Well folks, we made it through two snow storms - two, in Georgia - but as they say it is always darkest before the dawn. But here comes the sun, and with it, warmer temperatures and the blooming of spring. 

With this wonderful change in the seasons I'm happy to report Milton is going full steam ahead with all sorts of great events, happenings and news throughout spring. 

In this month's newsletter, you'll see information about our Firefighter of the Year, Richard Bushman (obviously he's a fantastic firefighter, but if you get the chance to meet him it becomes abundantly clear why he was chosen as the best for 2013 - he's humble and gracious and just a great guy) our annual report (make sure to take a look and relive the last year) and all sorts of community news from our schools and local non-profits.

You'll also find articles on Milton Grows Green's numerous events throughout March and April, including a shredding fundraiser with our local Boy Scouts, an Adopt-A-Stream workshop, another of our Bulky Trash Amnesty days, and of course the Earth Day.  

    Read the entire message.

The 2013 City of Milton Annual Report is now available at the city's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us.

This 42-page retrospective of Milton's work throughout 2013 includes full breakdowns of initiatives by topic, highlights of local volunteerism and awards won, easy-to-understand charts and graphs to illustrate success, and much more.

The 2013 City of Milton Annual Report was produced entirely in-house and is posted online at no cost to taxpayers, said Communications Manager Jason Wright.  

To download the 2013 City of Milton Annual Report, simply click here. You may also find the Annual Report, and previous years' documents, on the City of Milton's Web site by clicking here.

Fire Apparatus Operator Richard Bushman was named the City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department's 2013 "Firefighter of the Year" at the agency's awards banquet in January.

Additionally, the members of his Engine 42 B shift, including last year's winner, Capt. Ryan James, Fire Apparatus Operator Tim Murray and firefighter Russell Womack, were named Fire Company of the Year.

The 25-year fire service veteran and married father was chosen for the honor not on a single incident, but for his outstanding achievements, character and dedication.   

Bushman joined the City of Milton in 2011 after a long and varied career. He began fighting fires part-time in Ellerslie, outside of Columbus, in 1989, then served in Fulton County from 1996 to 2006.

Milton Grows Green has a busy March. In addition to the Bulky Trash Amnesty Day March 22 (see below), volunteers are also hosting:  

Evergreen Schools March 6   

Please note date has been changed from Tuesday, March 4 to Thursday, March 6.  

Evergreen Schools will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Environmental Education Center, 3802 Barnwell Road in Johns Creek (click here for directions).  

Jerry Hightower, a National Parks Service ranger, will lead the group on how to use journaling as a K-12 teaching method in the outdoors. Lunch will be provided by Harry's Farmers Market. This meeting is open to all schools or volunteers in Milton, Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek.  

For more information please RSVP on the Meetup group or contact Cindy Eade at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.   

To download the February 2014 Evergreen newsletter, click here.  

Adopt a Stream March 8  

Join Milton Grows Green (MGG) for our free Adopt-A-Stream program training Saturday, March 8. The program will be held at Milton's Fire Station No. 43, 750 Hickory Flat Road (click here for directions) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Adopt-a-Stream is a statewide project of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division that aims to educate residents about water quality issues and provide training in the evaluation and protection of local waterways. 

"The training and monitoring of an adopted streams is really very easy, and the city and county provide everything you need," said Jennifer Griffiths, Adopt-A-Stream coordinator for MGG. "Adopting a stream and monitoring its well being is a great way to help protect our natural resources." 

On completion, participants can start reporting water quality data for the Adopt-A-Stream program.

To register or for more information, please e-mail mgg@cityofmiltonga.us or contact Cindy Eade, environmental sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton, at 678-242-2509.  

Shredding event March 15  

Time to clean out that home office, because Boy Scout Troop 3000 of Birmingham United Methodist Church will hold a Community Recycling and Shredding Day Saturday, March 15.

This event, a partnership with Milton Grows Green, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Troop's meeting place in front of the church, 15570 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions).

Materials accepted AT NO CHARGE: 

• Computers
• Keyboards
• Monitors (non-CRT only or there will be a charge)
• Appliances*
• Outdoor grills
• Lawn mowers*
• Scrap metal
• Cell phones

* Fluids must be drained 

Materials accepted WITH A CHARGE: 

• $15 for televisions
• $10 for CRT monitors
• $5 per box for shredding (secure shredding done at event) 

Cash and Checks accepted. Proceeds benefit Milton BSA Troop 3000.
 

• Paint
• Hazardous materials
• Yard waste
• Non-electronic or metal items 

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

Children who are eligible to attend Summit Hill Elementary's Kindergarten in August are invited to the Husky Huddle Wednesday, March 12 at 9 a.m. in the Summit Hill cafeteria.  
This annual program is designed specifically for Summit Hill parents and their incoming kindergarten children.

During this hour-long program, Husky parents huddle in the cafeteria to receive important curriculum and registration information as well as experience a "virtual" tour of a typical kindergarten day.  

Simultaneously, incoming kindergarten students huddle in small groups to experience a specially designed "V.I.P." tour of Summit Hill, including visiting a kindergarten classroom, listening to a read-aloud book in the Media Center, and even boarding a stationary school bus in the parking lot.   

Afterward, prospective Husky students return to the cafeteria to enjoy a snack of juice and cookies and reunite with parents!   

Registration for all K-5 students new to Summit Hill in 2014-15 occurs the first week in May.  

Please visit the Summit Hill Web site to check for additional information in the coming weeks. 

Better Together, Milton residents looking for unique and fun opportunities to connect with neighbors, meets twice-monthly at the Bethwell Community Center, located at 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton (click here for directions).  

This month meetings will be held March 10 and 24 and will begin at 6 p.m. All residents are invited to attend these meetings where projects and activities of interest to Milton residents are discussed.

Beginning this month, Better Together will begin monthly mailings to those families who have purchased homes in Milton. These new residents will receive a personal letter from Mayor Joe Lockwood, together with a Milton Newcomer's Guide. Hopefully, this information will provide the new resident with all the information necessary to "hit the ground running" as they establish themselves in one of the safest cities in Georgia and the United States.    

On March 15 from 3 to 5 p.m., Communiteen, a Better Together-affiliated organization of Milton-area high school students, will be hosting an event at Bethwell open to all Milton-area high school students.   

Among other activities planned, there will be a scavenger hunt followed by refreshments for all. Communiteen was formed to encourage and foster friendships among teens of all abilities.   

Better Together is also participating in the Adopt-a-Road project, which is sponsored by Milton Grows Green.  The next road clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 9 a.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.

The City of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday, March 22, so gather your large items for disposal.

From 8 a.m. to noon, residents of Milton can bring items to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell (click here for directions). Only City of Milton and Roswell residents will be served. Proof of residency will be required, and utility bills are preferred.

Some of the items accepted are (reusable items will be donated to Atlanta Furniture Bank): 

• tires - must be off the rim, automobile tires only; limit 4 per car
• sofas
• tables
• refrigerators
• chairs 
• washers 
• dryers 
• televisions 
• deactivated cell phones
• computer equipment and electronics
• mattresses and box springs
• grills
• lawnmowers (with fluids drained)  

The following items will not be accepted: 

• paint
• household hazardous waste 
• any fluids including motor oil and anti-freeze
• household batteries 
• construction and demolition materials 
• yard waste  

For proper disposal of these items, please contact either the Roswell Recycling Center at 770-442-8822 (motor oil and anti-freeze) or Chadwick Landfill at 770-475-9868 (construction and demolition materials).

Materials will only be accepted at the site on the day of the event and only during the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. Please note that the gate will close at noon.

A special thanks goes to the Young Mens' Service League for their continued volunteer support.  

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

The Georgia Philharmonic and the ShowTime Singers of Atlanta proudly present "With a Song in My Heart" at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend (click here for directions).   

General admission is $15.

Featuring classic songs from stage, screen and radio, prepare to be dazzled by the amazing talent incorporating full orchestra and show choir.

The ShowTime Singers will accompany the orchestra on many lush and popular tunes, including tributes to Paul Simon, Irving Berlin, Richard Rogers and Andrew Lloyd Weber. In addition, the orchestra will present John Williams' piece, "Viktor's Tale" from the film "The Terminal" with a beautiful clarinet solo by Diane Hargreaves as well as perform a salute to cinema, and an homage to Henry Mancini. 

Visit www.georgiaphilharmonic.org to purchase your tickets, or for more information.

Children's Charities will hold a Denim & Diamonds Benefit Saturday, April 26 at Shannondale Farms to benefit the early autism detection unit for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Forsyth.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Shannondale Farms is located at 2395 Birmingham Road (click here for directions). 

There will be a Harry's Farmers Market Chef Competition, the Vixen Vodka lounge, music and dancing with Paris Luna, a silent auction, and cocktails and dinner. Plus, there will be an opportunity to win a 1 carat diamond. 

Tickets are $100 person, and seating is available. There are 10-person tables available.  

For more information, visit www.childrenscharitiesga.org or contact Children's Charities at 404-217-4643 or childrenscharitiesga@gmail.com.

The City of Milton Finance Department urges business owners to renew their licenses by March 31 to avoid penalties and interest.

Every business owner with an active license in the City of Milton was mailed their renewal paperwork in December. A recent legislative change now allows that paperwork to be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or delivered in person.

To download the business license renewal packet, which includes an application and legally required immigration paperwork, click here.

To turn in your paperwork, please e-mail or mail your documents to Milton at  bl@cityofmiltonga.us or mail or hand-deliver them to City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107 Suite F (click here for directions, click here for a map of City Hall).

For more information, contact Honor Motes, revenue coordinator, at 678-242-2507 or honor.motes@cityofmiltonga.us.

Want to get your environmental business or cause in front of thousands of Milton residents? Then sponsor or be a vendor at the 2014 Milton Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 19 at Friendship Community Park in Crabapple.

This fun-filled and educational family event hosted by Milton Grows Green and the City of Milton will showcase environmental vendors and businesses along with fun crafts, rides, entertainment and food guaranteed to delight.

And you can be a part of it. To download the sponsor/vendor packet of information, click here.  Please note: A check must accompany the application if mailed. If charged to a credit card, the application must be delivered to City Hall in person.

There are four levels of sponsorship, from $1,500 to $250, and non-profit groups can be a part of the festivities for just $15. Food vendors can join up for just $100.

Space is limited, so if you are a business, school or non-profit organization looking to showcase your environmentally friendly products, services or practices, make sure to sign up early.  

For more information, contact Angela Thompson, special events and projects manager, at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

Hopewell Youth Association (HYA) will hold HYA Day Saturday, May 3 to kick off its spring tournament for players ages 5 to 15 at Bell Memorial Park, 15245 Bell Park Road (click here for directions).   

As in previous years there will be inflatables, a dunk tank, basket raffles and other fun activities. 

To learn more about HYA, click here.

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

Did you know the Milton Senior Center provides exercise programs for local seniors?  

Low impact aerobics and yoga are available on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The classes are free, taught by certified instructors and offered seated to support balance. 

Low Impact Seated Aerobics: Mondays at 10 a.m.

This class involves cardio, stretching, and the use of resistance tools. This program strives to improve strength, coordination, range of motion, balance and endurance in a fun atmosphere.

Restorative and Chair Yoga: Thursday at 10 a.m.
This class focuses on the way our bodies move, mobility and movement in everyday life.  We really stress the importance and benefits of breathing.

The Senior Center, located at Community of Christ Church, 3315 Francis Road (click here for directions), provides seniors the opportunity to socialize, learn and maintain special relationships through exercise, art classes, table games, bingo, educational programs and much more.

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

From left, treasurer Shep Hammack, President Bill Lusk, past President Walt Woliver and installing officer, Georgia Society past President Ed Rigel, Sr.

City Councilman Bill Lusk was recently installed as the President of the Piedmont Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) at the annual meeting of the chapter in Roswell.  
Piedmont has more than 90 members and is one of the leading chapters in the state and national organization. Lusk joined the organization as a descendant of John Lusk, who fought in the American Revolution from Massachusetts.

The award winning Piedmont Chapter meets monthly on the third Saturday at 8 a.m. for breakfast at the Holiday Inn at 909 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell (click here for directions).    

Men and boys who are interested in documenting their relationship to their American Revolutionary ancestors and in joining an active group with similar interest are encouraged to contact the Chapter Registrar, Tom Chrisman at 404-310-3338.

On Feb. 22 the Cambridge Men's Varsity Wrestling program won the 2013-2014 AAAAA Traditional Wrestling State Championship after only two years of existence.

Cambridge qualified nine wrestlers for the championships held at Loganville High School weeks after winning a region title. Cambridge triumphed over wrestling powerhouse Pope High School and stellar programs like Allatoona, Creekview and Woodland.

"I am very happy for the guys.  They worked hard all season, and it paid off at the end," said Head Coach Don St. James. "As a team, we snuck up on a lot of people at the end because we were able to rotate the lineup throughout the season."     

Crabapple Fest, Milton's long-running and popular art and antique festival, is now accepting vendor applications for the Oct. 4 event.

If you are interested in taking part in this time-honored tradition, click here to visit the newly constructed vendor portal built by festival partner Crabapple Community Association (CCA).

Organizers welcome 19th century American Country furniture, primitive antiques, shabby chic items and unique pieces of art in all mediums - oils, photography, jewelry, textiles, pottery and quilts. Spaces are limited, so apply early.  

Once again the festival features kids and entertainment activities across Crabapple and Broadwell roads thanks to a partnership between CCA and the City of Milton.

Crabapple Fest will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Antique vendors, local juried artists and merchants from all over the Southeast will be on hand, in addition to loads of children's rides, games, a full day of entertainment and great local food.

Last year's event had more than 15,000 attendees, and was the biggest festival in Milton's modern history.

Vendor fees are tax deductible as the Crabapple Community Association is a chartered, non-profit organization. Proceeds benefit local community programs, scholarships and non-profit charities. 

Milton's yoga provider, Lift Yoga, is now helping the Cambridge High School Bears football team remain flexible and clear-minded through the ancient exercise.    

"Our players do so much intensive lifting and muscle training that everything kind of tightens up," said Cambridge coach Craig Bennett. ""So we've made a decision to add yoga to improve flexibility, coordination and balance."

Kim Saunders, founder of Lift Yoga, said Bennett contacted her after studying the regiments of the Seattle Seahawks and Stanford Cardinals, both of which included yoga.     

"This is not only a physical practice but a mental practice of quieting the mind, sometimes using imagery and visualization," said Saunders. "This is a technique used to enhance sports performance."   

CGA 11

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.

Roadwork projects continue throughout the city in January.  

ROADWORK

Please note: All dates on roadwork projects are estimates and are based on weather conditions. Any road closures will be sporadic and announced well in advance.  

Ga. 140 at New Providence Road
In July, CMES, Inc. began 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. began 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.   

Hopewell Road at Francis and Cogburn roads
In August, Baldwin Paving Company, Inc. also began intersection improvements at Hopewell Road at Cogburn and Francis roads. Plans include installing a roundabout.

The City of Milton awarded the construction contract to Baldwin Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $786,606. The job is expected to last one year.  

For more information on these projects, visit http://miltonintersectionprojects.com or contact Angie Kapijimpanga, citizen responder for the City of Milton, at 678-242-2562 or angie.kapijimpanga@cityofmiltonga.us.

This list is compiled from business license records kept by the city's Finance 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. 

Mayor Joe Lockwood, left center, and Economic Development Manager William O'Connor, right, help open Robeks on Windward Parkway with the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

ANG Solutions, Inc: 418 Deerfield Point

Georgia Horseback: 3534 Spring View Court

Kababish: 14155 Ga. 9, Suite 500

Livyy, LLC: 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 100

Nexxt Productions, Inc.: 3228 Buck Way

Total Health Solutions: 300 Abbey Court

Ecoatm, Inc.: 5200 Windward Parkway

Sweet Apple Art and Music: 12840 New Providence Road

Tracy Giglio: 14405 Morning Mountain Way 

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