Johns Creek Herald - January 26, 2017 by Appen Media Group

J a n u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 7 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 1 , N o . 4

Titans, Cougars girl’s basketball face off Region rivalry sees one team blown out ►►PAGE 32

Fulton officials study Dallas rapid rail One bedroom city transformed ►►PAGE 5

Citizens get look at Jones widening 4 lanes, trail part of $7.5M project ►►PAGE 6

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

JCAC opening startling Feb. art show Johns Creek Arts Center Executive Director Stuart Miller introduces the 2017 African-American art show, ‘I, Too, Am America,’ that will hang at the center for the month of February. He stands next to a painting by Oscar Harris, whose

work as an architect includes many famous Atlanta buildings. The show is a multi-media collection of works in oils, fabric and photography featuring some of the finest living black artists today. Read more, Page 30.

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2 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Fake deputy fails to con wary man 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 143 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News: news@appenmediagroup.com Press Releases: NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ex. 101 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ex. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ex. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com Our Weekly Publications

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man reported a swindle Jan. 9 when he received a call from someone posing as a deputy demanding money. The man received a phone call from a man claiming to be a deputy from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. The caller told him that his wife did not show up for jury duty and that there was an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The man became suspicious of the caller when the caller kept insisting that the man needed to pay off the $1,500 fine using prepaid gift cards. The caller even offered to escort the man to buy the gift cards, but the man put the caller on hold

POLICE BLOTTER All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Man loses $1.5K to fake Amazon scam MILTON, Ga. — A man called police Jan. 16 when he was scammed out of $1.5K by someone sending emails that appeared to be from Amazon. The man had found an advertisement on Craigslist for an oven in Kansas that he was interested in purchasing. When he contacted the seller, he was told that the purchase would be made through Amazon for security reasons. After he agreed to the payment method, the man received an email that appeared to be from Amazon from safe-purchases-invoice@consultant. com confirming the order. He followed the payment conditions in that email and responded back Jan. 14 with the information for three $500 Amazon gift cards that he purchased. When the man received another email two days later requesting another $500 for insurance before shipping the oven, he contacted Amazon directly. Amazon did not have any record of the seller. The company said it does not conduct payment transactions through gift cards, like the man had.

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and called 911 instead. Johns Creek police contacted the caller who told police that he got the case from the U.S. Marshals. When police followed up with the U.S. Marshals, however, they said that they did not have any such warrants and that it was a fraudulent call. A Johns Creek police officer reached out to the caller impersonating a deputy once again, but the caller insisted that the police officer was a fake and threatened him with prosecution. The officer told the caller not to contact the victim again.

Employee arrested for $2.7K in gift card thefts ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A store employee was arrested Jan. 15 after he was found allegedly giving away $2,700 worth of store gift cards. A loss prevention officer at the North Point Parkway Target told police that he saw the teenage employee activating gift cards Jan. 7 and giving them to customers without accepting payments. The transactions involved three different customers. Video surveillance showed the employee scanning numerous gift cards and hitting the cash tender button, indicating that the customer paid when they did not. He was arrested without incident Jan. 15 for financial transaction card theft and theft by taking over $1,500.

Fraudulent credit cards opened in man’s name MILTON, Ga. — A man reported Jan. 15 that his identity had been used fraudulently multiple time over the past two weeks. The man told police that since Dec. 30, 2016, he had received several letters about credit cards that he did not apply for that were opened under his name. Someone had used his name, birthday, address and Social Security number to do so.

The man had been out for the holidays and had not received the letters until he returned home Jan. 10. The man called major credit companies to alert them to the fraudulent activity, have his cards canceled and put a freeze on his account. He gave all of the letters and other documents to police to aid in their investigation.

DUIS & DRUGS All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

DUI arrests ►► Marc Andrew Cross, 23, of

Oakhurst Lane, Milton, was arrested Jan. 15 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, attempting to elude police and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Kyle E. Christoffersen, 34, of Winding River Drive, Atlanta, was arrested Jan. 14 on Ga. 400 in Roswell for DUI and speeding. ►► Sarah Kathryn Kime, 55, of Rose Walk Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 13 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 3

Cataract surgery and the newest Symfony Lens Implant

See The Big Game Clearly!

By Dr. Samir Vira

Cataract surgery has become a very safe and refined procedure with over 3 million Americans undergoing the surgery every year. With advancements in technology over the last 20 years, the surgery can now be performed with mild sedation in about 10-15 minutes. Not only has the procedure become sophisticated, but the lens technology used to correct patients’ vision has evolved also. In the past, patients were simply offered standard Samir Vira, M.D. intraocular lens implants and were instructed Cataract & Refractive to obtain new bifocal glasses after surgery. Surgeon However, with the advent of astigmatism-correcting and multifocal lens implants, patients are now able to see clearly with independence from glasses. Presbyopia is a natural aging process of the eye whereby an individual loses his or her ability to see things up close beginning in the mid 40s. This occurs due to the natural loss of flexibility of the lens, and you will require the need of reading or bifocal glasses or contact lenses for your near visual tasks. Presbyopia-correcting lens implants have emerged to match the needs for your near vision. Unlike bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, these lens implants are inserted into your eye and do not require any additional care. Several presbyopia-correcting lens implants, including accommodative and multifocal implants, have been developed over the last 10-15 years. However, both categories of implants have their limitations. Accommodative implants do not provide adequate near vision for most individuals and still require the need for reading glasses. Multifocal implants usually provide good vision for intermediate and near tasks, such as working on the computer or reading a book; however, patients may experience glare or halos while driving, especially at night. Additionally, these implants do not correct astigmatism. The newest presbyopic-correcting lens implant that received FDA approval in July 2016 is the Tecnis Symfony lens implant. This implant, categorized as the only “Extended Depth of Focus” implant, not only will give a broad range of vision from distance to near for patients but also improve the quality of their vision. The Symfony implant has been engineered to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations of the eye. These aberrations can diminish an individual’s image quality despite a normal and good surgical outcome. By reducing these aberrations, the Symfony implant will improve the quality of a patient’s vision. Furthermore, with a reduced incidence of glare and halos with this implant, patients are more likely to be satisfied with their visual outcomes. The Symfony implant is also available for astigmatic correction, unlike the previous multifocal implants, in the United States. With the advent of this newest Symfony lens implant, patients can now have the most customized results, based on their visual needs and desire to have freedom from glasses.

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4 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Too much in wrong place, city says By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A 50-unit townhome project proposed for 4.5 acres at 11350 Technology Circle was unanimously denied (7-0) Monday night by the City Council. The project had received a double denial from city staff and the city Planning Commission. The property is zoned M1A (Industrial Park), although residential properties do adjoin the site to the south. Community Development Director Sharon Ebert told the council the Comprehensive Plan does not allow singlefamily homes in M1A areas except as a part of a mixed-use plan. Clearly, this was not the case. Instead the project owned by Ashton Atlanta Residential LLC sought 11 units per acre for residential. Speaking against the project, neighboring resident Jonathan Ting said he opposed the project because of its density. He said traffic on Technology Circle would be taxed by the project, and he would prefer something “more transitional.” He also noted other residential projects were on the way in the area, and nearby Alcon operates shifts around the clock. George Avery of the nearby Brook-

haven of Johns Creek community said the quality of life for the residents there would be affected by such a dense development. “The density and the traffic would aggravate the problems that already exist,” Avery said. Joe Ingram, land acquisition manager for Ashton noted the property had been zoned M1A for 8 years and has not been developed. “The topography of the property has a site drop of 50 feet, making it quite expensive to try to develop under current zoning,” Ingram said. He also said several residential properties adjoin the property or are nearby. This townhouse project would make a good transitional use leading up to the Industrial uses north of the property. “Most of the concerns about the property were over traffic. But residential use would have less of an impact, especially at peak hours,” Ingram said. “While the comprehensive plan calls for M1A zoning, the topography makes it hard for industrial use, but we can incorporate the topo into the design of the units.” The project’s traffic study also showed the residential use would mean fewer cars at peak times. Ingram also proposed that if the City Council did not like the density of townhouses for the project, it should grant a deferral so that Ashton could try to negotiate a less-dense project with neighboring residents.

... I don’t like [developers] throwing the maximum [density] on the wall to see what sticks.” MIKE BODKER Johns Creek mayor When a rezoning request is denied, a new rezoning request cannot be brought forward for 12 months. Mayor Mike Bodker said the time to negotiate with residents was before the public hearing. They had come for a decision, and Bodker said he did not want to string the decision out bringing them back again. “We said we don’t want residential creep [into commercial areas]. We are in the middle of revising the comprehensive plan. And I don’t like [developers] throwing the maximum [density] on the wall to see what sticks,” he said. Councilman Lenny Zaprowski agreed saying the project is not allowed in the comprehensive plan. “The people have gone through the process. And now that [Ashton] has seen the writing on the wall, they are asking for a change. I won’t support that,” Zaprowski said. The vote for denial was 7-0.

Council defers decision Telecom tower on Medlock By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – SkyWay Towers is seeking to raise an 80-foot telecom tower on Medlock Bridge Road with Verizon Wireless as the anchor tenant, but the decision was deferred at Monday night’s City Council meeting. Council members said they needed more time to review the details and to see if there were other options, such as co-locating Verizon on an existing tower. PM&A engineer Kiersten Lurer, representing SkyWay, said the tower would be in a wooded area along Medlock between Northview High School and Wilson Creek Elementary School on a commercial tract owned by Ivy Falls Office Condo Associates Inc. “It is near the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce at Medlock and Wilson roads. The size of the tower was reduced to 76 feet, the bare minimum to get over the trees,” Lurer said. “There is an addi-

tional 4 feet for the lightning protector.” The tower’s setbacks will be 120 feet east of Medlock Bridge Road. “There are two Verizon sites north and south of this site. It will provide signal coverage to fill the shortfall between these two towers,” Lurer said. In other business, the city agreed to continue the Parks Without Borders memorandum of understanding with the city of Alpharetta for another year. Under the agreement Johns Creek and Alpharetta will continue the “Parks without Borders” program to waive non-resident fees for selected youth recreational sports programs: • Youth softball, • Youth baseball • Youth lacrosse. Recreation staff is also recommending the agreement for these existing sports continue until a more expansive evaluation of the programs in the city is completed.

Both cities have a non-resident fee policy that charges an additional 50 percent to 75 percent fee to non-resident participants for a recreation program. Prior to the agreement, both cities had received numerous citizen complaints regarding the non-resident fee, particularly from citizens who live close to a Johns Creek or Alpharetta park that is not within their own city limits. That led to the first “Parks without Borders” agreement between Johns Creek and Alpharetta begun in 2015. That policy waived nonresident fees for girls softball only. In 2016, the agreement was expanded to include youth baseball and youth lacrosse. The result has been the non-resident players have been about the same number for both cities. That is the net gain in non-resident players was washed out by an equal number of resident

See DEFERS, Page 36

NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 5

Fulton officials study Dallas-Plano transit system Light rail ‘rejuvenated’ Plano, mayor says

Read part 2 next week: What did the officials making the trip discover?

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON – A bevy of North Fulton elected officials made a quick trip to Dallas, Texas, to see firsthand how the metroplex has managed to deal successfully with traffic congestion and spur economic develLaROSILIERE opment. The delegation, headed by Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves, along with 10 county mayors and county commissioners looked at how toll roads and light rail has fared especially with Dallas Area Rapid Transit or DART. Local MARTA officials made the trip to seek how its portion of the TSPLOST could be used. It was a true fact-finding mission and special attention was given to Plano, Texas. Plano was a bedroom community

Plano, TX has benefited greatly from Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s light rail. to Dallas in the early 1990s, but today it is a metropolis of 230,000 people, roughly equivalent to North Fulton. Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said in a telephone interview DART has been nothing short of “transformational”

for his city. He had been contacted by Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann. Plano is one of 13 cities that comprise DART, and it lies at the end of the line for DART. That also is a similarity

to North Fulton, which is the end of the line for MARTA’s northern service. “Commissioner Hausmann shared with me and the others that there was some [TSPLOST] dollars earmarked for transportation in her district,” LaRosiliere said. “That was pretty similar to what happened to our area when 13 cities combined to form DART.” The crux of the meeting was looking at transit-oriented communities to see what are the advantages and opportunities of transit and what are the correlations [of transit] to economic development, he said. Plano is 20 miles north of Dallas. It was a city with a downtown that was “dilapidated” and had little activity, he said. “DART rail came in the late 1990s, and that was a catalyst for the area. Now our downtown is thriving and re-

See TRANSIT, Page 37

6 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Citizens clued in on Jones Bridge widening 4-lanes planed from Sargent to McGinnis Ferry By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Residents got the opportunity Jan. 19 to take a close look at a 1.5-mile, $7.5 million road-widening improvement for Jones Bridge Road. The community meeting at City Hall consisted of maps with photographs of the actual streets and homes with the road improvements superimposed on the maps. City staff members were on hand to answer questions from the 40 to 60 residents who attended the twohour meeting. The project is currently a cityfunded project and is Tier 1 on the city’s TSPLOST list. However Public Works Director Tom Black said the city also qualifies for a Transportation Funding Act (TFA) grant and will apply to the Georgia Department of Transportation for funding assistance. “Either way, this project will go forward,” Black said. The plan is to widen Jones Bridge to four lanes from McGinnis Ferry Road to Sargent Road. The project will also include:

• The addition of a landscaped median • A 10-foot wide multiuser trail on the west side of the road • A pedestrian sidewalk on the eastern side • Other operational improvements, including improvements to intersections, turn lanes, revised traffic signals and reconfiguration of the road for two additional thru-lanes. Residents concerned about additional sound were told that issue will be addressed with the addition of berms, plantings, fences and walls. Because much of Jones Bridge Road follows a ridge line, many of the subdivision homes on either side will be below grade, and traffic noise will pass over them, Black said. Construction will begin in early 2018 beginning at the Brookwood Road/McGinnis Ferry intersection. There are 97 parcels affected along the project. The city hopes it will need construction easements only and will not need to buy any rights of way from property owners. Construction widening McGinnis

JOHNS CREEK/HERALD

This rendering shows proposed widened road with raised median and a multi -use trail on the left. Ferry Road will begin in 2019. Forsyth County is widening Brookwood Road (which becomes Jones Bridge Road once it crosses McGinnis Ferry). Therefore the city wants to complete the Jones Bridge widening before widening work begins on McGinnis Ferry. Black assured residents at the meeting that noise abatements will be a mixture of well-landscaped solutions that will be in keeping with city standards. “We want a mixture of planted berms with shrubbery and trees. We’re not going to surround homes with prison walls, that is not the Johns Creek way,” Black said.

Where there are walls, the city will use poured concrete into molds so that they will look like stacked-rock walls. Asked if this widening will increase traffic, Black said it is the other way around. “The traffic is coming and nothing can stop it. So much [growth] is projected in south Forsyth County and there is nothing anyone can do about it,” he said. The good news is Forsyth will see Ga. 400 widening farther north. This will give traffic a chance to “bleed” off among the other exits since the expanded lanes will not congest at the Forsyth County line as they do now.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 7

8 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

The biggest protest in U.S. history Today was a long strange day and one I will remember fondly for a long time. I woke up to rain. The Woman’s March in downtown Atlanta was scheduled to start at 1:00. I knew it RAY APPEN would probably be Publisher ray@appenmediagroup.com crowded, especially on MARTA. I don’t like crowds particularly. However, I had mentioned to staff at the paper that I might cover the event – something that normally we would not do because we work really hard to focus on strictly local news – stuff that actually happens in North Fulton or South Forsyth. Additionally, writing about anything associated with the election or the new president was at a minimum questionable because we have all been over-exposed to that news ad-nauseam by this point. Enough. So the rain was a good excuse to not go I thought to myself – for maybe 10 minutes. Then I did what I think I have done a few times or more in my life, which is to do something simply because it is the right thing to do. I have done many things during my adult life also for the sole purpose of providing a good example to my children. If a parent is not going to do that, who will? I have always been a vocal advocate of speaking up and actively supporting one’s cause. So, I thought, how can I skip attending this march? “Maybe it will get rained out,” I thought, as I drove through a heavy downpour on Ga. 400 to the MARTA station. Maybe no one from North Fulton will be going to this thing, which would give me the perfect out. Then again, my wife and her best friend Debbie were marching in LA and my daughter was marching in Oakland, as was my sister Allyson. After watching the inauguration on TV, close friends packed and drove all night to Washington to be there for that march – the right thing to do in their minds. How could I not suck it up and go? Surprise number one was that MARTA was absolutely packed with people from Alpharetta, Roswell and North Fulton. Hundreds of people crowded the North Springs station – many with their signs and banners, some with children, couples, singles — and all animated, excited and seemingly glad to be there getting ready to be drenched and walk. I was feeling more at home. I had my first interview with the woman in line behind me –

you can hear it on our website NorthFulton.com. When I first got on my train, I thought I got on the wrong one – the one headed to the Grateful Dead concert. Everyone was old like me – gray hair, tired but glistening eyes – jeans, leather shoes, and yes those pink pussy hats that I had never heard about but discovered rather quickly. I sat next to a woman – Karen Tapelband - from Marietta who reminded me of a swim team mom at all those meets I attended growing up. Trim, conservatively and comfortably dressed, and personable, she said this was only the second protest she had ever attended. It was my first. We talked about many things, but the one thing she said that stuck with me was that when she told her husband she was doing downtown to the march, he told her that they would make more money with Trump in office, so why go? Her response to him that she shared with me was simple and eloquent: “That’s not the point, not the point at all,” she replied to him. She told me she was going to stand up for the values of hers she felt were in jeopardy. “Couldn’t just do nothing” she said. I asked her how her children felt about her doing this protest. She said that both of them had supported Bernie and wanted nothing to do with either of the candidates in the election after Bernie lost. “They want nothing to do with the status quo” she said. I told her that sounded familiar. I have high hopes for that generation; they won’t be taken in by the rhetoric or the spin. They can see what is going on. When I got off the train at the Five Points station, it began to rain even harder. After about 10 minutes walking I was half drenched, even though I was

wearing a rain jacket. It didn’t much matter, though, because the crowd was growing rapidly all around me – hundreds then thousands of people. Many of us took a short break in a parking garage when the rain got much heavier. While we waited for a break in the weather, I interviewed a young couple — both teachers. She taught art in Lawrenceville and he taught AP English Literature in Suwanee. Both were here for essentially the same reason as Karen – not directly as anti-Trump activists but as pro values – inclusiveness, diversity, equality, women’s rights — they felt were in jeopardy because he won the election. I was interested in how they managed the election in their classrooms. She told me that she tried to focus like a laser on her discipline – art – and avoided allowing politics in any form into the classroom. He said the same thing, although his mission to his AP Literature classes was to teach and train his students how to think and process critically so they had the tools to make their own political choices and decisions. They both wore the pink hats and were a delight to spend a few minutes with one wet Saturday afternoon. Estimates of the Atlanta crowd were in the neighborhood of 60,000. I am sure that the ultimate number of marchers nationally and around the world ranged from more than a million to as high as 2.9 million. Whatever the number was, it was massive. There were marches all over the world in support of women’s rights in the United States as well as opposition to the new administration in general. Los Angles had over 750,000, Chicago and Boston had estimates of 250,000, New York 200,000 to 500,000 and the estimate in Washington DC was 500,000. Smaller cities still had big numbers: Oakland with 60,000; 50,000

in Philadelphia; 100,000 in Madison; 20,000 in Nashville. A friend texted me that even in her small town of Roanoke, Va., there were 3,000. The interesting and probably most surprising aspect of these marches to many people who weren’t there, was the fact that there was no violence and at this point I have yet to even hear of an arrest. That’s not bad for a widespread event involving over millions of protestors. In fact I think it is somewhere this side of magic or divine. The tone of the marches also was a surprise. The negativity, hate, confrontations and aggression so commonly associated with protest marches in our past – think those during the Viet Nam War – was almost entirely missing. Yes a modest minority of the protest signs and messages were directly aimed at President Trump and his agenda. However, the vast majority of those attending these marches from all I can see and read was a positive message of values and a desire to communicate in no uncertain terms that attempts to change, eliminate, or diminish those values will be met with resolute opposition on a massive scale. On my way back to MARTA, I spotted what was probably as representative of the spirit and tone of this woman’s march in Atlanta as anything else I saw – the lines of high fives, hugs, and thumbs up between the protestors exiting the route and the rows of police officers they were walking past. Both protestors and the police together worked and worked well – respect in action and smiles all around. The Atlanta Police released a video of that exit that is worth seeing if you haven’t already seen it. It is on our site NorthFulton. com. Also on the site is a larger gallery of images that I shot at the march. Check them out. You may even recognize your neighbor! NorthFulton.com

NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 9

JC woman found dead in Roswell Police investigating as a homicide

ROSWELL, Ga. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Roswell Police are investigating the death of a Johns Creek woman found outside of a Roswell home in what they describe as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;obviousâ&#x20AC;? homicide. The woman has been identified as 53-year-old Karen Lee LaForge. Her body was found on Tyson Circle between Old Alabama Road and Northwood Elementary School. A man inside the home on Tyson Circle called 911 around 1:30 p.m.

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 â&#x2013;şâ&#x2013;ş Jamal Bridge, 44, of Ridgemere Court,

Stone Mountain, was arrested Jan. 9 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane, suspended tag and failure to obey a traffic control device.

Drug arrests â&#x2013;şâ&#x2013;ş Christopher Jeudon Howard, 33,

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Tuesday, Jan. 17 when he discovered the body. When police arrived, they found the already dead woman lying on the ground in the side yard. Police said they do not know of any relationship between the caller and LaForge. Based on the condition of the body, police are investigating LaForgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;obviousâ&#x20AC;? homicide, said Roswell Public Information Officer Lisa Holland. According to the medical examinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, LaForge died from blunt force trauma to the head. There are no suspects at this time, according to Holland. arrested Jan. 10 on Morrison Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and speeding. â&#x2013;şâ&#x2013;ş Olaniyi O. Odegbaro, 36, of Stonegrove Overlook, Johns Creek, was arrested Jan. 15 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana and failure to obey a traffic control device. â&#x2013;şâ&#x2013;ş Jose Vicente Paris II, 27, of Morton Creek Circle, Johns Creek, was arrested Jan. 14 on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana, possession of drug related items, expired license and expired tag.

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A group of 36 people from north Georgia rode a bus to attend the Washington, D.C. march.

Community members participate in Atlanta, D.C. marches Forsyth Democrat group sends bus to Washington By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

Georgia Clinic Welcomes Dr. Britt Boyd to the Johns Creek location. A long time North Fulton resident Dr. Boyd is Board Certified in Family Medicine with experience in minor trauma and urgent care as well as primary care. Dr. Boyd is the new head of the Johns Creek location providing care for: • Immediate Urgent Care • Minor Emergencies • Lacerations • Injury/ Sports Injury • Minor Eye Injury • Lab, X-Ray and EKG Services • General Family Medicine • Physicals/Sports Physicals • Immunizations • Diabetes • Asthma Complete Physical Including Labs & EKG

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ATLANTA — Around the world, millions of people joined together Saturday, Jan. 21 at various satellite locations of the March for Social Justice and Women. In Atlanta, more than 60,000 people marched from the Center for Civil and Human Rights to the Georgia state Capitol. And although storms in the morning might have deterred some people, Alpharetta resident and member of the Roswell chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby, Terry Schiff said you couldn’t tell at the North Springs Marta station. “I was amazed,” she said. “I was expecting maybe four people there on a Saturday morning. There was a huge crowd trying to buy tickets. The train was packed. And there was so much positive energy.” Schiff and the crowd “walked cheerfully through sideways rain” to get to the march. She was intending to meet up with friends at the event, but due to the large turnout, she was unable to. “I was astounded by all the people there,” she said. “It was a closely packed crowd with not much room to move around.” She saw a variety of people in the crowd, all with varying reasons for attending. For Schiff, it was mainly about environmental issues. “It was such a positive event,” Schiff said. “It wasn’t a protest but a demonstration of concern about some issues we want to make sure President Trump understands we care about deeply.” In Trump’s new home of Washington, D.C., over half a million people reportedly marched there.

Anita Tucker is the third vice chairperson for the Forsyth County Democratic Party. She organized a group of 36 north Georgia residents to attend the D.C. event. “It was amazing,” Tucker said. “It was emotional to see all these people of all walks of life and denominations. There were Muslim women praying to Mecca, LGBT people, transgender people. Nobody cared. It didn’t matter.” Tucker witnessed multiple instances of people coming together to help each other out. Onlookers cheered the crowd on, and the marchers thanked the police as they walked by. “There was no pushing, no one got violent,” she said. “Everyone went with the flow. There was no reason to be afraid of us. We are mad, but not at you. We respect them and what they’re doing.” There were counter demonstrators, Tucker said, but she didn’t see anyone engaged with them. “It’s a free country, everyone can protest,” she said. “But no one engaged with them which was important. It kept the focus of the demonstration where it should be.” And although nice to one another, Tucker said they were still passionate. “People were fired up,” she said. “Don’t mistake kindness as weakness, because it’s not, and it wasn’t.” People are angry about what they think might happen now that Trump is in office, Tucker said. “We don’t want the things being said by our president to be normal,” she said. “We don’t believe that’s the way the country should go. We may not be able to make changes, but we are definitely going to make our voices heard.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 11

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NEWS

12 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Alpharetta OKs South Main mega-project 13-acre residential-retail-office complex includes 197 living units for downtown By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com

What Alpharetta approved

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – It took longer than Avalon, but after nearly four hours of debate and questions, the developers behind a mixed-use project on South Main Street won approval Monday from a divided Alpharetta City Council. Duke Land Group had petitioned the city for a change in zoning to allow construction of “Downtown Main,” a mix of retail, office, restaurants and residential on 12.9 acres at the corner of Main Street and Devore Road. The land is currently the site of a longempty shopping center, and had been zoned C2, a designation allowing a broad range of general commercial uses. There was a healthy mix of sentiment from the crowd of about 100 residents who attended the meeting. Some described the proposal as “outrageous,” and others characterized it as a possible salvation for a blighted area. Following a negative vote from the Alpharetta Planning Commission last

• 129 rental units and 68 townhomes • 3-story office/retail structure, • 3-story office building, • 2 restaurants • 25,000 s.f. anchor brewery month, Duke Land brought a revised plan before the City Council Monday night. Duke Realty sought 78 townhomes and 179 high-end apartments. It also included a 3-story office/retail structure, a 3-story office building, 2 restaurants and a brewery occupying 25,000 square feet anchoring the complex. The proposal did not sit well with Councilman Jim Gilvin, who cast a lone dissenting vote. Gilvin said approval of the project betrays the city’s Downtown Master Plan and the hundreds of residents who contributed to its adoption. The Master Plan, he said, was adopted allowing for a density of a max-

imum of 10 residential units per acre in the Downtown node. Under terms of the Master Plan, any greater densities in the downtown area would require City Council approval. The South Main proposal called for almost 20 units per acre. After close to four hours of presentations from the developer, questions from city leaders and comments from over a dozen residents, the City Council voted to allow a scaled-down version of the residential request. It allows for 129 rental units and 68 townhomes on the property. The measure passed 5-1, with Mayor David Belle Isle absent. Comments from residents varied. Most in opposition decried the traffic the development will bring to an already congested area. “Density is going to add volume, and volume, with very little effort, can become congestion,” said Valerie Manley, representing the Windward Community Service Association. Manley also said city leaders should reject “veiled threats” that, if the development is rejected, the property could be sold for a less-appropriate commercial use such as a drive-through restaurant. But others argued that the project could provide a shot in the arm to a

Density is going to add volume, and volume, with very little effort, can become congestion.” VALERIE MANLEY Windward Community Service Association. depressed area. Dawn Tribble, who owns a home in the Alpha Park neighborhood directly across the street from the site, said South Main Street is in dire need of revitalization. She said she was excited to find out about the project. The area south of City Center, has become a gathering point for vagrants, and some residential properties in her neighborhood have fallen into disrepair, said Tribble. It stands in stark contrast to what is happening at City Center only a few blocks to the north, she added. “I love what they’ve done to the downtown area, but it looks like it stopped [short],” she said.

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NEWS

14 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Alpharetta survey presents Webb Bridge findings City pursues relief of daily congestion with $13M TSPLOST funding in hand • 1st Orthodontist in Alpharetta • Served Over 20,000 New Patients • Diplomat of American Board of Orthodontics • Convenient Office Hours

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – While residents along Webb Bridge Road have engaged Alpharetta for relief from traffic congestion, transportation planners are sorting through options they can assemble into a Webb Bridge Corridor plan. But those options, as it turns out, remain limited and even confusing. Survey results from close to 450 residents along the corridor paint a mixed picture of how to proceed with road improvements. Following a Thursday, Jan. 19, meeting at City Hall with some 50 residents, several things are clear. Homeowners do not want the road expanded into four lanes, and they want the speed limit reduced. Those findings are no different from a consensus gathered at a public forum held last summer at Alpharetta High School when more than 100 attended the first of several forums on the issue. What’s different now, however, is the city has the money to do something about it. Because of the November passage of a .75-cent transportation sales tax in Fulton County, Alpharetta is due to receive $53 million in extra funding for road and pedestrian route improvements. The city lists $13 million in TSPLOST funds for the Webb Bridge Corridor Project. “We don’t have any idea what the road is going to look like,” Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard told the crowd Thursday. He said the city is still in the early

Key points on Webb Bridge Rd. traffic counts • Peak hour traffic significantly increases between North Point Parkway and Shirley Bridge/Park Bridge Parkway. • Traffic increases 40 percent at North Point Parkway and decreases 50 percent at Shirley Bridge/Park Bridge. • Daily traffic volumes exceed corridor planning Level of Service standards for a two-lane roadway between North Point and Shirley Bridge/Park Bridge. • Hourly traffic volumes exceed Level of Service standards between North Point and Shirley Bridge/Park Bridge for approximately three hours a day each way. • East of Shirley Bridge/Park Bridge, traffic volumes are within planning guidelines. stages of drawing plans, and it wants to get as much information from residents as possible before proceeding. Right now there is some confusion about how to ease congestion while keeping the road two lanes, Drinkard said. The city is looking at how much of the traffic is due to commuters using the route as an east-west cut-through and how much are locally generated trips that begin or end on Webb Bridge

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This tax exemption equalizes typical inventory relief for warehouses that previously did not include e-commerce warehouse facilities. LIZ HAUSMANN, Fulton Commissioner

16 | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017

Fulton County OKs Freeport tax exemption Measure targets e-commerce distribution as county becomes logistics hub By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – When the Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 21 to give a 100 percent Freeport exemption for e-commerce fulfillment centers in Fulton County, it was a clear signal to Amazon and other e-tailers, “we want your business.” This move allows inventory of e-commerce distribution centers to have the same full tax exemption on inventories from Fulton County ad valorem (property) taxes that brick-andmortar centers already command. Fulton County is already a huge destination point for hub distributors using Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and increased shipping via Savannah’s expanded port. Across Georgia, growth in e-commerce is expected to attract more companies to local communities. Fulton County, with its extensive logistic network, availability of land and a skilled workforce, already makes an attractive location for many businesses. Now it includes e-commerce businesses. With Savannah’s expanded harbor and expanding inventory warehousing, Fulton County’s attractiveness to e-commerce can only improve. “This tax exemption equalizes typical inventory relief for warehouses that previously did not include e-commerce warehouse facilities,” Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann said. “In light of growth in that industry, in light of

the relocation of UPS relocating their major Southeast Distribution Hub on Fulton Industrial Boulevard, we anticipated that this will attract the Amazontype businesses and increase jobs while improving the tax base HAUSMANN as well.” While UPS is just the shipper of goods, its $400 million new facility will benefit from a robust e-commercial zone around it. The exemption only applies to inventory held fewer than 12 months. Fulton Last EAVES fall, county voters overwhelmingly approved expansion of Freeport Exemptions as allowed by HB 935, adopted by the General Assembly in 2016. “The Freeport Tax Exemption is expected to ignite job growth in Fulton County by targeting the e-commerce industry that will be a vital economic engine for decades to come,” said Hausmann, who serves as the Board of Commissioners’ executive sponsor for Economic Opportunity. “This new incentive will make Fulton County very attractive to this industry of the future.” Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves called the exemption “a great incentive that will continue attracting companies to Fulton County and spur

economic development.” Business investment means Fulton jobs and tax dollars that benefit the entire county, he said. Fulton County already offers 100 percent Freeport Tax Exemption for several categories of goods, including: • Inventory of goods in the process of manufacture or production, including finished goods and raw materials held for direct use or consumption in the taxpayer’s manufacturing or production business in Georgia. • Inventory of finished goods manufactured or produced within the state in the ordinary course of the taxpayer’s manufacturing or production business and when held by the original manufacturer or producer of such finished goods. • Inventory of finished goods which, on Jan. 1, are stored in a warehouse, dock, or wharf, whether public or private, and which are destined for shipment to a final

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destination outside Georgia, and inventory of finished goods which are shipped into Georgia. “With the expansion of the Freeport Exemption, Fulton County will maintain its position as the leading destination for e-commerce jobs and investment,” said Al Nash, CEO of Select Fulton, the county’s economic development arm. It should also revitalize aging warehousing in the airport area that now becomes attractive to revitalize because of the airport and UPS. “Not only will this mean revamping and modernizing the facilities to keep inventory moving in and out, e-commerce facilities will employ 200 to 400 employees. Meanwhile, traditional warehouses would employ 10 people or fewer, Nash said. “So the facilities themselves will yield a much greater ad valorem tax while improving local employment. It is a win all around for Fulton County,” Nash said.

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2017 looks huge This year, 2017, feels HUGE. Whereas the big concern last year was how well our economy could navigate around some rough global waters, this year will be more about how well GEOFF SMITH President Trump Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com will drive straight through them. In thinking about how our economy will fare in 2017, I realize how “in the weeds” we were this time last year. We were concerned about China’s slowing growth, low oil prices and the Fed’s concern over low consumer confidence and manufacturing output. President Trump’s promises, if carried out, will shake the foundation of any and all of those details we were concerned about last year. So, this year, all eyes will be on him, Congress and the policies they set in motion. Immediately after being elected, the stock market jumped in volume, quickly launching the major stock indexes to their highest levels in history. Investors were confident in their understanding of what types of businesses will do well under President Trump. So they took money from safe-haven investments like bonds and mortgage-backed securities and put that money into specific stocks. This drove mortgage interest rates up by just under a full 1 percent (when bonds are bought in low volumes, mortgage rates tend to rise). The average 30-year fixed rate on a conventional mortgage started the year at about 4.25 percent, according to Mortgage News Daily. It is always difficult to predict with accuracy how mortgage interest rates will move. But this year, investors seem confident in betting on the stock market. And the Fed raised its short-term interest rate last December by about

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0.25 percent - just like it did in 2015. But what’s different from 2015 is that Fed officials has signaled several more rate hikes throughout the year. A rise in that rate will push mortgage interest rates up further. If the stock market continues to rise, and the Fed continues to raise its rate, it is easy to imagine how mortgage interest rates could jump to near or over 5 percent by the end of the year. It is hard to imagine rates staying the same or dropping. Having such low mortgage interest rates is a symptom of a sluggish economy. So in some ways, rising rates is a welcome sign. Back in 2008 was the first time in recorded history that rates dropped below 5 percent. So as we head into 2017, it is unfortunate for homebuyers, buy a welcome sign to see rates going up. Consumer confidence is high, and for the first time in a long time, small business confidence is higher than it has been since 2004, according to the monthly National Federation of Independent Business Index of Small Business Optimism. Despite any increase in interest rates, we could see a housing market on the move this year. The last five years have seen a steady decline in available housing inventory in the Atlanta market. A major reason for this is that the metro area’s economy is on fire, and people have been moving to the area faster than homebuilders could build homes. A healthy housing economy typically has around six months of inventory – meaning if no new houses came on the market, there would be no houses to sell in six months. Last year, inventory dropped to

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 17

Managing your to do list

3.5 percent. And when inventory is low, home prices rise at an unhealthy rate. In some parts of the metro Atlanta area, home values jumped between 5 percent and 10 percent from 2015 to 2016. The good news is that inventory seems to have bottomed out near that 3.5-month mark as a slew of new homes are finalizing construction. From January to October, Metro Atlanta ranked third in the country in the number of housing permits issued. Much of that inventory should be flooding the market early this year. The fourth quarter of last year caught fire. According to an article published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, 32 percent more homes were sold in November 2016 than November 2015. Another interesting fact I heard is that just over 40 percent of all millennials currently live with their parents. That is a huge market waiting to get into the game. If confidence keeps strong and inventory keeps coming in, we could see the most active housing market since before the Great Recession in 2008. Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

Are you getting all your tasks and activities completed each day? Do you feel that you don’t have enough time to get all your work done? Are things DICK JONES slipping through Founder & President Jones Simply Sales the cracks and not getting done? Maintaining and managing a to-do list can help you get more done, and also help you focus on your top priorities. It doesn’t matter if you are maintaining your to-do list manually or using technology, like Outlook. The important thing is that you have a process for identifying, prioritizing and documenting what you need to do each day. Start by creating a list of what you need to do. Include the time that is required to complete the task, and also the relative importance (like A, B, C). Once you have a prioritized list, you’ll be able to focus on tasks that are most important. Some tasks are a part of a bigger project or initiative, so you’ll want to make sure they are sequenced appropriately. Other tasks take less time to complete, and when completed can free up your time to focus on more important activities. Check off the things you complete and how long it took. This will be helpful for planning recurring tasks. You should also consider automating this process. There are hundreds of computer and mobile applications that can streamline this process and make it even more productive for you. Maintaining and managing your to-do list is a key to working more efficiently every day!

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18 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSBRIEFS

Cherry Street to expand Brewery will take over space next door

Upcoming events: • Rick Tanner’s Grille and Bar 30th anniversary Jan. 24: 30 percent off • Spring Beer Fest April 29

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County’s own local brewery, Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative, will soon be expanding. Located at 5817 South Vickery Street in Vickery Village, the business will be taking over the space next door that currently houses the Dojo, according to owner Nick Tanner. The Dojo will move into a bigger space on the other side of the village. “It’s working out the best for both of us,” Tanner said. Unfortunately, a flood at Vickery Village has closed some of the businesses and pushed the opening of the taproom expansion. But that isn’t stopping Tanner from looking forward.

“The expansion will allow us to double our seating capacity for the taproom,” he said. “This will allow us to breathe a little bit and not feel so jammed tight there in certain times.” More room will also mean more private parties, banquets and events. One of the tastiest results of the expansion is that the brewery can expand its barrel-aging program, which Cherry Street is known for. “We take bourbon and wine barrels and age our beer in them to acquire characteristics from the previous liquor or wine,” Tanner said. Additionally, the brewery can take in more brewing tanks to increase production by about 50 percent.

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Cherry Street’s expansion will allow the business to increase production by 50 percent, as well as have more room for people to enjoy the beers. Cherry Street has already begun releasing bottled beer into the market, but the expansion will allow the group to consistently produce bottles for the local liquor stores.

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“It’s a really nice expansion for us,” Tanner said. “That little bit of space is actually allowing us to do a lot more.” To learn more about Cherry Street, visit cherrystreetbrewing.com.

BUSINESSBRIEF Alpharetta Foot and Ankle Specialists expands to Cumming

CentreSpringMD + Pediatrics comes to Johns Creek Business name: CentreSpringMD + Pediatrics Owner: Dr. Taz Bhatia About: CentreSpringMD + Pediatrics has a full team of board-certified providers who are conventionally-trained, but diagnose and treat patients by pulling from conventional, integrative, holistic and functional medicine to create the best customized treatment plans possible. The Johns Creek location is a full-service pediatric facility that also provides adult care. Opened: Jan. 17, 2017 Address: 10220 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, Ga. 30022 Phone: 404-814-9808 Website: www.centrespringmd.com

Southern Baked Pie Company opens in Alpharetta Business name: Southern Baked Pie Company Owner: Amanda Wilbanks About: With family recipes, Southern charm and an all-butter pie dough that melts in your mouth, Amanda Wilbanks and her team of bakers create gourmet sweet and savory pies for all of life’s special occasions and celebrations. Southern Baked Pie Company masterfully creates a variety of decadent flavors and specialty selections utilizing seasonal fresh fruit from local Georgia farmers and businesses. Pies come in a variety of sizes including: whole pies, petite pies, and bite-size tassies. Opened: Nov. 18, 2016 Address: 2685 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 130, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Phone: 678-254-0598 Website: www.southernbakedpie.com

CUMMING, Ga. — Alpharetta Foot and Ankle Specialists doctors and its staff are expanding their services to Forsyth County. A new location has opened at 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 310, in Cumming. This will mark the second location for Alpharetta Foot and Ankle Specialists. The first is at 3400 Old Milton HARLEY Parkway, Suite 500, Building A in Alpharetta. Dr. Brian Harley and his team treat sports medicine patients and those who suffer from ankle and foot fractures, conditions or deformities as well as flat feet, high arches, heel and arch pain, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, hammertoes and arthritis. Some patients require conservative options, while others need to undergo surgical procedures. Alpharetta Foot and Ankle Specialists specializes in minimally invasive procedures and is at the forefront of the latest technologies in surgery that promote healing, shorten recovery times, decreased pain and a return of the patients to regular activities as soon as possible.

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YOUR NEWS! YOUR PHOTOS!

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 19

THE CRUISE GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! 3rd Annual

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“Our cruise was fantastic! We sailed on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, trans-Atlantic from New York to Southampton England in October. We were at sea for 6 days and loved how relaxing it was. It was a jazz cruise and we enjoyed the music. We especially loved the British food and afternoon tea and met many wonderful people.” – Jeff and Elise Baggett

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When a rash Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is the new signature in senior living becomes serious For people who have reservations about moving to a senior community, seeing the beautiful and convenient lifestyle at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is eye opening and a refreshing alternative to what most people envision a senior community to look and feel like. Arbor Terrace is the new signature in senior living and offers a vibrant, active lifestyle with luxury services for seniors. Residents at Arbor Terrace are neighbors, volunteers, explorers and learners who have chef-prepared meals every day and access to lifestyle and wellness amenities that provide convenience and enrich their day to day life. The 101-apartment community is situated in one of the most desirable areas in Johns Creek, the community is close to healthcare, cultural venues, fine shopping and dining. Arbor Terrace

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ally enjoy life while receiving as little or as much support as they need.” Try us on for size, stay for 3 weeks and get a 4th week free to experience all we have to offer! Spaces are limited so call today! For more information on Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, please call (770)999-9577 and visit our website at www. at-johnscreek.com.

A rash is not a specific diagnosis but describes the skin’s appearance when inflamed, scaly, discolored or in an otherwise less than healthy state. Many times over-the-counter medications will resolve the issue. But, when in doubt, have your rash checked out. A less common condition, psoriasis, could be the culprit. An autoimmune disease, psoriasis causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, affecting 125 million people – or two to three percent of the population. The disease, typically seen on the outside of the elbows or knees, and the scalp, can also appear on other areas of the body.

See RASH, Page 26

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EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

A healthy, fun social life doesn’t need to end at the retirement threshold By Brooke Wal Sales Manager, Celebration Village There’s no denying that as you age, social interactions can decline. If you’re not heading to an office or getting out and about each day, you may be missing out on important social interaction that keep you sharp, healthy, and maybe even ward off looming medical risks or dementia. Research has proven the many benefits that social interaction offers older adults. Staying socially engaged and maintaining interpersonal relationships can help you sustain good physical and emotional health, and cognitive function. By continuing close friendships and finding ways to interact socially helps people—especially older adults—to live longer than those who are isolated. Relationships and social interactions can even help protect against illness by boosting your immune system. There are far too many benefits of being in community with other people than can be listed, but a short list includes reduction in the risk of cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and depression. It helps keep your brain from getting rusty, but it’s most effective when coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and physical activity. So rather than shedding family, friends and hobbies as you age—which can hurt our mental and physical health— why not find a retirement community designed to facilitate social connections? A local example of this type of community is Celebration Village, a stateof-the-art, full-service independent living community being built in Forsyth and Acworth. With the foundation built on promoting an upbeat lifestyle, independence, optimism and successful aging for seniors, these communities are definitely worth taking a second glance. The most unique feature is The Celebration Club, the heart of activity and lifestyle that houses all Village services, offerings and amenities in one central location. The club-style amenities with distinctive, innovative design features creates an upscale, inspiring social environment for both their residents and non-residents alike. If you’ve taken a cruise before, you’ll definitely enjoy The Celebration Club’s cruise ship-like epicenter layout, designed to enable interaction and create environments that inspire exploration of common interests, and synergies

There are far too many benefits of being in community with other people than can be listed, but a short list includes reduction in the risk of cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and depression. amongst the residents and guests. Whether it’s a cooking class at the Chef’s Corner, a game of billiards or Wii tournament at Frank’s Game Parlor, a watercolor class in the Art Studio or just the stimulating sights, sounds and tastes this central hub will evoke, the social engagement is a proven factor to successful and healthful aging. Every day at Celebration Village will focus on “CELEBRATING LIFE,” allowing residents to remember the life they have been blessed with as well as the life they are living today. Find ways to stay young at heart, stimulated, busy—and out and about in your community because a healthy, fun social life doesn’t need to end at the retirement threshold. Opening in Forsyth County and Acworth Spring 2017, Celebration Village is proud to be built and managed with the founders of Masterpiece Living, and embodies the findings of successful aging to help residents age successfully, and ultimately celebrate living longer, healthier, happier lives. Celebration Village, developed by Active Senior Concepts (ASC) and AgeWell Living, has professionally designed and programmed an extensive variety of environments and services that promote continued physical, intellectual, social and spiritual growth, proven to dramatically slow the inevitable deterioration and depression associated with older age. The entire master-planned village from the resident homes, to the shopping shuttle express buses to the Celebration “Social” Club provides an abundance of positive, upbeat and stimulating environments designed to empower seniors to remain optimistic and in control of their own lives.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 23

24 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

A homecoming: Dr. Brent Taylor returns to Alpharetta and brings excellence back home Family, friends and the communities of north Atlanta are celebrating as Dr. Brent Taylor and his family have returned home to where they grew up and are starting a first-class dermatology, Mohs surgery and vein care practice. Brent grew up in Roswell and attended Marist School where he was valedictorian. His wife Ashley was born and raised in Alpharetta and graduated from Milton High School. Together the Taylors are raising two rambunctious boys, Beckett 3, and Gavin 1. After completing twelve years of higher education, Dr. Taylor and his family explored life in Florida. He practiced as the Mohs surgeon at University of Florida in Gainesville and worked in the busiest private practice in Jacksonville, Florida. The desire to be with family and friends drew Dr. Taylor and his family home to north Atlanta. They are opening a practice in Alpharetta to serve the community that has for so long supported them. Dr. Taylor’s resume is impressive to say the least. He graduated from Harvard College in 3 years and attended

• Alzheimer and Dementia Care • Transportation and Errands

Vanderbilt School of Medicine on a full, merit-based scholarship. He received his first choices for postgraduate training and was able to work with renowned Mohs surgeons during both his residency at the TAYLOR Medical University of South Carolina and during his ACGME accredited fellowship in procedural dermatology at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. He is double-boarded, board certified in dermatology and certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in vein care. He is one of the first Mohs surgeons in Georgia to offer true Mohs surgery for melanoma with in-office specialized stains to detect cancer cells and maximize a patient’s chance of cure. Melanoma patients are treated and, in most cases, repaired within a single day. Generally, no outside pathology is needed. Training by celebrated cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Leland Housman and cosmetic and laser dermatologist Dr.

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Vic Ross, both of La Jolla, California, has enabled Dr. Taylor to offer truly state-of-the-art vein care for medically significant vein disease and cosmetic spider veins alike. Depending on an individual patient’s findings, a combination of endovenous laser ablation, foam or liquid sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, and light-based devices help restore patients’ veins to as good as new. Dr. Taylor’s practice, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, opens January 30th 2017 in the Gates at North Point development, on the cor-

Ask Pam, your local in senior home care since 2006

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Q; My husband was a veteran and I heard that there are healthcare benefits for surviving spouses. Is this something Senior Helpers can assist me with? Pam; Yes we can! We have a VA specialHODGSON ist who can walk you through the entire Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Program. Please call our office at 770-442-2154 and we can help you! Q; My mother has been living in our guest suite in the basement and she needs more help! She has been up wandering at night and I’m nervous for her to be alone downstairs. Do you have caregivers that can help overnight? -Wendy Pam; Yes mam! Senior Helpers offers awake overnight shifts and we would love to come and take care of your Mother.

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ner of North Point Parkway and Webb Bridge Road. He offers comprehensive dermatology services from skin exams to Mohs surgery, advanced minimally invasive vein treatment procedures and cosmetic services including Botox and fillers. Consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta for you and your loved ones’ skin care needs. Congratulations to Dr. Taylor and Premier Dermatology! To learn more about Dr. Taylor, visit him online at www.premierdermatologyatlanta.com

Family Owned & Managed Company that has been helping families since 2006. Senior Helpers is your Hometown solution for Private Home Care and Transportation. Senior Helpers has specially trained Caregivers (Certified Nursing Assistants mostly) that can provide care anywhere from one hour a day to live-in and 24/7. Senior Helpers is Licensed in the State of Georgia and all employees are bonded/licensed and insured and have passed all background checks. Call Senior Helpers today to learn more about keeping your loved one active and engaged at 770-442-2154. Or visit Senior Helpers online at Www. seniorhelpers.com/northatlanta Pam Hodgson owns Senior Helpers with her adult children, Elizabeth Jackson, Greg Rosinski and Matt Fredenberg. Having lived in North Fulton for the past 30 years, Pam’s passion is helping families care for their loved ones. Pam attends Alpharetta United Methodist Church and enjoys time with her grandchildren.

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 25

Now Accepting Patients Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

N. Atlanta Welcomes Dr. Brent Taylor Insist on the BEST Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care. His education and work experience include: • Marist School – Valedictorian • Harvard College – Bachelor of Arts in Biochemical Sciences Graduated in 3 years Magna Cum Laude • Vanderbilt School of Medicine – Doctorate of Medicine Attended on a Full, Merit-Based Scholarship • Medical University of South Carolina – Dermatology Residency; Chief Resident • ACGME-Accredited Fellowship in Mohs surgery, Procedural Dermatology, and Vein Care at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. Dr. Taylor has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and reconstructions, dermatologic surgeries and procedures while in private practice in Florida where local and even international patients have sought him out for the best care. He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables. He now brings his highly sought after expertise back home to Alpharetta with the opening of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta! Now Accepting Patients. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Taylor Today.

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Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899

26 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

Delos and Margaret Knight are longtime residents of Alpharetta and have decided to downsize their home and move into Village Park of Alpharetta.

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What made you choose Village Park of Alpharetta, Mr. Knight? “I have seen other projects by Tim Gary and extremely impressed with his quality of work and the layout of the project. I just knew this one will be just as good as his other projects.” “I also appreciate the fact that Village Park has a wide selection of accommodations, everything from our roomy Bungalow to the Cottages to the apartments which offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. With that, there is everything you can ever want in one community, right here! What are you looking forward to the most about moving into Village Park, Mrs. Knight?

“The convenience of the location and the fact that you are near Avalon, which is a wonderful place for entertainment, restaurants, shopping and it is right around the corner. Guess What? We can even walk there from Village Park and enjoy it more often.” Village Park is the NEXT-LEVEL SENIOR LIVING community currently under construction on the corner of Webb Bridge Road and Morris Road. The community plans to open in late Spring of 2017 and currently taking reservations. Call Carla Breakwell at 678-740-3499 for more information or go to villageparkseniorliving.com.

Rash: Continued from Page 22

678-740-3499 villageparkseniorliving.com

12300 Morris Road, Alphare�a, GA 30005

Psoriasis and Children Symptoms in children include severe scaling of the scalp, diaper dermatitis, red and scaly patches on the trunk and extremities as well as pitting and discoloration of the nails. Onethird to one-half of all young people with psoriasis may experience a flareup two to six weeks after an earache, strep throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis or a respiratory infection. “The clinical spectrum of psoriasis can vary from few patches on elbows and knees to involving the whole body and the joints,” said May River dermatologist Dr. Paola Bonaccorsi M.D. Ph.D. “More and more we are learning that chronic inflammation associated

with psoriasis predispose to heart disease and other systemic problems. May River Dermatology Johns Creek treats most diseases of the skin, hair and nails as well as diagnosis and management of skin cancer. The practice, located at 10160 Medlock Bridge Road is now accepting new patients. For more information please call 470-282-5729 or visit www.mayriverdermatology.com

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 27

Nov. Eagle Scouts for the Northern Ridge District NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District, including the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, has announced its newest Eagle Scouts, who passed their Board of Review on Nov. 28, 2016. These are Scouts who passed their Eagle Board of Reviews, held at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church: Benjamin Fagg, from Crew 347, sponsored by Milton Ward of Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, whose project the instituting a drive to register individuals for the National Bone Marrow Registry. Benjamin overshot his goal and was able to sign up 55 individuals. John O’Donovan, from Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church. His project was the design and construction of a play boat and a buddy bench for Mountain Park Elementary School. Kenneth Hirschi Jr., from Crew 347, sponsored by Milton Ward of Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. His project was the design and construction of 4 wooden benches for the Cross Country Trail at Cambridge High School. Spencer Keegan, from Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. His project was the creation of a walking trail in memory of former teacher at Summit Hill Elementary School. Patrick Czabala, of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church whose project erecting a 20foot flag pole with solar lighting for the Roswell Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Cody Killebrew, from Crew 347, sponsored by Milton Ward of Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints.

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In the top row, from left, stand the newest Eagle Scouts, Benjamin Fagg, John O’Donovan, Kenneth Hirschi Jr., Spencer Keegan and Patrick Czabala. In the front row are Cody Killebrew, Christopher Pinkus, Paul Jacobsen, Adam Prince, Connor Perkins and Kaelan Nurse. His project was the identification and logging in over 1,242 graves sites into the Billiongraves website. Christopher Pinkus, from Troop 143, sponsored by John’s Creek United Methodist Church. His project was the design and construction of a bouldering wall at Perimeter Church. Paul Jacobsen, from Troop 841, sponsored by St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. His project was the design and construction of a challenge wall and crawling tunnel for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Adam Prince, from Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. His project was the

design and construction of corn hole games for the Alpharetta Post of the American Legion. Connor Perkins, from Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. His project was design and construction of an outdoor lunch area that including the construction of five picnic tables, a rock border and planting of some flowers for Legacy Community Academy. Kaelan Nurse, from Troop 206, sponsored by Zion Missionary Baptist Church. His project was the design and construction of three adjustable shelving units for Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Jack and Jill of America participate in MLK celebration ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. participated in the MLK Service and Unity March with the St James United Methodist Church on Monday Jan. 16. The organization walked hand in hand with members of the community to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from St James United Methodist Church to the Alpharetta City Hall. Jack and Jill of America Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19 and is dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders. It does so by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. The Greater North Atlanta Chapter’s goal is to create tomorrow’s leaders by: • Providing excellent chapter programming events, • Giving back to the community, • Supporting our organization’s Foundation, • And focusing on legislative advocacy.

The Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America participate in the MLK Unity March to Alpharetta City Hall sponsored by St. James United Methodist Church. Jack and Jill does this by exposing children both its chapters and those in the community to people, places and things that will challenge them to “raise the bar.” To learn more about the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America visit:greaternorthatlantajnj.com.

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28 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Roswell celebrates art of George Gray Johns Creek resident named Jan. spotlight artist By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Retirement has not once slowed down local artist George Gray. The Roswell Cultural Arts Center held a reception Jan. 16 celebrating the 82-year-old artist and his paintings, which will continue to hang in the lobby for the rest of January. The reception was complete with live background music by local high school jazz band The Best Friedkins. According to Gray’s daughter, Donna Clayton, this is the first time that he’s had an exhibit dedicated solely to his works, despite a lifetime in the art world. Gray was previously a photo retoucher working in New York for 40 years, before technology like Photoshop was available. He did his work by hand, using tools and techniques like airbrushes, bleaches and dye transfers. Although he no longer continues this line of work, Gray has transferred his skills from the job to his art. “The funny thing about being a

photo retoucher is that I’m obsessed with details. I love to paint details,” Gray said. “I’m criticized often for this, because many artists like to paint fast and obscure detail, just to get an image or feeling. I do the opposite.” Most of Gray’s paintings are realistic and focus on nature. Some of the crowd’s favorites from Monday’s reception were depictions of birds, flowers and landscapes. “There’s no story to tell with most of my paintings. A lot of people paint with an idea of what they want to show you. I just want to paint the beauty,” Gray said. “I love to see things that I can reproduce as well as or better than nature.” Gray added that he paints what he wants to remember and that he prefers the sense of accomplishment he gets from meticulously painting a subject rather than photographing it. Gray retired from photo retouching 20 years ago and has since moved to Johns Creek, where he found a burst of creativity and art. Just two years ago, Gray started incorporating colored pencils as a me-

dium in his work after he took a class at the Johns Creek Art Society. “I fell in love with the colored pencil, because it went well with drawing birds. And from there, I started painting a lot of birds,” Gray said. He has since switched to painting mainly with watercolors and then layering colored pencil on top for the finishing touches. “The paintings I do now are about 90 percent watercolor and 10 percent pencil,” Gray said. “That technique gives me some more detail and edge control in the paintings.” Gray’s paintings will be on display for the rest of the month at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, until the new spotlight artist is announced in February. They spotlight other local artists typically every other month. “There’s so many local artists like [Gray] and they have these pieces in their garage or their storage, but not in a gallery,” said Donna Clayton, the cultural arts coordinator for the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. “This is a great outlet for local talent to be exposed to a broad audience.” To learn more about Gray and his paintings, visit behance.net/ georgegray.

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

Donna Clayton, left, helps George Gray sell prints of his artwork.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 29

Want to lose up to 20 pounds in a month—the right way? Accomplishing your New Year’s goal doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The Medical Weight Loss program at the Center for Weight Management is hosting an open house so that our expert team can answer any question you may have. January 30, 2017 6:30 - 8 p.m. Center for Weight Management 3215 McClure Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30096 For more information and to register, call 678-312-6200 or visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/baricalendar.

30 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

JOHNS CREEK ARTS CENTER:

SCENE & HURD

‘I, Too, Am America’ showcases black artists Works in various media display variety of African-American art

For the third year, the Johns Creek Arts Center will celebrate Black History Month with a month-long art show of contemporary African American artists featuring a range of media. HATCHER HURD “We plan our art Scene & Hurd hatcher@appenmediagroup.com shows a year in advance. Althea Foster [Programming and Grant Writing] sat us down to talk about this show last year, and I am excited about it,” said JCAC Executive Director Stuart Miller. “We have an impressive roster of artists and the diversity of their work is also quite amazing.” Two of the artists are graduates of the Savannah School of Art and Design and the rest of the show has a lot of Atlanta flavoring.

If you go What: “I, Too, Am America,” African-American art showcase Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Building 700, Johns Creek When: Jan. 30 – Feb. 26 Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost: Free Perhaps the biggest “name” in the show is Atlanta architect Oscar Harris, who is also a gifted artist. Among his architectural designs in Atlanta are Centennial Olympic Park, Zoo Atlanta and the Fulton County Government Center. He also designed the HartsfieldJackson International Airport Atrium in its recent expansion. “It is an impressive roster of artists. And Harris is as an amazing artist, as he is an architect. His impressionist paintings are among my favorites in the collection,” Miller said. Foster said in pulling together the art show, she chose as the theme “I Too,” a poem by Langston Hughes that has the line, “I, too, am America.” “It is an assertion that black people are also a part of America. They have a different experience, but it is nonetheless an American experience,” Foster

This photograph by Joshua Redman McFadden captures an intimate tangent of a young man and an old man. One has the future all ahead of him, the other has his memories. It is a picture that invites us to imagine what is transpiring between the two generations. said. There some really strong works in the show, including Sistography, a collective of black female photographers featured last year. There are also works from the Atlanta black artists’ organization African Americans for the Arts and of course Oscar Harris, she said. “He is an accomplished visual artist and painter among many other artists,” she said. The Arts Center also used Martin

Luther King Day as way to kick off Black History Month activities with families, and 96 were in attendance. The official opening will be Saturday, Jan. 28, with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The show closes Sunday, Feb. 26, 3-5 p.m. with a special closing event, The Artist’s Talk. This year artist Jerushia Graham will speak on “The Power of the Picture.” Graham is printmaker and a professor at Kennesaw State University.

I Too I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then.

Shelia Turner’s “No Justice No Peace” shows the power of the intersection of art and photojournalism.

Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America. -- Langston Hughes

JCAC Registrar Stephanie Donaldson admires a painting.

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 31

Comprehensive Treatment of Foot & Ankle Pain for

St. Francis seniors Maya Dodson left and Kasiyahna Kushkituah right are joined by St. Francis head coach Aisha Kennedy after being named McDonald’s All-Americans. The teammates will play in the All-American Game March 29 in Chicago’s United Center.

TEAMMATES, FRIENDS, ALL-AMERICANS:

St. Francis’ Dodson, Kushkituah named McDonald’s All-Americans By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Only one school will be sending two players to the girls McDonald’s All-American Game this year — St. Francis. Seniors Maya Dodson and Kasiyahna Kushkituah were both named McDonald’s All-Americans and will play their final game together on the national stage at the McDonald’s All-American game on March 29 in Chicago’s United Center. Dodson and Kushkituah become the second and third St. Francis players to earn the accolade in the past two years after boys player Kobi Simmons was named All-American for 2016. Not only do Dodson and Kushkituah share the accolade as teammates, they also share it as close friends. “I’ve known Kasi since sophomore year and we have been best friends,” Dodson said. “It’s awesome to have someone you know that works hard and who you work hard with to accomplish something they deserve. It’s going to be awesome to be out there playing on the same team just like in high school.” Kushkituah said, “I am very excited to be playing with Maya. Being named All-Americans was a goal we both had, so the fact that we were able to accomplish that together means so much to me. She is one of my best friends and I love spending time with her on and off the court.” Being named an All-American is not the first major award for either player. Dodson, a Stanford commit, played for Team USA’s U17 National Team last summer, was named to the 2015 AllState team and was named to the Class 6-A All-Region team in 2014 and 2015.

Kushkituah was named to the 2016 AllGeorgia team, was the 2015 All-North Fulton Basketball Player of the Year and was on the 2016 Naismith Trophy watch list. Kushkituah has committed to the University of Tennessee. Though many accolades proceeded it, Dodson said her nomination to the All-American team was a childhood dream come true. “It’s an honor. I remember watching the All-American game when I was younger and thinking how cool it was to be in high school and to be named one the best players in the country and have the opportunity to play with the best in the country.” Kushkituah said she was ecstatic to reach her goal of being named to the team. “I’ve seen all these other girls I’ve known become All-Americans, and I wanted to accomplish that too. In the beginning of the season I made that a top goal and I worked very hard for it,” she said. With St. Francis, Dodson is approaching 1,000 career points at the varsity level. She has compiled over 500 rebounds, 143 steals and 173 blocks. Kushkituah has 700 career rebounds and has scored 1,033 points. Not only will the St. Francis’ teammates have one another to share in the pageantry of the All-American game — both players will be playing with former AAU teammates and Kushkituah will be joining three fellow Tennessee commits. For both players, it will be the final chance to play on the same team before they part ways for their respective colleges, and both said they are thrilled for the opportunity. The All-American game will be televised live on ESPN March 29.

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SPORTS

32 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Lady Titans leave no doubt against Chattahoochee Northview dominates Lady Cougars, 68-43 By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On paper, last Friday’s matchup between region rivals Chattahoochee and Northview looked to feature a close contest, but reality would see the Lady Titans dominate to remain undefeated in region play. Eight Titans scored in the win and the Northview defense forced eight steals and 11 blocks. “I thought we played incredibly on defense,” said Northview head coach Chris Yarbrough. “We held a senior-laden team to just 43 points with a lot of those points coming late.” “Offensively we are really starting to get going. I was hoping we could continue it against a better team (Chattahoochee) and we really did tonight.” Yarbrough said much of the Titans’ success could be attribute to the play inside the paint as Northview’s Maya Richards and Chattahoochee’s Alayna Ford battled under the net throughout the game. “We really took advantage inside,” said Yarbrough. “Maya Richards looked amazing tonight against a senior (Ford) who is probably going to play some college basketball. She really dominated the paint and crashed the glass and was just a huge lift for us.” Richards had a standout performance, scoring 18 points with seven rebounds, five blocks, two steals and an assist. Shannon Titus scored 11 with four blocks, three steals, three rebounds and two assists, and Ashlee Austin also put up 10 points for Northview. Northview (17-3, 11-0) has scored an average of 71 points per game over its past three contests. Chattahoochee (14-4, 7-3) was led in scoring by Alayna Ford who scored 13 points and gathered in 12 rebounds. Sienna Gore scored 11 with four rebounds. After a first quarter in which both teams seemed to be feeling one another out, Northview held on to a 13-7 lead. But in the second quarter, Northview would set the tone for the rest of the game with stout defense and efficient scoring. Northview sophomore Makayla Davis entered the game early in the second quarter and hit three straight 3-pointers. Davis’ threes would be

KEITH MAJOR/SPORTSSHOOTERS

Northview’s Ashlee Austin (25) scored 10 points against Chattahoochee.

her only points of the game, but they resulted in a palpable spark along the Northview bench that lasted for the remainder of the game. The Lady Titans opened a double-digit lead in the second quarter, and with solid defense and scoring from the majority of the bench, would cruise to a 68-43 victory. Yarbrough said he hopes his team will continue to dominate both sides of the ball as the Lady Titans face just five more regular season region games before the region tournament begins in the second week of February. “I think we are going to just keep doing what we have been doing. We still have some tough games like Johns Creek next week and Alpharetta. We struggled with Alpharetta a few weeks ago and that’s going to be one of the final games before the region tournament, and we have to be sure we can match that intensity level every night. We can go 16-0 in the regular season and it doesn’t mean anything. We have to make sure we are playing well in the region tournament as well to get that seeding that we want.”

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 33

Scoring milestone reached for Northview’s Shannon Titus Senior surpasses 1,000 career points

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By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Northview senior Shannon Titus has surpassed 1,000 career points, becoming just the second Lady Titan to reach the milestone. Titus reached 1,000 points in a 58-28 win over Centennial Jan. 13 in which she scored 31 points. Titus, who has been a starter since late in her freshman year, has averaged 10.5 points per game over the course of her career. Chris Yarbrough, who coached Titus as an assistant her freshman year before taking over the head coaching job the following season, said he is believes Titus is a truly special player and he was pleased she was able to reach the milestone. “It’s just such a wonderful accomplishment for her,” he said. “Getting to 1,000 points is not easy, and she has worked so hard and I am so glad it finally paid off for her.” “I’ve been so impressed with how unselfish she has been. I think she could have gotten the milestone much sooner but she always puts the team first. Last year we asked her to be our point guard because we didn’t have a better option. She probably sacrificed a lot of scoring by doing that, but she never complained. She wanted to win, and the team has always been more important to her than individual accomplishments.” Titus focused on defense in her earlier years with Northview, her strong suit at the time. “I knew that eventually my offense would follow,” Titus said. Even with accomplishing 1,000

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career points, Titus’ defensive performance has not fallen by the wayside. Titus is the all-time leader for the Lady Titans in rebounds, steals and blocks. She is approaching 400 steals and 350 career blocks. Titus, who attributes her accomplishment to hard work, said her focus this season was not on personal accolades but on team titles. “My goal is [for Northview] go undefeated in the region and win the region championship. Then we want to go to state and win that.”

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34 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Alpharetta, Cambridge duke it out in thriller Raiders allow late comeback, hold on for 69-66 win By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Saturday’s matchup between Alpharetta and Cambridge seemed to have it all. A statistical favorite, Alpharetta, looked to get an important win to keep its drive for a No. 1 seed in the region tournament intact. A statistical underdog, Cambridge sought an upset win with at home with a high-energy crowd loudly in support. The game also featured a standout offensive performance, a late comeback and a last second shot to force overtime. In what was perhaps the most exciting games in Region 7-AAAAAA this season, Alpharetta prevailed over Cambridge, 69-66. In a back-and-forth contest, Alpharetta opened the largest lead any team saw throughout the game, seven points, midway through the fourth quarter. But Cambridge would chip away at the lead, and with a minute and a half remaining, two free throws from the Bears’ Bryce Boutelle cut the Raiders’ lead to 66-62. Cambridge sophomore Kamar Robertson was fouled on the Bears’ ensuing

possession and went to the line for two shots. He made the first and missed the second, but Cambridge gathered in the rebound as less than 30 ticks remained on the clock. The Cambridge student section, who earlier had chanted “We want Boyea,” got its wish when a pass found Bears’ senior Jackson Boyea beyond the arc. In a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game, Boyea’s shot went in and out. The Raider’s marched down the court where Ellis Merriweather was fouled. Merriweather had a remarkable game for the Raiders, scoring 37 points with nine rebounds and a steal. Merriweather, who was 15-22 from the free-throw line, sunk both shots to give Alpharetta a five-point lead. Cambridge responded quickly with a 3-pointer from Noah Lucas to cut the lead to 68-66 with six seconds remaining. Cambridge drew a foul on the inbounds pass and Marcus Hill would make the second of his free throws, making Alpharetta’s lead 69-66 with 4.6 seconds left. Kamar Robertson, who has had a highly impactful season as a sopho-

JOE PARKER/HERALD

Ellis Merriweather (32) had a standout performance against Cambridge, scoring 37 points in the Raiders’ 6966 win. more for Cambridge, came down the court and fired a 3-point attempt as time expired. With the entirety of the

arena holding its breath, Robertson’s shot that would have sent the game into overtime, bounced off the back of the rim and backboard to the court. Robertson scored 21 points for the Bears and collected two rebounds, an assist and a steal. Kyler Ingran had six points, seven rebounds and a block. Boyea finished the game with 14 points and four rebounds. For Alpharetta, Merriweather’s 37 points led the way, followed by sophomore Brandon Barron who scored 12 points with three rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. With the win, the Raiders improved to 12-1 in region play and remained atop the Region 7-AAAAAA standings. Cambridge fell to 8-4 and sits fourth in the standings. With just three region games remaining, Alpharetta can clinch the regular season region championship this week with a win and a Pope loss. Alpharetta has games against Chattahoochee, North Atlanta and Northview remaining. Cambridge has four games remaining until the region tournament. The Bears will face North Atlanta, Johns Creek and Centennial on the road and face Dunwoody at home.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB # 17-040-3 2017 MAIN ROADS REPAVING The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the 2017 Neighborhood Paving Project. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 11:00AM. on February 9, 2017 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of questions is February 2, 2017. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. ITB packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov) . Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON FLASHDRIVE MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 35

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB # 17-040-2 2017 NEIGHBORHOOD PAVING-AREA 2 The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the 2017 Neighborhood Paving Project. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 11:00AM. on February 9, 2017 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of questions is February 2, 2017. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. ITB packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov) . Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON FLASHDRIVE MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB # 17-040-1 2017 NEIGHBORHOOD PAVING-AREA 1 The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the 2017 Neighborhood Paving Project. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 11:00AM. on February 9, 2017 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of questions is February 2, 2017. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. ITB packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov) . Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON FLASHDRIVE MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

36 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Defers: Continued from Page 4 players joining the other cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program.

In 2016, neither city had to turn away its own residents as a result of this agreement In other city business, the council approved a conservation easement for the Rivermont subdivision to put up a

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-17-AB-03

PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on January 10, 2017 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage and Wine.

PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers January 26, 2017 2:00 P.M.

BUSINESS NAME El Cubanito Caribbean Cuisine Inc. Dba Havana Tropical 11550 Jones Bridge Rd. Suite 10 Johns Creek, GA 30022

PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer & Wine Sunday Sales APPLICANT Taste of India 3070 Windward Plaza Suite M Alpharetta, Ga. 30005

OWNER/OFFICERS El Cubanito Caribbean Cuisine Inc. Dba Havana Tropical 1550 Jones Bridge Rd. Suite 10 Johns Creek, GA 30022

Owner Shyam Dasari Registered Agent Sreemannarayana Jannu

Owner Arturo Robles, Arturo Robles Jr., Asdrubal Lozano, Luisa Lozano

pavilion on a wooded tract of the property within the area covered by the Metropolitan River Act protecting areas close to the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries. Johns Kohler, speaking for the Rivermont community, said the easement was to build a 24-foot by 30-foot pavilion for the residents to use in a picnic

area of the property. The flooring would be pervious to water and the structure overall would be of low impact to the area. The request had been approved by the National Parks Service. The request was granted by the City Council as well

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, February 2, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, February 27, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. PH-17-05 Unified Development Code Text Amendments Consideration of amendments to Unified Development Code Section 2.6 Signs, to increase the maximum allowable wall sign area associated with Industrial and Office Parks from 156 to 240 square feet as well as revisions to Downtown Parking Regulations. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

FOR

RENOVATION OF WILLS PARK POOL RFQ 17-1010

NORTH HICKORY TRACE STORM DRAIN REPAIRS ITB #17-004

The City of Alpharetta (City) is requesting statements of qualifications from highly qualified contractors for the renovation of the Wills Park Pool. The pool renovation project includes, but is not limited to, the following items; interior and exterior renovations to the existing pool building; the construction of one new competition pool, one new leisure pool and amenities; and the construction of a bioretention area.

The City of Alpharetta (City) is accepting bids for NORTH HICKORY TRACE STORM DRAIN REPAIRS including, but not limited to, delivery and installation of storm sewer system materials, pipe replacement, excavation/ trenching, grading, catch basin rehabilitation, erosion control, landscaping and other work related to drainage improvements. The location of the work is at 12130 North Hickory Trace, Alpharetta, GA 30004 --- within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia.

The Request for Qualifications document will be available online Thursday, January 26, 2017 at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the RFQ documents.

The ITB will be available online Thursday, January 12, 2017, at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the ITB documents.

Statements of Qualifications will be due on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

The bid opening will be held on Thursday, February 9 at 2:00 PM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

For information, please contact Stephanie Cochran at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 37

Transit:

Survey:

Continued from Page 5

Continued from Page 14

cently our town was named by the American Planning Association as a Great American Neighborhood last year – the second to receive that designation in Texas,” LaRosiliere said. Plano today has been transformed, he said. The city has seen new businesses, restaurants, apartments and now is appealing to millennials and “young folks.” The city has expanded the footprint of its downtown and has a new concert plaza. The quality of life in the city has “definitely improved,” he said. “There is a lot more activity and vibrancy in the city. A lot of that has to do with DART rail coming in,” LaRosiliere said. A second DART station is planned for Plano a few blocks away. The mayor said they expect it will expand its downtown from the current centralized area of two to three blocks. “Transit works, but it takes commitment and it takes time,” he said “But in the end, every city is competing. And there was to be a willingness to compromise for the greater good. That’s the hardest part.” So Plano’s story has been its transformation from a bedroom community. “You build mass transit for the people who are coming, not for those who are there,” LaRosiliere said. “So the discussion of [transit] as being inefficient and costly is inherently an inaccurate discussion to bring up. “By design it should be. If 10 people are here today, and you know 1,000 are coming, you plan for the 1,000,” LaRosiliere said. “So that’s the challenge. You are building for 20 years out and the people here are voting tomorrow.”

Road. Preliminary studies show the amount of cut-through traffic is low. “There are a lot of houses out there, and with three schools on the corridor as well, that’s a lot of traffic that the destination is actually on the corridor itself,” Drinkard said. Also, traffic studies show the amount of traffic on the road has actually remained fairly constant in recent years. Still, something has changed to create the congestion, Drinkard has said. It may mean more vehicles are hitting the road at the same time or something has happened on an adjacent road that creates backups on Webb Bridge. “We know the congestion is worse than it’s ever been,” Drinkard said.

DEATH NOTICES Randall Allan Atkins, 72, of Alpharetta, passed away January 14, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Alta Catherine Bagwell, 92, of Cumming, passed away January 12, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Douglas Roney Bearden, 76, of Cumming, passed away January 16, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Donald Anthony Cottongim, 82, of Cumming, passed away January 16, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Eric Graves, senior traffic engineer with the city, told the crowd that the city conducted a traffic survey on Webb Bridge about a year ago. “In general, the stretch between North Point Parkway and Shirley Bridge is significantly higher than what we would look for if we were going to design a new road,” Graves said. Typically, a single lane of roadway is designed to handle about 800 cars in each direction at peak hours. Traffic numbers show about 1,200 vehicles passing through sections of Webb Bridge at peak hours. That’s about three hours in the morning – from 7 to 10 a.m. – in one direction and three hours in the afternoon – from about 4 to 7 p.m. – the other direction. One solution to the problem the city thinks will work is road widening projects on Old Milton Parkway and Kimball Bridge Road, two major commuter arteries.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Qualifying Information for The City of Johns Creek Upcoming November 7, 2017 Election The City of Johns Creek will hold QUALIFYING for the upcoming November 7, 2017 General Election for the Council Seats of Post 1, Post 3, Post 5 and the Mayoral Seat. The qualifying dates will be Monday, August 21st; Tuesday, August 22nd; and Wednesday, August 23rd with qualifying hours being set from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (GA Election Code 21-2-132). Qualifying will be held in the City Clerk’s Office at Johns Creek City Hall which is located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 400, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097. The qualifying fee is $450.00 for each Council Seat and $750.00 for the Mayoral Seat, which is 3% of the total gross salary for the preceding year.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on January 13, 2017 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage and Wine. BUSINESS NAME Fresh Grill LLC Fresh grill 5725 State Bridge Road Suite 108-109 Johns Creek, GA 30022 OWNER/OFFICERS Fresh Grill LLC Fresh Grill 5725 State Bridge Road Suite 108-109 Johns Creek, GA 30022 Owner Elsa Ortiz

Joan Jones City Clerk

Edna Frances DeHart, 90, of Alpharetta, passed away January 17, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

City officials say that if traffic flow is improved along those corridors, it could eliminate Webb Bridge Road as an alternate route. As for Webb Bridge Road, the city is considering design elements, such as bike lanes, sidewalks farther off the roadway and intermittent medians. These elements should slow traffic and give neighborhoods along the route easier access in and out of their subdivisions. Drinkard said the city will take information from residents and present a sketch of what the road might look like incorporating their suggestions. He said that draft will be presented at a public forum in about a month.

Ruby Norwood, of Roswell, passed away January 11, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Dianne Donnarumma, 59, of Alpharetta, passed away January 10, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

John T. Schmitz, 28, of Cumming, passed away January 10, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Billy Ray Stancil, 39, of Cumming, passed away January 17, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Cletis Ralph Fritts, Sr., 80, of Roswell, passed away January 16, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Ralph G. Outler, Jr., 63, of Cumming, passed away January 13, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Norris W. Martin, 72, of Alpharetta, passed away January 16, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Terry Neal Payne, 55, of Cumming, passed away January 14, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Oscar Montero, 79, of Cumming, passed away January 15, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Joan M. Sanborn, 83, of Roswell, passed away January 16, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Joseph Leonard Swofford, 73, of Suwanee, passed away January 14, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Dawn Thackery, 51, of Cumming, passed away January 12, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Dennie Banks Triller, 73, of Cummng, passed away January 13, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

38 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Now Hiring: Advertising Sales Executive Job Description & Duties: Appen Media Group is hiring sales executives for the marketing and advertising department. Primary responsibilities will be managing a book of existing business by consulting on and selling advertising campaigns, and growing the existing book of business through cold calling and networking. QualiďŹ cations: Must be ambitious, hard working, good with people, and goal oriented. Previous sales experience preferred, but not required.Â Compensation: Base salary of $18,200/ year with aggressive monthly commission. Full medical benefits, matching 401k and PTO. About Appen Media Group: Appen Media Group is a multimedia news company with a focus on print newspapers. AMG publishes

four weekly newspapers in the north Fulton and south Forsyth markets totaling 75,000 in circulation per week. In addition to its weekly coverage, AMG also publishes the monthly womens magazine, Northside Woman, as well as quarterly community guides, called Answer Books. Digitally, AMG has a vast online presences through various social media platforms and through its operation of northfulton.com and northsidewoman.com. Email a resume and cover letter to: christina@appenmediagroup.com and CC hans@appenmediagroup.com.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 26, 2017 | 39

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40 | January 26, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

JANE PATNEAU c. 770.337.3538 o. 770.442.7300

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