Johns Creek Herald - March 30, 2017 by Appen Media Group

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

Blackbox Special Report: Part III

Meet Nydia Tisdale, part of Journalism under attack: Georgia ►►PAGES 12 – 15

Tragic murdersuicide in hotel Mother shoots impaired daughter, self ►►PAGE 2

JC Council mulls charter changes

The Standard Club marks 150th anniversary

Council hears first reading from committee ►►PAGE 4

The Standard Club President Mark Elgart is inviting residents to The Club’s sesquicentennial party May 6. Read more, Page 34.

Summer Camps

Flores’ hat in council ring John Flores wants City Council seat ►►PAGE 6

Sponsored section ►►PAGE 22

Northview dedicates field to foundation HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Will to Live encourages students to open up about depression ►►PAGE 38

PUBLIC SAFETY

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

Mother, impaired daughter die in murder suicide 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police are investigating what appears to be a murdersuicide after two women, a 61-year-old mother and her 38-year-old daughter were found shot Monday, March 20, during a welfare check. The mother was dead at the scene and the daughter died later after she was taken to North Fulton Hospital. The women were later identified as 61-year-old Ruth Reissiger of Foley, Ala. and her daughter 38-year-old Elizabeth Reissinger of Dacula, Ga. Police say both women had visible gunshot wounds and a handgun was

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

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Facebook messages lead to extortion threats MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man had extortion and terroristic threats made against him after messaging a woman on Facebook. The victim said he was contacted by a “Camilla Rodriguez” through a Facebook message. The two began messaging back and forth and texting. When the victim messaged “Rodriguez” about possibly hanging out she replied it would cost him $500. When the victim declined, that was not the end of it. Someone the victim called “the boss” started to text him through Rodriguez’s number, threatening him and his family. The crook also sent the victim his photo along with videos of people being shot.

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found at the scene. Hotel staff at the Homewood Suites by Hilton on Davis Drive became concerned about two guests when they had trouble contacting them. The staff could not get anyone to open the door, and the guests had not checked out. Around 1:30 p.m., hotel management got Alpharetta police involved to do a welfare check on the guests. When police entered the room, they found one woman dead on the floor. The other woman was in the room, alive but severely wounded. According to police, Elizabeth was “severely mentally impaired.” Elizabeth was transported to nearby North Fulton Hospital, “critically injured, gasping for breath,” said The victim was told to send $200 to a Caribbean Western Union to an individual named Adrian Rafael Toriblu Ramos. The victim complied. But the demands did not stop. The victim sent another $200 via MoneyGram to a Mairent Cruz Santos. His tormentors next demanded another $1,000 saying the first payments were merely “to leave him alone.” The victim was advised to block the numbers and save the texts and videos and contact police with any further information.

Alpharetta Public Information Officer George Gordon. She died shortly after being admitted into the emergency room. “For reasons that we may never understand, Ruth took the life of her daughter before taking her own life,” Gordon said. Police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide. “At this point, we don’t really have a lot of details,” Gordon said. “It’s still a very active scene.” Investigators said they were confident that the two women were the only people involved in the incident. They are not looking for any additional suspects and consider this an isolated crime. –Julia Grochowski

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

DUIS arrests ►► Paul C Simon, 53 of Hidden

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A man was arrested March 17 when he was caught attempting to use a fake credit card. Police were called to the Apple Store at North Point Circle by a loss prevention officer who said he had seen 22-year-old Martell Brown of Decatur with a suspicious credit card. The card number was not related to any of the

River Lane, Woodstock, was arrested March 4 on Windward Parkway for DUI and failure to obey traffic control devices. ►► Derrick A Daniels, 56 of Baywood Lane, Lithonia, was arrested March 10 on Ga. 400 for DUI, failure to maintain lane and speeding in a work zone. ►► Sarah Frances Burton, 28 of Rockhill, South Carolina, was arrested March 10 on Mansell Road for DUI and driving on the wrong side of the road. ►► Caroline Parker Sanders, 27 of Charleston Place, Atlanta, was arrested March 10 on Ga. 400 for DUI and speeding in a work zone.

See BLOTTER, Page 41

See ARRESTS, Page 41

Suspect caught using fake credit card

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 3

Macular degeneration – am I going blind? By Dr. Samir Vira

Samir Vira, M.D.

Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in individuals over the age of 60. Also called age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD), it occurs due to a breakdown of the normal retina structures and accumulation of waste products, known as drusen, in the center of the retina, also known as the macula. Risk factors include age, history of smoking, Caucasian race, family history, female gender, and hypertension.

ARMD can occur in two distinct forms. About 90% of individuals with ARMD have the dry form with the presence of drusen and loss of their normal retinal pigment. The other 10% develop the wet form with the growth of new blood vessels, known as neovascularization, under the retina. In the wet or neovascular form, these blood vessels can leak fluid or bleed underneath retina. Both forms can lead to vision loss. Symptoms of ARMD can vary from decreased vision to distortions in central vision. Patients may describe the presence of wavy lines or that objects in their central vision are missing or bending. With the wet form of ARMD, central vision loss can be sudden and sometimes even severe. Individuals over the age of 60, especially with a family history of ARMD, should be evaluated by an eyecare professional to look for signs of ARMD. During the examination, your eyes will be dilated and further testing, including retinal photographs and retinal imaging scans, may be done to evaluate the structural integrity of your retina. Treatment varies depending on the form of ARMD. For the dry form, specifically formulated vitamins are recommended. Based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), this formulation consists of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These vitamins have been shown to slow down the progression of ARMD. Patients with the wet form are referred to a retina specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Evaluation may include additional testing, such as fluorescein angiogram, where IV dye is used to look closely for the presence of neovascularization and the site of leakage within the macula. If confirmed to be the wet form, patient will be advised to receive a series of eye injections, known as intravitreal injections. These intravitreal injections may be done monthly to stabilize the patient’s vision. Finally, all patients with ARMD are advised to quit smoking.

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NEWS

4 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Charter changes proposed for Johns Creek Local Service

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Addendum would specify early special elections By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council entertained the first hearing March 27 at its council meeting of the findings of the city’s Charter Commission. It was the commission’s charge to recommend any changes to the City Charter after holding its hearings, and Monday night was the first reading of those recommendations. In two weeks the City Council will vote those recommendations up or down. The Charter Commission looked particularly at clarifying when a special election should be called to fill a council vacancy. It is the commission’s recommendation that the City Council require special elections to be held at the earliest date within the legal window. This seems to address the recent situation in 2014 when three seats were allowed to go vacant for more than six months, ostensibly to save cost of a special election, but it resulted in some unforeseen or unappreciated situations. One of those was it created a situation where no veto of a vote by the mayor could be overridden.

The situation never arose because no action was ever vetoed. But under the charter a mayoral veto can only be overridden by 5 council votes. This situation gave the mayor de facto veto power. Also, it meant if even one council member were absent from a meeting, the council would not constitute the necessary quorum to conduct any city business requiring at least four affirmative votes. The Charter Commission has also recommended the charter be amended to allow for a veto to be overridden by a two-thirds vote rather than 5 votes. Among other changes sought by the commission: • Clarify provisions for the necessary suspension of the city manager. • Change the term of mayor pro tem from four years to two years. • Clarify when council may interact with staff. • Clarify the requirement for a balanced budget as required by state law. The Charter Commission also examined such topics as district voting, term limits, election by a plurality versus a clear majority; and changing

What does City Charter do? The City Charter is the instrument granted by the General Assembly to the cities to form a municipality. The charter: • Establishes the political framework • Establishes the powers of the municipality • Divides and assigns duties and powers • Gives general or specific guidance for proper conduct of local affairs There are some areas of the charter that must be subject to approval of the General Assembly under acts of local legislation. Those changes subject to legislative approval would be: • Changes in the form of government • Changes in election of elected officials • Changes in the limitation or continuance in office of elected officials. the millage cap back to the original language. But the commission made no recommendations on these.

Johns Creek OKs Sargent rezoning for 2 houses But won’t budge on 2 driveways By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council approved a residential

rezoning application March 27 for two homes at 5400 Sargent Road, but it would only allow the applicant one curb cut on Sargent Road. Stephen Rajabi had a double approval from city staff and the Johns Creek Planning Commission to subdivide the lot on Sargent east of Jones Bridge Road and rezone the property from AG-1 Agricultural to R-3 Resi-

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dential which would allow him to build two homes if more than 18,000 square feet. Johns Creek Community Development Director Sharon Ebert said the request conformed to the minimum requirements for BROADBENT R-3 zoning. “The homes will be similar in context and size to neighboring houses,” Ebert said. The applicant Rajabi agreed to build homes that would conform to the neighborhood standards and have majority brick or stone facings on all four sides of the homes. Rajabi said he planned to build two homes of 3,000 square feet to 3,500 square feet. There was no opposition at the council hearing. There is a line-of-sight problem to give two curb cuts on Sargent for the two driveways. But Rajabi said he planned to build up the lower side of

See REZONING, Page 42

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 5

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NEWS

6 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE:

John Flores wants Johns Creek to improve Candidate calls traffic city’s No. 1 issue By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – John P. Flores, a 33-year-old father of three, is the other candidate in the Johns Creek City Council special election. He works as the senior development officer for Faith and FLORES Freedom Coalition, a nonprofit organization that weighs in on public policy. “We engage in voter education and voter turnout in every election and lobby for evangelical social conservative issues such as free markets and the sanctity of marriage in every election cycle. My role is to oversee the entire development and fundraising portion of what we do,” Flores said. “So try to raise the money and our

operations team goes and spends it.” Flores said he got into the race because Johns Creek is the best place he and his wife have found to raise a family. “We just love everything about the city. We had lived in Houston for three years, but when our second daughter was born, we really began to feel a tug on our heartstrings to come back to Johns Creek,” he said. That was where they had lived two years before Houston. “We just love everything about the city. Sure there are things that can be improved, but I’ve always felt a calling to serve the greater good. I feel like I have the gifts and talents to serve the city.” Those gifts include being a leader, a team-builder, a problem-solver and an optimist, he said. In his background of leadership positions in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, he focused on “top-line growth while focusing on inefficiencies inside organizations and entities.” If you are making the organization more efficiently, then that is an organization that adds value to its stakehold-

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John Flores at a glance Age: 33 Family: Married to wife Aimee, 3 children ages 6, 3, 5 months Job: Senior development officer for Faith and Freedom Coalition, nonprofit organization that engages in voter education, and public policy for evangelical and socially conservative issues. Education: Texas A&M University, degrees in political science and economics ers. These are attributes that are easily transferable to local city government, he said. Flores said he sees traffic as perhaps the No. 1 issue in the city. “The city has roads with a capacity of 50,000 cars a day. But 80,000 cars are using the roads every day. My opponent and others talk about synchronizing the traffic lights using better software. “You don’t put Band-Aids on problems. You have to look for long-term

solutions that are sustainable. When the problem grows to the point that synchronization no longer solves the problem, you have to recognize that it is a volume issue.” Flores said he has been to see the city’s traffic management system in operation and talked with Tom Udell, the Public Works deputy director for traffic. He noted the system collects data every tenth of second. It recognizes trends and shifts in traffic volumes and adjusts traffic signals for the optimum result. “It is more reliable than a human sitting at the control panel,” he said. Flores says the idea that simply better synchronization of traffic lights is a solution is simply wishful thinking. “My private sector experience has taught me sound bites sound great, but they don’t create real solutions,” he said. “What the city must be focused on is getting to the core problem, do our due diligence and find the proper solution that will solve the problem long-term.” Short-term fixes lead to long-term

See FLORES, Page 44

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 7

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8 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

Alpharetta’s taken leadership position in region Alpharetta had a little party last week when city officials and developers broke ground March 23 on its new City Center. It is an $85 million mixed-use project that will HATCHER HURD surround City Hall Executive Editor hatcher@appenmediagroup.com and the Alpharetta Library. It was a day that was long in coming, but in the end it appears well worth the wait. It is the icing on a cake that cements Alpharetta as the leading community in 21st century North Fulton. Mayor David Belle Isle was almost giddy in pointing out how the City Center will house 450 new employees, more than a dozen new restaurants, 20 to 30 retail shops and 200 new residents. Now if you have not been to downtown Alpharetta you have been missing a lot, what with the city’s Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival, Taste of Alpharetta and Brew Moon Fest. And there’s a lot more to taste now. Established eateries such as SmokeJack’s and Hop Alley are now joined by Ceviche Taqueria, Salt Factory and the new Cajun spot on North Main Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou (see the April Northside Woman). The long-awaited City Center had already spawned a renaissance in its downtown area. Along Alpharetta’s Canton Street, Academy Street and Milton Avenue new townhouse developments have sprung up along with new retail shops, and more is on the way. You can feel the energy when you are in Alpharetta’s new district. And never was it more palpable than at last Thursday’ groundbreaking. You know, it wasn’t always that way. Alpharetta was about as small a town as they get. Growing up in the shadow of Roswell, it didn’t have the history, the big houses, the shopping or the restaurants. But with the coming of Ga. 400, the city fathers looked down that road in the 1980s and had a vision. That vision was to embrace the growth that developmental highway would bring. It was the reason Ga. 400 was built.

Read “Construction begins on $85M Alpharetta City Center,” Page 19 Fulton County, Cobb County and Gwinnett County were enjoying growth with the help of I-75 and I-85 respectively. Ga. 400 is the only reason about 95 percent of us live where we do today. It paved the way (literally) for the great subdivisions, the excellent schools and now the white-collar jobs That make North Fulton what it is. What Alpharetta enjoys is no accident. It made a plan in the 1980s, and successive city councils have stuck to that basic plan. I got here in 1993, and already big changes had been made. There was Windward Parkway with its huge residential. Big office development plans were on the drawing board. The residential was well on its way. The office buildings would be a little later. From Main Street to Ga. 400, Windward Parkway was nothing but trees and just a Red Roof Inn hotel and little restaurant named Vinny’s out in the middle of nowhere. But they had just opened that shiny new shopping mall on North Point Parkway. Here was this magnificent parkway that was carved out of the forest from Windward to Old Milton Parkway. Well, you know the story. Throughout the 1990s little Alpharetta grew, and tall office buildings sprouted on Windward and North Point Parkway. More gorgeous subdivision communities erupted all around. I still have my White Columns umbrella when they broke ground on White Columns golf community on Freemanville Road. It was way out in the woods too. Jimmy Phillips was the mayor back then. He and his City Council had a vision that if growth was coming up Ga. 400, then little Alpharetta would be ready for it. Before the first spade of earth was turned on Northpoint Mall, the city had a master plan for Class A office. Devel-

Alpharetta could have sat back and been overwhelmed as Ga. 400 brought its inexorable march of development. But then it would have been reactive, always a step or two behind.

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle welcomes all to the groundbreaking for the City Center development. opers bought into the idea and it was they who built Northpoint Parkway. But one thing had nagged succeeding city councils. To be a great town, that town has to have a face. Alpharetta’s identity to most visitors was the Northpoint Mall and Windward Parkway. Developers have the expression, “There’s no THERE there.” So they began to cultivate a downtown profile. The city offered low-interest loans to downtown businesses for façade renovations. It started Taste of Alpharetta to get people to come downtown. Then, Mayor Arthur Letchas and his council moved forward with a plan to build a city center that put a “there THERE.” It got stalled in the recession and probably for the best. The city didn’t control the land, and that turned out to be a major flaw. So during the recession, the city acquired the land that would become the City Center. They had a wonderful fiveacre site on the other side of Haynes Bridge Road, so they moved the road to include it inside the City Center. They donated the land for the library and built a parking deck. That

left just the last piece of the puzzle, to bring in the private development that will make “there HERE.” As Mayor David Belle Isle said, “Most of the people who live here didn’t grow up here. We want Alpharetta to be their hometown.” That was the goal, build a downtown where people would congregate, celebrate and be proud, happy Alpharettans. Alpharetta could have sat back and been overwhelmed as Ga. 400 brought its inexorable march of development. But then it would have been reactive, always a step or two behind. With its bold plan, it met urbanization head on and on its terms. Some say we didn’t want urbanization, we wanted to stay that quaint small town we moved here for.” But without all of those plans made in partnership with developers long ago, Alpharetta wouldn’t be the city everyone loves so well. Like it or not, development is following Ga. 400, and you can make it come on your terms or it will certainly come on its own. Alpharetta could not avoid change so it made it the changes it wanted.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 9

OPINION

10 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

The Fiat 124 Spider

JOE PARKER/HERALD

Is there such thing as a girl’s car? I was given the opportunity to attend the Atlanta International Auto Show last week, and being a car lover, I couldn’t pass it up. I could also not pass up the opportunity to drive a Fiat 124 JOE PARKER Spider while at the Reporter joe@appenmediagroup.com show. The 124 is Fiat’s revival of its midsize sedan from the late 60’s and 70’s, but the new rendition shares nothing in common with the Italian box of 50 years ago. In fact, they couldn’t be more different. The 124 Spider is a small, convertible roadster built with the underpinnings of a Mazda Miata. Because of that, some have started taking to calling the 124 the “Fiata.” My ambition is to drive every car at least once, and I knew I was going to love the 124 Spider if it was anything like the Miata. I jumped at the opportunity to get behind the wheel for a test drive, but when I shared this excitement with a friend of mine, he seemed confused. “But it’s a girl’s car,” he said. He brings up an interesting notion. Can a car really be a girl’s car? And if so, what makes it a girl’s car? Surely no one looks at a toaster and thinks it’s geared toward women, so why do we do the same to cars? I began polling friends, asking them what would constitute a girl’s car and to give me some examples, if that is, they even believe such a thing exists. Many respondents said the model of car is irrelevant, it’s the personal touches (somehow feminine, I suppose) that are the deciding factors. Color was also a popular response, stating women prefer brightly colored cars whereas guys typically like more neutral colors. I also had a few responses that the styling of the car influenced its “girlishness” or not — if a car has a “face” like

a Mazda 3, which looks like it’s happy to see you every time you pass one by, it’s more feminine. But perhaps the most common answer was the amount of girls who drove a car. Basically, the more female drivers a car has, the more of “girl’s” car it is. I don’t buy that. If that were the case, the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Honda Accord and Ford F-150 would all be considered girl’s cars because they are the best-selling cars in the United States. They’re not girl’s cars. Boring, absolutely, but not girl’s cars. The most common examples of a girl’s car given was the VW Beetle, the Ford Mustang, the Mini Cooper, the Smart Fortwo and the Mazda Miata, which again, is essentially the 124 Spider’s Japanese cousin. Even after hearing these opinions, I still wasn’t convinced there was such thing as a girl’s car. But maybe I would find out after driving the Fiat. My co-pilot for the drive was Kristine, who was so friendly and breathtakingly gorgeous that by the time I was up for my test drive, the Fiat’s interior was covered in a thick layer of drool from the guys who went before me. As I took the wheel and Kristine and I set off, I asked her if she believed there was such thing as a girl’s car. “I’ve seen guys who drive brightly colored VW Beetles and Miatas and other cars that people believe are girly, but I guess you could make a car girly with personalization,” she said, in one fell swoop hitting all the talking points that were brought up when I polled my friends. “But I don’t think there is such thing as a girl’s car. Even if there is, if you like a car, who cares if it’s supposedly a girl’s or guy’s car,” she added. After I attempted to wipe away the drool pool in my lap and remembered I was married, I told Kristine I couldn’t agree more. And in the end, this 250-pound, bearded, sports-loving man would be thrilled to go out and purchase a 124 Spider, “girl” car or not.

NEWS

Alpharetta businessman headed to Washington John Bardis named assistant secretary to Health and Human Services Department By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, – John Bardis, former CEO of the revenue cycle management firm MedAssets, will join the Health and Human Services department as assistant secretary for administration. He will go to work BARDIS for former Roswell Congressman Tom Price who was named by President Donald Trump to his cabinet as secretary of Health and Human Services. Bardis founded MedAssets in 1999 and became the developer of what came to be known as the revenue cycle and supply chain management technology. He served 15 years as CEO, and took the company through its IPO in 2007. Bardis said he could not comment on his appointment as chief of operations other than to confirm it. But this dovetails with Trump’s move to look to business solutions for streamlining government. The Department of Health and Human Services has a $1.1 trillion budget. If it were a nation, the department would have the 11th largest economy in the world. Bardis made his company into the largest in its field by saving his clientcustomers money through cost savings. The company began as a group purchasing organization (GPO) which offered its customers medical supply discounts. By 2014, MedAssets had become the largest GPO in the United States. After the company became publicly traded in 2007, MedAssets expanded its services to include cost and clinical resource management, purchasing and revenue cycle solutions, change management consulting, and data-driven analytic software. MedAssets grew in total net revenue from $188.5 million in 2007 to $720.2 million in 2014 under Bardis’ guidance. In November 2015, MedAssets was sold for $2.7 billion to Pamplona Capital, which then sold off half of the company while merging the other with its Precyse subsidiary. Now Bardis has a bigger job working

It will be Bardis’ job as the assistant secretary for Administration to provide leadership for HHS departmental administration, including human resource policy, information technology, and departmental operations. with Secretary Price in leading one of the largest federal departments. It employs more than 78,000 people serving residents across the United States. Bardis is known for his experience in finding efficiencies in systems that cut costs and reduce overhead. It will be Bardis’ job as the assistant secretary for Administration to provide leadership for HHS departmental administration, including human resource policy, information technology, and departmental operations. He will also serve as the operating division head for the HHS Office of the Secretary. A press release stated Bardis will be involved in policy and a key leader who will oversee the operations of all aspects of the department. Bardis began his career in healthcare with American Hospital Supply and Baxter International where he climbed to various senior management positions. He left Baxter in 1987 to become president of Kinetic Concepts, departing in 1992. From 1992-1997, Bardis was president and CEO of TheraTx Inc. INC. Magazine named TheraTx the second-fastest growing public company in America in 1995 and named Bardis its “Entrepreneur of the Year,” for growing the company from $15 million to $500 million in five years.

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BLACKBOX SPECIAL REPORT: PART III

Journalism under

My job is to make sure government is accountable “If I had to choose between a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” –Thomas Jefferson I just Googled “jailed for insulting” to see what would come up. Here is a sample of what I found: “Cafeteria manager jailed for insulting Turkish president;” “Activist Unjustly Jailed for RAY APPEN Insulting MonPublisher ray@appenmediagroup.com archy;” “Student jailed for insulting President;” and “Kuwait’s ruling family members jailed for insulting judges.” I dare say that the search results number in the thousands. I wasn’t surprised. All my life I have been aware of what happens in other countries when ordinary people criticize or oppose — even in trivial and mundane ways — kings, dictators, chiefs, “presidents for life” and caliphs. No surprise here. That’s what one expects from these “Third World” countries. Of course nothing like that could ever happen here in the United States where rule of law prevails and we have the Bill of Rights as well as the Constitution. On June 24 of last year a North Georgia publisher and his attorney were indicted on felony charges and landed in jail, when they used an open records request to gather information about possible illegal activity in a judge’s court system. Fanin Focus publisher Mark Thomason and Hiawassee attorney Russell Stookey were released on a $10,000 bond and placed under stringent release conditions, including random drug testing and close communication/reporting requirements. The judge, Brenda Weaver, according to an interview conducted by the Atlanta Journal Constitution at the time, was quoted as saying that “I don’t react well when my honesty is questioned.” The article goes on to say that “the judge resented Thomason’s attacks on her character in his weekly newspaper

On June 26, 2016 Fannin Focus publisher Mark Thomason and his attorney were indicted on felony charges after they used an open records request to gather information about possible illegal activity in a judge’s court system.

and in conversations with her constituents.” According to the District Attorney who issued the charges at the behest of the judge, the charges were justified. So, to jail you go because I don’t like your conversations with my constituents. Where did you say this jailing took place? Surely it was somewhere across the ocean, no? According to the story in the AJC, the judge took a personal affront to being investigated by the local press and used her authority to punish the publisher. Ultimately, the indictment brought against Thomason and Stookey was dropped at the request of the judge who came under intense pressure from the legal community. Notice that the

charges were not dropped because the incarceration was wrong or that it was unlawful. They were dropped as a result of “pressure” from the judge’s peers and from the public – which resulted from coverage in the news media. You can Google this jailing and I encourage you to do so. There are more relevant details to the incident but at the end of the day, what happened was a live, real, example of abuse of power by a government official against a civilian in the United States and the power of public opinion and the press to fix the problem. “Nothing happened until it was leaked to the press” is a story that is repeated over and over again in our country. Whether a story is researched, leaked, or a combination of both, we cannot afford to lose that press which

holds government in check and helps maintain “rule of law”. The balance of power between the state and the people is a fragile one that is maintained in large part by a free and viable news press. There are no back-ups or substitutes if we lose our free and independent press. I am not saying that the press should get a free pass. It cannot be allowed to become an instrument of the privileged or a single point of view or political belief, or become an enemy of the truth. It must be held accountable by the public. But we cannot afford to kill the messenger when the press strays off course. Instead of killing it we must push it back to the middle so it can continue to do it’s legitimate job. We vote with subscriptions. We vote by watching, reading, or listening or by not doing so. We push the press back to the middle by not supporting biased news organizations of either side and by supporting the unbiased, objective news organizations. We can’t lose sight of the legitimate

attack: Georgia to you Read Parts I and II of Journalism under attack: Georgia by visiting NorthFulton. com/blackbox

The balance of power between the state and the people is a fragile one that is maintained in large part by a free and viable news press. There are no backups or substitutes if we lose our free and independent press. role of our news press. It’s the only one we have, and what it does is real life; it’s not just a concept on paper. I remember many years ago when an Appen reporter recounted to me a story that took place after a county commission meeting, which he had just covered. The reporter was packing up getting ready to go home. In front of him two commissioners were talking within earshot. The one with his back to the Appen reporter said to the commissioner facing him, “why don’t we just go ahead and do it, I mean, who’s is going to know?” With a frown on his face, the other commissioner looked over the speaker’s shoulder and pointed to the Appen reporter and said, “He will.” True story. He will. We need to make sure he is still there in the future to hear those conversations.

Commentary on the current state of the news By DAVID E. HUDSON Hull Barrett, PC Do you receive a lot of information these days? I do, and a great portion of it is pure junk. Hogwash. I am referring to emails that purport to contain a speech or column made by some prominent inHUDSON dividual, and it turns out not to be so. Or it might be an email that purports to be a column from the editorial page of a prominent newspaper, and it turns out not to be. Other examples are news or, should I say what pretends to be news, about what some public official did or did not do, and that turns out to be bogus as well. This is not limited to email and web sites. Other examples are statements made as fact on talk radio or talk television which also turn out to be plainly wrong. And most regrettably some false statements originate from the highest office in the land. So flooded with an overload of information, much of which turns out to be bogus, where does the American citizen turn for information that has been researched, substantiated, edited, and is reliable? I submit that the prime repositories for trustworthy information are, and should be, the local newspaper, the local broadcaster, and the established and historically recognized national print media and networks. What is it these publications and broadcasters provide that other purveyors of so-called “information” do not? I can think of these: (1) Fact checking and verification before publication; (2) Editorial supervision to ensure substantiation, good writing, fairness and decency; and (3) The willingness to retract and correct information that is subsequently determined to have been published or broadcast in error.

These are qualities that are missing from so much of the “information” with which the public is bombarded. Some may refer derisively to good journalism as the “drive-by media” or “mainstream media.” I join instead with Jefferson, Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Lincoln and Churchill in saying that a free press is a bedrock of democracy. Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be both ignorant and free, it expects what never was and never will be.” He also stated, “When the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.” James Madison stated, “A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with power which knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or tragedy, or perhaps both.” And it was Churchill who stated, “A free press is the unsleeping guardian of every other right that free men prize; it is the most dangerous form of tyranny.” On the other side of the ledger, consider what Lenin said: “Why should freedom of speech and freedom of the press be allowed? Why should a government which is doing what it believes to be right allow itself to be criticized?” Napoleon put it this way: “A journalist is a grumbler, a censurer, a giver of advice, a regent of sovereigns, a tudor of nations. Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” And, it was Hitler who stated: “We’ve eliminated that conception of political freedom which holds that everybody has the right to say whatever comes into his head.” Americans should reject suppression or manipulation of good journalism. Instead, we should cast our lot with the founding fathers whose views can be summed up in one more statement, this one from Franklin: “This will be the best security for maintaining our liberties. A nation of well-informed men, who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God

Napoleon put it this way: “A journalist is a grumbler, a censurer, a giver of advice, a regent of sovereigns, a tudor of nations. Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” has given them, cannot be enslaved. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins.” From my perspective, those who would label traditional and professional journalists as “enemies of the people,” are actually looking in the mirror and seeing who it is that is actually the real enemy. David E. Hudson practices in the area of general civil litigation with an emphasis on business and commercial disputes, media law and construction law. He has been a trial lawyer since 1974, and has represented clients at the trial court level in Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and New York. He has also argued numerous appeals in the appellate courts of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and a case before the Supreme Court of the United States. Hudson has served as General Counsel for the Georgia Press Association for several years and is in high-demand as a speaker for academic, civic and media organizations.

BLACKBOX SPECIAL REPORT: PART III, JOURNALISM UNDER ATTACK: GEORGIA THE WOMAN BEHIND THE CAMERA:

Citizen journalist Nydia Tisdale keeps local government honest Videographer strives to create public record through recordings By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com During many metro Atlanta and North Georgia government meetings, you can often find self-described citizen journalist Nydia Tisdale in the back with her video camera recording the proceedings. That’s exactly what she was doing April 17, 2012 during a Cumming City Council meeting when Mayor H. Ford Gravitt asked the chief of police to remove the camera from the auditorium. “We don’t allow filming inside of the City Hall here unless it’s specific reasons, so if you would remove the camera,” Gravitt said. When Tisdale told the mayor about the state’s Sunshine Laws, which had been updated that same day and which give citizens the right to record open meetings, Gravitt said the matter wasn’t up for discussion. He proceeded to have Tisdale and her camera removed from the meeting. Following the incident, Tisdale filed suit against the city, and the case was settled in 2015 when the city agreed to pay Tisdale $200,000. This is just one obstacle Tisdale, 53, who lives in Roswell, has faced in her nearly eight years of recording meet-

ings. She first became interested in local government working as a property manager for a land investor. Her former boss asked her to attend a Forsyth County Planning Commission meeting TISDALE when they learned a landfill was proposed on a site next to the company. After sitting in meetings, she realized she found problems during the process and became involved in fighting the zoning, which was eventually withdrawn. From there, she was hooked. Throughout all this, she strives for transparency, open government and citizen engagement in the local government. “Local government is where one can have an impact,” Tisdale said. “It’s close to home and affects all of our lives as it’s where we live. There is so much coverage of the national political scene. I don’t really contribute to that. But the local scene of the city, county and state gets overlooked because a lot of newsrooms are shrinking and don’t get as much attention as they deserve.” She calls herself a citizen advocate

STEVE HENDERSON/SPECIAL

Nydia Tisdale strives to increase government transparency by attending as many meetings as she can and recording them.

and citizen journalist, but said she is not the only one of her kind. “There are other citizen journalists that do provide a service to citizens and perform acts of journalism although they may not have a journalism degree or be embedded with the mainstream media,” Tisdale said. “I’m independent and unembedded. I select what I want to cover and do it on my own terms. I don’t have a deadline, it’s self-imposed.” Her work is a form of new media as opposed to traditional news media, she said. With the digital age and internet, one can publish articles, videos or photos online for public consumption. So this way is open to everyone. She covers political party meetings, city councils and debates. The city of Atlanta, Forsyth County and the city of Roswell are among those recorded and documented on her “Nydeos,” as she calls them. She said she finds out about events through social media or people ask her to attend. But without official news credentials, she has run into problems from time to time. Denying recordings is a violation of basic constitutional rights including the rights of free speech and press, Tisdale said. “Some may not know the rights or choose to ignore them,” Tisdale said. “Who knows what’s in the minds and hearts of people violating constitutional rights. It’s disrespecting the Constitution, a citizen’s right and open government and transparency.” In addition to the city of Cumming meeting, she’s had her fair share of controversy while trying to film. She attended a Forsyth County Republican Women’s event several years ago where she was not allowed to record and was even hit by one of the women in charge. “It was open to the public and posted in the legal organ,” Tisdale said. “No candidates rejected me and instead they wanted me to film them. But out of fear of being physically harmed or my camera being damaged, I packed up and left in protest.” She eventually got an apology from the woman who hit her. “An apology was all I wanted because I feel like she not only violated me, but all the voters who would have liked to watch that video and see what the candidates have to say,” Tisdale said.

HERALD/ARCHIVE

In 2012, Nydia Tisdale was illegally removed from a Cumming City Council meeting.

And most of the candidates she films tend to support her through positive words, monetary contributions, even supporting her during the city of Cumming hearing. “I don’t think any of the candidates have ever not liked me recording as it’s free publicity,” Tisdale said. “It’s just as important as door knocks, campaign mailers and robot calls. People want to hear and see the candidate, not just read about them. It impacts their opinions and votes.” She measures her success by voter turnout, but she doesn’t endorse any candidate and is often undecided going into the events. “I want to learn about them because I don’t know who to vote for,” Tisdale said. “I figure other citizens don’t know who to vote for yet either, so let’s provide them as much information as we can to make an informed decision.” Throughout the nearly 1,000 meetings she’s recorded, only a handful have turned sour. She has also been gratified in her work by earning the Georgia First Amendment Foundation’s Open Government Hero Award in 2015 and the Common Cause Georgia Democracy Award in 2014. “These moments are one-time moments,” Tisdale said. “I enjoy what I do. I think others appreciate what I do. I get mostly positive feedback from viewers, readers and supporters. It’s why I continue to do what I do.”

Publisher roundtable: Forsyth County News’ Vince Johnson The Forsyth County News has been publishing in Forsyth County since 1908 with a mission to inform and entertain users across North Atlanta. Vince Johnson was named publisher in January 2014. Could you tell me a little bit about your background in media and your current position with the Forsyth County News? I started in the newspaper industry shortly after college and have now been in the daily grind for a decade. I started as an entry-level videographer at the Statesboro Herald in Statesboro, Ga., moved to SouthJOHNSON ern California to run the digital side of a newspaper for two years, and now I’ve been the publisher of the FCN for the last three years. We have challenges in the newspaper world. Some new, some are not. When it comes to running your newsroom, what challenges do you see on a daily basis? The challenge, especially in a smallto-mid size community, is always how to evolve and innovate while simultaneously keeping up with day-to-day responsibilities. We have a small staff but a large local audience that relies on us for information every day. Often, deciding on what not to do in terms of local coverage is as important as adding new features and platforms. Why do you think it is that people say they don’t trust the media anymore? What do you think attributes to that, and how much of that do you see locally with your newspaper? I think that when people use the term ‘media’ as an overarching umbrella, it’s a little outrageous. When a person disagrees with the stance or delivery of a specific newspaper or television network on a topic, they’re actually disagreeing with the decisions made by a relatively few amount of people. “Media” encompasses a whole lot of people in a whole lot of places, and we don’t all have weekly conference calls. Different people have different viewpoints, and if your media platform reaches enough people, there will occasionally be people who disagree with you. I think that’s healthy.

Locally, however, we don’t see the same backlash that is happening on a national scale. We’re just local people trying to deliver the best form of local coverage that we can. We’re fully capable as humans of making mistakes, but I think people understand that we’re integrated into our community and providing tremendous daily value. For hundreds of years now, journalists have been the check and balance for those in a position of power over others. Talk to me about the role of journalists today. Promoting truth and accountability is perhaps the primary role of journalists, and one that could be at stake across the nation. Newsrooms have been slashed due to budget cuts in recent years, and so there are less journalists today monitoring those in positions of power. We as journalists provide a barrier to corruption, and we shine a spotlight on injustice. Especially in local communities, we’re often the only independent monitors in those types of situations. If local journalism continues to decrease across the nation, it could present some real, large-scale systematic problems. That’s why we’re fighting so hard to keep journalism around. In what ways has social media affected your newsroom? When anyone with a cell phone and a twitter account can instantly post “news” to the internet, what new challenges does that present trained journalists? I’m probably in the minority in the newspaper industry, but I love social media. It’s obviously a much, much faster pace of news as compared to the times when a newspaper on your doorstep was the first time you became aware of what happened the previous day, but I find the pressure of providing fast, reliable information to our community exhilarating. We have a staff at the FCN that really buys into the pace of journalism today. I know Forsyth County News has been an innovator of video presentation of news and incorporating it with your print products. Can you talk a little bit about how that has helped build trust and connection with the community?

The staff of the Forsyth County News are local people trying to deliver the best form of local coverage possible. Winning the 2016 Mega-Innovation Award for newspapers – beating the parent companies of both the Dallas Morning News and The Oklahoman in the finals, and being judged by Harvard Business School’s lead innovator – has certainly been a game-changer for our organization. Forsyth County is a world-class community by most every measure, and it’s important to us to play a large role in the development of our county. That’s the origin of our desire to innovate. We know Forsyth County expects the best, and so that’s what we try to bring every day, and why we push innovative platforms and technology as hard as we do. In working with government institutions in Forsyth County, what are some of the highlights and lowlights you have come across as far as transparency and access to information? We have great relationships with most every organization, including government organizations, in Forsyth County. However, we know the vital role we play in helping to provide transparency and reliable information to our community, so we’re never afraid to do anything that helps us maintain that community trust. As long as people and organizations respect our position, we certainly respect theirs as well.

The Georgia Legislature is considering revisions to the Sunshine Laws that would restrict the use of cameras in courtrooms. Should we be promoting increased government transparency, not less of it? Not only as a journalist, but as a citizen, government transparency is incredibly important to me. If everything is above-board as it should be, there are very, very few instances in which complete transparency shouldn’t be the outcome. In five years, what changes do you anticipate your company will make in how it reports the news and your community in how it consumes the news? We’re all about the evolution of our audience. Our goal is simply to provide the most relevant information to our audience in whatever platform they want to receive it. In the past three years, the audience of the Forsyth County News has grown by more than 400 percent, and it continues to grow at a rapid pace. We love the physical newspaper. We love our website. We love social media and mobile consumption and magazines and community contests, and we’ll be on board with the next innovation of the future. We just want to be there for our community in whatever shape or form they want to receive news and information.

The results on this project are an example of what can be accomplished by working together. RUDY BOWEN, State Transportation Board 16 | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017

The recently opened Ga. 400 northbound lane increases traffic flow for commuters heading into Forsyth County. Drivers will face another bout of construction this year.

Ga. 400 widening lane closures ongoing Northbound lane closed a.m.; southbound lane closed p.m. By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth drivers had about a six-month break from Ga. 400 construction after northbound widening was completed in October 2016. Now, the orange barrels are back with single lane closures both north and southbound. Drivers headed south will see lane closures from Ga. 306 to McFarland Parkway running from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Lane closures northbound will be on the same stretch from 9 p.m. to noon.

The work will build an additional lane on Ga. 400 and requires a single lane to be closed to traffic. Northbound construction is anticipated to be complete by June. That stretch will run from just past Ga. 20 to Ga. 369. The entire project, both northbound and southbound, is scheduled to be open to traffic in October 2018. The times were specific to traffic flow, according to Brent Cook, district engineer in the Georgia Department of Transportation Gainesville office. “The schedule for the lane closures was coordinated to complement traffic, allowing the contractor more time to work on the northbound side in the morning, while southbound traffic is navigating to work and school,” Cook said. The construction is part of a $47 million project to widen Ga. 400 in For-

syth County from McFarland Parkway to Ga. 369. It includes construction of one lane in the existing inside median in both directions and a bridge widening over Big Creek and the Sawnee Creek portion of Lake Lanier. The project was funded through a partnership between Forsyth County and the Georgia Department of Transportation. The Georgia DOT contributed $13 million and is managing the project. The remainder of the funding, approximately $34.5 million, comes from a $200 million transportation bond passed by Forsyth County voters in 2014. The bond, approved by 63 percent of Forsyth County voters, will finance a variety of transportation projects throughout the county. “The results on this project are an

example of what can be accomplished by working together,” said Rudy Bowen, State Transportation Board representing the 7th Congressional District. “Our leaders at the Georgia DOT and the Forsyth County commissioners have done a phenomenal job getting the project delivered to the public in less than a year. It was a brave decision for Forsyth leadership and its citizens to take on the responsibility of investing in transportation.” An additional 1.8 mile section of the new lane was opened to traffic the first week of March. In October 2016, an eight-mile portion of the highway from McFarland Parkway to Ga. 20 was opened in less than a year after groundbreaking. To view a full description of the project, visit http://bit.ly/2nSsbCl.

BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 17

Braves’ new home more than just a stadium Selecting Like many issues today, the Braves announcement to move to Cobb County got people arguing. Even people who were for the move still make jokes about having to heGEOFF SMITH licopter in over the Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com traffic to get there. But one thing that happens to everyone, is that once they look at the renderings of the project, they all want to go there. As many of you may now know, this is not just a baseball stadium. This is an entire city with the Braves stadium in it. At Turner Field, no one wanted to hang out outside the stadium. At Suntrust Park, most people I talk to can’t wait to get there early so they can. The new city is called The Battery Atlanta and is kind of a baseball-styled Avalon. Which is easy for me to say because it was designed by Alpharetta-based Wakefield Beasley & Associates, who master-planned Avalon. In short, The Battery is a brand-new city with five-story, city-block-styled buildings. There is more than 400,000 square feet of retail and office space, Comcast’s new 10-story regional headquarters that looks down into Suntrust Park, more than 550 residences, an Omni hotel and a rebuild of the old Atlanta Roxy theater. Braves President of Development Mike Plant said the design has caught the attention of teams throughout the league. Many have come for an early tour and he said it’s “making people’s heads spin. They are genuinely amazed at what this now looks like, how it feels and what we’ve built here,” according to a recent article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. This makes Wakefield and Beasley CEO Lamar Wakefield very proud. He

target markets

himself is a big baseball fan and he couldn’t have been more thrilled to land the project. He is taking everyone at his company who worked on the project and their families to opening day on April 14. The stadium itself will have plenty of improved dining venues including the 10,000-square-foot Coors Light Chop House, which is a three-story restaurant in right field that will feature outside decks and private event space. The Delta Sky360 Club will be a 15,000-square-foot sports bar sitting up high along the first base line. The 15,000-square-foot Infiniti Club will be a private club on the terrace level offering premium food and drinks. Hope and Will’s Sandlot will be a large kid play zone hosted by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and will include a zip line, a climbing tower and other games. Xfinity Rooftop will be a private group space up in right field offering panoramic views of the field and The Battery Atlanta. The stadium is actually 20 percent smaller than Turner Field offering about 41,000 seats. It has far more premium seating than Turner did. But even before you get to the stadium, or after you leave it, you will have plenty to do. Athens-based Terrapin Beer Co. is opening The Terrapin Taproom. It will feature its own beers as well as the locally famous Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. It will sit adjacent to the

ATL Brew Lab, a microbrewery where Terrapin will experiment with different styles of brewing and collaboration efforts. Other restaurants will include Antico Pizza, Chef Ford Fry’s The El Felix, and a new steakhouse called C. Ellet’s. Actor Mark Wahlberg and his brother Donnie are putting their first Atlanta-based Wahlburgers burger restaurant there. Local chef Hugh Acheson who was made famous from his debut on Top Chef is opening a high-end hot dog restaurant called First & Third Hot Dog and Sausage Shack serving meats from bratwursts to kielbasas. Food isn’t the only thing to do there. The Roxy seems to be almost up and running too. It’s a 53,000-squarefoot venue with capacity for 4,000 people. It looks like its first concert is April 8. The Mizuno Experience Center is a retail store that will showcase Mizuno gear and allow people to test cutting-edge sports technology. So if you are planning on going to a game – and you know you want to – o there early and plan to stay late. Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

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Have you defined your ideal target markets? Do you understand the buying criteria of the potential customers in your target markets? Have you segmented your markets to take DICK JONES advantage of using Founder & President Jones Simply Sales unique marketing messages to each segment? A target market is a group of customers that your business has decided is the best place to focus your time and efforts, and the first element to an overall marketing strategy. Target markets are defined in many different ways. Most small businesses start with a geographical location and then add additional criteria, such as demographics, to hone in on the best people to market to. Demographics could include gender, age, income, occupation, education, household size or many other criteria to slice up the marketplace. Using specific criteria allows you to avoid using “mass marketing” as your only approach. Mass marketing, which often doesn’t include demographics, is the least effective way to reach your target audience. Sending out brochures or doing random robo calls is not nearly as good as targeting your potential customers. Positioning your products and services with your target market is also very important. This could be differentiating based upon price or other factors that highlight the uniqueness of what you provide. The marketplace is always changing, so it is a best practice to continue to evaluate whether you are focused on the right segment at the right time. Determining your target markets is the first step in developing a marketing plan, and then it’s all in the execution.

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18 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

Dinova redefines corporate dining expenditures Johns Creek company finds cozy niche saving clients money By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – How many executives dream of taking what they’ve learned in the corporate world and creating an entirely new marketing plan that makes customers and clients happy? Vic Macchio, founder and CEO of Dinova, has done just that. Macchio has worked in the travel industry since 1980 and devoted 17 years with American Express. He has used the experience he has gained in such diverse fields as consumer marketing, supplier relations, corporate services and general management to tap into what has grown in eight short years to be a $6 billion proprietary business. What do almost all Fortune 500 corporations have in common? They spend a fortune on travel. Macchio lasered in on a way to tap into the business travel market to provide that proprietary service to his clients that saves them money. The world of corporate dining is Macchio’s oyster. To crack that shell he had to come up with a perfect plan to capture the millions of transactions that businesses generate through travel. Right of the top are hotels and transportation. Those are limited markets in hotels, airlines and car rentals and are well covered already.

Company overview Dinova, Inc. provides proprietary marketplace focused on connecting business diners to restaurants. It caters to corporations and small businesses. Dinova, Inc. was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia. But what other needs exist for the salesmen, executives, technicians who travel all over the world for their companies? Fella’s gotta eat, right? Gals too. “What we do is provide dining options for those people on the road that allow them to eat well while leveraging the buying power those meals generate for our client corporations in the form of rebates,” Macchio said. Restaurants are willing to provide those rebates to get a disproportionate share of the market, he said. So Dinova has a discrete group of restaurants all over the country who are in the Dinova network. When a company credit card is used, the rebate is applied to that bill automatically. “We knew people on the road were not going to carry coupon books or keep track of a member card. So the key is making the transaction at the point of sale,” Macchio said. “Dinova is the catalyst that brings the customer to the restaurant. “And we have a global roster of client corporations to offer to our restau-

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Vic Macchio, Dinova’s founder and CEO, has developed a company that marries restaurant partners with a way to tap into the multi-billion-dollar business entertainment market that is a win-win for all.

rant partners. So they have exclusive access to our clients. And each corporate office will make sure their people know it is in their interest to eat at restaurants on the preferred list.” The rebates are only offered through the Dinova software. What the restaurants get are a high degree of exclu-

sivity in their market. Dinova sets geographic boundaries and then signs up no more than two “cuisine types” for corporate clients to choose from. “The restaurant partners know they only pay rebates to the customers Dinova has brought to them,” Macchio said. “It is a very transparent system that benefits everybody.” So a Fortune 500 member corporation’s exec in Atlanta could take his client to a fine dinner at Ruth’s Chris’s Steakhouse or to Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. But only Del Frisco’s earns the rebate so Del Frisco’s it is. Currently, the global roster of Dinova restaurants tops 15,000 and runs the gamut of cuisines and price. “We provide a ready-made network for their employees to choose from. And it is not just the high-end places. Often it’s the guy in a strange town who wants a reliable place close by to get lunch. “With our app, he gets directions right to the door,” Macchio said. “The restaurant partner gets a guest they would not have gotten without being a Dinova partner. “The guy from out of town gets a good meal and the corporation gets a rebate on the meal. Everybody wins.” Whether it is selecting a fine dining restaurant to impress a client or just a place to get a good pastrami sandwich between sales calls, employees can easily stay within the Dinova family. “The company has a vested interest in encouraging and promoting the use of the Dinova network. It saves them cash dollars,” Macchio said.

Milton seeking retail growth along Ga. 9/Deerfield corridor City partners with Buxton Group to find suitors By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Milton has partnered with The Buxton Group, a Texas-based company specializing in retail and customer marketing analysis, to fill vacant storefronts along the Ga. 9/ Deerfield Parkway corridor. Buxton Group met all of the city’s requirements and its bid of $50,000 was within the city’s 2017 fiscal budget, which allotted up to $50,000 for such a study. The Milton City Council approved the agreement at its March 6 meeting. The aim of the partnership is to seek out and recruit retailers and restaurants with the correct demographic for the city, and to retain current businesses. Buxton Company will facilitate introductions and

offer support throughout the recruitment process, and city staff will have access to Buxton’s web-based SCOUT platform that reports demographic and trade profile reports. Buxton Group will also use Milton’s future land use and zoning maps to “identify nodes of potential growth.” The agreement calls for recruiting 20 retail and restaurant establishments to the Ga. 9/Deerfield corridor by the end of 2017. “Our goal is to help the business owner enter a space that matches their needs,” said Sarah LeDart, Milton Economic Development Manager. “Working with Buxton, Milton is better positioned to attract new retailers and fill vacant space. By finding the right retailer and/or space match, we’re setting businesses up for success and maximizing business retention.” The data collected from the study will allow Milton to make informed decisions on the businesses it seeks to recruit, as well as show a need for a type of retail that is not currently offered in the city.

“It will be up to the city to meet with the suggested companies and see the project through fruition. As part of the overall process, we will be building relationships with 20 retailers with the hopes that a handful of them will choose Milton now and others will develop over time,” said LeDart. “We know that proactive efforts are critical to finding the right businesses to fill our square footage,” she said. The corridor is the largest area for development remaining within Milton’s 15 percent of land designated for commercial development. The agreement with Buxton Group runs three years, with the focus each year on a different area within Milton. After the Ga. 9/Deerfield study, the Buxton Group will begin Phase 2 of the study in October which will survey the downtown Crabapple area. The final study, which begins October 2018, will concentrate on the intersection of Birmingham Road and Birmingham Highway. Each study brings a separate price tag of $50,000.

DOWNTOWN ALPHARETTA:

BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 19

Construction begins on $85M Alpharetta City Center Development to feature office, residential, shops, restaurants By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – DataScan, a technology finance service company on Cabot Parkway in Forsyth County, announced Thursday it will be the sole tenant at the new four-story office building now under construction at Alpharetta’s City Center. The announcement came as a crowd of around 100 attended the official groundbreaking of City Center’s $85 million commercial phase on South Main Street. The 5-acre development lies just west of the new City Hall and will feature a mix of restaurants, shops and apartments. “We can’t wait to get going now that everything is ready to kick off,” said Ed Brown, DataScan president. The company has 150 local employees and about 500 associates nationwide. For the past 20 years DataScan has operated on Cabot Parkway, about three miles outside Alpharetta’s city limits. Brown said the company values its employees and wants to provide them with amenities a mixed-used environment can offer —the restaurants, the shops and the sense of community.

Ed Brown, center, president of DataScan, at the groundbreaking of Alpharetta’s City Center commercial phase. Brown and some 500 other DataScan associates will occupy a $13 million, four-story office building at the site. “We believe our associates are our number one asset, and putting them in a center like this is really a way of helping (them),” he said. “We feel that being here in the City Center will make us even more connected,” said Brown. Mayor David Belle Isle called the groundbreaking a monumental day for the city. “I don’t think there’s been a bigger day – at least since I’ve been here – in our history than today,” he said. The idea of creating a place residents can identify with, he said, will provide a connection that will build an affinity for the city. “In order to connect to a place, you have to have a special place,” Belle Isle said. City Center developers, Morris & Fellows, Mid City Real Estate Partners and South City Partners, have arranged more than $70 million in bond financing to help offset property taxes over the next 10 years. Once completed, City Center will feature close to a dozen new restaurants, between 20-30 boutique shops and close to 200 aparment residences and homes. The fine dining offerings will feature some of most noted names in the area, including: the Highland Bakery, a Virginia-Highland landmark for more than two decades, Lapeer, a seafood marketplace, Holmes, an eclectic style family restaurant, and a wine and beverage-centric restaurant from Vin 25. Nearby, will be “The District,” streets of boutique shops operated by local entrepreneurs. Focus will be on organic and natural products and services ranging from a health spa, a raw juice shop to fashion clothing and accessories. Spirit Lala, who operates several fashion accessory and handcrafted jewelry shops in metro Atlanta, is one merchant anxious to open shop. “We’re excited to get started,” she said. “We’re going to enjoy the bigger space.”

Cheri Morris, president of Morris & Fellows, who heads the retail portion of the project, said that about half the 30 or so shops have already been optioned and talks are continuing with other operators. Overall, Morris said, interest in City Center has been overwhelming. “Unlike mainstream commercial developments, we’re building a downtown district,” she said. “Our goal is to fit seamlessly into the existing environment which was greatly built in the 19th century. “ Back then, she said, each building was built for a different purpose by a different owner at a different time. So a city block was made up buildings that varied in design, size and materials. “To achieve this historical pattern, the partners, with the help of the city, have totally broken the 21st Century development mold,” Morris said. “Whereas, normally, there would be four large buildings on this land, each with the same architectural style, when you look at this project, you will see 28 buildings from the outside, not four,” she said. These buildings will incorporate the historical influences from past eras that would have influenced those early-day builders – Georgian, Italian and Victorian and Edwardian – the styles that would have been in fashion at the time they were built. “This is a labor of love,” Morris said. “It’s not the easy task.” John Long, director and principal at South City Partners which heads the residential portion of the project, said he was impressed at the turnout of more than 100 people at the groundbreaking. Such numbers, he said, speak to how invested residents feel about the project. “Knowing the responsibility we have as a developer to execute on a plan that the mayor laid down and the councilmembers who have been working on this for a long time, is really humbling,” Long said. “We take this responsibility very seriously. This is going to be an amazing project.”

20 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CALENDAR

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER:

LIBRARY EVENTS:

SALUTE TO AMERICA THIRD ANNUAL ROSWELL AZALEA FESTIVAL

Events will take place all across the city to pay tribute to the beauty of Roswell during the springtime and to the abundant azaleas, a native Georgian flower. Activities include plant sales, art exhibits, bicycle races, ghost tours, comedy night and more. Enjoy the festival April 1-30 in multiple participating locations throughout the city. For a the full list of events, visit roswellazaleafestival.com. Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton.com/ Calendar.

EVENTS:

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

What: Alpharetta residents will have a household hazardous waste and paint collection day. Common items include chemicals, gasoline, paint and poisons. Full list online. When: Saturday, April 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. More info and registration: alpharetta. ga.us or 678-297-6213

THE WALL THAT HEALS

What: The Wall that Heals is a halfscale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall with a mobile education center and display of photos of service members, along with letters and memorabilia left at The Wall in D.C. When: March 30-April 2 Where: Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

2017 PLANT SALE

What: The annual Forsyth County Master Gardener Plant Sale offers a wide variety of southern plants and garden accents. Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice. When: March 31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; April 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: The Barn at Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming More info: 770-887-2418

SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE GARDENING WORKSHOP

What: Join to learn about low-cost, environmentally sound practices for growing nutrient-dense vegetables. The workshop will cover planning, seeding, cultural practices, management and other tips. When: Saturday, April, 1, 9-10:30 a.m. Where: Whole Kids Foundation Educational Farm, 1180 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell More info: alpharetta.ga.us or 678-2976200

TASTE OF IRELAND TEA PARTY

What: Join Chef Judith McLaughlin for “A Taste of Ireland Tea Party” a themed high tea. Celebrate and discover the similarities in the tea time tradition between Ireland and the South. When: Saturday, April 1, 4 p.m. Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell Cost: $35 More info and registration: roswellgov. com or 770-640-3855

What: “A Patriotic Salute to America and to Her Troops” charts the journey of America from 1776 to the present with song, dance, comedy and music. Hear the favorites from each era while honoring active and retired military personnel. When: Through April 2, times vary Where: The Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $20 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com

ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S THEATER NIGHT

What: The Roswell Historical Society will host its annual theater night fundraiser. This year’s production is “The Million Dollar Quartet,” with a silent auction and open bar before the show. When: Tuesday, April 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $25 More info: roswellhistoricalsociety.org

“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”

What: This musical follows early rock ‘n roll stars Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, along with newcomer Jerry Lee Lewis as they find themselves in the legendary Memphis recording studio. When: April 6-23, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info and tickets: get.org

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

FREE TAX PREP

What: Get free tax preparation assistance by trained volunteers. See website for full list of documents to bring. Walk-ins welcome Fridays and Saturdays. Appointments available. When: Through April 17, times vary Where: NFCC Education Center, 1125 Elkins Road, Roswell More info and registration: nfcchelp.org or vita@nfcchelp.org

FREE AARP TAX HELP

What: Trained helpers are offering free tax services in multiple AARP Tax-Aide centers throughout tax season. When: Times vary Where: Multiple locations throughout Metro Atlanta More info and locations: aarp.org

SCAD PRINTMAKING EXHIBIT

What: This exhibit showcases the innovative ways both traditional and digital printmaking processes can be utilized to express ideas and concepts in the 21st century. Featuring SCAD students, alumni and faculty When: Through April 21, MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org

CHESS FOR ADULT BEGINNERS

What: Learn how to play chess at any age and skill level at this free program. Instructions will be provided and no experience is necessary. Recommended for adults and seniors. When: Saturday, April 1, 1-2 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

TEEN FILMMAKING WORKSHOP

What: For making films for fun or pursuing a career in the film industry. This free program will cover screenwriting, basic videography techniques, editing and the film industry during this 3-hour workshop. When: Monday, April 3, 2-5 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: afpls.org or laura.hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov

GET BUGGY

What: Discover hands-on the incredible life of insects and arachnids. From egg to adult, journey through the life cycle of butterflies, bees and beetles. Recommended for ages 5-8. Registration required. When: Monday, April 3, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 404-613-4050

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE

What: Join the adult astronomy club for a lively discussion about and photos taken by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope with Jeff Thompson. When: Tuesday, April 4, 6-7 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-4402

READ WITH PEARL

What: Licensed therapy dog, Pearl, is ready to share her favorite stories with the children at Northeast/ Spruill Oaks. This free event is for ages 4 and under. When: Tuesday, April 4, 10:15-10:55 a.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: laura. hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov or 770360-8820

CALENDAR

ACTING FOR CHILDREN

What: During two 1-hour workshops, presented by Forefront Arts, children will play theatre games and learn basic acting skills. This program will consist of two sessions: for children ages 3-5 and 6-8. Registration required. When: Wednesday, April 5, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: laura. hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov or 770360-8820

PET ADOPTIONS:

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

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

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: TWO BOYS KISSING

What: The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Two Boys Kissing,” which follows multiple teenagers as they tell their stories of first love, family, pain and bravery over generations. When: Friday, March 31, 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 1, 2 and 8 p.m. Where: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, 1026 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta Cost: $25 More info and tickets: voicesofnote.org or 404-320-1030

FREE TAX PREP SERVICES

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

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 21

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA:

Focus on fishing: three good bets Fishing is, as they say, definitely in the news this week. If you enjoy casting a line, this is definitely a great time to get outside! Item 1: The big crappie are hitting Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net I was talking to my next door neighbor the other day, and he was telling me about some very nice crappie he’s been catching at Lake Lanier. He’s been having good success fishing from shore, and he has brought in several of epic proportions. Where will you find crappie this time of year? Look for brushy areas or other spots with lots of submerged cover. That’s the key, it seems, and many such areas have been holding fish. Good lures include white Roostertails or similar spinners, white grubtails on small 1/16 oz. jig heads, or small minnows. And if you enjoy keeping a few for the pan, it’s hard to beat fried crappie and hushpuppies. Check it out!

STEVE HUDSON

Item 2: The white bass are running For the last few weeks I’ve been watching some of my favorite close-in white bass spots, including tributaries to Allatoona and Lake Lanier, for the annual arrival of white bass. I’d hear scattered reports of an angler catching one here or there, usually near the mouths of the rivers, but no one was talking about the start of the big-time runs. Until last week. The prevailing wisdom is that the white bass runs happen about the time the dogwoods bloom. Up till the first of last week, I hadn’t seen any dogwood blossoms, and, truth be told, I’d caught very few white bass. But on Thursday morning, I noticed a couple of dogwood trees blooming in the neighborhood. So on Thursday afternoon, I put the flyrod in the car and made a late-afternoon pilgrimage to one of my favorite white bass spots. It’s now safe to say that the white bass have arrived! Where can you find white bass? Among the many places which offer an opportunity to land one are the Chestatee below Georgia 400, the Chattahoochee above the lake, Little River above Allatoona, the Etowah, and the Coosa River at Mayo Lock and Dam Park. Though you’ll need a boat to fish

it, many experienced white bass enthusiasts consider the Coosa to be the very best white bass water in northern Georgia – but of course that depends on who you ask. If you’re spin fishing, go for them with flashy white spinners such as Roostertails or with white grubtails on small jigheads (the same kinds of lures you’d use for crappie). Fly fishers should have good luck with flies such as the Rolex (a very flashy minnow imitation) or the Yeti (a fly that I developed a couple of years ago just for white bass fishing). Other light-colored streamers will work too. Remember that the white bass runs only last a few weeks, so get in on the excitement while you can! Item 3: The North Georgia Trout Online Spring Fling Want to learn about trout fishing in Georgia? You’ve got a great opportunity coming up on Saturday, April 1 (no fooling!) as North Georgia Trout Online hosts its annual Spring Fling at the Buford Trout Hatchery, just off Highway 20 a few miles east of Georgia 400. NGTO (www.ngto.org) is a non -profit organization dedicated to trout fishing in North Georgia. This online community works to protect and enhance trout fishing on several fronts. Its activities include a significant outreach effort which supports educational and environmental stewardship programs, and its members are tied together through a fishing-focused online message board, open to anyone with an interest in fishing, and especially trout fishing, in Georgia. The group has “a firm commitment to the future of trout fishing in Georgia” and “strives to increase public awareness

of the sport of trout fishing.” The annual NGTO Spring Fling, a free and family-friendly gathering of trout fishing enthusiasts, features a variety of activities ranging from on-the-water fishing workshops to classes, presentations, casting instruction and fly tying demonstrations – plus a hotdog lunch. And if you’re new to trout fishing or have never cast a fly rod? This is a perfect place to get started. There will be plenty of folks on hand who love to talk trout fishing and who enjoy showing you how it’s done. It’s a great opportunity to learn about a sport that you can enjoy for a lifetime. And after lunch, for even more fishing-related fun, join the free tour of the Department of Natural Resources’ trout hatchery. Tours start at the hatchery office at 1 p.m. No advance registration is required for the tour – just show up and you’re good to go. Your kids will love this, and don’t be surprised if your tour includes an opportunity to feed some of those hatchery trout too. For more info on the NGTO Fall Fling, visit the NGTO website at ngto. org. Look under the “FLINGS” tab for details and the latest schedule of events. I’ll be there, and I hope that you will too! Learn about fishing, hiking and more in Steve Hudson’s book “Hiking the Hooch.” It’s available on Amazon, from local outfitters or at chattahoocheemedia. com.

22 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

22 | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017

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32 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – With the 2018 budget season approaching, proponents of the Alpha Loop are already making a case for getting the project its own line item in Alpharetta’s upcoming spending plan. Mayor David Belle Isle, who touts the three-mile inner and the five-mile outer loops as the city’s own “beltline,” was authorized by the City Council March 20 to offer matching funds of $750,000 to the North Fulton Community Improvement District for design and construction of the 3.4 mile inner loop encircling the city’s business district. Councilmembers said they hope to partner with the CID and possibly some corporate landowners to share costs on the loop, which has an estimated cost of $8 million. Money for the match would come from unallocated capital funds in the 2017 budget. The City Council has resisted spending any other money from this year’s budget on the project because it wasn’t publically proposed until November, well after the budget was adopted at a public hearing. Even so, the nature trail stands to receive considerable backing from city leaders when the 2018 budget is considered later this spring.

Director of Public Works Pete Sewczwicz said city staff have already developed preliminary costs for the inner loop which runs from City Center south to Northwinds, then north and east to Avalon. A large portion of the route, which includes pocket parks and some elevated sections, has been broken down into three sections. • Phase A: The Almi stretch would run north of Westside Parkway for one mile. Total cost, including design and engineering, is $4 million. • Phase B: The Northwinds section runs for about a half-mile south of Westside Parkway to Kimball Bridge Road. Total cost, including design and engineering, is $2.6 million. • Phase C: This phase includes a tunnel under Westside Parkway, signal and pedestrian enhancements at Kimball Bridge Road. Total cost, including design and engineering, $1.3 million. Sewczwicz said plans for the outer loop are less exact but it will call for some connection to the Alpharetta Greenway. Most likely, the streetscape underway at Academy/Webb Bridge could acccommodate a pedestrian crossing over Ga. 400 and onto the Greenway, he said. Ben Kern, a planner with the city who is helping lead the project, said the

See LOOP, Page 33

COMMUNITY

Sitting from left are Taylor Haynes, Aubrey Frericks and Megan Rhee. Middle row are Becca Albright, Maddie Kim, Bridget Albright, Campbell Morin, Tyler Rosenbluth, Taylor Kelley and Emily Mayfield. Last row are Gianni Bove, Hannah Braswell, Skylar Kaplan, advisor Rita Flowers, Aoife Goggin, Taylor Martin, Zoya Ansari, Krissy Valluru and Namrata Kella.

AHS Edge staff takes road trip to Big Apple ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Eighteen staff members of The Edge yearbook attended the March 15-17 Columbia Scholastic Press Association on the beautiful campus of Columbia University in New York City. Students gained valuable knowledge as well as explored various aspects, techniques, and values of journalism. They took advantage of the opportunity to learn from leaders in professional media and fellow student journalists.

Loop: Continued from Page 32 inner loop is already taking shape behind City Hall through Hedgewood with a boardwalk under construction. “They’ve staked in the planks already, so it’s kind of neat to see it take shape,” Kern said. “The guys over next to Jackson Healthcare, they’ve started building some of their portions through the woods along Ga. 400.” The portions going in along Hedgewood are part of the city’s Master Plan, one link of the loop that was planned years ago, long before anyone envisioned a full loop, he said. The city requires residential projects to set aside some open space and pay impact fees. But in some cases for those developments along the loop, the city has set aside the requirements in return for a segment of the loop. “It’s a direct tradeoff in a sense,” Kern said. “We are having ongoing conversations with the office complex through Northwinds. We’re talking with

them about partnering. Haynes Park has generously given us a portion of their HOA.” Kern said he likes the idea of partnering with the community improvement district because half the loop is within the CID boundaries. “They’ve been very excited in initial talks,” he said. “It’s in their DNA as a group.” Generally, Kern said, he’s found that property owners who are unwilling to donate money or construct a segment of the loop will grant easements to allow the path to run through their property. The obvious success of the Atlanta Beltline has shown people the tangible effects that it’s had on economic development and civic vitality down there, Kern said. “This generation of people are looking for connection, open space that’s interesting,” he said. “One of our biggest complaints is traffic, and with a growing population, it’s always hard to accommodate, so it’s nice to have an option that’s getting people out.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 33

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34 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Standard Club celebrates sesquicentennial Historic club remains member-owned By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – In 1867, Atlanta was still rising out of the ashes of the Civil war, when the fourth-oldest social club in the country was founded – then known as the Concordia Club. It was reorganized in 1904 as The Standard Club and has carried that name since and is Georgia’s oldest country club. So it is with no little fanfare that The Standard Club, now in Johns Creek, is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding. Like Atlanta, The Standard Club has seen a great deal of change. Originally it was founded as the Jewish social club in Atlanta because Jews were barred from memberships in Atlanta’s gentile society in those days. But The Standard Club has never been exclusively Jewish and is an open-membership club with 390 members today and room to grow membership to a maximum of 450 members. At that time the Atlanta Journal noted its reorganization under that name and predicted great things for The Standard Club. The Journal wrote: “The auspices under which The Standard Club starts make it certain that the new Club will at once take high rank among the social organizations of the city.” As The Club continued to grow in

The Standard Club at a glance The club covers more than 300 acres off Abbotts Bridge Road with a 125,000-square-foot clubhouse that includes: • Formal and casual dining rooms • Private dining room • Banquet ballroom • Half-size basketball court • Nautilus weight room • Two racquet ball courts • Squash court • Four indoor tennis courts In addition, the club has 12 outdoor tennis courts, eight of which are clay. The golf course is an 18-hole championship course and was designed by Arthur Hills and has been recognized as one of the top 25 golf courses in Georgia.

The pastoral 18th green at the Standard Club. the 20th Century, it moved into more generous quarters four times over the intervening years – first in 1904, then 1922 with a membership of 100. It moved again in 1929, following the city’s expansion northward building a new Georgian club on Ponce de Leon Avenue as membership had doubled. In 1946 The Standard Club had swelled in numbers (300) and stature when it was decided to truly expand acquiring some 165 acres on lovely Roxboro Road. The Club expected to need more room to grow and wanted many additional facilities, including an 18-hole golf course and tennis facilities. That sufficed until 1983 when the board of directors negotiated a land swap with Technology Park/Atlanta for an exchange of property. In the agreement Technology Park would build a new club, golf course, swimming pool, and other facilities to The Club’s specifications, and would then exchange the Johns Creek property for the Roxboro Road acreage. The land-swap deal was completed in 1987 which brought The Standard Club to its current Johns Creek location on Abbotts Bridge Road. The club now sits on a pristine 300 acres. Mark Elgart is club president of the seven-member board. He said today the club’s major activities are golf, tennis and swim facilities as well as parties and catered affairs. “But we have recently remodeled the club,” he said. “So in addition to having one of the top 20 golf courses in Georgia, we have indoor basketball, racquetball and fitness center.”

Standard Club’s 150th celebration invites you What: Celebrate Standard Club’s rich heritage, music, food, events, golf & tennis events, membership tours. Open to the public. When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 6 Cost: $24.95; Under 12: $11.95 Under 4: free RSVP: receptionist@standardclub. org That is on top of the $5 million renovation to the course greens that included a sub-air system and cooling coils that warms the greens in cold weather and cools them during the summer. It is similar to the system installed at Augusta National Golf Club. Other recent improvements include: • A double-sided driving range • Indoor hitting bay • Completely refurbished banquet facility and ballroom • Revamped both family and casual dining rooms • Redecorated men’s locker room • Refurbished golf and tennis pro shops. It has a relatively small membership, but that means members can play any weekend they want. There are no lotteries or sign-up lists for play dates. “We are getting to be a younger club as well. The average age for members has dropped 10 years,” Elgart said. “That was a goal of the board. We have

increased the number of younger families – in part because we have remained affordable. “We have always been a family-centered club so we are focused on familycentered experiences.” This includes wedding, receptions, reunions, bar and bas mitzvahs and holidays. The club is in a sound financial position heading into its fourth decade in Johns Creek. “That alone almost makes us unique. But we continue to reinvest in the club to ensure that,” Elgart said. “That is an advantage of being member-owned.” The 300-plus acres are kept as a pristine habitat. There are no homes on the property nor will there ever be. “The focus of the club is on relaxation,” Elgart said. “It has a premier setting. No car is going to drive by and interrupt what you’re doing.” It was the first country club in the Southeast to be certified a wildlife habitat by the Audubon Society, Elgart noted. The Standard Club’s certified golf course superintendent Mark Hoban is also charged to maintain its wildlife habitat. Hoban has increased the wildlife population to include large snapping turtles, herons, hawks, beaver, deer, red fox even a coyote and some 37 species of birds. “What I have enjoyed here has been the opportunity to have a place where I can come and just relax in this environment and just get away and have quality time with my family,” Elgart said. “And the friendships you make here last a lifetime.”

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 35

Region 7-6A soccer heats up, enters final games Hooch boys, Alpharetta girls leading standings By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. — Teams in Region 7-AAAAAA are making the final push for region titles and playoff spots as the regular season, and the region title hunt, draws to a close with just two or three region games remaining for each team.

Boys Chattahoochee leads the region standings and is seeking to claim its second straight region title. The Cougars got crucial wins over second-place Centennial March 10 and third-place Alpharetta last Tuesday, giving them the tiebreaker over both teams. If Chattahoochee wins two of its final three region games, they will lock up the region championship. The Cougars face Johns Creek, Dunwoody and Cambridge to finish out the region schedule. After dropping its match against Hooch, Centennial went on to blow out Northview 7-0 and Pope 6-1 to remain second in the region standings. To claim the region championship, the Knights would need to win out in region play and have Chattahoochee drop two of its final three games. Centennial will face Dunwoody, Alpharetta and Johns Creek. With its two region losses to Cambridge and Chattahoochee, Alpharetta has a slim chance of claiming the region title, but its match against Centen-

Region 7-AAAAAA soccer standings (as of March 27) Boys • Chattahoochee (9-2-1, 5-0) • Centennial (8-4, 4-1) • Alpharetta (7-3-1, 4-2) • Cambridge (8-3-1, 3-2) • Pope (6-7, 2-3) • Johns Creek (7-2-3, 1-2) • Dunwoody (3-6-2, 1-3) • Northview (3-8, 1-4) • North Atlanta (2-7, 0-4) Girls • Alpharetta (8-4, 5-1) • Johns Creek (9-2-2, 4-0) • Pope (9-2-1, 3-1) • Chattahoochee (6-2-1, 3-1) • Cambridge (6-4, 2-3) • Dunwoody (2-7-3, 2-3) • Centennial (3-9-0, 2-3) • North Atlanta (3-7, 1-5) • Northview (2-8-1, 0-5) nial on April 14 could very well decide second-place in the region, which guarantees at least one home playoff game in the state tournament. Alpharetta faces Pope this week and will finish its region play against Centennial. Cambridge, Pope and Johns Creek all have playoff berths at stake in the final push. The Bears hold the tiebreaker over Pope and Johns Creek with a 2-0 win over Pope Feb. 28 and a 2-1

victory over Johns Creek on Friday. The Bears have Northview, North Atlanta and Chattahoochee remaining on their region schedule. Johns Creek has only completed three region games but will finish a game already in progress on April 12. The Gladiators game against North Atlanta last Tuesday was called due to lightning with 24 minutes remaining in the second half. Johns Creek was ahead 2-0 when the field was cleared.

Girls Alpharetta dropped its first region game to Johns Creek, but since the Feb. 28 loss, the Lady Raiders have been perfect in region play. Alpharetta has won its last five region games and sits atop the standings with two region games remaining. The Lady Raiders will face a tough test on the road against Pope, which is third in the standings, this week. Holding the tiebreaker over Alpharetta and an undefeated region record, Johns Creek will be seeking the region title after finishing second to West Forsyth in Region 6-AAAAAA play last season. Johns Creek will face cross-town rivals Chattahoochee this week in a game that will be pivotal for both teams’ chances at the region crown. After its game against Johns Creek, Hooch will have Dunwoody, Pope and Cambridge remaining on its region schedule. Cambridge, Dunwoody and Centennial all sit at 2-3 in region play, but Cambridge holds the tiebreaker over both teams. The Lady Bears will face North

SPORTSSHOOTERS/KEITH MAJOR

Alpharetta leads the girls Region 7-AAAAAA standings after beating Chattahoochee last week.

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36 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Milton man to run marathon at North Pole Run to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — As if running a marathon wasn’t challenging enough, Milton resident Doug Wright will battle sub -zero temperatures, snow and a possible polar bear or two when he runs a marathon at the geographic North Pole. Wright, who will run the North Pole marathon on April 9, will be raising funds and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Wright’s 8-year-old son Jake was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year, nearly losing his life to diabetic ketoacidosis before it was discovered he had the disease. Since then, Wright has become an advocate for the foundation, an organization he says has been crucial in assisting his son and family after Jake’s diagnosis. “The JDRF does so many amazing things for families and their kids who have Type 1 diabetes,” Wright said.

I’M GIVING A VOICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Milton resident Doug Wright will compete in a marathon at the geographic North Pole. “They provide an incredible amount of support for the families and have been crucial in helping to fund research, medicines and technologies that aim to battle the disease.” “Jake got to the point where he was afraid to eat because he knew he would get a shot every time he did. The JDRF supplied Jake with a teddy bear that the kids can give ‘shots’ to, and he ab-

solutely loves it. It provided him with a friend who was going through the same thing he was, and that’s just one more reason I want to support the JDRF. Even the smallest of details and ways to provide comfort to these kids is not overlooked,” he said. Wright said he hopes his marathon can raise support for families battling the disease, as well as parents who can feel helpless after their child is diagnosed. “When your kid falls of a bike, you put a Band-Aid on them,” he said. “But when your child gets an auto-immune disease like Type 1 diabetes and you have to manage their health every day, you start to think ‘what can I do?’” Wright said he was already aware of the North Pole Marathon, and decided what better way to raise support for a lifelong illness than with an endurance run in the world’s most extreme conditions? Wright will join about 50 other runners from 24 countries for the marathon. He will face temperatures hovering around minus 30 degrees, which forces runners to change clothes multiple times in case they sweat or their clothes become wet with snow, both of which could lead to hypothermia. Wright

said he had to buy running shoes that were much too big for his feet just so they could accommodate the multiple layers of socks he must wear to protect against brutal temperatures. The mixture of snow and ice also makes the going much more difficult and slower. Wright said organizers informed the runners they should expect their marathon times to be at least double what they would be in a normal environment. He said he was also warned of the possibility of polar bears along the course. “I’ll be wearing all black so none of the armed guards along the route will mistake me for a polar bear,” Wright laughed. Adding to the task, 58-year-old Wright said he has not competed in a marathon since 1996 due to injuries. He said he has stayed active through hiking and running shorter distances and has been actively training for the marathon. He said his decision to run in first marathon in over 20 years in the harsh environment is a testament to his dedication for raising support for the JDRF and his son. To support Doug and the JDRF, visit http://tinyurl.com/lr6sc2f.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 37

Tommy Trautwein rocks the national anthem before Northview and Chattahoochee Friday.

SPORTSSHOOTERS/KEITH MAJOR

Northview dedicates park to former player, gets emotional win Titans outlast Chattahoochee in 13 inning thriller By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — It seemed only fitting that on the night Northview baseball dedicated its park to the Will to Live Foundation — a foundation which aims to bring awareness to depression amongst teens and is named after former Northview player Will Trautwein who took his life in 2010 — that Northview would get an emotional, captivating win. It was also fitting that Michael Trautwein, Will’s brother, would score the game-tying run in the bottom of the seventh and that the game was decided in the 13th inning, 13 being the number Will wore while playing for Northview. “The whole thing about Will to Live is life teammates and the memories you have together. This game provided a lot of memories for these kids and I think it was very fitting way to open this park,” Northview head coach Aaron Wilkens said. Northview’s thrilling win in the 13th inning also included a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the seventh. Trailing 4-1 with two outs, Northview loaded the bases after Trautwein was hit by a pitch. Griffin Cheney then stepped in, hitting a line drive single to right field to score Jaysen Dower and Matthew Pacifico and advance Trautwein to third. With DJ Poteet at the plate, a passed ball allowed Trautwein to score, knotting the game up at 4-4 and forced extra innings. Northview certainly had its chances

to win the game before the 13th inning, putting runners in scoring position in the 8th, 10th, 11th innings, as well as in the bottom of the 12th when Northview loaded the bases with two outs were unable to capitalize. But as the game reached the fourhour mark, the Titans finally put a runner across the plate. Northview’s Cheney walked to open the inning and stole second. Cheney’s walk was followed by a Hooch error on a fly ball to shallow left that was dropped, putting runners on first and second with no outs. After going down in the count 0-2, Northview’s Michael Wilson watched laid off three balls to force a full count. What happened on the sixth pitch would result in a raucous roar from the near capacity crowd, which had endured the entire thirteen innings, and an emotional Titan dogpile. Wilson hit a deep drive to center field. As Hooch’s Zach Solomon tracked the ball, he seemed to lose his bearings on the warning track. A small move to his right at the last second allowed Wilson’s fly to land on the warning track as Cheney tagged up and went on to score from second. After exuberantly throwing his helmet off crossing the plate, Cheney and the rest of the Titans created a mound of excitement and bodies on the first base line, knowing they had finally found themselves victorious in the marathon affair. “We had so many chances to win it, but couldn’t come up clutch, so to be

SPORTSSHOOTERS/KEITH MAJOR

Chattahoochee’s Brenden Huet (2) gets caught up in a rundown. able to pull it out and have that weight lifted off our shoulders the dogpile was a great feeling. How many times in a career will someone be involved in a dogpile, especially in a regular season game?” said Coach Wilkens. “They wanted it bad, they knew how

big this game was and they understood the implications.” And the inspiring, poignant win will provide a lasting memories for the players involved, and set an incredible precedence on the inauguration of Will to Live Park.

38 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Will to Live Foundation gets teens talking about mental illness, depression Foundation started in honor of Northview student Will Trautwein By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Will to Live Foundation has many goals, but its main focus is to get teens and parents talking about one of the most difficult subjects they can share — depression and mental illness. But thanks to the foundation, people are certainly talking. The foundation, which has raised over $1 million, created the Signs of Suicide program now taught at all Fulton County Schools and has helped countless teens in the North metro Atlanta area bring to light an issue often kept in the shadows. The foundation is run by teens, who organize events, raise funds and help one another through depression and mental illness. It also serves as a prime example of turning an incredibly saddening situation in to a positive outcome. In 2010, Northview freshman Will Trautwein took his own life. Will’s father, John, said he never suspected Will of battling with depression or mental illness before that fateful day. “No one had any idea he was struggling,” Trautwein said. “He had a happy home, was popular, a great athlete and accomplished musician. If someone had said my son was struggling from depression I would have thought they were nuts.” “But Will wasn’t talking about it, he was listening to me tell him how great he was and great everything around him was.” And it is the lack of communication that Trautwein said is so vital to helping teens battle depression, and the aim of the Will to Live foundation is to get people comfortable talking about any issues they may be struggling with and to tell one another that they are loved. During Will’s funeral, Trautwein said as he gave his eulogy, he realized

WILL-TO-LIVE.ORG

The Will to Live Foundation was started in memory of Northview’s Will Trautwein.

JOE PARKER/HERALD

John Trautwein and wife, Susie, share the Will to Live message at Northview’s baseball park dedication ceremony Friday in Johns Creek. that perhaps a key way to remedy teen depression is for them to realize they have a group of friends that will always be there for them. “All my son’s teammates were at the funeral in their jerseys. I also started to pick out my friend’s from Chicago, friends from all throughout my schooling and my professional baseball career, and I realized all of my friends were there from all over the country in my time of need. Every one of these life teammates were guys I met when I was Will’s age. At that point I knew what I was going to do, which was

create a foundation for kids to get them to recognize the love they have in one another.” The foundation uses the phrase, “Love Ya Man” to reiterate that students and their peers are their own support network, and that no matter what, they are always cared for and loved. “A lot of these kids have already met their groomsmen, the godparents to their children, their lifelong friends,” said Trautwein. The foundation uses the term Life Teammates, a description of those friends who will always be there when times are rough.

And Trautwein says teens now have it much tougher, a point he expresses to parents when he speaks at North Fulton and Forsyth County schools. “Things are so much different,” he said. “These kids have great opportunities, but with those opportunities comes a great amount of pressure, far more than those older generations went through. I didn’t have to get straight-A honor roll to go to Northwestern where I went to college, let alone a state school like UGA. I pitched in the Major Leagues, but I probably wouldn’t have made the high school team if things were the same way they are now in 1974.” Northview dedicated its baseball park, now Will to Live Park, on Friday. Trautwein said the dedication will continue to have teens talking, including visiting teams who will wonder what Will to Live means. Through it all, Trautwein says the foundation has also greatly benefited his family. “It’s very healing for us to be able to turn something so bad in to something so good,” he said. For information on the foundation, visit www.will-to-live.org.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 39

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SPORTS

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Friday, March 24 • Johns Creek 5, Alpharetta 0 • Blessed Trinity 7, White County 0 (G1) • Blessed Trinity 10, White County 0 (G2) • Cambridge 4, North Atlanta 0 • Dunwoody 7, Centennial 6 • Northview 5, Chattahoochee 4 (13th) • Milton 4, Forsyth Central 1 • Lambert 5, North Forsyth 3 • Roswell 3, Etowah 2 (G1) • Etowah 3, Roswell 0 (G2) • West Forsyth 8, South Forsyth 5

Friday, March 24 • Alpharetta 19, Greater Atlanta Christian 3 • Blessed Trinity 16, Walton 10 • Chattahoochee 14, South Forsyth 7 • Pinecrest Academy 13, Fellowship Christian 7

Saturday, March 25 • Mt. Pisgah 5, St. Francis 3 • Mt. Paran 10, Pinecrest Academy 5 • King’s Ridge 4, Whitefield Academy 2 (G1) • King’s Ridge 7, Whitefield Academy 2 (G2)

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Friday, March 24 • Blessed Trinity 14, Riverwood 1 • Cambridge 8, Northview 2 • Centennial 20, Brookwood 4 • Lambert 19, Chattahoochee 2 • Johns Creek 20, Collins Hill 8 • Roswell 14, Milton 13 • Pinecrest Academy 13, Lanier 3 • South Forsyth 12, Peachtree Ridge 8 Saturday, March 25 • Cambridge 8, Walton 7 • Northview 13, North Forsyth 5 • Pinecrest Academy 17, Holy Innocents’ 6

Saturday, March 25 • West Forsyth 16, Grayson 4

SOCCER (BOYS) Friday, March 24 • Alpharetta 7, Northview 0 • Blessed Trinity 2, Marist 0 • Cambridge 2, Johns Creek 1 • Chattahoochee 3, Pope 0 • Fellowship Christian 3, Pinecrest Academy 0 • Whitefield Academy 3, King’s Ridge 2 • Lambert 3, South Forsyth 0 • Milton 4, West Forsyth 3 • Etowah 3, Roswell 2 (PK) • Mt. Paran 6, St. Francis 1

SOCCER (GIRLS) Friday, March 24 • Marist 3, Blessed Trinity 2 • Johns Creek 5, Cambridge 0 • Fellowship Christian 3, Pinecrest Academy 1 • Whitefield Academy 5, King’s Ridge 1 • Milton 3, West Forsyth 1 • Roswell 6, Etowah 2 • Mt. Paran 5, St. Francis 0

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 41

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 multiple companies listed on it. The companies on the card included Citi Bank, Shell and Master Card, and it had Capital One listed for its customer service. When police contacted these companies, they all confirmed that the number was not related to any of their accounts. Brown was arrested for first degree forgery.

Man flees police during traffic stop MILTON, Ga. — A Statesboro man fled police officers on foot during a traffic stop March 19 but was arrested. Richard Dennis Boykins of South Edgewood Drive, Statesboro, was pulled over around 3:30 a.m. for a non-functioning

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 ►► Jason Dominguez, 24 of Patricia

Lane, Alabama, was arrested March 10 on Rock Mill Road for DUI and failure to carry a license. ►► Reginal Darryl Suter, 23 of Goldenrod Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 9 on Ga. 400 for DUI and speeding.

tag light. When a Milton officer asked for Boykins’ identification, he handed over a hotel pass key and stated his license was suspended. According to the officer who initiated the traffic stop, Boykins appeared “nervous.” When the officer asked Boykins about his nervous appearance, Boykins replied that he was on probation for drug charges and “couldn’t go back to jail.” Boykins explained that he and his female passenger were headed back from a party and could not find their hotel. He said he was driving the woman’s car because she was intoxicated. As the officer checked Boykins’ information, Boykins got out of his car and fled on foot along Commonwealth Point. Another officer drove alongside Boykins, with Boykins eventually stopping. He was arrested without further incident. In Boykins’ car, police found a loaded gun, $812 dollars in cash and two cell phones.

Officers then scanned the area where Boykins had fled and found a plastic bag containing 200 Alprazolam pills, a Schedule IV drug. The passenger was picked up by a friend. Boykins was arrested for possession of Schedule IV drugs, obstruction/resisting arrest, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and driving on a suspended license.

►► Paulette Marie Dignan, 51 of

Saratoga Drive, Roswell, was arrested March 14 on Mansell Road for DUI and open container. ►► Geoffrey Bruce Lee, 66 of Windrift Court, Roswell, was arrested March 12 on Northpointe Trail for DUI, open container and not having a license on their person.

Brookwater Drive, Cumming was arrested March 18 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Foncia Bowman Fralin, 55 of Sulling Way, Alpharetta, was arrested March 18 on Canton Street for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Tyrone Anthony Jones, 45 of Dahoma Trail, Woodstock, was arrested March 15 on Ga. 400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Charles Johnson Woodrow, 51 of

City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 7:00 P.M. City of Johns Creek Council Chambers 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 The following Variance proposals located within the City of Johns Creek is scheduled for Public Hearing at the location stated above. Case Number: Petitioner: Present Zoning: Property Location(s): Variance Request:

V-17-002 Larry Benator CUP (Community Unit Plan) 9555 Rod Road To allow for construction of a retaining wall within a stream buffer

book. She said she immediately called her bank to cancel the checks. Police found prints on the door and window to aid in their investigation.

Purse stolen during visit to local gym JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — When a woman finished her workout March 13 at the LA Fitness on Medlock Bridge Road, she found that someone had broken into her car. Someone had shattered her right rear window. Inside the car, the woman’s $275 purse was missing. The woman said that she could not remember all of the items that had been in her purse aside from her check-

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on March 22, 2017 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits. BUSINESS NAME Buford Joes Inc. Dba Joe’s 11950 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 112 Johns Creek, GA 30005 OWNER/OFFICERS Buford Joes Inc. Dba Joe’s 11950 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 112 Johns Creek, GA 30005 Owner George Watt

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR FY 2017 Demolition-Phase I ITB 17-008 The City of Alpharetta (City) is accepting bids for the FY 2017 DemolitionPhase I project including, but not limited to, the demolition and removal of existing houses and associated detached structures, asbestos and lead based paint abatement, erosion control measures, site clean-up, minor grading, tree removal, and stabilization. The location of the work is at 200 Milton Ave., 210 Milton Ave., and 3395 Kimball Bridge Rd. ---within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. The ITB will be available online Thursday, March 30, 2017 at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the ITB documents. The bid opening will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For information, please contact Stephanie Cochran at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

42 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Rezoning: Continued from Page 4 the property for the second curb cut. However, Councilman Steve Broadbent said it was a “concern” of the Public Works Department and he moved to allow only a shared curb cut for the two homes. Rajabi said that would put a hardship for him to find two buyers willing to share one curb cut. “People are reluctant to share a driveway, because it could cause problems with the neighbor,” Rajabi said.

Staff was satisfied to approve two curb cuts subject to approval by the Director of Public Works. But Broadbent said it was questionable that the one side could be built up enough for the second curb cut. Council voted 6-1 to approve with one curb cut, Councilwoman Stephanie Endres opposed. In other business, the City Council approved the appointment of Ryan Kim to the Board of Zoning Appeals and the appointment of Michael Fitzgerald to the TSPLOST Citizens Oversight Committee. Both appointments were approved unanimously.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPEN HOUSE Georgia Department of Transportation To Hold A Public Hearing Open House for Project CSHPP-0007-00(526) Forsyth County P.I. No. 0007526 On April 11, 2017, at the Fowler Park Community Center, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, Georgia 30040, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Forsyth County will hold a Public Hearing Open House concerning Project CSHPP-0007-00(526) in Forsyth County. The proposed project would consist of constructing a full-diamond interchange on State Route (SR) 400 at McGinnis Ferry Road. The project would add a northbound and southbound auxiliary lane on SR 400 between Windward Parkway ramps and the McGinnis Ferry Road ramps and between the McGinnis Ferry Road ramps and the McFarland Parkway ramps. SR 400 southbound would be widened one additional lane from 1,900 feet south of the southbound McFarland Parkway exit ramp to 3,500 feet north of the southbound McFarland Parkway exit ramp. The project would replace the existing bridge over SR 400 and widen McGinnis Ferry Road from Bethany Bend through the intersection of Union Hill Road onto Ronald Reagan Boulevard to Counselors Way. All through lanes would be 11-foot wide and turn lanes would be 12-foot wide. McGinnis Ferry Road would be widened to four lanes with a 14-foot flush median from Bethany Bend to Deerfield Point Drive; four lanes with a 20-foot raised median from Deerfield Point Drive through the SR 400 interchange; and, six lanes with a 20-foot raised median from SR 400 through the intersection of Union Hill Road onto Ronald Reagan Boulevard to Counselors Way. The typical section would include curb and gutter and five-foot sidewalks on the south side and a multi-use path on the north side along the entire length of McGinnis Ferry Road. Additional right-turn lanes and left-turn lanes would be provided along McGinnis Ferry Road at the major intersections of the project. The proposed bridge would be designed to span future managed lanes on SR 400. The overall project length is estimated at 4.98 miles which includes the project length along SR 400 which is 3.28 miles and McGinnis Ferry Road and other minor side road improvements total 1.7 miles in length. The 2008 update to the Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation & Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan includes a 10-foot wide multi-use path, which will be incorporated into the project. The existing right-of-way width of McGinnis Ferry Road is 80 feet and the proposed right-of-way varies from 120 to 150 feet. The existing right-of-way on SR 400 is approximately 200 feet. No additional right-of-way on SR 400 is anticipated. The Open House will be conducted between the hours of 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Open House will be informal and the public is invited to attend anytime during these hours. There will be no formal presentation. A court reporter will be available to allow the public an opportunity to make verbal comments about the project. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by calling Tim Allen, Foryth County Assistant Director of Engineering, at (770) 781-2165. Written statements will be accepted concerning this project until April 21, 2017. Written statements may be submitted to: Mr. Eric Duff State Environmental Administrator Georgia Department of Transportation One Georgia Center, 16th Floor 600 West Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Copies of the project’s environmental document will available for review at the Open House. The environmental document and displays at the public open house will be available for review until April 21, 2017 at the Forsyth County Engineering Department, 110 East Main Street, Suite 120, Cumming, Georgia 30040. The meeting transcript, as soon as it is prepared, will be available at this same location.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 43

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Charter of the City of Johns Creek, Georgia Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 36-35-3, notice is hereby given the City Council of the City of Johns Creek, Georgia proposes the following amendments to the City Charter as Home Rule allows: Amendment 1: Section 2.14 Compensation and expenses This amendment would delete the provision of insurance (except workers compensation) and other benefits for the Mayor and Members of Council and clarifies the City Council may provide by ordinance for the reimbursement of expenses actually and necessarily incurred by the Mayor and members of City Council in carrying out their official duty. Amendment 2: Section 2.15 Prohibitions This amendment would add language regarding public disclosure for members serving on a board whose interest is being considered by the City Council and noting they are allowed to participate in discussion on the matter following disclosure provided there is no private financial interest involved. Amendment 3: Section 2.16 Removal of Officers This amendment clarifies language that an affirmative vote of five members of council regarding investigative hearings. Amendment 4: Article III – Organization of Government, General Authority and Ordinances This amendment deletes the title section of 3.11 in its entirety and inserts the following: 3.11(c) (1): City Council Organization Amendment 5: Section 3.15 Voting This amendment changes the wording councilmembers to members of City Council and City Council. Amendment 6: Section 3.18 Emergencies This amendment changes the word councilmembers to City Council. Amendment 7: Section 3.21 Submission of ordinances to the mayor This amendment adds the wording “city” in front of the word Council and changes the language from five to two-thirds of the councilmembers regarding the timeframe to override a veto. Amendment 8: Section 3.22 Powers and duties of the mayor This amendment clarifies language that the Executive Aide at no time shall conduct personal business for the mayor. Amendment 9: Section 3.25 City Manager; powers and duties enumerated This amendment changes the time from the 1st of the month to the 15th of the month for the city manager to provide his report. Amendment 10: Section 3.26: Council interference with administration This amendment provides for a process for council to communicate with staff as determined by the City Manager. Amendment 11: Section 4.11 Boards This amendment provides for a removal of a board member by the majority vote of the city council. Amendment 12: Section 6.12 Occupation taxes and business license fees This amendment deletes the word “denied” to be replaced by “prohibited.” Amendment 13: Section 6.19 Borrowing This amendment adds the wording “limited to the stated ability by the City to repay said debt.” Amendment 14: Section 6.20 Revenue Bonds This amendment adds the wording “limited to the stated ability by the City to repay said debt.” Amendment 15: Section 6.23 Budget Ordinance This amendment adds the language “including the requirement of adopting an annual balanced budget for the general fund each special revenue fund and each debt service fund.” Amendment 16: Section 6.36 Homestead Exemption This amendment deletes the title of Section 6.36 in its entirety and inserting in lieu of the following: “6.36 Homestead Exemption for Citizens Either Age 70 (years) or Disabled Persons, Meeting Certain Income Requirements.” The proposed amendments are on file in the office of Clerk of the City of Johns Creek, in the office of the Fulton County Superior Court for examination and inspection by the public and on the city’s website at www.johnscreekga.gov. The Mayor and Council will consider these amendments for adoption during their regularly scheduled meeting on April 24, 2017. City Council meetings are held at Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, Johns Creek, Georgia beginning at 7:00pm. All council meetings are open to the public. This 15th day of March, 2017 Joan C. Jones, City Clerk

44 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, April 24, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. MP-15-01/CLUP-15-01/Z-15-01/V-15-01 KB400 Master Plan/1699 Land Company (Deferred by the Applicant) Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 12.4 acres from O-I (OfficeInstitutional) to R-8A/D (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Attached/Detached Residential) in order to develop 61 ‘For-Sale’ detached homes in a gated community. A master plan amendment to the KB400 Master Plan Pod A is requested to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Detached’ to the list of permitted uses. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment is requested to change the designation of the property from ‘Corporate Office’ to ‘High Density Residential’. Variances are requested to reduce the minimum lot width and setbacks. The property is located at the southwest corner of Kimball Bridge Road and North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 807, 808, 849 & 850, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. MP-17-04/V-17-09 AdvancED Consideration of a request for master plan amendment to the Cousins Westside Master Plan Pod Q to allow for the construction of a 40,000 square foot office building. A variance is requested to reduce the required amount of parking. The property is located at 9115 Westside Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 690, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. Z-17-03 Thompson Street/Burnett Circle/DT-LW Consideration of a request to rezone 5.78 acres from R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Residential) and R-15 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Residential) to DT-LW (Downtown Live-Work) to allow for the construction of 44 ‘For-Sale’ Townhomes. The property is located on the north side of the Thompson Street and Westside Parkway intersection and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. PH-16-12 Unified Development Code - Text Amendments Consideration of text amendments to the Unified Development Code addressing ‘Hotel’ definitions and associated modifications to the list of permitted uses, reduce front setback requirements for certain North Main Street properties, Site Grading and Land Disturbance, as well as other miscellaneous amendments. e. PH-17-06 Burnett Circle Road Abandonment (Council Only) Consideration of a request to abandon the Burnett Circle right-of-way. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Flores: Continued from Page 6 problems, he said. Planning for the future there should be a culture of open dialogue with the community in planning the city’s future. Ultimately, it is the council’s duty to represent the will of the people. There should be a culture of public involvement and an open dialogue between council and the public, he said. Flores says he also sees a lack of

timely communication between the City Council and the public. “The relationship between council and the citizens is slightly strained right now. There is not a culture of enough public involvement. There needs to be a more cohesive relationship among council the citizens,” Flores said. He would include the need for more transparency in budgeting and the efficiency of the city’s budget. “That is my background, working with CFOs and CEOs. I want to create a culture of more transparency, better efficiency, including how revenue is spent.”

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be considered by the City Council on Monday, April 17, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. V-17-08 Shamoun/1021 Colony Drive Setback Variance (Council Only) Consideration of a variance request to reduce the rear and side yard setbacks for a residential accessory structure from 10’ to 4’ at the rear and 5’ on the side to allow for a storage shed and pavilion structure. The property is located at 1021 Colony Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1129, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. PH-17-10 Gutman/Canton Street Road Abandonment (Council Only) Consideration of a request to abandon a remnant portion of the Canton Street right-of-way adjacent to 401 Canton Street. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1180, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. PH-16-12 Tree and Landscape Ordinance Amendments (Council Only) Consideration of text amendments to the UDC to consolidate landscape and tree requirements into one location within the UDC, clarify and simplify certain requirements to provide for ease of use and implementation, and provide incentives and options to save trees during land development. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 45

The Alpharetta Raiders show the bagged meals made up to help feed 40 homeless men.

Raiders reach out to homeless men ALPHARETTA, Ga. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;The Alpharetta Raiders football team donated March 14 personal items and assembled lunches for 40 homeless men at a downtown night shelter. This shelter is open from October

through the end of March and local groups provide hot meals as well as bags with breakfast and lunch items for the men to take with them the next morning. At this shelter the men are referred

and must show up each night or risk losing their spot. They are given a safe and warm place to stay, a hot shower, and some groups even provide haircuts and foot hygiene. In this way the plan is to give these

men a step up to getting back on their feet after falling on hard times.Â This is the second year that the Raiders football team has provided lunches as a small way of giving back.

L. B. Kennedy, 83, of Cumming, passed away March 17, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Gertrude Marie Reeves, 87, of Cumming, passed away March 17, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

DEATH NOTICES Charles Lewis Anderson, 67, of Cumming, passed away March 16, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Elaine F. Carlson, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away March 12, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Gene Marion Chambers, 89, of Cumming, passed away March 15, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Kenneth Douglass, 50, of Alpharetta, passed away March 7, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Jeffrey Edgcomb, 63, of Cumming, passed away March 18, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Janice Green Ellenburg, 74, of Cumming, passed away March 16, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Timothy Gordon Elzey, 53, of Forsyth County, passed away March 15, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Eleanor Lee Francis, 90, of Johns Creek, passed away March 19, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Helen Otto Hopkins, 82, of Cumming, passed away March 15, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Kaj Larsen, 69, of Cumming, passed away March 12, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Sarah Pearl Lathem, 83, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Kathleen Leech, 69, of Roswell, passed away February 26, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Michael C. Muir, 50, of Roswell, passed away March 10, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Glenda Eileen Stone, 88, of Cumming, passed away March 18, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Dan M. Thomas, 63, of Roswell, passed away March 8, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Anne Paulk Zappia, 92, of Suwanee, passed away March 17, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

46 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Part-time Director of Youth Ministry, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church APC is a vibrant, 900-member PC(USA) church seeking a parttime Director of Youth Ministry to work with youth in grades 6-12. Please view full job description and requirements at www. alpharettapres.com/youth. Submit letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to office@alpharettapres. com, 770-751-0033. FRONT DESK Doctors office. Computer experience. Pleasant team player. Positive attitude. Alpharetta/ Roswell. Resume: medoffice123@gmail.com Chattahoochee Nature Center is HIRING Camp counselors, canoe instructors, arts and crafts specialists, lifeguards and teen leadership instructors for Camp Kingfisher Summer Camp. Apply online only: http://www. chattnaturecenter.org/ camp-kingfisher/staff/. DAY SERVER Mitties Cafe; Flexible hours Mon-Fri, occasional weekend. Experience desired. moments@ mittiescafe.com complete application, 62 N Main St, Alpharetta A/R Manager/Office Asst. Alpharetta sporting goods manufacturing. Collections, credit memos, deposits, customer service, general office Computer Knowledge and Attention to Detail. jobs@ uniquesports.us Chattahoochee Nature Center is hiring Special Events Assistant; Canoe Guides and Canoe Coordinator; Butterfly Encounter Attendants; and Visitor Services Associate: Apply online only: http://www. chattnaturecenter.org/ contact-us/job-postings/

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Sales Garage Sale MILTON Hopewell Downs Subdivision; 630 Hopewell Downs Drive. Friday-Sunday, 3/314/2, 9am-3pm. Furniture, home decor’

Moving Sale CANTON 640 AJ Land Road 30115. Saturday 4/1, 10am-4pm. Various item

VELUX SKYLIGHTS, used. (Eight, 21”x44”, two miscellaneous sizes). $400/all. 770-992-6848 leave message DRIVEWAY GATES; two, 10’ wide total, wrought iron. $800 both/obo. 678-492-2300

Cemetery GREENLAWN ROSWELL Companion crypt old mausoleum, column AA, row 4. $4500. 770-365-1506 ARLINGTON/SANDY SPRINGS Oakhill Section, #284-C Space 4. Beautiful, near tree. $3500/obo. Retail $4995. 770-564-1628, 770-695-9045 Arlington Memorial 3 cremation niches Garden Mausoleum Block 41B #C,D,E $1,000 or 3/$2,500 Transfers paid. Pictures available. Call/ text 678-579-2863

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DINING ROOM SET: 6 matching chairs; 2-piece wood and glass hutch. $495. 770-772-9927 SECTIONAL SOFA SET $125. 678-525-6655 CHILDRENS’ TABLE, cherry Delta $90. 404-889-3233 ROLLAWAY BED; Folding, single. Used once. Mint! Plus single-sheet set. $150. Originally $208. $45 extra for single bed quilt. 770-343-8075 SWIVEL ROCKER RECLINER, Lazy-Boy: Beige. New! $850. Retail $1099. 678-957-8335

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Exam prep provider available for Professional Engineering (PE) license exams in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources. Industry expert. One-to-one format. Hourly basis. aweslc@gmail.com

Personal Services Eldercare YOUR HOME Nights or days. 8-12 hours. $14/hour. Verifiable references. 20+ years experience. Transportation. Nonsmoker/Englishspeaking. No pets. 4 7 0 - 7 7 9 - 4 7 2 3 / 470-545-1910

SERVICE DIRECTORY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 30, 2017 | 47

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Cleaning Services

Flooring

Handyman

Landscaping

Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

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

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

Kitchen & Bath:

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

LOCAL DRIVERS WANTED! Be your own boss. Flexible hours. Unlimited earning potential. Must be 21 with valid U.S. drivers license, insurance & reliable vehicle. Call 888-913-3007

Concrete/Asphalt

Gutters

Haulers

404Cuttree. One of the most experienced and reliable tree companies in North Atlanta. Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service. Free quotes. Fully insured. 770Tree. com 678-506-0006

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

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

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

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

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

Handyman ALL CARPENTRY & REPAIRS: Roof Leaks, Wood Rot Repair, Siding, Deck Repairs and Refinishing, Painting, Doors/Windows. Excellent References. 404-895-0260 RAM’S HOME SERVICES Kitchen hardware replaced. Appliances and ceiling fans installed. Sink/ toilet/leak repair. www. ramshs.com for list of services. Experienced. 770-769-5498 RELIABLE HOME REPAIRS: 21 years experience. References. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, wood rot repair, siding, painting, pressure washing. Free estimates! 770-605-0340

HANDYMAN REMODELING

678-455-2434

www.HandyHero.net

Plumbing, Electrical Drywall and Other Repairs and Installations. Home Maintenance. Small Jobs Preferred. Call Mike. 404-647-1406

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

Landscaping RAS Landscape Design Installation A full service landscape company capable of doing your job. 25+ years experience. Ralph 678-898-7237 Yellow Ribbon Tree. Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner. Free estimates and insured. 770Tree.com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary.

Did You Know?

You can advertise Online on the #1 news site in North Georgia!

www.northfulton.com

Call 770-442-3278 and ask about our online advertising

Lawn Care LEAVE THE MOWING TO US”A”! Weekly/Bi-weekly Lawn mowing/landscape. Mulch & Pine-straw Installation. Licensed/ Insured/free est. Call or text: 678-727-6850 www. gagreenworks.com

Masonry MASONRY REPAIRS Stone, brick, block. Fireplace, walkway, retaining walls etc. Guaranteed work. Terry Conley 706-435-7596 (N. Fulton/S. Forsyth)

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

Tree Services RAS Cutting Services Complete tree removal. Ralph 678-898-7237

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

Employment Make $1,000 Weekly! Paid in Advance! Mailing Brochures at Home. Easy Pleasant work. Begin Immediately. Age Unimportant. www.HomeBucks.us

Health & Medical

Lung Cancer? 60+ yrs old? May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 888-853-3432 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket Cell phone bill too high? Call now and see how you can save. National 4G coverage for less! 855-663-0120 Call Canada Drug Center to find Affordable International Medications! Safe, reliable & affordable! Plus, get a FREE 2017 Calendar! Call 855-389-3862 Now! CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer. Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL: 1-888-223-8818 Hablamos Espanol.

WALK-IN-TUBS - Save $1500 if you own your own home & its value is $100k+ Free heated seat ($600 value) America’s Favorite Brand! Call (844) 890-5268

Medical

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed. Money back guaranteed! 1-877-743-5419

Yellow Ribbon Tree. Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner. Free estimates and insured. 770Tree.com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary.

OXYGEN Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-558-7482

HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org

JJ Tree Cutting Services. Complete Tree RemovalCall us for a Free Quote, 678-467-1325 or 770-630-6672. Licensed and insured. jjtreecutting@ gmail.com

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies. com

Miscellaneous

Motorcycles Wanted to Buy WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (1976-1982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!! 1-800-772-1142 1-310-7210726 usa@classicrunners.com

A small list of really good tree services.

Screened and vetted local services From

FRAME YOUR AD

Do you want your ad to stand out? Ask your classified sales rep how you can enhance your in-column line ad with a

BORDER.

770-442-3278

CADNET ADS

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

Insurance

DENTAL Insurance

Physicians Mutual Insurance Co • Save $! If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day (individual plan) • Keep your own dentist! NO networks • No wait for preventive care; no deductibles – get a checkup tomorrow! • Coverage for 350+ procedures – cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, dentures etc • NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits you can receive FREE Info Kit 1-877-308-2834 • www.dental50plus.com/cadnet Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

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

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

Employment Opportunities Make $1,000 Weekly! Paid in Advance! Mailing Brochures at Home. Easy Pleasant work. Begin Immediately. Age Unimportant. www.WeeklyMoneyBiz.com

Health & Fitness CALL CANADA Drug Center. Affordable International Medications! Safe, reliable & affordable! FREE 2017 Calendar! Call 855-768-0762 Now! VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1 -866-312-6061 Hablamos Espanol

Medical Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a painrelieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 844-502-1809

Miscellaneous SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-855-498-6323 to start your application today!

Comcast Hi-Speed Internet -$29.99/mo (for 12 mos.) No term agreement. Fast Downloads! PLUS Ask About TV (140 Channels) Internet Bundle for $79.99/mo (for 12 mos.) CALL 1-844-714-4451. Spectrum Triple Play TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed No contract or commitment. We buy your existing contract up to $500! 1-855-652-9304 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+. HughesNet: Gen4 satellite internet is ultra fast and secure. Plans as low as $39.99 in select areas. Call 1-855-440-4911 now to get a $50 Gift Card!

Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $25/ Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT. 1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads. com for more information

Need work done on your home?

Every time you use 770Tree.com to request an estimate, Appen-Rated makes a donation to North Fulton Community Charities or The Drake House. Do good & get great tree work too!

Call the Experts in the SERVICE DIRECTORY

48 | March 30, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com