Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - February 16, 2017

Fe b r u a r y 1 6 , 2 0 1 7 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 3 5 , N o . 7

Top seed Alpharetta upset

Raiders to enter state tourney as No. 3 seed ►►PAGE 32

Alpharetta parking deck

City Council to decide Monday between three options for parking in downtown ►►PAGE 4

Positively Roswell

New group seeks less divisive city politics ►►PAGE 9

City Council Candidates

Five residents explain why they’re running for Roswell’s Post 4 ►►PAGE 10-12

Immigration law discussion

Muslim rights organization explains executive order to locals ►►PAGE 22 JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

Andrew Young visits River Eves Elementary River Eves Elementary School students gather around former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who visited the school to tour its new aquaponics lab and speak to the students. See story page 28.

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2 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

Teenager found dead in Roswell 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen

Police believe victim knew his assailant

EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL:

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police have released the identity of a teenager found dead Tuesday, Feb. 7 on Saratoga Drive.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. that day, police were called to the apartment complex at Saratoga Drive when someone reported hearing gunshots. Police found the body of 17-year-old Kobe Wil-

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POLICE BLOTTER

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The Herald Newspapers are published by Appen Media Group, 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta Ga. 30009.

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.

NFL ticket scam costs man $300 JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man attempting to purchase NFL tickets was instead swindled out of $300, Jan. 2. He contacted police Feb. 2 after not receiving any tickets or responses from the seller.

The man found the tickets through a Craigslist post and contacted the seller to make the purchase. The seller told him that he had to transfer the agreed upon $300 through Western Union.

During the transaction, the seller sent the man photos of the tickets as proof.

The seller said that he lives in Omaha, Neb., and that the money would have to be transferred there.

After transferring the money, however, the man never received the tickets, and he had trouble contacting the seller again.

The phone number provided by the seller was traced to Boulder, Colo.

The man contacted police in Omaha about the scam, and they required him

liams when they arrived. He was lying on the ground behind building 15.

According to police, Williams was shot to death and had “an apparent gunshot wound.”

Williams had been enrolled in Centennial High School, but was not an active student. He had been living in an apartment in that neighborhood.

Williams was set to resume his education at CHS, according to the GoFundMe set up for his surviving family.

Roswell Public Information Officer

Lisa Holland said police are investigating several people who may be linked to Williams’ death.

“They don’t believe that it’s a random attack,” Holland said. “They believe that Mr. Williams knew his killer.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Williams’ family at gofundme.com/ kobewilliams.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.

—Julia Grochowski

to report the fraud to Johns Creek police as well to aid in the investigation.

4 counts of fraud add up to $4K lost MILTON, Ga. — A man reported Feb. 8 that someone had deposited four fraudulent checks from his Bank of America bank account at Wells Fargo.

One of the checks was deposited Feb. 2 for $1,000. The other three were deposited on Feb. 17, each for $1,000 as well. Bank of America did not disclose the location of where the checks were used.

The man had his account frozen, and Bank of America refunded him all of the money.

N.Y. man caught with 9 fake credit cards ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested a man Feb. 2 for nine counts of financial transaction card forgery and for obstruction of officers when he attempted to flee.

Police responded that afternoon to the Apple Store on North Point Parkway, where a man was allegedly running from loss prevention. Police

See BLOTTER, Page 36

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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 ►► Sean P. Bilodeau, 26, of Stoney

Point Road, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 28 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane, following too close and failure to yield to emergency vehicles. ►► Carlon Maurice Ball, 43, of Village Green Way, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 28 on Academy Street in Alpharetta for DUI and improper stopping. ►► Jose C. Cruz-Valasquez, 24, of Liberty Church Road, Dawsonville, was arrested Jan. 25 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Sanjay Arora, 33, of Delo Lane, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 25 on State Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Maya Jasarevic, 32, of Hammond Drive, Atlanta, was arrested Jan. 25 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI, child endangerment, open container, failure to maintain lane and

See ARRESTS, Page 23

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Presbyopia and Treatment Options

By Dr. Samir Vira

Presbyopia is the progressive loss of accommodation whereby an individual loses the ability to see objects up close. This natural aging phenomenon typically starts in the mid 40s and results in symptoms, such as difficulty with reading small print, eyestrain, or even headaches. Presbyopia occurs due to hardening of the natural lens – this results in inflexibility of the lens to change its focus from a distance target to a near target.

Wake Up and See The Coffee!

Samir Vira, M.D.

Most individuals can easily deal with the symptoms of presbyopia by simply wearing reading glasses, bifocal glasses, or progressive glasses. As you get older, the strength of your reading glasses will increase and these can be obtained at any drug or retail store. Similarly, the bottom portion of your prescription bifocal or progressive lenses will need to be updated with increasing power to meet your near vision needs.

Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

For contact lens wearers, multifocal contact lenses is a good option to provide you with vision at both distance and near targets. Alternatively, the concept of monovision can be employed to assist you with presbyopia.

With monovision, contact lenses are dispensed with one dominant eye being set for distance vision and the other non-dominant eye being set for near vision. Many individuals will adapt very well to this option with proper time and counseling.

For anyone seeking a more long-term solution, surgical options are available. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, with monovision can be used in the same fashion as it is done for contact lenses. A contact lens trial for monovision is recommended to ensure adaptation and tolerance before LASIK or the refractive procedure is performed.

Refractive lens exchange is another surgical option for presbyopic patients.

With this procedure, each eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with a lens implant. A multifocal lens implant, similar to a similar multifocal contact lens, is placed inside your eye and tailored according to your visual demands.

More recently, less invasive corneal inlays have been developed for presbyopia. Approved by the FDA in 2015, the Kamra inlay is an implant placed under a corneal flap in the non-dominant eye. A corneal pocket is created by the same femtosecond laser used for LASIK. Unlike LASIK, no tissue is removed or ablated. The Kamra inlay uses a small aperture or opening to create the pinhole concept and allow patients to have increased depth of focus. This enables you to not only see objects at distance but also at intermediate and near.

In June 2016, FDA approved the Raindrop corneal inlay for presbyopia. This inlay is also an implant placed under a corneal femtosecond laser flap in the non-dominant eye. Made of the same hydrogel material as a contact lens, the Raindrop inlay reshapes the central cornea to provide increased power for near vision. Both the Kamra and Raindrop corneal inlays can be reversibly removed.

These corneal inlays are recent exciting developments for patients with presbyopia. Many other technologies continue to be investigated in this evolving field of ophthalmology.

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Roswell council adopts resolution limiting terms for elected officials

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council voted Feb. 13 to send two resolutions to the State Legislature regarding term limits for city councilmembers and the mayor.

The motion to send the previously adopted 2016 resolution met with almost unanimous approval, with only Councilman Jerry Orlans opposing.

The resolution amends the charter to limit the number of consecutive full terms a councilmember can hold to three, with each term spanning four years. Elected terms prior to 2017 would not count toward that limit.

The resolution was first voted on in February 2016, with a motion to pass it down to the State Legislature.

“It should have been sent down, but I was requested to hold it by councilmember Mike Palermo, who wanted to add a pay-to-play provision,” said City Attorney David Davidson.

Palermo stated multiple times that he was for councilmember term limits.

An improved resolution was voted on again Jan. 25, 2017 and was once again held, this time by Orlans.

“I thought that it should be updated. We have a councilmember’s signature [Kent Igleheart] on it that’s not even a councilmember anymore,” Orlans said.

Councilwoman Nancy Diamond, who previously voted against the resolution, changed her vote after considering how the councilmembers conduct business.

We’re now on the third resolution.

We keep sending resolution after resolution with the same wording.

This is a joke ...

How many more resolutions do we need to send?”

MARCELO ZAPATA Roswell Councilman

“We’ve been able to do some things that take a really long time, because people have been here and worked through and pushed and kept at it,” Diamond said. “But what I’ve discovered in the past year is that that’s not how we operate anymore. So now when we have disagreements, I read about it online or I hear about it in the paper.

We don’t talk about it. I’ve suggested in multiple emails that I might change my position, but I never got a call from anybody here.”

The council also motioned to pass a resolution to amend the City Charter to clarify the term limits for the Office of Mayor. Like the councilmember resolu-

CDC: Keep students with flu at home NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The CDC has reported that there has been an increase in cases of the flu in Georgia and is advising parents to keep students at home if they have the flu. Symptoms include fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Fulton County Schools’ policy states that if your student has a fever of 100.4 or higher, he or she cannot return to school until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.

tion, the mayor’s seat would be limited to three four-year terms, not counting any elected terms prior to 2017, and was voted on previously in February 2016.

The 2016 resolution was sent to the State Legislature, but it was not acted upon in the 2016 Legislative Session.

The current resolution asks the Legislature to act on the resolution.

The resolution passed, three to one, with Councilman Marcelo Zapata opposing.

“We’re now on the third resolution.

We keep sending resolution after resolution with the same wording. This is a joke,” Zapata said. “How many more resolutions do we need to send?”

For the discussion and vote, Mayor Jere Wood recused himself.

From a legal standpoint, Wood was not obligated to recuse himself, Davidson said, after some audience members questioned if Wood had recused himself in previous discussion of the resolution.

According to Diamond, the previous vote on the resolution brought hundreds of constituents to the council chamber in a show of support for the measure.

Before voting for it, Palermo raised some concerns about sending both resolutions to the State Legislature at the same time and asked for a short delay between sending them.

Councilmember Donald J. Horton said that he failed to see how sending them both at the same time would cause problems, but he agreed to amend the motion to send the second resolution a day after the first.

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 5

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6 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Alpharetta to vote on downtown parking deck site Latest proposal has two sites for parking

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The City Council will settle a six-month debate Monday when it selects between three different plans to build a parking deck on the west side of Main Street in downtown Alpharetta.

About 70 people turned out Monday night to see the city’s latest multi-million-dollar proposal, a plan calling for two decks, each smaller than earlier versions that occupied single sites.

The new proposal, the city’s third, is designed to accommodate both sides on an issue that has divided residents against the business community.

The City Council approved a site between Roswell Street and Old Roswell Street back in August. But city leaders backed out of that decision when about 50 residents appeared at the next council meeting to protest, arguing the deck would obliterate an area pedestrians now use to attend downtown festivals.

A month later, the city unveiled a

Comparing parking plans Alpharetta has proposed a number of plans to provide parking on the west side of Main Street. Late last year, it had narrowed the focus to two sites, labeled “A” and “D.” Figures for those two site proposals were presented at a public meeting last October.

Site A

Between

Roswell St. and Old Roswell

Site D* Milton Ave near Rest Haven Cemetery

Proposal 3 Both sites A/D

Total floors 3 3 2/3 Net parking stalls 272 301 168/187=355 Total cost $5.45 million $5.84 million $8 million Cost per stall $20,100 $19,400 $17,880/$26,773 *Calculations for Site D include a slight error in that the consultant, Kimley Horn, assumed ownership of a small strip of land the city did not in fact own. These figures are the latest provided by the city but are not corrected for that miscalculation. second option siting the deck farther northwest on Milton Avenue near Rest Haven Cemetery. While many residents applauded, the downtown business community objected, saying proximity to parking is the life blood of retail.

The added walking distance, they said, would be enough to choke off retail.

The third proposal presented at the workshop Monday would give each side a little of what they want. And, because the first two proposals were not on

display at Monday’s open house, city leaders appear squarely behind door number three.

“I think it was well received,” said Mayor David Belle Isle. “There is a need to try to get as much parking in different areas of the city, especially in areas on the other side of Main Street. I do think this most recent plan preserves the event space and opportunities behind Smokejack because people are affectionate to it, and we can’t just

disregard that.”

The latest plan carries a total price tag of $8 million, more than 25 percent higher than estimates given for the two earlier proposals. It also delivers more than 50 additional parking spaces and provides for future expansion of either or both decks.

Residents on hand Monday peppered the mayor and Bob Williams, an

See PARKING, Page 27

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‘Plan B’ for failing schools under consideration New legislation addresses issues in previous attempt

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Gov. Nathan Deal’s anxiously awaited “Plan B” to fix low performing schools was unveiled last week in the Georgia Legislature with a more realistic vision of raising achievement levels for thousands of students.

House Bill 338 was dropped into the hopper last week by Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) as the alternative version of the Opportunity School District which passed last session. That plan was soundly rejected by Georgia voters in November who saw it as an overreach of the state into local school governance.

The revised plan – HB338 – still focuses primarily on improving achievement in the state’s lowest performers, but removes the firm control from the governor’s office.

Under the new proposal, a Chief Turnaround Officer (CTO), with a mandatory education background, will be appointed by the state Board of Education to direct intervention efforts.

State education groups gave cautious approval to HB338, noting it addressed many of the concerns raised in the Opportunity School District plan. “[We thank] Rep. Kevin Tanner for understanding that disagreeing on how [the state does] something is not the same thing as opposing doing something,” said Angela Palm, legislative director of the GSBA. “It has been a friendly, collaborative effort and we look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Tanner and others as the bill moves forward.”

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators also weighed in with support, noting in a statement they were “pleased to see the bill’s provision for a more robust root cause analysis of why schools are struggling, including community factors.”

PAGE was, however, concerned the Chief Turnaround Officer answered solely to the appointed State School Board instead of the elected State Superintendent of Schools.

The new plan is also a stark departure from the Opportunity School District which envisioned a completely separate school district composed of the low performers. Under HB338,

intervention and direction would be, at least for two years, within the existing school district.

Exactly which schools would be eligible for intervention would be up to the turnaround officer. But it would likely include those schools which score below 60 on the state’s 100-point College and Career Readiness Performance Index – the annual evaluation tool for all public schools.

Under this measure, nearly 130 schools would currently be eligible for intervention, including 10 in the Fulton County School System.

Other provisions of HB338 include: • The CTO will appoint coaches to assist schools in their intervention efforts, who will collaborate with districts to address specific issues impacting student achievement.

• Charter systems (which include the Fulton School System) can amend its flexibility contracts to agree to receive assistance from the state for schools identified as requiring intervention.

• Local boards that have no flexibility contract can sign an intervention contract to agree to receive assistance.

If intervention is rejected, the State Board of Education can implement any of the interventions available in current law.

• Within 90 days of entering into the contract, a comprehensive evaluation of the school will be conducted, with recommendations to help develop an intensive school improvement plan.

• After two years, if the school is not improving, there are up to 10 interventions available. Those range from continuing the implementation of the plan, takeover by a non-profit entity or another school system, or a complete change in leadership and staff.

A sampling of education bills currently under review by the Georgia General Assembly • HR 58 amends the Constitution to allow the creation of new city school systems. The law currently limits school systems to counties (unless grandfathered in).

• HB 9 makes it unlawful to “upskirt” a person if they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Currently it is not illegal in Georgia to photograph up someone’s dress in an open area.

This bill would apply to those 16 and over.

• HB 32 would make it a sexual assault if an employee or non-student

See PLAN B, Page 15

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8 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | blackboxdocs.com

BLACKBOX SPECIAL REPORT:

LexisNexis to pay $1.2M after pay discrimination investigation

185 female employees in Alpharetta affected

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta-based LexisNexis recently agreed to pay over $1.2 million in back pay and interest to 211 female employees after a federal investigation into apparent pay discrimination was launched.

The company provides computer-assisted legal and business research and risk management services.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this will resolve allegations of “systematic pay discrimination against women at its facilities in Alpharetta and Boca Raton, Fla.” In fiscal years 2015 and 2016, the company had millions of dollars in federal contracts with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Transportation and Labor, and the Office of Personnel Management and the General Services Administration, according to the agency.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs conducted two separate investigations which found that as of December 2012, 185 female employees in Operational Leadership jobs were

Welcome to Blackbox This story is the result of a tip to our Blackbox team, which investigates stories and tips we receive from our readers in the community. If you were affected by the story and would like to talk to us, please call 770-4423278 and ask for Kathleen at extension 143.

If you have a tip for a story we should investigate next, please email it to blackbox@ appenmediagroup.com. Your tip is confidential and you will not be referenced in any resulting story without your expressed written approval.

Through this settlement, the affected class members will be compensated for their losses. We are pleased that the contractor worked cooperatively with us and has agreed to review and revise pay policies and procedures as necessary.”

THOMAS DOWD Acting OFCCP Director

paid “substantially less” than their male counterparts.

Additionally, 26 female employees in Operational Leadership jobs in Boca Raton were also paid less than their male equivalents.

The Department of Labor said they do not release the names of the victims. The investigation was part of a routine compliance evaluation conducted by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and was not generated by employee complaints, according to Department of Labor Media Contact Michael D’Aquino.

The department found a significant difference in pay in both locations even after taking into account legitimate factors that affect pay level, the agency said. Executive Order 11246 prohibits federal contractors from engaging in compensation discrimination on the basis of sex.

“It is unlawful for federal contractors to discriminate in pay on the basis of sex,” said Acting OFCCP Director Thomas Dowd. “Through this settlement, the affected class members will be compensated for their losses. We are pleased that the contractor worked cooperatively with us and has agreed to review and revise pay policies and procedures as necessary.”

While not admitting liability and denying all claims, LexisNexis has agreed

Alpharetta-based LexisNexis agreed to pay $1.2 million in back pay and intrest to 211 female employees after apparent pay discrimination. through a conciliation agreement to pay over $1.2 million in back pay and interest, and to monitor practices that affect compensation for women unfavorably, according to the agency stated.

Additionally, the company agreed to pay over $45,000 in salary adjustments to women employed at the Boca Raton facility and will conduct an annual compensation analysis during the term of the conciliation agreement, the agency said.

A company statement said LexisNexis is, “committed to ensuring all employees are treated fairly and afforded equal employment opportunities.”

“The OFCCP’s findings were not based on any individual complaints.

Rather they were derived from statistical analysis conducted by the agency,” the statement said. “The company disagrees with the OFCCP’s findings and does not believe it violated any federal

laws. After three and a half years of cooperation during the agency’s review, we ultimately agreed to the settlement to avoid committing additional time and resources for continued legal proceedings.”

LexisNexis must submit two progress reports covering the period the agreement is in effect. The company has to submit a summary of the actions undertaken as part of the review and or revision of policies. The company agreed to review and, as necessary, revise its compensation practices and establish monitoring and oversight mechanisms to ensure that all aspects of its compensation system provide equal opportunity to all employees.

Moreover, the company agreed to provide training to all its managers and supervisors who make compensation decisions and to all human resources personnel at its Alpharetta location.

NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 9

‘Positively Roswell’ wants softer tone in city politics Local business professionals say city should tone down rhetoric

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – There’s a new citizen group in Roswell that has a goal – and a lofty one – to lower the vitriol that seems to pervade Roswell politics. It is called Positively Roswell.

Businesswoman and co-founder Theo Keyserling said the group did not form to espouse any political positions or to back any particular candidates in the upcoming special election.

Instead, they are concerned that Roswell City Council meetings are becoming disturbingly divisive.

They say it is having a bad effect on the city’s collective psyche and discouraging citizens from getting involved in civic life.

“We just want to see a true dialogue in the city to discuss ideas based on merit without all the namecalling. We want to lower the temperature of local politics and see if that doesn’t get more people involved,” Keyserling said.

The group sort of “coalesced” at public meetings. It does not espouse a particular position for the city to adopt.

“We are kind of all over the spectrum. We don’t really know much about where the others stand on city issues,” said Jay Litton, another cofounder. “What

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Members of the new civic group Positively Roswell will lobby for a more positive approach to solving city problems. Front row from left are Adam Braund, Doug Curling and Theo Keyserling. Rear row are Jay Litton, Joanna Benson-Spencer, Scott Long and Angela Medley.

we found in conversations was that all we want to do is take the anger down a notch and have rational discussions about what is best for the city.”

Several of the new Positively Roswell members met at a Canton Street office to explain what they want to

do. Along with Litton and Keyserling were business professionals Doug Curling, Angela Medley, Scott Long and Adam Braund.

“We’re not friends,” Keyserling said. “We come from different areas and perspectives. We just want to see Roswell take a calm approach in planning the future.”

Doug Curling said every public issue seems to turn quickly into a negative fight as much about personalities as the issues.

“So what can we do about it? We all have common interests. What we need to do is look at alternatives objectively,” Curling said.

The recent neighborhood meetings held in east Roswell the last two weeks are evidence that people are concerned about Roswell’s future and the need to have plans to move forward, they said.

“As we move forward, we want to find ways to come together to make progress instead of getting pigeonholed over small issues,” Curling said. “We should move forward as neighbors.”

They proposed the City Council take a hard look at all areas of the city, call in the experts to make recommendations about where the logjams are and suggest ways for the city to progress.

But Positively Roswell wants to be more than a counterbalance to “negativity.”

They want to push for a citywide strategy to deal with issues and then see it followed through.

“We want to raise the level of the language we use when we speak about the issues. Once we do that, we’ll never go back,” Keyserling said.

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ELECTION

10 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

Save the Date • March 25th

Get to know the P

Craft Cra aft Beer, Food, M Music usic and Fun.

5 contenders talk about their campaign

Whats not to love!

• Over 300 beers including rare cask beers eers • Food vendors from 6 local restaurants • Live music from 2 different bands • Souvenir tasting glass with ticket purchase • General admission at 2pm, VIP entry at 1pm (must be 21 years old to enter) • Held at Historic Roswell Town Square

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com

2017

www.roswellbeerfestival.com

Georgia Clinic Welcomes Dr. Britt Boyd to the Johns Creek location.

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ROSWELL, Ga. — Five candidates are gearing up in Roswell to campaign for the vacant Post 4 Roswell City Council seat in the March 21 special election.

Shawn Wright, Lori Henry, Marie Willsey, Shelley Sears and Tracy Hanley all qualified to run for the seat.

Post 4 became vacant in fall 2016 when the previous seat-holder Kent Igleheart resigned. He was arrested Oct. 20 by DeKalb County police on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor.

There will be a forum to meet the candidates from 7-9 p.m., Feb. 28, at the Roswell Council Chambers. Questions for the candidates may be submitted in advance at roswellwomansclub. org.

All five candidates responded to the Herald’s questions about their candidacy.

SHAWN WRIGHT Background: As an Air Force Veteran, I proudly served my country during Operation Provide Comfort. I earned my bachelor’s degree in management studies and MBA from UniverWRIGHT sity of Maryland University College. I’ve consistently served in leadership roles for Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders such as Bridgestone, Goodyear, Schneider National Carriers and Excel Logistics.

As a Roswell Youth Baseball Head Coach, I am dedicated to leaving our children a safe and prosperous future in Roswell.

I currently serve as a Regional Director for Elam Ministries, a Christian nonprofit organization serving the underground Iranian church. I live on Lake Charles Drive in Roswell with my wife, Jean (also an Air Force Veteran) and our three school-aged children.

What made you decide to run?

I have served our country and our community my entire life. As a father of five children — one who graduated from Roswell High and three who attend Roswell Public Schools — I constantly find myself thinking about the kind of future I’d like to leave them here in Roswell. We live in a very divided city, and our internal divisions are keeping us from moving forward. I’d like to be that unifying voice at City Council who can build bridges between our various factions and work towards a common

goal – a brighter future for our children.

What do you think are the key issues for this race?

There are a wide range of issues that our next city councilmember will need to tackle. These include positively uniting a divided Roswell, honoring our veterans, protecting our green space, protecting Roswell against imbalanced and unsustainable growth and finding solutions for our transportation challenges.

If elected, what are some of the first issues or projects that you plan to tackle?

As city councilman, I will have four main priorities: • Uniting Roswell and bring together community leaders who represent differing parts of Roswell to build consensus that serves the needs of our city as a whole for now and 25 years from now.

• Enhancing both the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Veterans Memorial while protecting our green space.

• Developing Roswell’s tax base through thoughtful commercial and residential re-development with the requirement of maintaining our history, protecting our green space and preserving the livability of Roswell’s neighborhoods for our families, millennials, seniors and children.

• Working with transportation experts to adopt smart, balanced 21st Century solutions to Roswell’s traffic concerns.

Website: WrightForRoswell.com MARIE WILLSEY Background: My husband Glen and I have been Roswell residents since 1993, first in Martin’s Landing before moving to Horseshoe Bend, where we are raising our son Parker.

WILLSEY I have been the president of the Horseshoe Bend Community Association, was appointed to the Planning Commission and served on the 2035 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. I’m also an active board member of the Roswell Arts Fund, and lead marketing efforts for ArtAround Roswell. Since August 2016, I have served as a community representative to the Centennial High School Governance Council.

Owner of a small business specializing in marketing and communications, I am a graduate of the University of Georgia and hold a master’s degree in

ELECTION

ost 4 candidates business administration and a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

What made you decide to run?

I felt a calling to step up and help unite our city and council. It’s never been more important for our city to have thoughtful, strategic and collaborative leadership.

As community association president, I’ve worked closely with city staff and our elected officials as an advocate for our neighborhood. Now, I would like to take that experience to the next level and be the advocate that Roswell needs to grow while maintaining the smalltown feel that makes us unique.

What do you think are the key issues for this race?

One of the most important issues in this election is supporting and believing in what makes our city great – the neighborhoods, residential character, history and natural resources. That means investing in infrastructure to improve walkability and connectivity, supporting the efforts of our police and fire departments, maintaining and expanding our parks and improving our connection to the river.

At the same time, we also must begin to plan for the future, taking a long-term view of strengthening our business community and providing residential choices to sustain the quality of life that we love. We must evolve to meet the needs of changing demographics and maintain an appropriate level of economic growth. Finding that balance is critical.

If elected, what are some of the first issues or projects that you plan to tackle?

A need for focused redevelopment on our commercial corridors is one of the most crucial issues currently facing the city. If elected, I pledge to work with the city’s economic and community development resources and the business community to pursue redevelopment efforts that are achievable, sustainable and appropriate to Roswell’s character.

Website: marieforroswell.com SHELLEY SEARS Background: I’m running as your pro-business candidate. I have lived in Roswell for over 30 years. My children attended Roswell High School and summer camps with the SEARS Roswell Recreation Department.

As an owner operator of my own company for 20+ years, I have been involved with the development and

growth of Roswell. I have watched neighborhoods develop out of the farmland and forest that once made up the majority of the city, and I believe we need to make sure future developments that will be smart developments to benefit all of Roswell.

I have a wide reputation as a leader in my industry. Roswell and my company are my passions and I honor them with integrity and professionalism.

What made you decide to run?

I love my city, and it is my reason for running. It is my goal to serve Roswell as a strong, intelligent councilwoman with the same conviction and attention to detail as I do in my own business and employees. My tenure as a member of the community for the past 30 years has given me key understandings and insights into the issues that are important to the whole of Roswell.

What do you think are the key issues for this race?

I will tackle, along with my fellow council members, issues relating to traffic, density and government waste in Roswell.

If elected, what are some of the first issues or projects that you plan to tackle?

I have three goals: • Provide service to my community that goes above and beyond what has been set forth in the past. I will use my experience as a business leader to create jobs and support smart business initiatives.

• Listen to all members of the community to find common ground and work to unify Roswell.

• Work diligently to build a community of enduring success while striking a balance between the old and new Roswell with smart development.

Website: facebook.com/shelley4roswell or call me directly at 770-777-9000. I do answer my phone!

TRACY “TRAY” HANLEY Background: I am a small businesswoman with a long history of success.

As a child, I grew up in a family that owned and operated an office cleaning business that HANLEY I took part in to learn the value of hard work. I later got my real estate and brokerage license, starting at PTP, Inc. in 2004.

When the real estate market crashed, I went back to school and

See POST4, Page 12

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 11

Inner peace, strong heart.

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12 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

Post4:

NEWS

Continued from Page 11 graduated in 2012 with a degree in political science. I began working with Roswell Inc, where I focused on working with companies looking to relocate to Roswell and introduced them to the city. In addition, I have contributed and volunteered my time to our local schools, North Fulton charities, Northpoint Community Church, Daughters of Deliverance and Hope, battered women shelters and the Fulton County Republican Party.

I have three children who I support through all of their activities.

What made you decide to run?

Initially, I was disgusted at the revelation of what the previous city councilman did before resigning. It prompted me to look at what our city council was doing at a granular level, and I began to see the entire city needed a voice on the council that would stop making this an “us versus them” content but serve the entire city.

What do you think are the key issues for this race?

Local traffic is undoubtedly a major issue. We need a redesigned Holcomb Bridge corridor, but more importantly we need to implement important reforms in the way we identify and complete projects using Six Sigma, Lean and other effective tools. This will result in better projects, better oversight, and making sure we actually solve traffic problems.

Another issue is how we manage the growth of our city. There is clear value in maintaining Roswell’s unique character; on the same token, we have to be able to focus on creating a foundation for sustained growth if we want to make sure the tax base is diversified enough to maintain needed public services.

If elected, what are some of the first issues or projects that you plan to tackle?

I’d like to make sure that we have a strong access point to Roswell on the east side of the city as well as the west.

Another would be to begin building consensus on the city council for the techniques mentioned above and implementing them in the city’s operations.

Website: tracyhanley.com

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LORI HENRY Background: I am a small business owner and longtime resident of Roswell, with deep roots on both the East and West sides of Roswell.

My husband Karl and I raised our daughter Scottie within walk-

HENRY

ing distance of the Historic District; my parents lived in Martin’s Landing for over 35 years. My experience gives me a unique perspective and ability to unite our residents. I was honored to serve on Roswell’s City Council for eight years. I am a graduate of Ohio State University and began my career as a Cobb County public school teacher.

What made you decide to run?

The issues that are facing the city, like redevelopment of our commercial and retail space, and my experience in crafting solutions to similar issues. I made a positive impact when I served on City Council, and believe that I can help with the new direction that voters chose in November of 2015. It’s the same direction I championed in my prior service.

What do you think are the key issues for this race?

The issues are economic redevelopment particularly in our blighted strip malls, fixing our zoning code, the Unified Development Code, and of course, traffic. The new members of council have made some positive impact, and I want to continue the work – finish the job voters started.

If elected, what are some of the first issues or projects that you plan to tackle?

We need to shape our zoning to incent owners of commercial spaces to attract Class A offices and create destination places. This is a citywide need, but is particularly pressing right now in East Roswell. I want a team to tackle the thoughtful revitalization of the Holcomb Bridge corridor with emphasis on economic development, adaptive re-use and sprawl repair within a suburban context.

We need to continue to rehabilitate the UDC – progress has been made over the last year creating protections for our existing neighborhoods, but the progress is fragile and there is still more work to do.

We need to strengthen the preservation ordinance so that we save what makes our Historic District historic.

And of course, we need to take a new approach to how we deal with traffic – the challenges of traffic on Holcomb Bridge Road are different than traffic on Jones Road. One size does not fit all.

We are one city but each part is unique. And the many parts creating one give us our strength and character.

Website: lorihenrynow.com

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 13

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Mary Lou’s acquired skills in target marketing, property analysis and selling capability allow her to continue to prosper in the luxury market and create dynamic relationships. While she has accumulated awards and certifications in relocation, the Atlanta Board of Realtor’s Million Dollar Club, Powerhouse International and more, her most important accomplishment has always been her ability to serve the premier clients of Atlanta.

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NEWS

14 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

Over 200 citizens pack the room to give their input on revitalizing Holcomb Bridge Road.

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East Roswell ponders future of Holcomb Bridge Road City, citizens discuss solutions to revitalize area

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell residents met Feb. 1 to discuss the future of the Holcomb Bridge Road corridor, from Alpharetta Highway to the Gwinnett County Line. The open forum invited people to give their vision for East Roswell and to let residents discuss how they want to revitalize their flagging community.

According to Mayor Jere Wood, this was one of the largest crowds he has seen for such meetings. Some of the main concerns were over a feeling of disconnect between East Roswell and the rest of the city and a frustration over the lack of vibrancy in the area, especially after the announcement that the Target was leaving. People were troubled by the loss of big commercial tenants and the general decline of the area, which some thought were driving people out of the area.

“I feel so separated from Roswell,” one resident, Judy Smith, said. “I feel like I live in Alpharetta. What can I do to help the situation?”

“The answer is not a simple one, like adding another lane on 400 or getting a new retailer,” said the Downtown Development Authority’s Dave Schmit. “It’s happening all over the country. We’re not the only community that’s faced with these issues.”

Many in the crowd were concerned about how they could keep people living in and enjoying the community, especially with competition from nearby places like Canton Street and Avalon.

Some residents urged the council and DDA to consider multiple solutions outside of bringing more retail or development.

“People don’t come to East Roswell to shop, because we have access to North Point Parkway and all of these places,” resident Diane Jacoby said.

“What are we doing to attract people?

Georgia is the fifth most popular film industry spot in the United States right now. We are number five. What are we doing in the city of Roswell, with our beautiful parks and our historic homes to attract these film businesses? I don’t think we need to be focusing on retail, when there are other business opportunities.”

One of the solutions that was passed around was to create an area where people would want to go and spend time in East Roswell, like Avalon in Alpharetta.

“My experience has been that in places that are of high demand these days, they tend to be centered around places of vibrancy,” Schmit said. “They must be experiential. We’re not necessarily just going there to shop. We’re going there to experience the sidewalk, to get an ice cream.”

Roswell has attempted in the past to pass such mixed-use development projects, like Riverwalk Village, but they were shot down because they did not receive enough community support.

There are solutions, however, as long as three conditions are met, Schmit said.

“One is that the community has to well define what they want, in codes, petitions and community support.

Second thing is that there needs to be a market. Any business needs to want to transact there. There must be demand. And the third thing is economic counts. None of us are going to invest in anything that doesn’t make money,” Schmit said. “So when we think about solutions, it can’t just be two of the three boxes. It’s got to be all of the three boxes.”

The city of Roswell is now asking people who live or own a business in the area to give their input in the East Roswell Vision Survey, which can be found at roswellgov.com.

Plan B: Continued from Page 7 official of a school engages in sexual contact with a person known, or should have been known, to be a student at the school.

• HB 77 requires the Georgia Department of Education to provide a list of training materials for awareness in mental health, behavioral disabilities and learning disabilities to school systems.

• HB 90 makes it illegal for a member of a school board to participate in a discussion or vote on the purchase of real estate if there is a vested interest in the sale.

• HB 114 prohibits any school system receiving QBE funds from excluding students enrolled in one or more dual enrollment courses from being eligible to be named valedictorian or salutatorian.

• HB 178 establishes funding for counselors for students of military families at a rate of one counselor per 200 students. A minimum of 50% of the counselor’s time would be spent counseling or advising military students or their parents.

• HB 194 requires zoning standards to include consideration of the effect of the proposed zoning action on the school district and the potential overcrowding of schools.

• HB 198 requires education on meningitis to also require education on

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 15

influenza.

• HB 200 would allow students to carry and self-administer sunscreen.

• HB 211 creates a new income tax credit for purchasing and occupying a home in the attendance zone of an elementary school ranked in the lowest performing five percent of schools in the state.

• HB 217 increases the income tax credits allowed for donations to student scholarship organizations from the current $58 million maximum to $180 million.

• HB 224 allows students of military families to attend any public school in the district in which they live with the parents to be responsible for transportation.

• SB 3 the “Creating Opportunities Needed Now to Expand Credentialed Training (CONNECT) Act focuses on work-based learning and industry certification for students.

• SB 68 establishes a new voucher in the form of a “savings account” voucher that parents can use for private school, curriculum materials, postsecondary instruction, etc.

• SR 95/SB 76 attempt to change the Constitutional language about splitting the SPLOST proceeds between a city and county school district. If the districts cannot agree to call for a SPLOST, the district(s) with the majority of the students can move forward with the referendum.

• SR 105 allows public funding to flow to religious organizations (requires Constitutional amendment).

Roswell Woman’s Club brings Mardi Gras home Fundraiser promises to be best of local gala events ROSWELL, Ga. – The Roswell Woman’s Club is inviting everyone to enjoy an evening filled with New Orleans flavor, buffet, open bar, and music for your dancing pleasure by The Ruby Red’s Band.

Entertainment will include: • fabulous acrobatic performances from The Off Centered Project, • Shannon Stanley with Iterum Entertainment • Live painting by Anne Bailey of Live Event Painting, which you will want to bid on.

• Festivities also include the Woman’s Club’s exclusive live and silent online auctions stocked with amazing items.

The Roswell Woman’s Club has been selected as one of the two beneficiaries of the gala. Proceeds will go to fund educational grants and scholarships and to continue RWC’s support of local nonprofit organizations in

If you go What: Roswell Woman’s Club Mardi Gras Ball: Bourbon & Boas When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 7-11 p.m.

Where: The Pavilion at Olde Town Athletic Club 4950 Old Towne Parkway Marietta, Ga. 30068 Cost: $125 per person More Info: $150 per person, to order go to: RoswellMardiGrasBall.com

human services, cultural arts, historic preservation and urban improvement.

Over the past 19 years RWC has given more than $2 million to worthy causes in the North Fulton community, said 2016 – 2017 RWC President Sherry Broadway.

You may also show your support for the Roswell Woman’s Club by purchasing tickets to the Roswell Mardi Gras Ball.

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This building houses a community of tech startups who meet, collaborate and innovate. We’re really a community and a support system for startups here.

KAREN CASHION, CEO of the Alpharetta Technology Commission 16 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017

Cashion takes reins of Alpharetta Technology Commission New CEO rechristens ATC Innovation Center ‘Innovation Epicenter’

Alpharetta Technology Commission

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta attorney Karen Cashion, who was founder and president – later chairwoman – of the Greater Alpharetta Tech Network, has a new full-time job as CEO of the Alpharetta Technology Commission.

“Yes, I have put away my legal career to take on this new role with the ATC,” Cashion said, sitting in her office at the ATC Innovation Center. “This is the work I’m passionate about – working to grow the Alpharetta techno-ecosystem we have now.”

The ATC Innovation Center, which opened in 2015 on Webb Bridge Road, is the main thrust of the ATC mission which is to incubate new technology companies. With the support of the City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Development Authority, it is set up so that entrepreneurial techno-geeks have the means and opportunity to develop their ideas into viable products or even companies.

The Innovation Center, which Cashion calls the “Innovation Epicenter because it is truly the epicenter of startup technology and innovation in Alpharetta,” is designed specifically for nascent tech companies before they are a company.

“This is where startups start,” she said.

The Center provides a 24/7 tech co-working environment. That includes

(www.innovatealpharetta.com)

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Karen Cashion, the new CEO of the Alpharetta Technology Commission, wants to grow startup tech companies that will stay and grow in the Alpharetta community. event, office and conference room space.

“We have more than 30 tech startups and four early stage tech companies working out of this center now,” Cashion said.

In addition, there is a venture capital fund and startup foundry, led by Eleven Eleven Investments, moving into one of the Innovation Center offices in March.

But this center is far more than

just working space for tech startups, Cashion said.

“This building houses a community of tech startups who meet, collaborate and innovate. We’re really a community and a support system for startups here.”

The Innovation Center has flexible spaces for innovators that start with just a “hot desk,” which is a co-worker

• Established in 2012 by City of Alpharetta as 501 (c) 6 nonprofit.

• Commission comprised of some of Alpharetta’s leading tech companies, large and small.

• Commission members provide strategic input and help to identify opportunities for city’s tech sector.

• 4 ATC subcommittees: • Grow: designed to support innovation and tech startups • Build: tasked with identifying and helping to develop advanced infrastructure to support next generation of technology • Engage: designed to help develop relationships among Alpharetta’s tech companies, which builds community, collaboration, and innovation • Brand: creates new messaging to help attract business investment and maintain Alpharetta’s position as a leading location for tech ventures.

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NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 17

In Duluth, success breeds success Put your health There are two basic staples that must be present in order to have a lasting, successful business/ retail community: businesses and customers.

GEOFF SMITH It’s really that Assurance Financial, simple. At the gsmith@lendtheway.com core of it all, if you have those two things, then it’s up to the business/retail community to not mess it up. In East Roswell, where I grew up, we had plenty of customers in the early 1980s. And then they built a host of strip malls east and west along Holcomb Bridge Road. It almost didn’t matter what went into those buildings, at the time there was nothing else around and they were very successful. Over time of course, more attractive developments were built in surrounding communities and those developments struggled. But my point is that our city planners are constantly looking at their office/retail/residential mixes. To make residents happy, you need a good mix of retail and office infrastructure nearby. To make the retail businesses successful, you need good daytime traffic from the office community and nighttime and weekend traffic from the residential community.

Over the last 20 years I’ve watched the city of Duluth transform its downtown from a nondescript area along an industrial road into a very charming and vibrant gathering place. The city government invested a lot money to build an anchor in its downtown district – a sprawling city green with an amphitheater, a new city hall, and a water park.

That “anchor” has since encouraged retail and business development all around it.

As they say, success breeds

ahead of your bottom line

DICK JONES

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales more success. Today, there are a number of new projects going up and around downtown Duluth. The most impactful will likely be a retail and restaurant development called Parson’s Alley. Sitting high up along the northern end of Duluth’s Town Green, the residential development will include restaurants Taiyo Ramen, Simply Done Donuts and Good Word Brewing & Public House. And according to the Gwinnett Daily Post, several other commercial and office developments near the Town Green will include a yoga studio, a $64 million mixed-use project called District at Duluth and a very cool concept called Truck and Tap that combines food trucks and craft beers. I actually first reported on the Truck and Tap after visiting their original location in downtown Woodstock.

Woodstock officials worked hard with the proprietor to allow the concept in which they sell craft beers and rent out space behind their building to food trucks. Patrons get a new restaurant every day. They get their food and then eat it inside the building while drinking the craft beer.

Can you tell I’m excited about this concept?

District in Duluth is under construction and sits about a mile from the Town Green. It will include hundreds of apartments, a pair of restaurant spaces and a dozen other storefronts.

So those are the businesses. Now for more customers. In tandem with this retail and office construction, two major residential projects are underway. One will go up just off the south end of the Town Green and will include 59 townhomes and 39 single-family homes. The other is a 36-unit townhome project going up next to City Hall. These developments will easily provide a couple hundred new nighttime and weekend customers for those businesses.

With more than $120 million in new private investment, the future looks bright in downtown Duluth.

Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

As a small business owner that works long hours each day, are you carving out some time to keep in shape?

Do you allocate time in your busy schedule to work out and get some physical fitness? Staying physically fit will help you stay mentally fit, and enable you to do a better job in running

your business.

So how do you schedule time to do this?

Step one, put it on your calendar. Just like business meetings or internal meetings with your employees, scheduling time on your calendar to get some exercise is a must.

Step two, don’t erase the workout event on your calendar. Yes, things will come up that will tempt you to do so, but make your workouts as important as closing a new sale!

You can kill two birds with one stone by combining business with fitness. Instead of sitting around a table talking about your business plans, take a walk (or run) with your team and discuss business while you’re walking, not sitting! Scheduling a morning workout is much more realistic than during the day or after work. Most small business owners will tell you if they don’t work out in the morning, it won’t get done.

If you’re traveling, that’s no excuse either. Most hotels have workout facilities and all you need to do is schedule a wakeup call! Staying fit while running a small business will improve your energy level and mental aptitude, which will in turn help you more successfully run your small business. Put your health ahead of your bottom line.

18 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

New MBA chair striving to keep local business flourishing Joelynn Sargent heads up Milton Business Alliance

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Joelynn Sargent, a member of Milton Business Alliance (MBA) for the past five years, has taken over as chairwoman of the organization. Prior chair Andy Jordan ceded the seat to concentrate more on his role as membership director.

Sargent is the creator of Claravon Group, a consulting company to culti

vate business growth in both small and Fortune 500 companies.

Sargent said she has had a smooth transition to chair, and she is looking forward to her new responsibilities.

With a new year SARGENT and new chair the MBA is seeking new ways to benefit its members and the Milton business community, she said.

“The business community within Milton continues to change, and we are looking to adapt to those changes to benefit members and the community’s

Cashion: Continued from Page 18 space available 24/7 (the key is an erasable app that opens the door) for just $99 a month.

Meeting rooms are available to pitch an idea, and short-term leases for a room and a desk are available for $1,500 a month.

“It as reasonable a price as it can be in this community,” she says.

It is a diverse group of innovators whose fields range includes biotech, internet security, educational technology,

ness-based alliances the MBA keeps its focus solely on Milton and its businesses.

“One thing that distinguishes us is we are a community who own and operate businesses in Milton, so we are more selective as far as our membership,” Sargent said.

It’s not open to anyone from anywhere, so that means we don’t have a lot of people coming in and trying to use their attendance at events to sell something, it’s more about building relationships within the business community, supporting each other and helping the businesses grow. It’s more than just people passing out business cards.”

NEWBUSINESSSPOTLIGHTS

Johns Creek welcomes Goldfish Swim School Business name: Goldfish Swim School Johns Creek Owner: Mark Sheppell About: Goldfish Swim School Johns Creek provides swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 yearsold in a unique setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes, 90-degree pools and a state-of-the-art water purification system. In addition

businesses,” Sargent said.

The MBA will also expand membership to larger businesses as well as the large number of home-based businesses within Milton, Sargent said.

“We are looking to partner with the City of Milton to help encourage and cultivate businesses that are appropriate in our city,” she said.

The MBA hopes to partner with the city’s plan for a small business incubator, a program to help grow businesses and sustain small businesses within Milton.

Sargent is looking for 2017 to be a growth year for businesses and MBA membership.

She said unlike other busi-

to swim lessons, Goldfish Swim School of Johns Creek offers weekly family swims (for both members and non -members) and party packages.

Opened: Jan. 10, 2017 Address: 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Johns Creek, Ga. 30022 Phone: 770-744-0250 Website: www.johnscreek.goldfishswimschool.com film technology, manufacturing software, wearable technology and others.

“The ATC wants to help support Alpharetta’s start-up innovators, help them grow, and encourage them to stay in Alpharetta as they grow,” she said.

That last bit is the carrot for Alpharetta.

Greater Alpharetta has 6,000 tech companies in its environs, about a quarter of all tech companies in the Atlanta region. The city would like to grow and retain those companies.

First, the center reinforces Alpharetta’s place as the Technology City of the South. It also grows a clean industry in the city that offers higher paying

The Mansions comes to Alpharetta Business name: The Mansions at Alpharetta Owner: Mansions Senior Properties About: The Mansions at Alpharetta is a new senior-based community located in Alpharetta, GA but within easy drive of Milton, John’s Creek, Duluth, Roswell and Atlanta. Independent Senior Living is open now and Personal Care and Memory Support will open in 2017. We have the largest one and two-bedroom apartment homes in the Alpharetta

area -- serve three chef-prepared meals daily -- provide full-sized washers and dryers in every apartment -- all at an affordable, all-inclusive price. Come by and view our gracious apartment homes today.

Opened: Dec. 6, 2016 Address: 3700 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga. 30022 Phone: 770-757-9677 Website: www.mansionsseniorliving. com

jobs and promotes the overall economic health of the area.

Finally, innovation begets more innovation, so it keeps the “pot boiling” to create more opportunities that are as yet undreamt.

So the Innovation Center provides the space, a community for tech innovators and supports the many start-up groups with ATC events that are hosted here: • ATDC startup circle meets Friday mornings • One Million Cup entrepreneur’s group meets Wednesday mornings.

The Greater Alpharetta Technology Network also hosts educational events

at the Innovation Center.

GATN’s next event March 29 is EchelonCommunicate’s Pitch Present program.

This is a program that teaches tech companies how to effectively pitch to investors and customers, Cashion said.

So it is not necessarily just for startups.

It is part of a regular rotation of events and meetings here intended to help support the Center’s startup community.

“My goal as new CEO of the ATC is to help to identify and develop new opportunities to foster the growth of Alpharetta’s technology ecosystem, from startups through the Fortune 1,000.”

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 19

Find a whole New Look for Your Home with these

7 Budget-Friendly Home Improvements While a lot of people use the New Year as a way to make improvements to their health or personal life, this is also a great time of year to make improvements to your home as well. The cold months of the year mean you’re spending more time indoors — perfect for tackling several areas of your home to make it healthier, happier, and more organized.

1. Declutter

The first step to getting organized and discovering the potential in your home is to get rid of the clutter and junk that may be hiding in your closets and shelves. Out with the old.

That is a frequent cry in the new year so it makes sense to take this time to declutter your home and either donate useable items or have a junk removal service come by to haul it away. Once you’re done, you’ll be in a better place to assess your home and what else needs to be done.

• Cost: Some charities will remove old items for free, otherwise, junk removal services cost around $165 to $215 for a medium sized load.

• Make the Most of the Job: Tackle this job first, before others. Then, you can really assess your home and see its true potential. Always call about donations before you begin so you can schedule a timely pick-up and a tax write-off for next year.

2. Deep Clean

Nothing feels quite as good as a freshly cleaned house. A clean home is also easier to maintain than one that’s accumulated dirt and disrepair over the years. Start the new year off right by hiring a cleaning service for a deep clean. You can have the whole house done, or just focus on those areas that really need it. A deep clean can help you determine if more work needs to be done, or if a good sprucing was all that was required.

• Cost: The average cost of a single cleaning visit is $100 to $150.

• Make the Most of the Job: Declutter first so the cleaning crew can tackle all areas of your home. Take this time to look at things like paint and woodwork to determine if it needs more help than a single cleaning.

3. Apply Some Paint

A fresh coat of paint can give new life to any room of your home, and the winter months are the perfect time to have this done. The low humidity in the air helps the paint dry more quickly, keeps odors down, and, therefore, helps to speed up the job. If a cleaning hasn’t saved the walls of your home, apply a few coat of paint to cover up the stains from last year.

• Cost: The cost to paint a living room is between $370 and $950 depending on how high your walls are and the type of paint being used.

• Make the Most of the Job: DIY this job to save.

While you’re at it, consider painting your old cabinets to dress them up at the same time and save even more.

4. Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

Nothing says you’re stuck in the past more than a popcorn ceiling. While popular 30 years ago, this textured ceiling now dates any room it’s in, lowering your home’s value and its aesthetics. Removing a popcorn ceiling is easy to do and can dramatically update the rooms of your home. Just make sure to have your ceiling first tested for asbestos before you begin to make sure it is removed safely.

• Cost: The average cost to remove a popcorn ceiling is around $700 to $1,500 including finishing.

• Make the Most of the Job: If you have a spray bottle, a putty knife, and some patience, you can remove the old popcorn yourself for less than $50.

5. Clean Your Ducts

During the winter months, your air ducts get a lot of work, pushing hot air through your home to warm it. Unfortunately, they could also be blowing dust, pollutants, and allergens through your home at the same time if your ductwork is dirty. Dirty ducts can also mean that your furnace is working harder, which could be raising your energy bills at the same time. Your ducts should also be cleaned right after any other home construction, as the dust has a tendency to collect there.

• Cost: The average cost of a duct cleaning is $300 to $500.

• Make the Most of the Job: Have your ducts inspected for leaks at the same time; leaky ducts can raise your energy bills by as much as 20 percent; having them fixed can lower your bills by the same amount.

6. Install Some Crown Molding

There’s nothing quite like crown molding to make any room in your home look polished and complete. So if you’ve been feeling as though your home needs a little style boost, consider installing some crown molding this winter. Interior projects like this are best done during the colder months when carpenters and handymen aren’t as busy outdoors, and, of course, when you’re spending more time indoors yourself where you can admire them.

• Cost: The average cost of installing crown molding is around $900 for professional installation.

• Make the Most of the Job: If you have access to the right tools, install the crown molding yourself to save. Paint your walls at the same time to give each room a whole new look.

7. Refinish Your Floors

Give your hardwood new life by having a stain applied to cover up old scuffs and stains from the previous years. Many new finishes don’t require sanding unless your floor is in very bad shape, so you can often get a whole new look in just a few days.

• Cost: The average cost to restain a hardwood floor is around $535.

• Make the Most of the Job: Look into durable, acrylic sealants with the stain that will hold up longer to the typical wear and tear of a hard wood floor, giving your floor lasting good looks.

Why Just Hire A Single Agent When You Can Hire An Entire Team?

Cell: 770-241-1335 Office: 678-461-8700 www.TeamAugello.com

www.harrynorman.com • 7855 North Point Parkway Suite 100 • Alpharetta, GA 30022

20 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com 20 | February 16, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

CALENDAR CALENDAR FREE AARP TAX HELP

GREEN EXPO

Learn more about incorporating environmentally responsible, sustainable practices and products into day-to-day life at this free family-friendly event, with demonstrations and a green market.

Now in its sixth annual year, the expo has educational showcases, a mascot dance off and puppet show. The expo will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Bill Johnson Community Building, 10495 Woodstock Road in Roswell. For more information, visit roswellgov. com.

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

EVENTS: JOHNS CREEK ARTS BOWLS FUNDRAISER

What: Enjoy a variety of chilies along with refreshments while supporting the Johns Creek Arts Center. Each ticket includes one handmade bowl out of over 300 choices, all created in their clay studio.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 3-6 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek Cost: Tickets are $20 at pre-order and $25 at the door More info: johnscreekarts.org

BACK IN THE SADDLE

What: See Back in the Saddle live and enjoy the sounds of their energetic Western music, including classic Cowboy songs, Western swing, movie theme songs and some original tunes.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Where: The Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: $20 More info: playhousecumming.com

THE JEWELS OF OUR LIVES GALA

What: Join Senior Services North Fulton supporters and community leaders in celebrating the lives of seniors in North Fulton and Senior Services North Fulton.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 6-11:30 p.m.

Where: Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek Cost: Fundraiser tickets start at $150 per person More info: ssnorthfulton.org

THE UNTOLD STORY OF ROSWELL

What: Listen as Roswell residents share their stories of growing up in Roswell’s black community.

When: Sunday, Feb. 19, 3-4:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Visitor’s Center, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

LAWN WORKSHOP

What: Join the “Honey, I Shrunk the Lawn” workshop to learn about how to make the most of a lawn, reduce maintenance, save money and water, and provide a healthier environment.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7-8 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: alpharetta. ga.us or 678-297-6200

ROSWELL POETRY SLAM

What: The Roswell Roots Festival will present “Slammin’ in the Suburbs,” a poetry slam featuring 15 local talents as they read off their own works. First place wins $1,000. To compete, sign up in person at the event.

When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., signin at 6 p.m.

Where: Roswell Historic Cottage, 972 Alpharetta St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

BEYOND MEASURE SCREENING

What: See a free screening of “Beyond Measure,” a documentary that focuses on the education crisis, the policies to blame for it and the possible solutions.

Registration is encouraged.

When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Centennial High School auditorium, 9310 Scott Road, Roswell More info and registration: bit. ly/2k8ljm2

FREE TAX PREP

What: Get free tax preparation assistance by trained volunteers.

See website for full list of documents to bring. Walk-ins welcome Fridays and Saturdays.

Appointments available.

When: Through April 17, times vary Where: NFCC Education Center, 1125 Elkins Road, Roswell More info and registration: nfcchelp.org or vita@nfcchelp.org

What: Trained helpers are offering free tax services in multiple AARP Tax-Aide centers throughout tax season.

When: Times vary Where: Multiple locations throughout Metro Atlanta More info and locations: aarp.org

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: VIBE PERFORMANCE COMPANY DANCE SHOWCASE

What: The showcase will feature dance styles ranging everywhere from jazz and hip hop to musical theater and tap. There will be over 50 dancers, ages 7-18, showing off their skills and choreographies.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: Milton Center, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta Tickets: $15 online and $20 in person More info and tickets: vibeperformancecompany.com

WEST AFRICAN RHYTHMS

What: The founders of DrumRise will demonstrate the drumming techniques they learned from Guinean master drummer Mamady Keita. After a brief lesson, stay and join in the drum circle.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

“HAVING OUR SAY”

What: See the story of the Delany sisters, both over 100-year-old descendants of slaves, as they recount their family history and careers in this play that celebrates history, women and men, African Americans and the human spirit.

When: Feb. 16-19 and 22-26, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: Tickets start at $21 More info and tickets: get.org

“REMEMBERING ANNE FRANK”

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: GREG FERGUSON What: “Bearing Witness” The Photography of Greg Ferguson will showcase Ferguson’s award-winning photography of the natural world.

When: Through March 31, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: gregferguson.us.com or 770594-6232

LIBRARY EVENTS: HANS ON

What: The Tell Tale Theater troupe will adapt Hans Christian Anderson tales into a theater production. Tales include: “The Flying Trunk,” “It’s Perfectly True,” “The Princess and the Pea” and “The Little Match Girl.”

When: Friday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-noon Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: afpls.org

POETRY WORKSHOP AND PRESENTATION

What: Three published poets will put on a presentation on how to improve writing skills, express yourself through poetry and appreciate the craft. There will also be an open mic after the workshop and critiques.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 10:15 a.m.12:15 p.m.

Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

STOCKS: THE NUTS AND BOLTS

What: Edward Jones Financial Advisor JT Eggensperger will present this one hour seminar that will cover the differences between common and preferred stock, stock dividends and different ways to own stock.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 10-11 a.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton More info: jt.eggensperger@ edwardjones.com or 770-754-5018

What: Two surviving friends of Anne Frank, Eva Schloss and Ed Silverberg, will recount their stories via video and through drama as actors portray them on stage. The show is friendly for young audiences.

When: Sunday, Feb. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $10 More info and tickets: get.org

YOUNG ARTISTS

“I, TOO, AM AMERICA”

What: Join the discussion for the 2017 Roswell Reads book “The Underdogs,”

by Melissa Fay Greene. The book explores the bond between dogs and children.

When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, noon-1 p.m.

Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: afpls.org

What: View original works at “I, Too, Am America,” a multimedia exhibition by local artists exploring the experience of being black in America.

When: Through March 3, time vary Where: Johns Creek Art Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org

What: Children ages 7 and up will learn the basic techniques of drawing and painting, as well as the elements of art and the principles of design.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

ROSWELL READS

THE GREAT DINO DIG

What: Learn about dinosaurs, what they ate, where they lived and how to find their bones today. Participants will conduct their own research to piece together the story of dinosaurs in this workshop.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 4-5 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

COLLEGE PREP 101

What: This workshop will provide information and tips on how students can sharpen their study skills for college and beyond. Learn how to become an active reader and effective note taker.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-4402

FOREIGN FILMS AT THE ALPHARETTA LIBRARY

What: This month’s foreign film is “Beyond Silence,” a PG-13 German movie that follows a girl who grows up as the daughter of deaf parents, though she is hearing herself.

When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-6735

PET ADOPTIONS: FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way, Forsyth County More info: 678-965-7185

FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd.

NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: FREE TAX PREP SERVICES

What: Get free tax assistance, counseling and preparation. No appointment is necessary. Bring all relevant tax forms, last year’s return, a photo ID, Social Security card and checkbook.

When: Through April 18, times vary Where: Gwinett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 700, Busbee Center, Lawrenceville More info: aarp.org

CALENDAR

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald Herald || February February 16, 16, 2017 2017 || 21 21

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA:

A hike with a view One of the great things about hiking in northern Georgia is the great views that many hikes provide. You’re hiking along in the woods when the trail tops a ridge or passes through a STEVE HUDSON saddle, and there Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net it is – a grand vista opening up in front of you, sometimes providing an unrestricted view for miles and miles, all the way to the point where the mountains fade away into the soothing blue haze.

Or at least that’s how it is in the winter when there are no leaves on the trees. Sure, it’s cold in the wintertime.

You have to bundle up to keep from freezing. But the views…

On the other hand, there’s spring.

During the warming months that are just around the corner, months when many folks like to hike, trees start to leaf out. The shade is welcome as spring turns to summer, but the downside is that all that new foliage does a dandy job of blocking the sightline. Sure, the weather’s warm and the hiking can be pleasant. But if you’re looking for views, you just might need to forget it. Leaves and views simply don’t mix.

So, cold-weather views and freezing temperatures vs. warm-weather non -views but comfortable hiking: which one’s a body to choose?

As it happens, there’s a third choice. For a little while in the early spring, and in the late fall too, we get to enjoy a few weeks of moderate temperatures and minimal leaf cover. In the spring that’s because the leaves aren’t out yet; in the fall, if you time it right, it’s because the leaves have fallen.

Right now, of course, we’re on the edge of spring. Up in the mountains the trees are ready, but for now the leafy explosion hasn’t yet occurred.

That means pleasant hiking – and good views too!

Last week, I set out to see if I could find one of those early-spring trailswith-a-view. I succeeded, too, on the Jack’s Knob Trail, a connector trail linking Brasstown Bald with the Appalachian Trail a few miles away.

Actually, my primary mission was to find the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. I’m finishing up a new book on the trout of the Chattahoochee, from the uppermost reaches of the river to the lowermost extent of the trout water, and I found myself in need of a few photos of the place where the

The Jack’s Knob Trail actually starts near the summit of Brasstown Bald, then goes down the side of Springer Mountain and crosses Georgia 180 on its way to the AT. river begins. Those who study such things have decided, apparently based on elevation, that the river’s origin is not too far from the Appalachian Trail at a place called Chattahoochee Spring. That was my goal.

But, wait a minute now. Depending on which authority I chose to believe, the trail I planned to hike was rated either “moderate” to “fairly strenuous.”

Was I, who had surely spent too many winter hours sitting at the keyboard instead of keeping up my hiking chops, up to it? Sure!

Did I reach my goal? Well…

My jumping off point was the parking area at the intersection of Georgia 180 and the 180 spur, which is the road up to the parking area at Brasstown Bald. The Jack’s Knob Trail actually starts near the summit of Brasstown Bald, then goes down the side of Springer Mountain and crosses Georgia 180 on its way to the AT. In the interest of time, and because I was on an urgent journalistic mission, I decided to cut the length of the hike in half to about 2.4 miles each way and start near the trail’s midpoint where it crosses Georgia 180. There’s a small parking area there near a large informational sign, and that’s where I parked the car.

The trail intersection is a few dozen yards to the left along 180 back toward Georgia 75 and Helen. Shouldering daypack and GPS, I set off up the trail.

The trail, while not wide, is clear and easy to follow and begins with a steady climb. But about the time I began to think “I hope the whole thing isn’t like this,” it moderated into a gently rolling path that continued for a while. I passed a number of spots where the view across the mountains was unobstructed, but I was on that mission and so did not stop to appreciate them.

The relatively easy grade of this part of the trail provided a chance to

catch my breath and to pick up the pace too. I was making good headway despite a late start.

And then … Just about the time I was really getting into the rhythm of things, and just about at the exact moment I was telling myself that maybe I really was God’s gift to hiking after all, the trail reminded me otherwise.

That reminder was gentle at first, a slight but noticeable uphill trend. But then I was climbing, sure enough, and I realized all of a sudden that those “uphills” were all the time.

Being known to some as “Steve of the Wilderness,” and not wanting to give up all the glory and fame that comes with a moniker like that, I had no choice but to push on. Besides, I knew from the cheerfully glowing screen of my GPS that the climb didn’t go on forever. Did it?

I can make it till it levels out! I can make it.

But the trail grew steeper, and the legs ached more. I can make it. I can make – “Or I can stop right here,” I told myself. “And enjoy this magnificently unobstructed-by-leaves view that has suddenly and miraculously appeared.”

And so that’s what I did.

I’m not really sure what that particular view was showing me, but it was spectacular. It went on and on and on, the mountains fading to blue in the distance. It was view that demanded to be appreciated, and appreciate it I did for quite some time, there in the total and soul-soothing silence that only wilderness can bring.

After a while I looked at my watch and decided that I’d really not left enough time to finish the hike I’d set out to make.

“I’ll just have to come back and do it next week,” I told myself, and I’ll tell you about it when I do.

Then I turned back the way I’d come. I’d come about halfway to my goal, so I had about a mile and a quarter of trail between me and the car. I knew it would be blessedly downhill most of the way.

Whether on a remote wilderness area trail or on a trail closer to home, now is a perfect time of year to enjoy hiking! Close to home, learn about the great trails in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Steve Hudson’s book “Hiking the Hooch.”

Check out “Hiking the Hooch” at local outfitters, on Amazon, or at www. chattahoocheemedia. com.

22 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Immigration law explained to local Muslims Muslim rights organization tells residents where they stand on 7-country travel ban

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of Council for American Islamic Relations – Georgia, makes it clear why last Saturday he chaired a “Know Your Rights” meeting at Hamizah Islamic Center in Milton.

CAIR is the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. Its main focus is combatting anti-Muslim discrimination. But CAIR is also engaged in interfaith dialogues, collaborating with law enforcement, lobby government officials and build coalitions with other civil rights organizations.

“The president’s executive orders on immigration are not about national safety. The executive orders are about keeping America racially, religiously and culturally monolithic,” Mitchell said. “Some of the people around the president have a problem with Muslims and other minorities.

“The executive order is a reflection of that. As a matter of principle we think it is wrong and that is why we are speaking out against it. We think it is wrong and motivated for unconstitutional reasons.”

Practically speaking, it has “wreaked havoc” on the local Muslim communities, and the Council of American-Islamic Relations is reaching out to them to explain what the travel bans on seven Muslim countries – Syria, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Yemen – means and how it may affect them or family members.

The executive order is in abeyance after a legal challenge has been upheld in court. But that can change if a new executive order, perhaps more carefully structured, is issued and is acceptable to the courts.

“Even people who are not directly affected by the ban have been thrown into chaos because they are not sure they can comfortably leave the country or not,” Mitchell said.

Anyone from the seven proscribed countries who has a green card, student visa or work visa – any status less than full citizenship – should not leave the United States at this time because the ban or one like it could strand them outside the country.

No ban against travel could apply to people with U.S. citizenship. Those

who have family members overseas who have status but are not citizens and wish to come back should do so now while the order is suspended, Mitchell said.

“Meanwhile, I think every mosque should continue interfaith dialogue with their neighbors, open the doors up and welcome to learn what Muslims are all about,” Mitchell said. “Education is going to be the best vaccine against this sort of education.”

At the Hamizah Islamic Center, Mitchell and two Muslim attorneys covered a number of topics regarding safety and security for residents and their families.

The panel recommended Muslims should introduce themselves to their non-Muslim neighbors.

“Let them know what Islam is about,” Mitchell said. “Don’t be afraid to be a Muslim. Get off the sidelines and vote. You are part of the system.

You have jobs and you pay taxes.”

Mitchell also recommended parents talk to their children about being bullied at public school – something every child will likely experience.

“We may win the battle but lose the war if our children are afraid to be Muslims,” he said.

Immigration attorney Hiba Ghalib told the residents gathered that in today’s climate, no one can afford to be ignorant of the law.

“We need to know our rights and responsibilities. We are Americans, and we must stand up for our rights and our neighbors’,” she said. “We must stand up for the Constitution. That’s why most of us are here.”

Ghalib spelled out the rights of travelers who are documented. These are especially hard times even for documented persons because of people fleeing so many wars while the United States is reducing the number of refugees it will allow by almost 50 percent.

Non-citizens who are registered resident aliens are given what is called a green card, which allows them to stay in the United States and to travel and return.

“If you have your green card, you cannot be prevented from returning, but you may be pressured to give up your status,” Ghalib said.

This happened to several green card holders who were taken off a plane and

HANS APPEN/HERALD

Attorney M. Khurram Baig addresses the audience on personal security. Looking on are fellow panelists Edward Ahmed Mitchell and attorney Hiba Ghalib.

pressured to sign away their status.

“Immigration authorities don’t have the authority to force you to give up your green card,” she told the audience.

“You should never voluntarily surrender you green card or give up your residency.”

She also warned that naturalized citizens were being stopped and questioned. But their rights cannot be abridged – nor can those with dual citizenship.

“They were trying to stop people coming back from the Caribbean to send to Syria.”

She also said there are reports of FBI agents canvassing immigrant neighborhoods doing “Community outreach.”

“The FBI doesn’t do community outreach. You should always be cooper-

ative but stand up for yourself and you can always ask for a lawyer,” Ghalib said.

Locally, Ghalib said safety is everyone’s duty. If a crime is in progress call the police.

“We are Muslim Americans and proud about positively contributing to our country. It is our duty to do so.”

M. Khurram Baig, also an attorney, spoke about taking steps for personal security. He said that begins with making yourself known to your neighbors.

“We cannot afford to be unknown.

We can’t hide. So know your neighbors.

They look out for your security more than you do yourself,” Baig said.

He said engagement in the community is expected and it increases security at the same time.

“They see a lot of reaction to Muslims on TV. But do they really know a Muslim? Your neighbors have to know you.”

Muslims must be security conscious all the time. He noted the Quebec assault on a mosque. It can happen anywhere, he said.

Baig said any discussion about security brings up firearms. He was not recommending anyone buy a gun for their home. He did say if someone makes that choice to be sure to get the training to learn how to use it safely.

What Baig did recommend was personal defense classes. This is especially true for Muslim women. They are easily singled out because of their dress.

Everyone should have a fire evacuation plan for their home. When the house is on fire is no time to make a plan, he said.

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 23

Local wrestlers compete in GHSA state championships Five capture individual state championships

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MACON, Ga. — Wrestlers from 14 North Fulton/Forsyth County schools competed in the GHSA Traditional State Championships last weekend at the Macon Coliseum. In all, 29 wrestlers placed in the top-six in their respective weight classes and five captured state championship titles.

Cambridge captured two state titles in the 145 and 160 weight classes.

Cambridge freshman Gavin Kane began his high school career with an undefeated (14-0) year, capped off with a state championship in AAAAAA for the 145 weight class. Also from Cambridge, Will Britain ended his high school career going 56-0 and capturing his fourth straight state championship.

Britain defeated South Paulding’s Jake

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 expired tag. ►► Kevin Barry McNiff, 56, of Gilbert, Arizona, was arrested Jan. 24 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and failure to yield. ►► Baster Emmanuel Alavaz-Magana, 36, of Worthington Hills Manor, Roswell, was arrested Feb. 5 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI, following too close, no license and hit and run. ►► Homer Lee Walker, 56, of Blackheath Trace, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 30 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Robert Salassi Jr., 46, of Cold Creek Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 31 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Antonino Allegra, 63, of Savanna Estates Court, Canton, was arrested Feb. 4 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane, speeding and signals required. ►► Raquel Felice Edwards, 29, of Hunters Club Lane, Norcross, was arrested Feb. 5 on Rucker Road in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and impeding traffic. ►► Beau Andrew Yancy, 28, of Harbor

McTyre in a 12-5 decision.

Nick Markus of Alpharetta won a 3-1 decision in the 220 state championship match to improve to 29-2 at Alpharetta.

Also in Class AAAAAA, Chattahoochee’s Ethan Phillips finished his high school career with a 44-2 overall record and captured the state championship in the 138 weight class.

Blessed Trinity sophomore Vincent Baker captured the AAAA state championship by fall in the 138 weight class.

Baker is 49-4 in his high school career.

North Forsyth sent 11 wrestlers to the state championships and finished with the highest team score of all local schools, placing fifth in Class AAAAAAA with 100 points. Blessed Trinity placed 11th in Class AAAA and Chattahoochee has the highest team score in AAAAAA, placing 11th with 68 points.

Though Mt. Pisgah placed just one wrestler in the top-six of any weight class, Pisgah finished 16th in team scores in Class-A.

TWITTER

Landing, Roswell, was arrested Jan. 31 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and open container. ►► Eric Scott George, 31, of Warbler Way, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 5 on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain lane.

DRUG arrests ►► Robert Lee McLeod, 36, of Due

West Drive, Dallas, was arrested Jan. 30 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► Ryan Lee Stuhler, 27, of Mill Creek Avenue, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 1 on North Point Drive in Alpharetta for possession of a schedule I controlled substance and possession of drug-related items. ►► Charelle Monique Hagler, 34, of Mid Broadwell Road, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 1 on Alpharetta Highway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, open container and suspended license. ►► Tashana Aliyah Peace, 32, of Treeridge Parkway, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 1 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► William M. Becker, 35, of Gables Lane, Atlanta, was arrested Feb. 1 on Davis Drive in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related items.

Cambridge’s Will Britain captured the state championship in the 160 weight class of Class AAAAAA. Britain ended his high school career undefeated (56-0).

Top placers at GHSA wrestling state championships Wrestler

School

Place

Weight (Class)

Karlos Nadal Joseph Metz Noah Kile Vincent Baker Jack Filipowicz Keegan Connolly Grant Harney Ethan Phillips Gavin Kane Will Britain Daniel Gladwell Matthew Maruszak Nick Markus Noah Latzch AJ Riner Abraham Perez Paul Watkins Sam Ranta Jackson Baraff Charlie Ranta Cole Tenety Daniel Morin Conner Carroll Andy Leggett Eric Kohlins Brantley Little Connor Cross Sebastian Legarra Hunter Jolly

Mt. Pisgah Pinecrest Blessed Trinity Blessed Trinity Blessed Trinity Chattahoochee Centennial Chattahoochee Cambridge Cambridge Chattahoochee Johns Creek Alpharetta Chattahoochee South Forsyth Forsyth Central North Forsyth South Forsyth South Forsyth South Forsyth North Forsyth Lambert North Forsyth North Forsyth Lambert North Forsyth North Forsyth Forsyth Central West Forsyth

2nd 5th 4th 1st 6th 4th 3rd 1st 1st 1st 6th 5th 1st 4th 3rd 5th 2nd 4th 6th 5th 6th 5th 5th 3rd 2nd 4th 3rd 6th 3rd

113 120 138 152 182 120 126 138 145 160 182 195 220 285 106 113 120 126 132 138 138 145 160 170 182 182 195 220 285

(1-A) (1-A) (AAAA) (AAAA) (AAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA) (AAAAAAA)

COMMUNITY

LOCAL EXPERT

24 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

Roswell honors marriage with Marriage Week

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com

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ROSWELL, Ga. — For the seventh year in a row, the City of Roswell has declared Feb. 7-14 Marriage Week and Feb. 14 as World Marriage Day. The week encourages married couples to intentionally strengthen their marriages, especially as daily stresses can threaten to dissolve those bonds.

The week is for all married couples, including same-sex, in an effort to help and strengthen all marriages.

“Marriage is one of the most vital institutions in our society and can be the bedrock for stable and loving families,” Mayor Jere Wood said in the Feb. 7 proclamation. “Marriage promotes commitment and relationships based upon mutual respect. The stability of such a bond provides benefits to spouses as well as children, by leading them to live longer, healthier and more satisfying lives.”

Marriage Week was once again spearheaded by the Rev. Neville Billy and his wife Donnella Billy, both marriage coaches and cofounders of the nonprofit Our Marriage Matters. They have been married for 35 years.

“As marriage and life coaches, we were called in to help with breakdowns in families. And it turned out that in some cases, it was already too late.

The damage was already done,” Neville said. “So we looked at how we could be proactive. You don’t need to have a flat tire to have a spare tire. In other words: don’t wait for the problem when you can have an answer before the problem.”

To help, Neville and Donnella remind couples to think about “Marriage S.T.R.O.N.G,” or Sensitivity, Tolerance, Romance, Optimism, Nice and Grace.

Spouses need to make an active effort to tend to each other’s needs, even during the bad times, and practice forgiveness. Too much neglect in these areas can unfortunately test or completely break the bond.

“We think love is great, but love is not the only component when it comes

SHARE northfulton.com

From left, Donnella Billy, Mayor Jere Wood and the Rev. Neville Billy hold the proclamations declaring Feb. 7-14 as Marriage Week in Roswell. to marriage and making it last. Love is just a feeling, and is not always enough,” Neville said. “You have to be intentional about making things work.”

Our Marriage Matters offers free tips and information to strengthen relationships on their website, ourmarriagematters.org.

YOUR NEWS! YOUR PHOTOS!

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 25

Alpharetta YMCA names new chairman Ollie Wagner will take over for 2 years

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Growing up, Ollie Wagner and his family could often be found at the neighborhood YMCA. His family enjoys going to the gym so much, his parents’ first date was at a YMCA dance.

“I hung out at the Y pretty much every day after school and a good part of my summers,” Wagner said. “I learned to swim there, play pool and ping-pong, my mom taught ballet and my dad and I played in basketball leagues. It was always a great part of my life.”

But while previously working as the pastor at a small church, he was unable to pay for a membership and had to put his involvement with the Y on hold.

“I couldn’t afford it and didn’t have money to join a gym,” he said.

However after becoming the pastor at the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, he was able to rejoin.

“Because it’s a bigger church and I make a little more money. I thought, ‘hey, we can now afford to join the

Ollie Wagner, new board chair with JoAnn Shephard, past chair YMCA,” Wagner said. “I toured the facility and thought it was the most beautiful gym I’d ever seen. I said, ‘if it works out with the church, we could find a house and the kids would have good schools and we could join the Y again.’”

So he joined and eventually became involved beyond just working out. He recently was named Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Ed Isakson/ Alpharetta YMCA for the next two years. But he never forgot the time he couldn’t afford a membership. He was leaving the Alpharetta location one day and learned about the YMCA Campaign which funds scholarships for gym members and children for camps.

“That opened a whole new world to me,” Wagner said. “What I realized is the YMCA is not your typical gym. It’s a non-profit with a mission of serving the community. That means, in part, turning no one away because they can’t afford to pay.”

Now, he said he’s happy to give his money and time to help the YMCA, especially since one in five people who participate in the Y, from summer camps to school programs, needs some financial assistance. Two thirds of the scholarship money helps children.

“I am on board,” he said. “I am a believer. I’m glad we can afford as a family to participate and that I am able to give financially back because you know it’s helping others. You don’t know who is on scholarship. It’s just one family.”

That opened his eyes to see the Y does more than sponsor dances, run swim lessons and basketball camps. He even visits Ys, and he soon realized the Y’s mission is nationwide and worldwide.

“It’s a mission for building stronger communities, helping academic preparedness for children, helping teen leadership develop and help form healthy lifestyles,” Wagner said. “It’s for all ages, special needs, foster care and all others. I’m one of those people

By the numbers • 18 branches of metro Atlanta YMCA • 150 YMCAs in metro Atlanta area • Started programming in 1984 at Alpharetta campus • Alpharetta building opened in 1995 who would say, ‘I had no idea the Y did so much good for so many people in so many ways.’”

And he will remember all of this while doing his job as chairman representing the Y. “Our job is to be cheerleaders and supporters of what the Y is doing,” Wagner said. “We can suggest ways to strengthen and enhance the mission while supporting the staff. We are trying to be part of the fabric of the community.”

For Wagner, his position is an opportunity to give back to an organization that has greatly blessed and enriched his life.

“I know it’s done the same for the people I’ve seen participate,” Wagner said. “I want to help in whatever way I can to further and strengthen the Y’s mission. I am honored to try and help out and provide whatever leadership service I can.”

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26 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Alpharetta City Band selects new conductor Nicole Fallin to succeed late director

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. - The Alpharetta City Band has named Nicole Fallin, a former middle school, high school and college music instructor, as its new conductor.

Fallin, a U.S. Army veteran, performed in the 3rd Infantry Division Band in Würzburg, Germany, the 9th Infantry Division Band in Fairbanks, Alaska, and was first sergeant and enlisted band leader of the Fort Gordon Army Band in Augusta. At the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, she was a trumpet instructor and brass branch supervisor.

She succeeds Bill Haynes, who died recently. He had led the band for 17 years.

Don Nahser, the band’s founder and program supervisor, said the search for a new director was conducted by soliciting suggestions from band members.

“We did we set up sort of an audition,” he said. “We had three who had indicated they were willing to do it and

who came highly recommended.”

Each applicant was set it up with the same music, about eight pieces.

“We set it up so that they go through most of it in a single rehearsal,” Nahser FALLIN said. “It was a variety of different types of music so, we could see how they react to different genres.

“They all fared quite well in the auditions. It just got down to who was first choice with the people involved in the selection process.”

It was a tough choice, he said.

“Frankly, I was kind of embarrassed because they were all so highly qualified I knew it was going to be a tough decision to make,” he said.

“But, the majority opinion was she was the one who seemed to work best into the needs of the band.”

Credential-wise, she possesses a doctorate from the University of Georgia. All three candidates had at least a master’s degree, and all were experienced band directors.

One of the key characteristics had nothing to do with academics.

The committee was looking for someone with the kind of patience Haynes displayed during his tenure, his ability to get the best out of each performer, regardless of their experience, Nahser said.

“It was a requirement that they have patience,” he said. “This is an amateur group, but there are a lot of people in it who are professional musicians and we go down to high school students. We have members who started playing with the band after not having played for 20 years.”

Nahser said band members appreciated Haynes’ leadership skills and her ability to adapt to each musician’s skill set.

“She had perfect pitch,” he said. “If something didn’t sound right with our instrumentation, she could suggest minor changes in the arrangement to make it fit us. She had a phenomenal memory for music.

“Sometimes we had a piece of music where we couldn’t find the score. She made a third clarinet part and conduct the rehearsal from that. She just knew so much music and so much about music that she could handle any situation.”

Nahser said all of these traits bub-

If you go What: Alpharetta City Band Conductor Nicole Fallin will make her debut during the band’s annual Friends and Family Concert.

Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1015 Old Roswell Road, Roswell Cost: Free This year’s concert will be dedicated to the memory of Bill Haynes. The public is invited to attend the free performance.

Rehearsals are held on most Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Crabapple Government Center, at 2624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta, Ga. bled in the background. They all these leads Nahser to think Fallin will be a worthy successor.

To learn more about the Alpharetta City Band or attend a rehearsal, contact Don Nahser at donnahser@aol. com, or visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AlpharettaCityBand.

OPINION

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 27

A look to the past could open a lot of hearts This year marks the 100-year anniversary that my great grandfather first set foot on American soil. With World War I looming, he looked to escape Germany HANS APPEN and build a life General Manager for himself in the hans@appenmediagroup.com United States. At 18-years-old he left his brothers and his parents and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in search of the American dream.

By the time he reached the port of New Orleans, America had entered the war against Germany, and he was arrested under suspicion of being an enemy alien. The United States was not allowing the entry of any Germans at the time.

He was subsequently held in internment camps in the Southeast for some time, but was eventually released to his aunt in Boston. He then worked and went to night school at Lowell Institute (MIT), where he would earn his degree in engineering. Later in life he would build great Victory ships for the Navy and helped build the facility in Oakridge, Tenn., where the atomic bombs that ended World War II were built.

As a country, we did everything we could not to let him in. We put him in prison and held him in internment camps. We held him without cause and violated his human rights.

Yet years later, he would help end World War II. The irony of the timing and his 100-year anniversary in Amer-

Parking: Continued from Page 6 engineer with Pond consulting, with questions about the new proposal.

Some questioned the total return of parking spaces – particularly at the Roswell Street site – for the money.

They pointed out the site already has 88 spaces, and spending millions to add another 80, does not sound reasonable.

But the mayor argued the Roswell Street site will offer more than the simple number of stalls because parking will be limited to three hours. This, he said, will allow for greater usage and provide downtown businesses with a fluid customer base.

Belle Isle also said the time limits at the metered deck could be relaxed during major downtown festivals.

I simply cannot imagine the pain I would feel if my minister felt the need to gather his congregation in our sanctuary to talk about creating a security committee to protect the people coming to worship there.

ica is not lost on me.

He died in 1984, and four years later, his first great grandson was born and named in his honor and memory, Hans.

Fast-forward to two weeks ago, Appen Media Group launched Blackbox, the investigative journalism arm of the media company. And while we are not immigrants trying to start a new life in America like so many others today, or like my great grandfather so many years ago, we, in our own way, are striving to do our part to contribute to the ongoing story that is America. That is our heritage, that defines our values, and that is our future.

On the other hand, he said, the Milton Avenue deck will impose no time limits on parking.

Williams added that plans call for 19 parking spaces on the street along Milton Avenue in front of the deck.

Whatever the decision Monday, Alpharetta is on the verge of a major construction onslaught in its downtown area.

Work is set to begin by the middle of March on the next phase of City Center which will close down much of the street parking near the City Hall complex for close to a year. Park Plaza, which runs in front of the library and City Hall, will remain open and provide the only access to the existing parking deck on the east side of Main.

Though most residents seemed satisfied with the new plan, one longtime businessman and downtown property owner was not so impressed. Jim Parsons said the city needs to recog-

I wrote a column detailing the structure and goals for Blackbox that you can read here: tinyurl.com/jegydf9.

This week, we publish its first work – a story detailing pay discrimination allegations at an Alpharetta company involving 185 female employees. You can read it on page 8.

We are now working on several other projects, but one that has captured our attention recently involves local families affected by the President’s travel ban.

Executive Editor Hatcher Hurd interviewed Imam Asad Khan at the Islamic Center of North Fulton and told him about what we are working on. He invited Hatcher and me to join him at a meeting at the Hamzah Islamic Center in Milton this Saturday where the organization CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) would be putting on a seminar for local Muslims on what the travel ban meant for the members of their mosques and what they needed to know about their rights as Americans.

Hatcher’s story about the event can be found on page 22.

I was one of two white men in the room, and the subject matter that they were discussing – that they had to discuss – gave me chills.

In the event that a parent or a grandparent overseas needs your assistance what should you do?

Nothing. Stay here.

How long is this going to last?

We don’t know. Definitely weeks.

Maybe months or even years.

If I am questioned by the FBI what should I say?

Tell them the truth, but call a lawyer if your rights are being infringed.

One thing in particular struck a

nerve with me. CAIR’s Executive Director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, wanted to make sure that the leaders of every mosque present were organizing “security committees” to make sure that their members could pray and attend services safely. My church has committees too; like communications, congregational care and finance. But we don’t have a committee to make sure our church grounds are safe and that our kids can play outside.

We don’t have to.

I simply cannot imagine the pain I would feel if my minister felt the need to gather his congregation in our sanctuary to talk about creating a security committee to protect the people coming to worship there.

Can you imagine your minister having that conversation with your congregation? In your sanctuary?

The last speaker, immigration attorney Hiba Ghalib of Kuck Immigration Partners, spoke about fears and emotions.

She spoke about the fact that while emotions are high it is important to educate your neighbors and your coworkers on the truth about Islam.

That while you may feel hate, you should show love. That while you may be shown confusion, you should show understanding and offer answers.

During what must be one of the most trying times for the Muslim community in America they are teaching their own to love thy neighbor.

A century ago, my great grandfather, and all of our ancestors, faced challenges like our Muslim community does today. I am glad he stayed the course.

Our country is better off for it.

nize the need for parking before major growth occurs. While the number of retail and restaurants in downtown has tripled over the past six years, he

said, the amount of parking has hardly moved.

“We’re squeezing retail really hard,” Parsons said. “It’s not enough.”

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SCHOOLS

28 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

HATponics CEO Ryan Cox shows students some of the fish that will help them learn

Andrew Young visits River Eves Elementary Ambassador praises new aquaponics lab

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — River Eves Elementary School’s newest addition, an aquaponics lab, is already creating waves.

The school announced its debut aquaponics lab Friday, Feb. 10 with a special visit by former Atlanta Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young.

The lab, which combines raising aquatic animals and cultivating plants in water, aims to teach students practical applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a hands-on approach. The system uses fish waste to supply nutrients to plants, which in turn purifies the water for the fish. It is a full river system here that duplicates the Chattahoochee River.

“How do we make these real-world problems into something that kids can understand and learn from instead of just showing them in a book?” said Ryan Cox, the CEO of HATponics and creator of the lab. “If we can avoid

using the book, and let them get hands on it, then maybe these kids will be the ones to come up with solutions for the world that they can sink their teeth into here.”

The setup contains multiple reservoirs to simulate the different portions and ecosystems in the river. Water levels in some of the reservoirs can be controlled to simulate how drought or overflow conditions can affect the animals and environment.

“They’ll be doing arboriculture, studying flora and fauna, and vertical farming,” Cox said. “We wanted to integrate all of those pieces into a single lifecycle, so instead of studying them individually, the students can get the full picture.”

It took HATponics, the company that designed and engineered the lab, two weeks to install. It has 9-10 thousand gallons of recirculating water in motion at all times and houses 60-75 pounds of wildlife native to the Chattahoochee, including blue channel catfish, largemouth bass, fathead minnows, crawdads and red-eared sliders.

The water system is also used to cultivate plants that can be used as

SCHOOLS

about aquaculture. food. In the process, students will learn the basics of how to grow their own food and how to pass their skills on to others.

“Where we’re standing currently will be a makerspace for these students to build and make the system we have with aquaponics even better,” Cox said.

“They can impact not only the environment here, but food supplies. They’re going to change the world.”

According to Young, aquaponics can provide a low-cost, low-water use and low-waste producing solution for world hunger.

“We know that the way we produce food now is not adequate. And we’re going to have to find a way to produce food more quickly and more inexpensively, especially with less water,” Young said. “This set up will provide not only fish, but greenery – high-quality vegetables and fruits.”

The River Eves lab is one of a kind in the nation, according to Cox. “This is really special to me, because the first bill I passed in Congress was to create a Chattahoochee River national park, never thinking that it would have this kind of impact,” Young said. “Instead of just being a nice place for people to have a picnic, it has become the basis for people to have an education for the schools in our area preparing them to be leaders of the future.

“When I went to school, every day when I went to class, somebody would say to us, ‘be prepared – one day you

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 29

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

Andrew Young holds one of the many fish living in the newly built River Eves aquaponics lab. might run with world,’” Young said.

“They will be prepared, these fourth and fifth-graders. I guarantee you that they will be prepared.”

30 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Blessed Trinity baseball seeking success in new classification Titans played in three straight 3A state championships

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

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ROSWELL, Ga. — Blessed Trinity has been no stranger to success in Class AAA. The Titans captured three state championships, five region championships and have made the playoffs every year, advancing to the quarterfinals eight times in 12 seasons. In that span, the Titans have had 49 players go on to play at the collegiate or professional level.

It’s been a quite a run in Class AAA, but that run came to an end after last year with the GHSA’s reclassification of schools. The Titans, one of the most successful programs in the state since its inaugural season in 2001, now makes the leap to Class AAAA and will play in a new region that goes along with the rise in classification.

Titans head coach Andy Harlin, in his 16th season with the program, said the new classification and region is certainly a transition, but the three-time state champions will concentrate on competition — not changes.

“We are more geared toward the game versus how big the school is,” Harlin said.

“Georgia has good teams in all classifications. There are a lot of good teams and big-time players peppered throughout the state. There is definitely a high concentration in AAAA, so [the new classification] is definitely going to be a challenge but we are looking forward to it.”

BT’s new region includes three teams — West Hall, Chestatee and White County — that the Titans will be facing for the first time this season. The final team in the region, Marist, has won 12 state championships, most recently back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011, and has won over 20 games in seven of the last nine seasons.

“We have played Marist before, and we know what a great program they have,” Harlin said. “Their head coach Mike Strickland and I go way back, and we know he is going to have his kids prepared. He is a phenomenal coach.”

In their new region and new class, BT will be seeking its sixth straight region championship and fourth straight appearance in the state championship series.

Much of BT’s success the past few seasons has come thanks to its defense and pitching, which Harlin calls the “blood and guts” of baseball. In the past two seasons, the Titans have given up an average of just one run per game in 72 games.

“Our pitching coach, Jamie Wagner, does a great job and our assistant coaches do a great job preparing our guys defensively,” Harlin said. “Everyone loves the hitting side of the game, and we do that too, but we know how important the defensive side is.”

A sizeable chunk of last year’s defensive standouts were lost to graduation, including pitchers John Michael Bertrand and Hayden Lehman, as well as fielders Colin Dore, Conor Davis, Jake Bogosian and Garrett Dupuis.

“They were a dedicated group,” Harlin said. “A lot of those guys were on a couple of state championships and had been through the battles. They definitely left a pretty impressive legacy behind them.”

Harlin said with their absence he will look to this season’s senior class, which includes pitcher Peyton Glavine, outfielder Colin Davis, and infielders David Dunn and Jake Lundkovsky among others.

Blessed Trinity senior David Dunn.

JOE PARKER/HERALD

This year’s senior class will have high expectations. In their time with BT, they have gone to the state championship finals every year.

“These guys have been in the trenches in the big battles,” Harlin said. “They have seen the classes before them and they know what it takes. They have gone from being the young guys to experienced veterans and we look to them to lead us.”

Harlin said many positions, including his pitching rotation, have many great candidates. He says the final lineup will be settled on the field during non-region play.

The Titans streak of 49 straight wins, dating back to the 2015 season, ended last year, as did its run of consecutive state championships when the Titans were beaten late by Westminster in both losses in the state championship series.

Harlin said though he is aware it’s a cliché, the Titans will focus one game at a time this year.

“We don’t have any kind of record in sight or a goal to win a certain number of games. We can’t control all that stuff. You can do everything right and lose. We just want to compete. It’s a grind, and if you are looking too far ahead the concentration isn’t there, and it’s a very mental game.”

Blessed Trinity begins its season this Thursday against Cambridge.

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 31

Trials, tribulations and a championship: Milton boys win region title over Lambert, 81-70

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Within Milton’s gym, a 15-foot high quote from OG Mandino towers over the court, stating, “I will persist until I succeed.”

In a season full of challenges, crucial loses and changes for the Milton Eagles, the team seemed to take the quote to heart.

This season saw Milton lose eight of its first 12 games, have its head coach step down midseason all while the team tried to find its identity all year.

Through it all, the Eagles still captured a region championship.

Milton beat Lambert, previously 11-0 against Region 5-AAAAAAA opponents, 81-70 last Friday at home to capture its first region championship since 2008.

Lambert had swept the regular season series between the teams, but with the region title at stake and Milton playing on its home court, the Eagles played aggressive all night to earn the win.

“The kids have been through adversity but I told them wins cure a lot of ills,” said Milton head coach Sean Revels, who took over for Matt Kramer in January. “We were on a four-game win streak and I knew the momentum was good and I knew this is where they wanted to be and they worked hard to get here.”

“This is the biggest win of the year for us,” Revels said. “We told them we wanted to win the region championship but we have to beat the best team, and they did that tonight.”

In the last meeting between the teams on Jan. 27, Lambert’s 3-point shooting was crucial to the Longhorns’ 95-86 win.

Revels said his team entered the region championship game with a plan to attack the rim and keeping Lambert from shooting threes.

“They are a three-point shooting team and they spread the ball out. We knew that if we kept them from shooting threes we knew they couldn’t beat us matching two point shots,” Revels said.

“The ball was real fluid for our offense and we attacked. I told the guys I don’t care how many deuces we miss, we have to attack the rim. Alex O’Con-

nell got us going.”

O’Connell earned a double-double for the Eagles, scoring 16 with 11 rebounds. He was named the region Player of the Year after the game.

Milton freshman Christian Wright had a remarkable game for the Eagles, scoring 21 points with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.

“Christian Wright was just special. He is a special freshman voted all-region by the coaches and that was because of his performance tonight,” Revels said.

Sophomore Donaven Hairston scored 19 points with two steals and a block.

Lambert was led in scoring by junior Austin Deckard who put up 17 points.

Fellow juniors Jordan McIlwain scored 15 and Damon Stoudamire scored 13.

Milton’s plan of attacking the rim resulted in the Eagles opening a 30-20 lead in the second quarter. Lambert fought back multiple times but would ultimately never lead the game.

Milton led by seven with two minutes remaining when Lambert began to foul. Wright, O’Connell and Hairston all stepped to the free-throw line and kept Lambert at bay by netting free throws.

Revels said he believes the momentum of the region championship win will carry on to the state tournament.

Milton will face Brookwood in the opening round this Saturday.

In losing the region title game, Lambert will enter the state tournament as the No. 2 seed and faces Parkview in the first round.

South Forsyth took down West Forsyth in the consolation game. South will face Berkmar and West will go on the road against Norcross to open the state tournament this weekend.

JOE PARKER/HERALD

Milton captured its first region championship since 2008 with an 81-70 win over Lambert in the Region 5-AAAAAAA championship game last Friday.

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32 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Top-seeded Alpharetta upset in the semifinals Raiders go on to beat Cambridge for No. 3 seed in state tourney

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Alpharetta certainly didn’t want to be in the third-place game at the Region 7-AAAAAA tournament. The Raiders entered the tournament with the No. 1 seed and had gone 15-1 against region opponents in the regular season. However, the Raiders were upset by Dunwoody, 70-59, last Friday in the tournament semifinals and were forced to settle for the consolation game against Cambridge.

Cambridge no doubt would have rather been playing in the region title game, but a loss to Pope in the semifinals ended those hopes. However, the Bears were still pleased to be playing in the consolation game, because with it came an automatic bid to the state tournament, Cambridge’s first-ever state tourney berth.

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Last Saturday the two teams met to decide which would claim the No. 3 seed from the region with a win. In the consolation game, Alpharetta beat Cambridge for the third time this season, winning 69-52.

Alpharetta was led by a standout performance from sophomore Brandon Barron who scored 18, gathered seven rebounds and had five assists and three steals. The Raiders’ Ryan Jenai led in scoring with 20 points, shooting 7-9 from the free-throw line. Jaycee Horn added 11 points.

Cambridge sophomore guard Kamar Robertson led the Bears with 14 points and nine rebounds. David Banks scored 12 points with seven rebounds.

After a back-and-forth first quarter, Alpharetta began to pull away and steadily increased its lead throughout the game to take the eventual 17-point victory.

With the win, Alpharetta earned the No. 3 seed for the state tournament and will face Tri-Cities on the road in the first round. Cambridge will make its first appearance in a state tournament game against Region 5-AAAAAA champions South Paulding (26-1).

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JOE PARKER/HERALD

Alpharetta’s Marcus Hill defends in Alpharetta’s 69-52 win over Cambridge in the Region 7-AAAAAA consolation game.

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COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 33

Friends of Alpharetta Library marks 25th anniversary Library volunteers make sure library has ‘extras’

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Friends of the Library, a loose organization of volunteers who love their particular AtlantaFulton County Library, work tirelessly to provide extra programs, materials and sponsor special programs at their libraries.

Don’t we all get by better with a little help from our friends?

That is certainly the case with the Friends of the Alpharetta Library, which as near as anyone can tell was the first Friends group in the area.

Now the Alpharetta Friends is celebrating its 25th year helping the city’s library by raising funds for new books and sponsoring special programs.

These friends are also among the most vocal supporters of their library and the AFPL system.

Ben and Linda Statham have been Friends volunteers from the beginning when Library Manager Leona Bolch and Mary Satterfield ran it out of City Hall.

Ladye Heisel was the children’s librarian, and she had the idea of starting a used-book sale as a fundraiser.

She had gone to Milton High School with Ben Statham. She had an idea, and she knew a soft-touch when she saw one. It turned out to be a two-fer when she recruited Ben and Linda.

“She said we needed to raise some money so she could offer more children’s programs,” Linda Statham said.

“Today, many Fulton libraries have a Friends of the Library group.”

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Ben Statham is a fixture at the monthly Friends book sales. He keeps the books straight and is always there for set-up and tear-down.

Indeed, nearly every North Fulton library has a dedicated Friends group that works diligently to supplement their library’s budget with everything from new books and materials to programming and new furniture.

Alpharetta’s first library opened in 1966 housed in the former City Hall building. Those were the bad old days.

It was cramped and small, but at least it was a library.

Then in early 1986, renovations to City Hall forced the branch to move to a downtown commercial building. But that was only while awaiting construction of a new 10,000-square-foot building funded by a bond approved by voters and a generous donation from Louie and Gertrude Jones.

That library built at the corner of Mayfield Road and Canton Street opened in the fall of 1989.

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Alpharetta Girl Scouts from Troop 14489 piggyback on the book sale to sell homemade cookies and brownies. Yum!

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Friends of the Alpharetta Library are planning a yearlong celebration marking their 25th anniversary. Linda Statham, left, and Barbara Selwyn hold up a commemorative book bag. The bag is free if you buy enough books to fill it (otherwise $2).

Its “modern” architecture had local folks scratching their heads. It was starkly out of place in one of Alpharetta’s oldest neighborhoods, but at least it was Alpharetta’s own and they warmed up to it. (Today it awaits a new birth as an arts center for the city.)

By the early 1990s, all the North Fulton area was exploding with growth.

“And the librarians were extremely busy trying to meet the needs of the community,” said Linda Statham.

“Ladye Heisel asked Mary Anderson and my husband, Ben Statham, if they would be interested in reviving the existence of a former Friends group.”

And so it was in 1991 Anderson became president with Tony Pennock and Ben Statham the book sale chairmen. Linda Statham was the secretary/ treasurer, and Charlotte Richter was the volunteer coordinator.

Somewhere in the mid ’90s, the Friends, under the leadership of Richter, Larry Curry and Pam Caird, became a non-profit 501©3 organization.

Becky Garrett stepped up as head of publicity with Jeannie Lewis as membership chairman.

“We started with one book sale a year. Then we started having a sale two times a year. But so many books were being donated for the sales and storage was a problem.”

It was Friends member Barbara Mitchell who realized too many books was not the problem.

She told Ben Statham, “We need monthly sales to meet the needs of the reading community.”

Ben has been trucking in hundreds of books monthly ever since to sell at

the Friends of the Library used book sale.

He lays them in ordered rows stacked on tables every month, then packs up the unsold ones until next month. He has racked up so many volunteer hours; the annual Fulton Volunteer of the Year award should be renamed “The Ben Statham Volunteer Award.”

Ten years ago, Kathleen Smith saw a way to increase the yield from the book sales. Some of the books that were being donated were collectible.

She told Ben, “We need to start selling some of these expensive books that aren’t selling at our monthly book sale on the internet.”

So Smith started listing books online along with the help of Iain Caird, Jo Davisson, Bill Ohlemueller, Gerrie Fornek and others.

The Alpharetta Friends continues to have these monthly book sales, and the online sales raise money for many projects: Children and young adult programs, Adult programs, Scholarships, Supplies for the Books for Soldier’s program Donations to other non-profits and local schools “Along with the book sales and the online sales, Gerrie Fornek, Barbara Selwyn, along with their energetic volunteers, have opened a very successful [used] book store inside our new library which opened in July of 2015,” Linda Statham said. The book store is now open seven days a week staffed by volunteers.

34 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald

ROSWELL ROOTS FESTIVAL:

SCENE & HURD

GET’s ‘Having Our Say’ raises human spirit high Daughters of slaves, sisters recall remarkable 100 years together

HATCHER HURD

Scene & Hurd hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

ROSWELL, Ga. – Georgia Ensemble Theatre is teaming with the Roswell Roots Festival to bring to the stage “Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters First 100 Years,” the story of two centenarian sisters who reveal their remarkable views on life,

race and gender.

GET Artistic Director Robert Farley says the play, which operates on several levels at once, is remarkable because the Delany sisters were real people and the play is told in their words. “‘Having Our Say’ praises the human spirit and the enlightening lives of two truly American heroes that people of all ages will appreciate,” Farley said.

The sisters, 103-year-old Sadie and 101-year-old Bessie, were the daughters of slaves. They rose to prominence in their communities and are considered pioneers in the civil rights movement.

Their story first saw light as a feature interview by Amy Hill Hearth in the New York Times. Hearth then expanded it into the book “Having Our Say,” which was on the NYT’s Best Seller List for 105 weeks.

It was turned into a successful Broadway play, and now it has come to Georgia Ensemble Theatre.

Actor/director Andrea Frye is directing the show. She sat down for an interview about the production and her delight to be part of it.

“Bob Farley and I go back 20 years.

I was so pleased he asked me to direct this play,” she said.

“What drew me to it was it is so contemporary still today – like all good works the story has appeal today,” Frye said.

The two-woman play is simply told

by Sadie (Brenda Porter) and Bessie (Donna Biscoe) as they are preparing a dinner in remembrance of their father’s

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birthday.

“It’s just two women onstage having these conversations, getting the giggles and talking about the things that moved them.”

It turns ironic when they speculate if there would ever be a black president, and decide no – there would be a woman president before that would ever happen.

“But through the dialogue, you hear the philosophy of these two women, truly American women, black women.

“And these were women who were born into impoverished circumstances, yet both of them rose to be professionals – Bessie was a dentist in Harlem and Sadie a teacher. They grew up to be the kinds of people they were because of the principles that were instilled in them. Their father was the first black Episcopalian bishop in the U.S. “Their stories speak to us all. That is what makes them so special.”

Frye said the sisters have different personalities, one is militant and one is non-confrontational.

“But they are close. They finish one another’s sentences. But one is certainly Daddy’s child and the other is Momma’s child.”

Asked what she liked best about the play, Frye said she was grateful for the chance to be in the company of these

If you go What: “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters First 100 Years” When: Feb. 16-March 5 Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center More Info: $29 to $35, go to get. org or call box office: 770-6411260 two sisters.

“Their story was one that is universal and righteous. They came from a tradition of service – to make the world a better place,” she said. “They had a servant’s heart, but they were not subservient. They fought for their place in the world and that place was to help others.”

Frye was also ebullient about working at GET and with Bob Farley.

“He gives you full rein to present your vision. Bob was always respectful and supportive of my vision for the play.

“They are doing exciting work here.”

And that should be the bottom line for any theater company.

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SPECIAL: GREG MOONEY

Donna Biscoe, left, and Brenda Porter star as the Delany sisters in “Having Our Say, The Delany Sisters First 100 Years.” The Delany sisters were pioneers both as civil rights activists and as career professionals.

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 35

Cambridge Athletic Association and LAX program host casino night MILTON, Ga. — The Cambridge Athletic Association and the Cambridge High School Boy’s Lacrosse Program are hosting their second annual Casino Night fundraiser for the Cambridge High School boy’s lacrosse team.

Revenue generated by the event will help meet the initial financial needs of the program and also provide ongoing financial assistance.

The fundraiser will feature food, drink, casino games, music, dancing, raffles, a silent auction and more. It will be held at the Manor Golf and Country Club Clubhouse, 15951 Manor Club Drive, Alpharetta on Saturday, March 4 from 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Tickets are limited and registration is required. The cost is $125 per person.

Visit cambridgelacrosse.org/ca-

If you go What: Cambridge LAX Casino Night When: Saturday, March 4th, 7:30–11:30 p.m.

Where: The Manor Golf and Country Club Clubhouse 15951 Manor Club Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30004 Cost: $125 per person

sino-nightregistrationb to register online or contact Jay Leadingham at jay. leadingham@gtax.com.

More Info: Visit http://cambridge lacrosse.org/casino-nightregistration to register online or contact Jay Leadingham at jay.leadingham@gtax.co

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, March 2, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, March 27, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. MP-16-13/Z-16-11/CU-16-19/V-16-26 TPA Fuqua Development/Peridot (Deferred by Planning Commission) Consideration of a request to amend the Peridot (A.K.A. MetLife) Master Plan and previous conditions of zoning to allow 320 ‘For-Rent’ residential units, 167 ‘For-Sale’ Attached units, 55,500 square feet of retail/restaurant use, 664,400 square feet of office use, and a 200-room hotel. A rezoning is requested on 15.51 acres from O-I (Office-Institutional) to MU (Mixed-Use) and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’ and ‘Bank, Savings and Loan’ uses. A variance is requested to allow first floor ‘For-Rent’ dwellings on three building sides and to allow first floor ‘For-Rent’ dwellings on a Storefront Street. The property is located on the west side of Haynes Bridge Road south of Lakeview Parkway and is legally described as Land Lots 744, 745, 752, and 753, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. MP-15-01/CLUP-15-01/Z-15-01/V-15-01 KB400 Master Plan/1699 Land Company Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 12.4 acres from O-I (Office-Institutional) to CUP (Community Unit Plan) in order to develop 25 ‘For-Sale’ Townhome units and 57 ‘For-Sale’ Detached lots in a gated community. A master plan amendment to the KB400 Master Plan is requested to add ‘Dwelling, ‘ForSale’ Attached and Detached’ to the list of permitted uses and to change required setbacks. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment is requested to change the designation of the property from ‘Corporate Office’ to ‘High Density Residential’. A variance is requested to reduce the 100-acre minimum lot size in the CUP district. The property is located at the southwest corner of Kimball Bridge Road and North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 807, 808, 849 & 850, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. Z-17-01 Tribble/285 Karen Drive/DT-R Consideration of a request to rezone 0.817 acre from R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Residential) to DT-R (Downtown Residential) to allow for the construction of 3 ‘For-Sale’ Detached homes. The property is located at 285 Karen Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 696, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. PH-17-02 Historic Preservation Incentive Zoning – UDC Text Amendments Consideration of amendments to the Historic Preservation Incentive Zoning Ordinance to remove and add historic properties to Appendix A: Historic Resources Inventory, as well as miscellaneous text amendments.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

36 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

St. Francis girls earn region title, boys fall in championship game Lady Knights win fifth straight region championship

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROME, Ga. — The St. Francis boys and girls teams both vied for a region championship Saturday at Darlington High, with the Lady Knights winning their fifth straight region championship. The boys fell to North Cobb Christian.

The girls team had entered the Region 6-A championship game with an average margin of victory of 50 points over region opponents. The Lady Knights dominated in the region tournament, taking down Pinecrest Academy, 91-40, to claim another region title.

The Lady Knights beat Excel Christian 81-18 and Fellowship Christian 85-36 in the earlier rounds before their lopsided win over Pinecrest in the title game.

The St. Francis girls were ranked No. 1 in the power ratings, which determine the state tournament seeds for Class-A. The Lady Knights will likely enter the state tournament with the No. 1 seed where they will be seeking their third straight state championship.

The boys team also had dominant performances in the first two rounds of the Region 6-A tournament, a 68-49 win over Mt. Zion in the quarterfinals and a 78-29 win over Mt. Paran in the semifinals. But they came up short against North Cobb Christian in the finals.

North Cobb Christian (25-3) led the Knights from the outset and never relinquished its lead, going on to win 69-57.

The Knights had won the region title the previous four seasons, with North Cobb Christian the last to take the title from St. Francis in 2012.

The boys team was ranked fourth in the Feb. 12 power ratings. If the ratings stay the same, the Knights will host Stratford Academy (8-11) in the first round of the state tournament.

TWITTER

The St. Francis Lady Knigths captured their fifth straight region championship with a 91-40 win over Pinecrest Academy last Saturday.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-17-AB-07

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS

PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers February 16, 2017 3:00 P.M.

FOR

PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer & Wine Sunday Sales APPLICANT Rumi’s Avalon, LLC d/b/a Rumi’s Kitchen 7105 Avalon Blvd.

Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Owner Rumi’s Avalon, LLC Registered Agent Stephen Kaplan

CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

Continued from Page 2

MAYFIELD ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT RFP 17-107 The City of Alpharetta (City) is requesting proposals from qualified Design/ Build firms or Design/Build teams to design and construct a bottomless culvert and associated roadway within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia The Request for Proposal document will be available online Thursday, February 16, 2017 at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the RFP documents.

Proposals will be due on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

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

Share your opinions

Blotter: caught the man, 25-year-old Abraham Vah from New York, once they arrived.

A loss prevention officer told police that they had recognized Vah as someone who had used fake credit cards in several other locations. When Vah attempted to buy two iPads at the North Point location and presented a fake credit card, the loss prevention officer called 911. It was at that point that Vah bolted.

While arresting Vah, police found him in possession of eight other credit cards that were determined to be fake.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

EMAIL YOUR NEWS News@appenmediagroup.com

northfulton.com

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | February 16, 2017 | 37

ONLINE INCLUDED

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

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

Help Wanted Full-time

CDL DRIVER:

CDL, D.O.T. Deliver brick & sundries (mortar, block, steel, etc.) to comml & res job sites.

Truck loaded for NGB Driver at various yards & plants; unloaded by NGB Driver at job site via Princeton (forklift). 5:45am-5pm, can be later.

Making several deliveries/day through metro Atl traffic TRUCK MECHANIC: Need valid DL, basic hand tools, strong mechanical aptitude & troubleshooting skills.

Diesel exp & ASC cert a plus. Ability to handle physical workload. Maintain/repair industrial equip. Min 40 hrs/ wk& some Sats. Perform Class A, B, & C svcs on Semi Tractors & Trailers; routine preventive maint, other duties as req’d to support operations; respond to work order requests in timely fashion; adhere to all safety policies & procedures

Full-time

Now Hiring: Advertising Sales Executive Job Description & Duties: Appen Media Group is hiring sales executives for the marketing and advertising department. Primary responsibilities will be managing a book of existing business by consulting on and selling advertising campaigns, and growing the existing book of business through cold calling and networking.

Qualifications: Must be ambitious, hard working, good with people, and goal oriented.

Previous sales experience preferred, but not required.

Compensation: Base salary of $18,200/ year with aggressive monthly commission. Full medical benefits, matching 401k and PTO.

Johnson,

Email a resume and cover letter to: christina@appenmediagroup.com and CC hans@appenmediagroup.com.

Fill your position today!

Call 770-442-3278 to advertise

tjohnson@ngabrick.com

Job Seekers

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT JOB FAIR Balfour Beatty Communities, a leader in the residential housing industry is seeking seasoned professionals to join our team at Nesbit Palisades in Alpharetta, GA. Visit us at our Job Fair, bring your resume & be ready to interview!

WHERE: Nesbit Palisades, 8520 S. Holcomb Bridge Way, Alpharetta, GA 30022 WHEN: Wednesday, February 22nd, 12 noon - 7 pm

Asst Community Manager Leasing Agent Maintenance Technician

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

TRUCK DISPATCHER: HS Diploma, knowledge of N. Fulton & Northside Atl roads; very good communicator; ability to organize workload efficiently; must handle itineraries of several trucks (multitasking skills important!)

Mon-Fri & Sats. CDL Class B a plus. Comprehend work orders by ensuring workload is studied thoroughly; determine most efficient routing & transportation ways for delivery & pick-up of goods; Communicate w/drivers to provide them w/route & delivery times info for direct scheduling of deliveries.

Resumes: Tina Ph 770-205-3554

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

*Some Restrictions

Balfour Beatty Communities offers a competitive compensation & benefits package. Can’t attend? apply at: www.balfourbeattycommunities.com/careers

EOE/AAE

MAIN CLASSIFIEDS continued on page 38

DEATH NOTICES Louis Corsiglia, of Roswell, passed away February 6, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Eliza Renee` LeMieux passed away February 2, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Herman Oellerich, of Roswell, passed away February 3, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Kurt Schweitzer, of Alpharetta, passed away February 7, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Elliott Lawson Pettey Jr., 64 of Cumming, passed away February 2, 2017.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Jimmy Lee Thompson, 74 of Cumming, passed away February 4, 2017.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Varnell Rucker, of Alpharetta, passed away February 5, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Robert Elvin Turner, 53, of Cumming, passed away February 5, 2017.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

William Lesnett, of Roswell, passed away February 6, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Theresa Dougal, 87, of Cumming, passed away February 3, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Richard Gimpel, of Alpharetta, passed away February 3, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Guynell Martin, of Alpharetta, passed away January 31, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

38 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

HOUSECLEANERS NEEDED!!!

Alpharetta – Milton – Johns Creek Areas CALL / EMAIL Nicole 678-360-2390. nicolem@maids2-clean.com

DRIVERS Class A CDL openings to run S.E. Regional. 2015 and newer trucks. Home weekly, Excellent Pay and Benefits!

Apply: www.osborntransportation.com Call 855-395-6630 x 113 Systems Analyst (Multiple Positions): Systems Analyst: Associate Degree or equiv. + 1 Year Application Development experience utilizing Java, Applets, SQL, Servlets, JSP, Tomcat, XML, HTML, Hibernate, Struts. Mail resume to Northstar Technologies, 3650 Mansell Rd., #225, Alpharetta, GA 30022

SERVICE DIRECTORY AC/Heating

Flooring

Heating, Air, Plumbing servicing and install.

Insured - Certification #859293363150.

6 7 8 - 7 4 0 - 3 4 7 8 manthonyhvac@gmail. com

Installation/Repairs: Carpet, Ceramic, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl, Wood. Free Estimates!

I can remove carpet wrinkles. Restreches $35/ room. 706-429-4453

Cleaning Services

PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes.

Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

Housecleaning quality care for your home.

Free Estimates and References.

Martina 678-656-4492. We know clean, leave the details to us!

Concrete/Asphalt We fix UGLY driveways and patios. $100 OFF any concrete job over $1000 New or Repair: Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. Residential or Commercial.

Call for FREE estimate.

The Best Concrete Company-Ask for Dave McKemey. 678-648-2010.

Professional, competitive, many local references.

Driveway REPAIR or REPLACEMENT Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. $150 off any job over $1500 Residential or Commercial.

For a FREE estimate call Dave of McKemey Concrete and Hardscapes 678-914-2576.

Competitive pricing. Many local references.

DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT: Patios and walkways.

Stonework. 15 years experience. Hundreds of reviews online; see our online photo gallery: Sudlowconcrete.com 404-285-5995

BOLD TYPE

will really make your ad stand out.

Ask your sales rep about making all or part of your ad bold.

770-442-3278

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

Handyman Kitchen & Bath:

Plumbing, Electrical Drywall and Other Repairs and Installations. Home Maintenance. Small Jobs Preferred. Call Mike.

404-647-1406 ALL CARPENTRY & REPAIRS: Roof Leaks, Wood Rot Repair, Siding, Deck Repairs and Refinishing, Painting, Doors/Windows.

Excellent References.

404-895-0260 RELIABLE HOME REPAIRS: 21 years experience.

References. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, wood rot repair, siding, painting, pressure washing.

Free estimates!

770-605-0340

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

770-769-5498

Handyman

® HANDYMAN REMODELING

678-455-2434

www.HandyHero.net Haulers Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling etc.

Many local references.

Call Ralph Rucker at 678-898-7237

Home Improvement Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical.

Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring.

Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932.

Remodeling, handyman.

31 years experience.

Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms. All insurance. Credit cards accepted. Paul Finegan 404-353-5611

Landscaping 404Cuttree. One of the most experienced and reliable tree companies in North Atlanta. Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service.

Free quotes.

Fully insured. 770Tree. com 678-506-0006

NorthFulton.com NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell | Milton Herald | February 16, 2017 | 39

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Landscaping

Auto Donations

Medical

Yellow Ribbon Tree.

Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner.

Free estimates and insured.

770Tree.com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary.

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

Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years Old? If So, You And Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 877-648-6308 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

RAS Landscape Design Installation A full service landscape company capable of doing your job.

25+ years experience. Ralph 678-898-7237

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

Pinestraw PINESTRAW, mulch delivery/installation available.

Firewood $110/$200, plus delivery.

Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612.

Tree Services Yellow Ribbon Tree.

Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner.

Free estimates and insured.

770Tree.com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary.

404Cuttree. One of the most experienced and reliable tree companies in North Atlanta. Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service.

Free quotes.

Fully insured. 770Tree. com 678-506-0006 JJ Tree Cutting Services.

Complete Tree RemovalCall us for a Free Quote, 678-467-1325 or 770-630-6672. Licensed and insured. jjtreecutting@ gmail.com RAS Cutting Services Complete tree removal.

Ralph 678-898-7237

Did You Know?

You can advertise Online on the #1 news site in North Georgia!

www.appenmediagroup.com

Call 770-442-3278 and ask about our online advertising

Autos Wanted CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Make/Models 2000-2015!

Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330.

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

Employment MAKE MONEY MAILING POSTCARDS! Easy Work, Great Pay! FREE Info: Call 1-619-649-0708.

24/Hours Guaranteed Legitimate Opportunity!

Register Online Today! www.PostcardsToWealth.com Make $1,000 Weekly!

Paid in Advance! Mailing Brochures at Home. Easy Pleasant work.

Begin Immediately. Age Unimportant. www.HomeMoney77.com

Health & Medical VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping!

24/7 CALL: 1-888-223-8818 Hablamos Espanol.

Medical OXYGEN Anytime.

Anywhere. No tanks to refill.

No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-558-7482 VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed.

Money back guaranteed! 1-877-743-5419

Call the Experts in the

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Miscellaneous CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer.

Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies. com SWITCH TO DIRECTV. From $50/Month, includes FREE Genie HD/DVR & 3 months HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ. Get a $50 Gift Card.

Call 888-672-1159 D I G I TA L HEARING AIDS - Now offering a 45-Day Risk Free Offer!

FREE BATTERIES for Life!

Call to start your free trial!

888-675-5116 HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

Motorcycles Wanted to Buy WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (1976-1982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!!

1-800-772-1142 1-310-7210726 usa@classicrunners.com

Timeshares DONATE TIMESHARES Cars or Real Estate. Fast and Easy. Tax Deductible.

Call Today! 1-800-363-6319 DonateTS.COM

Travel CRUISE VACATIONS – 3, 4, 5 or 7+ day cruises to the Caribbean. Start planning now to save $$ on your fall or winter getaway vacation.

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess and many more. Great deals for all budgets and departure ports. To search for your next cruise vacation visit www.NCPtravel.com

CADNET ADS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds.

Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home.

Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license identification or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars.

800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Insurance

DENTAL Insurance

Physicians Mutual Insurance Co • Save $! If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day (individual plan) • Keep your own dentist! NO networks • No wait for preventive care; no deductibles – get a checkup tomorrow!

• Coverage for 350+ procedures – cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, dentures etc • NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits you can receive FREE Info Kit 1-877-308-2834 • www.dental50plus.com/cadnet Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Makes/Models 2000-2016!

Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing!

We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-855-498-6323 to start your application today!

Employment Opportunities Drive with Uber. You’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy.

For more information, call: 1-844-700-8936

Financial SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help 855-402-3220

Health & Fitness VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed.

CALL NOW! 1 -866-312-6061 Hablamos Espanol

Medical Got Knee Pain? Back Pain?

Shoulder Pain? Get a painrelieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1844-502-1809 Thank you for reading the classifieds.

Lung Cancer? And Age 60+?

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

DISH SPECIAL! Stop paying for channels you don’t watch!

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Spectrum Triple Play TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea.

60 MB per second speed No contract or commitment. We buy your existing contract up to $500! 1-855-652-9304

Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $25/ Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT. 1-800-3711136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests.

Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

A small list of really good tree services.

Screened and vetted local services From Every time you use 770Tree.com to request an estimate, Appen-Rated makes a donation to North Fulton Community Charities or The Drake House.

Do good & get great tree work too!

40 | February 16, 2017 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

THE CRUISE GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! 3rd Annual

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

ATTENTION READERS!

2016 Winners Jeff & Elise Baggett

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

FREE CRUISE!

$2,000 toward the cruise of your dreams!

It’s easy to enter – follow the steps below.

LOOK for the Expedia Cruise logo that looks like this, hidden throughout the papers each week.

GO to Northfulton.com CLICK “Enter to Win” icon TELL us which page number the logo is on WATCH your email on March 6th to see if you have won a Free Cruise! * Winner will be drawn March 6th 2017

“Our cruise was fantastic! We sailed on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, trans-Atlantic from New York to Southampton England in October.

We were at sea for 6 days and loved how relaxing it was. It was a jazz cruise and we enjoyed the music. We especially loved the British food and afternoon tea and met many wonderful people.”

– Jeff and Elise Baggett

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

Sponsored by:

Cruise winner will be drawn and notified via email Monday March 7th.

One entry per household, per week.