This weekly Saturday series, from 4 to 8 p.m, lasts until the first Saturday in August (excluding July 4). At the market shoppers can expect fresh local produce, baked goods, honey, crafts, and much more - complete with a sumptuous assortment of food vendors and nightly entertainment.

Better Together, Milton's citizen volunteer group, has two activities in July for Milton-area residents.  On Sunday, July 12, the Milton Literary Group will be holding its monthly meeting at 4 p.m. at the Bethwell Community Center.  All, including aspiring writers and avid readers, are invited to attend these monthly meetings.   

In addition, on Monday, July 13, Better Together will be hosting a mid-year cookout at the Broadwell Pavilion beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided and attendees are asked to bring side dishes and other items.

Did you know there is a new law about fireworks in Georgia that went into effect this week? 

Here's what you need to know:

• The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.
• Authorized fireworks includes firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers and other combustibles and explosives of like construction.
• Sky lanterns, commonly referred to as Chinese lanterns, or any similar device which requires fire underneath for propulsion are specifically illegal.
• Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight. On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.
• Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes or blends gasoline.
• Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.

Last week, the first private Transfer of Development (TDR) transaction to preserve green space in Milton occurred at City Hall.

Milton landowner, Robbie Brannon, sold 5 acres of development rights from his Taylor Rd. property to Developer David Vickers. Brannon's property will now have a permanent land easement of 5 acres held by the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust to protect the land from future development while allowing strategic growth and density in areas defined by the community. Vickers will transfer the acquired TDR to create Brickmont Assisted Living on Webb Road, a denser site than zoning originally allowed.

An award-winning TDR ordinance is already in place in Crabapple (click here for more information), and the city's main commercial corridor on Ga. 9 and Deerfield Parkway (click here for more information).

City officials received strong financial news this week, as it was announced Milton's tax digest, or total value of all real property in the city, rose 6.5 percent in 2015.

Due to the overall value increase, the City of Milton is legally obligated to hold three public hearings and advertise a property tax increase. However, the city is not increasing residents' tax millage rate - by law Milton cannot unless a majority of voters choose to raise it. The increase is due to the reassessment of existing real estate and new development. The millage rate remains at the legally mandated cap of 4.731 mills.

The public hearings, to be held in Council Chambers of Milton's City Hall (click here for directions), are scheduled for:

·         July 6 at 6 p.m.

·         July 20 at 6 p.m.

·         Aug. 3 at 6 p.m.

"We want to make sure residents understand the City of Milton is not raising their taxes," said Stacey Inglis, Assistant City Manager for the City of Milton. "As a result of the increased value of property in the city, we must advertise a 'tax increase' - but it is wholly separate from what voters decide at the polls."

Inglis said though the total digest rose 6.5 percent, values across the city varied. The Fulton County Tax Assessors Office reported some rose, while others dropped or remained stagnant.

Property tax bills are anticipated to be sent by Sept. 1, and taxes are due back to the city by Oct. 31. 
 

Buddy Up: Always swim with a partner, every time.  Drowning  is the second leading cause of accidental death in people aged 5-24 and even experienced swimmers can get fatigued or cramped, which makes it difficult to get out of the water. Having a buddy with you makes sure someone is available to get help, in an emergency.

Swim in Safe Areas Only: Only swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard. Lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques and can help, in case something goes wrong. If swimming in a lake or ocean, stay within view of the lifeguard and keep an eye out for currents. If you get caught in a current, don't panic - just swim parallel to the shore until you can get out of the current. If you are unable to swim in the current, then float with the current - it will eventually calm down and allow you to swim to shore. 

Drink Plenty of Water: Dehydration can be a very real threat in the hot summer months, especially if you are sweating. Have bottles of water handy to keep you hydrated and watch out for dizziness, feeling lightheaded or nauseous - these could indicate dehydration.

Alcohol and the Water: If you are consuming alcohol while at the water, please exercise caution. Alcohol is involved in numerous water-related injuries and up to half of all water-related deaths. The statistics for teenage males are particularly scary: One half of all adolescent male drownings are tied to alcohol use.

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Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays and the laws have changed recently. While this change mostly addresses the sale of consumer fireworks within the state and how to govern firework retail locations, it will also impact what Milton citizens may see out there in the community this year.  Improperly used, fireworks can be extremely unsafe in the hands of consumers.  Fireworks cause thousands of burns and eye injuries each year and can cause fires!

People can enjoy fireworks safely if they follow a few simple safety tips:

To be as safe as possible this month, the Milton Fire Department recommends that its community members attend a professionally-sponsored fireworks show this Fourth of July.

FACTS: 

• BE CAREFUL!
• Keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are used and keep them away from the fireworks when they are used.
• Remember, if it goes up (on fire), it may also come down (on fire)....you may be held responsible for the firework and whatever it does. 
• Do not use fireworks around combustibles, overhanging trees, dry brush or near a residence or other building.
• Keep water or a fire extinguisher handy at all times.
• Be mindful of your neighbors, their property and their safety as well. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011, approximately 17,800 reported fires were started by fireworks resulting in around 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage. Click here for more information on fireworks safety.
 

Don't have a pair yet?  Stop by Flicks & Food trucks or the Milton Market to pick up your own!  

The Milton Senior Center, located at the Thomas Byrd Sr. House, provides seniors the opportunity to socialize, learn and maintain special relationships through exercise, art classes, table games, bingo, educational programs and much more.

Senior Services North Fulton, which runs the center, is asking the public to help donate bingo prizes that would be useful in the home for local seniors (ages 60 and up):

Requests include: 

• Personal Hygiene Items

o   Body Wash (Men & Women)

o   Toothpaste

o   Toothbrush

o   Lotion

• Snacks (smaller sizes)

o   Crackers

o   Cookies

o   Hard Candy (Sugar-free & Regular)

• Cleaning Products
• Men's & Women's Socks
• Kitchen Items

o   Cups

o   Glasses 

o   Soup mugs

o   Baking pans

Senior Services North Fulton is a private, non-profit 501(C)(3) founded in 1991 to provide programs and services for the older adults who live in North Fulton.