Sponsored Sections Real Estate Report ►►PAGE 20 Summer Camps ►►PAGE 22
Six String concert
Grammy winner Ed Gerhard performs ►►PAGE 15
Knights make playoff run St. Francis boys make finals, girls semifinals ►►PAGES 27 – 28
March 5, 2015 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 10
Sewer moratorium looming for N.Fulton? By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com
County in hot water over water rates
Ron Green has an offer for Fulton County he says will solve its problems with EPD noncompliance and provide a way to keep Fulton out of a sewer moratorium. Read more, Page 7. HATCHER HURD/STAFF
NORTH FULTON, Ga. – While North Fulton is in the midst of its largest development boom since the 2008 recession, some people are starting to take a hard look at whether there will be enough sewage capacity to keep the boom going in the future. It is a looming crisis of the county’s own making. The Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Roswell hit a monthly average of 92 percent of capacity in April 2014, which was a wakeup call. The plant has a permit to treat 24 million gallons per day (mgd). Should it surpass that capacity for two or more months, the state Environmental Protection Division could and probably would enforce a moratorium on new sewer taps in North Fulton. That is exactly what the county allowed to happen in
2000. For several years prior to the moratorium, Fulton dragged its heels to bring more capacity online. It is a long bureaucratic process, and it was years until the county could get more sewer capacity online. If it happens again, it would be equally disastrous for the North Fulton economy. “It would halt all growth and expansion,” said Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce President Brandon Beach. “You could forget about new development. Government has two chief duties in helping the economy – to provide public safety and to provide infrastructure – that’s roads, water and sewer.” Beach said there is no immediate threat now, but it is a cause for worry for the not-too-distant future. Had Fulton County been following its 2009 expansion
See SEWER, Page 7
JC aims at radio tower deal with Forsyth County would allow site in exchange for right to co-locate on tower By KATHLEEN STURGEON & HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Johns Creek looked not only outside the box but outside the county to find a solution for where to put its public safety radio tower – in Forsyth County. While negotiations are still ongoing, Mayor Mike Bodker said he is optimistic the details can be ironed out in the
next few days. Last summer, Johns Creek had determined it would need to erect a 200-foot radio communications tower in Shakerag on city-owned property next to Fire Station 62. Residents were not BODKER happy with the idea, saying such an eyesore would affect
their property values and create visual pollution in the rural area. The City Council agreed to hold off while it searched for another solution. With the deal struck with the county – the Forsyth Commission approved in principal the intergovernmental agreement Feb. 23 – Johns Creek will build on a site that already has two towers. It will also secure an easement to serve the tower as well. In exchange, the city would al-
low Forsyth to co-locate a 200-pound tornado/weather warning siren and a receiver for the Forsyth public safety radio net. However, Forsyth also wants all revenues to come to it if any private communications company locates on the tower. That is a sticking point with Johns Creek. Forsyth also wants to tie the city to cooperation on the widening of McGinnis Ferry Road. Bodker said the City Council wants
See TOWER, Page 5
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K-9 cops undergo lifesaving training
ROSWELL, Ga. -- Did you know that K-9 handlers are equipped with medical bags for their dogs? Earlier this month, Roswell K-9 officers attended a canine trauma and first-aid for police service dog seminar that was taught a veterinary surgeon. The seminar was designed to train handlers how to provide the correct care for their dog in an emergency situation. Our officers learned how to perform CPR, starting an I.V., splinting techniques, treating a bleeding wound and using an oxygen mask. K-9 teams face substantial risks on a daily basis. Knowing these skills can mean the difference between life and death for the police dog. In this photo, Roswell K-9 Bruno and his handler, Officer Greg Cooper, are showing off their medical bag.
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
► ► West Hardwell, 39, of
Douglasville was arrested Jan. 24 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI. ►► Dacey Hannah Fenton, 22, of Wellsley Way, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 29 on State Bridge Road in
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.
Poor choice in friends leaves man in lurch ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A North Farm Drive resident has made seemingly poor choices in friends as he was robbed twice by people who helped him move. On Jan. 20, the victim hired “a bunch of friends” and a few unknown people to help him move furniture into his new home. During the move, some-
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Alpharetta for DUI, following too closely, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to exchange insurance information. ►► Lisa Marie Sherman, 39, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was arrested Jan. 29 on Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and tire requirements. ►► Alexander H. Stovall, 25, of Hoschton was arrested Feb. 5 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and driving over a median. ►► Denise Michelle Lennon, 30, of Snellville was arrested Dec. 4 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for
DUI. ►► Scott Randhan, 59, of Atlanta was arrested Feb. 2 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, open container and hit and run.
one stole two camcorders, two guitars and a sound mixer. The items were found three days later at a local pawn shop. One of his friends had pawned the items. A few days later, Jan. 6, the same person gave one of the movers a bed to spend the night. When the victim woke up the following morning, the houseguest was missing along with a TV, stereo and cellphone.
home on Cauley Creek Drive once before and, liking it, wanted another look. When they arrived, they found a hole made in the garage door and the fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher all missing from the home. The home was last seen secure Feb. 19 during an inspection.
Drug arrests ►► Ron Benjamin Hurt, 31, of Atlanta
was arrested Feb. 3 on Rock Mill Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► Kiara Lashawnda McIver, 22, of Oxbo Road, Roswell, was arrested Feb. 3 on Rock Mill Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana.
For sale: Missing home appliances JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Appliances were reported missing Feb. 20 from a home for sale. Prospective buyers had visited the
‘Buyer’ makes off with car, sells it ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A supposed mechanic and his client are being sought after they are suspected in the theft of a Jaguar car Feb. 12. The victim, a dealer on Mansell
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Blotter: Continued from Page 2 Road, said the prospective buyer enquired about the vehicle on the lot. She said she would send a mechanic over to inspect it. A man describing himself as the mechanic arrived on the lot and was given the keys to the car to inspect the vehicle. When the dealer checked in again several minutes later, the man and the car were gone. Initially suspecting the mechanic had simply taken the vehicle to a garage, the victim called the buyer, who became irate and refused to answer questions. An ad posted a few days prior to the event selling the same model car was found online. The contact number was the buyer’s.
Publishers Clearing-you-out? ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A suspected fake check was used in a Publishers Clearing House scam. An Alpharetta company reported to police Feb. 12 that they received a call from a woman in Kentucky that she just received a check from them for $6,880. Along with the check came a letter from
Publishers Clearing House saying she won the prize. Thinking this check suspicious, the woman called the company to verify it. It turns out the check was fake. Someone had taken a real check and scrubbed the information from it. The original check was for much less and was cashed by someone else. While no money was thought to be exchanged, the Kentucky woman claimed she had been speaking with someone who claimed to work for the Clearing House.
console and steering wheel and the contents of the glove box scattered. Through fingerprinting, police were able to identify the suspect as Joel Townsend Diekhoff, 32, of Dunwoody, who had warrants for his arrest from Idaho and DeKalb County for burglary. Diekhoff was arrested for entering auto, giving false information to police and having outstanding warrants.
Vehicles entered at new City Hall ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Two vehicles were reportedly broken into Feb. 15 at the new Alpharetta City Hall. One victim told police he parked his car in the on-street parking about 9 a.m. and returned to the car at 1 p.m. His lock was broken and the door was ajar. The only things reported missing were checks. That same day, another person reported his truck was broken into. He parked his car in the parking lot about 8 a.m. and returned to it at noon to find it broken into. The door lock was pried open. A Springfield XDS-45 pistol was the only thing taken. While there are security cameras at City Hall, it is unknown if they caught the crimes.
Man breaks into car, stays there MILTON, Ga. – A Dunwoody man was arrested on multiple outstanding warrants from around the state and country after he was found disoriented in another man’s car. Police were called out Feb. 18 at 8:16 a.m. after a Lathenview Court man found a stranger in his car. The stranger would not leave the car. It took several officers to remove the stranger, who seemed tired and disorientated and repeatedly gave them a false name and date of birth. The victim said the inside of his car was in disarray, with wiring pulled out of the center
Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 3
Officer credited for saving a life Quick action prevented possible suicide attempt ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta praised one of its own Jan. 30 for breaking up an argument and saving a man’s life. On Aug. 25, 2014, Officer John Robinson responded to the scene of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, he discovered a two men and a woman struggling inside a vehicle. When the officer approached the automobile, Robinson saw one of the men pointing a rifle at him. Robinson quickly moved aside, grabbed the rifle and pushed it against the side of the vehicle. The woman told Robinson the man was trying to kill himself. Both Robinson and the other man struggled over the rifle until other police units arrived on scene. At that point, the suspect/victim was taken from the vehicle and the rifle was secured. The man was transported
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Alpharetta Officer John Robinson wrested a weapon from a man during an argument. Robinson was presented with the Alpharetta Lifesaving Medal for his actions. to a local hospital for an evaluation. The actions taken by Robinson directly led to saving a life. Alpharetta Public Safety Director Gary D. George awarded Robinson with the Lifesaving Medal.
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4 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
Snow days create headaches Second year in a row for multiple days off school
The two worst case scenarios are when parents have to go to work and drop their students off before the opening of school, regardless of a delayed start.”
By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Warm weather could not come soon enough for storm-weary officials with the Fulton School System. For the second year in a row, severe weather – and simply the threat of severe weather – has played havoc with the school day as officials try to make the right decisions at the right time. As of the end of February, students have missed four days of school this semester. “A totality of circumstances is used to make the decision of cancelling school,” said Shannon Flounnory, director of safety and security for Fulton Schools. “Considerations must be given to whether forecasted conditions will allow our buses to safely travel, [and] an analysis of our district’s facilities and status of utilities.” Because school buses run on diesel, cold weather alone could create problems for the 800-plus buses in the system fleet. A district weather team consisting of operations, transportation, administration and school safety personnel is responsible for making the decision on whether school should be delayed, cancelled or held. “Our district weather team analyzes all available information and provides all options to the superintendent along with recommendations. Ultimately, the superintendent makes the decisions with student safety being the primary factor,” said
SHANNON FLOUNNORY Director of safety and security for Fulton Schools
CANDY WAYLOCK/STAFF
Children hoping for a snow day had another thing coming Tuesday, Feb. 24. Despite the snow falling at this bus stop in Alpharetta, Fulton County Schools and their busses were up and running. Flounnory. With any decision, social media lights up the district’s Facebook page either praising or lambasting the decision for under-reaction, over reaction, too soon or too late. On Feb. 20, Fulton Schools was one of the only metro systems to cancel school based on the threat of bad weather. On Feb. 24, it was one of the few that held school. Those decisions prompted comments from hundreds of people on the Facebook page (mainly from parents), along with similar notes on Twitter (mainly from students). “It’s difficult to make everyone understand all the decisions that go into cancelling or delaying schools but we try to be as open and transparent are possible, and share quickly the information; but social media
moves faster than we can,” said Susan Hale, spokesperson for Fulton Schools. Fulton County’s unique geography also poses challenges to making decisions that fit the entire county. While North Fulton may be struggling with icy roads in the northwest corridors, South Fulton students may be seeing little more than wet pavements and above freezing temperatures. “The Fulton County School District is very unique in that the distance from the farthest point north to the farthest point south is over 75 miles,” said Flounnory. “The weather models are very dynamic and frequently change [across this area]. “ She noted delayed openings also pose challenges for parents, and often it’s easier
to cancel school than create logistical issues for parents. Flounnory said resources may not be as “abundantly available” across all communities. “In some cases when we have delayed a start, parents sometimes still drop off students,” she explained. “The two worst case scenarios are when parents have to go to work and drop their students off before the opening of school, regardless of a delayed start.” That exact scenario played out in Cobb County last week when school was first delayed, then cancelled, leading to many instances of students being dropped off and left at empty schools. As far as when, and if, the missed days will be made up, those decisions will be left up to the Fulton County Board of Education, said Hale. As a charter district, Fulton is not under the mandate to have 180 days of school. However, the current calendar has two embedded snow days – March 10 and May 27 – which can be used to make up at least two of the missed days if needed.
NF tops state in Advanced Placement achievement All schools named as elite AP Merit Schools By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – High school students in North Fulton were among the top performers on the Advanced Placement (AP) exams in 2014, earning their schools a spot on the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) 2015 AP Honor Schools list. The 2015 AP Honor Schools are named in five categories based on the results of 2014 AP courses and exams, with AP Merit Schools the most prestigious category. Schools in this category have at least 20 percent of their student population taking AP exams, with at least half of all exams earning scores of 3 or higher.
Only 57 of Georgia’s 453 high schools earned AP Merit School distinction. Nine of those spots went to high schools in North Fulton. In all, 10 high schools in the Fulton County School System were designated as AP Merit Schools; the most from one county in the state. AP courses and exams are administered in high school by the College Board, which also administers the SAT. Students who receive a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams given at the end of their course may receive college credit. Earning AP Merit distinction were the following North Fulton high schools: Alpharetta, Cambridge, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Fulton Science Academy Charter, Johns Creek, Milton, Northview
and Roswell. North Springs Charter High School in Sandy Springs also was named to this category. The North Fulton high schools were also named to the AP Honors list in three other categories including: AP STEM Schools – Schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses (198 schools). AP STEM Achievement Schools – Schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses, with at least 40 percent of exams earning scores of 3 or higher (121 schools). AP Humanities Schools – Schools with students testing in all of the following AP courses: at least one English/language arts course, two social science courses, one fine arts course and one world language course (113 schools).
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Alpharetta blogger killed in Bangladesh Avijit Roy hacked to death by extremists By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com DHAKA, BANGLADESH – An Alpharetta resident was hacked to death Feb. 27 while overseas, allegedly for his blogging that was critical of religious extremism. Avijit Roy, 42, and his wife, both residents of Alpharetta, were in Dhaka for a large book fair. Both are prominent bloggers speaking out against radical Islam. The two were leaving the fair when a group of men armed with meat cleavers attacked them on the street. Roy was killed. His wife was injured.
Roy had been the target of numerous threats on his life,
reports The Investigative Project on Terrorism, a nonprofit research group tracking terrorist groups. Roy was a Bangladesh-born U.S. citizen and had lived in Alpharetta since 2008. He and his wife ran prominent secular Islam blogs. “We are united in our grief and we remain undefeated,” reads the blog Mukto-Mono. com after Roy’s death. Police arrested a suspect March 2, Farabi Shafiur Rahman, allegedly a member of the radical Jamaat e Islami, based on threats posted to Roy’s Facebook page. “Avijit Roy lives in America and so, it is not possible to kill him right now. But he will be murdered when he comes back,” Rahman allegedly wrote.
’Hooch soccer offers fundraising pinestraw sales JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Chattahoochee Soccer teams are once again raising program funds by offering great prices for delivery of top-quality pinestraw bales right to your door. The team will also spread straw as instructed. This popular program raises funds for equipment and offsets team expenses throughout the season. Order forms and on-line ordering are available at hoochsoccer.com. Delivery is scheduled for Saturday, March 14.
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 5
Tower: Continued from Page 1 to cooperate on McGinnis Ferry Road, but it does not have that kind of money on-hand. However the city is willing to contribute $200,000 for the engineering of the improvements. “We are supportive of the McGinnis Ferry improvements, we just don’t have $9 million right now to commit. We have no problem with the co-location on the tower, and the tornado warning benefits everybody within hearing distance,” Bodker said. “What we can do is ante our share of the engineering costs. We feel the overall agreement is beneficial to both parties, we just have to work out the details.” For the city’s part, it will have solved a dilemma of how to better serve its citizens in the Shakerag area while keeping the tower out of sight of residents. The tower, limited to a maximum height of 200 feet, will be off McGinnis Ferry Road but inside Forsyth. The tower will not have to be lighted since two other towers also occupy the site. Johns Creek has spent months now studying its plan to replace its aging analog public safety radio net. Having agreed to partner with Fulton County, the city re-
We have no problem with the co-location on the tower, and the tornado warning benefits everybody within hearing distance.” MIKE BODKER Johns Creek mayor ceived free equipment for the existing radio tower on Johns Bridge and Morton roads. The upgrade has been necessary to allow more reliable radio communications for police and fire personnel as well as sister units in other North Fulton communities. The old system had been failing for years. The new digital equipment will be much more reliable and ends that worry. What the Morton-Jones Bridge tower could not do is reach the Shakerag area with the signal penetration (ability to communicate through buildings) or provide the reliable signal strength that is needed.
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Alpharetta mulls hotel, conference center ‘Hotel Avalon’ price to top $100M By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – For several years, Alpharetta has mulled plans to build a conference center somewhere in the city. Current thoughts put it at the new Avalon development along Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway. The city is going through the planning process, and recently heard what might be built from the developer, North American Properties. The result is a $107 million complex with grand hotel and luxury amenities. The city would be on the hook for $28.5 million, the cost of the conference center, which could be paid for using a bond. NAP would pick up the cost. The project is a large one. The full-service hotel is hoped to have 325 rooms and be run by Marriott Hotels. The conference center, which would be attached, would have 74,000 square feet in total space, 42,000 of which is meeting space. It would also have a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. The project would be a part of Avalon Phase 2, which would also include more retail, office and residential space. In January 2013, the city requested ideas from the developer community for a conference center. They fielded several proposals before the city ultimately
Alpharetta’s proposed convention center • 74,000 square feet total • 42,000 square feet of function space – 22,500-square-foot multipurpose space, 10,000 square-foot ballroom • Attached to a 325 room hotel • Expected cost: Developer investment $78.7 million • City investment: $28.5 million (capped) • Proposed completion date: August 2017 settled on Avalon. The complex would be a public-private project, with the city and developer sharing costs. Because NAP is not in the hotel business, they brought in Jim Stormont, of Stormont Hospitality Group based in Atlanta, to work on that component. “We are bringing a much needed facility to Alpharetta and the Fulton County market,” Stormont said. Convention space is a recognized issue in North Fulton. Despite having many Fortune 1,000 companies within its borders, these companies have to go inside the Perimeter to hold any large events. One of the largest spaces available in Alpharetta is the Marriott Hotel on Windward Parkway, and it is too small even for local events. “We don’t have the facility to serve
1,000 people. Every year, we have to go downtown,” said Brandon Beach, local state senator and head of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. “This is much needed for the community.” He said the GNFCC annual business expo routinely has a waiting list of companies who want to set up booths in the Marriott but have no space. Another aspect of the conference center is a full-service hotel – dubbed “Hotel Avalon” – which would be the first in the metro area in nearly 15 years, Stormont said. It would be intertwined with the conference center. Alpharetta has a strong hotel industry, Stormont said. It routinely has an occupancy rate of nearly 74 percent, a number that is steadily climbing. Economically, Stormont said the project would result in 210 direct jobs, with more than 360 jobs created around it, including construction jobs. It would have a regional economic impact of $36 million, he said, and would be bringing in $3 million in tax revenue per year by year 11. Some members of council were less convinced of the merits or cost of the proposal. “I don’t have a problem with the project,” Councilmember D.C. Aiken said. “Avalon delivered on Phase 1 well beyond my expectations.” However, why are Alpharetta residents the only ones paying for such a “regional” project, he asked. If it were such a regional project, it should be
paid for regionally. Aiken also balked at the idea of the city approving a bond to pay for it without getting voter approval. “If this is such a great gig, it’s easy to put on the ballot for November,” Aiken said. Jim Gilvin, another councilmember, agreed, taking issue with the costs, which are higher than originally anticipated. “This council needs to rethink the issue. There are a lot of different things you can do with $30 million,” he said. “It bothers me that this evolved and we did not go back to evaluate what we are doing.” Mayor David Belle Isle defended the project. “The whole point of downtown is to provide a place for us to connect as a city,” Belle Isle said. “But just as the residents had no real place to meet, so too our technology companies want a downtown. It’s impossible for them to do business inside the city of Alpharetta.” If approved, Stormont said construction on the hotel and conference center could begin as early as January 2016. It could be finished by August 2017. The next steps for the project are uncertain. If council agrees on the scale and price of the conference center, it would ultimately be up to them whether to raise the bonds through council action or put it on the November ballot for a public vote. Regardless, public meetings will precede any final action.
Alpharetta celebrates Arbor Day: Plant a tree – take a selfie JOHNS CREEK, Ga. –The Alpharetta Natural Resources Commission invites everyone to participate in the city’s annual Arbor Day Celebration by planting a tree and sending us a picture. It could win you a
“Tree Climbing Adventure.” “February and March are still good months to plant trees in Georgia because the new trees are fairly dormant, and will have a chance to begin establishing a root system
before the summer heat,” said Alpharetta Arborist David Shostak. “Local nurseries can provide suggestions for best trees to plant in our climate, or go to the Arbor Day
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posted to our Facebook page between now and the end of March will be eligible to win one of 10 FREE certificates for a ‘Tree Climbing Adventure’ Saturday, April 25, at Alpharetta’s Downtown City Center near the new City Hall. That day we will celebrate the grandeur of a magnificent huge old Oak tree. Be one of the first to climb into its majestic branches and overlook the City! Look for new banners in downtown Alpharetta that will remind you to “Celebrate Arbor Day!” and “Plant A Tree!” Don’t forget to let Natural Resources Commission hear from you on Facebook to celebrate your contribution to our environment. The City of Alpharetta will be celebrating its official Arbor Day Saturday, March 7, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with the reading of the Arbor Day Proclamation and the dedication of one of the new oaks recently planted in Brooke Street Park behind the new City Hall. After the dedication there will be an organized clean-up of the area in front of City Hall that’s home to some grand old trees.
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NEWS
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 7
Cauley Creek offers answer to Fulton/EPD dilemma By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – When the Fulton County Commission in a split vote ended its contract with Cauley Creek Water Reclamation Facility Sept. 9, 2012, they hailed it as a cost savings move. Now, it is not looking at such a good deal. Fulton had been in a rate dispute with Cauley Creek owner Ron Green that it lost in court. So it severed ties with Cauley Creek in 2013. One unpleasant side effect of abandoning Cauley Creek has been to force Fulton County to use potable water to honor its gray water irrigation contracts. That put Fulton afoul of EPD, which has ruled the county is out of compliance with its wastewater management plan. That means it can’t expand any sewer service until it solves that issue. And a growing North Fulton is going to need more sewer capacity sooner rather than later – maybe much sooner. Green, the owner of Cauley Creek, says he has a plan that should make everybody happy. Green was left with a multimilliondollar investment but without his only customer. The county has also created issues for itself by cutting ties with Cauley Creek. Money was the big issue in its closing, so Green is prepared to make Fulton an offer it can’t refuse. His plan would have the county buy his Cauley Creek plant for $15 million, one-third of the county’s own valuation of the plant in 2012. “If the county would buy Cauley Creek, it could help ensure there would never be a sewer moratorium in North Fulton,” Green said. “Further, using its
ability to provide gray water for irrigation contracts, the county would immediately come into EPD compliance.” With Cauley Creek’s 5 million gallons a day (mgd) recaptured, the county could then create a diversion plan that would pipe Big Creek wastewater to Johns Creek for treatment. That frees up capacity to buy the county more time to build more capacity at Big Creek. Johns Creek would have the additional 5 mgd of Cauley Creek that have the net effect of bringing on Big Creek’s 5 mgd with no change in its current flow. “A lot of attention was given to Cauley Creek as the provider of reuse irrigation to golf courses, corporate and church campuses and subdivisions. But that was never the reason for the construction of the plant,” said former Fulton County Commission Chair Mike Kenn, who oversaw the Cauley Creek project. It was always meant to increase sewage treatment capacity, he said. The irrigation reuse water was just a bonus for the EPD’s water conservation plan and an income stream for the county. “Fulton County was in the midst of a sewer moratorium and Cauley Creek was the perfect solution for a county strapped for money,” Kenn said. “It was the first public-private partnership in the state to bring some much needed sewer capacity and bring the county out of a sewer moratorium.” At the time the contract was ended, county officials said it was the plan to close Cauley Creek because Johns Creek Wastewater Reclamation Facility would have all the capacity needed through 2025.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Cauley Creek Wastewater Reclamation Facility, designed to look like a large barn, has been in mothballs over a year. But it may yet play a part in getting Fulton County out of the EPD’s doghouse. Kenn said that was never the case. The contract was always meant to be perpetual. But under state law, no contract may bind one governing body from one year to the next. The agreement was to be renewed for 20 years. “It was never contemplated that the contract was a year-to-year arrangement. The one thing you never want to give up as a government is sewer capacity,” he said. “There were two big issues when I ran for chairman that needed attention. One was the North Fulton sewer moratorium, which stopped all new growth, and the other was the ongoing issue of transportation.” Cauley Creek was “the pivotal accomplishment” that addressed both the sewer capacity and moratorium that allowed North Fulton continued to grow, Kenn said.
He would not speculate on why the county decided to stop the Cauley Creek contract. “I can only say that it was not a sound business decision,” Kenn said. “I can’t understand taking the water reuse off line given the cyclical drought situation we have in North Fulton. I can’t understand that decision.” And that was without considering the $11 million check the county wrote to pay off the development bonds, he said. Green said he had no interest in rehashing the past. He wants to move forward. “That is all in the past. I’m a businessman. I am offering Cauley Creek at a bargain price. It can be up and running again in a matter of a few weeks. That will solve the compliance issue immediately by bringing back reuse gray water for irrigation,” Green said.
Sewer: County ignoring dwindling sewer capacity Continued from Page 1
plan filed with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, it would not be a problem. That plan called for a 14-million-gallon per day expansion of Big Creek to go on line in 2015. This would see the western part of North Fulton’s needs through 2035. However, the county has not even begun the expansion process. Meanwhile, the Johns Creek Water Reclamation Facility that was expanded to 15 mgd in 2010 is operating at 67 percent capacity just five years after opening. That is exacerbated by the rate dispute it had with the privately owned 5-mgd Cauley Creek Wastewater Reclamation Facility. After losing a lawsuit over the Cauley Creek rate structure, the county simply refused to renew the annual agreement in 2013. In abrogating the 20-year agreement, the county said it did not need the additional sewer capacity. That had the net effect of reducing the overall sewer
Big North Fulton development brewing in 2015 • Avalon, a mixed-use project on 85 acres, will have retail, residential and Class A office. Phase II has begun that will include 550,000 square feet of office, added to the existing 105,000 square feet. • Riverwalk, a $500 million mixed-use development proposed in Roswell at Ga. 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road, will come before the Roswell Planning Commission in the coming weeks. • Alpharetta has approved a master plan for a $25 million redevelopment of its City Center. • Johns Creek has launched a 20-year project for a 725acre redevelopment of its central business district. • Alcon in Johns Creek has begun a $250 million expansion of its contact lens production facility and is a major user of water. capacity in the Johns Creek Basin from 20 mgd to 15 mgd. Kun Suwanarpa is the interim Fulton public works director and was county director of water resources when the Cauley Creek plant was closed. Suwanarpa declined to comment on this article, instead deferring to Ray Wooten, the county’s engineering administrator. Wooten noted that the Big Creek and Johns Creek plants can handle “double the flow
without harm.” The county holds contracts to supply irrigation water to big users in the east side of North Fulton. This is where the county has fallen out of EPD’s good graces. Fulton unilaterally opted to use its potable water to honor those contracts. That meant Fulton had to use potable water for irrigation rather than the “gray water” treated at the Cauley Creek plant. It also meant the county would continue to charge those
customers at the gray water rate. The result was irrigation customers were getting a discounted rate for potable water that is just thrown on the ground. Fulton County’s normal rate for potable irrigation water (and mandated in the EPD’s rate structure) is to charge double the potable water rate. The idea is to discourage the practice of using potable water for that purpose. This has led to the county’s non-compliance penalty. It has now filed an appeal of EPD’s ruling. Gail Cowie, EPD assistant branch chief of the Water Protection Branch, confirmed the county is out of compliance because of its practice to discount its rate for potable water. “That is our issue with the change in Fulton County’s plan. It is using potable water and charging gray water rates,” Cowie said. Meanwhile, EPD has demanded and received an audit of Fulton procedures to determine its compliance with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water District. Cowie
said that audit is still under review, since the county took 11 months to complete it. There is the small Little River WRF plant with a permit of 1 mgd that the county wants to expand, but the EPD is withholding action until the county comes back into compliance. That is of interest to Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood since the Little River plant serves Arnold Mill Road (Ga. 140) in his city. “That is a gateway into our city. A sewer moratorium would affect future development there,” Lockwood said. “We don’t have plans at this time, but at the right time, we should have the ability to do something.” At the time the Cauley Creek plant was closed, Suwanarpa said the county’s projections for the east end of North Fulton showed it was near build-out. Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was incensed anyone said his city is at “build-out.” “We have big plans for our city, and we expect Fulton County to meet our needs,” Bodker said.
8 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
Love: Why I can’t afford the toilet paper In December, I asked for my girlfriend’s hand in marriage. Actually, I asked for her entire body in marriage, but you get the idea. The marriage proposal is considered “popping the big question,” but once that big question is out of the way, another rears its moneygrubbing head – “How much will it cost?” First on the list of things that cost a ridiculous amount of money, the ring. Now, I happen to be of the opinion that engagement rings are nice, but a redundant and useless idea that we only conform to because it is the norm. But, I’m also not a complete fool and did not propose with an empty hand, lest my asking for her hand in marriage would end with her not giving me her hand, but rather a single, raised finger. I learned much about diamonds and rings in my research on the matter, though what I learned most was that I could have purchased an almost new car for the same price. But with the impending wedding costs, little did I know that my bank account was about to go down faster than a ring-less proposal. When the ring was purchased, and thus the first wedding punch to the wallet was complete, on comes the cost of the wedding venue, which as far as I can tell, costs about as much as a 30-year mortgage. Finding a venue is a delicate mix of finding a building that is user-friendly, beautiful, well-decorated without being gaudy, has enough space for people to move freely yet is still intimate, has a big dance floor, proper accommodations, catering options, a DJ, plenty of parking, a bar, plenty of bathrooms, is handicap accessible and on and on and on. Well, that is the kind of venue my fiancé is looking for. So far, my only questions on venues has been, “Do they have a bar?” and “How much does it cost?”
OPINION
Submit your opinions to news@appenmediagroup.com
JOE PARKER
Appen Intern news@appenmedia group.com
... I’m also not a complete fool and did not propose with an empty hand, lest my asking for her hand in marriage would end with her not giving me her hand, but rather a single, raised finger. The quick answer to the latter question – “A lot.” Slap the term “wedding” on anything from a venue to a tablecloth and the price will escalate tenfold. A nice candlelit centerpiece? $450. Colored drapes to hang over the chairs? $450. Using the resident DJ? $450. In fact, I’ve found that everything you can add to a reception is $450. It wouldn’t surprise me if they charged $450 to have toilet paper in the bathroom. It has been very difficult finding a venue that can not only accommodate my fiancé’s novella of requirements, but also one that won’t force me to sell my body to science to pay for it. I could use that open bar now.
CTRL + ALT + TEACH:
Technology in education While I may be young, I do remember a time before almost every household had a computer. Granted, I was around 8 when my family got our first computer. Growing up, the Internet and personal computers were just becoming mainstream in the daily lives of Americans. People in my generation are sometimes called digital natives, and that’s pretty fitting. Most adults in our lives didn’t have much experience with the World Wide Web, so we had to be self-taught. If we wanted to add the latest Britney Spears song to our Myspace profiles, we had to learn a little bit of HTML code. And yes, I do remember the beautiful music and hourlong wait when you would log into AOL. But even though I’m a millennial, I still am amazed every time I walk into a school and see a classroom full of elementary students all using their own digital device for an activity.
KATHLEEN STURGEON Forsyth Herald Reporter kathleen@appen mediagroup.com
A few weeks ago, Forsyth County Schools announced their finalists for Teacher of the Year. When the elementary teacher was taking pictures with her class, one student pulled out his iPad to take a class selfie. It’s exciting how kids get to grow up with technology in their schools and use it in everyday lessons. My mom is an elementary school librarian, but their job description recently changed to include more technology instruction. She has used this as a chance to learn as much as she can about apps and Web tools for her students. Sometimes, she teaches me a thing or two.
I wish we could have used this technology when I was growing up. It seems to be so helpful for students to really grasp concepts and demonstrate what they learned. I know my generation can sometimes get a bad reputation for always being plugged into our digital devices, but sometimes technology can be an effective tool – and one of those places is in the classroom. There are thousands of free or low cost apps, websites, blogs, vlogs (video blogs) and software for students, which is pretty cool to think about. My cousin just turned 3 and when I visit her and have my phone out, she takes it from me and starts playing games. She too also loves to take selfies with me. She is fearless when it comes to technology. If we don’t all start to embrace a future with technology, we will soon be as obsolete as the floppy disk.
No more animals! I mean it this time, no more animals! The Internet is a strange and complex place. It is a place where a photo of a dress can spark heated debates over just what its color is – blue and black, or white and gold? But it’s also a place largely divided into two portions – pornography and cute animals. It’s the cute animals that get me into trouble. The Missus loves animals. Cats (“kitties!”), dogs (“puppies!”), rabbits (“bunnies!”), hamsters (“hammies?”) and
JONATHAN COPSEY
Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com so on are constantly being squealed in our home whenever she sees pictures of them. Or videos of them. Or sees them outside. Or thinks about
them. Or whenever. We already have a cat and a dog. That’s enough for me, thanks. But she wants more. Always more. And the Internet gives her a great place to find more. Always, there are photos of cute animals at hand, often from shelters or adoption centers, and I’m fairly certain I have seen most of them at one point thanks to Her. Cat playing the piano? I’ve seen it. Dog running in its
sleep? Watched it. Did I know a group of rabbits is called a “fluffle?” I do now. Llamas running down a highway? I guess that’s cute? I’m certain this is all part of a plan to wear me down to just give in. She hopes I will see the perfect video and say, “Well, OK. We can get a XX.” That’s not going to happen. Don’t get me wrong – if I wanted another animal, our first stop would be a shelter. All animals deserve a home, is
my belief. There are plenty of great shelters that are chockfull of animals waiting for someone to love them. And I would encourage anyone looking for an animal to make their first stop at a shelter. The problem is that I don’t really want another animal. We have two and they are plenty, I think. But there’s always room for more, isn’t there? At least in her mind. But try telling her otherwise. I dare you.
OPINION
No tax increase — who’s kidding whom? We should be entering the homestretch for the 40 Days of Madness – better known as the Georgia Legislative Session – and we will soon know what the final reckoning for the taxpayer will be. As usual, the Legislature goes out of its way not to raise taxes. Oh, they will spend all right – there is never a shortage of that. However, elected officials are ever mindful of Grover Norquist and his ilk with their No Tax Increase Pledge. The idea is that true conservatives will sign a pledge never to raise taxes. So if you sign it, you are good little legislator, and if you don’t, then you are not a true patriotic steward of the public purse. Given that just about any bill passed is going to cost something if only to enforce it, then in theory those signing the pledge could just stay home and phone in their nays. But that’s no fun. Think of all the freebies they would miss from the lobbyists. Sure everyone talks about lobbying reform, but it’s like the weather. Nobody actually does anything about it. It’s the same as ethics reform. The tricky part is how can you have true ethics reform and not have to worry about actually acting ethically? Better to keep the status quo and then everyone can conduct business as usual. But getting back to no tax increases, let’s remember one thing. Under the Gold Dome, it’s not a tax increase if you can shift the cost onto someone else’s budget. Take the sales tax. I mean, that’s what they do. Just take what is needed out of the sales tax. You haven’t raised anyone’s sales tax, you have simply taken a larger share of what is coming in. Never mind that this is shared revenue with other government entities such as cities, schools and counties. Just take it. That way you can fund Project X and you won’t raise taxes. Oh, those cities and counties will have to eat that loss of revenue or raise THEIR taxes. But that is really their problem. That is the logic of cost shifting. It
HATCHER HURD
Executive Editor hatcher@ appenmediagroup.com works beautifully. Legislators can say, “I kept the pledge and didn’t raise my taxes.” No, they just took the money from the cities or the schools and let them cut services or raise taxes. Actually, people are catching on. Maybe the politicians have gone to the well once too often. Taxpayers are waking up to the fact that no matter which pocket gets picked, it is their wallets that get lightened. The real problem is that folks like to believe taxes are evil. Actually they make government possible. Why do we need $1.5 billion in new transportation dollars? Growth is part of it, but a large part has been neglect. Transportation needs have not been fully funded for years, and now we have to pay the piper for that neglect. As usual, deferred maintenance is much costlier than pay as you go. So when you sign a no-tax-increase pledge, you have given up your duty to think and weigh the costs and benefits. Taxes serve a purpose. It is a hard job to manage the needs versus the means. Elected officials are there to make the tough decisions. But if you only think first and foremost how to get re-elected, you can just sign the pledge and tsk-tsk those other tax-andspend legislators. It won’t fix any roads, but your seat is safe, and that is the important thing. If you adopt the “Just Say No” policy like Nancy Reagan used to preach about fighting drug use, you are opting out of your duties – and will be just about as effective as the Just Say No campaign. There are no simple answers, and taking a pledge is no answer at all. But my, doesn’t it sound good on the resume come November?
Sure everyone talks about lobbying reform, but it’s like the weather. Nobody actually does anything about it. It’s the same as ethics reform.
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 9
COMMUNITY
10 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
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XL212 announces February student athletes of the month ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Brittney Neser and Jordan Pitt were honored as the XL212 studentathletes of the month (SAM Award) at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce February Eggs & Enterprise Breakfast Feb. 24. The SAM award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of deserving student athletes in the greater North Fulton area. Winners are chosen from nominations made by area athletic directors and coaches, and based on extraordinary academic proficiency, exceptional athletic accomplishments and dedication to civic action. Brittney Neser, a senior basketball player from Northview High School, was named the female student athlete of the month for February. Academically, Neser achieves a 3.4 GPA while carrying multiple advance placement classes. She has consistently maintained her honor roll status throughout her entire high school career and scored a 1790 on her SAT. Neser is the co-President of the National Leadership Council at Northview and is very involved in shaping the student athletes in a positive light. Neser’s athletic accom-
From left, Dr. Robert Avossa, superintendent of Fulton County Schools, Mike Haynes, with XL212, pose with Jordan Pitt, Brittney Neser, Eric Douglas, with XL212 and Brandon Beach, North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. plishments include starting point guard for the last three years, averaging per game seven points, four assists, four rebounds and two steals. She has scored over 400 points in her career, with 250 assists. She is also an active varsity soccer player and will attend the University of South
Carolina at Beaufort on a scholarship. Neser will be playing in the upcoming XL212 Basketball All-Star Classic on March 14 at Lambert High School. When asked what sets this student leader apart from her peers, Coach Chris Yarbrough said, “Brittney has been a
true pleasure to coach. I’ve seen her grow as a player and a leader. She virtually played every minute this year and was always competing on and off the court. Players like her don’t come around very often, and she will be missed. She set the tone for the players and her leadership helped us
improve this year.” The February male student athlete of the month is Jordan Pitt, a senior wrestler from Chattahoochee High School. Academically, Pitt achieves a 3.66 GPA, 1800 SAT and a 27 ACT. He has been a member of the honor roll for all seven semesters. Pitt has received numerous awards including three time recipient of the athletic academic award, outstanding achievement award in GPS Geometry and Cougar Pride award in mathematics. Pitt’s athletic accomplishments include 2015 region, sectional and state champion at 120 lbs., four time State placer (first, second, third and third), two time freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling state champion, all-American at Cliff Keen National Tournament, career record of 199-21 and a season record of 56-3. When asked what sets this student leader apart from his peers, Coach JJ Hicks said, “He makes everyone around him better. His tireless work ethic in all aspects of his life and his natural talent for the sport of wrestling makes him a champion on and off the mat.” –Kathleen Sturgeon
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Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
ShamRockin’ For a Cure sets goal of $1M Event helps Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ALPHARETTA, Ga. – On Saturday, March 7, ShamRockin’ for a Cure will return to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre with hopes of raising $400,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, pushing the event over the $1 million dollar milestone in just seven years. When Roswell parents Jon and Pam Baker learned that their two sons had cystic fibrosis, they enlisted the support of friends to start the Baker Boys Battalion - a fundraising team dedicated to raising dollars and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 2008, along with close friends Chris and Mary Guiney of Alpharetta, they created Shamrockin’ for a Cure, a grassroots fundraising event that brought friends together to celebrate St. Patrick’s day to “eat, drink and help cure cystic fibrosis.” Now, ShamRockin’ for a Cure, sponsored by Georgia’s Own Credit Union, is a premier party that boasts food from 25 of the best restaurants in Metro Atlanta, plenty of drink vendors to keep party cups
If you go What: Shamrockin’ for a Cure When: 7 p.m. March 7 Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Info: www. shamrockinforacure.com or 404-325-6973 full, live music, a dance floor, a silent auction and once-ina-lifetime opportunities in the live auction. All of this is available to party-goers for $95 per ticket ($43 tax deductible). Last year, ShamRockin’ for a Cure brought the movers and shakers of Metro Atlanta and filled the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre with close to 1,500 guests, 40 corporate sponsors
This year’s Shamrockin’ for a Cure will be 7 p.m. March 7 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. including its first presenting sponsor, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, and raised more than
$307,000. Tickets may be purchased online at www.shamrockinfora-
cure.com or by calling the CF Foundation at 404-325-6973. —Jonathan Copsey
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12 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
COMMUNITY
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Partners in Education Expo brings businesses, schools together Form partnerships where students are the winners By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Why would representatives from 55 public and private schools and more than 170 business people come together Friday, Feb. 27 for something called the Partners in Education Expo? Why, to help students in North Fulton and Forsyth of course. Partners in Education is an adjunct of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. It is a program that puts together two of the biggest reasons new development is attracted to North Fulton/Forsyth – the top-flight schools and the climate for businesses great and small. Geoff Smith, the chamber’s Partners in Education Expo committee chairman, said of the 55 schools involved in this year’s expo, there is a unique way to get involved. “Each school is looking for a different kind of partnership. The expo’s main purpose is to match up needs with talents,” Smith said. “The chamber just wants to be the facilitator, so we have this expo every year. It’s a little wild sometimes.” The crowd was intimidating, with more than 200 people milling about and talking animatedly in the lobby of DeKalb Office on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta. It looked like the first day of a Toastmasters convention.
Partners in Education sponsors • Greater North Fulton Chamber • DeKalb Office • Appen Media Group • Assurance Financial • Chattahoochee Nature Center • Nothing Bundt Cakes Fostering these partnerships is a goal of the chamber, because it has found these educational partnerships create better ties with the community for the businesses and all kinds of opportunities for the schools, Smith said. “It is similar to the Rotary and Kiwanis model. Do good in the community and be seen and good things will come back to you,” he said. Ed O’Connor, director of sales at DeKalb Office, was the titular host of the event. DeKalb Office is a big believer in supporting local schools, he said. “Good things happen when businesses and schools get together. Education is a big part of our customer base, but it is more than that. Education is a big part of having a successful community,” O’Connor said. “You get a lot of personal gratification when you get involved with kids. And you make connections with parents, teachers and other people that create connections you would not have found any other
PHOTOS BY HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Creekview Elementary PTA volunteers Christina Singleton, left, Kim Llooecker and Assistant Principal Jennifer Rosenthal are all smiles at the expo. way.” Every school is different in its approach. Some are just looking for donations. Others want volunteers, or someone to speak at career day. A school may be looking for a sponsor for an event. At the expo, O’Connor tells people to just keep talking to schools until they
find a fit. Board of Education member Katie Reeves said now that Fulton is a charter district, the BOE is encouraging schools to “find innovative solutions” in the community. “Taxpayer dollars can’t solve everything,” Reeves said. “These partnerships help find innovation.”
COMMUNITY
Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 13 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Everybody is talking the long and the short of education.
Members of the Partners in Education Committee are, from left, Ed O’Connor (DeKalb Office), Geoff Smith (Assurance Financial), Olivia Ibrahim (Progress Partners), Fulton School Board member Katie Reeves and GNFCC Chairman Ken Davis (Renasant Bank).
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Mimosa Assistant Principal Earleana Smith, from left, Principal Melissa Canalichio and John Ray are recruiting volunteers for Mimosa Elementary School.
Businessman founds Backpacks of Love Program makes sure Mimosa kids don’t go hungry on weekends By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – There are a lot of schools that John Ray could have become involved in. But he took the path less traveled when he chose to align himself with Mimosa Elementary School in Roswell. Mimosa has the most children on assisted lunches in the district. Almost any school is more affluent and could provide more contacts for his bookkeeping company. But he found Mimosa. “Actually, Mimosa found me,” Ray said. “I found that if you give first, they will give back to you. “If people are looking to get something back directly, they will likely be disappointed. Partnering is all about meeting new people,” Ray said. Backpacks of Love is a program he founded that sends nonperishable food and toiletries home with students every other weekend. “It is to make sure students
don’t go hungry over the weekend. There are 15 or 16 schools involved in the program in North Fulton and Forsyth,” he said. “It has been going four years now. It came about through an afterschool mentoring program.” Ray said he has found his experiences much more rewarding personally. “It does not require a lot of money to be a volunteer. It does take a commitment. But there is a place for every size business,” Ray said. “And for every size school.” Ryder Trucks sends volunteers to participate in a mentoring and tutor program for the children. Others participate in WRAD – World Read Aloud Day – where volunteers come to read aloud to students. Ray is also “passionate” about homelessness in North Fulton County. He said 92 percent of North Fulton residents do not believe there is any homelessness in North Fulton. Ray said they haven’t been looking hard.
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COMMUNITY
14 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
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Pisgah senior recognized at Georgia Youth Leadership Awards ATLANTA, Ga. – Mount Pisgah Christian School senior Connor Ford was recognized on Feb. 26 at the Georgia Youth Leadership Awards held in Atlanta. Ford founded and created Spirit App, LLC. Spirit App is an online social portal that allows schools to post events. Student members can then accumulate “spirit points” as they check-in at events on the app. The app also allows
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Valdosta State University VALDOSTA, Ga. – Natalie Ajamian of Roswell and Caitlyn Brown of Alpharetta both returned from the Czech Republic and Central Europe as part of Valdosta State University’s Summer Study Abroad Program. The trip included three weeks of seminars and lectures at the host institution Palacky University. Students earned up to nine hours of credit in psychology.
students to interact with one-another and redeem their “spirit points” for prizes. “It makes it easier for students to connect with their school community and be more involved in school,” said Ford. “I created it out of a need I saw in schools, as there is a lack of communication between school administrators and students in school.” The app is designed for public and
American Hebrew Academy GREENSBORO, N.C. – Roland Rosenberg of Cumming was named to the American Hebrew Academy Dean’s Honor Roll for the 2014 fall trimester. Rosenberg maintained an average of 90 or higher and was one of 39 students to qualify for this achievement.
Messiah College MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – Meghan Boyle of Alpharetta has graduated from Messiah College with a degree in mathematics. Boyle was a member of the College Honors Program.
DeSales University
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CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Rebecca J. Ni of Duluth has made the Dean’s List at DeSales University. Ni is currently majoring in medical studies.
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MACON, Ga. – Mercer University recently celebrated over 1,900 new graduates including the following local students. Mohsina Hossain, Cumming, master’s degree in teaching; Emily Caton, Cumming, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Mary McCright, Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Alissa Gauger, Milton, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Sarah
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Harding University SEARCY, Ark. – The following local students recently graduated from Harding University. Brooke Tabor of Duluth received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Victoria Sams of Suwanee received a bachelor’s degree in social work. The following local students were included on the Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester at Harding University: Caroline Embry, Alpharetta; Katherine Embry, Alpharetta; Harrison Hunter, Alpharetta;
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private schools, as well as colleges and universities. The Georgia Youth Leadership Awards are sponsored by 21st Century Leaders, a collaboration of business and professional leaders inspiring high school students to take on leadership positions, seek out opportunities and give back to their communities. –Adam Barth
Name: Aaron Rosenthal Age: 18 GPA: 3.6 Athletic Team: Football Position: Center School and/or Community Activities: Cougar2Couger Athletic Awards: Gold Player of the Week Academic Awards: Outstanding Achievement in World History Future Plans: Go to college at either UGA, UCF, FSU or Alabama State. Study history to become a history professor.
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Garrison Gerard, Suwanee; Kelly Batte, Cumming; and Madison Wickline, Roswell.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Milton Park Jr. of Alpharetta made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Park is currently studying civil engineering.
Marquette University MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Emily Butler of Alpharetta made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Marquette University.
Centre College DANVILLE, Ky. – Jenny Connor, a graduate of King’s Ridge Christian School from Alpharetta, is a member of the Centre College graduating class of 2014. Connor, who received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is one of 325 students to graduate from Centre in 2014.
Lincoln Memorial University HARROGATE, Tenn. – Brittany Jenkins of Alpharetta
received the C.W. and Gladys T. Bradley Memorial Scholarship. Jenkins was among 264 students recognized at the Lincoln Memorial University Student Awards and Recognition Program.
Brenau University GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Brian Pinion of Alpharetta displayed his graduate work at the High Museum in Atlanta for the Master in Interior Design Exhibition. Pinion has a master’s degree in interior design from Brenau University. Brenau University student Deirdre Kunze of Johns Creek is a member of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance Repertory Company for the 2014-2015 season. Kunze was the company manager and worked on marketing for “Shiver Me Timbers” and “Muse of Fire: Shakespeare on Tour.” Kunze is majoring in theater design and technology.
Columbus State University COLUMBUS, Ga. – Christopher Barner and Daniela Volkovinsky, both of Alpharetta, graduated from Columbus State University after the 2014 spring semester.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
| Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 15
Grammy winner Ed Gerhard returns for Six String concert By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Guitarist Ed Gerhard is on the concert trail again, making his way from Japan to Italy to play for the fans of his unique style of play. “His music is some of the most melodic you’ll ever hear,” said Eddie Mathis, founder/ promoter of the Six String Social Club. “It just washes over you. You feel the music as much as hear it.” Gerhard stands out among instrumental performers with virtuosity and gentle humor. He is best known for his revival of the Hawaiian lap steel guitar popularized by swing bands in the 1930s and later by country music artists. “He brings signature interpretations to songs using the Weissborn lap steel guitar that is still sought after today by musicians. The Weissborn is the Stradivarius of the lap guitar. It has the best sound, and there were only about 5,000 ever made by Weissborn,” Mathis said. “He’s made it relevant again,” he said. As far as genre, Gerhard is somewhat eclectic. He is equally at home with New Age, Folk, Gospel and the Beatles. “His ‘A Closer Walk with
If you go What: Ed Gerhard in Concert When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14 Where: Woodstock Community Church, 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 30188 Tickets: Advance: $30/$35 at door More info: sixstringsocialclub.com or 770-365-7738 Thee’ is just haunting,” Mathis said. His new CD “Then and Gone” features original music as well as intriguing covers of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” a stunning arrangement of “Imagine/Across the Universe” and a concert favorite on the Weissborn, “Killing the Blues.” Andy Ellis of Premier Guitar Magazine said of his performances “... some of the richest steel-string sound you’ve ever heard.” Gerhard has been awarded a Grammy for his inclusion on the CD “Henry Mancini: Pink Guitar” for his arrangement and performance of “Moon River.” He has also received a Boston Globe Critics’ Pick in
Ed Gerhard has won worldwide fans for his unique guitar style. He is making his 10th Six String concert stop, much to the delight of his local fans. its Top Ten Albums of the Year, while Acoustic Guitar Magazine writes “...his recordings and live performances have
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16 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
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Johns Creek Business District breaks mold for revitalization By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek’s plan to designate a 25acre site near Medlock Bridge and McGinnis Ferry roads as a business district runs counter to recent efforts by cities to grow their economies. Over the past 20 years, north metro Atlanta cities have shelled out hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild areas in an effort to draw visitors, businesses and economic prosperity. Nearly all started the process with plans for a new city hall. But Johns Creek is keeping its focus on business, a commodity it is sadly lacking compared to most of its neighbors. Commercial real estate makes up a paltry 19 percent of the city’s property tax base, placing the bulk of the tax burden on homeowners. And with growing needs for revenue, a new city hall is the least of Johns Creek’s worries. “We’ll take a spot as a lead tenant in a 75,000-square-foot building a developer wants to build,” said City Manager Warren Hutmacher. “The idea
Correction A recent item in the business briefs carried an incorrect spelling of the new marketing coordinator for Harry Norman Realtors Forsyth/Lake Lanier office. His name is Jeff Bucchino.
Residents pack City Hall to begin the discussions of what the community would like to see in The District. is not to build a sprawling 20acre campus where none of the land is taxable.” By contrast, Sandy Springs, which was founded 10 years ago as the poster child for smaller government, is spending tens of millions of dollars to build a city center along Roswell Road. Proponents argue the project, which includes a city hall that may double as a meeting center, will spur an economic boom that will spiral outward and nourish civic pride. Alpharetta is in the midst of a $30-million project that includes a new city hall with a parking deck, retail shops and green space on its Main Street.
Sugar Hill continues work on the commercial elements of its revamped downtown with its new $8.5 million city hall. From Smyrna to Suwanee, the message has been the same, a government complex is a magnet for business. But Johns Creek is taking a different tack. “Land in the district is not sufficiently utilized, so we’ve got capacity for more growth, more development in that area to raise more revenue,” Hutmacher said. “If you can generate more money from this potential business district, you can pop that money into other residential areas in the city and let the residents benefit from the
commercial growth.” It’s up to the city to capitalize on the growing job market that has most recently been creeping from Atlanta to the northern suburbs, Hutmacher said. “The goal from the city’s standpoint is to make these improvements in a measured and successful way without creating more traffic that’s going to be a nuisance for the rest of the community,” Hutmacher said. The new business district plan is still in the planning stages, but civic groups and business leaders have already participated in a series of informational presentations to learn
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
more about it. Johns Creek Chamber President John Bemont said those he’s spoken within the business community are excited about the prospect of a well-planned area where commercial growth is fostered. “Any time you plan things out in an area where development makes sense, rather than random expansion, it’s good,” Bemont said. “It’s going to be more opportunity.” Most chamber members, he said, are anxious to see what comes out of the planning sessions. “I’m still learning a lot about it,” he said.
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Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 17
More big, bold ideas Building and managing to usher in prosperity your sales pipeline Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.” The report, which reflects and synthesizes the views from more than 500 individuals surveyed and economic vital signs recorded, has been used to chart the North Georgia economy and real estate for more than 25 years. We’ve been speaking of “big, bold, bodacious ideas” that we proposed in our annual Native Intelligence Report for 2015. Here are a couple more: Progressive preservation What makes a community great? With the surge of growth anticipated by our gorilla “Atlanta” and her twin sister “Gwinnett” over the next 40 years, how does a community like North Georgia preserve (save) its soul? Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once said “about pornography, I don’t know what it is but I know it when I see it.” The same is true for the soul of a community – hard to explain but you know it when you see it…when you feel it… magical, inspirational and aspirational. The character of a community is manifested in its architecture, the context of preservation of its people and their welcoming arms and attitude. It’s the sense of place. More than festivities and parades, it’s a community giving heart as demonstrated when a side of Clarkesville’s square burns to the ground or a church mobilizes for a lost child. Our bold challenge is to preserve our heritage, bottle that North Georgia spirit before it’s too late. Through some vehicle like the North Georgia Community Foundation, you can create a Heritage Com-
W o m e n
FRANK NORTON JR. CEO and Chairman The Norton Agency
They say that future wars will not be fought over religion or politics, but over food and water. munity Fund to preserve and protect landmark properties. Through some sort of alliance, you can bring together a variety of organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and give them training and resources that prepare them for growth and expand their reach and develop their clout. Self-sufficiency The recent successful SPLOST transportation referendum in Forsyth County got us thinking, “Could we do the same for water?” Forsyth County, pressured by the bottleneck congestion and on the precipice of a population explosion, placed on the November ballot a comprehensive transportation package: surface roads, interchanges, cross county arterial access roads, even widening Ga. 400 through their county. The
county knew that congestion would strangle the local economy, its tax base and Forsyth’s quality of life. Lack of water could do the same thing. Yes, we have Lake Lanier but Atlanta claims it, as do Alabama and Florida. While the lawsuits make their way to the Supreme Court, we cannot be like Nero and fiddle while Rome burns. We are liable to have no water to put it out. They say that future wars will not be fought over religion or politics, but over food and water. Lumpkin took the bold step some years ago creating the Yahoola Creek Reservoir. Hall County is in design of an 850-acre reservoir at the Glade Farm, but much more is needed. With limited surface water but abundant rainfall, our control of water and control over our destiny has been limited to running waterlines, not building storage basins. While a hurdle may be environmental, regulatory permitting and the crazy governmental maze to get a permit, the bigger hurdle will be land. Norton Native Intelligence forecasts that the large reservoir quality of privately held land tracts will disappear in the next 20 years. Smaller ones may still be around but the larger non-public forest land tracts will be developed or economically out of reach. Communities like Jackson, Forsyth, Dawson, Cherokee, Pickens, Barrow and Walton will find themselves scrambling for water by 2030 if they don’t take some preventative action now. You plant a tree today to cast shade on future generations; it’s the same for water. It’s time to plant water trees for future generations of thirsty North Georgians and take full control of our future.
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18 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
GRAND OPENING »
BusinessBriefs ment with the company. During his time heading Intergraph, from 2003 to 2011, Wise grew revenue from $525 million to $850 million. Based on his performance, Wise was selected as Ernst & Young’s 2010 Entrepreneur of Year in the technology category for Georgia/Tennessee/Alabama.
POH announces new senior associates REI celebrates grand opening of new Alpharetta store ALPHARETTA, Ga. – REI will celebrate the grand opening of its Alpharetta store with co-op members and the local community from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8. The store will be at Mansell Crossing at 7531 North Point Parkway. Activities scheduled throughout the weekend include: Shop Early, Get a Gift – The first 200 people (age 18 and older) who visit the store each day will receive a limited-edition CamelBak water bottle with a $10, $50 or $100 REI promotional card. Fuel Up – Early birds can enjoy a free continental breakfast throughout the weekend one hour before the store opens. Win Great Products – Members and customers can enter to win gear sweepstakes packages from Coleman, Eno and REI. Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
PEOPLE »
Wise assumes top post at medical technology firm ALPHARETTA, Ga. – R. Halsey Wise has been appointed chairman and chief executive officer of MedAssets, replacing company founder John A. Bardis. Wise, a former chairman and CEO of Intergraph Corporation, joined MedAssets board of directors in March 2014. Bardis will remain on the MedAssets board of directors until the next annual stockholders’ meeting. He has entered into a multi-year consulting agree-
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects has announced three new senior associates: Gary Hightower, Earl Smith and Laurie Walters. Hightower has HIGHTOWER SMITH been with POH for over 14 years. He serves as a project manager on a wide variety of project types including correctional, ecclesiastical and justice facilities. Smith celebrated 30 years of dedicated service to POH last year. He serves as a senior project manager and has worked on several of the firm’s most significant projects WALTERS including the Riverside EpiCenter and the Cobb County Superior Courthouse. Walters has been with POH for over 17 years. In addition to her role as marketing manager, she has made major contributions on the education and employee relations committees.
Johns Creek agent Maura Neill receives President’s Award ATLANTA – Johns Creek real estate agent Maura Neill was awarded the 2014 President’s Award by Atlanta Board of Realtors President Todd Emerson at the annual business meeting and awards breakfast recently. The award recipient is personally selected by the president and is given to the member for outstandNEILL ing service and contributions to the board, going far beyond any particular assignment. Neill was recognized for her dedication and sharing of her time and experience with others. In addition to being a top-producing real estate agent with Re/Max Around Atlanta, Neill is a volunteer and served as chair of the professional development committee for the Atlanta Board of Realtors for 2014. She was also sworn-in as a member of the board of directors for 2015-2017 and serves on various committees with the Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, as well as serving as a national real estate instructor for NAR and the Real Estate Buyer Agent Council.
HEALTHCARE »
Jackson Healthcare named ATL’s healthiest large employer ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Jackson Healthcare was named Atlanta’s Healthiest Large Employer at an awards breakfast presented by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in partnership with Healthiest Employers, which recognizes companies that succeed in promoting wellness in their workplace. “Our mission is to improve the lives of everyone we touch,” said R. Shane Jackson, president of Jackson Healthcare. “This means creating a culture that values associates and works hard to provide each and every one with an environment in which they can thrive.”
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com Live Well, Jackson’s wellness initiative, begins on the first day for each associate with a health risk assessment. Jackson offers associates a free on-site clinic, health club and in-house café and hosts wellness rallies and fitness challenges throughout the year.
BUSINESS »
FirstLight launches program to assist local seniors ROSWELL, Ga. — FirstLight HomeCare, a provider of non-medical, inhome care for adults, has launched Spring Assist, a program to prevent seniors from falling by offering to change smoke detectors batteries for free this spring. The program is open to the first 200 seniors requesting the service. “We look at Spring Assist as an opportunity to help seniors by reducing their fall risk while keeping up with basic housekeeping such as changing the smoke detector batteries,” said FirstLight owner Jeff Duren. To register for the program, call 770-580-0102 or email to jduren@firstlighthomecare.com. In addition to light housekeeping, FirstLight HomeCare services include bathing and hygiene, walking and mobility assistance, continence and toileting assistance and live-in services.
Intelliverse expands partner program ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Intelliverse, a global leader in sales accelerated solutions, announced the expansion of its partner program, which enables sales consultants, sales trainers and cloud software consultants to bring Intelliverse’s managed services and sales acceleration software to clients in all market segments. “Intelliverse’s mantra is simple – deliver industryleading solutions that bring qualified prospects to our clients. All of our offerings are based SEAN GORDON solidly on sales enablement strate- Intelliverse chief executive officer and president. gies, so we have found that sales consultants, sales trainers and cloud consultants are a natural fit for partnership,” said Sean Gordon, Intelliverse chief executive officer and president. A partnership with Intelliverse enables consultants to be part of the $40 billion CRM software market and leverage Intelliverse’s research and development in sales acceleration. Partners can earn up to 35 percent of recurring monthly revenue for the duration of the customer relationship.
All of our offerings are based solidly on sales enablement strategies, so we have found that sales consultants, sales trainers and cloud consultants are a natural fit for partnership.”
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CALENDAR
Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 19
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EDITOR’S PICKS
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Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
MUSIC:
THEATER:
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INTERNATIONAL
Calendar Editor WOMEN’S DAY MOVIE calendar@ appenmediagroup.com The movie “Iron Jawed Angels”
portrays young activists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns who risked their lives to help American women win the right to vote at the Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road in Cumming. Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Anita Tucker at anita.h.tucker@ gmail.com for more info.
SHAMROCKIN FOR A CURE
Come eat, drink and help cure Cystic Fibrosis with a night filled with music that will rock the stage at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway in Alpharetta. Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $85. Visit awesomealpharetta.com for more info.
GUYS AND DOLLS
“Guys and Dolls” presented by Forsyth Central Stage at Forsyth Central High School, 520 Tribble Gap Road in Cumming. Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Visit forsythcentralstage.com for more info.
EVENTS:
HABITAT VOLUNTEERING
JERRY FINNEGAN’S SISTER VIRTUOSO STRINGS
Who: Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra What: This wide-ranging program features repertoire from Bach and Bartok to Tchaikovsky and Copland. Where: Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road When: March 7 at 8 p.m. Cost: Adults $30, Seniors $25, Students $15. Web: johnscreeksymphony.org
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT AT
What: Presented by Act 1 Theater Where: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street When: Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m. Cost: $15 adults, $12 children and seniors Web: act1theater.com
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
What: Fellowship Christian School presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Where: Fellowship Christian School, 10965 Woodstock Road in Roswell When: Thursday, March 12 through Saturday, March 14 Cost: $10 Contact: 770-993-1650 Web: fcspaladins.org/news_resources
ONE ENCHANTED EVENING
What: Who says prom is just for highschoolers? All adults are invited to slip into their fanciest attire and dance the night away at “One Enchanted Evening.” Where: Roswell Adult Recreation Center is located at 830 Grimes Bridge Road in Roswell When: Friday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $30 for individuals, $55 per couple $11 for dance only Web: http://thecurrentplus. com/2015/02/one-enchanted-evening
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore needs volunteers at 11060 Alpharetta Highway in Roswell. March 3 through March 20, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except Sundays) Email mrobeck@ habitat.org or call 770-415-1636 for more info Northeast When: March 7 Hours: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $175 a ticket, $300 for couples Web: fostercares.org
FOOTNOTES DANCE SHOWCASE
What: Come to the 4th Annual Dance Showcase featuring 65 talented young dancers performing various styles including jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and tap. Where: Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend in Milton When: Saturday, March 7 Hours: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cost: $15 advanced purchase Web: footnotesdance.net
“FOSTEROPOLY” ALL KIDS COUNT GALA
What: Monopoly-themed, annual “All Kids Count” Gala brings hundreds of guests together in an effort to raise supporting funds for foster and displaced children in foster care homes. Dining and entertainment, complete with open bar, both live and silent auctions to help our cause. Black tie optional. Where: the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, 3300 Peachtree Road
BOOK SALE
What: Gently used books and media for all ages for sale at great prices. Where: Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road in Johns Creek When: March 6 through 8 Contact: 770-360-8820 or karen. swenson@fultoncountyga.gov
20 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
North Atlanta’s
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper
Sponsored Section • Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015
News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.
Find the perfect neighborhood By Bill Rawlings Vice President/Managing Broker, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Before you begin the search for the perfect home, take time to scout out neighborhoods. Selecting the right neighborhood plays a critical component in your everyday life. Take into consideration the factors most important to you – do you want to walk to the park? Have a short commute to the office? Reside in an award-winning school district? Enjoy easy access to shopping and restaurants? You can begin the process from the comfort of your home by visiting AtlantaFineHomes.com/videos and clicking on the ‘Community Profiles’ tab. Our ‘Live the Life’ video series showcases more than 50 of Metro Atlanta’s most popular cities, neighborhoods, areas and communities. The videos provide insight on pricing, home styles, community events, surrounding schools and nearby shopping and dining. Once you have your short list of possibilities, hop in your car and drive around to determine what neighborhoods appeal to you.
Explore the area and consider talking to residents who are out and about. Give consideration to the appearance of the homes in the neighborhood, noting if they are well maintained and nicely landscaped. RAWLINGS Our Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents are experts in the field and their familiarity with all the neighborhoods in the area can help guide you in making the right decision. You benefit from an agent’s expertise and intimate knowledge of the schools, crime and home values. Every neighborhood has its strengths and weaknesses and a REALTOR® can assist you in determining the most important factors to consider. School districts Even if you do not have children, buying a home in an award-winning school district will be in your best interest. If and when you sell in the future, neighborhoods with great schools are
often a top priority for homebuyers. There are several sites on the Internet in which school reports based on geographical area and zip code are just a few mouse clicks away. Do your due diligence: • Ask your REALTOR® to share school information. • Talk to people in the neighborhood, especially people with children. • View standardized test scores (available on the Internet). • If you have children, visit the schools and take a tour to form your own opinion. Crime statistics No matter where you live, you cannot escape crime. Although the suburbs generally have lower crime statistics, you may have to drive a little further to the store or to work. Living in a city may offer more convenience, but often you will find a higher crime rate. Homestore is a website where you can search for crime data by city or zip code. • Research crime statistics: • Talk to neighbors. • Talk to the police or sheriff’s department.
• Keep an open mind. If you are gravitating toward living in the hustle and bustle, you may not be able to get away from everything you consider unappealing, such as noise and traffic. Think about now – and the future There are a multitude of components to consider before buying a home. Envision your current needs and factor in what may be of greater importance five to 10 years down the road. The community and neighborhood you select become an integral part of your identity. With spring finally on the horizon, make your ultimate neighborhood wish list so you are ready to hit the ground running. At Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, we are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience throughout the buying and selling process. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Article adapted from Realty Times.
ryland.com
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In the Atlanta division, on accepted purchase agreements on homes that are signed between January 1, 2015 and January 31, 2015 are eligible to receive $15,000 in Flex Cash; can be used towards MyStyle® Design Center Options and/or closing costs when using RMC Mortgage® and/or lot premiums, finished basement, etc. Incentive offer does not apply to contracts written prior to January 1, 2015. The following communities are excluded from the $15,000 incentive, Bethany Crossing, Bridleton, ManorView and Marketplace Commons. Individual promotions may vary by community. Certain included features may not be available on all plans. Value of package, and products, may vary by community and plan. Homes already under contract prior to this offer are not eligible. Plus for New to-be built homes, buyer eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Individual incentives may vary by community. Closing cost assistance available from Ryland Homes to those financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing with a closing attorney selected by Ryland. Amount of closing cost assistance may vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Buyers also eligible to receive Waived 1% Origination Fee through RMC Mortgage®; average value of $4,000 which is based on a $400,000 loan amount. The waived origination fee through RMC Mortgage® Corporation is subject to cancellation or change without notice. Buyers must make a loan application by January 31, 2014 with RMC Mortgage® Corporation (NMLS# 203897) a Georgia Residential Mortgage Lender Licensee #24225. *Buyers must also close with RMC Mortgage® Corporation. Please contact your RMC Mortgage® Corporation Representative for exact quotes. Prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Ryland reserves the right to modify or cancel these offers at any time. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or incentives. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See a Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2015 The Ryland Group, Inc.
Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
How to purchase your first home in 2015 (NAPSI)—The American dream of homeownership may not be as hard to attain as many people seem to fear. A few intriguing facts and hints can help. The Facts While existing home sales have risen recently, the National Association of Realtors’ annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that the share of first-time buyers recently fell to its lowest level (33 percent) in nearly three decades. Many first-time buyers experience obstacles on the path to homeownership, including difficulty saving for a down payment and tight credit conditions. The Hints Consider these tips: • Find and work with an expert Realtor who knows the neighborhood. Nothing can replace the local knowledge and real insight that professional Realtors can provide to firsttime buyers as they navigate the complex home buying process. According to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, while most home buyers in the past year began their home search online, 90 percent ended up purchasing their home through an agent. Realtors are not only the source of online real estate data, they also use their unparalleled local market knowledge and resources to help close the deal for buyers
and sellers. • Meet with a lender to determine how much you can afford. Last year, the median price a first-time buyer spent on a home was $169,000. Chances are, you don’t have that amount of cash lying around. That’s why 95 percent of first-time buyers who bought a home in the past year financed their purchase. Find out what you can afford with a preapproval from a lender. A lender will check your credit history, current debt obligations and other expenses to determine the amount of money you’re qualified to borrow at a specific interest rate. Don’t forget to consider the other costs of homeownership, such as taxes, insurance and utilities. • Identify your housing wish list. Although 46 percent of first-time buyers got a single-family home in the suburbs, you may prefer a condo in an urban environment near public transportation. Regardless of your preferences, identifying and sharing your wish list can help your Realtor focus on the right home for you, scan listings and connect with those who represent sellers to zero in on homes for sale that meet your budget and criteria. Keep this advice in mind and you may soon find yourself waking up in the home of your dreams.
March 5, 2015 21
22 March 5, 2015
Sponsored Section • REAL ESTATE REPORT
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald
Sponsored Section
Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015
Deer Run Camps: Deeper faith, greater adventures Adventure is waiting for your kids AND your family at Deer Run summer camps — located on 100 scenic wooded acres just four hours northwest of Atlanta, near historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Deer Run is a nondenominational Christ-centered camp where campers experience “Deeper Faith and Greater Adventures.” Exceptional staff lead well-organized activities creating positive lifetime memories and building character, confidence and relationships. Overnight camp sessions are age-graded: • Preteen camps (completed grades 3–5) • Middle school camps (completed grades 6–8) • High school camps (completed grades 9–12) Camps begin Sunday afternoon and end Saturday morning with a parent-camper celebration time. Each camper receives a themed camp shirt
and a DVD video and slide show of their camp week so they can remember their experience throughout the year ... and for years to come! If your child is coming to camp by plane, Deer Run provides a supervised airport shuttle service to and from Nashville International Airport. The shuttle service is provided by Deer Run — not a third party. Campers are divided into small groups by age and gender. Activities are all-inclusive: Lake fun (zip line, water slide, kayaks, swimming, aqua park), horseback wooded trail rides, climbing tower, paintball, low and high ropes, cardboard boat regatta, archery, BB guns, wiffle ball, games, skits and fun songs. Each small group
has daily Bible study plus each night there is a large-group worship with an engaging speaker. Have you often wanted to go to camp yourself — to play, go down the water slide, enjoy the camp experience together
as a family? You can at Deer Run! For families looking for a unique and fun outdoor experience together, there are two 3-night Family Camps (ages 5 and up) — May 31–June 3 and July 26-29. Playing together strengthens relationships! Camp begins Sunday afternoon and ends Wednesday afternoon. Accommodations are at the upscale lodge at Deer Run. All rooms are private. No more “camp” food! At Deer Run meals are an important part of the camp experience. Our chefs cook healthy, delicious meals made from fresh ingredients. A full salad bar and fresh fruit are available each day. Camper families are invited to three open houses (2:00 to
4:00 p.m. CST) to meet the camp directors and some of the summer staff: March 8, April 12 and May 3. Reservations are not necessary for this guided walking tour of the facilities. The relationship of the summer staff and the camper is vital to a successful camper experience, so this is a great way to connect with summer staff by meeting some of them before camp starts. Deer Run has an intensive application, referral and interview process including a background check. Collegeage students are selected who are mature and are great role models. There are no registration deadlines, but spaces fill up quickly, so register soon to get your preferred camp dates. Go to Camps.DeerRunRetreat.org to view session weeks and to register. If you have questions about the Deer Run camp programs, call 888-794-2918.
Christian Camping for boys & girls 6-17 Weekly overnight and day camp sessions. Activities include horses, climbing tower, wakeboard & more! Visit our Open House Saturday, March 28th 10am-2pm
IN CONYERS, GA
Register Today! www.campwestminster.org 770-483-2225
Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
SUMMER CAMPS • Sponsored Section
March 5, 2015 23
Y L I M A F & T H G I OVERN
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DEEPER FAITH. GREATER ADVENTURES.
24 March 5, 2015
Sponsored Section • SUMMER CAMPS
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald
Students are filling a gap with travel (NAPSI)—Increasingly, students and those just out of school are using international travel as a productive way to make the most of the gap of time between high school and college or between college and starting a career. That’s why this type of purposeful travel has come to be known as gap travel. After spending 12-plus years in the classroom, a gap year spent traveling can be an excellent way for students to learn about themselves and the rest of the world. At the same time, it can also serve as a way for the student to stand out from the crowd when applying for college or a job. A Number Of Options Gap travel can take many forms, including work trips where participants hold full- or part-time jobs and are selfsustaining; volunteering trips; teaching programs; and strict sightseeing packages. Many gap trips, such as those at www.firstabroad.com, are structured to be extremely affordable, making them even more popular among millennials. According to Jim Zam-
brano, CEO of First Abroad, a Boston-based company that coordinates gap travel, “These international programs are a great option for young adults who have yet to find a job and teens who are either facing an increasingly competitive college admissions process or just can’t afford college.” Distinctive Benefits Students who take gap trips often receive benefits that set them apart from the less adventurous, including: • Interesting material for college essays or job interviews through engaging in new, unconventional experiences • More time to discover interests that can give students greater clarity and understanding when choosing a major or a career path • A renewed sense of purpose and excitement about moving on to the next step in life, whereas students who don’t take a break can often experience burnout • Skills and life lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom • A global perspective on life and career. Gap years can be a fit for those who wish to gain work
Many students report that their gap travel experience has taught them skills and life lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom. experience, have a steady income, gain independence and
see the world—all at the same time. To learn more, visit the
website at www.firstabroad. com.
Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
SUMMER CAMPS • Sponsored Section
March 5, 2015 25
A fun-filled summer of wonder and adventure! Whether your child attends Catalina Sea Camp or AstroCamp depends on your child’s specific interest. If your child is interested in the wonders of the ocean world or just wants to spend summer with friends on an island, Catalina Sea Camp is the best choice with scuba certifications, sailing courses, marine biology classes, Island exploring, sea food cookery and lots of traditional fun social activities like Talent/No Talent, carnival night, dances and color Olympics. Our Island Campus has a unique charm with it’s Spanish California architecture and private cove. Some activities are age specific and there are many more activities than are listed here so check out the sea camp website at catalinaseacamp. org If your child loves science activities, space exploration, Astronomy, rock climbing, LARP, dungeons and dragons, and good old
fashioned summer camp fun, AstroCamp is a great choice. There are many more activities so check our website at astrocampsummer.org. Whichever camp you choose, you can rest assured that your child will get the highest quality program, comfortable accommodations, great food and memories that will last a lifetime. All of our staff are hand picked for there fun loving personalities and ability to work with young people. Astrocamp and Catalina Sea Camp are owned and operated by the non-profit corporation Guided Discoveries. Guided Discoveries hosts over 50,000 students, parents and teachers from over 1,000 schools annually in it’s outdoor education program. Guided Discoveries has been running summer camps for over 35 years. For more information, go to our website at gdicamps.org.
AGAIN this summer!! Children’s Special Services, LLC offers its award winning US Trademarked enrichment camps for handwriting, social /sensory motor development, ages 3-13. ** Multiple sessions and locations throughout Greater Atlanta Area. We give 1-1 attention in a supportive group environment. Our Camps are: Play YOUR WAY to Sensory Motor and Social Success: Guided play to help the young child with fine and gross motor/sensory skills inclusive of but not limited to:
•Sensory Modulation •Frustration tolerance •Following directions •Transitions
•Noise tolerance •Tactile experiences •Memory •Sequencing
•Body self awarenss •Sharing •Group skills
WIN™ Program Write Incredibly NOW™ Labored to Legible in 4 Exciting Sessions Manuscript and Cursive Taught
Call 770-394-9791
More information www.childrens-services.com Email: info@childrens-services.com Twitter: OTRLovesKids Blog: LDMadeEasy@blogspot.com Facebook: Childrens’ Special Services LLC **All camps billed as therapy for possible reimbursement for out of network expenses.
26 March 5, 2015
Sponsored Section • SUMMER CAMPS
Camp listings
1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 2226, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31.
Day Camps
Music
Dance A summer of exciting theatre awaits your child at Off Broadway Performing Arts Center. Located in the heart of Crabapple, Camp Off Broadway offers 1 week and 2 week camps for kids ages 4-17 in a professional yet family oriented environment. Immerse your child in the worlds of “Legally Blonde Jr.”, “Junglebook Kids” and “Honk” as they learn life skills, make new friends and memories to last a lifetime. At Off Broadway, we give every child a chance to shine. To register, visit us online at offbroadwaydance.com or call us at 770-664-2410 Have a budding ballerina wanting to dance her way through summer? Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s Summer Trainee Camp definitely fits the bill! Known for serious training of pre-professional dancers, MBT has an exciting and informative summer camp tailored just for younger dancers – boys and girls – ages 4 to 8. Experienced instructors cover foundational technique while encouraging campers to have fun and build friendships, and a variety of enrichment subjects introduce campers to the wider world of Dance. June 15-19 & June 22 -26 A day at Trainee Camp includes: Ballet, Jazz, Dance-related crafts, Tales from dance history, Professional performance review, Learning and rehearsing ballet variation, Get the details! MetropolitanBallet.org!
The 8th Annual Vivace! Summer Middle School Band Camp is for band students in the North Metro Atlanta area. Students experience full band, master classes, jazz band/improvisation, marching band techniques, music composition taught by certified teachers. Eligibility: For current 5th-8th grade band students who have been in their public or private school band program OR have taken private lessons at least 1 school year. Also, we have recreation time, end of camp ice-cream party & concert. $205 by May 1st, $225 thereafter. Sibling, District, & All State discounts are available. REGISTER AT www.vivacecamps.com. Location: June 15-19 at Mt. Pisgah Christian School in Johns Creek. Jay Hutcherson, director@vivacecamps.com. 678-278-9210 Atlanta Celtic Camp:. Irish Music and Language Camp for kids and teens ages 6 to 17 years. Fiddle, flute, song and more! June 8-12 (9am to 1pm) in Roswell; sponsored by The Atlanta Irish Music School. Register online at: www. atlantairishmusicschool.com. 770-7129334
Rowing Learn the Olympic Sport of Rowing with Atlanta Junior Rowing Association! Ages 12-18 co-ed, no experience necessary. Five 2-week sessions with USRowing certified coaches: choose from 2 morning or 1 evening sessions, $175/session. Also for 2015, back by popular demand, 3 1-week sessions are available for High School campers only, $125/session. Held at the Chattahoochee River, 245 Azalea Drive, Roswell. Learn the fundamentals of sweep rowing and begin a basic workout program with the largest and most successful youth rowing program in Georgia! All campers are grouped each session by age, size, and skill level. To register, or for more info: www.ajracrew. com, or Sarah Low ajra.information@ gmail.com.
Boys Camps Eagle Full Day Camps - June 8-12 / June 15-19 for boys ages 7-14, extended care available Eagle Elite Residential/Commuter Camp - July 10-12 for boys ages 15-18 Info available at www.eagleboyssoccercampsor contact: Sonny Travis Emory Men’s Head Soccer Coach 404-727-0597 sonny.travis@emory.edu
Girls Camps Full Day Camps - June 1-5 / July 6-10 for girls ages 7-14, extended care available Info available at www.emorysportscamps.com and scroll to girls soccer o r contact: Sue Patberg Emory Women’s Head Soccer Coach 404-727-2839 spatber@emory.edu Camps traditionally fill up so sign up early, Day Camp cost for each week $320 includes lunch.
Overnight Camps Adventure & Travel Catalina Sea Camp and AstroCamp are two amazing adventure summer camps. Located on beautiful Catalina Island in Southern California, Catalina Sea Camp offers ocean adventure activities for boy and girls ages 8-17. We have 1-week sessions for ages 8-13 and 3-week camps for ages 12-17. Located in beautiful Idyllwild California, Astrocamp is a mountain adventure science summer camp for boy and girls ages 8-17. These two great summer camps were developed by the nonprofit corporation Guided Discoveries in order to provide boys and girls with summer opportunities that enrich and inspire their lives. Check out our websites at www.californiasummercamps.org for a list of activities.
Science
Horse
Willow South Riding School, Celebrating 15 years of excellence in riding! NEW Johns Creek location with INDOOR ARENA. United States Pony Club Riding Center. We offer all levels of instruction. Ages 5-12. 9a.m.1p.m. Learn to ride in a fun, safe program with skilled instructors and experienced horses. For the true horse enthusiast! www.willowsouth.com $375 includes camp shirt and horse show! Send email to willowsouth@gmail.com. Sign up early to reserve your spot! June
Science Camp conducted by High Touch-High Tech, Inc. since 1994. Degreed professionals instruct fun science from CSI discoveries, Robotics, Bugs & Rockets, to Fossils, Flowers, Space,& Volcanoes- Your older child can experience science coming to life in the fields of Chemistry, Physics, Light, Sound, and Electrical energy. Does your younger child like dinosaurs, gemstones, or animal studies? Then our age appropriate camps are for them. Also- STEM camps- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math camps too! Snacks and recess games will be provided. ‘Pizza Fridays’ available at an additional charge. Completed K-5, 9am-3pm. 770667-9443. Locations: Roswell, Cumming, Marietta, Lawrenceville,Vinings, and Dunwoody. www.sciencemadefunatl.org
Soccer Soccer Camps at Emory University
Mississippi
Camp Iti Kana and Camp Wahi Summer Camps for girls ages 6-17. Located in Wiggins and Brandon, Mississippi. Owned and operated by Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. Non-Girl Scouts welcome. Three and four day overnight sessions. Traditional summer camp activities – swimming, archery, nature, crafts, science, trip units, games, leadership, hiking, cook-outs, campfires and sing-alongs. Contact: summercamp@gsgms.org or 601.660.2847. www.gsgms.org
Special Needs Camp Lee Mar: For children and
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald teenagers with mild to moderate learning and developmental challenges. Since 1953, A Special Camp in beautiful Pennsylvania Poconos, co-ed, ages 7-21, with mild-moderate developmental challenges. Our 63rd anniversary, 6/25 25-8/11. Fun, traditional camp activities. academics. speech & language therapy. daily living skills. weekly social dancing & end-of-summer “prom” for older campers. Therapeutic horseback riding and optional day and overnight trips during summer. Exceptional facilities featuring air conditioned bunks & buildings, Junior Olympic heated pool, caring, nurturing staff. In 2015 we are excited about the launch of the Lee Mar L.I.F.E. program (Living Independently Functional Education). Visit us on the web at www.leemar.com. 215-658-1708. ari@leemar.com
Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont offers nature, backpacking, science adventure and family camps inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Imagine splashing around in an icy-cold mountain stream, climbing ridges to an unbelievable view, or choosing from a variety of activities to discover nature through hands-on explorations, day hikes and crafts. Options for beginning campers as well as outdoor enthusiasts - ages 5 to 95. Tremont Institute creates space for discovery, personal development and opportunities to unplug and explore. Call (865) 448-6709 or visit www.gsmit. org/GA.html. Located on the Tennessee side of the national park. Find us on Facebook @GSMITremont to see pictures and videos of the adventure that awaits! Voted the No. 1 Summer Camp in Nashville for the past six years, the YMCA Camp Widjiwagan is an actionpacked summer adventure where confidence is built through skill development, and new friends are made as a result of teamwork. Camp Widjiwagan offers progressive Day, Resident and Equestrian one-week programs for children ages 5-17. We offer a wide variety of water activates such as swimming, ski and surf school, the Blob, and an advanced sailing program. Land activities include field sports, climbing, double zip line and archery. Arts, crafts and theme production are also offered at camp. Go to www.campwidji.org to learn more or call us at 615-360-2267. Deer Run Camps & Retreats: 3845 Perkins Road. Thompson’s Station, TN 37179. 888-794-2918. Camps.DeerRunRetreat.org. Contact@DeerRunRetreat. org. Nondenominational, Christ-centered camp on 100 scenic wooded acres. Campers experience “Deeper Faith and Greater Adventures.” Age-graded sessions, grades 3 through12 plus 3-night Family Camps for ages 5 and up.. Exceptional staff lead a well-organized experience creating positive lifetime memories and building character, confidence and relationships. All-inclusive activities: lake fun (zipline, water slide, kayaks, swimming, aqua park), horseback wooded trail rides, climbing tower, paintball, low and high ropes, cardboard boat regatta, archery, BB guns, wiffle ball, games, skits, fun songs. Daily small group Bible study plus nightly large group worship with an engaging speaker
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
SPORTS
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 27
Knights charge into third straight state final Look to defend title against 2013 champion By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com KENNESAW, Ga. – The St. Francis Knights will shoot for a second straight Class A private school championship Saturday in Macon after scoring a 63-40 victory last weekend over Whitefield Academy in the semifinals at Kennesaw State. The Knights will face a familiar foe in the championship game. Greenforest Christian Academy of Decatur defeated St. Francis 55-41 in the 2013 title game. Saturday’s winner will take home a second state title in three years. While the Knights were rolling to a victory last weekend after suffering through a second quarter lull, Greenforest narrowly escaped its semifinal against previously unbeaten Athens Christian, winning 57-56. St. Francis brings a 28-3 record into the championship game. One loss came against perennial state AAAAA power Miller Grove, and two were to standout teams from outside Georgia. Greenforest is 271, losing to AAAAAA finalist Pebblebrook. The championship game will match two tall, talented teams with a host of Division I players on both sides. The Knights start four players 6-foot-5 or taller and can field a lineup with five players at least 6-foot-5. However, they will be giving away size to the Eagles when 7-footer Ikey Obiago is on the floor for Greenforest, along with a few teammates who are taller than all but one front line player for the Knights. St. Francis coach Drew Catlett said the Knights got used to playing against taller teams during two national holiday tournaments in which they went 6-2, but considering
Kobi Jordan-Simmons (2) starts the St. Francis fireworks early with an emphatic dunk shot in the Knights’ 63-40 state semifinal win over Whitefield Academy.
St. Francis forward Kaiser Gates (22) glides to the basket with little resistance from Whitefield Academy. He led the Knights with 21 points in the semifinal victory.
the talent level of the Knights’ three primary players – all of whom are at least 6-foot-5 – they will not be at a serious disadvantage. The Knights’ standout trio of seniors Malik Beasley and Kaiser Gates and junior Kobi Jordan-Simmons combined for 55 of the team’s 63 points in the semifinal victory over Whitefield. After two tough wins over the Wolfpack during the regular season, the Knights
won 78-52 in the region finals before breaking open Saturday’s game in the third quarter. St. Francis led 16-5 early in the second quarter, but Whitefield controlled play the rest of the period, sending the game to halftime tied at 20 after a late three-pointer. Catlett said the Knights “played too fast” and became turnover-prone during the second quarter, but they regained
PHOTOS BY AL LEVINE
their composure in their second half and also stepped up their defensive effort. The Knights came out in the third quarter determined to snuff out Whitefield’s hopes for an upset, nearly pitching a shutout in the period. By the time the Wolfpack (22-10) scored, they were 19 points behind and less than 30 seconds remained to play in the period. Jordan-Simmons started the 19-0 run with a dunk, and
fed Beasley for a fast-break slam. Gates made a strong inside move for a three-point play, and Jordan-Simmons hit Beasley inside for another basket. Gates scored inside and drilled a three to up the lead to 14. A Beasley drive and three free throws, two by Beasley, ended the 19-0 run, and the Knights cruised from there. Gates led the scoring with 21 points and was also strong on the defensive boards. Beasley added 18 points and Simmons 16. Although the Knights got only two points combined from their two post players, both Chance Anderson and Josh Coleman contributed defensively, with Anderson coming up with some key blocks in the third period. It was the seventh meeting the last two seasons between the teams. St. Francis won in the state championship game last season after losing to Whitefield twice during the season. The Knights’ 86-57 victory at home in the quarterfinals over Aquinas was more of a gradual effort, as the Fighting Irish (18-10) stayed within striking distance for three quarters. St. Francis scored big in each of the first two quarters, but Aquinas also scored freely and trailed just 47-35 at the half. Jordan-Simmons hit a pair of threes and scored 10 points in the opening period before Beasley struck for 15 of his 23 first-half points in the second period. He finished with a trio of three-pointers in the half. The Knights managed just 11 points in the third quarter but increased their lead to 14, finally breaking the game open early in the final period. Jordan-Simmons and Beasley took turns scoring as the lead quickly reached the mid-20s. Beasley finished with 34 points and Jordan-Simmons added 27, as the two outscored Aquinas 61-57. Gates scored 12 points and Chris Steele eight for the Knights, who avenged a loss to Aquinas in the state football playoffs.
Alpharetta falls to Shiloh in quarterfinals SNELLVILLE, Ga. – The Alpharetta Raiders’ season came to an end last week in Gwinnett County, as the Raiders lost 57-39 to Shiloh in the quarterfinals of the state Class AAAAAA playoffs. The Raiders had advanced with an impressive opening-round victory over Milton before narrowly escaping with an overtime win at McEachern, but struggled offensively in the loss to the Generals. Alpharetta finished the season 25-6,
qualifying for the state playoffs for the fourth straight year. Shiloh ended up 28-4 after losing in the semifinals to Pebblebrook 57-47. It was the Generals’ only loss this season to a team from Georgia. Shiloh used an 8-0 run to lead 10-8 after one quarter, and moved out to a 23-10 advantage after outscoring the Raiders 13-2 to start the second period. It was 33-22 at the half and 48-30 after three quarters, as Alpharetta was never able to get any-
thing going offensively. The Generals shut down Alpharetta’s two leading scorers – limiting Devontae Cacok and Jaylon Gamble to a total of 11 points. Greg James and Alex Jones scored nine points each to lead the Raiders. Cacok and Gamble are both seniors and will have to be replaced next year, along with rotation regulars Mark Eze, Afam Maduka and Roy Winston. Jones, who started all season as a freshman point guard, returns along
with James, who emerged as the team’s primary outside shooter as a sophomore. Also back next season is Carlos Carriere, who displayed flashes of offensive talent as a sophomore, and junior Elum Nwuke, who will have to help replace Cacok, one of the area’s most effective post players. This year’s Alpharetta team made its deepest playoff run since the 201112 Raiders reached the state semifinals before losing to Savannah. – Mike Blum
28 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
SPORTS
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Tampa leads Lady Knights into semifinals St. Francis again faces SW Atlanta for title By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com KENNESAW, Ga. – The St. Francis girls easily advanced to the state Class A private school championship game with a 6141 victory last weekend over Macon’s Stratford Academy at Kennesaw State. The Lady Knights, who won 62-48 two nights earlier at home against Mount Paran, will play Southwest Atlanta Christian Saturday morning in Macon for the state title. This will be the fourth straight year St. Francis and Southwest Atlanta Christian have faced each other in the state tournament. Southwest Atlanta won in the quarterfinals in 2012 and the semifinals last year, going on to win the state title in 2014. The two teams squared off for the championship in 2013, with the Lady Knights taking home the title.
“This is how it’s supposed to be,” St. Francis coach Aisha Gaddis Kennedy said after her team’s victory in the semifinals. “The two best teams playing for the state championship.” St. Francis won the only meeting between the two teams this season, scoring a 51-42 victory at Southwest Atlanta in early January. The Lady Knights are 27-3 coming into the state championship game, with the Warriors 28-3. All three St. Francis losses came against top teams from out of state. Kennedy says the keys for St. Francis will be to play good defense against a Southwest Atlanta attack with multiple scoring threats and to not get rattled by the Warriors’ defensive pressure. Neither team has been tested in the state tournament, as both teams have won their three games by an average of 20-plus points. St. Francis was never in danger in the semifinals against Stratford (22-7). They led 18-6 after one quarter before the Eagles made a mild
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK RFP #15-086 JOHNS CREEK STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified firms to prepare a City wide Strategic Economic Development Plan. Sealed RFP’s will be received no later than 2:00PM. on March 30, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. RFP’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 18, 2015, at 10:00 AM at the City Hall, Chattahoochee Conference Room, 4th floor. RFP packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. RFP’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the RFP number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an RFP response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. THREE (3) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE RFP ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. RFP’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFP information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager
Mike Bodker Mayor
PHOTOS BY AL LEVINE
Nichel Tampa (1) runs the offense for St. Francis’ powerful Lady Knights. comeback late in the second period to close within 27-17 at the half. The Lady Knights blew the game open in the third quarter, starting the second half with a 16-5 run to increase their lead to 21. Most of that surge came without starting guard Taja Cumming, who left the game early in the third period after she was poked in the eye and suffered from blurred vision. Nichel Tampa, the other starting guard for the Lady Knights, stepped up in Cumming’s absence, scoring 11 of her game-high 17 points in the decisive third quarter. Tampa had a three-point play to help start the 16-5 run and capped it with a three-point basket. Another three-point play in the fourth quarter gave St. Francis its biggest lead at 57-32. Tampa got plenty of help from two of the Lady Knights’ four 6-footers, as Maya Dodson scored 13 points and Kasiyahna Kushkituah added 12,
with the two controlling play on the inside. Abby Grant did not have one of her best outside shooting games, but hit a pair of three-pointers and finished with nine points. Kennedy said she was happy with the Lady Knights’ defensive play and the energy Tampa brought to the game at both ends. With Cumming sidelined with a late-season injury, Tampa has assumed a larger role on the floor and has sparked the Lady Knights with her excellent recent play in the team’s fast-paced offense. St. Francis and Mount Paran played in the Region 6-A finals. The Eagles managed to hang with the Lady Knights for a half before St. Francis pulled away in the third quarter and won 57-46. The rematch in the state quarterfinals was not as close. St. Francis led 20-9 after one quarter, was 36-20 at the half and 51-26 after three periods
Maya Dodson (15) of St. Francis goes up to score as the Lady Knights advance to the state final with a 61-41 win. before Mount Paran (20-7) scored 22 points in the final quarter. Tampa had another big game with 22 points. She hit a pair of three-pointers and spread out the rest of her points on fast-break layups and pull-up jumpers, using her quickness to slice through the Mount Paran defense. Dodson was next with 12 points, with Grant and Cumming scoring eight points each and Kushkituah seven.
Chattahoochee soccer’s annual 5k registration opens JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School soccer teams are hosting their third annual 5K runs Saturday March 28..The 5k will take place on the Community Course at the high school on Taylor Road in Johns Creek. Registration is open online at www.active. com and forms are available at hoochsoccer. com. Runners must register by March 19 to be
guaranteed a T-shirt. Check-in and Walk-up registration the day of the race will open at 8:15 a.m. The 5k starts at 9:30 with a 1-mile Fun Run at 10:30. Funds raised will support the Boys and Girls Soccer teams. The teams will also donate a portion of the proceeds to JV Outreach, a local non-profit organization making a difference in the lives of children through dance.
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‘Hooch’s Weisberg to play football at Brown JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School’s Josh Weisberg has committed to play football in the Ivy League at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Weisberg plans to get a degree in business, entrepreneurship and organizations at the NCAA Division I school. Weisberg, a four-year letterman, served as a team captain his senior year and as the varsity starting middle linebacker for three years. He was awarded Chattahoochee’s Player of the Year in 2014 and was the leading tackler for three years in a row. Weisberg has received numerous awards in football including the Athletic-Academic Award all four years at CHS. He was a participant in and captain of the D.L. Scott All-Star game in 2014. He also was voted a Second Team All-Region Linebacker in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Weisberg was nominated first team for the North Fulton/Forsyth Touchdown his senior year. The North Fulton/Forsyth Touchdown Club awarded him the Defensive Player of the Week in 2013. In all, he received seven nominations for Defensive Player of the Week. Weisberg was a member of North Fulton/Forsyth Touchdown Club’s Chamber Bowl All-Star Team in 2014. He was on Junior Leadership Council in 2013, earned honor roll every semester at Chattahoochee and was a lacrosse varsity letterman his freshman year. Weisberg is also a member of the Cougar2Cougar mentoring program.
SPORTS
Chattahoochee’s Josh Weisberg has committed to play football at Brown University, Providence, RI. Pictured with him are, seated, his parents, Jeff Weisberg and Nancy Weisberg-Herald, and standing, from left, Robin Weisberg, CHS Athletic Director Matthew Crooks, CHS Head Football Coach Vince Strine, sister Alex Weisberg and CHS Principal Tim Duncan.
DEATH NOTICES Foster Bennett , 86, of Cumming, passed away February 19, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Roger Ben Gilleland, 82, passed away February 19, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Ruby Clarice Hale, 94, of Cumming, passed away February 16, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Lester W. Kaiser, Jr., 86, of Cumming, passed away February 19, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Marie Martin, 77, of Cumming, passed away February 19, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. J. C. Munda, 86, of Cumming, passed away February 19, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Tracy Suzanne Savor, 28, of Cumming, passed away February 21, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Tommy Wayne Smith, 68, of Suwanee, passed away February 24, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Lucille Stancil, 79, of Cumming, passed away February 20, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Roy Eugene Westray, 87, of Cumming, passed away February 18, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 5, 2015 | 29
ONLINE AUCTION BY CITY OF ALPHARETTA The City of Alpharetta, in conjunction with GovDeals, will conduct a CONTINUOUS online auction to sell surplus material, equipment, and vehicles. To view the surplus items or to place a bid, please visit www.govdeals.com. All sales will be final to the highest bidder and sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. The City of Alpharetta and GovDeals reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and the right to waive formalities. Once the items are sold, the coordination of and actual removal of the items must be completed by the selected party. For further information, visit www.govdeals.com or contact Jonathan Bulau with the City of Alpharetta, Department of Finance at (678) 297-6095 or jbulau@alpharetta.ga.us.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK RFQ #15-072 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified firms for the drafting of an Information Technology Strategic Plan. Sealed RFQ’s will be received no later than 10:00AM. on March 13, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. RFQ’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for questions is close of business on March 5, 2015. RFQ packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. RFQ’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the RFQ number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an RFQ response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE RFQ ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. RFQ’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFQ information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager
Mike Bodker Mayor
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FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT Executive Order (EO) 11988 WETLAND MANAGEMENT Executive Order 11990 The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has analyzed the project identified below as required by Presidential directive EO 11988 and 11990 determined that assistance should be granted therein to: Project Name and Address: Walton Bluegrass Apartments 1535 McFarland Parkway Alpharetta, Forsyth County, Georgia 30005 No. of Units: 200 Developer: Walton Communities Since this project is located within an area containing base floodplain area, as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), HUD was required by EO11988 and 11990 to deny assistance to this project, unless there is no practicable alternative to doing so. Part of the analysis by HUD indicates there is no practical alternative. The basis of this determination is as follows: 1. The subject property building locations were placed in areas outside of the FEMA designated floodplain with minimal impact to wetlands due to access to the adjoining walking path. 2. The property location was determined to be prime location as evidence by the market study completed by Real Property Research Group dated March 21, 2014. Any comments received as a result of the Early Public Notice for this project on (date of 1st publication) were considered in the analysis which can be reviewed at the HUD office identified in this advertisement. Public comments on this statement will be received and considered for a period of seven (7) days from this publication. The project will not be implemented without considering public comments. The publication of this Notice complies with Section 2(a)(2) of the Order, and it applies to all project actions located within or impacting the wetlands. Comments may be addressed to Linda Preston Director Project Management U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development 40 Marietta Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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32 | March 5, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
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