Johns Creek 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 2 1 , N o . 7

Blackbox special report

Alpharetta’s LexisNexis settles for $1.2M for pay discrimination ►►PAGE 8

City could save big on elections Savings hinge on timing with congressional race ►►PAGE 4

JC citizen groups file billboard appeal

Issues range from quality of life to preserving historic site ►►PAGE 6

‘Having Our Say’ JOE PARKER/HERALD

Northview wins region title

The Northview Lady Titans claimed the program’s first region title in school history with a 58-38 win over Alpharetta.

Ashlee Austin and Shannon Titus of the Titans were named to the All-Region team. Read more, Page 32.

GET, Roswell Roots Festival to stage tale of life, race and gender ►►PAGE 22

Sail away with Appen’s Cruise Giveaway Learn how to win the cruise of your dreams ►►PAGE 40

2 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek 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 EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 139 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News: news@appenmediagroup.com Press Releases: NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ex. 101 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ex. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ex. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com Our Weekly Publications

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Police believe victim knew his assailant 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 Williams when they arrived. He was lying

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

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 expired tag. ►► Kevin Barry McNiff, 56, of Gilbert,

See BLOTTER, Page 36

See ARRESTS, Page 24

NFL ticket scam costs man $300

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 3

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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4 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Bodker’s proposal to piggyback elections

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek is looking at a hefty bill for a special election to fill an empty City Council seat, but Mayor Mike Bodker has enlisted the North Fulton legislative delegation to help save the city BODKER $200,000.

When 6th District Congressman Tom Price was confirmed as President Donald Trump’s choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, that started dominoes falling. That included Councilman Bob Gray’s resignation to run for the now vacant congressional seat.

So a special City Council election will have to fill that slot.

The congressional election is scheduled April 18 with June 20 designated as the date for any runoff elections.

But there is a special election needed to fill that congressional seat.

If the city can align its city special election to coincide with the congressional special election, the city will share the election costs with the rest of the 6th District. That would be a pittance compared to the cost of holding a single separate election.

It won’t take an act of Congress to make it happen, but it will take some lightning-quick legislation in the Georgia General Assembly.

“The Legislature prescribes certain days to hold special elections during the year. What I proposed to our legislative delegation is to align the dates we can hold our special election with the congressional race. They have seen the merit and are going to try to make it happen,” Bodker said.

“I made the appeal, but it is the delegation that has taken the ball and run with it.”

Candidates crowd 6th District field Qualifying has not ended at press time. As of Tuesday morning (Johns Creek deadline) three North Fulton candidates (and all current or past Johns Creek residents) have announced candidacy for Georgia’s Sixth District congressional seat: • Bob Gray: businessman and recently resigned from Johns Creek City Council • Karen Handel: former Fulton County commission chairwoman; former Georgia Secretary of State • Dan Moody: former state senator; former Georgia Transportation Board member Another five Republicans have declared their intention to run. Two Democrats have filed with another three candidates who have declared but have not yet filed. Democrats filed are: • Jon Ossoff: film executive and one-time congressional aide • Ron Slotin: former state senator

The turnout of Johns Creek voters is likely to be greater if the congressional race is on the ballot as well. I have always believed a good turnout of voters is the best way to get the best candidates elected. Saving the tax dollars is nice, but the real win is to have a good turnout.”

MIKE BODKER Johns Creek mayor The legislative delegation is made up of all members of the Georgia General Assembly who have at least one precinct in Johns Creek. By gentleman’s agreement, each legislative delegation

will bring forward matters of local legislation – affecting that city or county alone – that is combined at the end of the legislative session for a vote.

It is customary for the General Assembly to vote on all of these matters of local legislation with one vote rather than present them separately. Since these acts are brought by the communities and unanimously approved by the local delegation they are all approved on one vote.

So it will be up to the Fulton delegation to get the bill done in time.

“I was pleased the Fulton Delegation was so responsive to the idea.” Bodker said, adding that there are other positives beyond just saving taxpayer money.

“The turnout of Johns Creek voters is likely to be greater if the congressional race is on the ballot as well. I have always believed a good turnout of voters is the best way to get the best candidates elected,” Bodker said. “Saving the tax dollars is nice, but the real win is to have a good turnout.

“The higher the turnout, the better the decision for Johns Creek.”

The proposed bill would also allow Johns Creek to have any runoff coincide with a congressional runoff as well.

The congressional races are attracting a number of candidates (see sidebar) which will likely produce a congressional primary runoff for June.

JCSO to play 10th Anniversary Concert JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Join the John’s Creek Symphony Orchestra as they present their official 10th Season Anniversary Concert Celebration, “A Night at the Opera,” Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m.

Featured will be the full JCSO, The Johns Creek Chorale, a quartet of guest soloists, and AM 1690 WMLB radio host John Lemely, who will serve as the special narrator, all under the direction of Maestro J. Wayne Baughman.

It will be a night full of overtures, arias, and choruses from some of the most popular, familiar and beloved operas of all time.

Featured will be the works of Puccini, Rossini, Verdi, and Wagner.

Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit johnscreeksymphony.org, email info@johnscreeksymphony.org or call 678-748-5802.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 5

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6 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Citizen groups file billboard appeal with GDOT Say GDOT erred in granting Medlock billboard permit

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek residents have filed for an administrative hearing with the Georgia Department of Transportation over the issuance of an outdoor sign permit to Action Outdoor Advertising for its LED billboard at 9730 Medlock Bridge Road.

Edward J. Thompson Jr., C. Kirk Sirkisian, John Jay Bradberry and Tammy Murphy are asking for the revocation of the permit based on three arguments.

Thompson’s complaint is his quality of life is disturbed by the allegedly improperly permitted sign because annoying light issuing from the sign shines into his residence causing a nuisance.

Murphy, Bradberry and Sarkisian filed under the aegis of their organizations: the Warsaw Historic Preservation Society (Murphy) and Preserve Johns Creek (Bradberry and Sarkisian). Their

work to preserve the Macedonia African Methodist Cemetery has brought to light what they allege are defects in the billboard’s permit.

It is based on the argument that Georgia law requires that no sign may be erected within 500 feet in any direction of, among other things, a cemetery.

Murphy alleges that GDOT originally disapproved Action Outdoors’s permit citing the distance from the cemetery was not far enough. The hearing request further alleges that the permit was granted at Outdoor Action’s request “without identifying any basis for the change in position.”

“It was only after the permit was issued that GDOT went back and re-measured and said the cemetery occupies only a portion of the property,” Murphy said. “But Fulton County designated the entire 2-acre parcel as an historic cemetery.

“And it is not an abandoned cemetery. Fulton County has continued to maintain the property since 1998 when it gave the cemetery historic status.

GDOT does not have the authority to re-designate the property to any other status or to dissolve the county’s recog-

We believe the cemetery is an important part of the city’s history.

GDOT does not have the right to rewrite [where] the cemetery gets measured.”

JOHN BRADBERRY Preserve Johns Creek representative nition of it is an historical site.”

The cemetery may have been abandoned, but it has not been forgotten, she said.

John Bradberry, who represents Preserve Johns Creek, said GDOT’s rejection, then acceptance, of the permit “does not pass the smell test.”

“We believe the cemetery is an important part of the city’s history.

GDOT does not have the right to rewrite [where] the cemetery gets measured,” Bradberry said. “When the law was written and they established the 500-foot boundary, that was for static billboards.

“With the technology today to have LED-lit boards with multiple messages, the distance measure should be changed to 1,000 feet.”

The request for hearing from GDOT is only a request. GDOT may grant a hearing or it may not. If GDOT denies a hearing, the complainants say they will sit down to decide whether to take the matter to the courts.

Mayor Mike Bodker said he could not comment on the matter.

“I have not seen the request so it would not be appropriate to make any statement at this time,” Bodker said.

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8 | February 8 | February 16,16, 2017 2017 | Johns | Johns Creek Creek Herald Herald | NorthFulton.com | blackboxdocs.com

BLACKBOX SPECIAL REPORT:

OPINION

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.

OPINION

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 9

A look to the past could open a lot of hearts This year marks the 100-year anniversary when my great grandfather first set foot on American soil. With World War I looming, he looked to escape Germany and build a life HANS APPEN for himself in the General Manager 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

HANS APPEN/HERALD

The Hamzah Islamic Center in Milton holds a seminar for local Muslims on what the travel ban meant for the members of their mosques. 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 America 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

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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.

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 Emad Sabbah a Roswell resident and a member of the Council for American Islam Relations.

He invited Hatcher and me to join him at a meeting at the Hamzah Islamic Center in Milton last Saturday where the organization CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) would be putting on a seminar for local Muslims

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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,

[We thank] Rep. Kevin Tanner for understanding that disagreeing on how [the state does] something is not the same thing as opposing doing something.”

ANGELA PALM Legislative director of the GSBA 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

See SCHOOLS, Page 36

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 11

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NEWS

12 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Immigration law explained to 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

Let [your neighbors] know what Islam is about. 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.”

EDWARD AHMED MITCHELL Executive director of Council for American Islamic Relations – Georgia

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.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 13

local Muslims 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 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 cooperative 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

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. 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

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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.

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14 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Alpharetta Council to vote on 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 among 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 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

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.”

DAVID BELLE ISLE Alpharetta mayor

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 engineer with Pond consulting, with

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 Site D* Proposal 3

Between Milton Ave

Roswell St. and near Rest Haven Old Roswell Cemetery SUBWAY® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP Inc. ©2017 Subway IP Inc.

®

376483

Photos by Simon Cudby & Hoppenworld.com. Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2016 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

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.

NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 15

ALLEY

BUILDING

EXISTING BUILDING

EXISTING BUILDING

ALLEY

TO MILTON AVE.

downtown parking deck site EX. PATIO

EXISTING BUILDING

EXISTING BUILDING

DECKED PARKING APPROX. ELEV = 1143

ROSWELL STREET

1131.5+

FIRST FLOOR ENTRANCE

MOUNTABLE CURB FOR SERVICE ENTRANCE

FUTURE PARK/PLAZA AREA

Inner peace, strong heart.

SURFACE PARKING APPROX. ELEV = 1132

TREE TO REMAIN

RETAINING WALL

RETAINING WALL

EX G IN RK PA AIN NG M TI RE IS TO

ET

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SW

EXISTING BUILDING

LD

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SECOND FLOOR ENTRANCE

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Proposal 3 would add 168 net parking stalls to Site A, the parking deck between Roswell St. and Old Roswell would add

MILTON AVENUE

RETAIL 5,850 SF

DRIVEWAY

EXISTING BUILDING

+1119.00

SURFACE PARKING

+1119.50

RAMP @13.8%

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.

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-

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Proposal 3 would add 187 net parking stalls to Site D, the parking deck on Milton Ave near Rest Haven Cemetery. 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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KAREN CASHION, CEO of the Alpharetta Technology Commission 16 | Forsyth 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

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 space available 24/7 (the key is an erasable app that opens the door) for

See CASHION, Page 18

(www.innovatealpharetta.com) • 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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BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 17

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

It’s really that GEOFF SMITH simple.

At the Assurance Financial, core of it all, if gsmith@lendtheway.com 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 more

Put your health ahead of your bottom line DICK JONES

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales 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 singlefamily 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 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSBRIEFS

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

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-

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 addi-

Cashion: Continued from Page 16 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, film technology, manufacturing software, wearable technology and others.

tion 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 “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 jobs and promotes the overall economic health of the area.

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

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.

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.”

The Greater Alpharetta Technology Network also hosts educational events at the Innovation Center.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 19

KEEPING ONE EYE OPEN Blackbox is a product of the Alpharetta, GA based company, Appen Media Group. Created in 2017, it acts as the investigative journalism arm of the multi-media company, producing award winning journalism through print and social media, podcasts, and film.

Through Blackbox, we will focus on corruption, crime, lies and abuse of power happening in your backyard.

Submit your tips at blackboxdocs.com

20 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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 | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 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 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SCENE & HURD

GET’s ‘Having Our Say’ raises human spirit high Daughters of slaves, sisters recall remarkable 100 years together 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 HATCHER HURD reveal their remarkScene & Hurd hatcher@appenmediagroup.com able 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 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

If you go What: Georgia Ensemble Theatre and The Roswell Roots Festival presents Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters First 100 Years” Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center When: Feb. 16 – March 5 Tickets: $29 to $35, go to get.org or call box office: 770-641-1260 chance to be in the company of these 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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SCHOOLS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 23

Andrew Young visits River Eves Elementary

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 reser-

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

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

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

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24 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Arrests: Continued from Page 2

AARP ‘Smart Driver’ offered at Spurill Oaks Library JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A Smart Driver course offered by the AARP is set at the NE/Spruill Oaks Library for Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

While the program is free and open to the public there is a cost of $20 per person for the recommended AARP workbook and certificate, with a $5 discount available to AARP

members who provide their membership card.

Attendance for the entire time is required for a certificate. Please bring your own bag lunch.

Reservations are required: Call 770-360-8820 or email karen.swenson@fultoncountyga.gov. Refreshments provided by The Friends of the NE/Spruill Oaks Library.

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. ►► Shardai Lugenia Wilson, 30, of Northlake Heights Circle, Atlanta, was arrested Jan. 31 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI, suspended

license and possession of marijuana. ►► Beau Andrew Yancy, 28, of Harbor 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. ►► 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. ►► 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.

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COMMUNITY

26 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

By the numbers

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

• 18 branches of metro Atlanta YMCA • Started programming in 1984 at Alpharetta campus • Alpharetta building opened in 1995 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 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

Children participate at the Y’s Mud Run.

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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 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.

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Ollie Wagner, new board chair with JoAnn Shephard, past chair “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.”

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 27

Northern Ridge District announces Jan. Eagle Scouts NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District, for the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, recently announced its newest Eagle Scouts. They passed their Board of Review on Jan. 26. The Scouts who passed their Eagle Board of Reviews, held at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, are: Jeremy Gundugollo of Troop 3143, who was sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church. His project was the design and building of two raised garden beds and the refurbishment of two other garden beds for the Dunwoody Community Garden.

Aidan Chaplin, from Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, designed and created a portable chicken run and housing for a duck feeder at Autrey Mill Nature Park and Heritage Center.

Benjamin Kaminski, from Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, designed and created an outdoor worship stage for Northpoint Community Church.

Christopher Camacho from Troop 143, sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church, designed and constructed a Veterans Memorial Garden

In the top row, from left, stand Jeremy Gundugollo, Aidan Chaplin, Benjamin Kaminski, Christopher Camacho and Samuel Warren. In the bottom row are Harris Rothaermel, Kyle Litz, Alexander Sotomayor and Jack McGregor. at Peachtree Christian Hospice. He constructed a flag pole, two benches, a paved walkway and a small garden with flowers Samuel Warren, of Troop 629, spon-

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sored by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, designed and constructed a run-in animal shelter for horses at the Save the Horses Animal Shelter.

Harris Rothaermel, from Troop 734,

sponsored by the Webb Bridge Ward of Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, designed and constructed a wooden staircase to a walking bridge at the church.

Kyle Litz, from Troop 143, sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church, improved the dogs’ play yards at Furkinds Animal Shelter. He mulched the yards, painted over the parking lines, and designed and created 30 never-chew dog beds.

Alexander Sotomayor, from Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, refurbished the butterfly garden at Findley Oaks Elementary School. This project included landscaping overgrown and dead bushes as well as planting perennials and creating five butterfly houses and three bird houses.

Sotomayor also did a makeover for the paver stones.

Jack McGregor, of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, designed and created 36 “busy aprons” for patients with dementia and Alzheimer at North Fulton Regional Hospital. These aprons have objects to engage and stimulate the senses such as zippers, buttons and pockets.

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COMMUNITY

28 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Racers line up at the starting line for the Donut Dash 5K.

BCA declares Donut Dash 5K a huge success JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Bridgeway Christian Academy recently held their second annual Donut Dash 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run in a new location this year. Shakerag Park was this year’s home for the family-friendly event.

Over 500 runners and walkers braved the below freezing temperatures to take part and ultimately enjoyed a donut from this year’s donut sponsor, Sweet Apple Donut.

Like last year, this year’s event could not have been possible without

Hearts: Continued from Page 9

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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 pages 12 – 13.

I was one of two Christian 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 commit-

BCA’s Parent Teacher Fellowship; the race company, OnTime Results; and their corporate sponsors.

BCA representatives said that they were blown away by the success of last year’s inagural event and were anxious to see with the change in location, if they could top it, and they did.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to improve BCA’s play and sports grounds, and add new elements that promote active group play, safety, and better accessibility to the BCA athletic field. tees 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.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 29

30 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Top-seeded Alpharetta upset by Dunwoody in 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 thirdplace 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.

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).

JOE PARKER/HERALD

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

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32 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Northview captured the school’s first-ever basketball region championship with a 58-38 win over Alpharetta last Saturday.

PHOTOS BY JOE PARKER/HERALD

Northview girls undefeated in region, claim championship Lady Titans win program’s first region title

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Northview Lady Titans entered the Region 7-AAAAAA tournament as favorites to capture the school’s first-ever region championship in basketball, a much different role than they held last year — the underdogs facing the goliaths of the Forsyth County teams. But Northview reveled in its new role this season, going 19-0 in region play and capturing the region championship with a decisive 58-38 win over Alpharetta Saturday at Johns Creek.

Before Northview’s first tipoff this season, players and head coach Chris Yarbrough made it clear — the region championship was the ultimate goal.

Any doubt about just how badly the team desired the region title was put to rest early in the Lady Titans’ game against Alpharetta, where Northview came out with blazing offense and an impenetrable defense to open a 20-1 lead.

But Alpharetta, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, fought back to cut Northview’s lead to 10 points in the third quarter. It was a deficit the Lady Raiders would not overcome, as Northview finished strong to take the championship. Northview won all three

of its region tournament games by at least 20 points.

“I’m so proud of those girls,” Yarbrough said. “It’s tough with a target on your back but they embraced it today.”

Yarbrough said his team’s strategy for the region tournament was to pull away early in games. Alpharetta scored just four points from the floor in the first half.

“I thought our defense was amazing in the first half. We were moving, filling passing lanes, making them shoot long, contested jump shots and we were really controlling the glass. Last week [Alpharetta] outrebounded us by 20 so we made a strong effort to clear them off the glass tonight,” Yarbrough said.

“Even though I knew we had that lead at halftime I knew Alpharetta was going to come out and make a run,” he said. “We didn’t settle down early enough, but we made a few adjustments and started getting inside and that helped open things up for us.”

Northview was led by its usual suspects, Shannon Titus, Maya Richards and Ashlee Austin.

Titus, as she always seems to do, made plays all over the court. She led in scoring with 16 points and gathered in eight rebounds and had three assists, two steals and six blocks.

Northview’s Ashlee Austin was named to the Region 7-AAAAAA All-Region team.

Shannon Titus, who led the Lady Titans in scoring in the championship game, was named All-Region.

“Shannon played so great defensively,” Yarbrough said.

Austin and Richards each had a double-double. Austin scored 14 points with 10 rebounds and Richards scored 12 with 11 rebounds.

“I really thought Ashlee took over in the second half,” Yarbrough said.

“She was really determined. We had a mismatch when [Alpharetta] got in foul trouble and we took advantage of it to get the ball down low. A lot of that came from great passing and Maya Richards who made some great passes.”

Though ecstatic with his team’s region title, Northview now looks ahead to the state tournament.

“Everyone is 0-0 again,” Yarbrough said. “It’s all one and done. It’s going to be a tough game in our house Friday.”

Northview will host South Paulding (15-12) this Friday.

Alpharetta will host Mays (17-9) in the first round.

Chattahoochee secured the No. 3 seed with a 48-38 win over Pope. The Lady Cougars will face New Manchester (16-11) on the road this Friday.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 33

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34 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek 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.

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

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

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

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 did not place any wrestlers in the top-six in any weight class, Pisgah finished 16th in team scores in Class-A.

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.

Top placers at GHSA wrestling state championships Wrestler School Place Weight (Class) Karlos Nadal Mt. Pisgah 2nd 113 (1-A) Joseph Metz Pinecrest 5th 120 (1-A) Noah Kile Blessed Trinity 4th 138 (AAAA) Vincent Baker Blessed Trinity 1st 152 (AAAA) Jack Filipowicz Blessed Trinity 6th 182 (AAAA) Keegan Connolly Chattahoochee 4th 120 (AAAAAA) Grant Harney Centennial 3rd 126 (AAAAAA) Ethan Phillips Chattahoochee 1st 138 (AAAAAA) Gavin Kane Cambridge 1st 145 (AAAAAA) Will Britain Cambridge 1st 160 (AAAAAA) Daniel Gladwell Chattahoochee 6th 182 (AAAAAA) Matthew Maruszak Johns Creek 5th 195 (AAAAAA) Nick Markus Alpharetta 1st 220 (AAAAAA) Noah Latzch Chattahoochee 4th 285 (AAAAAA) AJ Riner South Forsyth 3rd 106 (AAAAAAA) Abraham Perez Forsyth Central 5th 113 (AAAAAAA) Paul Watkins North Forsyth 2nd 120 (AAAAAAA) Sam Ranta South Forsyth 4th 126 (AAAAAAA) Jackson Baraff South Forsyth 6th 132 (AAAAAAA) Charlie Ranta South Forsyth 5th 138 (AAAAAAA) Cole Tenety North Forsyth 6th 138 (AAAAAAA) Daniel Morin Lambert 5th 145 (AAAAAAA) Conner Carroll North Forsyth 5th 160 (AAAAAAA) Andy Leggett North Forsyth 3rd 170 (AAAAAAA) Eric Kohlins Lambert 2nd 182 (AAAAAAA) Brantley Little North Forsyth 4th 182 (AAAAAAA) Connor Cross North Forsyth 3rd 195 (AAAAAAA) Sebastian Legarra Forsyth Central 6th 220 (AAAAAAA) Hunter Jolly West Forsyth 3rd 285 (AAAAAAA)

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 35

Katie Heissenbuttel signs with Spring Hill College JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Chattahoochee High School’s Katie Heissenbuttel has committed to play volleyball for Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

Heissenbuttel will be coached by Peggy Martin, who holds the record as the winningest coach in the history of NCAA Division II volleyball. Spring Hill College volleyball competes in the Gulf South Conference.

Heissenbuttel has played volleyball for six years. In addition to playing in high school, she has played club volleyball for A5, GA5 and is now playing at NAVC. Last season while playing for GA5, she traveled to Indianapolis for the Junior Girls National Championships.

Heissenbuttel is a three-year varsity letterman and a starter for the Cougars. She was captain for two of her three years on varsity. An honor roll student, she has received the Athletic Academic Award all four years, won the Best Attitude Award and was nominated region wide.

Sitting, from left, are Rae, Katie and David Heissenbuttel. Standing, from left, are CHS Director of Volleyball and Coach Blair Boyle, Head Coach T.J. Lemons, Assistant Coach Erika Ford, sister Parker, brother Peter, CHS Principal Tim Corrigan and CHS Athletic Director J.J. Hicks.

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 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Flood Student Missions host ‘Glow with the Flow’ 5K

Continued from Page 10 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).

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-17-AB-07 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers February 16, 2017 3:00 P.M. 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

Headstone damaged at cemetery

Continued from Page 2

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A headstone was damaged recently at the Longstreet Baptist Church Cemetery.

The complainant said he believed it happened overnight and could have been caused from a log truck in the area clearing trees west of the cemetery.

The deputy did not observe obvious signs of a vehicle leaving the roadway and striking the headstone. He did see a small chip on the backside of the monument indicating an object likely struck the rear of the monument causing a portion of it to fall over. The complainant said the headstone belonged to his elderly aunt and her deceased husband. He said he isn’t sure how much it cost originally or how much it would cost for repairs.

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

JOHN’S CREEK, Ga. — On Saturday, March 4, Flood Student Missions will hold their fifth annual road race.

The ‘Glow with the Flow’ 5k will take place at the Kids R Kids located at 3835 Johns Creek Parkway in Johns Creek. The 5K starts at 7:30 p.m., where the course will be both flat and fast. The party starts when the sun goes down.

There will be a DJ providing high energy music and glow in the dark items. The race will be dog friendly.

This is a race timed by chips for all participants, so everyone gets an accurate time. Custom awards will go to the Overall Male and Female winners, as well as the top 3 in each 5-year age group starting at 10 & under and going through 65+.

Proceeds from the race go to Flood Student Missions and their vision of developing Servant Leaders among middle and high school students.

For information and registration, visit glowwiththeflow5k.com.

Schools:

Blotter:

– 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 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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR 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.

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 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).

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 37

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.

ONLINE INCLUDED

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Diesel exp & ASC cert a plus. Ability to handle physical workload. Maintain/repair industrial equip. Min 40 hrs/ wk& some Sats. Perform Class A, B, & C svcs on Semi Tractors & Trailers; routine preventive maint, other duties as req’d to support operations; respond to work order requests in timely fashion; adhere to all safety policies & procedures TRUCK DISPATCHER: HS Diploma, knowledge of N. Fulton & Northside Atl roads; very good communicator; ability to organize workload efficiently; must handle itineraries of several trucks (multitasking skills important!)

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Resumes: Tina Ph 770-205-3554

Johnson,

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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.

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

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

*Some Restrictions

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

Fill your position today!

Call 770-442-3278 to advertise

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

38 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

HOUSECLEANERS NEEDED!!!

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | February 16, 2017 | 39

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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.

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40 | February 16, 2017 | Johns Creek 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.