🌱Pine Straw Scams + Songwriter Podcasts + Recycle Christmas Trees

Hey, friends! It's Wednesday in Alpharetta-Milton and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. Because community news matters! In today's issue of the Daily, we'll cover these stories and more:

• Scams involving pine straw
• Podcasts with songwriters
• Christmas Tree recycling event

But first, today's weather:

Today will have some rain and a thunderstorm. The high will be 71 with a low of 43.

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Here are the top stories in Alpharetta-Milton today:

1. Pine straw scams have been occuring in our area. Police in nearby Forsyth County have received reports of residents ordering pine straw and being given a price at that time. Then the scammers triple the price and refuse to leave until they are paid. To prevent this type of scam, make sure to get pinestraw pricing in writing, don't pay upfront and work with reputable landscapers.(11Alive.com WXIA)
2. Home By Dark, in partnership with the City of Alpharetta, features podcasts with professional songwriters. Topics covered include the "writer’s background, their introduction to songwriting, the creative process, the demo recording process, pitching songs, the business of professional songwriting, sources of inspiration, and poignant moments in their career." There is one this Sunday, Jan. 8 at 7:15 with Danny Mitchell, who "is a pianist, singer, composer, and songwriter."(Alpharetta Arts Center)
3. You can recycle your fresh Christmas tree this Saturday at the Home Depot at 5300 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. You can also bring your Christmas tree lights to be recycled at the same time. If you're interested in getting some of the free mulch from this event, there is an online form to request it on the City of Alpharetta's website. In addition, you can request some of the fresh mulch online. (City of Alpharetta)

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

• Color and Light Gallery Exhibit and Gallery exhibit by Nan Griffith at the Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street (8:30 AM)
• Community Gallery Exhibit: Portrait Quilts - Quilting by Numbers at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza (8:30 AM)
• The Original Selfie Museum and Dino Safari…A Walk Thru Adventure at the North Point Mall, North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta (11:00 AM)
• Avalon on Ice at 400 Avalon Blvd in Alpharetta (3:00 PM)
• North Main Street Market at Henderson Commons, 735 North Main Street in Alpharetta (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Good news for Milton motorists. The Hamby Road bridge has been repaired and is open. Thanks to all who did the repairs so quickly! (Milton Police Department via Facebook)
• Would your children like to attend summer camp at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA? Registration is now open for Y members now, and public registration starts on Feb. 1. There are many different programs and locations to choose from! (Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA via Facebook)
• It's time to register for YMCA Spring youth soccer. There are programs for girls, boys, as well as co-ed ones. No try-outs are required and the goal is to foster teamwork and a love of the sport. (Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA via Facebook)

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Events:

• Karaoke! (January 5)
• Artist Reception for Miera Robin Gans (January 8)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Gail Lafleche

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Alpharetta-Milton Daily? Contact me at Alpharetta@Patch.com