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.