Milton Herald, February 12, 2014

Health & Wellness Special section ►►PAGE 20

Help a dog

Shared parks

Johns Creek wants to share rec, parks ►►PAGE 4

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Equipment sought for K-9 cop ►►PAGE 12

Be my Valentine

Locals tell loving memories ►►PAGE 15

Be Mine!

February 12, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 9, No. 7

Milton buys land for City Hall Will be in Crabapple

completed. That project was put on hold during the recession and local option sales tax discussions. The current rental agreement runs through April 2017, and Lagerbloom said he hopes to have a new City Hall by then. By shifting rent payments to debt payments, eventually the building would be completely paid off.

“This is exciting,” said Mayor Joe Lockwood. “As we grow and build a place to gather and a sense of community, it was pretty unanimous that we thought the Crabapple area would be the best place to build our history and have a place for the community to gather.”

The purchase was made possible thanks to a redistribution of sales tax revenue (LOST) that was negotiated last year. The revenue is based on Census figures and reflected a shifting of population from downtown Atlanta into the suburbs. Milton saw its revenue nearly double, rising from $4 million to $7.8 million annually. According to Lagerbloom, revenues so far this year show the incoming monies are in line with projections.

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com

NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE A CLEAN HOUSE. Everyone can appreciate a thorough clean from The Maids.

Reappointment of Travis Allen to the Milton Historic Preservation Commission for District 3/Post 1.

Enacting a moratorium for 180 days to bar the acceptance of applications for rezonings to the CUP, NUP, TR, R-2 and R-2A zoning districts.

A resolution adopting the Milton Parks and Recreation Department youth sports concussion policy.

Consideration of a land acquisition contract for a 2.1404-acre parcel of property in the Crabapple community of Milton.

Consideration of a land acquisition contract for a 0.3277-acre parcel of property in the Crabapple community of Milton.

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Mohrig

Reappointment of Nancy Plesnarski to the Milton Board of Zoning Appeals for District 3/Post 1.

Longoria

Milton Council Recap • February 3 An ordinance to amend the city of Milton radar permit to include the Cambridge High School zone.

Hewitt

“I am so proud of them, I think I will give them Sunday off,” laughed St. James. “Monday, we get back to work.”

The Bears then prepared for the next step in their quest for a state championship, the 5A East sectional hosted by Cambridge Feb. 7-8.

The top eight in each weight placing in the 5A East sectional will advance to the GHSA state tournament held Feb. 13-15 held at the Gwinnett Center Arena in Lawrenceville.

—Jonathan Copsey

Lusk

and we got some key pins from our big guys. Everything fell into place at the end. I am extremely proud of all of them,” said Bears head coach Don St. James.

The Bears racked up an impressive 253 points, edging out the Pope Greyhounds who managed to put up 249.5 points. Creekview came in third with 228.5 points.

The Bears advanced 11 wrestlers to the bonus rounds, netting five champions, one runner-up and five consolation winners.

Kunz

MILTON, Ga. – Not many people in the wrestling community would have predicted that a second-year high school wrestling program would be the 2014 GHSA 5A – Area 7 regional champions. But at Kell High School on Feb. 1, it happened, when Cambridge defeated Pope High School, this year’s state 5A team duals champs and 5A – Area 7 champs since 2007.

“Our guys came to wrestle.

Each of them knew what they had to do in order to win. Our experienced kids scored big

Thurman

Bears wrestle away area championship from Pope

Lockwood

The boys of Cambridge Bears wrestling managed to land the 2014 GHSA 5A – Area 7 regional championship Feb. 1.

MILTON, Ga. – Milton is enacting plans to build its own City Hall.

At their Feb. 3 meeting, the City Council unanimously voted to make an offer for roughly $950,000 to buy two parcels of land behind the shops on Crabapple Road, totaling about 2.5 acres of land.

“The desire of council has always been to put City Hall in Crabapple,” said City Manager Chris Lagerbloom at the meeting. “It is fair to say this would put City Hall right in the middle of things.”

The city has made no secret of wanting a permanent City Hall to house government offices and hold community events. Since the city’s creation in 2006, City Hall has been in rented offices on Deerfield Parkway.

The city plans to downsize its footprint in the Deerfield building in the coming years once a new courthouse and public safety building is

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One hits school bus

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The snows and ensuing metro-wide traffic jam Jan. 28 did not stop two men from allegedly driving dunk, one of them hitting a school bus.

Police responded to reports of a crash at Waters Road and Cranchester Way at 6:25 p.m. on the day of the snows and

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

DUI arrests ►► Adam John Britz, 18,

of Leeward Walk Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 18 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failing to signal when changing lanes. ►► Dustin Nicholas Diagle, 19, of Ridge Hill Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Jan. 19 on Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Misty Jean Morrow, 28, of Grayson was arrested Jan. 19 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI. ►► Cesar A. Gomez-Villanueva,

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.

Road rage after snowjam traffic MILTON, Ga. – The snows of last month caused at least one

traffic jams. Witnesses said they saw a Mitsubishi Lancer slide off the side of the road and hit a sign. It then drove away.

Police caught up with the Lancer at the scene of another crash – where it had hit the rear of a school bus. Witnesses there said the driver never hit the brakes before hitting the bus.

The driver, Derrick James McMillan, 23, of Waters Mill Drive, Alpharetta, was taken through sobriety tests and

failed.

He was arrested for DUI, driving too fast for conditions, driving with a suspended license, failure to exchange insurance information, reckless driving and failure to carry a license while driving.

At 2 a.m. the next morning with traffic still snarled, police and crews were clearing the ramp from Ga. 400 at the top of Mansell Road. The ramp was closed as crews moved stalled or crashed vehicles.

Traffic northbound on Ga.

22, of Webb Bridge Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 21 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Rebecca Levater Wilson, 25, of Rosemont Parkway, Roswell, was arrested Jan. 22 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and headlight requirements. ►► Daniel J. Butcher, 22, of Newport Bay Passage, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 23 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to signal when changing lanes. ►► Derek James Naus, 35, of Spinmaker Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 23 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, open container, reckless driving, possession of marijuana and speeding. ►► Alfredo Hernandez-Atonal, 38, of Calibre Creek Parkway, Roswell, was arrested Jan.

23 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, no license and tag light requirement. ►► Prakash D. Parmar, 48, of Smyrna was arrested Jan. 24 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding, failure to maintain lane and failure to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. ►► Ryan Thomas Icard, 33, of Cranberry Creek, Roswell, was arrested Jan. 25 on Old Alabama Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Anglea Chyrel Dreisbach, 41, of Tucker was arrested Jan. 24 on Old Alabama Road in Alpharetta for DUI, open container, failure to maintain lane and no insurance. ►► Alisha Aileen, 22, of Suwanee was arrested Jan. 24 on Abbotts Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI.

Norcross resident to become violent toward her fellow drivers.

At 3:30 p.m., Jan. 28, during the middle of the day-long traffic jam, the victim called police to say he was threatened by a passing motorist. He said his car became stuck at the intersection of Redd Road and Hagood Road.

While he and a bystander were trying to dislodge the car, a black Scion pulled alongside and the female driver began

yelling at the victim, saying, “I am going to pull my Glock out of the box and shoot you in the head.” The Scion then drove off.

A check of the license plate turned up a suspect at a Norcross address.

Man talks himself into DUI charge

400 was also stopped for the work. While this was happening, a red Jaguar allegedly sped past all the workers and police.

The driver, David Scott Postier, 51, of Grey Abbey Drive, Alpharetta, was pulled over and the officer noted Postier smelled of alcohol. He failed sobriety tests.

Postier was arrested for DUI, driving with an open container of alcohol, reckless driving, littering and failure to obey traffic directions.

Drug arrests ►► Shu K. Yu, 19, of

Limeridge Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 23 on Highway 9 in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and texting while driving. ►► Sarah Elizabeth Feehan, 18, of Seale Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 19 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related items, open container and tag light required. ►► Bryan Anthony McLaughlin, 20, of Ivy Summit Court, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 20 on Highway 9 in Milton for possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related items, tag light required and underage possession of alcohol.

man argued his way up from a speeding ticket to a DUI charge Feb. 1.

An Alpharetta Police officer spotted a vehicle driving westbound on Windward Parkway at a high rate of speed.

The officer clocked it as going 50 mph in a 30 mph zone using radar. Getting behind the suspect car, the officer pulled it over.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Milton

See BLOTTER, Page 3

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Blotter:

Continued from Page 2 The driver, John Edward Hill, 46, of Deer Creek Place, Milton, asked the officer to explain how his speed was estimated, disputing that he was speeding. The officer notes in his report that Hill was combative and uncooperative.

A ticket was made out for speeding and the officer asked Hill to sign it. Hill refused, allegedly repeating, “Take me to jail.” After being given several chances to sign the citation, Hill was arrested.

When he was placed in the police car, the officer noted Hill’s breath smelled of alcohol.

A search of Hill’s car turned up receipts for that night from several bars totaling more than $120.

Hill was charged with speeding and DUI.

Pawn shop helps nab burglar ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A suspected burglar was arrested Jan. 27 when she allegedly tried to pawn items stolen from a residence.

Police were called to the pawn shop on Mansell Road at 5:50 p.m. when a suspicious person came in. The person, identified as Rochelle Williams, 23, of Raintree Drive, Roswell, fit the description of a burglary suspect from earlier in the day.

The victim told police someone had entered her Summerfield Drive home between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and stole a bracelet, necklace, watch and silverware. Also taken was a ring with the victim’s name on it.

All items were found in Williams’ bag, except for the silverware.

Williams said she got the items from her mother’s home with the permission of her father.

Williams was arrested for burglary.

Shoplifter flees in purple car MILTON, Ga. – A shoplifting suspect tried to flee from the Windward Walmart Jan. 30 in a purple car. He was caught almost immediately.

Police were called to the Walmart at 3:43 p.m. after employees said they saw a man dressed in a khaki jacket and Army hat take an Xbox game console, tablet computer and a stereo and try to leave without paying for them.

When employees tried to stop him, the suspect fled, getting into a purple Pontiac with Tennessee tags.

Police found a car matching the description on Windward Parkway less than a mile away and spoke to the two occupants.

The passenger, Dustin Matthew Dowdell, 25, of Cumming, matched the description of the suspect. He allegedly admitted to the thefts and the stolen merchandise was found in the car.

Dowdell was charged with shoplifting.

The driver was released without charge.

See more crime NorthFulton.com

northfulton.com | Milton Herald | February 12, 2014 | 3

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4 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

Moore wins runoff election for District 22 seat

By CAROLYN ASPENSON carolyn@northfulton.com CUMMING, Ga. — Parts of Forsyth County and North Fulton voted to elect Republican Sam Moore in the Georgia House District 22 runoff held Tuesday, Feb 4.

The runoff was a special election to replace state Rep. Calvin Hill, who succumbed to leukemia in 2013.

Moore beat out three candidates in the initial special elec-

tion on Jan. 7, with 38 percent of the vote. However, special elections require at least a vote of 50 percent to win.

Businessman and Macedonia resident Moore beat Ball Ground resident and Creekview High School teacher Meagan Biello by 406 votes, 57.7 percent of the vote across the three counties.

About 64 percent of the 25 votes cast in Fulton County went to Moore as well as 74 percent of the 282 cast in

Forsyth.

Cherokee County Elections Supervisor Janet Munda and Forsyth County Voter Registration and Elections Supervisor Barbara Luth said these numbers are good for a special election.

“They may seem low,” Luth said, “but they’re not.”

Munda said the numbers were better than the original election on Jan. 7.

Luth said the District 22 seat impacts about 10,000 For-

syth County residents in three districts in the southwestern corner of the county.

The seat also impacts a small section of the Crabapple area in Milton.

On election night, Moore said that he is excited and wants to start working for the district right away.

The primary for the next election for the District 22 seat begins in May, and Biello said she would make a decision about running again soon.

Milton extends rezoning moratorium Gives staff time to examine zoning laws MILTON, Ga. – Milton’s elected officials voted Feb. 3 to extend for five months the city’s moratorium on rezoning applications across multiple residential districts in the city.

“Our staff simply needed more time to examine our current zoning laws in order to produce workable solutions

for both the community and applicants,” said Mayor Joe Lockwood.

“What we’re trying to accomplish in Milton is not something you rush.”

In their unanimous vote, City Council chose to further bar the acceptance of applications for rezonings to the

community unit plan (CUP), neighborhood unit plan (NUP), transitional zone (TR) and single-family dwelling (R-2 and R-2A) classifications.

Community Development Director Kathleen Field explained previously those specific classifications were being used by developers looking to reconfigure traditional setback restrictions.

Staff wanted to examine

the process to ensure Milton’s rural viewshed and feel were preserved.

To learn more about the moratorium and Milton’s other smart growth strategies, like form-based coding, transfer of development rights and community-based master planning, visit the Community Development Department’s website at www.cityofmiltonga.us.

—Jonathan Copsey

Johns Creek’s desire for shared rec services meets with nods Sister rec directors enthusiastic to explore ideas

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – With the blessings of the new City Council, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker is pursuing more bilateral or multilateral partnerships with other North Fulton cities for mutual benefit, and the top of his list is recreation and parks.

Now that Bodker is off the City Council’s leash, he is eager to explore ideas of sharing projects and services among other North Fulton cities and he is starting with recreation.

A straw poll of other North Fulton city officials shows there is

BODKER

CREGGE

not only interest, but enthusiasm for the idea.

“I am anxious to pursue a policy of parks without borders,” Bodker said. “The idea is to create a framework for how we go forward to conduct recreation discussions. That would be for the mayor to meet

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with [other entities] and then bring back those discussions to the council.”

The council would then discuss, consider and GLOVER tweak it until the council had a policy it could support. Then, council would take it back to the other party and hammer out a final agreement.

“We would then give it staff to implement – which is just the reverse process we have been operating under before.

The idea is to let the mayor be the mayor,” Bodker said.

Roswell Recreation and Parks Director Joe Glover has one of the top four recreation departments in the country based on its third top-four finish for the Gold Medal award given by the National Parks and Recreation Association.

He oversees a lot of parkland and has the budget to share. Is Roswell interested in sharing services? Glover says that is all over his radar screen.

“We’ve been trying to do that for a while,” Glover said.

“You want to do more things with younger people, what appeals to them. There is always

room for plenty more.

“In recreation, we cooperate with everybody. North Fulton recreation [directors] have discussions all the time,” he said.

“We all want the same thing, which is to serve as many people we can in a way that makes fiscal sense.”

Glover said he is glad to hear Bodker and Johns Creek want to sit down to talk about shared services. He said he is ready any time.

Everyone talks about an aquatic center such as the one Forsyth County recently opened.

But it is a big ticket item – as much as $12 million or $14 million. That won’t happen for North Fulton unless the cities decide to cooperate and share costs.

Jim Cregge has a unique take on the idea of shared services. He is not only the Milton Recreation and Parks Department director, he is also the former chairman of the Alpharetta Recreation Commission.

As coach and administrator, he has been hands-on involved in local recreation for a number of years.

Cregge’s first reaction to the idea that Johns Creek wants to explore sharing recreation services was two words: “Wow. Wow.” He was excited, to say the

See SERVICES, Page 28

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Milton Mayor’s Run presents Jog for a Cause Feb. 22 MILTON, Ga. – The city of Milton will bring the 11th annual Jog for a Cause to the community as part of the fifth annual Milton Mayor’s Run at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at Freedom Park. Applications and sponsorship packets for the 2014 Milton Mayor’s Run presents Jog for a Cause are now available at the city’s website, www.cityofmiltonga.us.

“I was thrilled when we were presented with the opportunity to host Jog for a Cause,” said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. “I can’t wait to see everyone out there with us again on Deerfield Parkway, staying fit, having fun and raising money for some great causes.”

The partnership with Jog for a Cause is not the only change to the 2014 Mayor’s Run. The race will follow the same route as in years past, but will begin and end at Milton’s Freedom Park located at the corner of Deerfield Parkway and Webb Road, said Angela

Thompson, Milton’s special events and project manager. It includes a 5K race and tot trot. The race will be a Peachtree qualifier.

“As a founding member of the Milton Mayor’s Run and a Milton resident, I am thrilled we could partner with the city to host Jog for a Cause,” said Dr. Greg Cabrera of North Point Pediatrics.

“We have raised over $250,000 in 10 years to fight childhood cancer and can’t wait to get to work and raise more money in 2014.”

Cost for participation is $25 if registration is received before Feb. 14; it will be $30 after. That fee includes a quality, moisture-wicking T-shirt with logo and plenty of food and fluids after the race. Runners can sign up at www. active.com.

Sponsorship levels to benefit Milton Parks and Recreation and its efforts to provide citizens with access to green

Racers line up at the starting line of last years Milton Mayor’s Race. About 150 people participated in the 5K, 1K and tot trot. spaces, parks, trails, facilities and recreation programs and activities include packages from $250 to $5,000 for title sponsors. Deadline for sponsorship is Feb. 4 to ensure inclusion in all advertising.

The 5K race will circle Deerfield Parkway, meaning it will be flat and

fast. Awards will go to the 5K male and female open and masters and to the top three finishers in the various age groups.

For more information, contact Angela Thompson at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

—Jonathan Copsey

Cooperative Extension helps navigate health insurance marketplace FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Fulton County Cooperative Extension announced a health navigator will provide oneon-one sessions for individuals and families who need assistance enrolling in a health insurance plan through the national health insurance marketplace.

Interested people should allot one hour for an appointment session. Call 404-613-7670 to schedule an appointment.

The health navigator, housed under the UGA Cooperative Extension, is able to help residents decide on the best health insurance to meet their needs.

The navigator will also help them apply either electronically or by paper, establish eligibility, enroll in coverage and potentially qualify for an insurance affordability program.

For more information, call Fulton County Cooperative Extension at 404-

613-7670.

One-on-one sessions are by appointment only and will be held:

March 7 and March 21 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cooperative Extension Office, Suite 109 Central Library 1 Margaret Mitchell Square Atlanta, Ga. 30303

Feb. 18 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

North Fulton Service Center 7741 Roswell Road, Suite 248 Atlanta, Ga. 30350

March 10 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cooperative Extension Office 1757 Washington Road East Point, Ga. 30344

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NEWS

8 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

Handel wants D.C. shakeup Speaks to North Fulton Rotary

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Washington needs a shakeup.

That’s what Karen Handel, candidate for U.S. Senate, said needs to happen to right America’s ship. She spoke to members of the Rotary Club of North Fulton Feb. 4 about what she hopes to do once she is in office.

“There is one thing missing in Washington. You have to deliver results. And the bottom line is that results are not there,” Handel said.

With gridlock among the two parties and a Republican Party facing fracturing, Handel, a Republican candidate, stressed the need for results to turn around a crumbling faith in Congress.

Handel is running in the Republican primary vacated by longtime Sen. Saxby Chambliss. She is running against a large field of candidates, including U.S. Reps. Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey and Jack Kingston, as well as businessman David Perdue.

Fixing the country’s fiscal problems is high on her list of objectives if she wins the seat.

“We have had no tax reform in 30 years,” she said. “We have the highest corporate tax rate of any industrial country in the world. With regulations going up, companies are under siege.” She said regulatory agencies have moved beyond just enforcing rules, but are actively trying to find fines.

For example, she said, payment processing companies fall under 19 different regulatory agencies, with many regulations in direct conflict with each other.

The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is “fundamentally flawed,” she said.

“The costs are too high,”

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Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, left, now running for U.S. Senate, spoke Feb. 4 to the Rotary Club of North Fulton. With her is Rotary Club of North Fulton President Kristi Crockett.

she said. “It will cost jobs and money.”

She predicted that in five years, the ACA will become the largest expenditure in the national budget.

“These folks [Congress] are asleep at the wheel,” she said.

“You can kick the can down the road only so far.”

To solve these problems and many more, Handel offered a few solutions. First, establish a two-year budget cycle and enact zero-based budgeting at least every decade. This would pare down growing budgets, she said.

She also suggested implementing term limits for Congress. “Term limits will help bring new blood into government,” she said.

Problems can be solved by sticking to principles rather than politics.

She chastised her party for often not doing enough to fix problems. Pointing to “Hillarycare,” the Clinton-era health care proposal, she said Republicans had defeated it but then did nothing to fix the problems the bill was meant to address.

“Republicans stopped it and then did nothing,” she said. “When we have the ball again, we need to make sure we move it forward.”

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Snow jam forces Fulton Schools to review decision-making Avossa: ‘We own the mistakes’

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – By 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, the last of the students who had been in school since the previous morning AVOSSA were finally sent home.

Administrators, teachers and staff who pulled 36-plus hour shifts alongside the students also gave up their posts and went home.

But while the warm temperatures returned and “snowmageddon” gave up its hold on the region, the crisis moved inevitably to the blame game. The questions came easily: How did this happen? Who should be held accountable?

The answers may be longer in coming as officials with the Fulton County School System reevaluate their decisionmaking prior to the Jan. 28 snowstorm.

Superintendent Robert Avossa, along with key staff, remained in the system headquarters in South Atlanta until word came down that the last child had been safely transported home. The rumors Avossa had returned to his North Fulton home ahead of the storm were not accurate.

Avossa is still working on answers, but readily admits mistakes were made.

“We own the mistakes,” said Avossa on Jan. 30. “The com-

Timeline of Crisis Sunday, Jan. 26: • 3:12 a.m., Winter Storm Watch issued for Central Georgia south of Atlanta* Monday, Jan. 27: • 4:53 a.m., Atlanta/Fulton County added to Winter Storm Watch • 9:36 p.m., Watch upgraded to Winter Weather Advisory Tuesday, Jan. 28: • 3:38 a.m., Advisory upgraded to Winter Storm Warning • 10:30 a.m., First snow begins falling in Atlanta metro area • 11 a.m., Parents begin picking students up from area schools

• 1:40 p.m., Fulton Schools announces early dismissal for 1:45 p.m.

• 5 p.m., Most middle and high schools still awaiting buses • 9 p.m., Schools begin plans to shelter 3,500 kids at schools overnight Wednesday, Jan. 29: • 1 a.m., 2,465 students remain in 65 schools across Fulton System • 11:15 a.m., 1,539 students remain in 48 Fulton schools • 5:30 p.m., All schools report clear of students * From National Weather Service

...I’m an educator… I don’t know a ton about transportation, so I’ve put the best people in those jobs to give me the best advice.”

ROBERT AVOSSA Fulton County Superintendent

munication should have been better…we should have called school [off]. Moving forward, we may change the way my team makes decisions in the process. We are going to look at everything.”

In his defense, Fulton Schools was not alone in its perceived mishandling of the snowstorm.

Criticism is being heaped upon the governor’s office,

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12 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

COMMUNITY

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Safety equipment sought for Milton K-9 officer Fundraiser seeks items needed for police work

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com MILTON, Ga. – A fundraising campaign is currently underway to ensure the only fourlegged member of the Milton Police Department stays safe – and cool – on the job.

Project Paws Alive is spearheading the effort to purchase a complete package of protective equipment for Kyro, the Milton PD’s K-9 officer. The equipment includes a ballistic

vest, field trauma kit, cooling vest, work boots, vehicle alarm system and oxygen masks – all of which will be specifically fitted for Kyro.

Cheryl Allen, president of Grayson-based Project Paws Alive, said the campaign to raise funds for Kyro is necessary since most law enforcement agencies depend on donations to operate their K-9 units.

“People assume this equipment is standard issue to

K-9s because they are sworn officers; [but that is not the case],” said Allen. “Due to the high cost of these items, many departments are unable to provide them.”

The entire package of protective gear is estimated to cost about $6,000, which is the goal Allen has set for the Milton Police Department. To date, just under $1,000 has been raised through website donations, and additional fundraising opportunities are being finalized

for the department.

“This project is important to us because it’s the reason why Project Paws Alive exists,” said Allen, who has helped numerous other law enforcement agencies through the program. “K-9s are often sent into violent and unstable situations first, [and] deserve to be protected just as much as their human officer partners.”

Kyro is an 18-month-old German Shepherd and is the second K-9 to serve the Milton PD. He was named by his handler, Officer Chris Ward, in tribute to the K-9 who accompanied U.S. troops on the mission to find Osama Bin Laden.

The benefits to having a K-9 officer in the department, besides the public relations component in the community, are numerous, said Capt.

Shawn McCarty.

“They can track missing persons, find narcotics and other evidence items and help quickly find and chase down suspects, among other advan-

See SAFETY, Page 15

An effort is underway to raise money for special equipment for Milton’s police dog, Kyro.

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Members of King’s Ridge Christian School’s Troop 10755 include, from left, Katie Garcia, Madeleine Fordham, Rachel Smith, Emma Smith, Aimee Grace Murray and Mackenzie Kester. Not pictured are Ashlee Estes, Sophia Stampfl, Anna Corinne Galbreath and Lindsey Harp.

Girl Scouts host bridging ceremony for more than 100 local Scouts ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Girl Scout Troop 10755 in the Alpharetta Service Unit recently planned and hosted the bridging ceremony for more than 100 Girl Scouts from seven area schools.

Taking part in the bridging ceremony were Scouts from Alpharetta, Cogburn Woods, Manning Oaks and Summit Hill elementary schools, King’s Ridge Christian School and Cambridge and Milton high schools.

Principals and assistant principals from the represented schools were in attendance, and

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle was the guest speaker during the event.

Abhinaya Uthuyakumar from Troop 3134 at Milton High School was presented with the Gold Award, which is the equivalent to the Boy Scout Eagle Award.

Troop 10755 is composed of fourth-grade girls who all attend King’s Ridge Christian School. The event helped earn the troop their Bronze Award for community service.

– Candy Waylock

Students from 10 Fulton County high schools attended the annual Portfolio Day hosted by Alpharetta High School on Nov. 8, 2013.

AHS hosts Portfolio Day for National Art Honor Society

By AUDREY ATON Alpharetta High School student ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta High School’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society hosted the third annual North Fulton County School Portfolio Day on Nov. 8, 2013, where original artwork from students at 10 Fulton County high schools was displayed.

The purpose of Portfolio Day is to provide students who wish to pursue an art education the opportunity to meet with college representatives who review portfolios, discuss their pro-

grams and answer questions about pursuing a professional career in art. Approximately 20 art schools from throughout the country attended AHS’s Portfolio Day to view artwork from more than 80 students.

Last year, students from Alpharetta High School received more than $600,000 in combined scholarships for their art. This year, four students from Alpharetta High School were offered merit scholarships from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and six students have been accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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14 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

Nice ice at the Chattahoochee Nature Center Ice Fest supports Children’s Charities

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ROSWELL, Ga. — A giant Tyrannosaurus Rex was recently sighted at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, but fortunately it was frozen. In fact, it was made of ice, and carved by the Atlanta Ice Marvels, who were practicing their ice carving skills at Ice Fest 2014.

The festival was in support of the Children’s Charities project to raise funds for an autism detection unit. The state-of-the-art machine, developed by the Marcus Autism Center, can detect autism in children as young as 2 months by tracking eye movements.

“In the United States today, one out of 88 children will be diagnosed with autism,” said Mandy White, co-founder of Children’s Charities.

“This unit can detect autism in children as young as 2 months old,” said White, “And if you can get a kid into therapy [that early], the difference it’s going to make in that child’s life. It’s a huge breakthrough.”

The machine is to be housed in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at For-

The Atlanta Ice Marvels stand in front of their finished sculpture. From left are Kevin Roscoe, Jess Parrish, Jim Duggan and Joel McRae. syth Urgent Care Center.

Ice Fest featured inflatables, s’mores and ice carving demonstrations by the Atlanta Ice Marvels. Additionally, the Chattahoochee Nature Center put on wildlife demonstrations with snakes, hawks and eagles.

There was also an ice carving competition with local culinary schools participating.

The Chattahoochee Technical College team was the winner

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with their sculpture.

The Atlanta Ice Marvels were carving their practice piece — a T-Rex and frightened child — for the World Ice Art Championships in Alaska in February. The Ice Marvels placed fifth in the 2012 World Championships, making them the top ice carving team in the U.S. Later in the evening, a dinner reception was held, with catering by Milton’s Cuisine

and live music by the Steven Lee Band. This was followed by the lighting of a 10-foot ice torch, which closed out the night. About 200 people attended the reception.

Children’s Charities will be hosting another event to raise funds for the autism detection unit on April 26. Called “Denim and Diamonds,” the event will be a chef’s competition between 10 chefs from around the area.

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

VALENTINES

northfulton.com | Milton Herald | February 12, 2014 | 15

Man on the Street: Most Memorable Valentine’s Day Kim Dodson Roswell “One year in high school, my valentine left me a small, cute gift in my locker between each period. I thought it was really cute.”

Nicole Smith Canton “A few years ago on Valentine’s Day, my husband took me to the circus and I really enjoyed it.”

Christina Dooley Roswell “One Valentine’s Day, a bunch of my girlfriends and

I went to the movies

Be Mine!

in our PJs. It was fun, but it didn’t really capture the spirit of the holiday.

Another memorable Valentine’s Day happened when I was 15. My boyfriend’s mom picked me up in her minivan to drive us to our date. I remember it because it was really funny.”

Lori Woods Alpharetta “The Valentine’s Day before I was engaged to my husband, he decided to wrap up and give me this small box. I really thought he was going to propose because we had been

dating for a long time, and the moment seemed right.

When I opened it, I was expecting a ring. It turned out to be a pair of earrings. I couldn’t believe it.

I finally got the ring in April.”

Nate Webster Milton “I always enjoyed decorating shoe boxes for Valentine’s Day in elementary school and receiving candy and cards from friends in them. It was fun.”

Jennie Montgomery Alpharetta “One Valentine’s Day date that I really enjoyed was when my husband took me to the Chattahoochee River for a picnic.

We ate steaks in candlelight, and it was really romantic.”

Safety: Continued from Page 12 tages,” he explained.

Ward was selected by McCarty to be Kyro’s handler, and received 240 hours of training to work with the police dog.

While the need for a bulletproof vest is apparent, the cooling vest and vehicle alarm system are equally important for K-9s that work in hot climates, such as Georgia, said Allen.

“If an [emergency] condition is detected, the unit will activate the horn, siren and lightbar, and dual window drop,” she explained. “It not only makes automatic corrective actions to the heat, it audibly and visually alerts everyone nearby.

As a last measure, the system will open the vehicle door, allowing the K-9 to exit.”

The alarm also works in cold temperatures in the event the dog is in danger.

For more information on the Project Paws Alive campaign for the Milton PD, or to make a tax-deductible donation for the equipment, visit http:// projectpawsalive.org/miltonk9/. Allen said 100 percent of the donations will go toward the equipment.

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16 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

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GA. 400 IS STILL THE FUTURE »

Economic outlook positive ‘Disproportionate growth’ on metro Atlanta’s Northside

By ALDO NAHED aldo@northfulton.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A respected real estate data analyst and market forecaster says Forsyth County and its neighbor, Gwinnett County, lead the growth in the state of Georgia.

Frank K. Norton Jr., president of the Gainesville-based Norton Agency, shared his data and insight, compiled in his annual publication Native Intelligence.

Norton drew about 600 business and community leaders to the 24th annual Economic Outlook Breakfast Feb. 4, hosted by the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Lanier-Forsyth Rotary Club.

Last year, Norton told how Forsyth County was the No. 1 issuer of permits in 2012, but in 2013, it was surpassed

by Gwinnett County, which permitted 2,500 single-family homes — 100 more than Forsyth County.

“Between the two of you, you represent the lion’s share of what’s being permitted in all of Atlanta, Ga.,” Norton said.

“What we still have is a disproportionate share of growth on the north and northeast side.”

Gwinnett has a population of 800,000 people and it only exceeded Forsyth County’s permits by 100.

Forsyth County’s population is about 190,000.

“That’s a huge achievement for this county and I believe a success,” he said.

The average house price in Forsyth County exceeds that of Gwinnett by $40,000.

“The reason people are locating and continue to relocate here is that the average price of a house in Forsyth County is $340,000,” Norton said. “But the average in North Fulton is $510,000.”

Norton said Forsyth County’s school system, quality of life and reasonable taxes continue to attract new residents.

Projections say that by 2030, the county’s population will more than triple to 600,000 people.

“You are leading the resurgence in Atlanta,” Norton said.

For a community that had struggled over the years, Norton credits the area’s success to the opening of Ga. 400 in 1971.

“That road opened up the opportunity,” he said. “It opened up business growth.”

Ga. 400 is still the future, he said.

“Look around for all the vacant land that is in between the developed pieces,” he said.

Norton said the county will need wider roads, additional school land, sewer and fiber optic cable implementation to be able to handle the future growth.

“If you look at the office market statistics, you’ll see that 60 percent of all the office leasing in the last three years has taken place within a five-

ALDO NAHED/STAFF

Frank Norton Jr., president of Norton Agency, shares his insight and research with business and community leaders at the Economic Outlook Breakfast Feb. 4. mile radius of Ga. 400 and the Perimeter,” Norton said. “The axis has shifted from Downtown and Buckhead up to Ga. 400 and is headed further this way.”

Norton needs more retail businesses such as the Collection at Forsyth, to capture more of the local shopping dollars.

“Your true power is the 190,000 people that live here at the family income rate that they have, and the consumable disposable income that they have,” he said. “That is leaking out of this county.

“Everyone says, we don’t want Atlanta,” Norton said.

“We are not Atlanta. We are Forsyth County and we have a unique identity. And if we don’t protect and enhance that identity, all is lost.”

Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer James McCoy said Norton’s data brings a lot of eye-opening opportunities.

“It’s incredible to see the actual numbers,” McCoy said.

“You can see it, and you can feel the activity going on. And it’s a whole other thing to see

the data driving that.

Real economic opportunity is here, McCoy said. But he cautioned that the county has to continue to make real investments in its transportation and sewer infrastructure.

The business growth, as much as residential, is going to continue, he said.

“We are going to see an incredible increase in number of jobs and capital investment from private industry,” McCoy said. “I’m very impressed with it.”

For more, visit http://www. nortonintelligence.com.

BusinessBriefs

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@northfulton.com

FINANCE »

for more information.

BIS Benefits adds bilingual sales specialist ALPHARETTA, Ga. — BIS Benefits has added Amber Landress Taylor, a bilingual sales specialist, to their staff.

Taylor holds a Georgia life and health license and brings her experience as an independent agent with AFLAC to BIS Benefits.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the UniverTAYLOR sity of Georgia, Taylor utilizes her bilingual skills to assist Spanishspeaking employees of BIS’s clients.

BIS Benefits is an Alpharetta-based employee benefits firm serving about 350 small businesses with insurance and wellness solutions.

For more information, call 770-645-6908 or go to www.BISbenefits.com.

TFP Brokerage hires Laura O’Dea JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — TFP Brokerage announced Laura L. O’Dea will join the firm as manager of strategic relationships.

Within this role, O’Dea will manage TFP Brokerage Property and Casualty Partnership Program’s strategic relationships.

O’Dea has about 25 years in the life insurance industry. She has worked closely with both independent insurance producers and brokerage general agencies.

For more information, call Zachary Basinger at 678-338-4376, email help@tfpbrokerage.com or visit www.TFPBrokerage.com.

INSURANCE »

Allstate announces new field sales leader ROSWELL, Ga. — Allstate Insurance Company has announced local resident and businessman Vince Green as a field sales leader in metro Atlanta.

Green has about 27 years of experience in insurance leadership, most recently as an Allstate agency owner in Roswell and Alpharetta.

Since opening his agency in GREEN 1999, Green has won multiple awards and designations for customer service and sales.

Email vgreg@allstate.com or call 404-643-0978

northfulton.com | Milton Herald | February 12, 2014 | 17 tions to the real estate industry.

Since 2009, Forsman’s firm has consistently ranked as the top real estate firm in homes sold, transactions and total units, listing sales, buyer sales and current inventory.

For more, visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

CONSUMER »

Verizon Wireless invests in Georgia in 2013 ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Verizon Wireless announced that in 2013, the company invested more than $170 million in network enhancements across Georgia.

The 2013 upgrades to the company’s network included more than 114 new cell sites, increasing 4G LTE coverage and capacity.

REAL ESTATE »

Tom Gillett opens the Institute of Real Estate Training CUMMING, Ga. — Century 21 Results Realty Services announced the opening of the Institute of Real Estate Training (iRET) at 2920 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Suite 102 in Cumming.

The institute, which is an approved school by the Georgia Real Estate Commission, will offer real estate pre-license education GILLETT classes. iRET is a subsidiary of the Tom Gillette Company, whose owner, Tom Gillett, has been a mainstay in Georgia real estate and education for over 30 years.

The 75-hour course begins Feb. 20 through April 3, meeting from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Visit www.iret.info, call Terry Swanson at 770889-6090 or email tswanson@youneedresults.com for more information.

Dan Forsman named leader in brokerage business ATLANTA — Dan Forsman, president and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, has been named to the Swanepoel Power 200 List, a nationwide ranking of leaders in the residential real estate brokerage business.

The Swanepoel Power 200 List is based on an individual’s perFORSMAN sonal influence, tenure, decisionmaking and his or her company’s financial resources, geographic reach and contribu-

Harry Norman Johns Creek announces new hire JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Harry Norman Realtors welcomes Fred Willey to its Johns Creek office.

Willey is returning to real estate sales after spending several years in luxury automobile sales management.

To contact Willey, call 678-5310312, email fred.willey@harrynorman.com or visit his website at www.fredwilley.harrynorman.com.

WILLEY

RESTAURANT »

Great Harvest opens second location in Alpharetta ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Local residents Ray and Erika Boland opened their second Atlanta-area Great Harvest Bread Company bakery on Feb. 7 at 4915 Windward Parkway, Suite 110.

To celebrate the opening, the bakery hosted a drawing for free fresh bread for a year and offering special balloons for kids.

The new bakery offers freshly baked whole grain breads and sweets, made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwiches, Illy brand coffee and free wireless high-speed access. The bakery also offers daily soups and salads on its lunch menu, which will be similar to the offering at the Johns Creek bakery.

The Bolands have owned and operated the Johns Creek bakery for 10 years. The new Alpharetta Great Harvest bakery will be open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. For more, visit www.GetFreshBread.com.

ANNOUNCEMENT »

Roswell Funeral Home names new general manager ROSWELL, Ga. — John Gallatin has been named general manager of Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Gallatin has more than 35 years of experience, having served as a funeral director and location manager at Dignity Memorial’s funeral homes.

For more information, visit www.RoswellFuneralHome.com.

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18 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

BusinessPosts

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Fiserv selects Alpharetta as new Atlanta hub Will move 2,000 workers to Westside ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Fiserv Inc., a leading global provider of financial services technology solutions headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., announced Feb. 7 that it has selected a new location in Alpharetta for its Atlanta-area operations.

The company, which currently employs approximately 2,000 associates across six locations in the Atlanta metro area, has signed a lease for adjacent buildings located at 2900 and 2950 Westside Parkway.

“Throughout our history, we have completed a number of acquisitions in the Atlanta area, which is a key technology center for Fiserv,” said Jeff

Yabuki, president and chief executive officer of Fiserv. “We are excited to bring our associates together in a collaborative and innovative environment supported by the latest workplace technology. Enhancing the connections among our associates will have a positive impact on their professional lives and enable us to best serve our clients.”

The new Alpharetta campus will provide Fiserv associates with all of the amenities of a modern office environment, and was selected due to its desirable location as well as its ability to accommodate existing needs and continued

growth. Bringing associates currently working in separate locations together will further enhance productivity, collaboration and engagement.

Fiserv will modernize the building to ensure the new office location is a representation of the company’s brand experience. It will include a state-of-the-art client briefing and innovation center.

The new office environment will embody the Fiserv work-

place of the future, elements of which have already been introduced at other Fiserv office locations in California and New Jersey. This workplace approach emphasizes the creation of optimal business settings based on associates’ roles and how they work in order to enable individual and team success.

“Fiserv has had a presence in Georgia for more than two decades, and has become one of the largest technology employers in our state,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “The fact that Fiserv has chosen to retain and grow their operations in Georgia is a testament to the positive corporate climate of our state.”

The buildings will be occu-

pied in phases, with associates expected to move from existing offices to the new location during 2015 and 2016.

“Fiserv is bringing nearly 2,000 existing jobs to Alpharetta, and the company has committed to hire a significant number of additional associates as they establish a presence in our city,” said Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle. “As the Technology City of the South with over 600 technology companies within our borders, we are confident that Alpharetta will be just the right fit for Fiserv, and we welcome Fiserv and its associates to our technology community and our growing technology culture.”

For more information on Fiserv, visit www.fiserv.com.

Cost versus value: choose wisely Upgrading your sales process Most people know that if you renovate part of your home, add on or make any significant improvement, you won’t recoup your entire investment. A return on cost isn’t why you would usually make improvements.

Instead, you make them so you can enjoy your home that much more while you’re living there.

There are, however, times when you realize you haven’t made improvements in a long time and it might help you sell your home; hopefully for a higher price than you would get otherwise. It is during these times that you want to consider the potential return on your investment in order to better determine if you should make the investment at all or perhaps make a more modest improvement.

Each year, Remodeling Magazine comes out with their annual “Cost vs.

Value” report, broken down regionally and by major city.

Here’s a sampling of improvements along with the costs that can be recouped for Atlanta: • Entry door replacement – 141.8 percent • Deck addition (wood) – 116.8 percent • Basement remodel – 83.4 percent

ROBERT STRADER

Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty

• Bathroom remodel – 73.2 percent • Minor kitchen remodel – 79.7 percent I would take these specific numbers with a grain of salt. There are many other factors that affect the value of your home; making these improvements won’t guarantee a return equal to the list above.

However, if you’re considering a remodel or significant improvement in order to sell your home, it is important to know first what your home would sell for in its current condition.

Once you know this and the cost of the improvement, you might be able to determine what your home’s value would be after any improvement, or if you should make that improvement at all.

Is your current sales process producing the results you want?

Are you closing business faster and beating your competition more often?

Have you spent some time evaluating the process you use to sell?

Upgrading your sales process to make it more effective and efficient will help you to grow sales in your small business.

The first step in upgrading your sales process is to make sure it is thoroughly documented.

In other words, what steps are taken from the time you uncover a new prospect, all the way through to winning (or losing) their business?

Once the process is documented, you can begin to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the process by looking at the results it produces.

The effectiveness measurements should include how many new business leads actually turn into sales opportunities, how many sales opportunities result in a sale and what your win rates are against your competition.

The efficiency measurements should focus on the overall time required to move from a lead to a customer and the specific amount of time

DICK JONES

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales

that is spent in each stage of the sales process.

Once your sales process is documented and measured, you can begin to evaluate ways to improve it.

Streamlining your sales process by using technology, providing sales training to your sales team or implementing a sales methodology are just a few of the many ways you can improve your sales process.

Upgrading your sales process will help you to attract more business and increase revenue in your small business.

Dick Jones is the founder and president of Simply Sales in Alpharetta. Call him at 770-663-4681 or visit www.simplysalesllc.com.

Submit your event online at northfulton.com call 770-993-4783 or visit annjacksongallery.com.

‘BUILT TO AMAZE’

Calendar Editor ryan@northfulton.com Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@ northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC » Join the Georgia Philharmonic as they welcome the finalists of the Young Artists Concerto Competition.

These exceptional young musicians from all over the Southeast recently competed in person before an esteemed panel of judges for a position within one of three categories based on age group. In addition to the three winners, three additional young laureates were selected to perform as well. One exceptional string player will be awarded a $500 scholarship sponsored

by Atlanta Violins. 7 p.m.

Feb. 22. Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton. Please visit georgiaphilharmonic.org.

ART » SOUTHEASTERN PASTEL SOCIETY EXHIBITION

Pastel Renaissance is a juried event that features more than 50 exquisite pastel paintings by members of the Southeastern Pastel Society.

Paintings are available for purchase. Every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 7.

Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek.

Please call 770-623-8448 or visit johnscreekarts.org.

HATS OFF TO DR. SEUSS

Ann Jackson Gallery, one of Atlanta’s premier fine art galleries, is honored to present Hats Off to Dr. Seuss. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s second book, “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins,” Dr. Seuss’s never-before-seen hat collection will be exhibited at the gallery. An opening night reception with the curator of the exhibition will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The show runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Feb. 16. 932 Canton St., Roswell. Please

Please call 404-435-9513 for more casting information.

EVENTS »

RYAN PIERONI

YOUNG ARTISTS CONCERTO COMPETITION

CALENDAR

STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR JEWELRY MARKET

The Spruill Center for the Arts will hold the Sixth Annual Student and Instructor Jewelry Market, showcasing student to professional level jewelry artists who will sell their unique, hand-crafted items to the public. Shoppers can select from a unique collection of diverse jewelry styles, including sterling silver, fine silver, gold, glass, beads, gemstones and more at prices for everyone. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Feb. 23.

Spruill Education Center, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. Please call 770-394-3447 or visit spruillarts.org.

THEATER » BIG APPLE CIRCUS

Catch the high spirits and pulse-racing thrills of the world’s greatest circus artists in one ring under the Big Top, where no seat is more than 50 feet from the ringside. Watch rowdy pups perform amazing tricks, double trapeze artists soar high above and teeter-board acrobats fly through the air. Also: a bashful clown, a cavalcade of magnificent steeds and a couple of amazing wirewalkers. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Feb. 17. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-0102 or visit vzwamp.com.

AUDITIONS FOR ‘SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN’

Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater will hold auditions for their upcoming show “Smoke on the Mountain.”

The play is a gospel and bluegrass musical adventure, following the tale of the Sanders family. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 15, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16. Lumpkin County Parks and Recreation Building, 365 Riley Road, Dahlonega.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey present “Built to Amaze,” an extraordinarily engineered circus experience where children of all ages can find out what it takes to build “The Greatest Show On Earth.” Unique in its design and awe-inspiring in its construction, more than 110 of the world’s best performers, both human and animal, have been assembled to help build a super circus and showcase never-before-seen heartpounding performances.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 12 through Feb. 17 at the Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. Please call 770-813-7500 or visit ringling.com.

northfulton.com | Milton Herald | February 12, 2014 | 19

first 5K to benefit the Lanier Technical College Foundation. The event will be held on the Oakwood campus. There will be a 1-mile fun run preceding the 5K. All proceeds from this race will go toward the Lanier Technical College General Scholarship Foundation. 8:30 a.m.

Feb. 15. 2900 Landrum Education Parkway, Oakwood. Please call 770531-6396 or visit laniertech. edu.

5K SCRUB RUN

The Scrub Run is hosted by the University of North Georgia's Associates of Science of Nursing Class of 2014. The cost to register is $25 in advance or $35 day of race. The race is located at Lake Zwerner at Yahoola Creek Reservoir, and the trail is a 5K around the reservoir. 8 a.m. Feb. 22. 1026 Morrison Moore Parkway East, Dahlonega.

Please call 770-629-1410 or visit0 ngscrubrun.com.

WIPHAN WARTHOG WADDLE 5K

‘I LOVE NATURE’ FEATURING DAVE HOLLAND The Chattahoochee Nature Center and Dave Holland will be showing Mother Nature some love during this fun-filled family event.

Find out how great it feels to make rhythm with the people that you love in this interactive, family-fun drumming and musical extravaganza. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Please call 770-992-2055 or visit chattnaturecenter.org.

A 5K and 1K Fun Run benefitting impoverished widows and orphans living in HIV/AIDS ravaged Zambia. Wiphan Care Ministries provides skills training to widows and an education, discipleship, uniform, shoes, basic medical care, plus 5 meals-a-week to orphans.

This race is a chip-timed Peachtree Qualifier. 8 a.m.

Feb. 22. Fellowship Bible Church, 480 West Crossville Road, Roswell. Please visit wiphan.org.

TOP FIVE EVENTS

KNIGHTLY NEWS

Knightly News, most appropriate for grades K-5, is a mixed-up operatic newscast featuring modern characters from traditional tales.

The theme of Knightly News reminds the audience that each person has unique talents and strengths that are valuable in different ways. 11 a.m. Feb. 15. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell.

Please call 770-594-6232 or visit roswellpresents.com.

GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY 5K

Grab your sweet heart, friends, or come alone for the 4th annual Great Valentines Race. This race is a Peachtree qualifier. 7:30 a.m. Feb. 15. Forsyth Conference Center, 7745 Majors Road, Cumming. Visit active. com to register.

VALENTINE’S IN THE GARDEN

Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, cocktails, desserts and more at the most romantic spot in Atlanta.

Fragrant orchids form the perfect setting for both couples and singles alike. 7 – 11 p.m. Feb. 14. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. Northeast, Atlanta. Please visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

POETRY READING

The Forsyth County Public Library will host a Poetry Reading of fifteen broadsides pieces provided by the University of North Georgia for their "No Small Measure: Collaborations Between Artists & Poets" exhibit. Guest readers will include local authors and artists such as Gloria Bennett, Ezekiel Black, Karen Dodson, Kyle McCord, Samuel Prestridge, BJ Robinson, and Heidi Staples. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Road, Cumming.

Please visit forsythpl.org.

RACES & BENEFITS »

5K FOR THE LANIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Lanier Technical College has partnered with King’s Hawaiian to present its

CHINUA HAWK CASA SUPERHERO 5K RUN/WALK

Come join the CourtAppointed Special Advocate program of Forsyth County for their 6th Annual Superhero 5K Run/Walk.

All kids need a hero, but kids in foster care need Superheroes. There will be many Superheroes on hand at this event, along with photo opportunities and prizes. All funds received directly support our CASA volunteer advocacy program. This is a chiptimed race and Peachtree Road race qualifier. 8 a.m. to noon. Feb. 22. 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming.

Please call 770-8862800, ext. 3126 or visit forsythcountycasa.org.

Chinua Hawk is an Atlanta based singer/songwriter whose approach explores the intricacies of love through acoustic driven soul. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 14. The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 855-583-5838 or visit thevelvetnote.com.

'ON GOLDEN POND’ Presented by the award-winning Gypsy Theatre Company, this show promises to be a wonderful Valentine’s weekend choice of entertainment. 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. on Sunday. Feb. 13 – Mar. 9. Please visit playhousecumming.com.

Health Wellness

20 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

Miltonv Herald

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com | Recycled paper

February 12, 2014

SPONSORED SECTION

Protect Yourself from Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke

By Joseph Ricotta, MD, MS, FACS Chair, Northside Vascular Surgery Medical Director, Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute Carotid artery disease occurs when cholesterol plaques clog the blood vessels (carotid arteries) that supply blood to your brain. It is a major cause of stroke, which is the fourth leading cause of death among Americans and the number one cause of disability in adults. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers from a stroke.

That translates to roughly 795,000 Americans annually, 130,000 of whom will die from their stroke according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The risk of developing carotid artery disease increases with age. However, certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions also increase your chances of arteriosclerosis and carotid artery blockage. These include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity and family history of stroke. Stroke can cause death or significant disability,

such as paralysis, speech difficulties, vision problems and cognitive or behavioral deficits.

There are many things you can do to greatly reduce your risk of developing carotid artery disease and stroke.

Get annual check-ups. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so get your blood pressure checked annually to know where you stand. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your blood pressure, including lifestyle changes and/or adding certain medications to your regimen.

Adopt a healthy diet. A low-fat, low-salt regimen that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables can reduce elevated blood pressure and eliminate or decrease the need for blood pressure medication. Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high blood cholesterol and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis.

Get moving. Having a sedentary lifestyle increases your risks of developing carotid artery disease. Make exercising for at least 30 minutes for five days a

week a priority. Walking is a good choice.

Shed excess weight.

Being overweight makes it more likely you will develop high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes. These conditions make carotid artery disease and stroke more likely. Losing as little as 10 pounds can make a difference in blood pressure levels.

Quit Smoking. Smoking damages and clogs up arteries, raising your risk of carotid artery disease.

Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit.

Limit alcohol use.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure. Try limiting alcohol to 2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women.

Northside Vascular Surgery Northside Vascular Surgery provides

full service, state-of-the-art care for all vascular conditions, from the simplest to the most complex. For more information about carotid artery disease, stroke and other vascular services, go to www.nvs-ga.com.

The body is self-healing, given proper nutrition and care.

Alpharetta | Cumming | Dunwoody | Johns Creek Serving the Atlanta community since 1968.

Douglas L. Williams, MD, FAAP

Renee A. Alli, MD, FAAP

Stephen H. Smith, MD, FAAP

$10 Far-Infrared Massage Session Walk-in or by Appointment

Annette M. Hinchcliffe, MD, FAAP

Sue W. Chastain, Richelle A. Gonzalez, Glenda V. Pettaway, Stacey Rosenberg, MD, FAAP MD, FAAP MD, FAAP RN, CPNP

Anila A. Bhimani, RN, CPNP

At Abundant Life Wellness, we work with you to address the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.

• Holistic Wellness for Adults and Children • Zyto Bioenergetic Assessment • Homeopathics and Botanicals • Lymphatic Drainage Therapy • Ionic Footbath • Broad-Spectrum Infrared Sauna • Facial Microcurrent • Advanced Relaxation Therapy Room • Detox Packages

Eileen M. Wrobleski Naturopath Certified Nutritional Counselor

Vivien Haupt, MSN, CPNP

For your convenience our offices are open Monday through Saturday.

Please visit our website or contact us by phone for office hours or to schedule an appointment.

Alpharetta Office: 3400A Old Milton Parkway Suite 510 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770.475.2233

Cumming Office: 416 Pirkle Ferry Road Suite J300 Cumming, GA 30040 770.889.9142

Dunwoody Office: 11 Dunwoody Park Suite 190 Dunwoody, GA 30338 770.392.6555

Johns Creek Office: 6300 Hospital Parkway Suite 125 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.814.8883

Visit us on the web at www.GeorgetownPediatrics.com

12670 Crabapple Rd., Suite 200 Milton, GA 30004

www.abundantlifewellnessga.com

770.663.7898

Milton Herald | northfulton.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

February 12, 2014 21

Georgetown Pediatrics, P.C. specializing in Pediatric Medicine Founded in 1968 in the Dunwoody area, the practice serves patients primarily in its four locations, Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, and Dunwoody markets.

Our doctors are all board certified as Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics and our nurse practitioners all hold the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners certification. We are comPETTAWAY mitted to delivering the highest quality of care with unparalleled execution to patients from birth to the age of twenty-one.

As board-certified practitioners, we practice medicine according to the guidelines mandated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for

Disease Control, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Our providers also have areas of interest ranging from early childhood development, asthma, obesity and weight management, infectious diseases, and all other areas of general pediatrics.

We are also excited to introduce our two newest providers joining the staff, Dr. Glenda Pettaway and Dr. Richelle Gonzalez GONZALEZ at our Alpharetta location, 3400-A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 510.

For more information about our practice, please visit us at www.georgetownpediatrics.com, like us on Facebook or meet us at our Expectantly Expecting Class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Homeopathy for Detox and Weight-Loss Success When the body’s ability to expel toxins through the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, lymph and skin is impaired, symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, headaches, allergies and weight gain can be experienced. Detoxification simply means removing these toxins, and while nutrition-based regimens stimulate the body to cleanse, they do not facilitate complete release and drainage of deeply-harbored cellular toxins, which then congest the extracellular matrix (ECM) and result in a “healing crisis” with flu-like symptoms. Traditional detoxes also do not address the interdependency of organ systems, as the optimal functionality of one depends on the other.

For instance, the brain-spine-ECM connection directly supports the digestive, renal and lymphatic systems, so to detox an organ within these systems, the brain should also be supported.

Homeopathy is key to addressing organ interrelationships and completely expelling deeply-harbored toxins, with elements called sarcodes (blueprint for healthy organ tissue); nosodes (stimulate the immune system to target specific toxins); and tonification elements to assist drainage through the elimination pathways.

Homeopathic support during detox ultimately leads to weight loss. Toxins,

typically stored in fat cells, are endocrine disrupters that increase estrogen and insulin levels, leading to increased fat storage. Releasing toxins allows cells to function normally and the body to properly metabolize fat. To schedule a consultation to address your detox or weight-loss needs, call Abundant Life Wellness 770-6637898, or visit www.abundantlifewellnessga.com.

ADHD – not just in children anymore Adult ADHD is associated with multiple comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other personality disorders. Adult ADHD is a valid psychiatric disorder of adulthood distinct from these other conditions.

Adult attention deficit disorder differs from the childhood variant because the hyperactivity in adults may be replaced by other symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and inattentiveness. In fact, prior to 2002 there were no diagnostic guidelines, but there have been great advances since. Some of the symptoms that characterize Adult ADHD are:

ADHD is a relatively common psychiatric disorder among adults. The prevalence is thought to be 3.5%-5.3%, which accounts for more than 11 million cases in the United States alone. With increased public awareness, adult ADHD became a topic of great interest so clinicians should be able to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with this disorder.

Etiology is still uncertain. Genetics however is believed to play a prominent role, followed in importance by acquired injuries to the brain.

ADHD was widely thought to be strictly a disorder of childhood. Now there are numerous scientific papers and clinical trials that acknowledge the existence of an adult version of this disorder, which can be traced back to the younger years.

Before this time ADHD in adults was known as Minimal Brain Damage or Dysfunction (MBD).

1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school-work, work or other activities.

2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoke to directly.

4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand directions) 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (eg.

School assignments, pencils, keys) 7. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

PAID ADVERTORIAL

8. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, keep a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, failed relationships and traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to complete several tasks as once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

Treatment is very rewarding. The first medications to be approved by the FDA belonged to a non-stimulant group of medications: Atomoxetine. The FDA later approved stimulants such as methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts. Group delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended in some cases as a supportive treatment.

If you or someone you know may have Adult ADHD, call Johns Creek Family Medicine at 770-771-6591 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zack Charkawi.

22 February 12, 2014

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

northfulton.com | Milton Herald

What was that?

By Dr. Deborah Woodward Say What??

How many mailers are in your box each day for hearing devices? If you think hearing devices are being marketed more and more these days you are correct. But with “hearing stores” popping up in every other strip mall, the warehouse clubs, magazine ads, and the internet, the confusion for those in need of assistance is increasing at the same rate.

Facts, Myths, and Where do I start?

Fact: Over 36 million Ameri-

cans – more than 1 in every 10 - have some level of reduction in hearing sensitivity AND most people are amazed when they learn that 65% of these are BELOW retirement age!

Myth: “If I had a real problem my family doctor would have told me.”

Fact: Family physicians rarely incorporate hearing screenings as part of your annual physical (especially if you are under age 55). With limited training in the areas of hearing loss and assistive devices, contacting a Doctor of Audiology should be your first step if a problem is

suspected.

Myth: “I hear what I need to hear and get along fine.”

Fact: You only hear what your hearing capacity PERMITS. Reality, for you, is now altered. ‘If

Cataracts?

Worry no more!

Bladeless laser surgery is now available.

Milan Eye Center is the first practice in the United States to offer bladeless cataract surgery of its type.

Milan Eye Center is excited to announce that we have been chosen to be the first practice in the United States to use the Ziemer Z6 Laser for bladeless laser surgery. Now, Atlanta residents have the option to have a safer, quicker and more precise way of removing cataracts by utilizing our new bladeless laser procedure.

Look for our ad series and visit us at www.MilanEyeCenter.com for more information on specific services and ways to learn more.

2011 and 2012 One of America’s Top Doctors by U.S. News and World Report

Milan R. Patel, M.D. Niraj Desai, M.D. Cataract & Refractive Cataract & Refractive Surgeon Surgeon

Gina Borgnini, O.D. Optometrist

Priyal Gadani, O.D. Optometrist

6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325 | Johns Creek 970 Sanders Rd, Suite 100 | Cumming

Learn more: www.MilanEyeCenter.com | Call for a consultation: 678-688-4575

you can’t hear it - how do you know you missed it?’

“Only my spouse complains.” “I ignore it. It doesn’t bother me.” “I just ask people not to mumble and speak up.”

“No one I know likes their hearings aids.” “After I fix my teeth.” IT IS TIME TO BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. People with untreated hearing loss experience a decreased quality of life. It has been proven to cause varied levels of sadness, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and poor social relationships. They also have more difficulty in their careers and often earn thousands of dollars less than their ‘hearing’ peers.

HELP IS AVAILABLE and an achievable solution is not as challenging as you may think.

Myth: “My insurance doesn’t cover hearing care.”

Fact: Go to a credentialed Doctor of Audiology. They are able to contract with the major insurance companies. Complete diagnostic hearing testing is typically covered once a year and more plans are now including hearing aid benefits of some type. In comparison, most other location types cannot access or file for your insurance benefits.

Myth: I will save money if I buy on-line or at my warehouse club. I can buy them at low cost, stick them in, and “Shazaam- I can hear!” Do not be fooled by thinking you can pay one low price up front for your device(s) and you are good for years to come. The reality is that it takes the proper consultation, fitting, programming, and as needed FOLLOW-UP to become a happy and successful long term hearing instrument wearer.

Fact: Like Dad used to say, you do get what you pay for.

But better hearing can be achieved at even entry-level price points from today’s plethora of high quality solutions.

Those making the decision for the first time to better their quality of life are, in most cases, unaware of what the commitment entails or what questions to ask. Each person is unique and there is no “one solution fits all”, however, EVERY person will need some

level of continued service and expert consultation. Warehouse clubs, and internet sites typically run on the business model of the seemingly attractive low upfront pricing with short warranty periods and, either zero, or very limited follow up services included.

The right medical provider will offer you the CHOICE between a competitive yet still more inclusive ‘pay-as-you-go’ plan, or the more accepted plan that includes unlimited service and office visits plus longer warranties to ensure and continually enhance user satisfaction.

There are three types of current wearers of Hearing technology. Group 1 consists of those who were not consulted or fit properly and just chased the lowest price, have the devices in the drawer, and therefore perpetuate the “Hearing aids are a rip-off and don’t work” mentality. Their investments were wasted. Group 2 consists of those who sought out a qualified provider and received the individual attention needed to change their quality of life for the better.

Many of these are the ones you did not even know wore aids!

Their investments are paying dividends every day. As for Group 3? It consists of those who wish they had their money back from starting in Group 1 and are transitioning into Group 2!

Where do I begin?

Consult with a Doctor of Audiology or a licensed Audiologist to properly determine the unique course of direction for YOUR individual success.

These providers are medically trained and continually certified as hearing technology and options evolve. The knowledge and patience of your service provider to fit you with the very best option that meets your hearing needs AND budget will ensure that you can truly transform your quality of life.

Dr. Deborah Woodward at the Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Center has helped, and continues to direct, thousands of people in their individual journeys to hear more of what they did not even know they were missing.

Milton Herald | northfulton.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

February 12, 2014 23

How Small Steps Today Can Lead To Big Benefits Tomorrow (NAPS)—For many people, it’s important to remember that big changes begin with small steps.

For example, consider the case of Ravida Benjamin, RN. She was an overweight, insulin-dependent diabetic for most of her life when she decided to take control of her health.

Through her work as a nurse with Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii, she had seen firsthand the health complications that can affect diabetic patients.

“I thought, ‘for my family, I’d like to get healthy,’” she remembered.

Benjamin started small, first by adding fruits and vegetables into her diet. Eventually, she began walking every day. As Benjamin began losing weight and noticing positive changes in her body, she became more motivated to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Benjamin used programs of­fered by Kaiser Permanente to find healthy meal ideas,

learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and find encouragement from others sharing her journey.

Over time, she lost more than 60 pounds and no longer has to take insulin shots to keep her diabetes in check.

“Go for a short walk and build,” encouraged Benjamin.

“I’ve gone from walking 30 minutes a day to 120 minutes uphill when I have a day off.”

Acknowledging that getting healthy is a challenge, Benjamin suggests, “Start small, don’t get discouraged. You might slip, but that’s OK.” Even when making small life­style changes, however, it can be hard to know where to start. To help, Jack DerSarkissian, M.D., a family medicine doctor with Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, offers five tips for getting and staying healthy: • Eat breakfast. Start the day with a big nutritious breakfast, eat a good-sized

lunch and have something small for dinner. Avoid soda and fruit juice, which contain lots of calories that don’t benefit your body.

• Walk. Starting a new exercise regimen can be tough, especially for those who sit all day at work. In the beginning, just try to move. Walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week benefits your body mentally and physically.

• Take sleep seriously. The average person sleeps only six hours per night, while research shows the body needs seven to eight hours to function properly. Lacking sleep affects both

minds and bodies.

• Cut out cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. Even using these substances every now and then has negative effects on health.

• Nurture your healthy re­ lationships. Keeping your mind stimulated and happy by being social with friends, family and colleagues also has physical health benefits.

For more information about getting healthy and Kaiser Permanente’s healthy lifestyle programs, visit www.kp.org.

To watch a video about Ravida Benjamin’s story, visit Kaiser Permanente’s Care Stories blog at www.kp.org/ carestories.

A nurse in Hawaii, Ravida Benjamin knows it’s a healthy idea to take a brisk walk just about every day.

Dermatology and Family Medicine Family M F Medicine Geriatrics Diagnosis & Treatment Of Adult ADHD

Dr. Zack Charkawi

Johns Creek Family Medicine for the Extra Level of Care

• Comprehensive medical care for the entire family for pediatric adult and geriatric patients

We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that

• Caring, thorough, and individualized philosophy

Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast

• Well trained warm and efficient staff

While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us

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northfulton.com | Milton Herald

Milan Eye Center chosen to be the first to use the Ziemer Laser What is a cataract and what is cataract surgery?

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and today cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. At some point in our life, we will all develop a cataract.

The natural lens of the eye yellows and becomes cloudy with age as a result of biological changes of the proteins inside the lens. The function of the human lens is to focus incoming light onto the back of the eye. As your lens ages, light from the outside worlds becomes more and more distorted as it enters your eye.

Difficulty reading, needing more light to read, experiencing glare and haloes at night and, even poor sleep patterns can be explained by cataract formation.

The treatment for cataracts involves a painless, 10 minute surgery to remove the “clouded lens” or “cataract” and replace it with a man made intraocular lens implant. It is the most common surgical procedure in the US and around the world and is considered to be an extremely successful and safe procedure with a success rate approaching 99.5%.

What is laser cataract surgery?

With traditional cataract surgery, all the steps of the surgery are customarily performed “manually” by the surgeon using handheld tools.

Laser cataract surgery- the next evolution of cataract surgery with the Ziemer Z6 laser offers a greater amount of precision, predictability and safety to these steps leading improved visual outcomes and more precise targets. With the Ziemer Z6 Laser System, your surgeon can offer you unmatched accuracy and a more predictable and customized cataract procedure.

Based on your medical history and preoperative evaluation, you and your surgeon will discuss the options available for your desired visual result. Together you can discuss a treatment plan which may include using the LDV Z6 to create the precise laser incisions in the cornea along with an advanced lens implant that may allow for improved near, intermediate or distance vision. This tailored treatment may reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?

In traditional cataract surgery, incisions in the cornea are made using handheld instruments including blades to access the cataract.

Your surgeon will then use a surgical device to manually create a circular opening in the lens capsule of the eye that holds the cataract.

The Ziemer Z6 laser can be used to make the corneal incisions precise and the opening in the lens capsule as circular as possible, in the right location, and sized to fit the replacement lens.

Your surgeon can also use the laser to break up and soften the hard cataract. Softening the lens with the laser enables your surgeon to then remove the cataract more gently and with significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery.

What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery?

• A highly customized treatment • A treatment with little or no discomfort • A more precise and predictable treatment • A gentler and easier cataract removal • Generally, a more rapid visual recovery due to reduced inflammation • The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multi-focal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contacts after surgery Am I a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery?

Your surgeon and you will decide whether you are a suitable candidate based on your eye anatomy, type of cataract and type of lens implant that you desire.

Most patients are candidates for having some of the steps of cataract surgery performed with the Ziemer Z6 laser.

How long has the procedure been performed?

Thousands of cataract procedures have been successfully performed using femtosecond laser systems, and femtosecond lasers have been used in eye procedures for decades. The most familiar use of femtosecond laser technology is LASIK. Femtosecond lasers represent an advanced standard in precision laser cataract surgery and the Ziemer Z6 platform was FDA cleared in 2013.

What should I expect on the day of surgery?

Your day in surgery should be no different than a routine cataract case. The Ziemer Z6 laser is positioned next to the surgeon and is utilized seamlessly during the cataract surgery process. You will be given mild IV sedation that will likely keep you pleasantly unaware of the goings on in surgery. There is no pain, needles or stitches as part of the procedure.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you can generally expect your vision to be improved within 24 hours. Generally, patients experience no pain after surgery.

Slight scratchiness of the eye is common and they prescribed eye drops will help with any of these symptoms. Many patients return to work or normal activities the next day and even drive themselves to their post-op day one appointment!

How long does the procedure take?

You can expect to be at our center for 2 hours. And you will be in the procedure room for 20-25 minutes.

Call Milan Eye Center at 678-688-4575 for more information.

Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

northfulton.com | Milton Herald | February 12, 2014 | 25

26 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

OPINION

A ‘thank you’ to our incredible residents Last week, I saw a community come together like never before.

We all know the story by now. The snow started at 11:15 a.m. By 12:30 p.m., most of metro Atlanta decided to try and get home. Less than one hour later, there were accidents and traffic everywhere.

By the afternoon, people were abandoning their cars and walking.

By night, we had children stranded on buses and drivers stuck miles from home. Hundreds of kids spent the night at school; hundreds of adults spent the night in the office or at a local business.

But in this confusion, the best of us came out. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been lucky enough to hear stories about the teachers who stayed with their kids at school. I’ve heard about neighbors who picked up as many kids as they fit and personally delivered them home.

JOE LOCKWOOD Milton Mayor I’ve heard about the folks who went to the worst spots and just started pushing cars immobilized by ice, towing vehicles stuck in ditches and spreading sand and kitty litter over impassable hills.

I’ve heard about local businesses that invited in weary travelers and gave them food, blankets and a place to rest the night.

I heard about our public works staff, our contractors, our firefighters and police officers working all night, sleeping in their trucks and staying put after shifts were done to keep people safe.

I heard about neighbors

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leaving their porch lights on to signal to stranded drivers to come in, get warm, eat a hot meal and have a safe place to stay for the night.

I’ve heard about whole neighborhoods clearing room for dozens of children stranded in buses – making sure the kids called home, making sure worried moms and dads knew everything was going to be OK. I’m sure we’ve each got our own personal tale – and I’m sure in each one of those stories there’s a nugget of what makes Milton a wonderful place to live, to work, to raise a family and build a community: the fellowship and friendliness of ourselves and our neighbors.

I wish I could get every name and list them here for everyone to see. I wish I could invite each one of you to City Hall and honor you each individually.

But the truth is there were just too many great tales – too many great people who put the safety and comfort of others above their own personal concern.

We couldn’t list them all.

We couldn’t hold them all in one building.

And I think that’s a truly incredible thing. So when we look back on the rough couple of days we had last week, let’s focus on what brought us together.

Because it’s rare we get the opportunity to share with each other how much we really care and the lengths to which we will go to ensure our community is safe.

So thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you who took it upon yourselves to be part of the solution.

You are what make Milton the amazing place it is.

Submit your opinions to news@northfulton.com

NFCC easing path to citizenship with classes We who are born in the United States take our citizenship for granted most of the time. I spent two years in Germany courtesy of Uncle Sam and I had a chance to see firsthand just how much we take our freedoms for granted.

But when you see the barbed wire and the guard towers in what was then East Germany – known then as the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (German Democratic Republic), the Germans on our side of the barbed wire were generally grateful to have us there.

We call America the Land of Opportunity, but we seldom act like it. When we are not complaining about what the government doesn’t do for us, we seem to harp just as loud when we have to pay for what it does do for us.

But it starts to sink in when you talk to people who want to become Americans.

I don’t know anyone who would actually want to move away and become a citizen of another country. Oh, I think about what it would be like to open a bar on the beach at Rota, Spain, where I went once for the wedding of my brother-in-law.

They really have a truly laidback lifestyle, and in Rota there are so many sailors, not knowing the lingo wouldn’t be such a problem – I like to think.

But I couldn’t really give up pizza, TV without subtitles, my beloved Dawgs or my grandchildren just a few miles down the road. There is so much I love about living here that I don’t even realize it most of the time.

HATCHER HURD

Executive Editor hatcher@northfulton.com

So imagine what it takes for those who up-stakes and move to a completely new environment. Why do they do it?

Well most do it because they buy into the idea that this is the Land of Opportunity – usually because they come from places that have no opportunities. And I don’t mean just the people who risk life and limb to come here to pick tomatoes for $5 an hour or to work in a chicken rendering plant. We know about those.

But there are plenty of well-educated and smart people who come here for the opportunity to succeed based on merit and hard work.

You know they said the early pioneers who trekked west were only the strong.

They said the cowards never started and the weak never made it. It is not so different today. You have to be strong and brave to come to a new land with a new language, strange customs and laws.

Oh, I know we have such a porous border, and we are frustrated by so many who come here illegally.

But I am here to talk about those who are here with papers. They want more than just the opportunities they find here. They want to

See CITIZEN, Page 27

SPORTS

northfulton.com | Milton Herald | February 12, 2014 | 27

Alpharetta Thunder, Top Notch to partner Bring competitive basketball to Alpharetta, Milton ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Top Notch Basketball (TNBC) has joined forces with Alpharetta Thunder Basketball. The Jan. 28 merger lays the groundwork for TNBC to expand from Atlanta into the Alpharetta and Milton community. The program provides year-round travel and club basketball options for players in third through 10th grades.

“This is an exciting time for our kids and the community,” said Jeff Harkness, coach of the Alpharetta Thunder.

“There is a huge demand in the area for competitive team options. Most families have to drive 30 minutes to one hour

to find and play in competitive programs. We need a good program locally and I have gotten to know and watched the TNBC program under Mike Drum and Adrian Collins.

These two guys are leaders in the basketball community and they prepare and do things that are in the best interest of the kids. I’m excited to be part of the TNBC family and to lend my name and time to the program.” TNBC has implemented platforms into their system that allow members to participate in AAU, USSSA, YBOA and USBA sanctioned tournaments and Showcase tournaments on the state and national level.

“Top Notch Basketball Club was created to revitalize the culture of amateur basketball in Atlanta,” said Adrian “Ace”

Collins. “In our diligent efforts to do so, we have partnered with the NBA’s Chris Paul, Jordan Brand and other significant affiliates. With a basketball club of elite student athletes, we strive to create a proactive environment where goal setting and constant improvement is the focal point of each player and coach involved in our program. We stress purposeful individual skill building, strength and agility training and on-court strategy to boost basketball IQ.” For more information on Top Notch Basketball Club, visit www.topnotchbasketballclub.com. For more information on Alpharetta Thunder Basketball, contact Harkness at jeff@3PGConsulting.com or 404-317-9288.

—Jonathan Copsey

Citizen: Continued from Page 26 belong.

That is what a co-worker where my wife used to work wanted. Lyuba came from the former Soviet Union with her husband to escape religious persecution. She was a musician there, but here she had to take what work she could find.

That didn’t matter. The happiest I ever saw her (and she was always happy) was the day she got her citizenship.

It was her true birthday, she said.

I happened to be at North Fulton Community Charities and found out they are in the birthday business also. That is, they offer citizenship classes to North Fulton residents.

NFCC Program Director Eden Purdy wears that hat too. They offer the six-week classes two times a year to documented residents in addition to GED classes and English classes. Other programs include financial literacy – teaching how to save and the mechanics of saving, life skills in America and more.

NFCC does many things to help people in need. But this is one job the staff is happy to perform.

“We teach how to move in society and how to move up,” Purdy said.

The oldest NFCC citizengraduate was 47, and the youngest 18.

Irene Gruenhut is the teacher of the latest crop of candidates. She introduced me to Maria Geurrero who has lived here 14 years. Five years ago, she obtained her residency card. Now she has decided she wants to stay in America.

“I don’t want to just be a

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

North Fulton Community Charities’ most recent citizenship classmates begin their first day of study. resident. I want to be a citizen,” she said.

Marlena Olevira is from Brazil. She lives with her daughter, and after 12 years has decided to apply for citizenship as well.

In the classroom, there are pins on a world map. The first day each class member is invited to put a pin on their country of origin. Many countries and three continents are represented.

It is not an easy thing to do, said Gruenhut. Applicants must pass tests in English literacy – reading and writing, American history, civics and geography. Then they must pass an interview.

I’ve seen some of the questions. It is well native-born citizens do not have to take the

test. Based on Leno’s man-inthe-street polls, a fair number would be hard put to vote in the next election.

So they will come twice week for the 12 classes, an average of 10 to 12 students.

At the end of the six weeks, they will be ready to be tested.

Most will come out newly minted citizens of the United States.

I know some will grouse that these new citizens in some way diminish the rest of us. They will be a drain on our resources. I don’t believe that. I believe each new citizen contributes to the fabric of what gives the United States its greatness.

After all, isn’t this the land of the free and the home of the brave?

28 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

Services: Continued from Page 4 least. He said Alpharetta and Milton have been working

closely together on recreation for some years now, and he has found it to be successful.

“The cooperation between Alpharetta and Milton has been fabulous. It has worked very well.

I believe it has been a

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING/MEETING FOR ZONING MODIFICATION REQUEST Petition Number: Location: Applicant: Request:

Meetings:

ZM14-01 13660 New Providence Road Mill Springs Academy To modify the site plan submitted on November 5, 1996 to a revised site plan submitted on February 4, 2014 Community Zoning Information Meeting (CZIM) Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (Council Chambers) Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2500

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com | Recycled paper win-win for both cities to work together in recreation,” Cregge said. “I think Alpharetta Recreation has received much more financial benefit than they would have in the old way of doing things.

“And the citizens of Milton have definitely received more benefit than they could have possibly imagined,” he said.

“Any time you have folks working together rather than trying to invent the same wheel, it’s a plus for the taxpayer.”

Cregge said while it looks

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CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR REZONINGS AND TEXT AMENDMENT (These items were deferred from the January 29, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting because of the cancellation of the meeting due to in climate weather.)

Petition Number: Location: Applicant: Request:

RZ13-18 14738 Birmingham Hwy Piedmont Atlantic Capital To rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to CUP (Community Unit Plan) to develop 17 single family residences.

Petition Number: Location:

RZ13-20 16340 Birmingham Hwy with additional frontage on New Bull Pen Road containing a total of approximately 66.40 acres (increased legal description) Christopher Perry To rezone from AG-1 to CUP (Community Unit Plan) to develop 52 single family residences (reduced number of lots)

Applicant: Request: Petition Number: Location: Request: Applicant:

RZ13-21 (The applicant has requested a withdrawal of this item. A public hearing will be held if necessary.)

975 Birmingham Road and 15755 Birmingham Hwy containing a total of 22.3 acres To rezone from MIX (Mixed Use) and AG-1 (Agricultural) to CUP (Community Unit Plan) to develop 55 single family residences.

Acadia Homes and Neighborhoods LLC

Petition Number:

RZ13-22 – To amend Chapter 64, Article VII, Division 6, Northwest Fulton Overlay District

Public Hearings:

Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (Council Chambers) Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2500

like the city with fewer recreation resources gets more out of shared services than the city with more established resources, it does not always work that way.

While programs such as baseball and football are popular and slots are easy to fill, Alpharetta and Roswell have found it helps to have more participation in less popular sports or activities to defray the cost of the programs.

Glover said many programs that they offer could not be supported by city residents alone.

Just how the North Fulton recreation systems would mesh

would require some threshing out.

Cregge said an accommodation seems to makes sense for Alpharetta and Johns Creek because Alpharetta’s Webb Bridge Park and Johns Creek’s Ocee Park are so close together.

“There are a lot of people from both cities who could use both parks.

Would that make sense?

Absolutely. And if Johns Creek ever wanted to talk to Milton, of course we would listen,” Cregge said.

Any time the local governments work together, it’s a great step forward, he said.

Request for Bid FY14 Fire Department Ambulance BID NUMBER 14-FD01 Sealed Bid Due Date: March 4th, 2014 2:00 PM Local Time Milton City Hall To be publicly opened approximately 2:05PM in the Courthouse The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The City of Milton is requesting submittals from interested parties for a public private partnership. The request for sealed bids (FY14 Fire Department Ambulance) will be posted on the following websites the week of February 3rd 2014: http://www.cityofmiltonga.us or http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE Petition Number: RZ14-03 Request: To amend Chapter 64, Article IX Administrative Permits and Use Permits to create a new Use Permit for a Rural or Agricultural Event Facility Petition Number: RZ14-04 Request: To amend Chapter 64, Article IX Administrative Permits and Use Permits to create a new Use Permit for Artist Studio Public Hearings: Community Zoning Information Meeting Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, April 28, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (Council Chambers) Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2500

Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Avossa: Continued from Page 10 mately, the decision rests with Avossa.

“At the end of the day, I am responsible and I am the one held accountable,” he said.

“But I’m an educator…I don’t know a ton about transportation, so I’ve put the best people in those jobs to give me the best advice.”

Transportation officials were taking the most heat, but Avossa defended Lynn Simpson, Fulton’s transportation director, saying she’s the “best in the business” with decades of experience in the transportation field.

In a system of 95,000 students, about 93,000 spent the

NORTHSIDE CHAPEL

night in their homes, leaving the remaining 2,000 forced to stay in school overnight.

Most were students who relied on bus transportation to get home, and the icy streets and gridlocked traffic made the trip impossible. Fulton Schools faces challenges no other school system faces, said Avossa.

Hundreds of kids live in South Fulton and make the drive through the city of Atlanta to attend charter schools in Sandy Springs and North Fulton. In a typical day, the drive can take over an hour. During the snow storm, the trip took hours, or was impossible, forcing many buses to return to schools to offload kids.

“In my 20 years of education, I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Avossa.

While many, including Fulton officials, were quick

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northfulton.com | Milton Herald | February 12, 2014 | 29 to point fingers at inaccurate weather reports, those assertions quickly fizzled. A timeline of alerts and warnings clearly indicate the National Weather Service predicted with accuracy the chain of weather events that occurred.

Avossa said his big “take away” was the need to make decisions closer to the schools, in each of the four learning communities – not at the executive level.

“The area superintendents

DEATH NOTICES Eugene P. Abernathy, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away January 28, 2014.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Kayrl Bass, 68, of Marietta, passed away January 28, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Edward Bauman, 71, of Roswell, passed away January 31, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

James Richard Blackley, 67, of Cumming, passed away February 3, 2014.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Margaret Blaikie, 75, of Roswell, passed away February 2, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Dan Brumbalow, 77, of Cumming, passed away February 4, 2014. Arrangements

by Ingram Funeral Home.

have a better [sense] of their individual communities, and they know their schools and

parents and their community reaction better than anyone,” said Avossa.

Judith Gallagher, 72, of Alpharetta, passed away February 2, 2014. Arrangements

by Roswell Funeral Home.

Mary Jane Lind, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away February 4, 2014. Arrangements

by Byars Funeral Home.

Marc Goode, 48, of Marietta, passed away January 28, 2014.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Jeffrey McNeese, 22, of Roswell, passed away January 25, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Audrey Hall, 91, of Roswell, passed away January 26, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Erin Marie Horst, 17, of Roswell, passed away January 29, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Lt. Col. Frank W. Irvin, Jr., USAF Ret., 95, of Roswell, passed away January 29, 2014.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Patricia Cannizaro, 91, of Alpharetta, passed away February 2, 2014. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Michael Metreyeon, 52, of Woodstock, passed away January 28, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Charles Richard Metz, 88, of Sandy Springs, passed away January 29, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

George A. Moilanen, Jr., 55, of Snellville, passed away January 28, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Martha Parrish, 80, of Atlanta, passed away February 3, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Patricia Pressley, 81, of Milton, passed away January 29, 2014.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

James Keeter, 76, of Alpharetta, passed away January 20, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Linda Chumley, 68, of Cumming, passed away February 3, 2014. Arrangements

by Ingram Funeral Home.

Joseph J. Lenahan, 86, of Roswell, passed away February 1, 2014.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Louise Conrad, 93, of Alpharetta, passed away February 3, 2014. Arrangements

by Roswell Funeral Home.

Bobbie Ann Corn, 77, of Forsyth County, passed away February 2, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Laurel Davies, 51, of Cumming, passed away February 3, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Earl B. Fry, 77, of Cumming, passed away January 30, 2014.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

John Quirk, 71, of Cumming, passed away February 1, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

William Rickter, Jr., 64, of Charlotte, passed away January 26, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Mary J. Liebherr, 71, of Roswell, passed away February 1, 2014.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

John Allen Roper, 92, of Cumming, passed away February 3, 2014. Arrangements

by Ingram Funeral Home.

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Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, wood rot repair, tile, siding, paint, pressure wash.

32 | February 12, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com

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PRESIDENT’S DAY 3 DAYS ONLY Sale SAT., FEB. 15TH MON., FEB 17TH

Design Services

Home Fashion Interiors

is honored to have provided the Custom Design for the Main Floor of House #33 for the annual Roswell Women’s Club Homes of Distinction Tour.

We Cordially invite you to come experience the beautiful vision of our Interior Designers February 6th – 23rd. Info can be found at RoswellWomensClub.org

Custom Furnishings for the Whole Home Draperies, Blinds and Window Treatments Custom Bedding Ensembles • Accent Furniture Accessories • Handmade Rugs

Complimentary Design Services provided in Home or in Store February 6 - 23, 2014

793 North Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

50% OFF

(Just South of Windward Pkwy. on Hwy. 9)

MON - SAT: 10am - 6:30pm SUN: 12pm - 5pm

770-664-9544

homefashioninteriors.net

ENTIRE PURCHASE

APP

In-stock items only. Cannot be combined.

Expires 2/17/14.