Courtesy Fox 29
The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office in Richmond Texas today announced 18 year old Jenna Borkowski has been found safe in Milton Georgia.
Borkowski went missing from a care facility in Fort Bend County and was listed as an endangered subject. She suffers from borderline personality disorder.
Lake Charles became part of the search effort after she was seen at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital March 16th.
Courtesy Joan Durbin; Neighbor Newspapers
There are really only two things you need to know about 850°F Barpizza.
First up, Neapolitan pizza is quite different from the perhaps more familiar New York style pie.
For starters, Neapolitan pies are cooked in wood-fired ovens only. The bits of smoky char on the crust add to the pie’s texture and flavor.
And the toppings, both singly and in combination, are much more Old World Italian than Italian American, with less emphasis on meat-heavy pies dripping with oil, or gimmicky ingredients like ham or (gasp!) pineapple.
The second thing is that this brand new eatery in Milton delivers an authentic Neapolitan pizza that ranks with the metro’s best of that genre, and at a much better price.
Bonus information is that 850ºF Barpizza, named for the pizzas’ cooking temp, has a true Neapolitan pizzaiolo and chef at the helm. Italian-born Stefano Rea is certified as a professional after completing a regimen of tests given by the Naples-based organization that promotes the culinary art and tradition of the genuine article.
In his brief stint at Campania in Alpharetta, Rea became somewhat of a rock star among die-hard pizzaphiles for bringing the real deal to north Fulton.
But a few months back, Rea left Campania to join forces with two Roswell residents, Glenn Griffith and Nick D’Argenzo, who were planning to open a pizzeria in Midtown.
When that location fell through, they settled on the former Erwin’s space in Crabapple, which was already equipped with a wood-burning oven.
“Our concept changed when he came aboard,” Griffith said of Rea. “He has taken it to a whole different level.”
Meaning instead of just great pizza, 850ºF Barpizza also offers several excellent pastas, salads, starters and specials of the day, all based on recipes handed down from Rea’s grandfather, a Naples native who proudly served his regional cuisine in his restaurant in Rome.
In three visits, I’ve had the classic cheesy Margherita pie; a spicy Calabrese with cow’s milk mozzarella, salami and chilis; and a pie called Spacca Napoli, made with buffalo milk mozzarella, caramelized onions, sausage and peppadew peppers.
All were superlative, a result of the impeccable quality of ingredients as well as the skill involved in the pies’ creation and execution.
Rea utilizes only San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy in his cooking because they strike the perfect balance between sweet and acidic.
For his pizzas, he hand squeezes excess moisture from the tomatoes to prevent the toppings from being too watery.
Those tomatoes also are the star of his basic marinara, a hearty brew that is tweaked with additional ingredients for various dishes such a luscious mussels pomodoro or a pasta dish with pecorino cheese and house-made pancetta.
Speaking of mussels, if you’re a fan of this bivalve, do not overlook Rea’s “Angry Mussels” in a cream sauce spiked with white wine, onion, Serrano chile and pancetta. It has a definite zip to it, but it’s by no means overly spicy or hot, just boldly flavored.
Rea also offers the mussels with a zesty tomato sauce. Accompanied by pieces of freshly baked bread to sop up the sauce and listed as starters, for many people these dishes would be enough to make a satisfying meal on their own.
Personally, as much as I love his pizza, I think I crave Rea’s pasta dishes as much or maybe more. That’s not as odd as it sounds, as Rea confessed that pasta is his favorite food. “In Naples, you eat it three times a day,” the chef said.
The pasta dish he makes with broccoli rabe (a leafy green like spinach or collards), fennel sausage and fresh parmigiano cheese is perfection.
The al dente pasta is tossed with just enough of the creamy sauce to impart flavor and not leave a pool of sauce in the bottom of the plate. It’s what I imagine Italian comfort food must taste like.
Want something lighter? I recommend a deceptively simple arugula salad, dressed with lemon and olive oil and accented with parmigiano cheese. The lemony tang isn’t overpowered by the fruity olive oil, and if you add slices of lightly crunchy Milanese-style chicken to the mix, it’s a match made in heaven.
No discussion of 850ºF Barpizza would be complete without mention of the attractive and comfortable full-service bar, the first thing you see upon entering. It’s also connected to a spacious outdoor dining patio via a bank of pass-through windows that are left open in mild weather.
Griffith told me they will soon have live music indoors on weekends.
850°F Barpizza
12635 Crabapple Road, Milton
(678) 595-4628
www.facebook.com/850barpizza
www.850fbarpizza.com
Courtesy Nicole Dow; Neighbor Newspapers
Show support of the environment through family friendly activities in Milton, Roswell and Alpharetta in commemoration of Earth Day.
The city of Milton and Milton Grows Green will host the fifth annual Earth Day Festival April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Community Park at 12785 Birmingham Hwy.
The festival will include children’s games and activities, arts and crafts, animal exhibits, entertainment by local youth performers and vendors featuring environmentally friendly products and services.
“It is a nice blend of educational and fun activities,” said event chair Teresa Stickels. “We want people to know that it can be fun to be interested in the environment and to learn about the environment, and there are lots of fun things that you can do to help the environment.”
The festival is a free community event, although there will be vendors selling food and drinks.
Jack Lindon of Milton Grows Green said the festival has developed over the last several years to have a greater focus on making the event appealing for children and families. New this year will be an Easter egg hunt, he said.
Stickels added, “The event is the day before Easter Sunday, so we’re going to have some ducks and bunnies and chicks, which should be very fun for the kids. Parents can take pictures of their children with the animals.”
Lindon said the attendance of the festival grows every year. Last year an estimated 1,500 came out.
In Roswell, the Chattahoochee Nature Center will host its Earth Day Kids Fest April 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival will include children’s activities, eco-crafts, up-close animal encounters, environmentally friendly vendors, food and a sing-along and dancing with Farmer Jason.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children and free for children 2 and under. Those who ride their bike to the center will also get free admission.
The center is at 9135 Willeo Road.
On April 22 — the official date for Earth Day — the Alpharetta Branch Library at 238 Canton St. will host its Earth Day Kids Celebration from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event is geared for patrons ages 3 to 10.
The City of Milton Finance Department urges business owners to renew their licenses by March 31 to avoid penalties and interest.
Every business owner with an active license in the City of Milton was mailed their renewal paperwork in December. A recent legislative change now allows that paperwork to be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or delivered in person.
To download the business license renewal packet, which includes an application and legally required immigration paperwork, click here.
To turn in your paperwork, please e-mail or mail your documents to Milton at bl@cityofmiltonga.us or mail or hand-deliver them to City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 Suite G (click here for directions, click here for a map of City Hall).
For more information, contact Honor Motes, revenue coordinator, at 678-242-2507 or honor.motes@cityofmiltonga.us.
Courtesy Milton Police Department
As part of its effort to be nationally certified, the City of Milton Police Department will host a team of professional law enforcement assessors from March 31 to April 2, and the public is invited to provide input.
A public information and comment session will be held Monday, March 31 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E (click here for directions).
During the session, Milton residents and other interested individuals will be encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions on public safety issues and the service provided by Milton’s public safety professionals.
Those who cannot attend the session but would like to provide comment may do so via telephone on Tuesday, April 1 between 9 and 11 a.m. by calling 678-242-2620.
Written comments may also be submitted to CALEA at 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320 Gainesville, Va. 22030-2215.
Please note: Individual telephone comments, as well as those provided at the public information session, are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with applicable CALEA standards. A copy of the standards is available for review at the Milton Police Department or by visiting www.calea.org.
“Accreditation through the Commission is a highly prized recognition of professional excellence in law enforcement,” said Police Chief Deborah Harrell. “The City of Milton’s police professionals continually provide superior services, and I am confident the assessment team, after thorough evaluation of our operations, will come to the same conclusion.”
The assessors, who come from across the country as part of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will determine if the Milton Police Department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards to receive its national accreditation.
They will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, who will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.
For more information regarding CALEA, the professional standards, or the assessment process, please visit www.calea.org.
Courtesy City of Milton
Are you an active senior looking for a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the beautiful Georgia spring? Then the 20th Annual North Fulton Golden Games are for you.
This year's games, scheduled throughout the month of May, are open to area adults 50 and older. Registration is just $15 for as many events as you would like and includes a T-shirt and opening day picnic lunch.
To sign up, download the registration packet here. Packets are also available at North Fulton senior centers.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 10a.m. May 1 in Alpharetta's beautiful Wills Park. There North Fulton Mayors will compete in a "Minute to Win It" style challenge to prove who reigns supreme.
Track and field events, including a one-mile walk and run, half-mile walk, flying disc throw, discus and shot-put throw, horseshoe toss, ladder golf and football throw, begin after the opening ceremony.
Throughout the month, participants can look forward to the 5th annual Wii video game bowling tournament, a dance competition, bunco and poker contests, diving events, a tennis tournament, rounds of corn hole and a softball skill challenge.
Please note, there is an extra $10 registration cost for bowling and $5 for bocce.
Additionally, golfers may sign up as a team or individuals for the always popular tournament held Tuesday, May 13 at the Alpharetta Athletic Club's West Course on Dinsmore Road in Milton. Cost is $45 per golfer.
With over 350 participants in 2013, registration fills up quickly! Register by April 12 to be eligible for a $50 gift card drawing.
The games will wrap up with a luncheon and awards ceremony Thursday, May 22 at 10 a.m. at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive in Sandy Springs.
There will be a final health fair Wednesday, May 28 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road in Roswell.
For more information on the Golden Games, contact the Roswell Ramblers at 770-641-3950 or visit the group's Web site at www.roswellramblers.org.
The 20th Annual North Fulton Golden Games are hosted by the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department in conjunction with the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department, Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Division, City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department, Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department, and Fulton County Housing and Human Services Department's Office of Aging.
March 23, 2014 A 13-year-old Forsyth County girl died on Saturday afternoon after the vehicle she was a passenger in was struck at an intersection in northeast Forsyth County.
According to Deputy First Class Andrew Ives of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Traffic Specialist Unit, the collision occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Martin Road and Shadburn Road. A 2008 Ford F250, being driven by Jason Kenney of Cumming, Ga., was traveling west on Martin Road approaching Shadburn Road.
A 1998 Acura TL, being driven by Kori Pirkle, 19, of Cumming, Ga., was traveling east on Martin Road and was making a left turn onto Shadburn Road when the two vehicles collided in the intersection.
Ives said the impact in the collision was on the passenger's side of the Acura where the 13-year-old was sitting.
The 13-year-old passenger in Pirkle's vehicle, identified as Kayla Pirkle, was air lifted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite where she died later Saturday afternoon as a result of her injuries.
The driver and passenger are sisters.
Deputy First Class Ives said Kenney and two passengers in the truck were not injured.
The 19-year-old driver of the Acura was transported to North Fulton Hospital with minor injuries where she has been treated and released.
The collision remains under investigation by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Crash Investigations Unit.
Still subject to local ordinance.
by Jonathan Copsey / The Milton Herald
March 26, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Milton City Council will allow a utility company to locate equipment on city land.
Council approved the item unanimously at their March 17 meeting, but that was just a formality.
Under state law, a city cannot refuse the request from a telecommunications company to place utilities in an area for service.
"State law allows a utility provider like Crow Castle to make an application and, if we do not approve it, state law deems it approved anyway," said City Attorney Ken Jarrard.
Houston-based Crown Castle, which owns, operates and leases towers and other infrastructure for wireless communications wanted approval to place its systems within the city's right-of-way.
There are no plans for towers, but there may be fiber optic cables installed in the right-of-way.
By approving the application, Crown Castle would still have to abide by Milton's city laws governing placement and the look of any new utility or tower.
"They must still comply with our telecommunications ordinance," Jarrard said.
Once the company has towers up and running, the city will be paid a percentage of their revenues from the towers.
Also at the meeting:
Milton officially owns most of the land in Crabapple that will one day hold its City Hall.
City Manager Chris Lagerbloom told the City Council
"This is a great thing for us and our community," Lagerbloom said. Mp> At their Feb. 3 meeting, the City Council unanimously voted to make an offer for roughly $950,000 to buy two parcels of land behind the shops on Crabapple Road, totaling 2.5 acres of land.
Editor, Milton Herald Withdrawal of an application to rezone approximately 66.40 acres on New Bull Pen Road to develop 52 single family residences.
Motion to withdraw without prejudice by applicant approved 6-0
Withdrawal of an application to rezone 22.3 acres at 975 Birmingham Road and 15755 Birmingham Highway to develop 55 single family residences.
Motion to withdraw without prejudice by applicant approved 6-0
Consideration to modify site plan at 13660 New Providence Road, Mill Springs Academy.
Approved 6-0
Consideration of an ordinance to adopt amendments to the fiscal 2014 budget.
Approved 6-0
Consideration of a resolution appointing a member to the City of Milton Planning
Commission by appointing a board member for District 2/Post 1.
Approved, Noel Carpenter 5-0
Councilman Rick Mohrig was absent for the vote.
Consideration of a resolution for Crowne Castle's application for utilization of City of
Milton right of way for telecommunication facilities, as authorized by law.
Approved 6-0
Consideration of an application for the abandonment of a portion of Holly Road.
Approved 6-0
Milton artist Michael Dillon forges on a 500-pound mechanical helve hammer in his Birmingham Highway shop.
Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald
Local nature an inspiration
March 26, 2014
MILTON, Ga. – Hidden away behind an unassuming house that is itself hidden from view from Birmingham Highway back in the woods lies the art studio of Michael Dillon.
It looks like a large shed, but it houses machinery that would not look out of place in an Industrial Era factory – forges and cranes line the walls and dozens of pieces of metal lie on tables, while hundreds of small tools of all shapes and sizes dot along tables and shelves.
This is where Dillon makes his art.
Specializing in metals, Dillon uses his forges to create sculptures of all shapes and sizes. He was recently chosen by the city of Duluth to create its first piece of public art after a nationwide search. Milton officials are considering his work to be used in Bell Memorial Park once its renovations are complete next year.
Dillon went to the Kansas City Art Institute, graduating in 1990.
He and his family ended up in Roswell, where he worked as an architect before shuttering the office and moving to Milton to work as a full-time artist.
"Milton is a great community," Dillon said. "It's beautiful. A lot of my work is inspired by nature. This is a great place for me to be inspired. I can walk out of my house and be in my shop and be in the woods. It's a dream come true for me."
In his studio, Dillon says he can build just about anything he wants, be it architectural work or sculpture. He has cranes that can carry up to two tons of metal around his workshop. Many of the machines in the shop are post-war or earlier that he has salvaged from scrap heaps. He cleans them and fixes them.
He likened working with metal to Play-Doh – when it is heated sufficiently, it becomes pliable and can be stretched and shaped.
Some of his metal work – staircase railings and gates – have been used in the estates of Atlanta's wealthy, including several pieces for Home Depot founder Arthur Blank.
"I make beautiful objects," he said. "This is the best I can do right now, but I always feel I can do better. It is an aspiration to make work that inspires people and me."
The Duluth piece has occupied more than a year of his time. However, Dillon said he enjoys seeing his art on display for the public.
"Having my art on public display is important to me," he said. "I can share my visual vocabulary with the people, so what inspires me will hopefully inspire others."
Dillon's art can be viewed at his website, www.dillonforge.com.
Courtesy City of Milton
Volunteers from The Young Men’s Service League and Milton Grows Green (MGG) helped make the Bulky Trash Amnesty Day March 22 a success.
Cindy Eade, Milton’s sustainability coordinator, said more than 160 people brought all sorts of large items, ensuring the trash will be recycled or disposed of responsibly.
For more information on all of MGG’s programs and events, including the upcoming Earth Day Festival April 19, contact the group at mgg@cityofmiltonga.us or Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
Yard trenching similar to this have plagued Bethany Road Residents since Milton Authorities repaved and widened the road without home owner discussion.
By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com
A case is currently pending which involves a resident in one of Crabapple's new subdivisions located on McCaus Lane taking a late model black Hummer and trenching the road frontage on open road residents properties on Bethany Road between Mayfield and Providence.
City Manager Chris Lagerbloom has taken the time to discuss this case as much as possible. Below you will find the majority of the email exchange. While we applaud the city's focus on charging this vandalizer to the fullest extent of the law, more must be done to protect the open road neighborhood residents and their properties. Since incorporation in 2006, not one elected official; current or past; has been a champion for the voice and lifestyle of this demographic.
Within this case, the city has a chance to not only spotlight this criminal and make them an example to the community, but it also offers an opportunity to stand by those that provide Milton the little "rural character" that still remains.
Begin Email Exchange=>
On Mar 19, 2014, at 3:59 PM, Chris Lagerbloom
Tim,
Thanks for the reminder.
The Municipal Court is still holding the case active in a pre-warrant status while the parties work toward remedying the damage. That means the court will continue to monitor while the parties work with each other. This is a fine thing. If need be, the court can take the case up again if the parties don’t reach agreement. When it is finally adjudicated, we can get you a copy of the order. If I forget, no harm in reminding me to check from time to time.
Have a good afternoon…
Chris
From: Tim Enloe [mailto:tim.enloe@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 4:01 PM To: Chris Lagerbloom Subject: Re: Open Records Request.
No worries- appreciate the info and applaud the city and staff looking out for the open road neighborhood residents. Amazing things happen when people work together towards a collective goal.
One last question- was the individual who trenched Bethany a high school student?
Tim
On Mar 20, 2014, at 7:07 PM, Chris Lagerbloom
No idea. I don't think so, but to us it's not really material, so we don't track that. I can figure out an age and you can make assumptions from there.
On Mar 21, 2014, at 5:26 PM, Chris Lagerbloom
Right now, all we have is who the vehicle is registered to. She did come to court with what appeared to be a younger boy, but since the judge is holding this in a pre-warrant phase, the identify of that boy is not available until the judge decides to either sign the warrant (in which case it will be so long as he is over 17 years old) or not (in which case it won’t matter any longer).
Chris
On Mar 21, 2014, at 5:28 PM, "Tim Enloe"
Chris-
So just so I am clear, they have been found guilty- it's just a matter of sentencing?
Tim
On Mar 21, 2014, at 5:33 PM, Chris Lagerbloom
The judge held a final outcome and will take the case up again after the parties do whatever he requested them to do.
It's a standard way to hold a case open while "something else" occurs. Regretfully, I don't know what that something else is - or I would tell you.
Chris
From: Tim Enloe
Got it.
I cannot encourage the city enough to use this case as an example of staff standing by open road residents and publicize it. To date, many open road residents are frustrated with the status quo, lack of voice, and double standards. Your call, but by beginning to champion those that make the area different, you might slow those chomping at the bit to divide their property and get out.
Tim
Courtesy City of Milton
The Milton Community Alliance for Mental Wellness, a collaborative effort of Fulton County Schools and the City of Milton, among others, is sponsoring two screenings of the award-winning documentary “Race to Nowhere,” March 25 and 30.
“Race to Nowhere” highlights the unintended consequences of our pressure-cooker culture. It features heart-breaking stories of students across the country, revealing an education system in which overall workload and achievement expectations have become unreasonable and unmanageable.
To learn about this important film, visit www.racetonowhere.com.
Screenings: Tuesday, March 25 7 to 9 p.m. Cambridge High School Auditorium 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton (click here for directions) Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 4 to 6 p.m. Milton Center (old Milton High School Theater) 125 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta (click here for directions) Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
Cost and tickets Advance tickets are $5 and $10 at the door. Students and staff will be admitted free with a student or Fulton County Schools ID. For advanced ticket sales, click here.
Proceeds will go to the “Will to Live Foundation”, which is dedicated to preventing teen suicide by improving the lives and the “will to live” of teenagers everywhere through education about mental health. For more information, visit www.will-to-live.org.
The Milton Community Alliance for Mental Wellness, founded in 2013, works to educate Milton-area students, their parents, and the community at large about the importance of mental health and the impacts of pressure, anxiety and peer influence on the city’s youth. It is a collaborative effort of the Fulton County Schools, The City of Milton, The City of Milton Police Department, and a host of caring community volunteers.
We have a new poll up. It asks:
"Should Milton Authorities Publish Names and Photos Of Citizens Found Guilty of A Crime?"
Have your say today in the upper right.
Below are the results from the most recent poll=>
March 14, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – A Brittle Road home was burglarized Feb. 26, with thousands of dollars of jewelry taken along with TVs.
The victims told police they arrived home to find a basement door window smashed in. Two TVs were reported missing from the home along with nearly $6,500 in jewelry.
March 14, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Two Deer Trail residents walked in on their home being burgled Feb. 25.
According to the victims, they returned home about 7:20 p.m. to find their front door bolted from the inside. The son went to the rear of the home, unlocked the back door and entered the home.
He told police he saw someone in a back room. Asking who was there, a man responded, "It's Richard." This man was carrying a black sack.
The suspect charged at the victim and the two began to fight. The suspect fled the home and drove away in a red car.
The suspect got away with a Mac Book computer and a sack filled with camping gear.
Local artist could create community pieces.
Courtesy Jonathan Copsey
March 18, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Milton officials are dipping their toes into the city's first efforts at public art.
During their work session March 10, the mayor and City Council took a field trip to the shop of local blacksmith Michael Dillon.
Dillon, who lives on Birmingham Highway, was recently chosen to create a piece of metal art for the city of Duluth to be placed on a new roundabout.
"Reflecting the spirit of Duluth, Dillon's design lifts the labors of our past, sowing seeds of opportunity for today and carrying Duluth to greater heights for tomorrow," Duluth officials said in a press release about his art.
What piqued Milton's interest was that Dillon was chosen after a national search.
"We had to figure out who this guy was," said Milton City Manager Chris Lagerbloom. "He competed against the rest of the nation and won."
Late last year, Lagerbloom and the city asked Dillon to think up something that could be placed in Milton, specifically, at Bell Memorial Park. The park will undergo extensive renovations this year and half of next year. Included in those renovations is a roundabout in the heart of the park. Lagerbloom said it would be the perfect place for a piece of art.
"How cool would it be to have our first piece of public art displayed at the renovated Bell Park?" Lagerbloom asked.
The theme suggested was "victory" and sports.
Council saw Dillon's first ideas and seemed open to the concept, Lagerbloom said.
"It was a very good thing," said Councilmember Matt Kunz. "[Dillon] had a good rendition of [victory] that will be awesome when it's done."
Lagerbloom cautioned that the city has not decided whether to start a public art program; however, with the Bell Park renovations, forthcoming City Hall and a public safety building all in the works, the possibility is there.
Bell Memorial Park will close for the renovations Memorial Day and stay closed for one year.
Residents were arrested and had to make bail in a fundraiser for the Alpharetta Police Athletic League. From left are Alpharetta PAL Board Chairman Jim Paine, Alpharetta Public Safety Deputy Director Keith Sanders and Milton Police Chief Deborah Harrell.
Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald
March 19, 2014 ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Most people dread the thought of ending up behind bars, but members of Alpharetta and Milton volunteered for the chance to help a needy organization March 14.
The annual Jail Break was hosted by the Alpharetta Police Athletic League (PAL). Prominent members of the community were "arrested" by police officers and taken to a makeshift jail where they called friends and family to make bail. That money will go toward PAL.
This year, the "jail" was at the Alpharetta Courthouse in Crabapple, where a dozen people manned the phones, including Alpharetta Department of Public Safety Deputy Director Keith Sanders and Milton Police Chief Deborah Harrell.
Alpharetta PAL is a nonprofit group that helps children engage with police officers, firefighters and community volunteers.
For more information about PAL, visit them online at http://www.alphapal.org.
Double Click To Enlarge Image.
By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com
Since the City of Milton started a repaving and widening project on Bethany Road between Mayfield and Providence Roads late this past year,numerous problems have transpired. From the city not speaking to property owners prior to speeding and road side trash being even more severe.Unexpected flooding has also taken place.
Numerous residents have also endured daily trenching and rutting on the road shoulder in front of their homes; not just creating an issue for emergency and utility crews, but also affecting the beauty of one of Milton's open road neighborhoods and residents's homes.
Thankfully, a local resident reported one individual intentionally going off payment to cause damage. See the attached police report for more.
The suspected vehicle is registered to a home on McCaus Lane in new Crabapple subdivision.
We have emailed City Manager Chris Lagerbloom; Public Works Director Carter Lucas, and Police Chief Harrell to see where the investigation goes from here. We will post any responses on Accessmilton.com.
If the City and it's citizens want to keep the "rural" feel, more focus, attention, and voice must be given to those that make Milton, GA different. Remember, you don't know what you have until it's gone.
Courtesy Nicole Dow; Neighbor Newspapers
Luck is on the side of north Fulton residents and visitors looking for local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, located in the Crabapple neighborhood of Milton, is hosting two St. Patrick’s Day parties — one Saturday and one Monday.
Both parties will be all-day affairs held rain or shine. Doors to the pub open at 11 a.m. Attendees are invited to come out early as admission outdoors is $10 after 1 p.m.
“For the Saturday event, we’re enclosing the entire parking lot like we’ve done every year for the past five years,” Tim Henderson, the pub’s manager, said last week. “We’ll have live bands, beer trucks and a couple of extra kitchens out there.”
The restaurant will serve a limited menu outdoors, featuring items including fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches and Guinness bratwurst. Outdoor patrons should be advised to bring cash for food and drink purchases and admission.
The lineup of musicians and bands Saturday will be Duncan McLauchlan, Carolina Ceili and Fisheye, Henderson said.
Partygoers can forget the green beer. Olde Blind Dog will be serving up its own unique beer the pub dreamed up with the help of Atlanta brewery Monday Night Brewing. Henderson said the beer is an Irish red ale, which they named Sassie Lassie.
“This is a new feature this year,” he said. “We found a brewery that would work with us. You have to buy a certain amount and most small restaurants cannot go through that much beer but we can do that on St. Patrick’s Day.”
Henderson said the party Monday will be similar to Saturday’s event.
“It will not be the entire parking lot, but we will still have live music and we’ll have a limited menu but it will not be as limited as the one on Saturday,” he said.
The entertainers Monday will be Mickle-A-Do, Red Letter Band and Ben Rogers Band, Henderson said.
Don't forget that tomorrow, Saturday, March 15, Boy Scout Troop 3000 of Birmingham United Methodist Church will hold a Community Recycling and Shredding Day Saturday, March 15.
This event, a partnership with Milton Grows Green, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Troop's meeting place in front of the church, 15570 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions).
Materials accepted AT NO CHARGE: Computers Keyboards Monitors (non-CRT only or there will be a charge) Appliances* Outdoor grills Lawn mowers* Scrap metal Cell phones * Fluids must be drained
Materials accepted WITH A CHARGE: $15 for televisions $10 for CRT monitors $5 per box for shredding (secure shredding done at event) Cash and Checks accepted. Proceeds benefit Milton BSA Troop 3000.
Materials NOT ACCEPTED: Paint Hazardous materials Yard waste Non-electronic or metal items For more information on this event, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
National group to make report.
MILTON, Ga. – Last week, Milton hosted several members of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). And they are on a mission.
The four members, from cities around the country, came to Milton as part of a project to bolster the city's options on tackling greenspace.
"They've been here the past couple of days speaking with staff about possible ways to have new and interesting ways to pursue greenspace preservation," said Jason Wright, Milton's communications manager.
The ICMA representatives are part of a research program. Cities around the country apply to this program to gather ideas from the visitors. The ICMA people gather data on the city they visit, and then return home and put together a report with ideas that could be implemented.
For Milton, this will mean people from around the country who have experience in mitigating suburban sprawl and maintaining greenspace will be able to weigh in and give recommendations on how Milton can proceed to grow while still maintaining the rural charm on which it prides itself.
"This is just one of many tools we have to deal with Milton's reality," said City Manager Chris Lagerbloom at the March 3 City Council meeting.
Milton has already imposed a moratorium on new rezonings of properties as it sorts out ways to slow down or mitigate growth.
"How do you preserve what people like about Milton and still allow property owners to develop as they see fit? And you have to keep community desires in mind to find a workable solution," Wright said.
The recommendations are provided at no cost to the city, Wright said.
This is the second time Milton has been the beneficiary of such a project. Last year, an ICMA team visited and came up with ways to improve the open records process.
Lagerbloom said the consultants should have their recommendations available in June.
Courtesy City of Milton
The City of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday, March 22, 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.
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. A special thanks goes to the Young Mens' Service League for their continued volunteer support. For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
Courtesy Mike Petchenik / www.wsbtv.com
MILTON, Ga. —
Inoperable construction equipment, cars, boats and piles upon piles of dirt; that is just some of what Milton officials said they removed from a property last week after years of complaints from neighbors.
“It’s a junk yard,” neighbor Cathy Shea told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik of the Cogburn Road property. “Driving down Cogburn Road, it was just a mess.”
The home, which sits just west of Bethany Bend Road, is recognizable because of the large stone wall that fronts the property.
According to documents obtained by Petchenik, the city attorney had been sending notices to owners Justin Adams and Minnie Lou Green for several years, demanding they clean up the land.
Last week, with a court order in hand, city workers went onto the land and removed hundreds of items themselves.
“It was a great feeling to know that it was being taken care of,” Shea said of the cleanup.
Neighbor Charles Stanfield said he’d never seen a situation quite like it before.
“If anybody had any scrap or junk they wanted to get rid of, he’d take it and just pile it up in there,” he said.
Stanfield said he was glad the city stepped in.
“But I don’t know if it’ll get worse again as time goes on or not,” he said.
Petchenik attempted to reach Adams twice Monday at the home but nobody answered the door. A phone number for the home was disconnected.
Documents show the city has fined Adams and Green $34,400 for violations, but so far, Adams has only paid about $4,300 of the fine.
Courtesy City of Milton
The City of Milton Finance Department urges business owners to renew their licenses by March 31 to avoid penalties and interest.
Every business owner with an active license in the City of Milton was mailed their renewal paperwork in December. A recent legislative change now allows that paperwork to be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or delivered in person.
To download the business license renewal packet, which includes an application and legally required immigration paperwork, click here.
To turn in your paperwork, please e-mail or mail your documents to Milton at bl@cityofmiltonga.us or mail or hand-deliver them to City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 Suite G (click here for directions, click here for a map of City Hall).
For more information, contact Honor Motes, revenue coordinator, at 678-242-2507 or honor.motes@cityofmiltonga.us.
March 04, 2014
As sometimes happens, I get emails from people who want to know why there is always so much contention about local zoning cases. They often see the decision as clear-cut (their side).
Why then is it so difficult for a city council to decide what to do in a particular zoning case? If dozens of city residents turn out to oppose it, shouldn't that be a clear signal to deny it?
In other words, why can't the city just say no?
This is not unusual since for many attendees it is their first foray into the arcane world of the city zoning arena. Regardless, the applicant is almost always the bad guy.
The owner of the property and the developer want to build a subdivision, say, on a road that is already full of subdivisions. Traffic is almost gridlocked every morning and evening with everyone going and coming from work, not to mention the school buses.
Many residents naturally don't want more crowding and congestion; others speak of enjoying the natural beauty of the applicant's property and how developing it would despoil the area.
Then why can't a city council simply inform this guy that the city is full-up on this road and tell him no dice?
These are some of the many objections raised in zoning cases. While I am not an expert by any means, in 29 years, I have covered more than 8,000 zoning cases in Fulton, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth and Paulding counties and the cities therein. Therefore, I can call on a lot of experience.
If the applicants look confident, it starts with Georgia law that strongly favors the individual's right to develop one's property.
If owners intend to use the land in much the same manner and at the same density as the developed property around them, they know Georgia law and the courts are on their side. To deny a property owner from developing his land in the same manner as his neighbors is usually deemed a "taking" of the value of their land in court.
Communities are required to create a comprehensive land use plan (CLUP) that gives all property owners a reasonable expectation of what they and their neighbors can do with their land.
A more intense use than allowed under the CLUP requires approval of a rezoning or a variance. This is to allow some leeway that might be due to unusual topographical features or other extenuating circumstances that recognize no land use plan can anticipate every eventuality. But the farther one strays from the CLUP, the riskier approval is.
The CLUP is the biggest tool a city has in preserving the property rights of applicants and the neighboring properties. It is also the best way for cities to avoid a property lawsuit. Judges weigh a city's reliance on the CLUP heavily in making zoning decisions.
A property may not have the same zoning as across the street when the CLUP is made. But if both sides of the street are entitled to the same range of uses under the CLUP – such as two units per acre – then both sides of the street can expect to exercise the same or similar uses under the CLUP.
Thus, while the neighbors perceive they are "negatively affected" by the new development, if the applicant's plan falls within the CLUP's guidelines – and is for instance the same development and density the neighbors have – any redress for those negatives normally must come from the city, not the applicant.
He has the same right to use the streets and other amenities that his neighbors do.
The city's responsibilities might mean more traffic lights, widening roads, improving intersections or whatever the city deems necessary, practical and affordable.
A city can't say there is no room for the applicant's project because he was merely the last one to build. Zoning is not a land rush where the city can stop a development or reduce the density. That is what the lawyers call "arbitrary and capricious," and judges tend to agree.
As for the investment that builders make in surveying the land, developing home elevations and other drawings, it is simply due diligence on the developer's part to understand the soundness of the investment.
For most of us, we are buying one home in an established subdivision. We already know what the house looks like, we know where the closets are, how big the yard is and what the amenities are.
But the developer has to know down to the square foot where it all will fit, how many homes it will yield. Obviously, it is often in the applicant's and developer's interests to maximize the density of the property. That is not the city's job.
Other factors such as stream buffers affect buildable area, and the city is entitled to reduce density to reflect that. It must decide what is best for all while upholding the CLUP.
A city planning commission and city planning staff are recommending bodies, and only the city councils have final say.
The council is caught in the middle most times in a contentious rezoning, and it is their job to be fair and equitable in all cases. Yes, there will be added congestion and more students for the schools. New development will also contribute to the tax digest, the sales tax and to the overall economy of the city.
It will be up to the council to determine how best to mitigate the negatives while exploiting the positives. City councils often wind up pleasing no one, and that probably means they did their job well.
Courtesy City of Milton
Milton’s Better Together and Communiteen are holding a scavenger hunt for all Milton-area teens Saturday, March 15.
This event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bethwell Community Center, located at 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton (click here for directions).
Refreshments will be provided after the scavenger hunt.
All Milton-area high school students are encouraged to attend this event. If you plan to attend or would like more information, e-mail Ansley Bradwell at ansley813@aim.com or Meredith Johnson at meredithjdot@rocketmail.com.
Communiteen, a Better Together-affiliated organization of Milton-area high school students, encourages and fosters friendships among teens of all abilities. It endorses a feeling of community and togetherness.
Better Together is a volunteer organization of Milton residents looking for unique and fun ways to connect with neighbors. If you would like more information on Better Together or any of its activities, please visit the group's Facebook page or contact Wayne Boston at 678-242-2512 or wayne.boston@cityofmiltonga.us.
Flowers From Us, a Crabapple-based florist, is the first business to expand under the Crabapple Overlay Design guidelines. The owners say the whole process has been frustrating and expensive. The city contends it has worked with them to get an acceptable building.
Flowers From Us first to expand under new rules.
Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald
March 05, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – The Crabapple Overlay District is a set of zoning regulations that seeks to hold the "look" of a building over the use. Formulated in 2012 over a years' worth of public meetings, it includes design guidelines for residential and commercial buildings.
When it was created in 2012, it was seen as a high point in Milton's development.
But if you asked the owners of Flowers From Us what they thought of the Crabapple Overlay District, words like "horrible," "nightmare" and "frustrating" would come to mind.
Sid Flowers and Thom Foreman have spent the past two years expanding their business, located in a small house on Mayfield Road just a block from downtown Crabapple. This expansion was the first under the new guidelines and, they say, left much to be desired.
The pair moved their business 10 years ago from a Dunwoody strip mall into a small 1,500-square-foot house in Crabapple.
"Business has been great here," said Foreman. "We saw a 360 degree turn in businesses [when we moved here]. We found this place and it worked out."
The house is quaint, but certainly small. Flowers and Foreman have a team of floral designers who work with them and when there are several weddings to prepare for, the business can become very tight.
"We needed more room," Foreman said.
The new addition was meant to help this. Primarily an open working area where the flowers will be arranged, the addition would nearly double the footprint of the business.
Unfortunately, over the past two years, the process has been fraught with frustration.
When the pair went to City Hall to seek permits for the addition, their vision was for a barn-looking building attached to the rear of the cottage.
"That vision was rejected when we walked through the door," Flowers said.
What they ended up with was what they called a "New England-style" building that ended up costing them twice what they initially planned. It took nearly two years to get approval.
"Why they didn't leave it equestrian [style], I don't know," Foreman said.
The code describes the style as "Queen Anne."
They grew more upset when they saw the designs for the new Fulton County Public Library a block from their building – it looks like a barn.
The style they went with best fit the house from which they operate. However, as with most things, the devil was in the details, or in this case, the finishes.
Window sizes and spacing, molding, roof type, brick type, stone type and aesthetic accoutrement lengthened the process and inflated the price tag.
"All the aesthetics they wanted us to do raised the cost tremendously," said Foreman. "It doubled what we initially wanted."
Several meetings were held with architects and city planners to hash out a final, approved design.
"We were the first to try to build anything since they did the overlay," Foreman said. "Nobody had an answer."
He said much of the process was frustrating because it seemed to be based on interpretation rather than any code.
In 2012, everyone was still learning the rules of the new overlay, said Milton Community Development Director Kathleen Field.
"Everyone was learning," Field said. "This was a big change from the old way of zoning."
However, she said she and her staff were as accommodating as they could be to help Flowers and Foreman in their expansion.
"We spent a lot of time and several meetings helping them accommodate their plans," she said. "We tried to be as helpful as we could."
Any structure that is built in Crabapple must go through the design review process with the city, said Field. This applies to both residential and commercial properties.
In Crabapple, so far it has been nearly entirely residential buildings that have been built.
"Crabapple is really hot," Field said. "People are looking at every potential development site. We're also starting to see some commercial-related activity. People are coming in with plans."
The development rule of thumb, she said, is that once a recession is over, residential building returns first with commercial and office construction following a year or so behind.
"We are just now starting to see the pick up now in commercial," Field said.
For Flowers From Us, they might not have too much lead time over any possible new businesses. Their expansion is nearly complete and should be open in April.
Flowers and Foreman said the process was such a headache they questioned whether they wanted to give up and take their business elsewhere.
"We want to stay in Milton, but we want the city to know what they are doing to small businesses," said Flowers. "I would absolutely not do it over again."
Field said she and the city helped as best they could.
"I thought we went out of our way to help accommodate their project in the guidelines," she said.
"I think what they ended up with, they will be proud of."
March 04, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Five residents in a neighborhood off Bethany Bend had their vehicles entered overnight Feb. 20.
Residents on Serenade Court, Avensong Crossing, Aventide Lane and Silhouette Court all told police they left their vehicles unlocked overnight Feb. 19 and returned to them the following morning. All vehicles had been rummaged through, however few items of value were reported missing. Several GPS devices and loose change were taken.
March 04, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Three dirt bikes were reported missing Feb. 21 from a Stonebrook Farms Drive home.
The victim told police the bikes went missing sometime between Jan. 8 and Feb. 15. All three were parked in the victim's yard beside a shed. All three are described as white and green Kawasaki KLX bikes valued between $2,800 and $4,000.
Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar said the procedure involve firefighters flowing the water from the hydrants until it runs clean.
The fire chief added crews will try to push the water out in an effort so no households will be affected.
Unfortunately, for homes in cul-de-sac, the situation is unavoidable and could produce a temporary discoloration of water from faucets, showers, washing machine or dishwashers, Edgar added.
If this happens, residents should call the city at 678-242-2570.
The department's fire hydrant maintenance initiative will last until mid-April.
The agency wants to stress to residents that the appearance of sediment is not due to an issue with the Fulton County Water & Sewer Division, but is a natural occurrence in the lines.
Well folks, we made it through two snow storms – two, in Georgia – but as they say it is always darkest before the dawn. But here comes the sun, and with it, warmer temperatures and the blooming of spring.
With this wonderful change in the seasons I’m happy to report Milton is going full steam ahead with all sorts of great events, happenings and news throughout spring.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll see information about our Firefighter of the Year, Richard Bushman (obviously he’s a fantastic firefighter, but if you get the chance to meet him it becomes abundantly clear why he was chosen as the best for 2013 – he’s humble and gracious and just a great guy) our annual report (make sure to take a look and relive the last year) and all sorts of community news from our schools and local non-profits.
You’ll also find articles on Milton Grows Green’s numerous events throughout March and April, including a shredding fundraiser with our local Boy Scouts, an Adopt-A-Stream workshop, another of our Bulky Trash Amnesty days, and of course the Earth Day.
I would also like you to take a look at the small article about Better Together’s new initiative to welcome residents to Milton. This is a tremendous undertaking that’s been in the works for some time now.
Basically, volunteers – all of whom live in Milton – will go to newly constructed homes with packets of information specific to Milton, including a Newcomer’s Guide and a letter explaining the many opportunities that await them in Milton. As time passes, we’re looking to expand the program and include all sorts of info about our schools, our businesses, you name it.
In total, the idea is to create the most welcoming and connected community in the state, if not the nation. Truth be told, that’s the goal of virtually everything we do here in Milton – finding new and interesting ways to connect residents to their government, their businesses and non-profits, and to each other.
Because that’s what makes a community great, and we feel that’s what we should always strive toward.
If you agree and would like to get involved in any of the projects you see in this newsletter monthly, go ahead and give us a ring at 678-242-2500 or e-mail us at info@cityofmiltonga.us. I’m always available, as well, both in my office by appointment and electronically.
Feel free to contact me anytime.
Sincerely, Mayor Joe Lockwood
The 2013 City of Milton Annual Report was produced entirely in-house and is posted online at no cost to taxpayers, said Communications Manager Jason Wright.
To download the 2013 City of Milton Annual Report, simply click here. You may also find the Annual Report, and previous years' documents, on the City of Milton's Web site by clicking here.
Courtesy Milton Fire Department
Fire Apparatus Operator Richard Bushman was named the City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department's 2013 "Firefighter of the Year" at the agency's awards banquet in January.
Additionally, the members of his Engine 42 B shift, including last year's winner, Capt. Ryan James, Fire Apparatus Operator Tim Murray and firefighter Russell Womack, were named Fire Company of the Year.
The 25-year fire service veteran and married father was chosen for the honor not on a single incident, but for his outstanding achievements, character and dedication.
Bushman joined the City of Milton in 2011 after a long and varied career. He began fighting fires part-time in Ellerslie, outside of Columbus, in 1989, then served in Fulton County from 1996 to 2006.
He spent five years traveling across the Southeast teaching industrial emergency response in private industry before deciding to return to firefighting in Johns Creek.
Milton Grows Green has a busy March. In addition to the Bulky Trash Amnesty Day March 22 (see below), volunteers are also hosting:
Evergreen Schools March 6
Please note date has been changed from Tuesday, March 4 to Thursday, March 6.
Evergreen Schools will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Environmental Education Center, 3802 Barnwell Road in Johns Creek (click here for directions).
Jerry Hightower, a National Parks Service ranger, will lead the group on how to use journaling as a K-12 teaching method in the outdoors. Lunch will be provided by Harry's Farmers Market. This meeting is open to all schools or volunteers in Milton, Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek.
For more information please RSVP on the Meetup group or contact Cindy Eade at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
To download the February 2014 Evergreen newsletter, click here.
Adopt a Stream March 8
Join Milton Grows Green (MGG) for our free Adopt-A-Stream program training Saturday, March 8. The program will be held at Milton's Fire Station No. 43, 750 Hickory Flat Road (click here for directions) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Adopt-a-Stream is a statewide project of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division that aims to educate residents about water quality issues and provide training in the evaluation and protection of local waterways.
"The training and monitoring of an adopted streams is really very easy, and the city and county provide everything you need," said Jennifer Griffiths, Adopt-A-Stream coordinator for MGG. "Adopting a stream and monitoring its well being is a great way to help protect our natural resources."
On completion, participants can start reporting water quality data for the Adopt-A-Stream program.
To register or for more information, please e-mail mgg@cityofmiltonga.us or contact Cindy Eade, environmental sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton, at 678-242-2509.
Shredding event March 15
Time to clean out that home office, because Boy Scout Troop 3000 of Birmingham United Methodist Church will hold a Community Recycling and Shredding Day Saturday, March 15.
This event, a partnership with Milton Grows Green, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Troop's meeting place in front of the church, 15570 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions).
Materials accepted AT NO CHARGE:
Computers Keyboards Monitors (non-CRT only or there will be a charge) Appliances* Outdoor grills Lawn mowers* Scrap metal Cell phones * Fluids must be drained
Materials accepted WITH A CHARGE:
$15 for televisions $10 for CRT monitors $5 per box for shredding (secure shredding done at event) Cash and Checks accepted. Proceeds benefit Milton BSA Troop 3000.
Materials NOT ACCEPTED: Paint Hazardous materials Yard waste Non-electronic or metal items For more information on this event, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
Children who are eligible to attend Summit Hill Elementary's Kindergarten in August are invited to the Husky Huddle Wednesday, March 12 at 9 a.m. in the Summit Hill cafeteria. This annual program is designed specifically for Summit Hill parents and their incoming kindergarten children.
During this hour-long program, Husky parents huddle in the cafeteria to receive important curriculum and registration information as well as experience a "virtual" tour of a typical kindergarten day.
Simultaneously, incoming kindergarten students huddle in small groups to experience a specially designed "V.I.P." tour of Summit Hill, including visiting a kindergarten classroom, listening to a read-aloud book in the Media Center, and even boarding a stationary school bus in the parking lot.
Afterward, prospective Husky students return to the cafeteria to enjoy a snack of juice and cookies and reunite with parents!
Registration for all K-5 students new to Summit Hill in 2014-15 occurs the first week in May.
Please visit the Summit Hill Web site to check for additional information in the coming weeks.
This month meetings will be held March 10 and 24 and will begin at 6 p.m. All residents are invited to attend these meetings where projects and activities of interest to Milton residents are discussed.
Beginning this month, Better Together will begin monthly mailings to those families who have purchased homes in Milton. These new residents will receive a personal letter from Mayor Joe Lockwood, together with a Milton Newcomer's Guide. Hopefully, this information will provide the new resident with all the information necessary to "hit the ground running" as they establish themselves in one of the safest cities in Georgia and the United States.
On March 15 from 3 to 5 p.m., Communiteen, a Better Together-affiliated organization of Milton-area high school students, will be hosting an event at Bethwell open to all Milton-area high school students.
Among other activities planned, there will be a scavenger hunt followed by refreshments for all. Communiteen was formed to encourage and foster friendships among teens of all abilities.
Better Together is also participating in the Adopt-a-Road project, which is sponsored by Milton Grows Green. The next road clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 9 a.m.
If you would like more information on Better Together or any of its activities, please contact Community Builder Wayne Boston at 678-242-2512 or wayne.boston@cityofmiltonga.us.
Courtesy City of Milton
The City of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday, March 22, 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.
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.
A special thanks goes to the Young Mens' Service League for their continued volunteer support.
For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.
The Georgia Philharmonic and the ShowTime Singers of Atlanta proudly present "With a Song in My Heart" at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend (click here for directions).
General admission is $15.
Featuring classic songs from stage, screen and radio, prepare to be dazzled by the amazing talent incorporating full orchestra and show choir.
The ShowTime Singers will accompany the orchestra on many lush and popular tunes, including tributes to Paul Simon, Irving Berlin, Richard Rogers and Andrew Lloyd Weber. In addition, the orchestra will present John Williams' piece, "Viktor's Tale" from the film "The Terminal" with a beautiful clarinet solo by Diane Hargreaves as well as perform a salute to cinema, and an homage to Henry Mancini.
Visit www.georgiaphilharmonic.org to purchase your tickets, or for more information.
Courtesy City of Milton
Children's Charities will hold a Denim & Diamonds Benefit Saturday, April 26 at Shannondale Farms to benefit the early autism detection unit for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Forsyth.
The event begins at 6 p.m. Shannondale Farms is located at 2395 Birmingham Road (click here for directions).
There will be a Harry's Farmers Market Chef Competition, the Vixen Vodka lounge, music and dancing with Paris Luna, a silent auction, and cocktails and dinner. Plus, there will be an opportunity to win a 1 carat diamond.
Tickets are $100 person, and seating is available. There are 10-person tables available.
For more information, visit www.childrenscharitiesga.org or contact Children's Charities at 404-217-4643 or childrenscharitiesga@gmail.com.
Every business owner with an active license in the City of Milton was mailed their renewal paperwork in December. A recent legislative change now allows that paperwork to be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or delivered in person.
To download the business license renewal packet, which includes an application and legally required immigration paperwork, click here.
To turn in your paperwork, please e-mail or mail your documents to Milton at bl@cityofmiltonga.us or mail or hand-deliver them to City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 Suite F (click here for directions, click here for a map of City Hall).
For more information, contact Honor Motes, revenue coordinator, at 678-242-2507 or honor.motes@cityofmiltonga.us.
Want to get your environmental business or cause in front of thousands of Milton residents? Then sponsor or be a vendor at the 2014 Milton Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 19 at Friendship Community Park in Crabapple.
This fun-filled and educational family event hosted by Milton Grows Green and the City of Milton will showcase environmental vendors and businesses along with fun crafts, rides, entertainment and food guaranteed to delight.
And you can be a part of it. To download the sponsor/vendor packet of information, click here. Please note: A check must accompany the application if mailed. If charged to a credit card, the application must be delivered to City Hall in person.
There are four levels of sponsorship, from $1,500 to $250, and non-profit groups can be a part of the festivities for just $15. Food vendors can join up for just $100.
Space is limited, so if you are a business, school or non-profit organization looking to showcase your environmentally friendly products, services or practices, make sure to sign up early.
For more information, contact Angela Thompson, special events and projects manager, at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.
Hopewell Youth Association (HYA) will hold HYA Day Saturday, May 3 to kick off its spring tournament for players ages 5 to 15 at Bell Memorial Park, 15245 Bell Park Road (click here for directions).
As in previous years there will be inflatables, a dunk tank, basket raffles and other fun activities.
To learn more about HYA, click here.
Courtesy City of Milton
For more information, contact Tom Gilliam at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.
Low impact aerobics and yoga are available on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The classes are free, taught by certified instructors and offered seated to support balance.
Low Impact Seated Aerobics: Mondays at 10 a.m.
This class involves cardio, stretching, and the use of resistance tools. This program strives to improve strength, coordination, range of motion, balance and endurance in a fun atmosphere.
Restorative and Chair Yoga: Thursday at 10 a.m. This class focuses on the way our bodies move, mobility and movement in everyday life. We really stress the importance and benefits of breathing.
The Senior Center, located at Community of Christ Church, 3315 Francis Road (click here for directions), provides seniors the opportunity to socialize, learn and maintain special relationships through exercise, art classes, table games, bingo, educational programs and much more.
For more information on the Senior Center and its programs, contact Melinda Ross at 470-554-0758 or mross@ssnorthfulton.org.
From left, treasurer Shep Hammack, President Bill Lusk, past President Walt Woliver and installing officer, Georgia Society past President Ed Rigel, Sr.
Courtesy City of Milton
City Councilman Bill Lusk was recently installed as the President of the Piedmont Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) at the annual meeting of the chapter in Roswell. Piedmont has more than 90 members and is one of the leading chapters in the state and national organization. Lusk joined the organization as a descendant of John Lusk, who fought in the American Revolution from Massachusetts.
The award winning Piedmont Chapter meets monthly on the third Saturday at 8 a.m. for breakfast at the Holiday Inn at 909 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell (click here for directions).
Men and boys who are interested in documenting their relationship to their American Revolutionary ancestors and in joining an active group with similar interest are encouraged to contact the Chapter Registrar, Tom Chrisman at 404-310-3338.
Courtesy City of Milton
On Feb. 22 the Cambridge Men's Varsity Wrestling program won the 2013-2014 AAAAA Traditional Wrestling State Championship after only two years of existence.
Cambridge qualified nine wrestlers for the championships held at Loganville High School weeks after winning a region title. Cambridge triumphed over wrestling powerhouse Pope High School and stellar programs like Allatoona, Creekview and Woodland.
"I am very happy for the guys. They worked hard all season, and it paid off at the end," said Head Coach Don St. James. "As a team, we snuck up on a lot of people at the end because we were able to rotate the lineup throughout the season."
If you are interested in taking part in this time-honored tradition, click here to visit the newly constructed vendor portal built by festival partner Crabapple Community Association (CCA).
Organizers welcome 19th century American Country furniture, primitive antiques, shabby chic items and unique pieces of art in all mediums - oils, photography, jewelry, textiles, pottery and quilts. Spaces are limited, so apply early.
Once again the festival features kids and entertainment activities across Crabapple and Broadwell roads thanks to a partnership between CCA and the City of Milton.
Crabapple Fest will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Antique vendors, local juried artists and merchants from all over the Southeast will be on hand, in addition to loads of children's rides, games, a full day of entertainment and great local food.
Last year's event had more than 15,000 attendees, and was the biggest festival in Milton's modern history.
Vendor fees are tax deductible as the Crabapple Community Association is a chartered, non-profit organization. Proceeds benefit local community programs, scholarships and non-profit charities.
