Johns Creek Herald - February 2, 2017

Page 1

Fe b r u a r y 2 , 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 . 5

Oldest former Falcon preps for Super Bowl Bob Whitlow hopes to cheer team on to victory ►►PAGE 27

Gray announces for congress Seeking Price’s seat in Washington ►►PAGE 12

Cougars score clutch win

Officials weigh in on rapid transit Comment on what Dallas visit displayed ►►PAGE 4

The Chattahoochee Lady Cougars beat the Alpharetta Raiders 53-46 last Tuesday. Chattahoochee’s Alayna Ford defends under the basket. Ford scored 14 points and gathered 11 rebounds for the Lady Cougars in their win over Alpharetta. Read more, Page 29.

Business announces $100M expansion Jackson Healthcare to add 300,000 s.f. in Alpharetta ►►PAGE 15

Sail away with Appen’s Cruise Giveaway Learn how to win the cruise of your dreams ►►PAGE 19

Real Estate Report JOE PARKER/HERALD

Wine & Dine on Us!

Spend $$1000 or more and get a $100 gift certificate to Steakhouse in Alpharetta! February 1st – 14th only!

Sponsored section ►►PAGE 22

IROFF& SON JEWELERS SINCE 1957

ALPHARETTA • 3960 Old Milton Pkwy #300 (1.5 miles East of 400) 770-751-7222 • www.iroff.com


2 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police recover stolen motorcycle 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

DUIS & DRUGS

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News: news@appenmediagroup.com Press Releases: NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar

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

20,000 Circulation

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

ADVERTISING QUESTIONS:

28,000 Circulation

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man was arrested Jan. 21 after attempting to flee from police for allegedly stealing a motorcycle. Johns Creek police were informed by DeKalb County police about the stolen motorcycle, which was traced to Long Pointe in Johns Creek. Officers initially got no response from the residents when they arrived. After a while, a woman came out of the townhome and agreed to show police what was inside the garage. While

17,000 Circulation

10,000 Circulation

Our Monthly Publication

18,000 Circulation Our Companion Websites

Visit AppenMediaGroup.com for more information. The Herald Newspapers are published by Appen Media Group, 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta Ga. 30009.

►► Bruce Wilson Smitherman, 61,

of Birmingham Road, Milton, was arrested Jan. 21 on Cogburn Road in Milton for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Detric Raymone Butler, 32, of Valley Glen Drive, Gainesville, was arrested Jan. 21 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Steve Andrew Sims, 27, of Longlake Drive, Duluth, was arrested Jan. 21 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain lane. ►► Victor Rodriguez, 27, of Wood Creek Trail, Roswell, was arrested Jan. 21 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and driver unlicensed. ►► Monica Sanchez Venegas, 42,of Enniskillen Court, Suwanee, was arrested Jan. 22 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain lane. ►► Vittal Sainath Alamanda, 44, of Ledmark Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 11 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Keasley Tyrone Lewis, 40, of Clairmont Road, Brookhaven, was arrested Jan. 20 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI, failure

NORTHSIDE CHAPEL

Rex T. Grizzle, Owner Locally Owned and Operated 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075

and CREMATORY

www.northsidechapel.com

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 770-645-1414 info@northsidechapel.com

North Fulton’s Only On-Site Crematory

officers were looking at the black Suzuki motorcycle, another resident told police that a man had run out the back door and into the woods behind the townhomes. A K-9 helped police track the man, 28-year-old Chaz Conley of Big Canoe, who was hiding under a deck of a nearby home. He was arrested for theft by receiving motor vehicle and obstruction. The motorcycle was returned to the owner.

to maintain lane and brake light requirements. ►► James Alton Vickers, 24, of Deer Park Lane, Milton, was arrested Jan. 18 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and possession of marijuana. ►► Neeraj Joshi, 38, of Deer Trail, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 16 on Highway 9 in Milton for DUI, failure to maintain lane, driving on the wrong side of the roadway and failure to yield to emergency vehicles.

Drug arrests ►► Robert Linley Kieckhefer, 55, of

River Farm Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 23 on Branyan Trail in Milton for possession of marijuana, failure to maintain lane and duty upon striking a fixed object. ►► Kyle Adam Micovsky, 30, of Branch View Drive, Marietta, was arrested Jan. 20 on Morris Road in Milton for possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of a schedule I, II, III, and IV controlled substance, possession of drug-related items, and drugs not kept in original container. ►► Sharmal Derek McIntyre, 24, of Riverlake Way, Snellville, was arrested Jan. 22 on Brookside Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and expired tag. ►► Meshach Obadiah Ledan, 22, of Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, was arrested Jan. 16 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for possession of cocaine, wanted person, taillight violation and no license.

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.

Alleged shoplifter caught returning to same store MILTON, Ga. — A man was arrested Jan. 22 for shoplifting multiple times and obstruction. An employee at Fry’s Electronics on Webb Road called police when he recognized a man in the store as a suspect who had allegedly shoplifted from them Jan. 14 and 17. Store footage showed Aaron Wuescher taking a $700 drone and $350 camera Jan. 14 without paying for either item. When police arrived and approached the 34-year-old Wuescher of Woodstock, Wuescher turned around and walked away. Another officer stood in Wuescher’s way, and that’s when Wuescher ran. Police caught up with Wuescher and tackled him. He was arrested on two counts of felony shoplifting and for misdemeanor obstruction.

Road rage leads to man’s arrest ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An incident of road rage ended in arrest Jan. 19 as a man was charged for aggressive driving,

See BLOTTER, Page 37

JOHNS CREEK LIMO To and From Airport Other Services: Proms, Weddings, Tours/Charters Major Credit Cards Accepted

$65

.00*

404-207-9670 Town Car/Sedans

+ gratuity

*One way

www.johnscreek4limo.com


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of multifocal intraocular lenses for patients having cataract surgery?

See The Big Game Clearly!

By Dr. Cameron Johnson

A cataract is caused by the clouding of the natural human lens. When the cloudy lens is removed with surgery, a new artificial lens is placed in the eye to focus images properly.

Cameron Johnson, M.D. Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

When considering cataract surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your eye doctor. With advancements in artificial lens technology over the last decade, discussing the type of new lens to be placed in the eye has become very important as well.

When a person reaches their 40’s, they begin to note that they are no longer able to see up close without glasses. While patients often have much decreased need for glasses for distance vision after cataract surgery, with a standard lens they will still need reading glasses for near vision. Fortunately, patients now have additional lens options. One of these options is called a multifocal lens. This type of lens corrects both near and distance vision. One survey found that 4 out of 5 patients with this type of lens reported never wearing glasses. Many patients find that these lenses add greatly to their quality of life and enjoy the convenience of not having to keep up with reading glasses. However, these lenses are not for all patients. In order for these lenses to work well, patients must have relatively healthy eyes. Those with severe dry eye, macular degeneration, or advanced glaucoma are not good candidates. A patient also must not have much astigmatism in order for these lenses to work well. Patients with larger amounts of astigmatism would likely benefit more from an astigmatism correcting intraocular lens. Patient personality plays a role as well. While multifocal lenses are very good, they are not capable to giving patients the vision they had when they were 20 years old. Like all technologies they have limitations. Patients often note haloes around lights and can have glare issues, especially at night. However these symptoms are less noticeable with time. In one study, 6 months after surgery, only about 6 percent of patients described these problems as severe. Reading with these lenses requires adequate lighting, so patients may still need reading glasses in a dimly lit restaurant. There may be some decreased sharpness as compared to standard lenses, especially at night and in rainy or foggy conditions. This means that patients who know themselves to be perfectionists wanting the clearest possible vision at every distance, may do better with a standard lens and reading glasses. Finally, these lenses are considered to be similar to LASIK or cosmetic surgery by insurance companies. Therefore they are not covered by insurance and require an additional fee. However, even given these limitations, 93% of patients receiving one popular type of multifocal lens say they would choose to have a multifocal lens again.

• Fellowship trained, board-certified surgeons specializing in cataract, cornea, and refractive surgery • State-of-the-art surgery centers directly adjacent to many of our clinics providing the utmost convienience to our patients • Most advanced diagnostic and imaging technology At eighty-two years old, I never believed my eyes would be returned to such great sight. The surgery was a very easy experience, lasting just a few minutes with an easy recovery. By following exactly the very clear drop instructions, my eyesight continues to improve. Each day I thank the nurses, the associates, and my great doctor Samir Vira and then go outside and enjoy my new eyes. - Robert P., Peachtree Corners

Voted “Top Doctors in America” by Castle Connolly SERVICES WE OFFER: • Bladeless Cataract Surgery • Diabetic Eye Examination • Dry Eye Management • Corneal Transplant • Glaucoma • Ocular Emergencies Evaluation/Management • Pterygium Surgery

MILAN EYE CENTER Johns Creek | Cumming | Canton | Buford | Roswell | Dahlonega

470-326-0330

Call to make your appointment: Learn more: milaneyecenter.com


NEWS

4 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Officials get close look at Dallas rapid transit Local Service

SPECIALS 10%-$250 Off TREE SERVICES

770Tree.com

Pre-Screened Local Tree Services. We do all the homework, so you don’t have to. Screened and vetted local services.

WET BASEMENT?

$250 OFF

250 OFF full basement solutions over 100’or $150 OFF basement solutions less than 100’.Water-proofing and Mold Repair, Crawl Space Encapsulation, Foundation/ Walls Bowing or Cracked. Solutions. Guaranteed. Discount only by mentioning this ad. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Pls Call Aquaguard for quote 678-250-4470 $

LANDSCAPING

$150-$250 OFF

Take $150 off any job over $1500 or $250 off any job over $3500. Degreed in Horticulture. Call Tad 678-648-2012

ELECTRICAL

$30 OFF

Any Electrical Work. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Rated A++ by BBB • Many local referrences

Call 678-648-2011

New customers only. Cannot be combined with any other discount. Limit one coupon per household. Expires 10 days after publication.

Fulton officials ride rails from Dallas to Plano in search of answers By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com (This is Part II of an article on a fact-finding tour of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System and the possible application of similar rapid transit in North Fulton. For Part I see the Jan. 26 Herald article or go online to http://tinyurl.com/zmard2r) NORTH FULTON – When a Fulton County delegation of 10 mayors and Fulton County commissioners took a quick two-day trip to Dallas, Texas, to see the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in action, it was with an eye to working cooperatively on a similar system in Fulton County. The leaders participating included Fulton Chairman John Eaves, Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann, Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle and Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. Most leaders are agreed that Fulton County can never pour enough concrete to keep up with Fulton’s transportation congestion, so they went to Dallas to see the much ballyhooed DART in action. And with the passage of the TSPLOST infusing $655 million for transportation solutions over the next five years, leaders are giving regional solutions to congestion more thought. Commissioner Hausmann, representing Johns Creek, said she and others have noticed how the Dallas suburb of Plano closely resembled the North Fulton area in many ways, and how DART so transformed that community. “Plano was just the sleepy little suburb that was getting sleepier and sleepier [getting rundown actually], until it got rapid transit,” Hausmann said. Considering all of the recent discussions about the TSPLOST and engaging

GARAGE SALES

DRIVEWAY REPAIR

See more garage sales in the classifieds

SAVE $250

ALPHARETTA: 12785 OAK FALLS DRIVE, Saturday 2/4, 8am-3pm. Huge; great bargains!

$250 OFF any job over $3500 $50 OFF any job over $300 Cannot combine with other offers. Expires 10 days after publication.

Honest • Professional • Competitive Many Local References • Free Estimates

Dave McKemey 678-648-2010

DEADLINE

To place garage sale ads: Noon Monday. Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

both elected officials and the public, Hausmann thought it would be a good idea for representatives from around the county to see just what transit means in a real-world situation. In addition to Fulton officials, others making the trip were Georgia Department of Transportation Director Russell McMurry, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director Christopher Tomilinson and directors of four Fulton community improvement districts. Most came back favorably impressed, but they see problems adapting the same light rail to Fulton’s geographical topographical problems. While complete agreement among officials would be hard to get based on one field trip, there was consensus about some of the salient features of DART that would be attractive in North Fulton. It is cheaper. Light rail does not entail the big train stations MARTA has with huge parking components. DART vehicles are more like streetcars which run at street level. Passengers just step off at or near their destination. Light rail can move people with more mobility than heavy rail and do it cheaper. Light rail is also an engine for economic development. Alpharetta Mayor Belle Isle said he liked light rail “much better” than MARTA’s heavy rail. “There are no escalators, no turnstiles. You just step on at street level. I could see getting on at North Point Parkway and stepping off at Avalon,” Belle Isle said. He liked the ease of getting on and off light rail. But Belle Isle noted the density of a city like Plano is about 275,000 – which is about the population of all of North Fulton. And its downtown is just a few square blocks. “Densities of that magnitude will never happen here,” Belle Isle said. “But any type of transit in North Fulton beyond a bus needs to be light rail.” But what Belle Isle said is needed most is a comprehensive regulatory transit entity that would provide not only the infrastructure but a seamless system with coordinated scheduling, one that was clean and efficient. Roswell’s Mayor Wood said what he liked about DART was its economic impact. Wood said only about 5 percent of Plano residents ride DART, yet the economic impact of bringing people to the city has been huge for Plano. “It’s an economic development tool. Plano’s downtown was dying, and light

rail made a complete turnaround of it,” said Wood. At his State of the City address, Wood noted that two major retailers in Roswell, Kohl’s and Target, were considering moving their outlets from BELLE ISLE Roswell, which would give the city two more large empty spaces. “That is not the tip of the iceberg in Roswell, that is the iceberg,” Wood said. On the trip, Plano’s mayor said light rail is the reason it attracted the North American HAUSMANN headquarters of Frito-Lay and Toyota. The city has 18 companies that employ more than 1,000 people. Mayor Lockwood said he thought light rail was much preferable to MARTA’s heavy rail. “There are no LOCKWOOD big stations, no big parking decks and no big escalators to get to the trains,” Lockwood said. “We just walked out of an office building and stepped onto the light rail train with its tracks embedded in the street. It was almost like you would WOOD get on a streetcar.” The car would make a few more stops and then they were in the heart of downtown Plano. “It wasn’t overwhelming, it wasn’t like getting on at a big [MARTA] station at all. They’re just stops along the way. It would certainly be great to get on a car in downtown Atlanta and go all the way to Dahlonega just making a few stops in the cities along the way,” Lockwood said. It is much less impact than heavy rail, he said. Looking to the future, there may be some new ideas to improve light rail such as combining such innovations as Uber or Lyft that would fill in the routes the light rail does not go. “Who foresaw Lyft or Uber 10 years ago? We don’t know what the next 10 years will bring,” he said. “It will likely be a combination of solutions. What most people don’t realize is that it will take 15 to 20 years to get to that point.”


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 5

Take up to

75

%

Off the lowest ticketed price on every fabric in stock

THIS WEEK ONLY! Thurs. - Wed. 2/2 - 2/7

*Damasks *Silks *Sheers *Velvets *Cotton Prints *Toiles *Chintzes *Linens *Upholsteries *Matelasse

OCA

ARGOONS

Decorative Fabrics For Your Home

ALPHARETTA 11120 State Bridge Rd. (770) 475-1219 Mon. - Sat. 10-5:30 Sun. 12-4

ÂŽ

Now thru Wednesday only take an extra

20

%

Off

any single item in stock! Must present coupon to receive discount. Limit 1 per customer. Expires 2/7/17. JCH

Boca Raton Lake Park Melbourne Tampa Orlando Jacksonville Hallandale Beach Sarasota Ft. Myers Naples Alpharetta Scottsdale


6 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Johns Creek rated safest city in Georgia Milton ranks 2nd, Roswell, Alpharetta Top 20 By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Last year, SafeWise, an authority on home safety and security news, published its list of Georgia’s Safest Cities, and Johns Creek came in at No. 2. This year Johns Creek left little room for improveBODKER ment ranked as SafeWise’s No. 1 safe city based on 2015 FBI crime statistics. Milton came in at No. 2, and Roswell and Alpharetta remained in the Top 20. Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was ebullient about his city’s selection as the safest city in Georgia. “I think the most essential role of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Bodker. “The secondary goal of local government is to protect property values. That is not something that occurs by happenstance.” Location is a factor. The lack of poverty and unemployment are others, he said. But the city from its inception has

been proactive about public safety and fire safety. And working to provide the resources necessary, the city has done a good job of both, he said. “By being a safe community, we are also a desirable community. And I credit our fire chief, our police chief and the folks who manage Chattcom 911 for helping make this happen.” Bodker pointed out the Police Department is not only CALEA-certified, a distinction shared by only 10 percent of all U.S. law enforcement agencies, but is Gold-certified. That puts it in the top 1 percent of agencies so certified. “I think that it is the very fiber of the way [Police] Chief [Ed] Densmore runs that department. That accounts for a large part having a well-run, proactive police force looking after the city,” he said. In the final analysis, though, Bodker says it comes down to officers who show up for work who love the city and want to make a difference. All of North Fulton’s cities showed improvement over last year’s rankings. Milton, No. 4 last year, is behind only Johns Creek at No 2. Roswell (No. 17 last year) moved up three spots to

Ga.’s Safest Cities – 2017* 1. Johns Creek 2. Milton 3. Senoia 4. Summerville 5. Braselton 14. Roswell 18. Alpharetta *Based on statistics from the 2015 FBI Crime Report

No.14 and Alpharetta moved up one spot to No. 18. SafeWise researcher Alyssa Baker said the rankings of the Top 50 Safest Cities in Georgia are based on data gleaned from the 2015 FBI Crime Report which gathers and collates data from the cities in each state. A city’s score is the aggregate number of violent crimes plus property crimes, then divided by the population of the city. That ratio is the city’s score and allows for the comparison of those cities. Baker said in her report these top Georgia cities show sustained effort to remain safe cities. “Although Georgia has a slightly

By being a safe community, we are also a desirable community. And I credit our fire chief, our police chief and the folks who manage Chattcom 911 for helping make this happen.” MIKE BODKER Johns Creek mayor higher crime rate than the national average, 58 percent of Georgia’s safest cities have lower property crime rates. And 88 percent reported lower violent crime rates than the national average, Baker said. She also noted that 75 percent of Georgia’s safest cities last year remained in the Top 20 again this year.


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 7

60 % OFF SECOND GUEST

*

Plus, get 30% off 3 rd & 4 th guests! *

400 92

Hol com b Br

400

Old M

ilton P

kwy

120

b Kim

a

Sta te

idge

Exit 7

(770) 415 1030 725 West Crossville Road, Suite 154, Roswell www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Roswell

Br Jon es B r

Exit 10

ll

Woods tock Rd

King Rd

OFFER ENDS FEBRUARY 28 th - CONTACT US TO BOOK TODAY Celebrating 5 years in Alpharetta and now open in Roswell!

Brid ge

(678) 712 5059 10945 State Bridge Road Suite 105, Alpharetta www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Alpharetta

*Cruise must be booked February 1-18, 2017 for sailings departing April 1 – December 31, 2017. Offer excludes China departures. All other charge, including, but not limited to, taxes, fees and port expenses, are additional and apply to all guests. All offers are not combinable with any other offer or promotion. Offer applies to new, individual and names group bookings confirmed at prevailing rates. Offer open to residents of U.S. or Canada. Prices and Offer are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Expedia Extra is for 7 night or longer European sailings only. Additional restrictions may apply. Contact us for full terms & conditions. Š2017 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registry: Bahamas.


8 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

A newsroom also We give you, Blackbox marches on its stomach I’ve always had a strong admiration for our men and women serving in the military. It takes a special kind of person to put their lives on the line for people they will KATHLEEN STURGEON likely never meet. I just didn’t Editor kathleen@appenmediagroup.com know how brave they were until recently. I was somehow convinced by our executive editor Hatcher Hurd to try a sampling of a military ration. A local man who sends care packages to troops gave Hatcher an MRE – meal ready to eat – kit, complete with a veggie burger and barbeque sauce. As the “office vegetarian,” I was summoned to take one for the team. I have a vague memory of trying something similar in college after visiting an Army supply store and being impressed and somewhat amused that a vegetarian ration was offered. I don’t think that went over too well, or if I even ended up trying the powdery food. So when Hatcher asked if I was interested in sampling, I roped my fellow newsroom staff into joining me on the taste test journey. Around lunchtime we ripped open the package. Let me just start by saying, our ignorance was showing, or as Hatcher put it, was flashing in neon. We inspected each individual package and were thoroughly amused by the teeny, tiny bottle of Tabasco sauce. First, we sampled the various premade food, beginning with the bread which tasted like a stale piece of pita bread. The chocolate banana nut muffin top left a lot to be desired; in fact we never noticed it was supposed to be banana flavored until we read the package. But what really stuck out to us were the raisins. My coworkers put it eloquently when they said they’d remember trying those forever, and that the raisins, “rotted immediately upon contact with saliva.” After we experimented with the side dishes, it was time to make our veggie burger. Let me just say, this food gives a whole new meaning to “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Trying to figure out how to make the burger was like an intelligence test. We had to set up the provided heater, which took pretty much all the

brain power we could muster. I can’t even imagine being out in the field having to figure out how to work the cooker. I hope they are taught how to set up their food prior to shipping out. Once we waited the allotted 10-15 minutes, we tried the burger. As someone who eats veggie burgers regularly, I have to admit it wasn’t too shabby. Granted, I wouldn’t buy it in the store or order it at a restaurant. But if I was out serving our country and really hungry, I would be happy to have that. It’s also incredible that a vegetarian dish is obtainable at all. In my everyday life, I am often told to “eat around the meat” or “pick it out.” My choices are sometimes limited to macaroni and cheese or rolls. So the fact our military thinks about offering this as an option, if for religious or personal reasons, is excellent. All in all, we, of course, tasted the food through our mindset of not actually being in the military and having the option to eat other food if we didn’t like what was presented. Eating rations is just one small part of being in the military, but as was once said, “an army marches on its stomach.” As for our newsroom, I’m not too sure we could suck it up and eat the provisions, then go out and interview and write, let alone go into battle. So I commend the army for not only eating their MREs, but for doing so and then going on to serve our country and putting their lives at risk. We thank you for all that you do.

It is with great pleasure that I announce on behalf of the entire Appen Media Group team the launch of our newest project, dubbed Blackbox (or BL4CKB0X as you will often see it HANS APPEN designated). General Manager hans@appenmediagroup.com Blackbox is the new investigative journalism arm of our multimedia company. For over 30 years Appen Media Group, while thorough and detailed in its reporting of current news, has never designated resources and manpower to what consumers of news would describe as investigative journalism. And, to be fair, rarely do news organizations of our size and scope do such a thing. This role is typically played by larger daily media companies like Cox Media Group’s Atlanta Journal Constitution, or the Boston Globe, for which this company drew inspiration from for the Blackbox model. For those of you who saw the movie “Spotlight,” you will understand what I am talking about. The Boston Globe has a division of its newsroom designated to deep background investigations, usually centered around corruption, crime or abuse of power. They are meticulous with their research, sift through hundreds of tips from readers for legitimate leads, and work autonomously from the rest of the news staff. They are dubbed Spotlight. For us, there will be some parallels and some differences with their structure. First, the similarities. The Blackbox team is a small group of journalists allotted as much time and effort required to research, verify and report on major news stories. We will depend on tips from our readers, a multitude of recorded and off-the-record sources, and will only spend time on stories that deserve the depth of attention we will give it.

The Blackbox team will build a thesis based on a hunch or tip. Then, we will gather facts to support our thesis and continued work on the project. We will continue to work on some, and then that’s when we’re off to the races. The differences? While the Boston Globe is able to designate resources to a separate dedicated team of journalists for Spotlight, we will be running Blackbox with the team we already have on staff. This means they will be contributing to Blackbox in addition to the beats they already cover. Another key difference is that while we will dive into statewide and national issues, our focus is still and always will be local. So, while the exposure to our work may be small, the impact will be just as strong, if not more so. Additionally, I would like to take the time to announce we are beefing up on resources on our news team. In addition to industry vets Hatcher Hurd, Pat Fox, and rising star Kathleen Sturgeon, we are thrilled to announce the hiring of Joe Parker as a full-time reporter covering the Milton beat and the promotion of Julia Grochowski to reporter covering the Roswell beat. Both will contribute to Blackbox projects. For now, I recommend you follow any Blackbox updates in your local Herald newspaper and via the team twitter handle @BLACKBOXdocs. The team is now working on multiple projects, and we will keep you posted on appropriate updates or when projects are ready. Also, send us tips! We have a few leads we are looking into, but would love to hear from our readers on anything they would like for us to investigate. To send a tip to the Blackbox team, simply email it to tips@blackboxdocs.com or submit it via the website, blackboxdocs.com/contact. You can do this anonymously or by giving your name and contact info. Your name and contact info will solely be used to follow up for questions, and will never be written anywhere in our reporting without your expressed consent.

The Blackbox team will build a thesis based on a hunch or tip. Then, we will gather facts to support our thesis and continued work on the project. We will continue to work on some, and then that’s when we’re off to the races.


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 9

are you ready? spring market starts now.

Penelope was a great selling agent for us! She is above all extremely professional and easy to work with. However what she accomplished for us was all the difference. If you have sold a home you know many less considerate agents just go for the price cut forgetting to place critical thinking into the equation. Instead, Penelope looked at our home and saw what needed to be done to get us to sold. We would certainly leverage her talents if/when we are in the market again. Thank you Penelope! - TIM & MELISSA , PAST CLIENTS

Give me a call today and I can help get you and your home ready for spring market.

PENELOPE MASON c. 404.944.3400 | o. 770.442.7300 penelopemason@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com

©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.


NEWS

10 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SBA Preferred Lender • www.metrocitybank.com

SBA & Commercial Loans: 770-455-4985 Commercial Real Estate SBA 7(a) 

Loans

SBA 504

USDA (B&I) Loans

Commercial Loans

Business Line of Credit

Residential Mortgage Loans (NMLS#874399) James Lee (NMLS# 796712) 770-454-1867 | Jimmy Song (NMLS# 1218336) 770-454-1871 Sandy Na (NMLS# 983548) 770-454-1861 | Trinh Pham (NMLS# 1369150) 678-689-0093 Ext. 1713 Mortgage Lending Office: 5385 Jimmy Carter Blvd., #100, Norcross, GA 30093

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

$110

New Patient

(First Visit)

$50

Britt Boyd, M.D.

Flu Vaccine

$15

Sports Physicals

$25

Most Insurance and Medicare Accepted • Walk Ins Welcome

Call for Appointment 678-990-1831

11912 Jones Bridge Road, Alpharetta Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am-1pm

Local protest erupts over Price nomination, ACA 10 organizers vow first of many demonstrations By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — In the wake of U.S. Rep. Tom Price’s nomination as cabinet secretary of Health and Human Services, some North Fulton residents have been getting busy exercising their First Amendment rights. Constituents from Price’s own district flocked Jan. 24 to the busy streets surrounding the congressman’s district office to peacefully protest his nomination and to support the Affordable Care Act. More than 200 people lined the sidewalks up and down both Mill Street and Ga. 9 in solidarity. This was in stark contrast to the originally expected 50-70 people. Car horns could be heard blaring every few seconds as passing drivers shouted their support for the protest. “This is the beginning of a movement. This is the result of 10 strangers coming together in 10 days to create this,” said Leonard Witt, one of the organizers. The grassroots protest was organized by groups like Needles in a Haystack, Indivisible Georgia, MoveOn and various online meetup groups. According to the organizers, most of the crowd was made up of first-timers who had not been previously politically active. “We all basically decided about 10 days ago that this was a great opportunity for us to make our opinions known about the Affordable Care Act and that Tom Price is unfit to be Secretary of Health and Human Services,” said Carlos Moreno, one of the organizers. “He’s clearly got a conflict of interest with his personal finances. He’s broken House ethics rules. “Repeal of the ACA would cause physical harm to all Americans, not just those on subsidies, as well as Georgians and his own constituents.” For many of the protesters, the issues hit home. Local resident Renee Millstone, a cancer survivor, said that she was protesting to protect the ACA, which reduced her monthly premiums from $2,000 to $500 for her pre-existing condition. Repealing the ACA could reverse that. “Me and so many Americans like me are in those shoes right now, and it

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

Dr. Rebecca Quigg, a cardiologist, protests against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act that would affect care for her patients. would be a sad, sad day if people could not get access to affordable healthcare,” said Millstone. “It would just be devastating to people like me. You would either go without and not get medical care, or you would be financially ruined with such high premiums.” But not everyone at that corner was there to protest Price’s nomination or to support the ACA. “I came by to remind everyone that elections have consequences and that it’s going to be OK,” said Claire Harrison, a counter protester. “I just came back from the inaugural, and this is mostly a nice crowd in comparison… I’m glad that they’re being peaceful and mostly civil. Everyone has a right to have a voice, and I don’t care if I’m the lone voice here.” Aside from some heckling directed at Harrison, the protest remained peaceful and nonviolent. The crowd’s energy carried the protest over the original hour planned for it. “This is just the first of many. This is the resistance,” Moreno said. “Whenever [Trump] goes to take away our basic human rights and American freedoms, whenever he betrays the Constitution and lies to the American people, we are going to be there and holding our representatives accountable.” Price’s district office deferred to his Washington office for comment, and the Washington office did not respond by press time.


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 11

New Year = New Dental Benefits Call us today! 404-437-7331

SStart your year out right by scheduling your ďŹ rst of two semiannual visits. No insurance, no problem, take advantage of our current specials.

$38 Emergency Exam & X-ray

$69 Complete Exam & X-rays

New Patients only not valid with any other offers or with insurance.

New Patients only not valid with any other offers or with insurance.

Expires 3/3/17

Expires 3/3/17

$799 Porcelain Crown

(40% OFF Savings)

New Patients only not valid with any other offers, other charges may incurr due to other services needed and will determined on a case by case basis. Expires 3/3/17

Cosmetic Dentistry | Composite Tooth-Colored Fillings | Crowns and Bridges | Dental Implants | Dentures | Root Canals Sports Mouth Guard | Invisalign | TMJ Treatment | Veneers and Laminates Office hours:

Dr. Alim J. Grant

Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm Friday 9:00 - 2pm Walk-ins and Emergency appointments are welcome.

Call us at 404-437-7331 newtownfamilydental.net 3280 Old Alabama Road | Suite 200 | Johns Creek, GA 30022


NEWS

12 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Bob Gray running for congress Councilman seeks Tom Price’s 6th District seat By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

Tickets On Sale Now! PHILIPS ARENA

INFINITE ENERGY ARENA

FEB 15 – 20

FEB 23 – MAR 5

372866

All trademarks shown are the property of their respective owners.

RINGLING.COM

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Bob Gray, Johns Creek City Councilman and a Johns Creek –based technology executive, announced this week he would run for Georgia’s 6th District Congressional seat. That seat is exGRAY pected to become vacant with cabinet confirmation of U.S. Rep. Tom Price, R-Roswell, as President Donald Trump’s secretary of Health and Human Services. When Price is confirmed, Gray says he will resign his seat as Post 4 city councilman and run for Price’s congressional seat. His signs are already out, he said. Upon confirmation, the governor will announce a special called election to fill the Sixth District seat. It is not confirmed, but Johns Creek City Clerk Joan Jones said she would try to have the city’s special election at the same time. Gray said he only made up his mind about getting into the race over the past few weeks, but he began mulling the idea shortly after Price was tabbed by the president for his cabinet. Gray was asked why he thought he would make a good congressman. “First I think President Trump will need willing partners to effect the change that is necessary and that the people who voted for Trump want,” Gray said. “We’re going to need people who support that. “I think it’s clear that the entire country, with the exception of some places around New York City and Los Angeles think the country has been headed in the wrong direction,” he said. “In order to effect the kinds of change that the people who voted for Trump want, we’re going to need people who support that.” Congress today is “unresponsive and doesn’t deliver results,” he said. “That is what people want to see, they want results and not endless debate.” Gray said as a businessman, he can deliver results rather than talk. That is what business people are used to doing – obtaining results. Gray said his priorities in Congress would be, first, to fuel the economy. He said he recognizes as a businessman that Congress does not grow the

First I think President Trump will need willing partners to effect the change that is necessary and that the people who voted for Trump want, We’re going to need people who support that.” BOB GRAY Johns Creek councilman economy. But by easing regulations and letting loose American know-how, American businesses can get the economy growing again. His second priority would be to control federal spending “We’re driving a car at 85 miles per hour toward a brick wall. And we have to slow down before we hit it,” he said. His third priority would be national security. That starts with securing America’s borders. But the greater threat, Gray says, is cybersecurity. “Our electrical and communications infrastructure are at tremendous risk. Much of the wars we will fight in the future will be won or lost on the basis of technology,” he said. Gray won his first term on the City Council in 2015 filling the unexpired term of Ivan Figueroa. He won a full term last November running unopposed. He said he ran then on improving traffic and has done that with road improvements, paving city streets and supporting an intelligent traffic management network that manages city traffic in real time. “It has not been enough, but with the TSPLOST, we will make more progress in that area.” He pointed to the city’s increase in parkland on his watch with plans to do more. Finally, he said the council has done a good job of minimizing high density development in the city that adds to congestion. Gray said he also feels good about bringing his business experience to bear to help the city develop financial plans and to operate the city on a sound business plan. The city also reduced the millage rate by a half-mill.


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 13


NEWS

14 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

2 missing teenagers found in Newton, Bibb County Father of one teen arrested after 11-day search By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com

Johns Creek has 2nd billboard townhall meeting JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council will have its second town hall meeting on the subject of billboards in the city in council chambers at City Hall Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. Residents wishing to weigh in on the subject or get more information about the billboard settlement are welcome to attend. The floor will be open to other topics residents may wish to discuss as well. City Hall is at 12000 Findley Road, Johns Creek, third floor.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The two local teenage girls who went missing for more than a week were recently found and brought safely home. On Jan. 17, Alpharetta police issued an Amber Alert searchSPIRES ing for two teenagers, a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old, who had disappeared. Both teens were in foster care under the protection of Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services. Alpharetta Public Information Officer George Gordon said police believe that the 13-year-old called her father, 32-year-old Steven Spires of Locust Grove, at 8:48 p.m. Jan. 14 to pick her and her companion up from Main Event Entertainment in Alpharetta. Spires has a court order prohibiting contact with his daughter. He was aware of that order and that it was a violation for him to meet with

BANK LIQUIDATION SALE ONE DAY ONLY SATURDAY, FEB 11TH

Up to 8+/- Acres

From $9,900 Incredible Mountain Estates Mountain Top Estate with Lake and Panoramic Mountain Views adjoining the National Forest. Go trout fishing in your back yard

Beautiful Trout Streamfront Property Just $24,900 90 Miles from North Atlanta

Call to Reserve Your Presale Showing! Toll

Lake view log cabin package only $49,900*

Free 1-800-695-9193 Ext. 604

*Log home package consists of land and building materials. Construction is buyer’s responsibility. Log home package may differ from image shown. No discounts can be applied to advertised properties.

the teen, Gordon said. According to Fulton County jail records, Spires had been arrested in 2008 on charges of statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor and simple battery. Hours after the Amber Alert was issued, police found the elder teen in Covington. “[She] was found wandering in a parking lot at a hotel. Deputies had gone to that particular hotel on a different call, and they happened to see her and realized that she matched our Amber Alert,” Gordon said. “Spires had dropped her off, because she didn’t want to be a part of the group anymore.” However, neither Spires nor his 13-year-old daughter were there. This is not the first time Spire’s daughter has gone missing. As a 12-year-old, she was also allegedly taken from Hall County last July by her father and his 19-year-old girlfriend. She was found 11 days later in McDonough with Spires, who was arrested then on charges of interference with custody. This time, the father and daughter were found at a hotel Jan. 24 in Bibb County by the Bibb County Sheriff’s

[She] was found wandering in a parking lot at a hotel. Deputies had gone to that particular hotel on a different call, and they happened to see her and realized that she matched our Amber Alert.” GEORGE GORDON Alpharetta Public Information Officer Office. Federal law enforcement and several local law enforcement agencies all assisted with the search for the teenager and Spires. Spires was arrested and charged with felony interference with custody. Details about the incident and what occurred while the trio was on the run are not being released as the case is still under investigation by state authorities.


NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 15

Jackson Healthcare building $100M campus Project will add 1,400 new jobs in 8-story office tower

Jackson Healthcare expansion at a glance • Total value: $100 million • New Jobs: 1,400 (sales and technology) • Components: 8-story, 267,000 s.f. office building, 6-story 39,000 s.f., gym, pool, restaurant, 1,385-space parking deck

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga – Jackson Healthcare, the 18th largest privately held company in Georgia, has always thought big. But the planned 300,000-square-foot, $100 million campus expansion on Northwinds Parkway in Alpharetta will be jaw-dropping. Jackson Healthcare plans a 30-acre Italian Renaissance campus that includes an eight-story, 267,000-squarefoot office building which should make it the tallest in North Fulton. It will have a 39,000-square-foot fitness and amenities building shaped in the image of the Roman Colosseum and a 1,385-space parking deck as well. The plan is to accommodate a huge expansion of Jackson Healthcare’s operations. The holding company is comprised of some 17 subsidiaries, primarily in the health staffing industry. With 1,100 current employees, Jackson will more than double in size when the

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Jackson Healthcare announces its $100 million expansion and the creation of a 340,000-square-foot campus in Alpharetta. Making the announcement are from left state Sen. Brandon Beach, Jackson Healthcare President Shane Jackson, Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle and architect Joseph Trammell. expansion is completed. The project will break ground in 60 days and should be completed in the fall of 2018. Jackson Healthcare President Shane Jackson said his company takes pride in having been named by

the Atlanta Business Chronicle as the best place to work the last three years running. Jackson said the company follows the vision of his father Rick Jackson to serve others. To that end, the company takes great care in providing a positive

15 Month CD 1.15% APY*

Will help you on the road to success! Create a better future with First Intercontinental Bank.

One withdrawal is allowed without penalty

DORAVILLE BRANCH 770.451.7200

DULUTH BRANCH 678.417.7474

SUGARLOAF BRANCH 678.475.0585

James L. Stewart, M.D.

• • • •

Welcoming New Patients Short Waiting Times Convenient Location Same-day Appointments Available

Call (770) 740-8550 for an appointment

(The withdrawl must be at least 7 days after the date of the account opening.) The rate is effective as of July 6, 2015 and subject to change without notice. After the one withdrawal penalty may be imposed for subsequent early withdrawal before maturity. ★ Minimum balance to obtain APY is $1,000 *APY = Annual percentage Yield

See CAMPUS, Page 37

Newtown Medical Associates is a full-service primary care practice dedicated to providing the highestquality medical care possible to patients aged 13 and older. Our board-certified physician, Dr. James Stewart provides care for the whole patient, promoting wellness and preventative care, and provides diagnosis and treatment for acute and chronic medical problems. Our patient-friendly staff takes pride in the good health of our patients, and works as a team to provide you with the time and attention that you need.

We’re the key to success! 16th Year SPECIAL

work place for employees. So an on-site 39,000-square foot fitness center with restaurant and other amenities would fit right in with the company ethos. It will house a state-ofthe-art gym, an indoor pool, and a fullservice restaurant for associates. It also includes a hair salon, dry cleaners, spray-tanning studio, chiropractor, massage and a barber. Together the office building, fitness center and six-story parking garage are designed to resemble the buildings that line the Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy. “We are building this for our as-

www.firsticbank.com JOHNS CREEK BRANCH 770.418.1363

SUWANEE BRANCH 770.495.1310 (Outside Assi Market)

3400-A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30005 NewtownMed.com


We are continuing to grow our reputation for being a great place to live, work and play. STEVE STROUD, Roswell Inc’s Executive Director 16 | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017

Roswell Inc casts bright economic forecast for 2017 By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The future looks bright for Roswell, and the city is only going to keep flourishing from the successes of 2016, according to Roswell Inc’s Executive Director Steve Stroud. Roswell Inc, a public-private partnership with the city of Roswell for economic development, hosted the Roswell State of the City Jan. 27 with Mayor Jere Wood to go over the economic highlights of 2016 and STROUD the outlook for 2017. “From an economic development perspective, 2016 was a great year for Roswell. Our business climate was strong with the highest level of new businesses opening up in the city in the past several years,” Stroud said. Food and beverage tourism had a huge impact in 2016, and film tourism is on the rise this year, Stroud said. One of the biggest economic catalysts was WellStar Health System’s acquisition of Tenet Healthcare in Georgia, including North Fulton Hospital in Roswell. That acquisition brought 40 new physicians and four new physician practices in Roswell. For Roswell Inc in particular, one of its biggest highlights was the announcement of a proposed Canton Place Hotel project to help the city grow as a business and tourist destination. Roswell is “the largest opportunity zone in the state,” Stroud noted. “We’re poised to continue being a top desti-

By the Numbers Roswell has benefited from a strong economic climate in 2016, including: • 739 new business licenses • 1,066 estimated new jobs created by new businesses • 46 ribbon cuttings and ground breakings • 1,110 construction permits • 3.8 percent unemployment rate • $109 million in tourism spending • $34+ million in food and beverage spending nation for businesses both large and small.” For the 12th year in a row, Roswell will not see any property tax increases, but there will be a lot of new projects to look forward to, Wood said. Some of the major projects for the upcoming year for both the city and Roswell Inc include work on the new City Green, a new pedestrian street in downtown Roswell, a new fire station and creating a comprehensive retail strategy. For the mayor, some of Roswell’s major challenges in 2017 include improving the city’s transportation, retail, walkability and affordable housing. “What we’ve got to do is retrofit the apartment complexes and blighted shopping centers,” Wood said. “The people in these communities walk to where they go, but there are no sidewalks coming out of those communities. Those communities are disconnected from the city. They were built for

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood speaks on the State of the City. cars, but they need to be redesigned for people.” Stroud has said that Roswell Inc is also anxious to begin its new relationship with the city’s arts fund. “There are studies upon studies that show the positive impact a strong and growing arts community has on a city’s economic and business climate, and we are excited what this partnership will mean for the city in the coming years,” Stroud said. “One thing to look for in 2017 is the launch of an Arts & Business Collaborative to connect and foster

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

stronger relationships between those two segments of our community.” Such partnerships are what helped Roswell recently win the Georgia Municipal Association’s 2017 Live, Work, Play City Award. “We are continuing to grow our reputation for being a great place to live, work and play,” Stroud said. “That is attracting companies from all over the region to locate and do business in Roswell.” To learn about Roswell Inc, visit roswellinc.org.


BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 17

Jackson Healthcare commits to Alpharetta Sweating the small stuff is a headquarters – with a Roman coliseum Jackson Healthcare is one of Georgia’s great success stories, growing in 17 years to become the state’s 18th largest privately held company. As it prepares for perhaps its largest GEOFF SMITH expansion to date, Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com the healthcare and tech company is making a strong commitment to its Alpharetta campus - with a Roman coliseum. Sparked by the founder’s special connection to Italy, the building would be an expansion on the theme of the company’s existing and extensive onsite fitness center currently called The Coliseum. The expansion would cost $100 million and would accommodate 1,400 new employees it plans to hire over the next four years. The circular coliseum will contain a pool, gym, restaurant, spray-tanning studio and a masseuse. To compete for the future workforce, suburban office campuses are building on-site amenities that in-town companies are promoting that within walking distance. More and more, today’s employees are less interested in driving and want to walk to where they want to go. They like a mass transit line also. While they don’t have mass transit, suburban cities like Alpharetta have grown to include mixed-use, walkable developments such as Avalon and the city’s new downtown, which is currently under development. Now companies like Jackson are actually building those amenities right into their campus - inside of a Roman coliseum. The investment is a huge commit-

KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELING SHOWROOM GRAND OPENING SHOWROOM HOURS

M-W-F 9-5 • T-TH 9-6 • SAT 10-4

Call for an estimate 678.820.6882

RemodelingExpo.com HISTORIC ROSWELL

Corner – Atlanta St. and King St. 48 King St. • Roswell, GA 30075

waste of time

ment to Alpharetta, and is likely a sign that new projects like the Avalon and the downtown project are a draw for the younger workforce. It also says that Jackson believes that the northern suburbs will be able to supply it with the workforce it needs to compete in its industry. And I know they are interested in that. I sit on the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Steering Committee on workforce development with Jackson Healthcare’s CTO Tim Aligheri. We are called the Talent Coalition. Tim, along with others in the corporate community of North Fulton, are working to make sure our technical colleges and universities are graduating students with the specific skill-sets to thrive at their companies. It’s an interesting committee and I’ve learned a lot from it. Technologies are evolving so fast that many fouryear universities are having trouble making their tech curriculum relevant to current industry needs. So companies are having to hire employees and then train them on specific tasks. We call this a skills gap. On the Chamber’s Talent Coalition, we’ll identify a skills gap and then take that to one of our technical colleges such as Gwinnett Tech, to see if they can offer classes specific to that job.

$3000 OFF ANY

ELECTRICAL! New customers only. Cannot be combined with any other discount. Limit one coupon per household. Expires 10 days after publication.

Rated A++ by BBB • Many local referrences

• Licensed • Bonded • Insured 678-648-2011

They’ll either look into offering the class, or they’ll tell us that they offer it, but that there are not a lot of students singing up for it. In which case, we might go to the K-12 educators to let them know that there are high-paying tech jobs waiting for students who might only need a 2-year degree. Fulton County Schools proposed STEM campus will target just that need. If you have not read about it yet, look it up. It’s going to be a very cool project. While in-town companies will argue that they have easy access to walkable restaurants, coffee shops and mass transit, it is very hard for them to argue against some of the suburbs like Alpharetta and the rest of North Fulton as being the best places to raise a family. “It’s a great place to live, raise a family, the entertainment, everything else you want is here,” said Jackson President Shane Jackson. “The word energy really comes to mind.” 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 constantly tending to one thing after another in running your small business? Do things slip through the cracks and not get done on time because you DICK JONES are juggling so many Founder & President Jones Simply Sales things at once? Is your workday getting longer and longer trying to get everything done? Determining where to focus your time, and more importantly, where not to spend time, is a critical success factor in running a successful small business. If you’re a small business owner I don’t have to tell you about the mountain of “to do’s” you are faced with every day. What I can tell you is that not all of your to do’s are equal in the value they produce for your business. Prioritizing the ones that have to get done, things that can wait for tomorrow or next week, and tasks that if they aren’t done won’t really matter, is a simple way to determine where to spend your time. Taking time each week to document your tasks, then prioritizing them based upon their importance and urgency, will help you focus your time on more important activities. Eliminating all the things that don’t have to get done right away will also free up more of your time to spend on your top priorities. Prioritizing your tasks and activities will help you spend your precious time on the right things at the right time. You’ll get more done and achieve better results. Sweating the small stuff is a waste of time!


18 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

Tax commissioner to businesses: Collect TSPLOST or pay it yourselves By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Now that Fulton County cities have approved the Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax, it is all on the merchants’ shoulders to collect the tax at the point of sale – or get a bill from the state Department of Revenue if they fail. That was the cautionary note Georgia Tax Commissioner Lynne Riley brought to a Jan. 26 meeting of the board of Johns Creek Advantage, the public-private economic development arm of the city. Riley also is chairwoman of the JCA Board of Directors, and she pointed out that the JCA should spread the word to local businesses about collections. Should businesses fail to begin collecting the new tax, it would be her sad duty to present defaulters with a bill from the Department of Revenue. “The Revenue Department is the recipient of TSPLOST taxes just as it is for all sales tax. And it’s up to the merchant to be sure to collect that .75-cent extra tax for the TSPLOST or be responsible for paying the shortage,” Riley said. While the state tax collection system is programmed to accept voluntary compliance by merchants, spot auditors will be out there checking on

compliance. “If you as the merchant don’t collect it, you owe it,” Riley said. The .75 cent sales tax begins April 1. For North Fulton cities, those TSPLOST remittance checks directly from the Department of Revenue will begin May 20, she said. Anyone with a sales tax certificate is responsible for collecting the TSPLOST. Riley’s board members quizzed her about what to look for in the new legislative session, but she said there is no reason to get excited yet. “It’s still too early to tell what will stick,” she said. “Regulation of fantasy sports has come up very early in conversations.” The JCA directors also discussed creation of a Johns Creek development authority. City and county development authorities can tap into a state economic development fund which they can draw on to loan to businesses as an inducement to locate in their town or county. The respective taxpayers of the county or city are not liable for any loan defaults. Fulton County has such a development authority, as do many cities, but Johns Creek does not. Such authorities receive their charter from the state and economic development entity separate from city or county government. Their sole charge is to improve local economies by encouraging development. The matter has been brought up to the Johns Creek City Council before,

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

The Johns Creek Advantage Board of Directors. From left are FCS Area Superintendent Clifford Jones, Piedmont Office Realty VP Bo” Reddic, JC City Manager Warren Hutmacher, World Financial Group VP Kent Davies, State Revenue Commisioner Lynne Riley, JC Advantage CEO Courtney Bernardi, JC Assistant City Manager Eric Tucker, entrepreneur Anand Thaker and State Farm Manager Sue Cook. but there has been no action. “There is no sense of urgency on the council to get it done,” one board member said. It’s an inducement other area cities have that Johns Creek cannot offer, so from an economic development standpoint, Johns Creek is at a disadvantage, Riley said. “You can’t create [an authority] retroactively,” she said. “A project could come along that is important to

the city, but Fulton County may have higher priorities. It’s a gap in our ability to be competitive with our peer cities.” JCA CEO Courtney Bernardi agreed. “We don’t have a development authority when every other city in North Fulton does, that’s a huge hit when we are courting a business to settle in our city,” Bernardi said. “The absence of a development authority is a silent message to prospects that we are not serious.”

Forsyth finalist for economic development project Chamber to head plan By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth Chamber of Commerce is helping court a West Coast e-commerce project that could bring more than 300 jobs with it. Robert Long with the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce said the metro Atlanta area is one of four locations under consideration by the company, whose name has not been disclosed. Forsyth is one of the top finalists. “Forsyth County is the finalist because of our quality of life, nationally recognized schools and existing e-commerce companies,” Long said. The chamber was contacted by a realtor in September 2016, Long said. The company is focused on acquiring 1295 Bluegrass Lakes Parkway,

a building with 117,000 square feet sitting on 12.81 acres. The building has been used as storage since its purchase in 2002, producing 12 jobs. If the company buys the property, it will invest $15 million at a minimum and will employ 342 people over four years with an average compensation and benefits of $39,517 a year, Long said. Of those jobs, 24 will exceed $78,000 a year. The expected annual payroll is $13.5 million. “In 2016, our average project invested around $5 million and produced 30 jobs,” Long said. “This project is atypical. It will produce three times the investment and 10 times the number of jobs. It has been more than five years since Forsyth County has seen a project with this level of employment.” A final decision will depend on whether the county can meet incentives the company is seeking.

First, the company is asking for a 12 year phased in tax abatement for the county portion of its property tax. Not including school and county bond millage, Forsyth County’s current tax abatement policy would allow the company Tier 3 abatement based on the number of jobs it intends to bring. This project would pay the school portion of the tax bill as normal. “Under this scenario, the county would still receive an estimated $180,452 in property taxes over the 12 years. The schools would be paid $1,007,499,” Long said. “Normal taxes would resume in year 13.” The property paid $87,324 in taxes in 2016. Once the company’s initial investment in the property is completed, any ongoing, recurring investment for maintenance and additional investment, such as replacement equipment, would be taxed at the full rate. The last “payment-in-lieu-of-taxes”

agreement the county approved was in 2011 for Scientific Games. Next, the company said it needs more land to accommodate parking. The group requested that the underdeveloped right-of-way of Jones Road, which the county owns, be donated to the company. That request gained support Jan. 24 when the County Commission unanimously voted to direct the county attorney to commence right of way abandonment of Jones Road. “Jones Road serves this building and only a short amount of it has been paved,” Long said. “The company is asking for the undeveloped, unpaved portion, approximately .8 acres, that is owned by the county. There are only two additional parcels of note that touch this right-of-way, but they already have access to McFarland Boulevard off of Ridgeland Parkway and have no need for access via Jones Road.”


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 19

THE CRUISE GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! 3rd Annual

Appen Cruise Giveaway January 19th - February 23rd, 2017

ATTENTION READERS!

2016 Winners Jeff & Elise Baggett

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are kicking off 2017 by giving away a

FREE CRUISE!

$2,000 toward the cruise of your dreams! It’s easy to enter – follow the steps below. LOOK for the Expedia Cruise logo that looks like this, hidden throughout the papers each week. GO to Northfulton.com CLICK “Enter to Win” icon TELL us which page number the logo is on WATCH your email on March 6th to see if you have won a Free Cruise! * Winner will be drawn March 6th 2017

“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

10945 State Bridge Rd., Ste 105 cruiseshipcenters.com/Alpharetta (678) 712-5059

Sponsored by:

Cruise winner will be drawn and notified via email Monday March 7th. One entry per household, per week.


20 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CALENDAR AARP DRIVER SAFETY

PT SOLUTIONS CUPID CHASE 5K

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this friendly competition, costumes encouraged. The race is a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier and supports the Rally Foundation benefiting childhood cancer research. The race starts Saturday, Feb. 4, 8-11 a.m., at PTS Sports, 12050 Etris Road, Suite E140 in Roswell. Registration starts at $30 for adults and $25 for students. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2iZSfMb.

What: This 6-hour classroom course will provide teach defensive driving techniques and strategies as well as an overview of current Georgia driving laws. Space is limited. Participants are asked to bring lunch. When: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek Cost: $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members More info and registration: johnscreekga.gov/parkplace

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER:

Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton. com/Calendar.

EVENTS: JC CHAMBER MEMBER GALA

What: The Johns Creek Chamber will be holding its 2017 Chamber Member Appreciation Gala - The Big Bash with cocktails, dinner and dancing. Entertainment provided by the Infinity Show Band. When: Friday, Feb. 3, 6-11 p.m. Where: Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek Cost: Tickets start at $150 More info and tickets: bit.ly/2hEANvm or 770-495-0545

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VOLUNTEERING

What: Find out how to volunteer at and support Habitat for Humanity during this 30-minute volunteer information session. When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:30-11 a.m. Where: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 11060 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell More info and registration: suburbanatlantarestores.org/volunteer

BID WHIST PARTY

What: Celebrate the Roswell Roots Festival with the third annual Bid Whist Card Party. The game of bid whist is a precursor to both bid whist and bridge. When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Where: Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell Cost: $5 More info and tickets: roswellgov.com or 314-520-4775

GREAT DECISIONS: TRADE AND POLICY

What: Join the discussion on world affairs, like trade and policy, presented by University of North Georgia’s, Michael Gove and Mike Cottrell. When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 7-8 p.m. Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega St., Cumming More info: libraryaware.com

HERITAGE TOUR

What: Tour the Autrey Mill Heritage Village and learn about what life would have been like for the farm families at the turn of the 18th century in Johns Creek. When: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m. Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek Cost: Free, $2 donation is suggested More info: autreymill.org

MAKING SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS WORKSHOP

What: Learn how to make a concrete plan for transitioning into a new career or lifestyle change. This session with certified life coach Sonia Tank will explore how to determine new goals and reach them. When: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. Where: Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info: 770-360-8820 or afpls.org

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS PRESENTATION

What: An independent consultant from College Process Consulting will present a free program designed for high school students and their parents on navigating the college admissions process. When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Place, Alpharetta More info: michael.salpeter@ fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-6735

DIVORCE WORKSHOP

What: Women considering divorce or in the early stages of divorce are invited to this free workshop to provide legal, emotional and financial support during the process. When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: 695 Mansell Road, Suite 120, Rowell More info and registration: secondsaturday.com or 770-353-6370

A TEMPTATIONS REVUE

What: See a live show with Grammy Award winner Barrington “Bo” Henderson through a decade of Temptations songs and some classic Motown hits. When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 8-10 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $30, $75 for season pass More info and tickets: roswellgov.com

“THINGS THAT MATTER”

What: Groveway Community Group, Inc. returns to the main stage with its annual Black History Production celebrating African American heritage and culture through song, dance, acting and spoken word. When: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2-4 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door More info and tickets: grovewaycommunitygroup.org or 770993-4245

THE JOYMASTERS IN CONCERT

What: See The Joymasters Band in a free concert for an evening of gospel music. The Joymasters Band, originally from Canton, have been singing for over 45 years. When: Sunday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. Where: Atlanta Street Baptist Church, 340 South Atlanta St., Roswell More info: asbcroswell.com

“I, TOO, AM AMERICA”

What: View original works at “I, Too, Am America,” a multimedia exhibition by local artists exploring the experience of being black in America. When: Through March 3, time vary Where: Johns Creek Art Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: GREG FERGUSON

What: “Bearing Witness” The Photography of Greg Ferguson will showcase Ferguson’s award-winning photography of the natural world. When: Through March 31, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: gregferguson.us.com or 770594-6232

LIBRARY EVENTS: BOOK SALE

What: Support the library by buying new and used books of all genres. The sale is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Friends of the Alpharetta Library. When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: fotal.org

YOUNG ARTISTS

What: Children ages 7 and up can learn the basic techniques of drawing and painting, as well as the elements of art, the principles of design and cartoon drawing for free. When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS INFORMATION

What: Robin Chisolm-Seymour will lead a group discussion about cochlear implants. This is recommended for those with cochlear technology and those considering it as an option. When: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: afpls.org

SAT TEST PREP

What: Starting Feb. 6, Bespoke Tutoring will offer a free six-part series of SAT prep classes covering both verbal and math components each Monday. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. When: Monday, Feb. 6, 6-7 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: laura. hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov

START THAT NONPROFIT

What: The Foundation Center of Atlanta’s Stephen Sherman will host a series of free workshops on starting nonprofits. This month’s topic is on writing proposals. When: Monday, Feb. 6, 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or michael. salpeter@fultoncountyga.gov


ADULT ASTRONOMY CLUB

What: Join the club each month for a lively discussion on various Astronomy topics presented by Jeff Thompson. February’s topic is on the International Space Station. When: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6-7 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: milton. branch@fultoncountyga.gov

COMMUNITY NEWS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

What: Learn how the local community newspaper can survive in the digital age and how to get news in the paper, presented by Hatcher Hurd. When: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Drive, Alpharetta More info: milton.branch@ fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-4402

PET ADOPTIONS:

FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: The Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way, Forsyth County More info: 678-965-7185

FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: FREE TAX PREP SERVICES

What: Get free tax assistance, counseling and preparation. No appointment is necessary. Bring all relevant tax forms, last year’s return, a photo ID, Social Security card and checkbook. When: Through April 18, times vary Where: Gwinett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 700, Busbee Center, Lawrenceville More info: aarp.org

CALENDAR

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 21

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA:

Outdoor adventure for Valentines — and a fly fishing show comes to town February is here, and that brings outdoor adventurers face to face with two exciting opportunities. For one thing… Valentine’s Day is coming! What? ValenSTEVE HUDSON tine’s Day? TradiGet Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net tion says it’s celebrated with flowers, candy and dinner at a restaurant. But what if you want to do something a little different? If you’re looking for an alternative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, check out the Valentine’s-themed activities planned this month at several of Georgia’s state parks. You just might find the perfect adventure to enjoy with someone you love. Here’s a look at some of the Valentine’s opportunities awaiting you at Georgia’s state parks. Most events have a fee and require preregistration, and you’ll also need a state park parking pass. A full-moon kayak tour at Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross (Feb. 10) – Keep an eye out for owls, frogs, alligators and other nocturnal wildlife during this ranger-led paddle. Reservations are required. Call 912-2874900. Civil War-themed dinner and dance at Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill (Feb. 11) – In addition to the dinner and dance, history enthusiasts will also enjoy a candlelit tour, cannon firing and of course the beautiful low-country setting. Make reservations by calling 912-727-2339. Luminary-lit riverside stroll at Chattahoochee Bend State Park near Newnan (Feb. 11). Couples will enjoy strolling along the river as luminaries light the way. The evening hike ends with a campfire at the park’s observation tower. The hike is self-guided for a quiet and romantic experience, so bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. Last admission is at 7:25 p.m. Register in advance by calling 770-254-7271. Couples-only archery class at Panola Mountain State Park near Stockbridge (Feb. 11) – Here’s your chance to enjoy a truly unique Valentine’s experience while channeling your inner Cupid. All equipment is provided, and couples must register in

advance by calling 770-389-7801. Valentine’s Weekend at High Falls near Jackson, Ga. – On Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, discover the wacky ways animals show their love for one another, or keep those healthy New Year’s resolutions with an exhilarating hike. Join a park naturalist for one or all of these family-friendly programs. Call 478-993-3053. Love is in the “Scare” Valentine’s Tour at Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen Ga. (Feb. 11) – Looking for something other than roses and chocolates? Check out a History and Haunts tour with guest authors and lecturers. Then walk the trails of Camp Lawton, once the world’s largest prison, holding hands with your sweetheart. Call 478-982-1660. Valentine’s Day Couples Hike at Panola Mountain State Park near Stockbridge (Feb. 11) – Enjoy a sunset hike at Panola Mountain State Park. For even more fun, compete with your sweetheart in a series of team-building games to see who knows their companion best. Reservations required. Call 770-389-7801. Learn the story of the hidden heart-shaped stone at from Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth (Feb. 14). Here’s a little background: During the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps mason carved a heart-shaped stone for his sweetheart, setting it into a fire tower. The lad’s romantic gesture must have won her heart, because they were married 59 years. Enjoy this ranger-led hike to see the stone and hear about their love story. Call 706-422-1932. Sunset dinner and train excursion on the Sam Shortline Excursion Train in Cordele (Feb. 14). Departing from Georgia Veterans State Park, you’ll take a short ride and stop over beautiful Lake Blackshear as the sun is setting. After dinner, enjoy a nighttime train ride through the Sumter County countryside before returning to the park. Reservations required. Call 229-276-0755. Or just snuggle up by a fire – Of course, nothing says romance as much as snuggling up together by a dancing fire, and Georgia’s State Parks offer plenty of opportunities to do that too. Various parks offer cozy cabins and “glamping” yurts as well as modern too. Accommodations for Valentine’s Day or for other February

weekends are still available at many parks. To learn more, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org. Overnight accommodations can be booked online or by calling 800-864-7275. Atlanta Fly Fishing Show Feb. 3-4 There’s good news for fly fishing enthusiasts this weekend – the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show is back this year. Set for Feb. 3-4 (note that that’s a Friday and Saturday), the show boasts a lineup of programs, demonstrations and exhibitors that’s sure to delight the heart of fly fishers far and wide. This exciting fly fishing extravaganza will be held at the Infinite Energy Center, formerly the Gwinnett Center, at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Admission to the show is $15 for one day and $25 for both days. With a military ID, admission is $10. Children under 12 get in for $2, and kids under 5 are free. Scouts under 16 in uniform also get in free. Show hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. In addition to the exhibits and presentations, highlights include free fly fishing instruction at the International Federation of Fly Fishers Learning Center located at the IFFF booth. There, you can learn basic fly cast, fly tying and knot tying each day. On Friday evening only, at 6:30 p.m., you can also enjoy the International Fly Fishing Film Festival. Tickets may be purchased at the site or in advance online. For more info and a complete schedule of show events, visit flyfishingshow.com/Atlanta. Hope to see you there! Now is a perfect time of year to explore the great hiking trails along the Chattahoochee River. Learn about these trails in Steve Hudson’s book “HIKING THE HOOCH,” a complete guide to the incredible hiking opportunities awaiting you within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Check out “HIKING THE HOOCH” at local outfitters, on Amazon, or at www. chattahoocheemedia.com.


22 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

22 | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017

Sponsored Section

Housing market success in 2017 Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

increases to the interest rate, but it is still a favorable time to invest in real estate compared to the past. Credit: With the rise of mortgage rates reaching just over 4.15% in midDecember 2016, this allows mortgage credit to be more widely available, due to lending standards being loosened. This in turn will allow for lower fees for first-time homebuyers. New Homes: Homebuyer demands are increasing, and their wish for new construction is creating a positive impact on the market. The demand for new construction has increased in the past year an entire 5% and is expected to continue to rise throughout 2017. Foreign Buyers: Foreign buyers are one of the United States’s strongest buying groups, due to their outstanding budgets. China has a strong interest in the United States real estate market, as many believe the United States is a

It is now 2017 and the spring real estate market is on a rise. This year the market is expected to set a few trends that are going to shape the market as a whole. In 2017, we are expecting a slight rise in interest RAWLINGS rates, more credit, an increase in new home development and the continual rise of the foreign buyer. Rising Interest Rates: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter of a percent between 0.50% and 0.75% in 2016, what is only the second interest rate rise since 2006. In 2017, we expect to see more

Homebuyer demands are increasing, and their wish for new construction is creating a positive impact on the market. The demand for new construction has increased in the past year an entire 5% and is expected to continue to rise throughout 2017. safe place to store their wealth. From April 2015 - March 2016, The National Association of REALTORS® reported foreign buyers purchased over $102 billion in residential real estate in the United States. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents deliver results. Allow one of our dedicated professionals to assist you by visiting atlantafinehomes.com or calling our office at

770.442.7300. Article is adapted from: http://fortune.com/2016/12/14/ federal-reserve-interest-rates-you/ http://fortune.com/2016/12/29/real-estate-trends-2017-2/ http://www.cnbc. com/2016/07/06/foreign-buyers-floodus-real-estate-but-buy-cheaper-homes. html

Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More

Fulton County ManorView (Milton) 770-663-0027 Homes from the low $600s to the low $800s Forsyth County Arbors at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the upper $300s Arbors II at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $300s

For a Limited Time Purchase a To-Be-Built Home and Receive:

10,000

$

Use How You Choose Credits*

PLUS

UP TO

Champions Run I (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the low $400s

Champions Run II (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the mid $400s

Reserve at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $400s

Herrington Glen (Cumming) Model Now Open 678-628-6963 Homes from the mid $400s

Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $400s

Herrington Trace (Cumming) 770-557-2289 Homes from the low $400s Marketplace Commons (Cumming) 770-889-8619 Homes from the low $400s

Seneca lll (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $300s Seneca IV (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $400s Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) 470-321-5702 Homes from the upper $300s

10,000

$

Toward Closing Costs*

For more information, please visit CalAtlanticHomes.com. CalAtlanticHomes.com

*Available only when you close on a To-Be Built home in the Atlanta Division pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 2/1/17-2/28/17. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. Seller provided Use How You Choose credits may be applied to price reductions, closing costs, upgrades and options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CAATL012


REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Why investing in real estate is easier than ever

(NAPSI)—There is no shortage of reasons why investing in residential real estate can be a good idea: home prices declined during the recent financial crisis, the number of renters has skyrocketed, it’s often considered a stable alternative to the stock market and the list goes on and on. At the same time, residential real estate investing has shifted from a local proposition to one without geographic limitations. That’s because of developments in technology, financing, services and processes that can make it easier for investors to search for opportunities, purchase properties and manage them from afar. In the past, a long-standing issue with the single-family rental sector has been a weak debt market. Investors were generally limited to loans from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which allow a maximum of four and 10 properties, respectively. Even worse was that these loans are highly dependent on the personal income of the borrower, not the income of the real estate. This limited obtaining attractive financing to only the wealthiest of investors. A new lending sector has emerged, however, that can provide financing for investors of various sizes and neither limits the number of properties available for financing nor underwrites the loan amount based on personal income. Meanwhile, online auction marketplaces, property management software and crowdfunding may help to make more efficient decision—making and investing. “Small investors today don’t have to rely on gut feelings about markets-they’re empowered by high-quality market intelligence and have access to a multitude of service providers,” explains Wally Charnoff, CEO of Investability Real Estate, Inc. “Small investors can now diversify their portfolio,” he says, “because they can research, acquire, finance and manage properties from afar.” The single-family residential market can present opportunities for “mom and pop” investors, particularly those who consider five key points: 1. Understand the total costs: Operating expenses and fixed costs, such as taxes, can vary greatly from state to state. Property management fees are generally higher in less populated areas that have little scalability or no competition.

Hurricane, flood or earthquake insurance can be expensive but may not be relevant in all markets. “Investors often look for turnkey properties, which can make condos appealing, but monthly association fees can severely suppress yield and additional assessments could put the property in the red at a moment’s notice,” points out Dennis Cisterna, CRO of Investability Real Estate, Inc. 2. Choose your tenants wisely: If you decide to invest out of your local market (and even in your own market), consider using a property manager to identify and qualify tenants and detail exactly the criteria and standards required. Common metrics are a certain FICO score, no bankruptcy in the last few years and a minimum rent-to-income ratio. Landlord references are also important, as is understanding local laws about tenant selection and advertising for tenants. 3. Know the market as if you lived there: Talk to local brokers, read the local newspaper to understand the economy and visit the area. Identify the drivers behind the housing market and know the history. A healthy, educated workforce and population growth are generally good indicators of long-term price appreciation. Lower home ownership rates may produce strong yields as there could be a consistent demand for your investment property, but appreciation may be lacking as the market fundamentals are not dynamic enough. 4. Choose either appreciation or yield or a little of both: Deciding which type of market you want to invest in will help with focus. Diversifying can be a reason to look beyond local opportunities. Some markets straddle yield and appreciation, and researching the longterm trend for market dynamics is especially important as these may quickly shift to only yield or appreciation. 5. Know your exit strategy: The number of owner-occupied houses is important because a higher rate of home ownership may make it easier to sell the home. The overall liquidity of the market is also important. Data now exists that can help investors understand the vibrancy of a market even without much buying and selling. Find your next single-family real estate investment at www.investability. com.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 23


24 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Crye-Leike continues to grow in the Atlanta market Now open in Gainesville It’s been eleven years since Harold Crye, CEO of Crye-Leike Real Estate, expanded the company’s footprint into the Atlanta metro area. The fourth largest privately owned real estate company in the nation recently opened its eleventh office in the Atlanta Metro area at 956A Dawsonville Highway, Suite 301 in Gainesville. Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Christy Crumbley as the new Managing Broker. Crye-Leike’s Gainesville office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs in Hall, Lumpkin, Dawson and surrounding counties. The office will host a grand opening ceremony this fall. “The Atlanta real estate market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves,” said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. “We see a lot of potential for the local market and are very happy to be expanding in and around the Atlanta area with additional offices opening soon in Lawrenceville, Dahlonega and Marietta.” “Being a full-service real estate brokerage firm, our goal is to make it convenient for our customers and sales associates to utilize all of our services

before, during and after a home purchase by offering reliable, efficient and convenient services for today’s busy lifestyles,” said Steve Brown, president of Crye-Leike Residential Sales. Crye-Leike Real Estate Services had a great year in 2015 achieving $5.7 billion in sales volume. Over a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled Crye-Leike agents sold 31,400 properties. Crye-Leike’s sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market. Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/ Roswell, Norcross, Cartersville, Cumming, McDonough, Riverdale, Smyrna/ Vinings, Johns Creek and Woodstock in addition to a Residential Property Management, Commercial and Relocation division. As a full service real estate company, Crye-Leike offers real estate and related services, including: relocation services; commercial business and investment real estate services; property leasing and management services; insurance services; title & closing services; mortgage services; home warranty services; home services; auction services; business brokerage services; REO services for bank-owned & foreclosed properties and real estate schools.


REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 25

U N R I VA L E D G L O BA L E X P O S U R E

atlantafinehomes.com sothebysrealty.com

M y c o m p re h e n s i ve m a r ke t i n g p l a n o f fe rs ex p o s u re fo r yo u r h o m e o n t h e m o s t p owe r f u l m e d i a a n d re a l e s t a t e - fo c u s e d we bs i t e s a ro u n d t h e wo r l d . C o n t a c t m e t o d ay t o d i s c u s s m y p rove n m a r ke t i n g s t ra t e g y t o s e l l yo u r h o m e.

MICHELLE PITTMAN c. 404.402.7124 o. 770.442.7300 michellepittman@atlantafinehomes.com 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400 Alpharetta, Georgia 30009

©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.


SPORTS

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

678.624.7733 TheRedHoundGifts.com Like Us On

10955 Jones Bridge Rd. Suite 115 Johns Creek

Stylish Living, Thoughtful Gifting

XOXO $5 OFF

any purchas e of $25 or m ore 678-624 -7733

Expires 2/28/17. With Not valid with an this coupon. Some exclusions apply. y other offer. No Limit 1 per pers t valid on sale items. on.

North Fulton coaching carousel continues By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Centennial football head coach Lenny Gregory announced he will be leaving the Knights’ program to take over as head coach of Collins Hill. Gregory became the fourth North Fulton head football GREGORY coach to depart his program after John Ford left Roswell for Buford, Matt Kemper left Johns Creek for Roswell and Northview’s Chad Davenport resigned. In taking over the Collins Hill program, Gregory will return to Gwinnett County where he spent 2008-14 as an assistant at Grayson. Prior to his years at Grayson, Gregory was an assistant at Northview, South Forsyth and Chattahoochee. Gregory took over as the Knights’ head coach in the 2015 season where the Knights finished 5-5. In 2016, Gregory led Centennial to an 8-3 record, the Knights winningest season since 2003 and first playoff appearance since 2011. Centennial athletic director Jeff Burch said Gregory’s departure was unexpected, but he understood that Gregory’s success in 2016 would attract the attention of other programs. “We knew that coach Gregory was a sought-after coach. We didn’t necessarily think he would be looking for jobs, but we knew that schools would be looking for him,” Burch said. “There’s always the possibility that the right job

will come along and it is the right fit for him.” Burch said he wishes Gregory the best of luck at Collins Hill and that his impact on Centennial will be felt for years to come. “I think the biggest thing [Gregory] did was to lay the groundwork for years of success. For the first time in a long time we were more than a football team, we were a real program and a family and I think he helped foster that. At the end of the day, he brought the community together and that’s going to last a lot longer than any coach. That sense of community is going to make a huge impression not only on football but also for the overall community.” Burch said the future of the Knights’ program is bright, and that Gregory’s replacement will be taking over a program and community ready to win. “I think this is a ready-made situation for a coach to come in and have immediate success. Sometimes with coaching turnovers there’s a rebuild, but we are not in position where we are going to rebuild — we are in a position where we are going to bring someone in and hope to have immediate success.” Burch said Centennial has already received interest to replace Gregory from within the Knights’ program as well as from coaches from other schools. “The football acumen of all of these guys is top-notch,” Burch said. “It’s going to be about finding the right match for our school community and our team. I’m very happy of where we are as a program and we are looking forward to the success of next season.” CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A

Special Promotion 13 Month CD 1.15% (One Withdrawal Without Penalty**)

APY*

Join us Feb. 8th from 6:30-8:00 for our Wine Down Wednesday. Learn how to define your personal style... featuring Cabi Clothing Stylist Dee Rauscher.

Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Minimum $1,000 to open. ** One withdrawal is allowed without penalty, but the withdrawal must be at least seven (7) days after the date of the account opening. After one withdrawal, penalty may be imposed for subsequent early withdrawal before maturity.

Diamond Personal Savings

0.88% APY*

Minimum $5,000 to open. Minimum daily balance of $5,000 in the account each day must be maintained to obtain the disclosed APY. If the daily balance in the account falls below $5,000 on any day, the APY will be changed to the current APY of regular Personal Savings account. • The rate may change after the account is opened • Fees may reduce the earnings on the account

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield The rate is effective as of March 14, 2016 and subject to change without notice.

Please Contact Us For More Information 770-455-4989!

www.metrocitybank.com


RISE UP!

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 27

Oldest former Atlanta Falcon lives in Forsyth Bob Whitlow hopes to cheer team to Super Bowl victory

SIMPLY CLEAN

A New Year That’s

Crystal Clear!

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The oldest former Atlanta Falcon, and Forsyth County resident, will be cheering on his team Feb. 5 while they play in Super Bowl 51. Bob Whitlow, 80, played center for the Falcons wearing No. 51 in 1966 during the inaugural season 51 years ago. After serving with the Marines, Whitlow qualified for the Summer Olympics in shot put, but decided to play football instead. The Indiana native played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. Throughout his career, he saw many expansion teams, including the Falcons. “I went there and the first year we won three games,” Whitlow said. “It was more than any other expansion team had won. We knocked St. Louis out of the playoffs and it was quite a feat. They should’ve never lost to an expansion team. It was a slap in their face.” He played one year with the Falcons after joining the team from Detroit, which caused some rivalry between him and the coaches. “They had a lot of Green Bay coaches here and I came from Detroit, who hated Green Bay and Green Bay hated Detroit,” he said. “So we didn’t get along that well.” After moving around, he returned to Georgia and currently lives in Forsyth County. He was surprised when he recently went into a sporting store and saw a wall of Falcons memorabilia. The 2017 Super Bowl is the second time in team history the Falcons have qualified, the first in 1999. “I wish I could’ve stayed in Atlanta,” Whitlow said. “It’s a nice town and a sports town. Fulton County Stadium opened that year and we were sold out for just about every game. There’s a lot of interest here.” He’s seen many changes since the team formed, from the players being larger in size to the way the game is played. He goes to games when he can, but said he tends to spend his time with

Ocare Our Services: • • • • • • • • • •

Maid Cleaning Windows Pressure Washing Carpets/Area Rugs Gutters Upholstery Interior Painting Renovations Handy Man Services Eco Friendly/Organic

Visit Our Site for Monthly Specials! www.Qcare.com KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Bob Whitlow, of Cumming, is the oldest living former Atlanta Falcons player.

Watch the Atlanta Falcons play

CALL TODAY!

What: Super Bowl 51; Falcons vs New England Patriots When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 Where: Houston, Texas or on FOX TV family while the Falcons are playing. Despite efforts from family members and the community to get him to the game, he said he’ll probably be with his family come Super Bowl Sunday. But he is still excited. He thinks Falcon’s head coach Dan Quinn has a good shot at winning since Quinn was defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks when Seattle won the 2014 Super Bowl. “Quinn has a leg up since he can go back and look at those films,” Whitlow said. “I think they have a good chance of winning. I’ll just stay here and enjoy the game and root them on. It doesn’t matter where you’re rooting from. We hope they can win it. I think it’ll be a

770 594 1836

close game. They had to get a chance sometime.”


SPORTS

28 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Chattahoochee soccer looks poised for state title By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — For Chattahoochee boys soccer, an unblemished season came to a bitter end in 2016 in the semifinals of the Class AAAAAA state playoffs as Hooch suffered its first loss with a state championship berth on the line. Though 2016 ended disappointingly, the Cougars return much of the talent that led them to a deep playoff run last year, and with another year of experience under their belts, expect Hooch to once again be in the running for the state title this season. “There’s a good feeling around this year’s team,” said head coach Les Meenan, now in his 18th year with the Chattahoochee program. “Last year we lost one game and the year before that it was two games. A lot of these upperclassmen have been playing with those teams, so they have a lot of experience and they are expecting a good season.” Much of Hooch’s defense, including standout goalkeeper Jack Corrigan, will return for the Cougars this season. Top-scorer Shane Burke has graduated to play D-1 at The University of South Carolina Upstate, but Drew Catapano

is back from injury and is expected to pick up scoring after Burke’s departure. Corrigan will look to have another strong season between the pipes for the Cougars after a dominant season as a sophomore last year which earned him All-Region awards. Corrigan posted 12 shutouts and allowed more than one goal just twice in the Cougars’ 19 games. Les Meenan says Corrigan’s play last season was stellar, but the entirety of the defense made possible Hooch’s average of just 0.53 goals against per game last season. “Jack’s only going to be a junior this year and we expect a lot from him but there’s a line of kids in front of him that help protect him,” said Meenan. “No matter how good you are going forward, you’re not going to win many games if you can’t get [your opponent] out. We’ve got pretty much the same defensive lineup as we had the last two years. We’re hoping those guys have learned and will be even better.” Junior defender Chris Spaid re-

turns for the Cougars this season as well as midfielders Alex Field and Ryan Kapper. All three were named to the 2016 Region 6-AAAAAA All-Region team. The biggest loss for the Cougars comes offensively with the graduation of Shane Burke. “Shane scored a lot of goals for us so we have to get somebody or a few people to chip in to get a few more goals to replace those,” Meenan said. Meenan said that his team has many options where scoring is concerned, but senior Drew Catapano will likely fill the gap of a high-caliber offensive threat left by Burke. Catapano missed most of last season due to injury. Meenan said his team will play a fast-paced, attack style of play this season. “We are going to try and play fast, play pressure and try and stop the other team’s attack when they have the ball — a high-press sort of game. We are going to try and hang onto the ball and control possession.” The Cougars will utilize this strat-

egy in a somewhat new region, Region 7-AAAAAA. Gone are the Forsyth County schools, replaced by Pope, Cambridge and North Atlanta, all of which had winning seasons last year. “In this area there are always strong teams and you have no idea to what expect in this region,” Meenan said. “You have teams like Johns Creek, Centennial and Alpharetta who have lots of talent so it depends on how your team melds together and hopefully we have gelled better than them. There’s a whole lot of talent here so I don’t think there are going to be any games that are going to be a walk-over.” Meenan said last year’s loss in the semifinals against Parkview, a game that Hooch entered 18-0, was hugely disappointing but that his team has learned from the experience and will take lessons learned into this season. “This group was pretty upset losing last year. I think it has made them a little hungrier and they know what to expect. We had a meeting the other day with the team and set out a plan and the boys bought in to it and they are ready to go play.” Chattahoochee kicks off its season against Parkview on Feb. 8.

SMALL BUSINESS OFFER

SAVE BIG! UP TO

30% 100%

SAVINGS

ON INK, TONER AND PRINTERS

for

Children, Adolescents & Adults

FREE

GUARANTEE DELIVERY*

Cartridge World - 770.232.9990 10475 Medlock Bridge Road • Johns Creek, GA 30097

3 or 10 OFF OFF

$

INK

* See your local Cartridge World store for details. ©2014 Cartridge World North America LLC. All rights reserved. Cartridge World is a registered trademark of Cartridge World North America LLC.

Comprehensive Treatment of Foot & Ankle Pain

$

TONER

Good on any one Cartridge World-brand product. Limit one per customer, household or business. Valid on first purchase only. Valid at participating stores. Not valid with any other offer. Offer expires December 31, 2016. Appen JC

Laser treatments for fungus, warts... • Hammertoes • Broken bones • Corns • Calluses • Flat Feet • Heel Spurs • Warts • Tendonitis

• Ulcers • Arthritis • Sprains • Neuroma • Strains • Rashes • Bunions • Arch Pain

We accept Medicare, Medicaid and most Insurance Plans. Same day appointments available. Office Hours: Mon. – Fri.

770-418-0456 | atlpod.com 4385 Johns Creek Pkwy, Ste 200 Johns Creek, GA 30024

• Diabetic Shoes • Custom Orthotics • Ingrown Toe Nails • Athletes Feet • Sports Injuries

Rupal P. Gupta DPM, FACFAS

• Diabetic Foot Problems • Skin and Nail Problems • Foot Infections

Jill K. Stepnicka Jalpa Patel DPM, FACFAS DPM


SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 29

After 2 bitter region losses, Hooch rolls after ‘monumental’ win Cougars down Alpharetta, blow out Centennial By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Chattahoochee Lady Cougars head coach Haaris Quraishy was visibly fired-up following his team’s 53-46 win over Alpharetta last Tuesday. He gave a high five to a member of the Chattahoochee faculty so loud it reverberated in the arena. He yelled out in excitement while pumping his fists outside his team’s locker room and smacked the walls in jubilation. After so much lately had gone wrong for the Lady Cougars, Quraishy’s excitement was justifiable. In a four day span, the Lady Cougars would face the top three teams in Region 7-AAAAAA, and entering their tilt against Alpharetta, the stretch had not gone well. Hooch was blown out by Northview, 68-43, before losing a 48-45 heartbreaker to Johns Creek the next day. However, the Cougars would respond with a huge win over Alpharetta, second in Region 7-AAAAAA, and that momentum carried through the weekend as the Cougars dominated Centen-

nial. Things finally went right for the Lady Cougars in their win over Alpharetta, a win that Quraishy called “enormous.” “It’s so big for us because nothing was going right for us the last few games,” he said. “We deserved what happened to us in those [losses to Northview and Johns Creek] because they were better. A lot of teams would have folded, but the way we came back, I’m just so proud of the girls.” “We lose [the Alpharetta game] and you start second questioning and saying nothing is going right. We’d also be facing multiple losses heading into the region tournament. This win reenergized and restarts our whole season. Our girls were excited, our staff was excited and it was a monumental win for us.” The Lady Cougars held Alpharetta to just five points in the first quarter and to 24 points in the second half, while Marissa Gore, Siena Gore and Alayna Ford scored double digits for Hooch. Siena Gore led the Cougars offense with a 20 point performance and was

Duluth woman loses over 100 LBs. Feb 2016 307 lbs.

June 2016 264 lbs.

Jan 2017 207 lbs.

Kimberly Flowers, of Duluth, weighed 307 pounds in February of 2016 when she walked into Medical Fitness and Wellness Group of Johns Creek for a weight loss consultation. Kimberly’s primary care physician, Dr. Reshma Shah, of Perimeter North Family Medicine, advised her to start working with a personal trainer and nutritionist or consider Bariatric surgery as a last resort which Kimberly was vehemently opposed to. At 50, Kimberly has struggled with weight issues her entire life. She tried several times to lose weight using traditional and non-traditional methods, but found it a struggle to keep sustained weight loss. Five years ago, due to the excessive weight and arthritis, she had both knees surgically repaired with partial knee replacements by Dr. Michael Morris at Resurgens in Lawrenceville. She needed a program that would address her holistically. Not just for weight loss, but a Corrective Exercise Program as well to get her moving properly as she began to lose weight. Kimberly met with Mike Hardy, a Corrective Exercise Specialist, a certified Nutrition Coach, and owner of Medical Fitness and Wellness Group in Johns Creek. Mike and the Medical Fitness team offered her a complete solution. She would address her weight issue through a blood sugar stabilization program by balancing her hormones through food and encouraged behavior changes in diet. She would tackle her dysfunctional gait, and muscle imbalances through a comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program, and, of course, supportive counseling by a certified Nutrition Coach throughout the process.

exercise4prevention.com • 770-623-4078 10700 Medlock Bridge Rd. Suite 105, Johns Creek mikehardy@exercise4prevention.com

JOE PARKER/HERALD

Hooch’s Marissa Gore looks for a pass against Alpharetta last Tuesday. The Cougars would beat the Lady Raiders 53-46. consistently effective driving the ball in the paint. She shot 8-9 from the freethrow line.

“[Siena] is the heartbeat of our basketball team,” said coach Quraishy. “How she goes, we go. She is the best player I have ever coached.” Alayna Ford had a double-double for the Lady Cougars, scoring 14 points with 11 rebounds, two steals and a block. Marissa Gore scored 12 with five rebounds and two steals. The Lady Cougars seem to be getting hot at just the right time with the region tournament beginning next week. After beating Alpharetta, Chattahoochee dominated Centennial 75-27 last Friday, scoring 51 points in the first half. Siena Gore led scoring with 20 points and accounted for eight steals. Chattahoochee (17-5, 10-4) sits third in the Region 7-AAAAAA standings behind Alpharetta (16-8, 12-3). If the Lady Cougars win out, they could secure the No. 2 seed for the region tournament if Alpharetta loses against Northview. The Lady Cougars will face Dunwoody and Pope this week to finish out the regular season. After falling to Chattahoochee, Alpharetta dominated woeful North Atlanta, 62-26. The Lady Raiders close out their season against region-leading Northview.

Advertise in Our Empty Nest Section

Reach 75,000 homes with your ad. Call us today for more information.

Advertising Deadline: 2/15/17

Targeted ing, Health, Hous & s e Resourc Retirement News for the 40+ set

NorthFulton.com | 770-442-3278

319 N. Main St. | Alpharetta, GA 30009

Alpharetta Roswell Herald | Forsyth Herald | Johns Creek Herald | Milton Herald


COMMUNITY

30 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

North Fulton community conducts homeless survey Annual count seeks to help needy By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The community rallied together Jan. 26 to try to help the homeless population in North Fulton. As part of the annual nationwide Point in Time Homeless Count, various groups convene to survey the unsheltered homeless who are sleeping in outdoor locations such as sidewalks, parks, woods, encampments and under bridges. The event is sponsored by the Continuum of Care program, part of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development department. Every jurisdiction that receives federal funds for homeless services must do the count annually. The surveys provide demographic information on each homeless individual, give insight to their homeless history and assess individual needs that will enable the Continuum to effectively plan housing and service interventions to prevent and end homelessness in North Fulton. Volunteers form teams and work closely with county leaders, police and community organizations to gather accurate information about the number of homeless people residing within the cities that make up Fulton County, including Alpharetta and Roswell. Last year’s event found over 50 homeless people in North Fulton, while this year saw 32, according to Barbara Duffy, executive director of North Fulton Community Charities, a Roswell-based nonprofit that helps needy families. Of those counted outside, they ranged from a man who had just become homeless the day before to an-

By the numbers • From October to December 2016, North Fulton Community Charities saw 2,012 households that came for service. • Of those, 193 households said they were homeless, or 355 individuals including 122 children • 1 out of every 10 who came to NFCC over that 3 month period considered themselves homeless. other man who said he had been homeless for 10 years. The group counted 24 men, five women and two children. And while the decrease might seem like a good thing, Duffy said it’s not necessarily accurate. “It’s a bit of a disappointment,” Duffy said. “The teams had no trouble finding places where it was obvious folks were making a place to stay. But unless we could physically lay our eyes on them, we couldn’t count them even if we knew so-and-so was living in a particular location. “ It will take more work to figure out the right numbers. Duffy said data from her group shows they are seeing more individuals on a daily basis at NFCC. “The fact we didn’t find them in the three hours we were out, doesn’t mean they weren’t there,” Duffy said. “It’s obvious to me that we don’t have fewer homeless in our community than we’ve had in the past. I firmly believe there are a good many more.” From October to December 2016, NFCC saw 2,020 households that applied for service. Of those, 198 said they were homeless, including those who were living in hotels, were recently evicted or living in the woods. And because of the variety of locations, it can be hard to get an accurate number because some of the homeless may be in hotels or in the woods.

Volunteers gather to help with homeless community. That’s why people like Jennifer Garrard with SC3D Impact, which is a 2017 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce leadership group, decided to get involved. “There’s a gap for immediate housing for individuals,” Garrard said. “We are looking into how we can help these people and immediately assess their needs. There are people in our community who didn’t choose to be this way. It is just life’s circumstances.” The leadership class is doing a campaign, called One Step Away, on homelessness in North Fulton because a lot of people don’t necessarily see it, she said. “There’s no way people would see these people at some of the places we

went,” Garrard said. “Where they are staying, sleeping or camping is in the woods sometimes and you wouldn’t know. We want to show there are people in our community who want to better their lives and we need to come together to support them.” Garrard said the lack of resources in the community also hinders the ability to help. “I love that a lot of our nonprofits started out as a way to address a need in the community,” she said. “But there’s limited space and the need is great, as well. How can we be cities that offer that?” To learn about One Step Away, visit onestepaway.net or NFCC at nfcchelp. org.

Johns Creek Community Association installs 2017 board JOHNS CREEK - Jan. 26, 2017 - The Johns Creek Community Association (JCCA) last week voted and installed Jan. 24 the 2017 Board of Directors. All board members made a commitment to bring new programs and outreach to the citizens of Johns Creek. The 2017 Board of Directors includes many of those who served in 2016, and welcomes new director Mark Venco from the St. Ives community. The following board positions for 2017 are: • Judy LeFave, president; • Kirk Canaday, vice-president; • Kathleen Field, secretary; • Michael Pelot-Hobbs, treasurer;

• Scott Sanders, board member; • Chris Coughlin, board member; • Mark Venco, board member. “We have built a cohesive group that desires to serve the community through the JCCA,” said third -year JCCA president Judy LeFave. “We’re already planning new programs and workshops that will only help the HOAs in Johns Creek to continue to flourish and strengthen our beloved community.” Some of those programs include: the Board 101 Series, Pool Safety and HOA Insurance workshops.The first workshop for 2017 will take place in late February. The JCCA was founded in 1982 with the help of

the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. It was created to be the collective voice for homeowner associations (identified as JCCA member-associations) in unincorporated Northeast Fulton County. Since that time the JCCA has represented community interests in powerful ways, particularly through the zoning process. JCCA member-associations number 79 HOAs representing over 16,000 homes. The JCCA allows the individual homeowner associations to have substantial impact on the community decisions. The member associations benefits from the experience, skills and knowledge of the board members and committee chairs to address quality of life issues affecting the community.


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 31


32 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

December Eagle Scouts named for the Northern Ridge District NORTH FULTON – The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District, including the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, announced its newest Eagle Scouts, who passed their Board of Review Dec. 29, 2016. Northern Ridge noted and incredible 150 Scouts earned their Eagle Award in 2016 – a record number. These Scouts passed their Eagle Board of Review held at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church: Mason Green, from Troop 143, sponsored by John’s Creek United Methodist Church. His Eagle project was the design and construction of 10 outdoor backpack rack trees for the Camp Glisson in Dahlonega. Josef Flagler, from Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. He chose as his Eagle project the restoration of the courtyard at DeKalb Preparatory Academy. This included the design and construction of two benches, the cleaning and restoring of two picnic tables, and replanting four raised planting beds. Tawil Charaniya, of Troop 3143, sponsored by John’s Creek United Methodist Church. For an Eagle project, he chose the revitalization of the outdoor playground area and restoring several benches and tables for Drake House. Rishi Mocherla, from Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Mocheria chose as a project to collect medical supplies for a Hospital in May Pen, Jamaica. Rishi collected 981 items valued at over $7,000. That

New Eagle Scouts are top row from left: Mason Green, Josef Flagler and Tawil Charaniya. Middle row are: Rishi Mocherla and Joshua Corday. Front row are Pavan Seshadri, Kevin Doyle and Kevin Doyle. included more than 50 Blood Sugar monitors. Joshua Corday, of Troop 2143, sponsored by John’s Creek United Methodist Church. He selected a project to design and construct four wooden hydration stations as well as cleaning up the Cross Country trail at Johns Creek High School. Pavan Seshadri, from Troop 27,

sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church. Pavan chose as his project to collect coats for The International Rescue Committee. Pavan collected at least142 winter coats as well as 40 other winter items. Kevin Doyle, from Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church. His project was the design and

construction of a large Cubbie storage container for Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center’s Classroom. Ryan Caviness, of Troop 2143, sponsored by John’s Creek United Methodist Church. Ryan’s project was the construction and design of a section of boardwalk for a trail at Autrey Mill Nature preserve and Heritage Center.

Holocaust survivor returns for ‘And Then They Came for Me’ 20th anniversary of play recounting friends of Anne Frank surviving Nazi genocide ROSWELL, Ga. – Eva Schloss is a survivor of the first order. She survived the Nazi persecution of the Jews in World War II and she lived to see the play based on her experiences growing up with Anne Frank produced at Georgia Ensemble Theatre in 1997. Now she is returning for the 20th anniversary of the production of “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank” by James Still. The drama premiered at Georgia Ensemble Theatre in 1997, and is based upon Eva Schloss’ book, “Eva’s Story.” A Holocaust survivor, Schloss will travel from London, England to be GET’s guest for this one-time only event. Schloss will participate in a talkback with the audience after the show.

If you go What: Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents “And Then They Came for Me” Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell 30075 When: Sunday, Feb.19, 6:30 p.m. With Q&A after show Tickets: $10 each or ten tickets for $80. Available online at www. get.org, or Box Office at 770-6411260 ext. 236. This performance is one night only, Sunday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 pm at GET’s home in the Roswell Cultural Arts

Center. “And Then They Came for Me,” directed by Erin Bushko Smith, is a multi-media theater piece telling the story of two teen-age friends of Anne Frank, Eva Schloss and Ed Silverberg. Four actors portray multiple characters on stage, while Silverberg and Schloss tell their stories via videotape. This performance is staged much like an historic newsreel brought to life. GET has produced this play each year since 1997 as a touring production that has traveled throughout the Southeast to middle and high schools, and has been seen by more than 500,000 students, teachers and families. This one-night performance includes a moderated discussion after the play with Artistic Director Robert Farley and Eva Schloss and will be followed by a book signing of Eva’s Story. Artistic Director Robert Farley has

maintained a friendship with Schloss during their collaboration on this production over the past 20 years. “I am thrilled that Eva will be joining us from her home in England for this very special performance,” Farley said. “She has made many friends and deeply touched thousands of Georgians since her initial visit to our production in 1997. “Eva’s Story of her childhood friendship with Anne Frank and her own heroism during the Holocaust is all the more moving when she is present for a performance of the play.” This year’s school tour is scheduled for 45 performances. To book this touring production at a school or community center near you, or for information about Georgia Ensemble Theatre & Conservatory, call Education Associate Molly Gilmartin at 770-641-1260 ext. 223.


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 33

TOWN HALL MEETING PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Thursday, February 9, 2017 In conformance with the Georgia Open Meetings Law, please note a quorum of the City of Johns Creek Mayor and Council Members may be in attendance at a Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Johns Creek City Hall, located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, Johns Creek, GA 30097. The Town Hall Meeting begins at 7:00pm and is open to the Public. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions or need assistance. Joan Jones City Clerk

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-17-AB-06

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-17-AB-05

PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers February 9, 2017 2:00 P.M.

PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers February 9, 2017 2:00 P.M.

PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer & Wine Sunday Sales

PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer & Wine Sunday Sales

APPLICANT MF Bar, LLC d/b/a MF Bar 7135 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, Ga. 30009

APPLICANT District III, LLC d/b/a District III 7140 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, Ga. 30009

Owner MF Bar, LLC Registered Agent Tramanh Nguyen

Owner District III, LLC Registered Agent Tramanh Nguyen

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB #17-052 TAYLOR ROAD LIGHTING The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Taylor Road Lighting from Jones Bridge Road to Chattahoochee High School. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 2:00 PM on February 21, 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 questions is February 10, 2017 at 5:00PM. 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. Quotes, bids, and RFP’s will now be managed using the Georgia Purchasing Group by BidNet link, our new online bidding/vendor registration system, on the City website (www.johnscreekga.gov) . Vendors can register and view quote/bids, RFP opportunities. 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 FLASH DRIVE 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


34 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

New Eagle Scouts for the Northern Ridge District NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District, which includes the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, has announced its newest Eagle Scouts, who passed their Board of Review on Dec. 29, 2016. Northern Ridge noted and incredible 150 Scouts earned their Eagle Award in 2016 – a record number. These Scouts passed their Eagle Board of Review held at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church: Jordan Ward, from Troop 356, was sponsored by Fellowship Christian School, and whose project was the revitalization and building of raised garden beds for EnAble Georgia. Conrad Cummings, from Troop 3000, was sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. His project was the design and construction of a picnic table with movable benches, a plant containment table a park bench and a general cleanup of the Lionheart School’s Farm. Holden Howgate, from Troop 1717, was sponsored by Cross of Life Lutheran Church. For his project, he designed and constructed two sets of stairs on opposite banks of Sal’s Creek at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. Nikulaus Pujals, of Troop 1134, was sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. His project was writing and creation of a video documenting work-

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-17-AB-04 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers February 9, 2017 2:00 P.M. PURPOSE Convenience Store Beer & Wine – Sunday Sales APPLICANT Sabrina Enterprise, Inc. d/b/a Chevron Food Mart 3955 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta, Ga. 30005 Owner Sabrina Enterprise, Inc. Registered Agent Siraj Ali

Standing in the top row, from left, are Jordan Ward, Conrad Cummings, Holden Howgate and Nikulaus Pujals. In the middle row are Christopher Natale, Stephen Hunt and Aman Singh. In the front row are Alfred Billings, Austin Sabo and Kalid-Rhys Dominic Sudu. ing with children with special needs for the youth director at St Peter of Chanel Catholic Church. Christopher Natale, from Troop 69, was sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, and whose project was the design and creation of a US map on the concrete pad area for Creekview Elementary School. Stephen Hunt, from Troop 3000, was sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. For his project, Hunt designed and created storage bins

for the percussion instruments for Cooper Middle School in McLean, Virginia. Aman Singh, from Troop 27, was sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church. His project was the design and construction a flagstone pathway at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. Alfred Billings, from Troop 40, was sponsored by the Roswell Ward of Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. For the project, Billings collected materials to make comfort

PUBLIC NOTICE City of Johns Creek Quarterly Strategic Planning Workshop February 13, 2017 The Mayor and Council of the City of Johns Creek will attend a Strategic Planning Workshop which will be held Monday, February 13, 2017 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. Following this Strategic Planning Workshop the Mayor and Council will hold their regularly scheduled Work Session from 5:00pm until 8:00pm and then hold their regularly scheduled Council Meeting beginning at 8:00pm. All meetings will be held at Johns Creek City Hall, 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300 in Johns Creek, Georgia 30097. Please contact the city clerk at 678-512-3212 should you need more information. Joan Jones City Clerk

blankets for children having surgery, through the Linus Foundation. He collected enough material and had 43 blankets created with the potential for an additional 170 blankets Austin Sabo, from Troop 429, was sponsored by Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, and whose project was the creation of a quarter of a mile trail complete with building two benches at Providence Park. Kalid-Rhys Dominic Sudu, from Troop 1459, was


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 35

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR MULTIPLE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS ITB #17-006

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU MEETING February 14, 2017 The monthly meeting of the Johns Creek Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will be held at The Atlanta Athletic Club, which is located at 1930 Bobby Jones Drive in Johns Creek, GA 30097. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 9:00am to 11:00am. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions.

The City of Alpharetta (City) is accepting bids for MULTIPLE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS including, but not limited to, the fabrication, delivery and installation of sidewalks, curb and gutter, excavation/trenching, backfilling for utilities, landscaping and other related work to constructing sidewalk. The location of the work is at various locations within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia.

Joan Jones, City Clerk

The ITB will be available online Thursday, January 19, 2017, at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the ITB documents.

City of Johns Creek Council Chambers 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097

The bid opening will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

The following Variance proposal located within the City of Johns Creek is scheduled for Public Hearing at the location stated above.

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.

Case Number: Petitioner: Present Zoning: Property Location(s): Variance Request:

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, March 6, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. PH-17-03 Alpharetta 2035 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Consideration of an amendment to the Alpharetta 2035 Comprehensive Plan to add language to the Kimball Bridge Activity Center Character Area in order to clarify the vision for the redevelopment of the Alpha Park neighborhood. b. PH-17-05 Unified Development Code Text Amendments – Sign Code 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.

City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 7:00 P.M.

V-17-003 Jim D. Hudgins TR (Townhouse Residential) 3109 Haynesbrooke Lane To allow an existing outdoor fireplace within 10-feet of rear property line.

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.


36 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SCHOOLS

Centennial musicians get All-State recognition ROSWELL, Ga. – Centennial High School has announced that 10 musicians from the school’s band, orchestra and chorus have been honored at the State level by the Georgia Music Educators Association for the talent and proficiency. All of the All-State musicians will participate in the All-State concerts taking place in February and March in Athens. Of particular note, Matthew Gilmore earned the place of 1st chair Oboe for one of two 11th - 12th grade All-State Bands. Kyle Qian was selected as the concertmaster for the 11th and 12th grade All-State String Orchestra. And Brendan Kennedy made a perfect score on his second round Chorus audition. Anna Hansil and Brendan Kennedy will represent CHS as Chorus All-State recipients. The CHS Orchestra All-State recipients are Kyle Qian, David Wen, Mabel Htay, Caroline Wittschen and Gilberto Mejia-Holguin. Centennial Band All-State: recipients are Jonah Bergman, Matthew Gilmore and Rhett Mobley. “The All-State audition process is very tough,” said Carolyn Landreau, director of Orchestra and Centennial High. Gand and orchestra hopefuls must first survive an initial district-level audition required in which students perform scales, a prepared excerpt and a short sight-reading. They have to receive a minimum proficiency score in

The 10 musicians from Centennial High School who made All-State are front row from left: Matthew Gilmore, Caroline Wittschen, Mabel Htay, Brendan Kennedy and Anna Hansil. Second Row are: Rhett Mobley, Jonah Bergman, David Wen, Kyle Qian, and Gilberto Mejia-Holguin. order to move on to the second, Statelevel audition. Of the seven students that Centennial sent to the auditions, five were accepted to All-State. The statistics and process are similar for Band and Chorus, said Landreau. • CHS sent 20 students to the first round Band auditions.

• Six students to the second round and three students made All-State. • Chorus sent four students to the first round, and two students made it to the second round and made All-State. “We are very proud of our students for their passion and commitment to their musical craft,” said Principal Kib-

bey Crumbley. “It is very gratifying to see them first and foremost, enjoy what they do, as well as be recognized at the State-level.” The GMEA All-State Band and Orchestra concerts will take place at the Athens Classic Center March 2-4. The GMEA All-State Chorus performances take place Feb. 23-25also at the Athens Classic Center.

DEATH NOTICES Ava Abernathy, of Alpharetta, passed away January 18, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Barbara Iris Collins, 56, of Cumming, passed away January 21, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Susan Collins, of Roswell, passed away January 18, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Ghanshyam Balsara, of Roswell, passed away January 19, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors. Jerry Davis, of Roswell, passed away January 20, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Dr. Saeid Fatemi, 92, of Roswell, passed away January 5, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Linda L. Franklin, 70, of Roswell, passed away January 7, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Benjamin Marcelo, 69, of Roswell, passed away January 15, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Gwendolyn Murphy, of Alpharetta, passed away January 20, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Stephen C. Bartley, 91, of Cumming, passed away January 17, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Billy Joe Colee, 42, of Cumming, passed away January 22, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

George Schroeder, of Roswell, passed away January 24, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Richard John Sands, 87, of Cumming, passed away January 19, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Tristan Schupbach, of Roswell, passed away January 21, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Christine C. Simmons, 87, of Alpharetta, passed away January 20, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.


NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 37

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 reckless driving first offense and speeding. Alpharetta police were patrolling on Ga. 400 southbound, near McGinnis Ferry Road, when one officer noticed a red sedan pass by in the inside lane with a silver Mercedes CLK 500 following closely behind. The officer said that he saw the Mercedes “aggressively accelerate” and erratically changed multiple lanes without using a turn signal. The Mercedes then “brake checked” the sedan,

Campus: Continued from Page 15 sociates. This is for them to enjoy,” said Jackson. “The quality of service we give our customers is directly related to the quality of the people within our company. We want them to have a beautiful place to work together.” The architect of the Jackson project is Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio, LLC Ar-

causing the sedan’s driver to make an abrupt lane change to avoid crashing. The Mercedes’ speed was clocked at 100 mph in a 65 mph zone. The driver of the Mercedes, 58-yearold John Hall of Suwanee, said that his behavior was from “road rage.” He was arrested without incident.

MILTON, Ga. — A woman reported a case of identity fraud Jan. 20 when she noticed suspicious activity on her account spanning two states. The woman said she first realized

something was wrong Jan. 19 when she received an email from her bank saying that her requested credit card had been delivered to Lawrenceville. She had not requested any new cards and did not recognize the address. The woman then reviewed her account history and saw two charges she had not made. One was for $20 in a Walmart in Oklahoma, and the second was for $2,700 in a Target in Milton, Ga. After reviewing the charges, the woman called her bank to freeze her account. She told police that she has had similar issues in the past.

chitecture + Interior Design (RJTR). The general contractor is Choate Construction. The project is expected to take 18 months to complete. “The design challenge of Rick and Shane Jackson was to create a 21st Century workplace within architecture that authentically recalls the Italian Renaissance,” said Joe Trammell, Project Principal for RJTR. “There will be nothing like it, anywhere.” State Sen. Brandon Beach called the project an “iconic development” for

North Fulton. “I’ve known the Jackson family both personally and professionally and what they have done for the community,” Beach said. “Rick has always gone by the philosophy of ‘Go big or go home.’ “Well, this is big. Georgia is the No. 1 state to do business in and we appreciate Rick and Shane’s job creation here. The state doesn’t create jobs, companies do.” Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle was also enthusiastic about the expansion.

Woman finds card fraud in OK, GA

William Daniel Kirk, Sr. William Daniel Kirk, Sr. of Roswell, Georgia, passed away on Jan 8, 2017. He was the son of the late Irene Crowley Kirk and David Alexander Kirk of Charlotte, N.C. He was born on July 26, 1926 in Jackson, Michigan. In his young years he resided in several northern states and attended high school at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C. At Belmont Abbey he participated in football, basketball and other sports and was a captain and sharpshooter in the ROTC. He graduated with an associate degree and transferred to Duke University. At Duke he was vice president of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and participated in several campus organizations. His senior year he met his future wife, Doris Caveness and they both graduated in 1948. Bill received a BA in business administration and Doris a BA in economics. Bill was employed by International Harvester Company, farm equipment division, for thirty five years. He and Doris were married on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949, in an evening ceremony in Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church in Greensboro, N.C. Bill’s football coach from Belmont Abbey, Father Walter Coggin (later Abbot) married them. Bill’s employment carried them to many locations in Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Georgia. Their marriage was blessed with six children and Bill was active working with Boy Scouts and church activities, serving on church councils, financial committees and as lector at mass. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. As his advancement with International grew he encountered interesting adventures. In New Orleans he was in charge of providing

Man fails to cash fake $750 check ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A man was caught Jan. 19 attempting to cash a fake check at the Regions Bank on North Point Parkway. The man, later identified as 60-yearold Gregory Willis of Atlanta, had tried to give a fraudulent check for $750 to the teller. The teller, however, called police instead when the check appeared to be fraudulent. When police arrived, Willis said that some young men from Atlanta promised him money if he cashed the fake check. There was no one else with Willis. Willis was arrested without incident for fourth-degree forgery.

“There have been many big announcements in Alpharetta recently, but this is huge,” Belle Isle said. “Jackson Healthcare is the No. 1 place to work because they focus on that. They create a community.” Belle Isle called the project another great step for Alpharetta, “The Technology Center of the South.” It complements Avalon, Gwinnett Tech’s Alpharetta campus and the new North Winds Parkway extension in invigorating the city’s development along Ga. 400.

In Memoriam

tractors and drivers for most of the Mardi Gras parades and was acquainted with behind the scene people. He and his dealers won a trip to Havana, Cuba, in 1951 and stayed at the National de Cuba at the same time Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner were there on their honeymoon. And then there were the years serving as manager of a company store and working with the tobacco farmers in eastern North Carolina. Bill was Southern Regional Dealer Development Manager in Atlanta, Memphis and Valdosta. He retired in 1981, and he and Doris moved to Roswell to be closer to their children. Bill was predeceased by his sister Sally M. Kirk of Charlotte, N.C. and Roswell, GA and his daughter Mary K. Hankins and her husband William F. Hankins of Greenville, NC. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Doris, and daughters Patricia Kirk of Roswell, Kathleen K. Swahn (Charles) of Johns Creek, and Erin K. New (Bert) of Watkinsville, and sons William D. Kirk, Jr. (Diane) of Johns Creek and David F. Kirk of Savannah. His seven grandchildren are Brett J. Statome (Lori) of Marietta, Kristin S. Hankins of Acworth, Shannon Swahn Bailey (Paul) of Arlington, VA, Megan Swahn of Washington, DC, Kendall Kirk Lanois (Christopher) of Carrollton, VA, Dr. Emily Kirk of Duluth, GA and Sara New of Watkinsville, GA. His five great-granddaughters are Hayden Statome and Grace Statome of Marietta, Olivia Lanois and Claire Lanois of Carrollton, VA. and Sally Bailey of Arlington, VA. His service was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church followed by burial at Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs.


38 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Milton Creek HeraldHerald | NorthFulton.com | NorthFulton.com

ONLINE INCLUDED

» Hiring? Pay once & we’ll run your ad until your position is filled.* » Selling Something? Pay once and we’ll run your item until it’s sold!*

Call today to place your ad • 770-442-3278 • classifieds@appenmediagroup.com • FAX: 770-475-1216 •

Help Wanted Full-time

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. Qualifications: Must be ambitious, hard working, good with people, and goal oriented. Previous sales experience preferred, but not required. Compensation: Base salary of $18,200/ year with aggressive monthly commission. Full medical benefits, matching 401k and PTO.

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.

About Appen Media Group: Appen Media Group is a multimedia news company with a focus on print newspapers. AMG publishes

Full-time

CDL DRIVER:

CDL, D.O.T. Deliver brick & sundries (mortar, block, steel, etc.) to comml & res job sites. Truck loaded for NGB Driver at various yards & plants; unloaded by NGB Driver at job site via Princeton (forklift). 5:45am-5pm, can be later. Making several deliveries/day through metro Atl traffic TRUCK MECHANIC: Need valid DL, basic hand tools, strong mechanical aptitude & troubleshooting skills. Diesel exp & ASC cert a plus. Ability to handle physical workload. Maintain/repair industrial equip. Min 40 hrs/ wk& some Sats. Perform Class A, B, & C svcs on Semi Tractors & Trailers; routine preventive maint, other duties as req’d to support operations; respond to work order requests in timely fashion; adhere to all safety policies & procedures TRUCK DISPATCHER: HS Diploma, knowledge of N. Fulton & Northside Atl roads; very good communicator; ability to organize workload efficiently; must handle itineraries of several trucks (multitasking skills important!) Mon-Fri & Sats. CDL Class B a plus. Comprehend work orders by ensuring workload is studied thoroughly; determine most efficient routing & transportation ways for delivery & pick-up of goods; Communicate w/drivers to provide them w/route & delivery times info for direct scheduling of deliveries. Resumes: Tina Ph 770-205-3554

Johnson,

tjohnson@ngabrick.com

THANKS FOR READING!

Full-time

Full-time

ACCOUNTING/PAYROLL Mid-size company, Johns Creek. FT or PT. Proficiency in Quickbooks and tax document preparation to submit to CPA and payroll using ADP software. acctjc2017@ gmail.com; fax 678-540-4777

Customer Service Specialist

ORDER ENTRY/SALES SUPPORT: Norcross promotional product company seeks a detailoriented person for order processing. Great computer skills required. 9am-6pm. Email resume to awise@gpcorp.com PRESCHOOL TEACHER-FT/PT INFANT TEACHER. PROGRAM SUPERVISOR. Positions open immediately! Benefits available. Excellent pay. Friendly environment. Call 678-648-3175 or info@krk52.com

Client Scheduler

for premier homecare agency in Alpharetta. Must have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with elderly. CNA or LPN certification desired. Prior homecare or scheduling experience a plus. Call 678-230-5971

Inbound call center and virtual office service. Provide receptionist services to various companies. Sell, schedule and provide virtual office services for home inspectors. Must work 12:30pm-9pm. Real estate and/or inspection background a plus. $14/ hour + potential bonus in 1st 90 days. Resume: sales@wescheduleit.com

Part-time UPSCALE HOUSECLEANER: Wonderful company, specializing highend beautiful homes. Monday-Friday 8:304ish. $13.00/hour (start), approximately 30-35 hours/week. Wonderful for stay at-home mom 770-309-7335 PRESCHOOL TEACHER-FT/PT INFANT TEACHER. PROGRAM SUPERVISOR. Positions open immediately! Benefits available. Excellent pay. Friendly environment. Call 678-648-3175 or info@krk52.com

*Some Restrictions

Part-time

Part-time

Cemetery

Director of Youth Ministry, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church APC is a vibrant, 900-member PC(USA) church seeking a parttime Director of Youth Ministry to work with youth in grades 6-12. Please view full job description and requirements at www. alpharettapres.com/youth. Submit letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to office@alpharettapres. com, 770-751-0033.

FRONT DESK Doctors office. Computer experience. pleasant team player. Positive attitude. Alpharetta/Roswell. Resume: medoffice123@ gmail.com

GREENLAWN ROSWELL Fountain-B Section. 4 plots. Fair market value $5000/each. Asking $4000/each OBO. C. Palmer 615-764-6170

Sales

Furniture

Moving Sale

SWIVEL ROCKER RECLINER, Lazy-Boy: Beige. New! $850. Retail $1099. 678-957-8335

P A R T - T I M E A D M I N I S T R AT I V E SUPPORT: North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) has an immediate PART TIME position available at our Education Center in Roswell. The Education Intake Specialist will be in daily contact with new and established center participants and volunteers. In addition to receptionist and administrative support, this position oversees computer lab services and center closing activities. M o n d a y - T h u r s d a y, 2:30pm-6:30pm, with some Saturdays 9am-1pm. Applicants must have a history of outstanding customer service and administrative support skills with demonstrated compassion for cultural diversity; moderate to elevated level of competency with MS Office software and data entry; reliable transportation and valid GA Driver’s License required; and at least three years’ experience working in an administrative capacity. Bilingual in Spanish a plus. NFCC is a 501(c)3 human services nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of homelessness and hunger in North Fulton by providing emergency assistance and enrichment programs. Located in Roswell, NFCC is an equal opportunity employer. We eVerify. Please send your resume including experience, qualifications and salary requirements to info@ nfcchelp.org.

ALPHARETTA 12785 Oak Falls Drive, Saturday 2/4, 8am-3pm. Huge; great bargains!

Animals Pet Training GEORGIA K9 National Training Center specializes in elite dog training and behavior modification. Call today! Located in Canton. 770-721-6959 www.gak9. com

Bargains Building Supplies DRIVEWAY GATES; two, 10’ wide total, wrought iron. $800 both/obo. 678-492-2300 VELUX SKYLIGHTS, used. (Eight, 21”x44”, two miscellaneous sizes). $475/all. 770-992-6848 leave message

Cemetery GREENLAWNROSWELL Garden of Peace, Lot 36-B, Space 2, Included: 1 cremation vault, 1 memorial plaque 16”x20” engraved, 2 openings, 2nd vault needed for 2nd opening. Greenlawn will show location and handle deed transfer. $2,778 (Exact price paid in 19098, current retail $8,800). 770-605-7747

SELL

your stuff today!

CHERRY HUNT TABLE with mirror, $700. 404-889-3233 BARSTOOLS 30” cherry 404-889-3233

(3) $300.

Octagonal poker table; black/gold micro pattern sleeper sofa; black/gold stripe loveseat; black/gold rocker (vintage); ivory Queen Anne chairs (2); small bar cart; oval glass top coffee table; wood/ glass oval coffee table. 770-889-8812 DINING ROOM TABLE, glass top, cherry inlay, 6 covered roll-back chairs $800. 404-889-3233 CHILDRENS’ TABLE, cherry Delta $90. 404-889-3233 BAR STOOLS, swivel seats & backs. Two 24”, one 29”, all wood construction; great condition! $20 each. 770-888-2790

Garden/Lawn TORO WEEDEATER, heavy duty. like new. 6.5HP Lawn Boy mower, self-propelled; mulching blade. $200 both. 770-594-7825

Household FRIGIDAIRE FREEZER $125. 404-889-3233

Medical Equipment POWER WHEELCHAIR: Invacare Pronto M-91. New batteries. Like new! $1000. 404-396-7807

Miscellaneous POLARIS Kids’ 4-Wheeler $150. 404-889-3233 JOHN DEERE GATOR for kids $200. 404-889-3233 YA M A H A 4-WHEELER 404-889-3233

kids’ $150.

LITTLE TYKES COUPE and Fire Engine, both for kids $70. 404-889-3233 DUNE RACER (kids) $150. 404-889-3233 JOHN DEERE KIDS’ GROUNDLOADER $150. 404-889-3233 STROLLERS 404-889-3233

$40.

Musical Instruments PIANO, Baby Grand: Elegant case, matching bench; warm, rich tone. Sacrifice $1650 obo. 678-445-3654 PIANO: Henry F. Miller Upright, matching bench $500/firm. 770-552-4034 PIANO: Kimball Upright with bench, in excellent condition! Completely refurbished and tuned. $1400. 770-861-7537

Recreation SKIS, BOOTS, POLES, womens’ and mens’ 7/1/2 and 9-1/2. $400. 404-889-3233 FITNESS ELLIPTICAL BIKE: New-Octane XR600 $1,300.00 OBO. Contact: Steve 925- 549-4733

MAIN CLASSIFIEDS continued on page 39


NorthFulton.com NorthFulton.com | Johns| Milton Creek Herald | February 2, 2017 | 39

MAIN CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE DIRECTORY NATIONAL ADVERTISING continued from page 38 Recreation GOLF CLUBS: Ladies’ complete set, Lynx irons, graphite woods, ball retriever, wood covers, new bag $275. 770-740-9757

Wanted to Buy RECORDS: LP’s. Pay cash, Rock & Roll. Mojo Vinyl, Roswell 678-534-5042 Vintage Barbie and Friends, Ginny, Madame Alexander, and other dolls, clothing and accessories. (Local). Cell 214-883-8215

Business Services Business for Sale FERNANDINA BEACH, FL Retail gift shop in historic area. Inventory, fixtures, goodwill. Call Bonnie 904-491-1294

Legal Notice Regina Hamilton looking for Augusto Hamilton for divorce.

Entertainment & Event Services Weddings Tianna’s Place Creating impeccable memories, one event at a time. Full-service, special event-planning. Focusing on corporate and celebratory events. w w w. t i a n n a s p l a c e . com. 678-879-5253/ 404-903-2441

Personal Services Child Care NANNY; Experienced looking Cumming family Excellent references. One or two children, infantpreschool. 804-873-6956 (Cumming) Phone calls only; no texting or email,

Eldercare 14 years of reliable and affordable senior care services. Call Sarah at 678-431-6233 or visit www. homecare4momndad.com

CADNET ADS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license identification or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 2000-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806

Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-428-1639 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

Health & Fitness

Wanted to Buy

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1-866-312-6061 Hablamos Espanol.

ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads. com for more information

Miscellaneous Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+.

BOLD TYPE

will really make your ad stand out. 770-442-3278

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT. 1-800-371-1136

AC/Heating

Flooring

Heating, Air, Plumbing servicing and install. Insured - Certification #859293363150. 678-740-3478 manthonyhvac@gmail. com

PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

Cleaning Services Housecleaning quality care for your home. Free Estimates and References. Martina 678-656-4492. We know clean, leave the details to us!

Concrete/Asphalt We fix UGLY driveways and patios. $100 OFF any concrete job over $1000 New or Repair: Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. Residential or Commercial. Call for FREE estimate. The Best Concrete Company-Ask for Dave McKemey. 678-648-2010. Professional, competitive, many local references.

Driveway DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT: Patios and walkways. Stonework. 15 years experience. Hundreds of reviews online; see our online photo gallery: Sudlowconcrete.com 404-285-5995 REPAIR or REPLACEMENT Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. $150 off any job over $1500 Residential or Commercial. For a FREE estimate call Dave of McKemey Concrete and Hardscapes 678-914-2576. Competitive pricing. Many local references. Thank you for reading the classifieds.

Handyman

Installation/Repairs: Carpet, Ceramic, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl, Wood. Free Estimates! I can remove carpet wrinkles. Restreches $35/room. 706-429-4453

Gutters AARON’S ALLTYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 770-934-2766

Handyman RELIABLE HOME REPAIRS: 21 years experience. References. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, wood rot repair, siding, painting, pressure washing. Free e s t i m a t e s ! 770-605-0340

® HANDYMAN REMODELING

678-455-2434

www.HandyHero.net RAM’S HOME SERVICES Kitchen hardware replaced. Appliances and ceiling fans installed. Sink/toilet/ leak repair. www. ramshs.com for list of services. Experienced. 770-769-5498

Landscaping

Kitchen & Bath: Yellow Ribbon Tree. Plumbing, Electrical Drywall and Other Repairs and Installations. Home Maintenance. Small Jobs Preferred. Call Mike. 404-647-1406

ALL CARPENTRY & REPAIRS: Roof Leaks, Wood Rot Repair, Siding, Deck Repairs and Refinishing, Painting, Doors/Windows. Excellent References. 404-895-0260

Haulers Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling etc. Many local references. Call Ralph Rucker at 678-898-7237

Home Improvement Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932. R e m o d e l i n g , handyman. 31 years experience. Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms. All insurance. Credit cards accepted. Paul Finegan 404-353-5611

Landscaping RAS Landscape Design Installation A full service landscape company capable of doing your job. 25+ years experience. Ralph 678-898-7237

Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner. Free estimates and insured. 770Tree. com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary. 404Cuttree. Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service. Free quotes. Fully insured. 770Tree.com 678-506-0006

Lawn Care LEAVE THE MOWING TO US”A”! Weekly/ Bi-weekly Father/ Son team Weed& Feed, Mosquito Programs www. GaGreenWorks.com 678-727-6850 Call or Text

Pinestraw PINESTRAW, mulch delivery/installation available. Firewood $110/$200, plus delivery. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612.

Tree Services 404Cuttree. One of the most experienced and reliable tree companies in North Atlanta. Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service. Free quotes. Fully insured. 770Tree.com 678-506-0006 Yellow Ribbon Tree. Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner. Free estimates and insured. 770Tree. com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary. JJ Tree Cutting Services. Complete Tree Removal-Call us for a Free Quote, 678-467-1325 or 770-630-6672. Licensed and insured. jjtreecutting@gmail. com RAS Cutting Services Complete tree removal. Ralph 678-898-7237

Auto Donations

Medical

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lung Cancer? If so, you and your family may be entitled to a substantial financial award. We can help you get cash quick! Call 24/7: 844-865-4336

Autos Wanted CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Make/Models 2000-2015! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330.

Educational DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers earn $900+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1-888-734-6714 drive4stevens.com AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704

Employment MAKE MONEY MAILING POSTCARDS! Easy Work, Great Pay! FREE Info: Call 1-619-649-0708. 24/Hours Guaranteed Legitimate Opportunity! Register Online Today! www. PostcardsToWealth.com Make $1,000 Weekly! Paid in Advance! Mailing Brochures at Home. Easy Pleasant work. Begin Immediately. Age Unimportant. www.HomeMoney77.com

Health & Medical **SPECIAL** Generic VIAGRA 60x (100 mg) +24 “Bonus” PILLS for ONLY $138.00 plus shipping. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Other Meds Available. 1-877-328-4627 Hablamos Espanol. VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL: 1-888-223-8818 Hablamos Espanol.

Medical VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed. Money back guaranteed! 1-877-743-5419 OXYGEN Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-558-7482

Miscellaneous SWITCH TO DIRECTV. From $50/Month, includes FREE Genie HD/DVR & 3 months HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ. Get a $50 Gift Card. Call 888-672-1159 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer. Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960. SUPPORT our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org D I G I TA L HEARING AIDS - Now offering a 45-Day Risk Free Offer! FREE BATTERIES for Life! Call to start your free trial! 888-675-5116 CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies. com

Motorcycles Wanted to Buy WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (1976-1982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (19691976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!! 1-800-772-1142 1 - 3 1 0 - 7 2 1 - 0 7 2 6 usa@classicrunners.com

Travel CRUISE VACATIONS – 3, 4, 5 or 7+ day cruises to the Caribbean. Start planning now to save $$ on your fall or winter getaway vacation. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess and many more. Great deals for all budgets and departure ports. To search for your next cruise vacation visit www.NCPtravel.com

Need work done on your home?

Call the Experts

in the

SERVICE DIRECTORY


40 | February 2, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Clear, natural sound quality 100% Invisible

The contact lens for your ear.™ Lyric is the world’s only 100% invisible, extended-wear hearing device you can wear 24/7 for months at a time.1

A completely different way to hear better. Available at:

No daily hassles

Painless insertion

No surgery

No batteries to charge

Even showerproof2

1. Individual replacement needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions. 2. Lyric is water resistant, not waterproof, and should not be completely submerged under water.

24/71 effortless hearing

LYRIC SPECIAL EVENT EXTENDED: OFFER ENDS FEBRUARY 10TH

Call immediately – appointments are limited, 770-462-2000. Try Lyric absolutely FREE for 30 days. Lyric* can help you change your life without changing the way you live. We are excited to offer this Lyric Consultation to you absolutely free. As seen on:

Our Award Winning Doctors of Audiology

Dr. Stephany Sun, Au. D.

Audiologist & Factory Trained Expert

Dr. Erin Luckett, Au. D.

Audiologist & Factory Trained Expert

Dr. Kristen Howze King, Au. D. Audiologist & Industry Expert

Dr. Betsy Mosier, Au. D.

Audiologist & Factory Trained Expert

ALPHARETTA 770-462-2000

4190 Old Milton Pkwy, Ste 2E • Alpharetta, GA 30005 Located in the Kroger shopping center.

Elizabeth Mallcott, M.A.

CANTON / WOODSTOCK 404-400-5970 KENNESAW / MARIETTA 404-400-5950 STONE MOUNTAIN 770-415-9898 1437 Riverstone Pkwy, Ste 105 • Canton, Ga 30114 Located in the Publix shopping center.

1200 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, Ste 124 • Kennesaw Ga 30144 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 112 • Stone Mtn Ga 30087 Located in the Floor and Decor shopping center. Located in the Kroger shopping center.

We accept most insurances & HMO’s We honor all hearing aid benefits.

Audiologist & Industry Expert

www.SouthernMedicalHearing.com

LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER

Other Locations in Augusta, GA, Dalton GA, Chattanooga, TN & Cleveland, TN Phonak Q30 Offer ends May 13 Proud Provider of Phonak Hearing Instruments

Included in this Special Offer: Free Hearing

MSRP $2,600

100% Digital Open-Fit BTE (Open Fit Behind-the-Ear) Fits up to 40 db Loss

$695

Now Was - $1295


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.