With Independence Day right around the corner, I think it's the perfect time to take a look around us and be thankful for all the freedoms we enjoy. 

Every day it seems like we're inundated with shocking or disheartening news about our society, and it can be tough to reconcile that information with the things we know to be true about our home, our friends and our families here in the City of Milton. 

The truth is there's never going to be enough darkness in this world to hide the light of freedom we've established for the world in the United States of America. 

So it's in that spirit that I call upon our residents to come together this Fourth of July and celebrate what ties us together. Let's have cookouts, let's share laughs - let's remember what's truly important in our lives and put some effort into keeping those relationships strong. Because family, friendships, community - these are the most valuable things we have. Without them nothing else matters.   

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The City of Milton Fire Department raised more than $66,000 over six days of "Fill the Boot" drives this spring, setting a new department fundraising record for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), said Fire Chief Robert Edgar.

The total represents a significant increase over last year's record-breaking total, which speaks volumes to the generosity of Milton residents and motorists on Milton roads, said Edgar.

Edgar said B Shift, which raised money on Friday, May 10 and June 21, brought in the most -- more than $23,000. They will be recognized by the department for the achievement.

To date the City of Milton Fire Department has raised nearly $353,000 for MDA, which uses the money to aid local children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases by providing wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, support groups and a chance for children to attend Camp Walk-N-Roll.

Cambridge High School junior and Girl Scout Sarah Ellison wants you to know the City of Milton is close to being certified as a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Habitat Community - and she needs your help.

In order to attain her Gold Award - equivalent to the Boy Scout Eagle project - Ellison has taken over Milton's year-long effort to attain "Community Wildlife Habitat" status.

She and Milton volunteers are launching a contest where any yard registered with the NWF before July 20 will be entered into a drawing for a $100 cast-metal sign signifying the certification. An additional sign contest will be held for local businesses, places of worship and homeowners' associations that certify common areas. 

You may also help the project by sending pictures of your wildlife habitat/garden area to Ellison at nwfmilton@gmail.com. Photos will be added to a "virtual garden tour" hosted on the city's Web site. 

Certify now at www.nwf.org/garden or, for more information, contact Ellison at nwfmilton@gmail.com.

In July, August and September a number of roadwork projects will begin across the city, including bridge repair and intersection upgrades, said Public Works Director Carter Lucas.

Landrum Road Bridge
The week of July 8, North Georgia Concrete, Inc. will begin work on the replacement of Landrum Road Bridge. 

Milton awarded the construction contract to North Georgia Concrete, Inc. in the amount of $150,277. The job is expected to last two months. 

Ga. 140 at New Providence Road
In July, CMES, Inc. will begin intersection improvements at Ga. 140 (Arnold Mill Road) and New Providence Road.  Plans include redirecting the intersection approach, adding turn lanes and installing a traffic light. 

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) awarded the construction contract to CMES, Inc. in the amount of $1,161,626.92. The job is expected to last one year. 

Ga. 372 at Providence Road/New Providence Road
In August, Bartow Paving Company, Inc. will begin intersection improvements at Ga. 372 (Birmingham Highway) and Providence and New Providence Roads. Plans include redirecting the intersection approach and installing a roundabout.

GDOT awarded the construction contract to Bartow Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $2,576,297.45. The job is expected to last 18 months.  

Deerfield Parkway at Morris Road
In September, Baldwin Paving Company, Inc. will install a traffic signal at the intersection of Deerfield Parkway and Morris Road. 

Milton awarded the construction contract to Baldwin Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $339,955.52. The job is expected to last six months.  

Additionally, in July Milton's City Council will vote on contracts for the city's annual paving maintenance plan (expected to take four months) and a roundabout at Hopewell, Francis and Cogburn roads (expected to take one year).    

For more information on these projects, visit http://miltonintersectionprojects.com.

City of Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar warns residents that every year thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.  

Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 60 percent of all fireworks injuries in 2012 occurred during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday. The National Fire Protection Association also reports more fires are called in on Independence Day than other day of the year. Nearly half of these fires are caused by fireworks.

For more information, click here. 

In Georgia, only "sparkler-type" fireworks purchased in the state are legal. Anything that shoots into the air or explodes (bottle rockets, cherry bombs, etc.) is illegal. A good rule of thumb is that if you had to travel to South Carolina or Tennessee to purchase it, it is probably illegal to use in Georgia. 

And remember, in Milton using consumer fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday puts more than just people at risk, so please use the utmost caution and work with your neighbors to minimize the danger. Equestrian farm owners in Milton have horses spooked by fireworks, not to mention the fire danger of dry pastures or barns filled with hay. 

Just be mindful and considerate of your neighbors, and everyone will be able to enjoy the holiday.    

Join the Crabapple Community Association (CCA) and Milton residents in the 4th Annual 4th of July Parade. The parade, set to take place in historic downtown Crabapple, is open to children, families and community organizations who wish to walk or ride along the route. 

"This is a great opportunity for the community to come together in a family-friendly environment and celebrate our country's independence," said Peyton Jamison, President of CCA.

The parade will be led by Mayor Joe Lockwood and begin at 10 a.m., following a short route that will provide opportunities for children to walk or ride their bikes. Awards will be given for best decorated, most enthusiastic and best overall. Music and activities will follow after the parade.    

For more information and register for the free parade, please click here or visit www.crabapplecommunityassociation.org.

Officer Ara Baronian teaches self defense techniques during a R.A.D. class.

The Milton Police Department will offer a 5-week Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class for women and girls ages 13 and up beginning Tuesday, July 9, announced Community Outreach Officer Ara Baronian.

The class will be taught weekly from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (click here for directions). To secure a spot, contact Baronian at ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2570.

Students can expect discussions on existing dangers and self-defense techniques suitable for women of all ages and abilities. The class is designed to give practical responses to women during various levels of confrontation, from passive verbal comments to severe aggressive acts.

The Milton Police Department will provide the necessary safety equipment for all classes.    

For more information on the R.A.D. System visit http://www.rad-systems.com.

What's better than a heaping helping of cold, fresh snow on a sweltering July Saturday? Nothing!

That's why the City of Milton is proud to present "Christmas in July: Snow Tubing in the Park" July 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of its "Family, Fun, Flicks & Flurries" summer event series at Friendship Community Park in Crabapple (click here for directions).

Thanks to Snow Kings' amazing technology, kids and adults alike will be able to cool off and slide down run after run of smooth, refreshing snow -- no jacket required!

Trust us: It works, it cools you off ... and it's a blast!

Plus, join in lots of other fun activities with a bounce house from Milton Chiropractic & Massage, face painting from Good Friend Mortgage, and crafts from The School Place of Roswell.

Milton will close out the summer event series Aug. 24 with perennial family favorite "The Sandlot" presented by B 98.5 FM's B at the Movies.

Like The Goonies before it, the film will be shown at dusk. But before hand, there will be all sorts of activities, games and concessions starting at 7 p.m.

It should be the perfect way to end your summer - so come on out and get to know your neighbors.    

For more information on this, or any of the City of Milton's other special events, contact Special Events and Projects Manager Angela Thompson at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

Members of Milton's City Council and staff from Senior Services North Fulton and Community of Christ church joined Commissioner Liz Hausmann, right, in white, at the new Milton Senior Center to tour the facility.

The City of Milton and Senior Services North Fulton are pleased to announce the Milton Senior Center opened Monday, June 24, at Community of Christ Church.

The Senior Center, located at 3315 Francis Road (click here for directions) provides active seniors (ages 60 and up) the opportunity to socialize, learn and maintain special relationships through weekly trips, exercise, dancing, table games and much more.

Activities will begin Monday, July 15 and will last from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday, July 12, for visitors and registration.

Transportation is provided to and from the center, and a hot lunch is provided to everyone thanks to $295,000 secured by Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann to open and maintain the senior center.      

For more information on the Senior Center and its programs, contact Melinda Ross, manager of the Milton Senior Center, at 470-554-0758 or mross@ssnorthfulton.org.

Senior Services North Fulton is asking the public to help stock and run its newest facility, the Milton Senior Center located in Community of Christ Church on Francis Road.

The Senior Center, a partnership of Senior Services North Fulton, the City of Milton, Fulton County and Community of Christ, opened June 24 and activities begin July 15, said manager Melinda Ross. In order to maintain quality services to local seniors (ages 60 and up), the public is being asked to donate:

*    Mahjong games
*    Scrabble games
*    Cases of water and sports drinks
*    Napkins
*    Cups
*    Dishwasher detergent
*    Dish washing liquid
*    Large hand sanitizers
*    Arts and crafts supplies
*    Bingo prizes

Additionally, the Senior Center needs volunteers for: 

*    Bingo callers
*    Educational presenters
*    Fitness instructors
*    Arts and crafts instructors
*    Musical entertainers

All donations may be dropped off at the church, located at 3315 Francis Road (click here for directions).      

To inquire about large donations and volunteering, contact Ross at 770-689-8012 or mross@ssnorthfulton.org.

City of Milton Public Works engineers are looking at ways to improve the congested intersections of Hopewell Road at Bethany Bend and Bethany Way and have launched an online survey and planned an open house July 17 to gather feedback on proposed concepts.

To tell engineers what you think of the three alternatives for improvement, click here to take a survey. For complete information on the project, including concept alternatives and traffic simulations, visit http://miltonintersectionprojects.com/hopewell-at-bethany.

In addition to the online options, residents can see the concept alternatives in person Wednesday, July 17 at an open house in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 E (click here for directions). The open house will last from 5 to 7 p.m.      

For more information on this, or any road project in the City of Milton, contact Sara Leaders, PE, transportation engineer for the City of Milton, at 678-242-2559 or sara.leaders@cityofmiltonga.us.

Jeffrey Wolff, left, of Wells Fargo, and Wayne Boston of Better Together prepare for the 'Finance for Teenagers' workshop.

Milton's Better Together volunteer committee has teamed with Wells Fargo to host a free "Finance for Teenagers" workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at Bethwell Community Center.

This workshop is open to the entire community, and parents are encouraged to attend with their teenager. The Bethwell Community Center is located at 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton (click here for directions).

Led by Wells Fargo District Manager and Vice President Jeffrey Wolff, the workshop will use Wells Fargo's Hands on Banking program to teach the basics of banking and budgeting. Additionally, each attendee will receive a free Hands on Banking CD.      

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.

Trial versions of the City of Milton's popular Sperber music education classes are being offered free of charge throughout August for interested parents and children.

Registration is required and space is limited, so visit www.sperbermusic.com to sign up and bring the gift of music into your child's life. All classes will take place at Bethwell Community Center, 2695 Hopewell Road (click here for directions).

Classes offered include:

Music with Mommy (birth to age 3) 

• Monday, Aug. 5: 10:30 to 11 a.m.
• Monday, Aug. 19: 10:30 to 11 a.m. 

Mini Musicians (ages 3-5) 

• Thursday, Aug. 8: 2:15 to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 22: 2:15 to 3 p.m. 

Music & Movement (Kindergarten to third grade)
* Perfect for home-schoolers who want a music class 

• Thursday, Aug. 8: 3:15 to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 22: 3:15 to 4 p.m. 

For more information on Sperber and its programs, e-mail info@sperbermusic.com, call 678-223-3653 or visit its Web site at www.sperbermusic.com.

Better Together, Milton residents looking for unique and fun opportunities to connect with neighbors, will host a second Communiteen event on Aug. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bethwell Community Center, located at 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton (click here for directions).

Plans include decorating T-shirts and wooden hearts for the Milton Love Project. Communiteen promotes and fosters friendship among teens of all abilities while endorsing a feeling of community and togetherness.

Additionally, plans are in place for an update meeting on the new Milton library Sept. 26 at Bethwell Community Center. This session will begin at 7 p.m. and will be led by Friends of the Milton Library President and City Councilman Matt Kunz.

Finally, the public is invited to join state House Speaker Pro-Tempore Rep. Jan Jones on Thursday, Oct. 24 for an update on matters of interest to Milton area residents.  This event will be held at City Hall and will begin at 7 p.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.

Save the date: Milton's next bulky trash amnesty day will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Roswell Public Works Facility, 1810 Hembree Road Roswell from 8 a.m. to noon. Additional details will be available in the August newsletter.

For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.

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

Citizens Government Academy 2

Citizens Government Academy 3

The City of Milton Communications Department has undertaken a monthly, video-on-demand Citizens Government Academy hosted through the city's Youtube page. 

Each month, Communications Manager Jason Wright will discuss a new topic in the two-minute videos. 

Soon, installments will cover virtually every aspect of the city's municipal operations, including sections reserved for hot topics that arise throughout the project.

To visit the City of Milton's Youtube page, click here.  

For more information, contact Communications Manager Jason Wright at jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2523.

Courtesy Reviews.com for the City of Milton Police Department 

Security system ordinances typically require homeowners and businesses with security systems to register and/or obtain an alarm permit.  

Registration fees and/or permits typically cost between $10 and $40, and in most cases, must be renewed on an annual basis.  

The charges levied by municipalities to security system companies in response to a false alarm, are often passed on to the business or home owner. Many municipalities will not charge a fee for the first false alarm, but repeat false alarm offenders can expect fees anywhere from $70 to $500 (check local programs for exact fee schedules).

In addition to the fiduciary obligations, reducing false alarms will result in better service and increased protection for home security system owners.  

Since false alarms are so prevalent, and the resources necessary to respond so expensive, the response time from police officers is not always ideal. If the number of false alarms are minimized, in the event of an actual break in, police officers will be able to respond more quickly.  

The goal of all security system owners should be to minimize false alarms.

The 7 Best Ways to Reduce False Alarms

Choose the right home security system: The individual circumstances of a homeowner will determine what type of system is appropriate. For example, some home security systems are installed by licensed professionals, while others are installed by the homeowner. An elderly homeowner with limited mobility would likely not have the capability to install a home security system. Pet owners would also want to ensure the sensors and detectors are pet-friendly. Homeowners should take the time to learn about the features of the best home security systems before making a selection.

Utilize a brief familiarization period: Following the installation of a new home security system, many home security companies will allow a brief familiarization period. During this period, no signals received at the monitoring center will be dispatched to the police department or other authorities. False alarms that occur during this period will not have repercussions and give the homeowner a great opportunity to get familiar with the system. If a newly installed system is repeatedly broadcasting false alarms, the homeowner should reach out to the home security company for guidance and assistance.

Appropriately train those with access to the home security system: All family members, babysitters, relatives, neighbors, cleaning crews, repairman, and any other person that has permission to be in the home, should be appropriately trained on how to use the system. This includes understanding how to arm/disarm the system, knowledge of alarm codes and passwords, and the process for canceling an inadvertent alarm activation.

Install a home security system with two-way communication capabilities: Some home security keypads utilize two-way voice technology that enables the dispatcher to hear what is happening in the home. This allows the homeowner to communicate directly to the monitoring center whether a police dispatch is necessary.

Require dual verification: Many home security monitoring companies will have access to audio or video resources. Following an alarm activation, requiring the monitoring center to obtain an audio or visual confirmation before dispatching authorities will help reduce false alarms.

Conduct a short debriefing after a false alarm occurs: After a false alarm occurs, it's important to take the time to determine what triggered the alarm and to implement measures to ensure the action is avoided in the future. If the cause of the false alarm cannot be determined, homeowners should be particularly cautious.

Perform occasional maintenance: Homeowners should perform occasional maintenance to ensure that all sensors, detectors, cameras, and any other home security component is secured, clean, and working as designed. Excessive dust, spider webs, and loose sensors and detectors can all be the source of false alarms.

Other ways to reduce false alarms: 

• Ensure all windows and doors are secure before setting the alarm
• Ensure the home security company is licensed and reputable
• Spray insect repellent around sensors and detectors twice a year
• Periodically test the home security system to ensure equipment is working appropriately
• Ensure that panic buttons or other emergency activation features are out of the reach of children
• Make certain that the monitoring center has current contact information and that call lists and emergency contacts are accurate
• Check the batteries of any wireless devices and the backup power to the primary keypad
• Designate an area in the home for the home security user manual and ensure contact information for the home monitoring system is accessible
• Be mindful of environmental changes (new pet, plants, HVAC systems, new home decorations, etc.) that may impact the home security system
• Use deadbolt locks
• Contact a professional exterminator if rodents, insects, or other pests are a repeated problem
• Inform the alarm company or monitoring center if you expect to be away from the home for an extended period of time

The Crabapple Milton Farmer's Market is pleased to announce that we have officially begun this summer's market season! 

You can now find us every Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Silos (12315 Crabapple Road, click here directions).

We currently offer local produce, handcrafted soaps, honey, pickles, salsa, homemade fudge, wreaths, dog treats and cherry-pit pillows, but our vendor list continues to grow.  

To keep up with market happenings or to inquire about becoming a vendor in this exciting new market, you can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CrabappleMiltonFarmersMarket.

Congratulations to Milton High School PTSA, which won a prestigious award at the National PTA Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio in June.

Milton was one of four PTAs out of more than 22,000 across the U.S. and Europe to receive the 2013 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award. 

Kacie Kratzert, a social studies teacher at Milton High School, is one of 32 educators from across the nation selected to attend C-SPAN Classroom's 2013 Educators' Conference to be held in Washington, DC, Thursday, July 11, and Friday, July 12.

C-SPAN Classroom's two-day conference helps educators make social studies content come alive in the classroom. The conference brings together high school teachers who specialize in social studies and/or technology and use C-SPAN in their classrooms. 

Kratzert competed with applicants across the country to secure a place at the conference. 

C-SPAN provides the roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for all selected attendees. 

Mayor Joe Lockwood, with scissors, and Councilman Matt Kunz, to his left, help cut the ribbon for Mayes and Associates' new location on Ga. 9.

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.

The Finer Things Events & Catering: 14130 Hopewell Road  

Triton Holdings, LLC: 13085 Morris Road, Unit 1505

Indulgence Salon: 12872 Ga.9 North

La Mariposa USA, LLC: 3475 Latitude Cove

Hub Kelsh, Inc.: 325 Petersford Way

Marco's Pizza #8162: 13800 Ga. 9 Suite B  

JSP, LLC: 1835 Bethany Way

Bailey Construction & Consulting: 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 100

The Solutions Leadership Group, LLC: 240 Aylesford Court 

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