Every May, I've noticed, the feeling kind of hits everybody. Kids start dreaming about the end of school. You spend more time out in the yard, or gardening, or at the park. Everything is blooming and it hasn't gotten too hot. It's just a great time of year. Don't get me wrong -- spring is nice, but it really seems like things start gaining steam in May.   

 
In Milton this is no different. This May will see our Parks and Recreation Department take some huge steps toward providing the comprehensive services we've all imagined. For one thing, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan comes to City Council in May, and boy does it look exciting. If the public meeting we had last month to discuss it is any indication, the plan will be received well as the city grows and utilizes what's been created. 

In the more immediate future, The Parks and Recreation Department will issue its first-ever activity guide this month. Just two years ago the city was launching its first program - fitness camps with CorePhysique. Now we've got so many programs and activities coming this summer we've got to start collecting them all in one book.  That will launch May 8, so be on the lookout for it, and the new programs it will announce. 

 Read the entire message.

Milton Fire Marshal Matthew Marietta would like to remind the community the state's "burn ban" goes into effect Tuesday, May 1.

The ban, which is enacted because of dry conditions and environmental health regulations, is issued by the state Environmental Protection Division and covers Milton, the rest of Fulton County and a number of other surrounding counties. It lasts until Sept. 30.

The following types of open burning are banned:
*    Burning of leaves, tree limbs or other yard wastes
*    Burning of vegetative waste from land clearing
*    Burning over of forest land by the owners of the land

Please note: Outdoor fireplaces and other types of fire pits are allowed if constructed and located properly. If in doubt, contact Marietta at 678-242-2604 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

"This policy is intended to heighten our fire safety during the hot summer months, and also to reduce unnecessary airborne pollutants during a time period when air quality concerns are at their peak," said Marietta. "Violations of this ban will result not only in a fire department response to put the fire out, but also may include state or local penalties.

"Please help us keep the community, and our lungs, safe during this time period by not having outdoor burning."      

For more information on the state burn ban, click here or contact Marietta at 678-242-2604 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

Milton residents may now use the Smart911 notification system to enhance the information available for first responders in an emergency situation.

To sign up, visit www.smart911.com and choose "Create Safety Profile." You will be asked a series of questions that provide fast, reliable information to police, firefighters and EMTs in an emergency.

"The amount of detail offered to a 911 dispatch center through this free program is simply invaluable," said Deborah Harrell, Milton Police Chief. "You can provide photos of yourself, your family and your home, where utilities are located, the physical condition and health level of family members, the medications they take, even pet information, including whether it is a service animal."

According to Smart911, about 70 percent of 911 calls come from mobile phones. Often, this can spell trouble in an emergency, because it can be difficult to ascertain the phone's exact location. With the service, dispatchers receive work and home addresses, plus a GPS location of the caller.

And the system is nationwide, so anytime you make a 911 call from the number registered, the information is available provided the agency which receives the call utilizes Smart911, said Harrell.

When you register, your information will be stored in Alpharetta's C3 Communications Center. Each time you call with the numbers registered, all information entered will be available for dispatchers. It is vital residents who use this system keep information up to date.

Smart911 is paid for by a portion of existing 911 fees.     

For more information on this program, including which communities use the service, visit www.smart911.com.

Milton Public Works Director Carter Lucas announced today Cogburn Road will be closed from mid-May to early August so that the bridge over Cooper Sandy Creek between Bethany Bend and Webb Road may be replaced.  

The project has been timed specifically to coincide with summer break and improvements at the Cogburn Road, Bethany Bend, Hopewell Road intersection to be completed before Cambridge High School opens.  

Access to existing property owners will be maintained at all times. 

"This bridge was identified as the top priority for replacement in the city's inventory from 2009," said Lucas. "Based on traffic counts, there are more than 10,000 vehicles a day that travel over this bridge - so it absolutely must be replaced as soon as possible."

The proposed project will replace the bridge with an arched culvert spanning the creek, which means minimal impact to the waterway and savings in both time and taxpayer money. 

Conyers-based Hitson Construction, Inc.'s price of $478,020.39 was the lowest reliable bid of the four received. The project goes to council for approval May 7.        

For more information, contact Angie Kapijimpanga, Public Works citizen responder, at 678-242-2562 or angie.kapijimpanga@cityofmiltonga.us.

Greene with Mayor Joe Lockwood

To help raise awareness of building safety, the City of Milton's building department proudly celebrates Building Safety Month this May. The theme, "An International Celebration of Safe and Sensible Structures," highlights four areas: Energy and Green Building; Disaster Safety and Mitigation; Fire Safety and Awareness; and Backyard Safety. 

"When building safety and fire prevention experts inspect buildings during and after construction, we help to ensure that the places where you live, learn, work, worship and play are safe," said City of Milton Building Official Wade Greene.

Building safety and fire prevention codes address all aspects of construction, such as structural soundness of buildings, reliability of fire prevention and suppression systems, plumbing and mechanical systems and energy efficiency and sustainability. To ensure buildings are safe requires the active participation of building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, builders, engineers, contractors and others in the construction industry, as well as property owners.

"Public safety is our number one concern," said Greene. "During Building Safety Month and all year long, building safety and fire prevention officials are here to help protect you, your family and our community."       

Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF), a non-profit subsidiary of the Code Council. For more information, click here.

There is still time to sign up for the North Fulton Golden Games, held in May at locations throughout North Fulton.

This 18-year program for adults 50 and older features a wide range of events for every activity level, including a dance contest, card games, golf, basketball, tennis, track and field, and much, much more.

It will kick off with Opening Ceremonies May 2 at Newtown Park in Johns Creek and wind down May 31 with an awards luncheon at the Helene Mills Senior Multipurpose Center in Atlanta.  

Registration is just $15 for as many events as you would like; however, additional costs apply for the golf, mini-golf, bocce and bowling tournaments.

Milton will host the golf tournament May 15 at Alpharetta Athletic Club's West Course, 1786 Dinsmore Road (click here for directions) and mahjong and Bunco tournaments Friday, May 18 at the Bethwell Community Center, 2695 Hopewell Road (click here for directions).

To download information and applications for the numerous events and tournaments, plus a calendar, click here.     

For more information, contact Tom Gilliam, Milton's recreation programs coordinator, at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

The Milton High School Orchestra will hold its Spring Concert May 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the school. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door or online at www.showtix4u.com.      

For more information on the Milton orchestra, visit http://www.miltonorchestra.com.

Thursday, May 3 will be the last EverGreen meeting of the 2011-2012 school year. 

We will be meeting at the Johns Creek Environmental Center, 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Join us as we recognize the schools that have completed their evergreen goals.  Everyone is welcome, including children.  Refreshments provided by Harry's Farmers Market.      

For the latest EverGreen newsletter, click here.

Milton Grows Green is participating in a one day-only truckload composter and rain barrel sale on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. adjacent to the Alpharetta Farmers Market at 2 South Main St. in Alpharetta.  

Come check out these attractive rain barrels and composters made by Norseman at truckload sale prices:  

Earth Machine: $47 per bin including tax
The SYSTERN Rain Barrel: $58 per barrel including tax      

For more information please contact  mgg@cityofmiltonga.us or call Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton at 678-242-2509.

The City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department will launch its first-ever seasonable program guide Tuesday, May 8. This downloadable guide will include all programs and activities available from May through the end of August. 

It will include all current programs, plus a slate of new programs and activities scheduled for summer. 

"Previously, we've promoted each activity separately as they've come on board," said Recreation Program Coordinator Tom Gilliam. "But now, we're becoming victims of our success, and we're worried the constant stream of new announcements isn't helping our programs."

Instead, said Gilliam, the department will move toward a comprehensive, seasonal guide as utilized by most departments. This ensures residents have one place to go to get all the information they need in a simple, concise format. 

On the city's Web site, the new guide will replace the current numerous and separate programs and activities pages. Instead, you will simply download the guide.

Keep your eyes peeled for more information about this exciting change in the way Milton brings you parks and recreation information.    

For more information, contact Gilliam at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

Hey, neighbors: Come on over and let's chat!

The Better Together: Real Communities - Milton Mini-Grants Initiative is sponsoring the first in a series of "living room conversations" Friday, May 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bethwell Community Center, 2695 Hopewell Road (click here for directions).

Join us in celebrating the completion of the first mini-grant, a horse wash rack system built by teenager Kit Sloan. Milton Historic Preservation Commission member Norm Broadwell will share incredible stories about the history of our area. We'll also explore ideas about how to create a more open and welcoming community.

"This is the first in what we hope will be a long series of neighborly get-togethers," said Amanda Quintana, grant coordinator for the Better Together: Real Communities - Milton Mini-Grants Initiative. "Normally, when governments hold meetings, there's a community project or issue at stake - but with this it's not the case. We're hoping people will come and get to know one another in a comfortable environment."

This is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors while enjoying a pot luck dinner and great conversation. At Better Together, we are creating a safe, supportive environment for people to share more of themselves than they normally do.

Better Together is funded in large part through the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities' (GCDD) Real Communities Initiative: Milton. The grants support neighborhood improvements, promote neighborhood associations and fund projects that bring community members together.

Currently, GCDD provides Milton a little less than $20,000 in federal funds and the city matches just less than $5,000.

For more information on the Better Together: Real Communities - Milton Mini-Grants Initiative, click here (CONTENT AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP SITE ONLY). For more information on this event, contact Quintana at 678-242-2512 or amanda.quintana@cityofmiltonga.us.

The Rotary Club of North Fulton will host the First Annual Crabapple Block Party on Saturday, May 19 from 3 to 8 p.m. in and around the intersection of Crabapple Road/Ga. 372 and Birmingham Highway/Ga. 372.  

This event is designed to celebrate the best of Crabapple while raising money for local charities, including North Fulton Community Charities, Child Development Association of North Fulton and Canine Assistants.

Participants can purchase a wristband for $25 (age 21 and up), which will give them discounts on food and beverages at several local establishments such as Olde Blind Dog Pub and Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails from 3 to 8 p.m. Live music will be provided.  

With more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto "Service Above Self."    

For more information about this event or to purchase writstbands, visit www.northfultonrotary.org or contact Kristi Crockett at 770-490-4667 or via e-mail at klcrockett@comcast.net.

The Milton Public Safety Fund (MPSF), a not-for-profit corporation that provides support for the city's police and fire services, will hold its fifth annual fundraiser during Fry's Electronics' Anniversary Sale Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20.

The fundraiser will be held in the Fry's Electronics parking lot, 3065 Webb Road, Milton, GA 30004 (click here for directions).

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, police officers and fire fighters will offer a hot dog and cold drink combo for just 50 cents. In addition to hosting the event, Fry's also donates all the food, drinks and grills, allowing all proceeds to benefit the MPSF, which in turn purchases needed equipment for the police and fire departments.

In addition to the great, cheap food, there will be special events on Saturday.

Be sure to stop by and get the cheapest lunch you're likely to find anywhere - all for a good cause.     

For more information on the event, e-mail the MPSF at mpsf@cityofmiltonga.us. For more information on the group itself, click here (CONTENT AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP SITE ONLY).

Honoring those who will never be forgotten: It is a pledge to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women who served their country valiantly throughout this nation's history.

It is also the theme of the City of Milton's fifth annual Memorial Day Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, May 28 at 10 a.m. at Milton City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107. Click here for directions.

This year's ceremony features local veterans, a King's Ridge Christian School student playing the Call to Colors, performer Lewis Shaeffer, Taps as performed by Bob Wright and Don Ware of Bugles Across America, and much more.

Major Gen. Jim Butterworth, adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, will be the ceremony's featured speaker. Butterworth commands the more than 14,000-member strong Georgia Department of Defense, which includes the Georgia Army National Guard, the Georgia Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force. In this position, he reports directly to Gov. Nathan Deal.

In addition to his military career, Butterworth recently completed his service as a state senator for the 50th district. While serving in the state Senate, Butterworth served as chairman of the Higher Education Committee and vice chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. He was also a member of the Appropriations and Natural Resources and Environment committees and served in an ex-officio capacity on the Economic Development and State and Local Government Operations committees.

Prior to his election to the state Senate, Butterworth served as chairman of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners.

The ceremony will conclude with a roll call of local veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Their friends and families are then invited to reflect upon the markers created to remember their legacy and placed along Deerfield Parkway by Councilman Bill Lusk.

Please start your Memorial Day by joining the City of Milton in remembering those who have served the cause of freedom to their last breath.     

To stay up to date with all of Milton's special events, click here.

The City of Milton will hold its fifth annual Memorial Day ceremony May 28 and in preparation is adding veterans into the city's registry of service men and women.

Through three years of hard work and the generosity of residents, Milton has amassed a list of nearly 340 living and fallen veterans, 214 of whom are memorialized with markers placed on Deerfield Parkway the week of the holiday. The living and fallen veterans are also recognized for their service during the ceremony.  

Each year residents ask how their family members may be added to the registry. The city does not have access to a government database revealing who served in the military. Instead, we need you to tell us.

If you, a friend or someone in your family is or was a veteran, please fill out the attached form below. You may drop it off at City Hall, fax it to 678-242-2499 or mail it to: 

Milton City Hall
13000 Deerfield Parkway
Suite 107A
Milton GA 30004
Attn: Jason Wright

There is also an online form available anytime at the City of Milton Web site. You may either click here or go to www.cityofmiltonga.us. To access the form, click on the forms tab at the top of the page and choose "Register military veterans' information" from the "Online Forms" section at the top of the page.

Once you give the City of Milton the information, it will be placed in a secure database. The names will then be sent to City Councilman Bill Lusk, who for three years has personally built, painted, engraved and placed the markers at his own expense.

The City of Milton's Memorial Day Ceremony will take place 10 a.m. Monday, May 28 at City Hall.

Please join us to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom.     

To stay up to date with all of Milton's special events, click here.

The City of Milton will host a series of free family movies on the side lawn at Northwestern Middle School this summer, said Special Events Coordinator Angela Thompson.

The "Movies in the Park™ - City of Milton presented by Southern Outdoor Cinema, Sponsored by Northside Hospital Forsyth" series will kick off Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. with a showing of "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked."

The series continues July 7 with "The Three Stooges" and Aug. 4 with a third film to be determined. All three movies will be shown at the school, located at 12805 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions).

At sundown the film will be shown on Southern Outdoor Cinema's huge, two-story inflatable movie screen in high-definition. Before the film there will be a fun, festival atmosphere with face painting, an inflatable moonwalk and tons of children's activities.

Concessions will be available, so just bring your lawn chair, blanket and bug spray.

"We've had success with a single movie and a summer concert series in the past," said Thompson. "It just seemed like a perfect fit to continue this tradition with a movie series aimed at providing local families with a fun, free night out."      

For more information on "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked," click here. For more information on the summer movie series, visit www.gamoviesinthepark.com or contact Thompson at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

As part of its recreation partnership with the City of Milton, the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA is now offering weekly summer day camps for children ages 5 to 12 at Hopewell Middle School.

The summer program begins June 4 and lasts for eight weeks, ending July 27. Registration is now open and closes when full. To register, visit www.ymcaregistration.com or come into the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Road in Alpharetta (click here for directions), for personal registration.

To download the camp flyer, which lists each week and camp with registration codes, click here.

Campers may select between two specialties: Triple Play includes arts and crafts, science and group sports; Sports Skill Clinic offers a different sport each week. Tennis, basketball, soccer and flag football will each be offered twice during the summer.

All campers participate in nature and outdoor education, group games and a weekly open swim at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA. The Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are reinforced throughout the camp program.

The cost for Milton residents is $170 per week and $255 per week for non-residents. A $25 deposit per session will be required at time of registration in order to secure enrollment.

Each week of camp is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free, supervised pre- and post-camp care is available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Campers will bring a lunch and two snacks with them each day.

Y staff members are carefully selected for their dedication, maturity, enthusiasm and passion for working with children. Camp staff members are screened through references and criminal background checks.   

For more information about these programs, please call 770-663-3547 or laurenw@ymcaatlanta.org.

Registration is now open for Camp Joyful Soles, Milton's special needs day camp for children age 12 to 18.

To register for Joyful Soles, click here to download the form. It may be filled out online, then mailed or dropped off at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 Milton, GA 30004 (click here for directions). Please make sure if mailing to clearly mark the contents are for Tom Gilliam.

Camp Joyful Soles, held in conjunction with Alpharetta's Camp Happy Hearts, will take place at Hopewell Middle School from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 to July 27 (with no camp July 4). This small, specialized camp is limited to just 20 participants a week and includes arts and crafts, games, special guests, fitness classes and swimming once a week.

Cost is $125 for Milton and Alpharetta residents and $187.50 for non-residents (a 50 percent increase) per week. Guardians may register for all eight weeks or a week at a time. The first week must be paid in full. There is a $50 per-week, non-refundable, non-transferable fee to hold spaces in future weeks. Remainder of the balance is due prior to the week reserved.   

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

The City of Milton and Overkill Volleyball will offer a series of camps this summer at Northwestern Middle School from June 4 through 22.

Cost for youth camps is $110 for Milton residents, $165 for non-residents, which includes a T-shirt, participation prize, and snacks. Cost for advanced camps is $160 for Milton residents, $240 for non-residents. Registration is limited to 40 campers a week and closes the Friday before camp starts.

The camps are offered by age group and skill level:
*    7 to 9: June 4 through 8 -- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
*    10 to 12: June 11 through 15 -- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
*    10 to 12 advanced: June 11 through 15 -- 1 to 4 p.m.
*    13 to 14: June 18 through 22 - 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
*    13 to 14 advanced: June 18 through 22 -- 1 to 4 p.m.

Youth camps are designed to introduce the game to beginner and intermediate players, and coaches focus on fundamentals. Participants learn necessary skills to develop into a volleyball player. There is one coach per 10 participants.

Advanced camps are designed to further develop the seasoned player. Players who participate in this camp must have consistent fundamental skills in passing and serving. During advanced camps, the players develop more game-specific goals and work on positions to be ready for middle and high school tryouts. Again, there is one coach per 10 players.     

For more information about this program, click here, visit Overkill Volleyball's Web site, www.overkillvolleyball.org, or e-mail info@overkillvolleyball.org. You may also contact Milton Recreation Programs Coordinator Tom Gilliam at tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2519.

The Milton High School boys' basketball program will host a summer camp for boys entering third through ninth grade. 

The camp will be held at Milton High, 13025 Birmingham Highway, from Monday, June 25 through Friday, June 29. Camp hours will operate from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp tuition is $175 before June 25 or $200 at the door.

It is open to anyone interested in learning fundamental basketball skills from players and coaches from the 2009 and 2011 AAAAA state runner-up and 2010 and 2012 AAAAA state championship teams. 

The camp features quality fundamental instruction and specializes in individual attention in all phases of the game of basketball. All participants will learn the skills that will build the foundation for success in basketball. 

Campers are organized by age group and will participate in daily skills contests and league games. The camp closes on Friday with a league tournament. Every camper will receive a t-shirt and basketball they can use on their own after the week has concluded.     

For more information, contact Nathan Tornow at tornown@fultonschools.org.

City of Milton Police Chief Deborah Harrell recently returned from the prestigious Chief Executive Officer Training Seminar, held at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Alexandria, Va.

The Missing & Exploited Children Seminar for Chief Executives provides a better understanding of the issues surrounding missing and sexually exploited children, and how to deal with the situation of a child who's been reported missing.

Harrell, who was selected for and invited to the program, joined 49 other chiefs, sheriffs, and emergency managers at the 134th session of the course. She is now one of more than 5,000 to complete the training.

"This has been one of the most valuable trainings I have attended in my 18 years as a law enforcement officer," said Harrell. "To have been selected was an honor, but to be able to bring this knowledge home and put it into practice is a gift."

Created in 1997 and funded by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency (OJJDP), the CEO training discusses the needed steps in implementing best practices for call takers, responding officers, investigators, and command staff.

Once candidates are selected to attend, all travel and lodging expenses during training are covered by the NCMEC through a grant by the justice department.     

Matthew Marietta, the City of Milton's fire marshal and emergency manager, successfully defended his doctoral thesis this April, receiving his Ph.D in Political Science emphasizing public administration, political theory and international relations at Georgia State University. 

Congratulations Dr. Marietta!

The achievement is one in a long line of accolades for the fire marshal. He is certified and experienced as a fire inspector, public educator, fire fighter, investigator, holds a police management certificate and is a graduate of the GACP Chief's School. Additionally, he has achieved the designation of Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Marietta earned a Bachelor's Degree from Wheaton College in philosophy, a graduate-level certificate in Justice Administration from Columbus State University, a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Management and a Master's Degree in Political Science from Georgia State University.     

Photo by Francia Lindon

The rain held off and the sun peeked out all day, making this year's Third Annual Earth Day Festival, held Saturday, April 21, the best yet. More than 1,200 came to Birmingham Park to take part in the festivities, free food, games, activities, music and more.

Congratulations to the volunteers from Milton Grows Green (MGG), the Milton Garden Club, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, the Hopewell Middle School Junior Beta Club, the Young Men's Service League of Milton High School, the Northwestern Middle School Environmental Club and Verizon Green Team for a job well done. Additionally, thanks to all the vendors, sponsors and partners who made it such a special event.  

In an effort to expand and improve the Earth Day event, we have created a survey to get your feedback.  If you would take a minute to click this link and complete the survey anonymously, it would be greatly appreciated.  

To view photos from the event by MGG volunteer Francia Lindon and the city's Communications Department, click here.

The Summit Hill fifth-graders who were collecting packages for troops overseas have some great news to report: Mission complete!

The children raised more than $600 and the community gave generously. Students filled more than 150 care packages for troops in Afghanistan stuffed with high-quality, tasty items for the service men and women.

In addition, American Legion Post 201 sent off an extra 80 packages in the name of the school. 

A huge thank you goes out to the many people involved in the project:
Susan Lea, Cari Bowers, Barbara Sanders, Paula Roland, Wendi Behrmann Barber, Aimee Jackson, City of Milton Fire Department, Atlanta Fitness, Starbucks, Crabapple Orthodontics, Nail Dynasty, Alpine Bakery, Moe's, The Brace Place, Arbor/Terrace Assisted Living, Crabapple Senior Center, Cafe Efendi, American Legion Post 201, Menchie's, Brownie Troop #11744, Brooklyn Joe's, Walmart and Target.     

By the City of Milton Police Department

NOTE: This information ran in the September 2011 city newsletter. However, there have recently been more Internet scams reported. In the interest of keeping residents from being victims of these scams, here is the information again. 

We have all heard about numerous scams over the years. They have been around for decades and even centuries. Scams are very much alive and well today; however, following the advent of the Internet, scams have become much more far-reaching. With the ease of electronic financial transfers and the confidence people have in the Internet, e-mail scams now flourish. Whether originating across town or across oceans, we must remain aware of scams.

MONEY TRANSFERS:
Offers that involve transferring money for someone you don't know are nearly always a scam. If you are approached with a money transfer scam, you will be asked to transfer money for somebody using your own bank account or a bank account that you set up for this purpose. The approach could come in a number of ways: letters, e-mails and even in person. You may even receive an offer that sounds like a work-from-home opportunity that requires you to hand over bank account details to a stranger.  The scams often offer you a commission simply for receiving money into your bank account and then transferring it out again. The commission can be as high as 15 percent or more of the amount transferred. Be aware that if you agree to take part, the scammer could use your account details to clean out your savings.

I'VE BEEN MUGGED:
One scam that used to go around is apparently back. This scam attempts to squeeze money out of well-meaning, trusting people.  If you get a message like the (older) one below, simply delete it. Or if it's from the e-mail address of a friend, try contacting them by another means (preferably phone) to make sure they are actually safe and haven't been mugged. And make certain to let them know their email password may have been compromised.

Here is an actual e-mail received recently by a Milton resident:

How's everything on your end? This has had to come in a hurry and it has left me in a devastating state. I traveled to London, England for a Voluntary Training Program (VTP), and unfortunately for me all my money and cellphone was stolen at the hotel where I was staying by four armed robbers. The Embassy only cleared me of my traveling documents since I came in on unofficial purposes. The hotel telephone lines were disconnected during the robbery incident, so I have access to only emails.
 
My return flight back home is scheduled to leave in few hours from now but I've got to settle my bills before I'm allowed to leave....Now am freaked out....Please I need your help.

Thanks and Regards

Hope to hear from you soon.

This e-mail appeared to be from a good friend. Fortunately, the recipient became suspicious and asked a few open questions that both the friend and recipient would know (husband's name, their address, what they do for a living.) The person replied back with the correct answers, but the tone appeared more frantic and requested money be sent as quickly as possible.   

Although the recipient was convinced at that point that this was not a scam, she wanted to talk with the friend. The friend then responded that her phone was taken, she could not use the phone at the public location she was at and stressed again that she needed money quickly. This time she included an address and asked for information about the Confirmation Number (MTCN) and other Western Union details used to send the money.

In an unusual coincidence, the recipient's husband was going to be in London so she said she would feel better if her husband handed her the cash rather than wiring it. When the scam artist saw this was not going his/her way that pretty much ended the e-mail conversation.

In this situation, the scammer probably obtained some brief personal information about the individual by doing some quick research on the Internet.  Information about family names, line of work and home addresses can easily be obtained through a search.

Warning signs

    1. You receive an offer that involves you receiving and sending money electronically.
    2. The offer requests your account details so that money can be sent to your account.
    3. There is a promise of employment simply by using your bank account, perhaps as an "account manager" or "transfer manager."
    4. The scammer will suggest that they need an account in your country so they can conduct their business (e.g. trading shares).

Protect yourself from money transfer scams
    1. Use your common sense; the offer may be a scam.
    2. Never send money, or give credit card or online account details, to anyone you do not know and trust.
    3. Establish random and non-specific code words with family members and close friends. Request this code word anytime you become suspicious of a possible scam.
    4. Beware of products or schemes that claim to guarantee income or winnings.
    5. Beware of job offers that require you to pay an up front fee.
    6. Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam) -- delete them.
    7. Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes -- the only people who make money are the scammers.
    8. Do not agree to transfer money for someone else.

Do your homework
If you have been approached by someone asking you to transfer money for them, delete the e-mail, throw away the letter or say no. Ask yourself this one question: Why would anyone want to pay someone that they do not know to transfer so much money?

These offers are almost always scams. You should also remember that transferring money for someone else could be money laundering. If you agree to help the scammer by letting them use your bank account, you could be getting yourself in serious trouble.

Go to the FBI Web site for information.

Decide
You should never give out your personal or bank account details to somebody you don't know and trust.  Don't let the fact that an offer sounds enticing or genuine trick you. If the offer came in an e-mail, do not respond to the e-mail or try to unsubscribe from it. This will only confirm to the scammers that your e-mail address is valid.

If you still think the offer may be genuine, make sure you seek the advice of an independent professional (lawyer, accountant or financial planner) before providing any personal details.

Report them
If you have been approached about transferring money for someone else, or if you have provided your bank account or other personal details to someone and you now realize it is a scam, you can report it to the Milton Police Department and the following Web sites:

www.ic3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center)

www.fightidentitytheft.com/how-to-report-scams.html (Fight Identity Theft)

We hope that everyone will research this issue and not become involved in any scams. If you have recently set up a bank account, or given out your own bank account details in response to a possible scams, contact your bank or credit union immediately and do not transfer any more money. You should also spread the word to your friends, family and colleagues to protect them from scams.

By Kolleen Riddick, CorePhysique founder

Our bodies are designed to move. We are capable of moving in all three dimensions of space: forward and backward, sideways and diagonal. We can even add rotation to our movement, meaning infinite ways to exercise.

So why do we typically train our bodies in one plane of motion?  How many times do you see a fellow lifter packing on the weighted plates or repeating an exercise 3 times?  For the longest time we would train in this fashion hoping to accomplish two main objectives: to increase muscle mass and endurance (think chest presses, traditional squats or over-the-head shoulder presses).

Now researchers are finding that while this type of one-dimensional exercise is not bad, it may not be the most effective way to train a body.  Turns out, it's not the best for muscle mass, endurance or movement performance.

Here are some tips on how you can add full three-dimensional movement to your routine:

1.    Shoulder press with rotation: Start with your feet hip-width apart and a moderate weight (it's very important that you don't go too heavy until you get used to the movement - with these types of exercises, form is everything). Place your hands at your shoulders as your press upward with your arms. The trick is to add a slight rotation, starting from the foot and continuing up to the shoulder. Return to the starting position, making sure to perform this exercise on alternating sides.

2.    Squat with rotation:  Start with feet hip-width apart. Rotate your body, keeping feet on the floor, as you squat down. Return to the starting position, making sure to perform this exercise on alternating sides.

3.    Plank with rotation: Begin in a traditional plank position (either on your hands or elbows - similar to a push-up). Shift your weight onto the left hand or elbow and rotate from the hips so you end up facing right. Drive your hips towards the ceiling, extend the right arm overhead, and make sure to pivot on your toes. Rotate back to the plank position and repeat on the right side.

This list is compiled from business license records kept by the city's Community Development Department. If a new business receives a license within the month proceeding the newsletter, it will be listed.

The appearance of a business on this page is not intended, nor should it be construed, as the City of Milton's or Milton City Council's endorsement, sanction, promotion or advertisement of any particular business. Identification of businesses on this list is for informational purposes only. Citizens interested in retaining or conducting business with any of the companies or agencies listed in this item should conduct their own review and investigation of that business.

Law Office of Kimberly Gauger, LLC 12220 Birmingham Hwy, Bldg 30
Browne Photography 16070 Henderson Heights Drive
Sperber Music 127722 Donegal Lane
Avila Lawncare Co. Inc. 1104 Northpark Lane
United Carpet Professionals 13085 Morris Road #8107
Starco Industries 13000 Hopewell Road
Acquignce Consulting Group 3221 Buck Way
Aquasitions, LLC 270 Hopewell Close Lane 

For a continually updated list of current businesses in Milton via the city's Web site, click here.