Milton Historical Society Seeks Photos for Pandemic Documentary The Milton Historical Society has been busy conducting Zoom interviews with local residents about life during the pandemic. These recordings will be featured in a documentary film called Milton Memoirs, which will be preserved in the archives of the Milton Historical Society.“2020 will be one for the books,” said Jeff Dufresne, president of the Milton Historical Society. “As a historical society, we wanted to document in real time how COVID-19 impacted members of our local community. We believe we succeeded in capturing the resilience of our citizens during this unique time.” The Society recorded poignant stories from students, teachers, newcomers, long-time residents, business leaders, and public servants. Citizens shared personal stories and reflections for the benefit of future generations.Interviewees live within the boundaries of Old Milton County (1857-1932), which today covers the city of Milton as well as parts of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs.The Milton Historical Society is now inviting fellow residents to submit any digital photographs that capture the essence of 2020. A sampling of photos taken by Sofie and Leslie Watson appear in the Milton Memoirs slide preview now posted at MiltonGaHistoricalSociety.com.If you’re interested in joining the Milton Historical Society and getting involved in future projects, please email Jeff Dufresne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..The Milton Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to collect, preserve, and promote Milton’s unique heritage.
North Fulton Community Charities Announces Public Phase of Capital Campaign North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) recently announced its Growing with Purpose capital campaign to fund much-needed renovations to existing facilities that house its food pantry and the NFCC Thrift Shop, as well as the construction of a new two-story 18,000 square foot Service & Education Center located across the road from its current facility. These capital improvements will increase NFCC’s capacity to deliver specialized support, programs, and services to help families meet their basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and strengthen the North Fulton community. To date, NFCC has raised more than $5.8 million (95%) of its $6.2 million capital campaign goal.NFCC took advantage of facility closures during the pandemic to renovate the food pantry and thrift shop, both of which have reopened to clients. Construction of the Service & Education Center is expected to be completed in early 2021. Named in honor of NFCC’s first executive director who retired in 2019 after nearly 30 years of service, the Barbara Duffy Center will serve as the point-of-entry for individuals and families, in addition to providing the space needed to expand and improve integration of emergency assistance/case management with workforce development and education programs.“As the North Fulton community continues to grow, so must NFCC to sufficiently meet current and future needs,” said NFCC Executive Director Holly M. York. “We planned for and began our expansion prior to the pandemic in order to meet current needs and accommodate long-term growth. However, the pandemic has further accelerated the need for emergency assistance and demand for our workforce development and education programs, as families seek to get back on their feet and find and return to work as quickly as possible.” For more information about NFCC’s Growing with Purpose capital campaign and plans for growth, please visit NFCCHelp.org/growing-with-purpose.
City Council Recognizes 100th Anniversary of Milton HS In January 1922, Milton School opened to students for the first time. Since then, this academic institution (later renamed Milton HS) has been an anchor in what’s now North Fulton County – a place where students have shined academically, artistically, and athletically before going on to excel in the wider world. Since 2005, Milton HS has been located along Birmingham Highway in downtown Crabapple. The home of the Eagles is ranked as Georgia’s ninth best high school by Niche and 21st best by U.S. News and World Report. This proclamation paid tribute to Milton HS’s rich history and kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration.
City of Roswell Wins Digital Cities Survey Award The City of Roswell has been recognized by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) as a 2020 Digital Cities Survey Award winner. Roswell was one of 10 winners in the 75,000-124,999 population category. Now in its 20th year, the annual national survey recognizes cities that use technology to tackle social challenges, enhance services, and strengthen cybersecurity. For 2020, CDG specifically commended cities using technology to better serve citizens despite challenges triggered by the pandemic. The City of Roswell was recognized for implementing several innovative technologies. Chief among them is Roswell’s Interactive Budget Book, which provides residents and businesses with a digital experience to explore the City’s finances. The City also provides citizen-centric services via social media that engage residents and local businesses. Roswell’s establishment of a Data Governance structure, a Continuity of Operations Plan, an Emergency Operations Center, Global Information Systems services, and the City’s overall goal to be data-driven were also recognized as part of this award. “Innovative cities are utilizing technology and analyzing data to better serve their citizens, respond quickly to citizen needs around COVID-19, and support digital experience initiatives,” said Phil Bertolini, co-director, CDG. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their hard work and efforts to use technology to enhance citizen interactions with government.” To explore one of Roswell’s digital innovations — the City’s online, interactive Budget Book — visit RoswellGov.com/Budget.
Public To Shape Milton’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Citizens, business leaders, and others who care about Milton can help shape its future through an online social engagement platform, which is accessible at CityOfMiltonGa.us/surveys. Here, people can share ideas and complete surveys that dive into important issues facing the city. These topics span a wide gamut ranging from “land use” (such as what can legally be built on land in a specific area) to cellular service, from recycling to roundabouts and much more.Previous Comprehensive Plans promoted Crabapple emerging as Milton’s “downtown,” the Deerfield area serving as the city’s primary commercial corridor, and a focus on developing “active” and “passive” park space. All those goals led to actions now evident around Milton.People can also learn more about Milton’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and leave a comment anytime by visiting CityOfMiltonGa.us/comprehensive-plan. And those with questions about the process can contact Michele McIntosh-Ross, Milton’s principal planner, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Milton City Council Honors Young Humanitarian Milton City Council recently issued a proclamation to recognize the outstanding humanitarian work of Jack Burke, the 15-year-old Milton resident behind CureNFwithJack. Burke himself has neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that affects about 1 in every 3,000 or 4,000 people. Symptoms include the growth of typically benign tumors on nerves in and on the brain, skin, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. While Burke has dealt with this condition, he and his family have helped others with NF by raising awareness and millions of dollars. The Children’s Tumor Foundation recently honored Burke with a National Humanitarian Award for his and his family’s extensive efforts to help experts combat NF as well as to educate society about it.
City of Milton’s New Fire Chief Following a nationwide search, the City of Milton has tapped Gabriel “Gabe” Benmoussa as its next fire chief. A firefighting professional with extensive experience in four states, Benmoussa will become Milton’s second-ever chief. He previously served as deputy fire chief in Salem, Oregon, where he oversaw training and EMS services. “Chief Benmoussa brings expertise, enthusiasm, and perspective that will be tremendous assets for Milton,” said City Manager Steve Krokoff. “People here love our firefighters for good reason, and we’re sure that they will love Chief Benmoussa.”In Salem, Benmoussa helped lead a 170-person agency while developing and administering training requirements. He also assisted with recruiting and managing entrance and promotional exams; served on the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion focus group; and developed health and wellness initiatives for the department.Benmoussa made an impact on the state level by founding the Oregon Fire Service Technology Summit and by serving as a board director for the Northwest Fire Diversity Council. He also developed an Officer Professional Development Institute in partnership with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.Prior to coming to Salem in 2016, Benmoussa worked for two years as the deputy fire chief in Pullman, Washington, were he oversaw training. He spent the previous decade as a firefighter, captain, hazmat program manager, and fire terrorism liaison officer in metro Phoenix, Arizona. He got his start in the firefighting field at Georgia's DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department in 2000. “With a passion for transparent leadership, innovation, and strategic planning, my goal is to develop the Milton Fire-Rescue team from within and continue to provide the highest level of service that residents have come to expect,” Benmoussa said. “I plan to continue to enhance and deliver outstanding service to our citizens by working together with both staff and community members to take this organization to new levels.”
City of Roswell Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report Now Available City of Roswell water customers can find out about the quality of their water by reviewing the January to October 2020 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).Included in this report is information about where the City’s water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. City of Roswell water customers can view the report online at RoswellGov.com/CCR or pick up a copy at the following locations: • The Environmental/Public Works and Transportation offices at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 235• The City of Roswell Water Treatment Plant, 100 Frank Lewis Drive Please contact Jessie Cash, Roswell Water operations manager, at 770-641-3816 with any questions. Also, join your friends and neighbors in making a commitment to save water. Take the “I'm for Water” pledge and use less water year-round by taking the following steps:• Use WaterSense labeled fixtures to save water and energy.• Understand the Roswell Water Utility water bill.• Check for and repair leaks.• Check for leaky showers and install pipe tape for a tight connection.• Mulch around plants to prevent evaporation.• When landscaping, choose plants that require minimal water.• Ensure your sprinkler/irrigation system is working properly.• Avoid watering the yard in the middle of the day.• Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes.Visit RoswellGov.com for more information.
Fulton County Schools – News To Know Change to School CalendarSince January 5 is a run-off election date and more than 60 schools are polling sites, the FCS Board approved changing January 5, 2021, from a regular school day to a teacher workday/student holiday. January 6, 2021, will be the first day of the second semester for students.Academics UpdateChief Academic Officer Clifford Jones reported on the district’s Advanced Placement exam performance for the Class of 2020 and shared that the district’s average AP exam score is 3.29 (out of 5). Eight high schools have average scores above 3.0: Alpharetta, Cambridge, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Milton, Northview, Riverwood, and Roswell. Chattahoochee HS has the highest average AP score in the district – 3.83 out of 5. Virtual School and Program Evaluation Updates Deputy Chief Academic Officer Dr. Gyimah Whitaker provided an overview of a potential virtual school being developed as an option for students, while Jhanelle Adams, coordinator of the Program Evaluation Department, explained the school system’s process for evaluating the effectiveness of district programs and other research efforts. Video of all presentations can be found on the district’s website (FultonSchools.org).Textbook Adoption FCS is hosting an online reading/language arts textbook adoption review for grades kindergarten through second grade. Due to gathering restrictions caused by the pandemic, no school sites are displaying the materials, but they are available virtually. Three FCS administrative locations are housing materials for in-person, socially distanced reviews until January 22 (excluding the winter break). For questions, please call 470-254-4943 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The FCS Board will take the community’s input into consideration before deciding whether to adopt the materials in March, so they can be in place for the 2021-2022 school year. Students Produce Text4Help VideoStudent Government Association presidents from high schools across the FCS system came together to produce a public service announcement for struggling teens. The student leaders lent their faces and voices to a video promoting “Text4Help,” a resource for Fulton County students needing a listening ear, self-care tips for stress and anxiety, or even resources for major crises. Text4Help enables students to text a number (844-201-9466) then type their unique middle or high school code. Within 3-5 minutes, a licensed clinician from a vetted mental health partner responds and engages in conversation. Using Text4Help is anonymous, safe, and free. Given these challenging times, students need mental wellness resources more than ever.State Board of Education Withdraws 10% EOC ProposalAfter receiving community input, the State Board of Education has withdrawn its recommendation of a 10% course grade weight for Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) exams in 2020-2021. Instead, it will uphold State Superintendent Richard Woods’ original recommendation of a .01% weight, which was proposed after Georgia’s request to waive standardized testing requirements was denied by the U.S. Department of Education.Board Member Sworn in for New Term FCS Board Member Katha Stuart was issued her oath of office after being reelected for another four years. Stuart, representing District 1, was sworn in for her second term. District 1 encompasses Alpharetta, Milton, Mountain Park, and Roswell.
GNFCC Announces 2020 Women INfluencing Business Award Winners The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) recently announced the winners of the 2020 North Fulton Women INfluencing Business Awards.The Business Woman of Excellence Award was presented to Julie Haley, CEO of Edge Solutions. Over the last 12 years, Haley’s company has grown to revenues of $50 million, 34 employees in the Southeast, and customers in the U.S. and abroad. Edge Solutions has no outside investors and no debt. A founding board member of TechAlpharetta, Haley also assisted in the launch of GNFCC’s Tech400 committee. She serves on the boards of Gwinnett Tech, North Fulton Community Charities, and the Georgia Chamber’s Board of Governors.The Rising Star Award was presented to Gloria Mattei and Jennifer Cantor.As the owner/operator of Nothing Bundt Cakes (NBC) in Alpharetta/Milton, Mattei has a passion to serve the community and is affectionately known as the “Bundt Cake Lady.” After a successful 16-year career in the telecommunications industry, Mattei followed her entrepreneurial heart by opening the second NBC store in Georgia in December 2013. Although she has won many awards and supports numerous community organizations, she is most proud of the store’s role as a platform for her son, who is in the autistic community.Jennifer Cantor pours her heart and soul into Rivers Academy in downtown Alpharetta. Her passion for education is evident in her continual drive to create learning opportunities for both her students and instructors. In the span of 10 years, she went from language arts teacher, to admissions director, to principal, and most recently, to co-owner. Cantor considers it a privilege that families entrust her with the education of their children. Rivers Academy is an alternative school for grades 4-12, offering a compacted college prep curriculum to students who are serious athletes, performers, and community activists. She has seen 20% enrollment growth since purchasing the school in 2018.Women INfluencing Business (WIB) is a committee of the Greater North Fulton Chamber focused on advancing and connecting women in the North Fulton business community. Awards were selected by a committee of former winners and committee volunteers.