Roswell Green Expo

Roswell Green Expo Draws Hundreds

By Helen Borland

Roswell residents can pat themselves on the back for the great efforts they make to be environmentally friendly, or in one word, “green.” The third annual Roswell Green Expo, held at Hembree Park on Saturday, Feb. 22, was an event where residents could learn more about sustainability and being good stewards of the Earth.

According to Janet Liberman, the Environmental Programs Manager for the city of Roswell and the Executive Director of Keep Roswell Beautiful, Roswell has a 75 percent recycling rate curbside. “That is unheard of,” she reported. “Our neighboring city has an 18 percent rate.” In addition to paper and cardboard, glass and plastic, the Roswell Recycling Center takes latex paint, electronics, and motor and vegetable oil. There are also bulky trash and expired drugs days at the Recycling Center.

Liberman is in charge of doing an annual “litter index” for Keep America Beautiful. Volunteers go out and score a city on a scale of 1 to 4 on how much litter they see. A low score is no litter, a high score means they’re swimming in it. Roswell consistently scores 1.2 or 1.3. The national average is 2.8.

The Environmental Education Coordinator and Water Conservation Coordinator for the city of Roswell, Vickie Culbreth, gladly shared information about water, her area of expertise. She gives free talks in public and home schools about water pollution, quality and conservation, and can also discuss trees and other aspects of the environment.

Three Keep Roswell Beautiful projects include Adopt a Road, Adopt a Stream, and Storm Drain Marking. They also have an annual river clean up and Bring One for the Chipper Christmas tree recycling.

“We are very lucky we live in a community that is green-minded, sustainable and recycles. Out of that came the Roswell Green Expo,” Liberman stated.

Liberman also encourages people to buy and shop locally. The Roswell Farmer’s Market runs from May to September. Unlike many other farmer’s markets, these farmers must live within 100 miles of the city of Roswell.

For more information, go to KeepRoswellBeautiful.org.

Roswell Fire and Police Charity Gala

By Helen Borland

The Roswell Fire and Police Foundation held a black tie charity gala in Ivy Hall at the charming Roswell Mill on Saturday, Jan. 18, and it was the social event of the season. Over 175 people came to support the Foundation, and it was a festive night where the Mayor and his wife, Roswell city council members and their spouses, doctors, bankers, lawyers, merchants, restaurant owners and many others came to lend their support to the organization that assists public service employees in Roswell.

The Roswell Fire and Police Foundation was formed in 2004 when a fireman was seriously injured in an accident. His insurance paid his medical expenses, but it couldn’t make up for the lost income from his second job. Many police and firefighters work two jobs and if they can’t go to their second job, the loss of income is enough to put them in a difficult financial position. That’s where the Foundation comes in.

Currently Roswell has 15 full time and 148 part time firefighters and 160 certified police. For the past 10 years, an average of 12 public service employees have been injured each year on the job. The Foundation has provided $100,000 in goods and services for those who have asked for it. The Foundation does not hand out money, but will pay bills, provide transportation and make arrangements for other requested services. The identity of the recipients is confidential.

Tony Papoutsis, CEO, Ray Voght III, CFO and Brian Dobson incorporated the Foundation as a 501(c)3 in 2004. There are currently 13 members on the Board, which includes firefighters, police and spouses. For more information or to make a donation to the Foundation, go to www.RoswellFPF.org.

Roswell Fire and Police Foundation Charity Gala - Promotional Video

By Helen Borland

Deputy Fire Chief Tony Papoutsis, CEO of the Roswell Fire and Police Foundation, announced that the Foundation is holding a Charity Gala on Saturday, January 18 at Roswell Mill to benefit Roswell firefighters, police, EMTs and other public safety personnel.

Employees working for the City of Roswell are covered by workman’s comp if they are injured on the job, but 148 of the 163 Roswell firefighters are part time and most of them have full time jobs in other fields.

Most of the injuries occur at their full time jobs. When they can’t get to their part time job, their incomes are cut enough to put them in a tight financial spot. That’s where the Foundation comes in.

The Roswell Fire and Police Foundation was formed and incorporated as a 501(c) 3 in 2004 by Tony Papoutsis, Brian Dobson and Ray Voght III. The mission and sole purpose of the Foundation is to help Roswell public safety employees and their families in times of need.

“The Foundation doesn’t hand out cash,” said Papoutsis. They pay for services and bills, such as rent and utilities and provide emotional aid. Some citizens and Foundation board members give support by donating their time and expertise, which includes counseling for financial and legal assistance, rides to and from doctor’s appointments or rides for children’s extracurricular activities.

The Charity Gala will be held in Ivy Hall at Roswell Mill on Saturday, January 18 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The event is Black Tie Optional and features a buffet-style dinner, open bar and the band, Yacht Rock.

Individual tickets are $150 per person. Corporate sponsorship packages are available starting at $500. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to RoswellFPF.org.

Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln

Commercial for Dr. Gene Griessman, a renowned author, actor and playwright will bring our 16th President back to life sharing the profound challenges faced by Lincoln and rejoicing in Lincoln's resilience and wit.

This singular event will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at 1025 Mt.Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Spring.

Order tickets at: nwuuc-abe.brownpapertickets.com or call: 770.995.1408 or email: ABE@nwucc.org.

UU Idol

Unitarian Universalists may be accepting of many faith traditions, but we are not above some healthy competition to determine the best holiday tradition.  The Religious Education classes at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation as part of their holiday celebration held a battle of the holidays between Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas to determine the best holiday tradition.  You'll have to watch the video to find out which holiday won!  December 14, 2013.

North Georgia Dining for Women Group Dinner

Six Georgia chapters of Dining for Women (DFW), including Roswell, Marietta, Tucker, Atlanta, Athens and Augusta met Sunday night, December 8, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta. Over 70 women gathered to meet and honor Marsha Wallace, founder of the 10 year old international organization.

Dining for Women is a global giving circle dedicated to helping women and girls in the developing world achieve their potential, gain equality in their countries and cultures, and overcome economic limitations and social bias.

Members gather in each other’s homes once a month for a potluck dinner and the money that they would have spent eating in a restaurant is donated to a vetted charity. The collective donations reach impoverished women and girls in third world countries at the grassroots level to foster good health, education and economic self-sufficiency.  Over 8700 active members in more than 400 chapters have raised over $2.7 million and impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and girls.

The December program donations from DFW will go to support Smiles on Wings (SOW) in Thailand.  SOW provides dental health care and focuses on enabling long term health services by mentoring and educating young Karen refugee women in a remote Thai village. Young women study nursing, early childhood education and other vocations that will benefit the people in their villages.  After completing their degree, these young women are committed to returning to their families and villages.  They assume leadership roles within their villages, serve as role models to other young women, and provide essential healthcare and education.

DFW’s January recipient will be the Catalyst Foundation in Vietnam. They educate women about human trafficking, provide vocational training to promote self-sufficiency, and protect their daughters from trafficking.

For more information, go to www.diningforwomen.org.

Market Place Christmas Parade

Annual Market Place Christmas Parade held in Cumming, GA.

Best of the Best Gala Awards Dinner

A gala awards dinner was held on November 21, 2013 at the Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta, GA. to celebrate the Best of the Best of small businesses in North Fulton and South Forsyth.  Over 205 people attended this dinner hosted by Appen Media Group and supported by its many sponsors.

Veteran's Day Ceremony

Story by Appen Media (Caitlyn Wagenseil)

CUMMING, Ga. – The city of Cumming held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11 as a way to honor veterans in every branch of the military.

The event was held at the Veterans War Memorial, 301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Cumming, and included a flag presentation, a 21-gun salute and speeches from Mayor H. Ford Gravitt and keynote speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Roy F. Marchert.

Gravitt expressed his gratitude to the veterans and thanked all of those in attendance.

"We should always remember what we owe to our veterans," Gravitt said. "We want them to know that we support you, we stand behind you."

Marchert enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard in 1989 and now is the command sergeant major of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.

Among his decorations are the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf, as well as Air Force and Army achievement medals.

Marchert spoke about the camaraderie that exists among those who serve, adding that when he thinks of veterans, he always thinks of friendship.

"There is no substitute for relationships that are forged through hardship and sacrifice," he said.

Student groups that took part in the ceremony included Forsyth Central's Flash of Crimson Band, Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth Fire Choir, Forsyth Christian Home Educators and Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troop 245.

Performances ranged from the singing of "God Bless America" to "You're a Grand Old Flag."

The Forsyth County Sheriff's and Fire Department, Forsyth Pipes, Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary were also present.

Following the ceremony, children who attended had the opportunity to meet and thank the veterans themselves by giving them handmade cards.

One of those veterans, 87-year-old Fred D'Orazio, is a World War II veteran that came to the ceremony with family.

"We always have a great time," D'Orazio said. "It's so nice to get together with all the people here."

And for all the veterans, George C. Vernon, District 2 commander of the VFW, left them with a lasting message.

"History reminds us that freedom is a fragile thing and in need of constant protection – for those who have bravely served, many thanks for your service," he said.

Roswell Candidate's Forum

The Roswell Woman's Club continued its 30+ years tradition of providing the residents of Roswell an opportunity to meet their candidates. Six candidates vying for three contested at-large post positions attended. Hatcher Hurd, executive editor for Appen Media, was the debate moderator.

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Golf Event

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) Fall Golf Tournament held its fall golf fundraiser at the Country Club of the South in Johns Creek, GA.  Sunny autumn skies greeted the 72 golfers who competed in the annual event.  Brandon Beach, President/CEO of the GNFCC provides comments on the mission of the chamber.

Published in Appen Media October 10, 2013.  See story below.

This year the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) held its fall golf tournament at the Country Club of the South on Monday, October 7, 2013.

On hand to welcome the assemblage and recognize the many business sponsors that support the mission of the Chamber of Commerce were Brandon Beach, GNFCC President and CEO, and Mike Bodker, Mayor of Johns Creek.

Beach proudly shared. “The Chamber is the catalyst for economic development and quality of life here in North Fulton. We’re a 2,000 member-based business organization, sponsorship-based – no tax dollars – here to make sure we continue to have the success we’ve grown accustomed to in North Fulton.”

Eighteen foursomes each started at a different hole so that everyone would be finished at about the same time. They played best ball to make the game more fun and keep up the moderate pace. Even though there were no hole-in-one blasts, there were a few great shots during the day. Scott Crouse hit a 60 foot putt on the 9th green.

As foursomes wound their way around the links, they also tested their skills in the putting contest. At the end of the day, golfers assembled in the clubhouse for a welcomed rest and meal. Freda Hardage, RN, Director of Foundation Services at Northside Hospital, presented awards to the tournament winners.

For over a dozen years the funds raised at the golf tournament have been used to support the GNFCC’s activities. The GNFCC is an assemblage of six cities joining together for global impact. Most other chambers are local, but in the North Fulton area, each community has unique assets to offer the group to make all the communities stronger and more attractive for individuals and businesses.

Brew Moon Fest

The Alpharetta Business Association along with its sponsors hosted the 3rd Annual Brew Moon Festival on October 5, 2013 in Alpharetta, GA.  The festival is a social event designed to bring neighbors and friends together in downtown Alpharetta.

Story published in Appen Media October 10, 2013.

It was definitely “5 o’clock somewhere” in downtown Alpharetta last Friday night! The Alpharetta Business Association (ABA) sponsored its third fall Brew Moon as a social event to bring people to the downtown area. Over 2,000 people showed up to eat, drink, listen to live music and have fun.

People poured into the blocked off area on Milton Avenue to enjoy food from vendors that included pizza, brats and hot dogs, Mediterranean fare, barbeque, smoked turkey sandwiches and gourmet cookies. There were six different types of beer on tap including Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin and Warsteiner Octoberfest.

To entice people who bought tables for eight to bring embellishments to heighten the festive atmosphere, a prize was awarded to the best decorated table. One couple brought their Parrothead paraphernalia that included an inflatable pink flamingo, miniature decorative flip flops and a small blackboard that read, “It’s 5:00 somewhere.” They were there to have a good time and won the table prize as well.

There were two bands to entertain the crowd. The first was The Old School Horn Band, Alpharetta’s classic rock, rhythm and blues band that specializes in hits from the ‘70s. They started off the evening with two hours of lively hand-clapping, sing-along music.

By the time 9:00 rolled around and A1A, the official and original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show got on stage, everybody was ready to rock and roll! Most of the people could sing all the words of the songs. There were plenty of people ready to put on their dancing shoes and shag, swing or shuffle to the beat of the music.

The ABA, It’s My Party, Appen Media, the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Alpharetta sponsored this fabulous social event. Local citizens expressed their thanks and can hardly wait until the first weekend of December when the Christmas Market will come and provide a tree lighting, snow to play in and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus!

Hope Store Grand Re-opening

A happy group of shoppers and officials attended the Grand Re-Opening of The Hope Store, a non-profit thrift store, at 9850 Nesbit Ferry Road on Saturday, October 5. Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was on hand for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, as was Tom Saltino, the Director of Stewardship for the Murphy Harpst Children’s Home.

Mayor Bodker welcomed The Hope Store on behalf of the entire city council and wished it great success because “your success will mean success for so many others. One of the great things about The Hope Store…is it’s a great way to further help our community.”

Randy Thompson, new Hope Store Board member, added, “We have a new look, a new attitude and new leadership. We’ve put a lot of hard work into this. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.” The store accepts donations of new and gently used clothing, furniture and other household goods. The items are sold at budget-friendly prices.

The store operates with only three paid employees, Store Manager Karen Borland, Warehouse Manager Elizabeth Bloom, and Sales Associate Shannon Cartella. The Hope Store depends on volunteers and community service to help with the daily operations.

The mission of the Hope Store is to help children and those in need and partners with Murphy Harpst to accomplish this. A mission of the United Methodist Church, Murphy Harpst is an independent non-profit residential treatment center committed to meeting the needs of families and neglected and abused children up to 18 years of age.

Emory Murphy (no connection with Murphy Harpst), the new owner and CEO of The Hope Store, has been involved with the Hope Store since its inception and is pleased to be able to continue their long-standing tradition of supporting Murphy Harpst.

Georgia Ensemble Theater - Cat on a Hot Tin Streetcar

One Mysterious Evening held on September 28, 2013 was a Georgia Ensemble Theatre gala fundraising event. The evening’s performance of Cat on a Hot Tin Streetcar was written and directed by Nita Hardy. As the GET cast mingled and performed among dinner tables, the audience actors also engaged with character dialogue. The 10th Annual Legacy Award was presented to Paul and Bowe Lang for their generous support of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre.


Story published in Appen Media October 5, 2013.

Cat on a Hot Tin Streetcar by the talented local writer and director, Nita Hardy, was the hilarious play presented at the Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET) gala fundraiser held on Saturday, September 28 at the lovely Kimberly-Clark campus on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.

Two hundred people honored Paul and Bowe Lange as the tenth annual recipients of the GET Legacy Award. This award recognizes individuals, as well as corporations and foundations, which have made long-standing contributions of their time, talent and support to GET. The presentation was made by Founding Trustees Robert J. Farley, Artistic Director and Anita Allen Farley, Managing Director.

Paul Lang received the notification telephone call while he and his wife were in Europe. “Bowe and I were incredibly humbled by that. You don’t do things to get awards; you do things because you love them. And I love the theatre.”

The spoof on several Tennessee Williams’ plays was based around Fat Daddy’s birthday party. Among the highlights were Manly Cole-Slawski played by actor Jelani Williams yelling the famous name Stella and Karen Howell playing Blanche Boudoir paraphrasing Blanche Dubois’ famous line, "I've always depended on the kindness of strangers."

Various members of the audience were encouraged to participate with several lines of humorous dialogue that brought both laughs and groans.

Before dinner and the four act play, patrons were encouraged to bid on a large display of silent auction offerings that included jewelry, sports equipment and memorabilia and handmade ceramics. Bob Hagan, President of GET, also conducted a live auction. Proceeds allow GET to continue providing excellent entertainment.

Janet Kincaid, the Event Chair, thanked all the sponsors, especially Kimberly-Clark, who provided the venue for the evening’s fundraiser.