passion for American history.

Bob is a member of the 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.

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

FAMOUS FIRST NAME

1. Jingle. Sicilian volcano. Baseball’s Mr. Doubleday.

2. Civil rights activist Ms. Parks. Positive pole. Its capital is Doha.

3. Iridescent gem. Director Mr. Ponti. Renter’s agreement.

4. Western star Mr. LaRue. Small burrowing rodent. Ladder part.

5. Chess piece. Fuzzy fruit. TV’s Mr. Godfrey.

6. Hate. Movie’s Ms. Kitean. Litter member.

7. Nevada city. Movie & TV’s Mr. Pyle. Domestic.

1 Jingle. Sicilian volcano. Baseball’s Mr. Doubleday

2. Civil rights activist Ms. Parks. Positive pole. Its capital is Doha

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. Iridescent gem. Director Mr. Ponti. Renter’s agreement.

4. Western star Mr. LaRue. Small burrowing rodent. Ladder part

5. Chess piece. Fuzzy fruit. TV’s Mr. Godfrey 6. Hate. Movie’s Ms. Kitaen. Litter member

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

1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

A child kicks a soccer ball during a World Cup final watch party at Newtown Park July 19.

Soccer:

Continued from Page 1

Sporting a Messi jersey, she brought a banner and fan adorned with the country’s colors. On each cheek, she wore Argentine-flag temporary tattoos. The crowd included many who showed support for Spain or Argentina.

Council:

Continued from Page 1

The changes prevent businesses from constructing an entrance solely for business use and limit operation from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They also require all business to be conducted without impacting neighbors with noise, parking demand, odor and safety hazards.

Marx said that, although she uses printing equipment, her business is hardly noticeable to neighbors.

Bob Stevens, a Johns Creek resident

Kids played soccer on an adjacent lawn.

Rayberg said she got into soccer in a big way while living in Miami, where she often spent time in an Argentine neighborhood. She moved back to Johns Creek about a year ago.

“Everyone’s partying together. Everyone hugs each other,” she said. “Everyone’s super friendly.”

Soccer watch parties were a common occurrence there, she said. Roads were

who was the president of his homeowners association for 20 years, said he recognizes the interests of both small-business owners and residents.

“Government doesn't want to stifle business. We want to encourage it,” he said. “But at the same time, we want to respect the rights of a neighborhood.”

Stevens said homeowners association rules often regulate business activities in homes, but they cannot be more permissive than city regulations.

“An HOA can't allow something that's illegal at the city or state level,” he said.

He added he thinks the city should consider that many home businesses may

closed to allow crowds to gather. Games were shown in public at cafes and RVs.

“Miami has a huge soccer culture, and so I just started watching a lot of games when I was down there,” she said.

On the other side of the pavilion, Johns Creek mom Ashley Emerick was watching the game with four of her children and one of their friends.

Admittedly new to international

have little to no impact on their neighbors and should thus be treated differently.

City officials said they recognize significant growth in less-impacting digital businesses, such as e-commerce and remote work. They also noted the rise of businesses that make use of social media.

Many of those types of businesses are allowed within the updated rules.

Dramane Dabo, owner of DaboTek IT, said his home-based business provides information technology consulting services for businesses.

“We can operate with our clients without disturbing anyone, without really

soccer, Emerick said the World Cup captured her attention in a way she wasn’t expecting.

“We’ve been watching a bunch of them,” she said.

Before the World Cup, her entry point to the sport was through her children, who played in youth leagues.

“It’s just been fun and festive and something to look forward to, like a special time,” she said.

affecting what they're trying to accomplish with this,” he said.

Dabo works remotely from his Johns Creek home, but his neighbors wouldn’t know if he hadn’t told them.

As a resident, he said he sees the importance of protecting the character of neighborhoods.

“I understand where they're coming from as far as preserving the characteristics of a typical neighborhood, familyoriented, no disturbances,” he said. “I wouldn't want certain things in my neighborhood, like signs, pollution, noise, heavy traffic, anything that will create safety concerns.”

Delays:

Continued from Page 4

Jimenez said the project’s delays have harmed her business by hindering foot traffic. When she first moved into the building more than two years ago, she was told the construction would soon be completed.

“When we moved in back in March 2024, it was only supposed to be a couple months, and it’s been two and a half years,” she said. “And for a while, I was like, ‘Why are we paying full rent?’”

On a Friday afternoon in July, the main entrance remained blocked by construction crews, forcing customers to take a detour through an adjacent neighborhood to reach a parking deck. That has resulted in frustration and confusion with many customers, Jimenez added. She said she worries the road work also may lead some to think her business has not yet opened.

Jimenez is not alone. Several other business owners near her agreed, saying the construction has harmed their ability to operate.

Siva Doraisamy, owner of The Shipping Post at 175 N. Main St., said he signed the contract for his current building in November with the understanding the work would soon be completed. The location was attractive to him because of the activity and growth in the downtown area, and he expects the numerous businesses and residents there will seek his business out for their package shipping needs.

But he thinks the construction is severely cutting into the number of customers he sees each day. His business relies on foot traffic, he said.

Swing:

Continued from Page 10

Main Street Park is an inviting destination in downtown Alpharetta that strives to touch residents and visitors with its vibrance and accessibility, CVB officials said.

“When Paul and the Rotary team approached us to collaborate on a project, we immediately saw the vision of developing a unique landmark for the city,” said Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta CVB. “The finished swing is not only beautiful; it is a destination in itself, a place where memories will be made and shared.”

The CVB is the official destination marketing organization for Alpharetta, which was recognized by Southern Living magazine in 2024 as one of the South’s “best cities on the rise.”

Rodgers said the efforts of the two

“Let’s say, typically in a normal world, we see about 10 or 12 customers a day,” he said. “When the road construction happens on that side of the road, we may see two or three.”

The lack of information Doraisamy has heard about when the project will be completed also complicates planning for his business, he said.

Jim Pullen, owner of Secure Life Benefits at 133 N. Main St., said he agrees construction has created issues. He said customers of his financial planning business complain of difficulties in entering his parking lot. The roadway near his entrance has been flanked by orange barrels and choked with traffic.

“If you miss the turn to our business, you got to go around the block, and when it’s all logjammed, I mean that’s got to make anybody upset,” he said.

South

Pullen added he is frustrated by the delays. When he moved into his location about two and a half years ago, officials told him the work would be completed within months.

In the financial planning industry, it’s important to convey professionalism, he noted. Pullen said he worries the gravel driveway that has remained unpaved makes that more difficult.

“All that dirt, that temporary gravel, it gets in the tires in the parking lot, and then they track it in,” he said.

The issues are so serious that Pullen said he is considering relocating. The location he once thought was premier has become a liability.

“When I come up for renewal in January, I’m gonna have to move, or the rent’s got to come way down,” he said.

organizations are tied to making the community better and stronger.

“We’re just two strong civic organizations that really try to do good for the city … try to be really good stewards and partners with the city of Alpharetta … by funding and doing things that make better amenities for the city,” Rodgers said. “It makes us proud.”

John Hipes, an Alpharetta city councilmember and the CVB’s board chair, said he hopes passersby take advantage of the perfect “photo-op” place.

“Being at our busiest intersection, with everybody driving home through the city, that’s our ‘I love Alpharetta’ [sign] right there … when the people come to stay in town at the hotel, how cool would it be if we start having pictures from other parts of the country with that swing right there?” he said.

Visitors to the swing can start that trend and are encouraged to tag @awesomealpharetta on social media and use the hashtag #awesomealpharetta.

South

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Sawnee EMC is seeking an Accounts Payable Clerk to process invoices, purchase orders, payments, reports, and vendor files while assisting with audits, closings, and customer inquiries. Requires: high school diploma or equivalency, proficiency in mathematics, monetary, and general office skills. A minimum of two years of related work experience, as well as a degree in a related field preferred. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings and weekends.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 31, 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 Employer including Disabled 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.

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Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 31, 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 Employer including Disabled 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.

Midway Preschool is looking for an experienced Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org.

Food Pantry Manager

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the full-time Food Pantry Manager position. Under the direction of the Food Pantry Director, the Food Pantry Manager leads back of house food pantry operations including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys managing people and process! Volunteer and inventory management, operations and data entry are primary responsibilities of this role.

The applicant should have a desire to join the team of a mission-driven non-profit where we work to ease hardship and build financial stability throughout our community. We offer one of the most competitive total rewards packages among Atlanta’s nonprofit organizations, making this role both meaningful and rewarding.

Please send resumes to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Mapping Technician to update, maintain and operate Geographic Information System (GIS), related mapping systems and peripheral equipment to create integrated circuit designs for an electrical distribution system. Provide technical assistance in database maintenance and map production for the GIS. Requires an Associate degree or technical school certificate in GIS or related mapping or associated field, with a minimum of two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have advanced computer skills with MS Office products, ESRI GIS mapping and Auto CAD. Must be available for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends as necessitated by circumstances and on-call functions.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 31, 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 Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

ECM Consultant, EVS - Skin Care – positions offered by Kimberly-Clark USA, LLC (Roswell, GA). Drive end-to-end supply chain excellence in alignment w/ global & regional enterprise initiatives. Position reports to Roswell, GA office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office. Must be willing to travel 10% (domestic and international). Salary Range: $129,594 - $155,500 USD per year. At Kimberly-Clark, pay is just one aspect of our total rewards package, which also includes a variety of benefits & opportunities to achieve, thrive & grow. Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) & Profit Sharing plan. The anticipated base pay range for this role is provided above for a fully qualified hire. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as location, role, skills, performance, & experience. Please note that the stated pay range applies to US locations only. Apply online at: www. careersatkc.com

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.

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

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