City Refuses To Share Liberty’s Law With Citizens.

By Accessmilton.com


Milton Georgia, the city which places pictures of horses on everything from city vehicles to letter head, has refused to include a Liberty’s Law notice in their monthly e-newsletter.

Numerous examples can be given where staff has included causes and notices not officially sanctioned by the city within the periodical, going completely against the link referenced below. Yet when it comes to sharing a notice promoting an ordinance to protect horses from abuse and harassment, the request falls on deaf ears.

With the City of Milton Georgia continuing to turn it's back on Liberty's Law, one can only wonder if the "rural" claim and the use of horse images throughout are more about image than action.

In a world of edit filled media, it is best to share the complete email discussion, as opposed to certain highlights:

From: Tim Enloe
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 8:16 AM
To: Jason Wright
Subject: Hello Jason from Tim Enloe

Good morning, Jason.

Liberty’s Law, a proposed ordinance to protect horses from abuse and harassment, continues to gain support. As of today, Liberty’s Law has over 600 signatures on our online petition. Please go to http://libertyslaw.blogspot.com/ for more. It is also being picked up by various organizations and more notices are set to run in local Georgia newspapers moving forward.

I enjoy the city’s monthly newsletter about the goings on in our rural community. To help us in the promotion of Liberty’s Law, we would like to be included in the city’s July e newsletter.

Please let us know what content is needed.

Together, we can protect horses from abuse and harassment.

Best,

Tim Enloe
770 653 0552
____________

From: Jason Wright
To: Tim Enloe
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 8:42 AM
Subject: RE: Hello Jason from Tim Enloe

Tim, thank you for contacting me.

I’m sorry, but I cannot include this in the city’s newsletter. By policy, the monthly newsletter cannot be used to advocate for legislation, policy or political candidacy. It exists solely to highlight city government business and citizen accomplishments.

Jason Wright
Communications Manager
13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107A Milton, GA 30004
_____________

From: Tim Enloe
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 8:54 AM
To: Jason Wright
Subject: Re: Hello Jason from Tim Enloe

Jason:

I am confused.

We have accomplished quite a bit with the promotion of Liberty's Law and the support continues to grow. What better way to embrace Milton's rural character and equestrian lifestyle than Milton Georgia citizens leading the charge to protect horses from abuse and harassment?

Would you reconsider?

Best,

Tim Enloe
770 653 0552
_____________

From: Jason Wright
To: Tim Enloe
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 9:31 AM

Subject: RE: Hello Jason from Tim Enloe

Your concern is noble, but I am being clear and concise: Citizens cannot use the newsletter to advocate for legislation, policy or political candidacy.

It is vital, as this is a staff-created and taxpayer-funded document, that the newsletter remain wholly neutral and disconnected from the advocacy of issues decided by elected representatives. Otherwise, it could unduly influence the democratic process by means utilizing taxpayer dollars, which violates both the state and city ethics ordinances.

This decision is endorsed by the City Manager and Mayor, and they are aware of your request.

For historical proof, here is the archive of newsletters stretching back to the service’s launch in November 2008: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs074/1101538339397/archive/1107970170764.html

Jason Wright
Communications Manager
13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107A Milton, GA 30004
___________

From: Tim Enloe
To: Jason Wright
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 9:37 AM
Subject: Re: Hello Jason from Tim Enloe

Jason:

I have seen the city promote numerous causes advocating for everything from charity causes to legislation, but I digress.

Best,

Tim Enloe
770 653 0552

Don’t forget: Last Bell Park input meeting Thursday.

Don’t forget the final input meeting for residents interested in the proposed Bell Memorial Park expansion project will be held tomorrow, Thursday, June 27.


This meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at Milton’s City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 (click here for directions) and moderated by the city’s plan partner, Foresite Group.

In addition to the latest iterations of park design, staff will also present concepts in advanced glare and spill-lighting technology to improve efficiency, reduce power consumption and reduce light pollution.

As part of this expansion process, staff has contacted representatives from 11 stakeholder groups representing sports leagues, trails enthusiasts, equestrians, local neighborhoods and more to conduct focused research.

Milton paid $1.287 million for the land from the city’s parks acquisition budget after a unanimous City Council vote in September of last year. City Council later approved Foresite Group’s bid of $54,000 for Bell Memorial Park master plan design and construction services March 18.

For more information on the Bell expansion project, contact Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge at 678-242-2489 or jim.cregge@cityofmiltonga.us.

New Milton senior center opens.

By David Wickert

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton County and the City of Milton opened a new senior center today at the Community Church of Christ, 3315 Francis Road.

The Milton Neighborhood Senior Center will offer exercise, education, dancing, table games and other activities. It also will provide hot lunches and transportation to and from the facility.

The center will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays initially. Activities will begin on July 15, when the hours will become 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, contact manager Melinda Ross at 470-554-0758 or mross@ssnorthfulton.org.

Hopewell House to become home to senior activity center.

Courtesy by Carolyn Aspenson; The Milton Herald


June 24, 2013


MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Historic Preservation Commission plans to designate the Hopewell House as a historic landmark.

The vacant house, owned by the city of Milton and located at 15690 Hopewell Road in Milton, is one of the oldest fully intact structures in the Atlanta area.

A joint public hearing between the Milton Historic Preservation Commission and city staff was held May 20 and the consideration was presented to Milton City Council during their regular meeting held June 17.

A vote on whether to designate the home a local historic landmark is scheduled for the July 1 council meeting.

The city plans to use the home as a senior activity center and a possible revenue-producing event venue.

North Fulton Senior Services will run the senior portion of the facility.

Travis Allen of the Historical Preservation Commission said the exact construction date of the home isn't known, but they believe it was built sometime in the 1840s and the commission would like to preserve as much of the home's integrity as possible.

"There are additions to the home from other years and we've got to determine what parts of those, if any, would fall under any requirements from a historical preservation perspective also," Allen said.

Allen said due to the structure of the home, it's likely the senior activity center will be limited to the first floor only.

"We haven't yet determined if ramps are feasible or if they will maintain the integrity of the historical aspects of the home," he said.

Community Development Director Kathleen Field said the city has allocated funding for changes to the Hopewell House and a design firm was brought in to develop a plan.

Milton just shy of Community Wildlife Habitat status.

Cambridge High School junior and Girl Scout Sarah Ellison wants you to know the City of Milton is close to being certified as a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Habitat Community - and she needs your help.


In order to attain her Gold Award - equivalent to the Boy Scout Eagle project - Ellison has taken over Milton's year-long effort to attain "Community Wildlife Habitat" status.

She and Milton volunteers are launching a contest where any yard registered with the NWF before July 20 will be entered into a drawing for a $100 cast-metal sign signifying the certification. An additional sign contest will be held for local businesses, places of worship and homeowners' associations (HOA) that certify common areas.

Registration is simple and online at www.nwf.org/garden.

All you need are three sources of food (nuts, fruits, berries or bird feeders), one water source (birdbath or pond), two places for cover (woods, trees, dense shrubs or a log pile) and two places to raise young (birdhouse or trees).

"It is an easy way to help Milton become a greener community and beautifies any space," said Ellison. "Help us by helping your own home, business, neighborhood and community."

This distinctive certification would make the City of Milton just the fourth city in Georgia to become a National Wildlife Federation Community Habitat. For more information, contact Ellison at nwfmilton@gmail.com or visit the Milton Community Wildlife Habitat Project Committee's Web site.

Five Dogs, A Cat, & A Duck.

Courtesy www.youtube.com

Time To Laugh!

High Speed Wreck Caught On Video.

Courtesy CNN.com

35 horses killed at Ga. farm for show horses.

AM NOTE: Please keep these people and animals in your thoughts and prayers. On a side note, please help protect horses from abuse and harassment by supporting Liberty's Law.

The Associated Press

ROSSVILLE, Ga. —

State fire officials say 35 horses were killed when a fire swept through their stables and another building at a business that raises show horses in northwest Georgia.

The fire was reported around 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Happy Valley Farms in Rossville, just south of the Georgia-Tennessee line, said Glenn Allen, a spokesman for Georgia's fire marshal.

No people were hurt in the blaze, but the damage was estimated at up to $6 million because of the value of the horses that perished. Allen described them as show horses, and said that some were valued as high as $250,000.

Allen said three buildings -- two stables and a storage facility -- were destroyed in the blaze.

The cause was still under investigation Friday afternoon.

The structure was completely engulfed within 20 minutes, Daniel Jenner, one of the farm's trainers, said in a statement.

"We were able to get one horse out of an end stall on the back side of the barn adjacent to the indoor arena," he said. "It was too hot and smoky to get anywhere near the main barn aisle."

The business is home to an expansive American Saddlebred show horse breeding and training operation, The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported. It "is one of the most widely regarded in the country," Bob Funkhouser, editor of a trade industry publication, told the newspaper.

Owner Marion "Bit" Hutcheson is widely known and respected in the industry, he said.

"Bit dedicated her life to breeding and raising world-class Saddlebreds," Funkhouser said. "The industry has benefited from her passion and commitment, and we all share in her loss."

Rossville is in Walker County, just south of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Milton Turns To Youtube For Citizens Government Academy

By Nicole Dow; Milton Neighbor

Milton residents wanting to learn more about the workings of their local government can tune into a new monthly video series on YouTube, created by the city’s communication department.

Jason Wright, Milton’s communications manager, launched the Citizens Government Academy series last month, providing YouTube viewers with two-minute glimpses into different aspects of government operations.

In the process of developing Milton’s strategic plan, public input suggested the city needed to do a better job building relationship with citizens, Wright said. The idea for the series was developed in response. With the new series, he hopes to reach a different crowd than the usual residents who come to city hall for meetings.

“We know our residents are on YouTube,” he said. “All the research that we have points to [the fact] that they’re extremely educated. They have computers. They have cell phones. And people with computers and cell phones, one of the biggest places they go to is YouTube.”

The series is meant to reach people on their terms, Wright explained.

“We’ve got so many busy residents,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of things going on in their lives, so why not give it to them where ever they are, whenever they want.”

Though only two videos have been posted, Wright believes the series appears to be well-received. About 60 viewers watched the initial video in the first month, which is likely more than the turnout would be if the Citizens Government Academy was a class where residents met weekly at city hall, he said.

Wright has drafted a long list of topics he would like to cover with the series and also wants to touch on hot topics that might come up over time.

“I hope that it can be a really nice wealth of information to take away a lot of the mystique of government,” he said. “There’s a perception that government is this kind of monolithic, difficult entity … and at the city of Milton, we are really trying to separate ourselves from that perception.” The video series is just one avenue to reach residents, Wright said.

“We do very well on Facebook,” he said. “We do very well through our email newsletter sign-ups. We’re reaching more than one in 10 residents in our email newsletter.”

He said the city is lucky to have progressive leaders who encourage trying new ways to interact with residents.

Free trial music classes offered throughout August.

Trial versions of the City of Milton’s popular Sperber music education classes are being offered free of charge throughout August for interested parents and children.


Registration is required and space is limited, so visit www.sperbermusic.com to sign up and bring the gift of music into your child’s life. All classes will take place at Bethwell Community Center, 2695 Hopewell Road (click here for directions).

Classes offered include:

Music with Mommy (birth to age 3)

•Monday, Aug. 5: 10:30 to 11 a.m.

•Monday, Aug. 19: 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Mini Musicians (ages 3-5)

•Thursday, Aug. 8: 2:15 to 3 p.m.

•Thursday, Aug. 22: 2:15 to 3 p.m.

Music & Movement (Kindergarten to third grade)

* Perfect for home-schoolers who want a music class

•Thursday, Aug. 8: 3:15 to 4 p.m.

•Thursday, Aug. 22: 3:15 to 4 p.m.

You may also sign up for music classes any time by visiting the City of Milton’s Online Activity Guide.

Enjoying a partnership with Milton for more than a year, locally owned and operated Sperber Music is the lifelong dream of music education teacher Karen Cornell.

Previously a Music Specialist at Abbotts Hill Elementary School from 2002 to 2013, Cornell holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education from The University of Georgia.

She was named 2007-2008 Fulton County Elementary School Teacher of the year and has presented workshops at the Georgia Music Educators Association Conference, several Introduction to Orff-Schulwerk workshops to college/university students across Georgia, and conducted students at the American Orff-Schulwerk Association National Conferences in Birmingham, Ala. and Charlotte, N.C.

For more information on Sperber and its programs, e-mail info@sperbermusic.com, call 678-223-3653 or visit its Web site at www.sperbermusic.com.

Be a part of CCA's 4th of July Parade.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

June 17, 2013

MILTON, Ga. – Join the Crabapple Community Association (CCA) and Milton residents in the 4th Annual 4th of July Parade. The parade, set to take place in historic downtown Crabapple, is open to children, families and community organizations who wish to walk or ride along the route.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to come together in a family-friendly environment and celebrate our country's independence," said Peyton Jamison, president of CCA.

The parade will be led by Mayor Joe Lockwood and begin at 10 a.m., following a short route that will provide opportunities for children to walk or ride their bikes. Awards will be given for best decorated, most enthusiastic and best overall. Music and activities will follow after the parade.

For more information and register for the free parade, visit www.crabapplecommunityassociation.org.

North Fulton readies for elections.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

June 17, 2013


NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The cities of North Fulton are already gearing up for the Nov. 5 general election, working with Fulton County to facilitate the voting.

Several city council positions and mayors are up for reelection, with many candidates already declaring their intention to run.

In Milton, the mayor's post is up, and Mayor Joe Lockwood, who has lead the city since its inception, said he plans to run again.

"There are a lot of things happening now that were in the works for a number of years," Lockwood said, and that, if he were reelected, people can expect to "see more of the same and moving in a positive direction."

If reelected, this would be his third term, however only his second full term. His first term was only three years.

City Council members whose positions are to be decided this year include Karen Thurman, Bill Lusk and Joe Longoria.

This year, the council is divided into three districts, each with two posts. Despite this, all council members are elected at-large, meaning on the November ballot, Milton residents will vote for all three contested positions.

Milton will spend $70,000 for the general election and should there be a run-off, a further $34,000.

Milton's council will give final approval for the contract with the county Monday, June 17, after this paper goes to print. The numbers in the contract might change.

For Alpharetta, three seats are open – Chris Owens, Mike Kennedy and Donald Mitchell.

Mitchell, who was elected last year, was elected for fill in the unexpired term of Council member Doug DeRito, who left his position to launch a bid for mayor.

The city's bill with Fulton County for the election is $111,000.

In Roswell, the election is expected to cost $252,000. Four positions are up – Mayor Jere Wood and three council members – Kent Igleheart, Jerry Orlans and Nancy Diamond.

Qualifying week is Aug. 26-30 those wishing to run. The election is Nov. 5. Both Roswell and Alpharetta city halls will serve as early voting precincts between Oct. 14-Nov. 1.

"Liberty's Law" Being Picked Up Throughout State.

Image Courtesy Cherokee County Saddle Club

By Accessmilton.com

Liberty's Law, a proposed ordinance to enforce and enhance abuse and harassment laws to protect horses, continues to be picked up by varius groups throughout Georgia. Petition signatures are also on a steady increase.

Recently, the Cherokee County Saddle Club has encouraged their members to support Liberty's Law as well.

Going forward, Liberty's Law will continue to reach out to different venues and publications throughout Georgia and other states for support and promotion.

No horse should ever have to endure the horrific actions of abuse and harassment that Liberty has. Such cowardly acts should never go unpunished.

Only time will tell if the Milton Georgia City Council will lead by example or continue to fail to put action behind an image.

Man dies in fiery Hancock Park crash.

AM NOTE: While not in Milton, Georgia, this sad story shows once again the severe dangers of speeding. Milton Georgia officials must do more to enforce speed limits throughout the city; especially in Milton Georgia's open road neighborhoods.


HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KTLA) — The investigation continued on Wednesday into a fiery car crash in Hollywood that killed award-winning journalist Michael Hastings.

Hastings, 33, was perhaps best known for a Rolling Stone article that led to the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

The coroner’s office had yet to identify the victim, but both Rolling Stone and BuzzFeed, where Hastings worked most recently, reported that it was him.

The solo-vehicle crash happened near the intersection of Highland and Melrose avenues around 4:15 a.m., according to the LAPD.

Hastings’ Mercedes-Benz slammed into a tree and caught fire.

“I was just coming northbound on Highland and I seen a car going really fast, and all of a sudden I seen it jackknife,” said Luis Cortez, who witnessed the wreck.

“I just seen parts fly everywhere and I slammed on my brakes and stopped and tried to call 911,” Cortez added.

The engine of the vehicle was found in a yard about 100 feet away.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner’s officials said the body was too badly burned to make an immediate identification.

Police were investigating the possibility that speed may have been a factor in the crash.

Meantime, friends, family and colleagues were trying to come to terms with the news, and to offer some insight into Hastings’ life.

BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith issued a statement on Tuesday, saying his team was “shocked and devastated by the news.”

“Michael was a great, fearless journalist with an incredible instinct for the story and a gift for finding ways to make his readers care about anything he covered, from wars to politicians,” Smith said.

“He wrote stories that would otherwise have gone unwritten, and without him there are great stories that will go untold,” he said.

Friends said that, because of the nature of Hastings’ work, he often led a very paranoid lifestyle.

“A lot of his friends were worried that he was in a very agitated state, yes. No question, people were concerned,” said Cenk Uygur, host of “The Young Turks.”

“He was incredibly tense and very worried and was concerned that the government was looking in on his material,” he said.“I don’t know what his state of mind was at 4:30 in the morning, but I do know what his state of mind was in general, and it was a nervous wreck.”

In addition to his work for Rolling Stone and BuzzFeed, Hastings was also a contributor for GQ and Newsweek. He leaves behind a wife.

Read more: http://ktla.com/2013/06/19/driver-killed-in-fiery-car-crash-in-hollywood/#ixzz2WfsGdQcK

Liberty’s Law Campaign Launches With Milton Herald.

Image Courtesy The Milton Herald.

By Accessmilton.com


The first in a series of Liberty’s Law notices debuted this week in the Milton Herald.

Going forward, the Liberty’s Law campaign will be showcased in city newspapers throughout the state of Georgia and horse related periodicals.

Together, we can protect the beautiful horses from abuse and harassment!

Bo Knows Milton.

AM NOTE: Another wonderful piece by Milton Teen Bo Quintana.

Milton is a pretty cool place.


We got horses, squirrels, huge trees, squirrels, cows, squirrels, cool houses, and squirrels.

Anyway, it’s a beautiful town in a beautiful area of the world.

But how do we know that?

What’s the scale in which we rate beauty in animate and inanimate objects? Who invented it? Why do our brains believe that Angela totally shouldn’t wear that skirt with that purse?

Can we blame Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty? Or the Greeks, for thinking of Aphrodite?

Can we blame the cavemen, because they’re generally easy to blame?

I really have no idea. Why are you asking me anyway? Jeez.

My guess though is that once the brain started advancing from monkey thoughts to human thoughts, it began sliding away from important stuff – like survival, food and water -- and began thinking about what it needed to do to feel good.

And so, standards were made.

Standards were the brain’s way of making us feel better by comparing us to everyone else.

But who invented the standard that determined that Angela has bad fashion sense? We did. It may have been molded by someone else, like a mother, a father, a television, or a teacher, I don’t know. But ultimately, it was our brains that thought it up.

So who gives a doodle? Not many people. But we should. By reshaping our ideas on beauty, we could probably prevent a large chunk of everything that sucks in the world. What if the excessive amount of money spent on makeup, for example, was instead put toward ending poverty? Wouldn’t that be something our little monkey brains could be proud of?

What other advantages could we find in our refusal to judge things based on beauty?

Less suicide (which is actually starting to become a big problem in little ol’ Milton).

More self-confidence (which will create better job interviews, which will lead to better jobs).

Less bullying (hallelujah for me and my scrawny friends!).

More acceptance (KKK is passepassepasse!).

So how do we do this?

1. Don’t be snooty. Snooty people include people who giggle behind strangers’ backs, people who insult other people due to their looks, and people who make fun of people for their intelligence. Snooty people bite.

2. Look for people’s talents. That weird homeless guy turns out to be a great pianist. Who knew? You did! Because you took time to get to know him. Good job, you!

3. Don’t buy things you can’t afford. Just a good rule of thumb, doesn’t have much to do with changing standards, but hey, we all need this advice every now and again.

So do these things, Milton! Our trees, horses and squirrels will still be beautiful, but only because we discovered that those squirrels learned the violin, not because their tail is the hairiest or that their nuts are the nuttiest. It’s because the squirrels somehow acquired talents that are remarkable.

Stay beautiful and stuff,

Bo

Last Bell Park input meeting Thursday, June 27.

The final input meeting for residents interested in the proposed Bell Memorial Park expansion project will be held Thursday, June 27.


This meeting will be held at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 (click here for directions) and moderated by the city's plan partner, Foresite Group.

As part of this process, staff has contacted representatives from 11 stakeholder groups representing sports leagues, trails enthusiasts, equestrians, local neighborhoods and more to conduct focused research.

Milton paid $1.287 million for the land from the city's parks acquisition budget after a unanimous City Council vote in September of last year. City Council later approved Foresite Group's bid of $54,000 for Bell Memorial Park master plan design and construction services March 18.

For more information on the Bell expansion project, contact Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge at 678-242-2489 or jim.cregge@cityofmiltonga.us.

Forsyth motorcyclist dies in crash with minivan.

AM NOTE: Another terrible fatality by vehicle accident; please keep this family in your prayers. While this investigation is ongoing, the City of Milton needs to focus more energies on controlling speeders; both motorcycle and car; in Milton's open road neighborhoods. On any given day, be it Freemanville, Hopewell, Providence, Bethany, or otherwise, high illegal speeds are a daily occurance and nothing is being done to protect both commuters and residents who live in these nodes.

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

June 11, 2013


FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 23-year-old Cumming man was killed overnight June 11 after his motorcycle struck a minivan head-on on Ga. 369 (Browns Bridge Road) in north Forsyth County.

Charles Griffin Hall, of Hickory Court in Cumming, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 23-year-old, Central High School graduate, was traveling westbound on Ga. 369 on a 2007 Kawasaki EX650A motorcycle and had just crossed over the Two Mile Creek Bridge when his motorcycle went into the eastbound lane and struck the on-coming minivan head-on, according to Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Cpl. David Garrison.

The 2000 Mazda Wagon was being driven by Justin Timothy Harless, 28, of Gainesville.

Harless tried but was unable to avoid the impact, said Garrison.

Harless received some minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The driver of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet. The collision occurred at approximately 12:29 a.m.

Alcohol is not believed to be a contributing factor in the collision. The crash remains under investigation.

Humane Society of Forsyth County, where Hall worked posted a message on its Facebook page, saying Hall worked with them in fostering dogs who needed a home.

"[He] came to us from the Marine Corps after serving a tour in Afghanistan, he had to come home to care for his ailing grandmother," the post said. "He had a gift and a true passion working with some of our most difficult and hard to control canines, taking time to make sure they all received hands on training and were given time to really be a dog instead of being scared."

Funeral services were held in Jasper, Ga. for Hall.

This marked the first motorcycle fatality in the county, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

There was one motorcycle fatality last year and two motorcycle fatalities in 2011.

Also in 2012, there were two motorcycle accidents with serious injuries.

Statewide, Georgia has experienced slightly fewer motorcyclist fatalities in 2012 than in 2011, according to data made available by the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

The Governors Highway Safety Association projects motorcyclist fatalities rose nationwide by 9 percent in 2012.

The GHSA report, based on nine months of data, projects that Georgia saw a 5 percent increase in motorcyclist fatalities in 2012.

However, preliminary data compiled by the Georgia Department of Transportation for January 2012 through December of 2012 demonstrates otherwise.

The data show that the majority of motorcyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas and in the foothills of Georgia's mountains.

Over the two-year period, Fulton County saw the greatest number of motorcyclist fatalities statewide, and Dekalb County saw a significant increase in the number of motorcyclist fatalities from 2011 to 2012.

Camps, programs offered throughout summer.

Courtesy City of Milton.
The City of Milton is just one week into its slate of summer camps and programs, but that doesn’t mean the time to sign up is over.


There are high-quality, safe, fun and educational offerings available almost every week of the summer – and you can sign up anytime by visiting the City of Milton’s Online Activity Guide.

Here’s a quick rundown of what we offer:

CAMPS

•Camp Joyful Soles (for special needs campers ages 13-18)

Weekly through July 26 at Hopewell Middle School

•YMCA Summer Day Camp (ages 5-12)

Weekly through July 26 at Hopewell Middle School

•Halftime Sports Basketball Camp (ages 6-14)

Weekly July 8 through 26 at Northwestern Middle School

•North Georgia Rec Sports Camps

All-sports: ages 5-12

Flag-football: ages 6-12

Lacrosse: ages 6-14

Held at multiple locations across Milton through August

PROGRAMS

•Corephysique Fitness (Youth and adult)

Classes available every day at CorePhysique’s new location, 6225 Ga. 9

•Yoga for Fitness and Wellness (Youth and adult)

Free workshop June 20 at Friendship Community Park

•Sperber Music Education Classes (Ages birth to third grade)

Free trial classes offered in August at Bethwell Community Center

For more information, contact Parks and Recreation Programs Coordinator Tom Gilliam at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

North Fulton teens train toward equestrian goals.

AM NOTE: A wonderful story! Help protect Milton's horses from abuse and harassment. Support Liberty's
Law!

Courtesy by Nicole Dow; Neighbor Newspapers

Addy Howe, a 13-year-old student at King’s Ridge Christian School, fell in love with horses when she was about 2 or 3 years old.

“I had a babysitter who took me and put me on a horse,” she said of her first introduction to riding.

That initial love for horses led her to start competing in local horse shows about five years ago. She is now ranked 22nd nationally in the Younger Large Junior Hunters Division. Part of her improvement in the sport over the past year and a half can be attributed to training at FoxCroft Farm, an equestrian center in Alpharetta on New Providence Road.

“Here I’m always learning something,” Howe said.

Abbey DuBose, a 14-year-old student at Mount Pisgah Christian School, has also been training at FoxCroft Farm, having started in January. Coming from a family of horse riders, she first started riding about seven years ago and now competes in the Medium Pony Hunter and the Large Pony Hunter divisions, she said. She currently ranks ninth in the country.

DuBose said her skills have improved since training at FoxCroft Farm, and she enjoys the atmosphere at the center. “It’s been more like a family environment,” she said. “I know everyone, and it’s just fun to train here.”

Head trainer Tim Sweat has been working with both teens and has seen their confidence levels improve while riding. “When you increase your confidence level, your ability to ride around the ring is better,” he said. “Confidence is a major part of what we do.”

The two compete about twice a month and recently participated in the Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania — a first time for both.

“It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious horse shows in the country,” Sweat said. “You have the best of the best of every division that’s there. Your first time there you can be pretty overwhelmed.”

He said the girls handled themselves well but made some minor mistakes, which kept them from receiving ribbons. While her performance did not go as great as she would have liked, DuBose said the experience taught her to know what to expect next time. Howe also said she views her first time at the Devon Horse Show as a learning experience.

Both teens have goals to reach the top ranks in their divisions. Yet aside from the competitive aspect, they both simply love riding.

“I just like horses,” Howe said. “I like being around them.” She is content going to the barn just to spend time with the horses, even when she is not riding that day. DuBose said she enjoys connecting with the pony she rides.

“I really don’t love any other sports as much as I like riding,” she said. “It just feels good to go out and ride and just have fun.”

Meetings address development of Arnold Mill Road.

Atlanta Regional Commission planner Jon Tuley illustrates the problem areas of Arnold Mill Road.

Courtesy by Jessa Pease; The Milton Herald

June 10, 2013


MILTON, Ga. — The city of Milton held a series of informal meetings June 5 and 6 to discuss the congestion issues with Arnold Mill Road and to get citizens' input for future development.

Milton and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) asked if new development happened, how would people want it to look and function.

Widening Arnold Mill Road to four lanes, developing smaller commercial businesses versus strip malls and finding alternate routes for local traffic were all discussed.

"The widening project is something that is fluid. The whole thing is probably farther out in the future than what is officially on the books," said Andrew Smith, planner of community development with Atlanta Regional Commission. "What we have heard from a lot of folks is it's not a place that is planned for a lot of strip-commercial center development because there is plenty of that already just down the street."

Smith said they wanted to find a balance between the new development and preserving the area, so the conservation subdivision with smaller homes and cottages seemed to be preferred by citizens.

Grace McVey of Sweet Apple said she definitely thought something needed to be done about the traffic congestion.

"I think some of the people who have been here forever don't want any change," McVey said. "But when we are coming this way, the traffic is just horrendous."

Smith said widening Arnold Mill Road will happen eventually in some way, shape or form and that the final designs are up in the air.

"Milton can say leave some right of way for us to put a road through for local traffic," Smith said. "Then there would be other roads that were alternates for you to use."

Once the city of Milton and the Atlanta Regional Commission complete their meetings with the community, they will draft reports and recommendations and then meet with citizens again in a few months for feedback.



Milton approves NF radio manager.

Courtesy by Will Houp; The Milton Herald

June 10, 2013


MILTON, Ga. – Milton became the last of four North Fulton cities to approve the next step toward a $16 million region-wide radio net. Councilmembers voted unanimously last Monday to sign on Commdex Consulting to lead the cities from plan design to launching the new public safety radio system.

Commdex was chosen through Sandy Springs' evaluations and met all of the city's qualifications. Three different committees were set up to evaluate Commdex and the other bidder.

"Commdex was the highest qualified and the lowest bidder," said Milton City Manager Chris Lagerbloom. "Having the most qualified to be the lowest bidder seemed to be a fairly straightforward decision."

The contract between Commdex and the four cities will be about $200,000. Milton is responsible for 15 percent, or about $30,000.

Commdex is headquartered in Norcross.

The system is planned to go online July 1. It will provide linked coverage over the four cities and dip some into surrounding Cobb, Gwinnett and Forsyth counties in case of joint emergencies.

This four-city union has been in the works for about two years. The ailing Fulton County radio system is antiquated and has poor reception in parts of North Fulton, especially Milton. It is also projected to fail the Federal Communications Commission's 2014 regulations.

The new North Fulton radio net was unveiled to the public in January as Milton, Roswell, Alpharetta and Sandy Springs pressed forward with their system independent from Fulton. Sandy Springs spearheaded the project and has taken on the monthly billing of the system. The other three cities pay monthly fees and will construct cell towers to carry the system.

Fulton County started working on a new system earlier in the year as well.

At one point, Johns Creek had been a part of the North Fulton intergovernmental operating agreement. But their council brought up initial concerns about selecting Motorola without any other bidders. Johns Creek dropped out mid-January after more concerns that Johns Creek taxpayers could potentially be funding two new systems — Fulton County's and North Fulton's. The only impact of the resignation has been an increase in cost for Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs, who have pressed ahead with the project.

Motorola has a state contract with Georgia for radio services and products. The four cities are buying radios using the already negotiated prices from that contract.

ALSO AT THE MEETING

*Two residents were placed on Milton commissions at the June 3 council meeting.

Abbe Laboda was unanimously appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission of Milton as a board member at large.

Terry Herr was also unanimously appointed to Milton's Planning Commission for District 2.

The Historic Preservation Commission formed in July 2010. The commission's mission is to enrich the present and future by preserving the past, according to the city of Milton's website. It does this by preserving buildings, places and districts of historic interest within Milton.

There are seven members on the commission — each appointed by a councilmember and the mayor. Regular meetings are held every fourth Monday of each month.

The Planning Commission is an advisory board and seeks to reevaluate subdivision regulations, zoning laws and zoning maps where appropriate in Milton. The commission reports to the Milton City Council. It is comprised of seven members all appointed by council and the mayor. Regular meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of each month.

*Council also unanimously approved an alcohol license for Grand Champion BBQ on 12635 Crabapple Road. Grand Champion opened in July 2011. There is a second Grand Champion located in Roswell on Shallowford Road.

Eagle Project beautifies Milton fire station

Boy Scout Matt D’Amico, of Troop 3000 from Birmingham United Methodist Church, recently completed his Eagle Project at Fire Station No. 42 on Thompson Road by installing a demonstration garden.


The garden, created to help promote the Milton National Wildlife Federation Community Habitat initiative, shows residents the gardening features that attract wildlife: food, water, shelter and places to raise young.

The garden is open to the public and includes a solar powered birdbath.

To see photos from the project hosted on D’Amico’s Dropbox account, click here.

Free yoga class offered at Friendship Park June 20.

The City of Milton’s popular yoga provider, Lift Yoga Therapy, will offer a free outdoor class Thursday, June 20 in Crabapple’s Friendship Community Park.


The class, timed to take place under the sun’s highest position on the longest day of the year, will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is open to everyone, regardless of ability. The 108 poses offered can even be done in a chair, said Kim Saunders, founder of Lift Yoga Therapy.

“If you’ve always wanted to try yoga but were unsure where to start, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of this proven and effective mind-clearing exercise,” she said. “Be engaged with your community and welcome summer outside in the beautiful evening!”

For directions to Friendship Community Park, located at 12785 Birmingham Highway between Crabapple Crossing Elementary and Northwestern Middle schools, click here.

If inclement weather occurs, the class will take place in Bethwell Community Center, 2695 Hopewell Road (click here for directions).

Lift Yoga Therapy offers weekly classes and a host of special workshops and events throughout the summer, including a kids’ game night, detox workshops, yoga fitness challenges, restorative yoga with live musical accompaniment, meditation classes and much, much more.

For information on Lift Yoga Therapy’s slate of classes, visit www.Milton-Yoga.com or e-mail kimsaunders@mindspring.com

You may also sign up for yoga classes any time by visiting the City of Milton’s Online Activity Guide.

Scouting is about kids, not political agendas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact:

Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

By: Senator John Albers (R- Roswell)


I have been a scout all of my life starting at age 6, from Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts to Scout leader. My older son is an Eagle Scout and my younger son is on the eagle trail. I believe in the Boy Scouts and have supported them with my time, talents and money. For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts have represented so much that is good in this world. If you are not a scout, take time to read the scout law, oath, motto and what it takes to become an Eagle Scout to learn a true appreciation. Many of our greatest leaders in business, government and society were scouts. Scouting includes boys aged 6 – 17, specifically Boy Scouts ages 10-17.

Recent events concerning the allowing of openly homosexual boys and leaders became a topic of great controversy. Let me be clear, boy scouting should be about the kids and teaching them invaluable life skills. Shame on both sides for forgetting this is about the kids and not you.

As mentioned earlier, Boy Scouts are about the boys – yes, they are kids. However, adults with a political agenda have decided to make their cause something it should never be. Anyone who needs to outwardly profess their sexuality, no matter their preference, has no business in the Boy Scouts. Being a scout is a safe environment for kids to learn, lead, and perhaps even sometimes learn to fail. I will never fully comprehend why outside organizations have targeted the Boy Scouts. But, it is very sad they are pushing their agenda onto the kids.

The Boy Scouts of America recently changed its policy allowing homosexual scouts, but not leaders. Here is a wakeup call to the national council of the Boy Scouts of America; the boys starting at age 10 didn’t join scouts for this foolishness. There are not merit badges for sexuality and political correctness. This topic has now been legitimized and made into something it never should be - a topic for these kids to discuss. You have also put churches and other institutions in a position to choose between their doctrine and your political agenda. Sadly, I fear Scouting will lose thousands of Scouts and troops now. We should not cave to political pressure and make people’s sex lives the main topic of conversation. This is not what scouting is about.

I would like to call a “time out” and have rational minds resolve this issue. All of this can be resolved with one simple rule, “Anyone who needs to discuss their sex lives in front of Boy Scouts aged 10-17 is not allowed”. I don’t want to know about anyone’s sex lives period and neither do my boys. If you cannot control yourself, you have no business in this organization as a member or a leader. Scouting should solely be about boys who want to camp and learn invaluable life skills.

As an elected official, I often see the situation where adults mess it up for the kids. It is time to stop. Shame on both sides for forgetting this is about the kids and not themselves

-------------
Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the State Institutions and Property Committee. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

Bo's Turn / Column Two: Super Seahorse Apocalypse Prevention Squad.

Another great piece of literary wonder by Bo Quintana; Milton Teen...

Hey there Milton, Bo again.


Anytime is a great time to watch a movie. But summertime in Milton brings about all kinds of viewing opportunities. There’s Flicks & Flurries at Friendship Park, Fork & Screen on the Green at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, and of course there’s no shortage of options and your nearby humungo-plex.

But what Milton really needs is a Supernatural Animal Film Festival, don’t you think?

Here’s my thinking: Recently, I’ve been helping develop a podcast with my friends. It’s called Super Seahorse Apocalypse Prevention Squad. It’s mostly about these two screw-up seahorses that cause (and kinda-sorta prevent) the apocalypse in their seahorse community.

In the first episode (which happens to be the only one I’ve written thus far), two seahorses, Jim the Seahorse and Doctor Seahorse, accidentally inject a zombie virus into an unsuspecting volunteer.

After much chaos, the zombie seahorses are exterminated by a whale and a grateful sea monkey. Really only like three zombie seahorses die. The whale accidentally flops on them, and also destroys a few buildings.

But this little nonsensical thing I’ve created does raise an interesting question. Why hasn’t anyone else done this? You’d think this would be a profitable venture.

A quick Google search of the term “zombie seahorses” brings strange tattoos, a Facebook page, and a disturbing amount of women’s underwear.

So where are the movies? Where are the books? Where are the messages written with blood on the wall of a cave?

THEY AIN’T THERE!

And this surprises me. The fact that there are 7 billion people living on earth right now, and not one decided that zombie seahorses was a brilliant freaking idea.

But does it stop there? NO. The internet decides to torture me more when I search for zombie giraffes.

Granted, deviantart (a large art community on the interwebs) has an impressive amount of tattoos and drawings of giraffes with cravings for brains. But anywhere else on the internet? Anywhere that SPECIFICALLY showcases literary talent? NOPE. Not gonna find it. Unless a tumblr blog that reposts the exact same pictures from deviantart counts. Which it DOESN’T!

So what does this mean? It means that we, the writers of America … we, whose creativity arguably outstretches everyone else’s creativity … we, the great thinkers … we, who have been awesome since those cavemen discovered that mammoth red stuff makes cool symbols on cave walls … we have sold out.

Go to IMDb and I will guarantee you that after less than 30 seconds you can find a werewolf movie, a vampire movie, a witch movie, a pirate movie, and a Nicholas Sparks adaptation.

And you can find a zombie movie. But can you find a zombie movie showcasing animal zombies? No, you can’t. Not showcasing. Yes there are some movies that have zombie animals, but they are not the main focus, just a small obstacle to the main human characters.

So why not? What do people not like about koalas eating brains and eucalyptus leaves?

To put it bluntly, we are racists.

To make a movie about humans being zombies is discriminatory against the rest of the animal kingdom. It’s not like it makes logical sense; if a zombie virus comes along, it will probably affect the other species of animal kind before it affects us humans. We do have a more advanced immune system, after all.

So how do we get animals into supernatural movies and out of documentaries about chimps adopting smaller chimps? Maybe this film festival will get things rolling.

With love and stuff,

Bo

Summer time, summer time, sum sum summertime.

Welcome to June! After a strangely cool spring, it’s been really nice to see the sun come out and heat things up a bit. We’ve finally got that pool weather.


With summer comes some fantastic things in Milton. The first I want to talk about is our Memorial Day Ceremony, held Monday, May 27 at City Hall.

This year’s ceremony was the biggest we’ve ever had, with a crowd of more than 500. We’ve all received a big outpouring of support and good feedback from residents about this year’s program, so if you’ve never attended, you’re missing out.

You can check out what happened by visiting our flickr page and scrolling through the tons of great photos we host.

Now on to June itself. It’s always a big month around City Hall, because we kick off our summer camps as soon as the kids are out of school. This year, we’ve got general camps, plus specific camps for basketball, flag football, lacrosse and rugby. And it’s not too late to sign up. There are spots available all summer, so make sure to check out our recreation guide to see what your child might enjoy.

In the first week of the month, we’ve got something happening nearly every day. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 4-6, we’ll host three public meetings and input sessions for our Arnold Mill Visioning Study.

This important process is the first step in determining the future of this important commercial corridor, so if you’re invested in the area make sure you stop by and let us know what you think.

Also on Thursday, June 6, we’ll have the second public input meeting for the Bell Memorial Park expansion. This meeting will happen at City Hall at 7 p.m.

So far, we’ve gotten a huge amount of incredible input from residents and stakeholders, and we want everyone in town to be involved in this important growth opportunity. So make sure you come by and take a look at what we’re proposing for the expanded park.

Then on Saturday, June 8, we’ve got both a Bulky Trash Amnesty Day and the kick-off of our Flicks and Flurries summer event series at Friendship Community Park.

We’ll show “The Goonies” at dusk, but starting at 7 p.m. we’ll have a fun, festival atmosphere with a bounce house from Milton Chiropractic & Massage, face painting from Good Friend Mortgage, and crafts from The School Place of Roswell. Come check it out!

Things slow down a bit later in the month, but as you’ll see in the newsletter, there’s something exciting happening most weekends.

OK, I’m going to let you go. But as always, if you have any questions, concerns or comments, we’re here to listen. Swing by City hall or use one of our many opportunities to contact online.

Sincerely,

Mayor Joe Lockwood

Communiteen welcomes 22 for movie event.

On Saturday, June 1, Better Together hosted Communiteen's summer kick-off movie night at the Bethwell Community Center, welcoming 22 teenagers from Milton, Roswell, Cambridge, Northwestern Middle and Blessed Trinity.


Everyone enjoyed ice cream, popcorn and drinks before sitting down to watch "Wreck It Ralph."

Founded by Milton High School students and Better Together members Ansley Braswell and Meredith Johnson, Communiteen promotes and fosters friendship among teens of all abilities while endorsing a feeling of community and togetherness.

Communiteen's next event is scheduled for Aug. 24 at the Bethwell Community Center. Plans include decorating T-shirts and wooden hearts for The Milton Love Project.

Citizens Government Academy available now.

Citizens Government Academy: Volume 1

The City of Milton Communications Department has undertaken a monthly, video-on-demand Citizens Government Academy hosted through the city's Youtube page.


Each month, Communications Manager Jason Wright will discuss a new topic in the two-minute videos. So far an introduction to the city's government and a look inside each department, with information on budgeting, are available.

Soon, installments will cover virtually every aspect of the city's municipal operations, including sections reserved for hot topics that arise throughout the project.

To visit the City of Milton's Youtube page, click here.

For more information, contact Communications Manager Jason Wright at jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2523.

Be a part of Bell Memorial Park's expansion.

There will be two input meetings in June for residents interested in the proposed Bell Memorial Park expansion project.


Both will be held at Milton's City Hall and moderated by Milton's plan partner, Foresite Group.

Meeting schedule:

* June 6: 7 p.m. City Hall (click here for directions)

* June 27: 7 p.m. City Hall

Additionally, staff has contacted representatives from 11 stakeholder groups representing sports leagues, trails enthusiasts, equestrians, local neighborhoods and more to conduct focused research.

Milton paid $1.287 million for the land from the city's parks acquisition budget after a unanimous City Council vote in September of last year. City Council later approved Foresite Group's bid of $54,000 for Bell Memorial Park master plan design and construction services March 18.

For more information on the Bell expansion project, contact Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge at 678-242-2489 or jim.cregge@cityofmiltonga.us.

Coaches Curing Kids Cancer June 6-9

Come to Bell Memorial Park June 6-9 when the Hopewell Youth Association (HYA) and Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association host a tournament to benefit Coaches Curing Kids' Cancer.


Tournament proceeds will go to the nonprofit organization Coaches Curing Kids' Cancer, a non-profit organization whose mission is to find cures for pediatric cancers in our lifetime.

This will be the first time HYA is involved in this tournament thanks to the partnership between Milton and Alpharetta's parks programs.

Ages: 6U, 7U, 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U

Classifications: All Star and AA/AAA. All-Star and AA/AAA will not be combined. (See who is already confirmed to attend: www.alpharettasports.com/tgba)

Where: Wills Park and Webb Bridge Park in Alpharetta and Bell Memorial Park in Milton

Format: 2 pool games w/ single elimination bracket (3 game minimum)

The tournament includes homerun derby contest hosted by Grand Slam Sports Center.

Trophies will be given to the first and second place team in each classification. Each team has to provide two balls per game. The team entry fee is $350, plus $75 gate fee.

For more information about their mission, please go to http://www.curingkidscancer.org. Donations can also be made at this site.

For more information on the tournament, contact Mike Olmsted at 770-329-8093 or molmsted@comcast.net or Andy Faw at 678-984-5033 or andy.faw@rrd.com.

Flicks & Flurries coming to Friendship Park.

What's better on a summer evening than movies under the stars or a day of snow in July? Nothing!


That's why the City of Milton is proud to present the "Family, Fun, Flicks & Flurries" summer event series all summer long at Friendship Community Park in Crabapple (click here for directions).

All three events - two films and a day of snow tubing in the summer heat - are free to the public. Just come by, kick back and have a great time!

JUNE 8, 7 P.M.: THE GOONIES

We'll kick off our summer film series with the 80's classic "The Goonies."

At sundown the film will be shown on a huge, two-story inflatable movie screen in high-definition. Before the film there will be a fun, festival atmosphere with a bounce house from Milton Chiropractic & Massage, face painting from Good Friend Mortgage, and crafts from The School Place of Roswell.

Concessions will be available, so just bring your lawn chair, blanket and bug spray.
JULY 13, 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.: SNOW TUBING IN THE PARK

Here's where things get a little different from what you might be used to during those long, hot Georgia summers!

It's going to be Christmas in July at Friendship Community Park when the City of Milton brings Snow Kings' movable mountain to the masses. Thanks to their amazing technology, kids and adults alike will be able to cool off and slide down run after run of smooth, refreshing snow -- no jacket required!

Trust us: It works, it cools you off ... and it's a blast! Join in lots of other fun activities with a bounce house from Milton Chiropractic & Massage, face painting from Good Friend Mortgage, and crafts from The School Place of Roswell. See you there.

AUG. 24, 7 P.M.: THE SANDLOT

Milton will close out its summer event series with perennial family favorite "The Sandlot," presented by B 98.5 FM's B at the Movies.

Like The Goonies before it, the film will be shown at dusk. But before hand, there will be all sorts of activities, games and concessions starting at 7 p.m.

It should be the perfect way to end your summer - so come on out and get to know your neighbors.

For more information on this, or any of the City of Milton's other special events, contact Special Events and Projects Manager Angela Thompson at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

Bulky Trash Amnesty Day Saturday, June 8.

The City of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday, June 8, so gather your large items for disposal.


From 8 a.m. to noon, residents of Milton can bring items to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell (click here for directions). Only City of Milton and Roswell residents will be served. Proof of residency will be required, and utility bills are preferred.

New this year is shoe recycling. Bring your gently-worn shoes for a recycling and reuse program to help fund Milton's Community Wildlife Habitat Project (click here for more information on the project).

Some of the items accepted are (reusable items will be donated to Atlanta Furniture Bank):

* tires - must be off the rim, automobile tires only; limit 4 per car

* sofas

* tables

* refrigerators

* chairs

* washers

* dryers

* televisions

* deactivated cell phones

* computer equipment and electronics

* mattresses and box springs

* grills

* lawnmowers (with fluids drained)

The following items will not be accepted:

* paint

* household hazardous waste

* any fluids including motor oil and anti-freeze

* household batteries

* construction and demolition materials

* yard waste

For proper disposal of these items, please contact either the Roswell Recycling Center at 770-442-8822 (motor oil and anti-freeze) or Chadwick Landfill at 770-475-9868 (construction and demolition materials).

Materials will only be accepted at the site on the day of the event and only during the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. Please note that the gate will close at noon.

For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.