Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►PAGE 20
JC tables leasing amphitheater Wants to give neighbors assurances ►►PAGE 4
College prank no laughing matter Alpharetta man indicted for alleged hate crime ►►PAGE 10
Cougars on prowl
‘Hooch soccer team unbeaten, ranks first ►►PAGE 14
April 2, 2015 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 19, No. 14
Citizens get peek at city’s future City’s design team to show interactive look of master plan By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com
Newtown egg scramble Some 4,000 family members showed up at Newtown Park on a picture-perfect day for an Easter egg hunt. The annual affair provided hours of fun. The hunt itself was measured in minutes. See Page 27 for more. HATCHER HURD/STAFF
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – They’re back. Urban Design Associates (UDA), the consultants heading up the design team for Johns Creek’s The District, will be back in town the week of April 13 to give residents an idea of how the master plan for the 800-acre project is shaping up. The team will also reconvene its focus groups from the business, residential and arts communities. UDA will set up a design studio in the city, and residents will be invited on two occasions to visit and see the direction the team is taking. Assistant County Manager Eric Taylor, who is the liaison
TAYLOR
between UDA and the city, said the design team is back to share the results of Phase 1 and to begin the design phase of the
process. The district planning process has three phases: 1. The first was the data gathering phase, which the UDA has just completed. It will be reporting on what the team has discovered about The District. 2. Phase 2 – the design phase – will last around
See DISTRICT, Page 6
‘WE’RE COMING!’
Asphalt’s getting hot, JC to start paving streets Council OKs $5.5M to begin first phase of subdivisions By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council took a momentous step March 30 in the short history of Johns Creek. The five members took a unanimous vote, and now for the first time since Ronald Reagan was president, some city subdivision streets will re-
ceive a fresh coat of asphalt. Councilmembers approved a $5.577 million contract with Northwest Georgia Paving to begin the first phase of the city’s subdivision repaving plan. Public Works Director Tom Black said it would be the first coat of asphalt in some subdivisions since the roads were first paved. In 2006, the spanking new city of
Johns Creek inherited a street system from Fulton County that had suffered from years – even decades – of neglect. Indeed, one of the battle cries for a new city out on Ga. 141 was, “Pave the streets.” The first order of business was to get Johns Creek’s main arteries, the state routes, improved. This was done in part because Georgia Department of
Transportation funding was available for those upgrades; but GDOT doesn’t ante up unless the locals put their chips in the pot as well. So the subdivision streets have had to wait. Now armed with more than $5 million, the contracts were put out for a bid. The hitch, however, was that the bids all came in high. Despite the fall in the price of oil (an expensive component of asphalt), new construction
See PAVING, Page 7
PUBLIC SAFETY
2 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
FBI arrests Roswell man on explosives charges
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Pipe bombs, maps, football schedules found in park ROSWELL, Ga. – The FBI have arrested a Roswell man in connection to possible pipe bombs in a local park. A bag containing suspected pipe bombs was found in a Roswell park in November of last year which officials have traced back to him. Michael C. Sibley, 67, of Roswell was arrested March 21, 2015 by authorities on charges that he intentionally gave false information relating to an explosive device and attempting to damage federal property by use of an explosive device, in connection with a device found in Vickery Creek Park near the Chattahoochee River National Park.
DUIS & DRUGS All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
DUI arrests ►► Michele Alicia Payne, 23, of Bayfield
Court, Milton, was arrested Feb. 28 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and no license on person. ►► Travis A. Massey, 26, of Parkview Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested March 8 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Farah Ahmed, 24, of Lilburn was arrested March 8 on Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Eric Alexander Ross, of Sable Court, Milton, was arrested March 11 on Mid Broadwell Road in Alpharetta for DUI, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. ►► David Gerard Halenkamp, 59, of Buford was arrested March 2 on Birmingham Highway in Milton for DUI, speeding and open container. ►► Greg Allen Mauk, 44, of Banyon Brook Point, Roswell, was arrested March 5 on Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek for DUI, expired tag and tire requirements. ►► Toni Marie Vanautreve, 66, of Harbour Cove Court, Alpharetta, was arrested March 6 on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Sharon C. Fyfe, 66, of Webster, New
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“The defendant allegedly placed a bag containing what appeared to be pipe bombs in Vickery Creek Park. This arrest should reassure the community that serious crimes like this will be investigated thoroughly and all leads followed to identify the perpetrator,” said acting U.S. Attorney John Horn. On Nov. 4, 2014, a citizen reported a suspicious package in Vickery Creek Park in Roswell. Roswell Police officers found a backpack along a trail in the park that contained two partially assembled improvised explosive devices, also referred to as pipe bombs. The backpack also contained a Falcons schedule, a MARTA schedule and other papers, books and clothing. On March 20, 2015, FBI agents identified Sibley as the person who placed the device in the park and then arrested him on a criminal complaint.
York, was arrested March 7 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI, failure to maintain lane and red light violation. ►► Chang Jai Kwak, 49, of Norcross was arrested March 14 on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI, failure to maintain lane, suspended license and headlight violation. ►► Sydney Lynn Gayle, 28, of Hopewell Plantation Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 5 on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell for DUI. ►► James Rashawn Buskey, 36, of Greenhouse Drive, Roswell, was arrested March 11 on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Ben Thomas Purvis, 22, of Canton was arrested March 12 on East Crossville Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Remal M. Alshammari, 47, of River Oak Drive, Roswell, was arrested March 12 on River Oak Drive in Roswell for DUI and criminal trespass. ►► Hugo Pedraza, 28, of Greenhouse Drive, Roswell, was arrested March 12 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, failure to maintain lane, expired license and open container. ►► Walter Cooper Westerfield, 42, of Fern Terrace, Roswell, was arrested March 13 on Atlanta Street in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Derico Timothy McLean, 27, of Norcross was arrested March 14 on Riverside Road in Roswell for DUI and headlight violation. ►► Tha Hlei Thang, 28, of Lawrenceville was arrested March 15 on Peachtree Parkway in Suwanee for DUI and fol-
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Drug arrests ►► Jazelle Marie Pinkston, 22, of Rique
Way, Roswell, was arrested March 10 on Webb Road in Milton for possession of marijuana, possession of drugrelated items, brake light violation and providing alcohol to a minor. ►► Angenette Denise Norman, 29, of Atlanta was arrested March 13 on Old Morris Road in Milton for possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related items, suspended license and brake light violation. ►► Demontez Jamie Clifton, 21, of Atlanta was arrested March 3 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana. ►► Donnell Strozier Jr., 23, of Atlanta was arrested March 3 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana. ►► Thomas Travis Foster, 34, of Stone Mountain was arrested March 4 on East Crossville Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana. ►► Patrick Joseph Micale, 23, of Marietta was arrested March 5 on Wood Creek Drive in Roswell for possession of marijuana, failure to obey a traffic control device and attempting to elude a police officer. ►► Christian Twehgbe, 38, of Craftsman Street, Johns Creek, was arrested March 11 on Old Roswell Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana and headlight requirement. ►► Ricardo Jean-Baptiste, 33, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, was arrested March 14 on Warsaw Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana.
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POLICE BLOTTER All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Man pushes wife out of car? ROSWELL, Ga. – A Johns Creek man is accused of throwing his wife out of a moving car on Ga. 400 March 5. Wildart Duverson, 33, of Crowthorne Court, Johns Creek, faces domestic batDUVERSON tery charges after police found his wife lying on the side of Ga. 400. Witnesses told police she was thrown from the car as it was moving. The woman recovered from minor injuries and later said she voluntarily got out of the moving car. Duverson was also charged with parole violation.
Fake money leads to arrest ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Powder Springs man was arrested
March 10 on drug charges as well as forgery, after hundreds of dollars’ worth of fake money was found in his car. Police report they saw the vehicle driven by James Terry Wilson, 30, of Powder Springs, on Westside Parkway with a brake light out. The vehicle was pulled over. The officer reported he smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. Wilson was allegedly nervous but cooperated with the officer, producing a glass pipe containing methamphetamine from under the driver’s seat. He was placed under arrest for possession. A search of the car turned up 20 pills and $405 in fake currency of various denominations. Wilson was charged with forgery, broken brake light, possession of schedule IV drugs and possession of drugrelated paraphernalia.
Wanted: missing rifle MILTON, Ga. – Someone stole a $1,600 rifle from an Alpharetta resident’s home March 17. The victim told police he attempted to sell his Norinco Mak 90 rifle online, a habit he routinely does. He said he ships the guns to an online broker, who then sends them to a buyer. In February, the Mak 90 was shipped as usual,
however, the shipping company reported the address was incorrect and would be returning the package. It was reportedly dropped off on the victim’s porch. The package is now missing.
Teens suspected in Milton vandalism MILTON, Ga. – Two teens are suspected of causing hundreds of dollars’ worth of damage March 18 to a Birmingham Road residence. The victim said he was storing lawn ornaments at the residence for his parents. On March 15, he reported seeing two teenage boys, one with what looked like a rifle, in the back yard. He chased them away. A few days later, someone took a fire poker and smashed dozens of lawn ornaments and ceramic pots, many of which had a Buddhist or Chinese theme. Someone also took shots at a grill and an air compressor using a pellet gun.
Two dogs stolen from shelter FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A woman reportedly stole two puppies from the Humane Society of Forsyth County. The woman came into the
NOW OPEN
Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 3
shelter March 12 and said she had been informed there were two puppies there that she could foster. Shelter workers said the puppies had appointments the next day to get spayed, but that the woman could take them overnight. The next morning, the woman reportedly didn’t return with the puppies for their appointments and wouldn’t answer calls. On March 15, the woman left the shelter a voicemail saying the puppies escaped from her car and she couldn’t find them. The woman reportedly wouldn’t answer any calls. A shelter worker went to her house to find out more information. When he arrived, the woman said the puppies escaped while she was getting gas at a gas station. Inside the woman’s house, the worker reportedly noticed there was only one dog bowl, when the woman reportedly would have three dogs in her house. He asked the woman’s daughter how she liked the two puppies but the daughter said she didn’t know about any puppies. The puppies’ whereabouts remain unknown.
Child gets hit by car CUMMING, Ga. — On March
16, a 9-year-old was struck by a vehicle after running after a ball into the roadway. A Cumming Police officer arrived on the scene to find the boy laying in the road bleeding from his face and various head wounds. The boy’s father told officers their family was walking on the sidewalk and his children were playing with a ball when one dropped it. The boy ran after the ball directly into traffic and was struck by a truck. The driver said he was driving along Dahlonega Street when he saw the boy. He reportedly told officers it all happened so fast and all he could do was lock his breaks down and swerve to avoid the boy. Officers observed no impairment and found skid marks consistent with the driver’s story. The officer determined no persons to be at fault for the incident and no criminal charges were filed against the driver. No negligence charges will be sought against any of the child’s family because he reportedly suddenly darted into the road. At the time of the report, the child had sustained mild skull fractures and multiple lacerations as well as a concussion, but was in otherwise good condition.
NEWS
4 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
When the Newtown Park amphitheater is not being used for city events like the big Easter egg hunt last Sunday, residents, nonprofit organizations and even commercial enterprises may soon be able to lease the facility – if it’s available.
For lease: 1 amphitheater, gently used, 1 owner City Council tables plan to lease Newtown amphitheater for events By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The 10,600-square-foot amphitheater at Newtown Park has been a big hit in its first year of operation. The Johns Creek City Council may get even more use out of the facility by opening it up to lease for public and private events. When the amphitheater opened last summer, there were inquiries about allowing other groups to use it. In workshops, the City Council began exploring the idea of leasing the facility in the summer of 2015 to allow more enjoyment of the facility. But residents around Newtown Park have voiced concerns, and council voted March 30 to defer its decision on leasing the facility to its April 21 meeting. Council planned a pilot program to test the rentals in the first year. Renting would be
limited to city residents, Johns Creek nonprofit organizations and other organizations based in Johns Creek. But opportunities will already be limited due to the city’s own expanded use of the amphitheater. The city is planning a number of additional summer uses that include: • Four concerts – one each in June, July, August and September. Details to be announced later. • Three outdoor movies for June, July and August. • An extended summer farmers market at the amphitheater, which will now open in April and run through October. Chartwell Homeowner Association President Chip Floyd appeared at the March 30 City Council meeting to voice the community’s concerns about more events at the amphitheater. Chartwell is one of the subdivisions that abuts the park.
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Floyd noted while the amphitheater was constructed to “aim” the sound at the fire station across Old Alabama Road, a straight line drawn from the amphitheater’s mouth to Old Alabama passes through 11 or 12 Chartwell homes. He also pointed out that the city has cleared brush and trees between Chartwell and the park, thus thinning the natural sound barrier there. “We are concerned about rental controls on who will come in. There was one charity event that showed up at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning and began playing loud music,” Floyd said. Decibel levels are a concern for the residents around the park. Floyd said they would like to be able to voice complaints in some other manner than calling 911. Parking is a still a concern. Floyd said residents were parking in the shopping center across Old Alabama Road as well as using the parking at Chartwell’s clubhouse. “We would appreciate a limit on rentals during this pilot period,” he said. Lynn Pennington of the Newtown Park Foundation voiced her concerns that Newtown Park is already suffering from overuse and more events will add to that. “Newtown Park was developed as a neighborhood park, and now it has become a community park. This has become a situation like this because the city needs more parkland,” Pennington said. “Newtown was never meant to be a Chastain Park. That’s why it is critical to create new options in the city with new parkland.” Assistant City Manager Kimberly Greer said this year’s
pilot project is to see what issues may arise and to fine tune the way it is used. “As a pilot program, it will sunset at the end of the year, and the council will re-evaluate the program,” Greer said. “A report will be prepared with ideas on how to improve and enhance the program.” The city will work closely with the Brumbelow Road subdivisions that surround Newtown Park on issues of traffic and noise to ensure those residents are not unduly disturbed. “We realize Newtown is the greater backyard for these neighborhoods and we want to be good neighbors,” Greer said. The Recreation and Parks Department will establish such rules and regulations that are needed to ensure all problems are minimized. Greer noted those regulations governing the use of the amphitheater are the province of the Recreation Department. That means if something needs fixing, the department can make the fix without going through council approval. “So we should be able to act promptly because the department will have the authority to do so,” Greer said. Rents for the facility have been fixed at: • Nonprofit groups and residents: $2,000 • For-profit and commercial rentals: $4,000 This year, there is a schedule to rent tables and chairs. There will be additional costs for a park attendant, police officer on duty and a damage deposit. This year, the city will also offer tables with seating for eight at the four concerts for $200. That price includes eight tickets to the concert.
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 5
SAT. & SUN. • APRIL 18 & 19 •10am - 5pm
Artist Profile
Allen Quandee www.aqcreations.com
Where are you from? I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I moved to the Atlanta area in 1973 so Georgia feels more like home than Michigan. When did you realize that art was a calling? I have had a desire to paint and draw as long as I can remember. However, I had no talent or ability in those areas. In the late 1980’s I discovered segmented woodturning, taking lumber cutting into small pieces, gluing them back together and then turning it on a wood lathe. I finally discovered the talent I had been searching for since childhood. Are you self-taught or have formal training? I am selftaught. Although I have not had any formal training I have learned by reading articles about various type of woodturning and woodworking and watching demonstrations by others. Tell us about one of your favorite pieces of work. A small segment bowl with a spiral pattern. It is 4.75 inches in diameter and 2.25 inches tall. It is made up of 817 pieces of Bloodwood, Yellowheart and Holly.
How long does it take you to conceptualize, create and finish a piece? It really depends on the piece. I don’t keep track of time spent on each piece as I’m normally working on several pieces at the same. If I had to estimate, some simple pieces could be an hour or less and more complex pieces could be upwards of 50 - 60 hours. What inspires you to create? I’m inspired by the inherent beauty of nature and especially wood. There is something magical about taking something that had been alive and giving it new life as art. Tell us something that someone would be surprised to learn about you, or a favorite guilty pleasure? For 6 years I was a member of the National Ski Patrol in Michigan, and served in this capacity for 4 years at Sky Valley in North Georgia after moving to Atlanta.
What was the one thing you always wanted to be growing up? A radio and television broadcaster.
www.alpharetta.ga.us
How can someone buy your art? Of course the best place is to come meet me at this year’s Alpharetta Arts StreetFest. I can also be contacted through my website at www.aqcreations. com or at other art shows. My schedule is available on my website.
Name an Artist that inspires you. There is no one artist that I would say inspires me. I say my work is a synthesis of pottery and glass so artists that work or have worked with glass and pottery are those who inspire me.
What is the price range of your work? $10.00 - $600.00.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the other artists that will be featured at this year’s show
To see more, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us.
ArtsStreetFest
AlpharettaStreetFest
6 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
District:
NEWS
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
The District “Open House”
Continued from Page 1 two months. 3. Phase 3 is the final report and recommendations, which will come in July. “Phase 2 is still evolving and subject to change, but that is the schedule we have now,” Taylor said. There will be more community input during the week from focus groups made up of cross-sections of the community as the UDA moves into the design phase. During the week of April 13-17, UDA will reconvene its focus groups from the last time, and use the data and ideas gathered previously to begin offering design alternatives. “There will be two times during the week when the design team will be accessible to the public,” Taylor said. “They will have a design studio to show how the project is evolving.” UDA will be available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings that week. Wednesday evening is an informal, drop-in format, and Thursday night is a more formal presentation. (See information box for details.) City officials say this is “a unique, interactive design experience sponsored by the city as part of the master plan for The District.”
Urban Design Associates (UDA) will host two open houses to inform residents and show how the process of design works. UDA will have a design studio set up to help residents understand visually what shape The District is taking. WHAT: Wednesday, April 15, 5 – 7 p.m. Format is an open house where people can drop in anytime to look at design ideas for The District. Residents will see renderings and visuals that were created based on input gathered from citizens during the initial public meeting last month. Thursday, April 16, 7 – 9 p.m. Format is a more formal presentation by UDA. UDA professionals will give a presentation of the analysis and alternatives developed for consideration. Small group discussions will allow members of the community to share their thoughts directly with the UDA team.
The District is a vision to remake 728 acres centered around Technology Park. Officials say it should reflect these characteristics: • It will be an area with an active downtown. • It will have a sense of place that will transform Johns Creek into a world-class city. • It will be an economically and socially vibrant gathering spot that reflects the best of the Johns Creek
community. The District would also address several critical issues facing the city while preserving Johns Creek’s residential character. “We are undertaking this effort to accomplish a number of things that otherwise wouldn’t be as easily achieved,” said Mayor Mike Bodker. First, the city must find a way to generate additional revenue to maintain or improve its current level of service. Ask-
ing its residents to pay higher taxes is not an option, Bodker said. Focusing development in one central area, The District will protect existing neighborhoods from commercial sprawl and density. • The District should: • Be an economic generator. • Be a magnet to attract a young, energetic work force. • Attract more corporate relocations and expansions. • Create the heart of the city,
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a place where residents and visitors will want to go. • In short, be the face and the heart of the city. There are still major issues that will need addressing. Transportation will be at the top of the list, Taylor said. “But that is what this is all about – developing the plans that will make us successful,” he said.
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Paving:
The city could wait and rebid the project to see if some pavers would come in with a sharper pencil in a new round Continued from Page 1 of bidding. in the wakening economy was But Black said there was driving paving costs higher. no guarantee of that, and the Instead of $5 million that was city would lose the paving budgeted for Phase I, the low season. In that event, it would bid was more than $7 million. be another year before the city The city had three options. could begin. Pay the higher cost using $2 “We really don’t want to get million in city into speculating reserves, pave on the price of fewer roads in asphalt,” said Phase I or pave City Manager the streets to a Warren Hutmlower standard acher. “Losing that would not a year would last as long. Paymean any saving the higher ings attached by costs meant waiting would dipping into savbe eaten up by ings, and that further erosion went against of the streets.” the popular Many of the GOP credo of worst streets live within your cannot afford means. further erosion. Paving fewer In the end, streets meant staff suggested not only pushoption No. 3 – ing back those don’t use the streets that had highest quality waited the lonasphalt, which gest for repair, would allow the LENNY ZAPROWSK but setting back Phase I streets to every street wait- Johns Creek Councilman be paved under ing in the future budget. phases. Council“Delaying paving means members balked at the sugstreets continue to deteriorate gestion, but it was explained and the longer maintenance is that the city specs for the deferred, the more expensive it paving called for the addiis down the line when a street’s tion of “D-mix,” which is an time does come,” Mayor Mike additive that increases the Bodker said. useful life of the paving laid
Doing without the D-mix at least gives us the chance of getting it all done. We’ve been telling the people forever we’re going to [pave]. I don’t want to wait.”
NEWS
down. It makes the asphalt more impervious to water seeping into deeper layers of the road. D-mix does add life to a street’s viability, but it comes at a cost. In this case, about 20 percent of the total cost of Phase I – or the $2 million the project was over budget. The cost is why almost no other surrounding communities use D-mix, preferring to pave more and get less mileage out of it. “This will allow us to pave 33 subdivisions, and have a contingency fund of about $400,000 for extra patching,” said Black. “Paving is not an exact science, and some of these roads have not been looked at in months since the work was assessed. Some may have worsened.” Councilman Lenny Zaprowski said he did not want to wait another year to see if a better price for asphalt could be had. “Doing without the D-mix at least gives us the chance of getting it all done,” he said. “We’ve been telling the people forever we’re going to [pave]. I don’t want to wait.” The rest of council was of the same mind. The bid was accepted unanimously. Paving is to start “ASAP” with a projected finish date of Aug. 23. Black said he had already ordered Public Works signs to let people know paving was about to begin. They say, “We’re coming!”
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 7
2015 Neighborhood Paving Project Subdivision Name
Bid
North Bridges $146,537 Hunters Forest $210,644 Jones Bridge Crossing $119,089 Colony Glen $225,745 Chessington Chase $43,137 Farm Brook Subdivisions Consolidated $481,188 River Trace $111,827 Jones Bridge Plantation $267,451 Queensbury East $113,590 Spring Meadows Farms $72,923 Doublegate $1,139,731 Linkwood $119,464 Aviary Ridge $50,565 Queensbury $266,464 Saint Clair $163,126 Standard View $96,518 River Club $135,830 Anaheim Farms $71,328 Bridgewater $187,896 Carriage Park $228,718 Georgian Ridge $55,923 Mayfair $477,267 Woodland Hills $219,475 Mackinac $77,847 Reserve at Foxdale, The $374,361 Silver Ridge $350,174 Estates at Wellington, The $185,800 Forrest Lake $57,025 Ivey Ridge $165,594 Surrey Park $97,823 Village at Jones Ferry, The $201,786 Glastonberry $315,435 Morton Chase 119,646$
8 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
OPINION
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How to relentlessly protect your civil rights
Hand soap: A story of free-spirited opulence I am quite fascinated by the marketing world. After all, it is entirely dedicated to making their product standout amongst the crowd, to make it seem somehow better than the competition. This is obvious and rather blatant on big-ticket items such as cars, television sets and washing machines. But what I truly love about marketing is the way they try to upsell items that, well, just are not that important. Also, the ways in which they market differently to men and women. For instance, this is exactly what appears on the hand soap that resides in my bathroom: “Melt away worries with calming vanilla fragrance hand soap. Vanilla is known for creating a feeling of free-spirited opulence. Bring a sense of sunshine into yourself as you wash your hands with Vanilla Bean Hand Soap.” You know what, they were right. Upon using this soap, my worries melted away. I was hit with such a feeling of free-spirited opulence I went out and purchased a Ferrari 458 and drove down Highway 9 doing 120 mph. And I truly felt the “sense of sunshine” inside myself…whatever that means. No, no I did not. In fact, upon using this soap, the only stirring in my soul was, “This smells pretty good.” As far as I could tell, the scent was the only discernable difference between this hand soap and a 50 cent bar of soap. My hands did not feel any cleaner, and the only worries it melted away were the worries of grease, grime and crud on my hands. I think it safe to say that
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this soap was being directly marketing to females. I say this, not because I believe any woman would ever be so naïve as to believe that a hand soap will create a sense of freespiritedness, but for the fact that it is very obvious that those in marketing know that women will sometimes actually read a label. Therefore, they have a chance to convey that their product, though it is no different from any other hand soap, is somehow better. The only time a man will ever read the label on a toiletry item is when he has forgotten to bring his cellphone with him to the toilet. If the vanilla hand soap in question had simply stated, “This hand soap smells amazing and will get your hands clean,” they would have stated everything that needed to be said. The scent is wonderful and it takes care of Dijon-mustard fingers, as I found out. But upon closer inspection, I found that this soap was, in fact, not being marketing to women. No, the language was colorful and the descriptions grandiose because they were trying to distract you from the price. $12 – for a bottle of hand soap. Clearly, whoever purchased this soap (and it was not me) was lured by this marketing ploy. Well done, marketing team.
Upon using this soap, my worries melted away. I was hit with such a feeling of free-spirited opulence I went out and purchased a Ferrari 458 and drove down Highway 9 doing 120 mph.
Essayist Maxwell Turk is a sophomore at Northview High School. His essay submission to the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was among the top 12 selected out of a field of 800 for the museum’s nationwide Selma Speech and Essay Contest. The movie “Selma” was a reawakening of my history. It re-framed the context for many of the injustices that still exist in today’s society. The movie touched my core as I viewed the struggles for the right to vote during the 1960s. People of color have suffered longstanding discrimination, while seeking basic rights. I could easily align the events of the 1960s with the recent events of 2014 when young men of color were killed by law enforcement, when young teens and college students took their own lives because of bullying or when students felt alienated in their communities and schools because they looked, worshipped and dressed differently or had different mental and physical abilities. As I gave serious thought to the movie, it became very clear that I have a responsibility to sustain the rights won by my ancestors and to advance the freedoms still needed by my peers, my society and my cultural heirs. First, I believe that in order to protect individual rights there must be well-
defined laws that regulate as to how people are to be treated humanely regardless of their status in life. As a young AfriTURK can American male, my first obligation is to remain a law-abiding citizen. Then, I can go a step further by working with my school and community organizations to invite law enforcement to events that promote constructive and progressive discussion about how we can better the quality of life for all citizens, especially the lives of people of color. Second, I believe that bullying is a violation of personal rights. No one has a right to debase someone because they do not like that person. As a supporter of personal rights, I can make a valiant effort to prevent myself and my friends from ostracizing others. When I see such actions occur, not only can I befriend the victim, but I can also ensure that adults are informed so that the action is discontinued. Additionally, I can ensure that my school, community, church and peer groups promote non-bullying environments and spread the message beyond our own communities so that our elected officials place a high priority on protecting and preventing the violation of
personal and civil rights from the cradle to the grave. Third, I believe that all people should be allowed to enjoy the benefits so clearly spelled out in the Constitution of the United States. People should not be alienated because they are different. I will embrace those who are different and include those who are excluded. I will promote rules, regulations and laws that ensure that mentally and physically challenged people are included in the scope and range of activities in school and in society. I will celebrate my own heritage to its fullest, but I will continue to integrate and appreciate the culture of those who are different and defend their rights to celebrate their diversity. The movie “Selma” made me recommit to assuring that there are Safe Environment Lanes Maintained for All (SELMA).To advance civil rights, we must always remember the contributions made by our ancestors to give society the hope of a better life. As an African American, I must always peacefully advance these civil rights to ensure my descendants do not experience the same traumatic events my ancestors were forced to tolerate. If not for the Civil Rights Movement, the world would be a horrific place for people of color. I will work tirelessly to continue the tradition of progressing the rights of all people.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
House Bill 1 leaves out thousands Editor’s note: H.B. 1, also called Haleigh’s Hope Act, was introduced by Rep. Allen Peake in this year’s legislative session to legalize the use of cannabis oil to treat certain medical conditions. In the original bill, those conditions included cancer at certain stages, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at certain stages, seizure disorders related to epilepsy or trauma related to head injuries, certain stages of multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, mitochondrial disease, Parkinson’s disease at certain stages and sickle cell disease at certain stages. The version passed by the Senate was amended to remove fibromyalgia. My wife Lynne and I have been following House Bill 1 since it started in the 2014 session. As our three senators and other key members of the Legislature know, this bill will bring serious relief to thousands of men, women and children suffering from the nine medical conditions in the original bill. What you may not know is how devastating
for Lynne and thousands like her with serious Fibromyalgia if you omit this one condition from the bill. Why on earth would you single this one devastating chronic condition out to be omitted? Every friend and family we know has someone with fibromyalgia. L ynne has sought every medical avenue available for the last five years since she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Her specialists have told her if you have fibromyalgia and arthritis (which she does), the combination makes her ongoing pain 10 times worse. Omitting this one devastating medical condition from the final bill dashes our hopes that this new treatment might reduce or eliminate the pain she suffers every day of her life. Please leave this condition in the new law. We sincerely hope you will, as I’m sure thousands of other sufferers do. Thanks. –Lynne and Zac Henderson, Lathemtown
OPINION
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 9
Legislature needs to let Fulton Commission right own ship Fulton County legislators seemed determined to fix Fulton County whether it needs it or not. They should take a step back - the fixes they want for Fulton may already be in place. Back again is House Bill 628 which would double the homestead exemption for Fulton homeowners from $30,000 to $60,000. Keep in mind they have already doubled the homestead exemption to its current $30,000, twice that of any other county in Georgia. They say the need for this is to curb runaway spending in Fulton that was draining the county’s cash reserves and heading for fiscal oblivion. The measure is aiming to slam on the brakes before that happens. The reality is the Legislature may have already done that when it reapportioned the district in2013. Then, as they should recall, a new North Fulton district was created by halving the existing District 3, giving North Fulton two districts above the Chattahoochee River and left Sandy Springs with a larger share of Atlanta. What that has done is equalize the voting strength of Atlanta and South Fulton Democrats with that of North
HATCHER HURD
Executive Editor hatcher@ appenmediagroup.com
Fulton Republicans. The 2014 election violently uprooted the status quo on the BOC bringing three new members on the commission. They have already shown it is not fiscal business as usual at Fulton County. In its newly configured body, they took on a budget that many feared would contain a 2- or 3-mil tax increase. Instead the commissioners found a way to pass a noincrease budget – and Fulton remains the only county not to have a millage increase in the last 24 years. The commissioners also restored full hours of operation for all Fulton libraries (as of April 1). They have a budget that puts Fulton on a mandatory 12 percent fund balance that will force the county to stay out of future fiscal trouble. In effect, reapportionment –and new Democrats on the commission - are doing what North Fulton residents have
wanted – live within our means and see that North Fulton gets its share of services. Folks, we are just barely four months into this new dawn. Do we really need North Fulton legislators trying to control the budgeting process from afar? That is not the way the democratic system is designed. The bill to double the homestead exemption sucks $38 million off the top in Fulton revenues. The tax cut would render some 12,500 homes tax-free in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Mountain Park. It renders 60,000 homes tax free south of Sandy Springs. Is that taxation equality? Is that going to have the desired effect in getting more service dollars directed north? I don’t see how. Where is a fourth vote for North Fulton services going to come from? Based on pure party politics, it is not there. Yet the board in place now has shown a willingness to negotiate and compromise that is refreshingly free of the internecine politics of the last 20 years. We should nurture this bud that has bloomed. After all, this is fire-engine legislation designed to put out a fire that isn’t there. And it is
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a ham-fisted way to try to run a county. Like it or not, Fulton looks to be the best looking gal on the metro dance floor. Is there anything to envy in DeKalb politics? It is a county in need of the state’s intervention. Gwinnett? When it is not sending commissioners to jail, they seem to be always dancing on edge of some ethics probe. Cobb County has just mortgaged its fiscal stability by building a new Braves stadium with taxpayer contributions. No, trying to run Fulton County from the General Assembly is a poor solution. It also a gross intrusion by the state on what should be a local government issue. This bill may be introduced as “local legislation” but it is only possible because North Fulton GOP legislators have stacked the deck by giving eight legislators who pay homestead taxes in DeKalb, Cherokee, Forsyth, Cobb and Gwinnett counties a few voting precincts in Fulton county. This gives Fulton Republicans a 1-vote majority on the Fulton Legislative Delegation. This is a little-known body with a membership of all the legislative delegates with at least one precinct in Fulton County.
The Legislative Delegation normally is a pass-through body to bring local legislation from the county or a city before the General Assembly for passage. An example of this would a change to a city charter or a passage of a change in local homestead exemptions. This is the only case I have heard of in nearly 30 years of reporting where the Legislative Delegation is forming its own legislation in defiance of the elected body it is proposing to change. However high the motives may be, in politics as in the rest of life there is a right way to things and a wrong way. This to me is patently the wrong way. And what does this do for the new coalition of Fulton commissioners who are showing a willingness to work for the betterment of all of Fulton County? Put the shoe on the other foot. What would North Fulton residents think of a Democratic Legislative Delegation passing bills that directly affected Fulton taxpayers? Didn’t GOP candidates turn Georgia into a red state from a blue state saying: The government that governs closest governs best?” I haven’t heard that one lately.
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10 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
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Former Ole Miss student charged in noose case Cambridge student indicted for hate crimes By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A former football and lacrosse player for Cambridge High School is facing civil rights charges from the Department of Justice after allegedly hanging a noose and Confederate flag around a statue of a black man Feb. 16, 2014. Graeme Phillip Harris, who played as quarterback and safety in Cambridge’s first football team as No. 7 and as a midfielder in the school’s lacrosse team, was attending the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”) until last year. He was at the school for the 201213 school year, his senior year and the first year the school was open. Harris was indicted March 27, 2015 by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to violate civil rights and one count of using a threat of force to intimidate African American students because of their race or color. Prosecutors say Harris, a
Graeme Harris freshman at the time, conspired with two others to hang a rope and an outdated version of the Georgia state flag, which prominently depicts the Confederate battle flag, around the neck of the James Meredith statue on the campus of the University of Mississippi, with the intent to threaten and intimidate African American students and employees at the university. The statue honors Meredith’s role as the university’s first African American student after its contentious 1962 integration.
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Former Cambridge High School Quarterback Graeme Harris faces federal charges related to race-related hate crimes after allegedly placing a noose around the neck of a statue of James Meredith, the first African American student at the University of Mississippi. “This shameful and ignorant act is an insult to all
Americans and a violation of our most strongly held values,”
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said U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. “No one should ever be made to feel threatened or intimidated because of what they look like or who they are. By taking appropriate action to hold wrongdoers accountable, the Department of Justice is sending a clear message that flagrant infringements of our historic civil rights will not go unnoticed or unpunished.” Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brandi Hephner LaBanc expressed regret at the incident, both for the community and Harris. “I can’t help but feel the pain of the student and the parents who will now feel the full weight of our justice system, but also feel the pain of our campus community and the entire Ole Miss family, which suffered greatly from the terrible act committed a year ago,” said LaBanc. “We’re hopeful that this indictment will begin to bring closure and the next step in healing for our university.” Harris is no longer at the university. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, which has since been shut down at Ole Miss. The national fraternity cited poor academics and serious acts of hazing in its decision.
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River Trail’s team members Meghana Vadranam, Olivia Kapwadi, Gabriella Bartlett, Sriya Karra, Brian Amaro, Rahul Sreedharan and Arya Vajpayee placed fifth among all middle school teams competing in the Fulton County Reading Bowl.
River Trail MS Reading Bowl Team competes JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – River Trail Middle School’s Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team competed Jan. 24 in the Fulton County competition. The team tied for fifth place. Team members read books on the 2014-2015 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers list and answer questions
about the various books. The top two placed teams move forward to compete in the regional competition. River Trail’s team members are Meghana Vadranam, Olivia Kapwadi, Gabriella Bartlett, Sriya Karra, Brian Amaro, Rahul Sreedharan and Arya Vajpayee.
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 11
12 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
SPORTS
Chattahoochee’s Daniel Wilson signs a National Letter of Intent to play NCAA Division II Lacrosse at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Seated with him are sister Emily and parents Danny and Becky Wilson. Standing, from left are CHS Athletic Director Matt Crooks, assistant principal Tim Corrigan and Jr. Cougar head coach Mark Johnson.
‘Hooch’s Wilson to play DII lacrosse at UAH JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School’s Daniel Wilson has signed a National Letter of Intent to play NCAA Division II lacrosse at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he plans to study international business. A four-year letterman and starter for the Cougars, Wilson helped lead Chattahoochee to state quarterfinals in 2012 and 2013, and to state playoffs in 2014. He was a team captain in
2014 and again in 2015. In addition to playing for his high school, Wilson played club lacrosse in 2012 for Atlanta Crush, in 2013 for Georgia Outlaws and in 2014 for the 2015 LB3 Elite team. He was a head coach for the Jr. Cougar U13 Boys’ Lacrosse team in 2013. An honor roll student, Wilson was also awarded the Academic Athletic Award in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
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Parker Heissenbuttel seated with her parents Rae and Dave Heissenbuttel signs to play for the University of West Georgia. Standing, from left are CHS Athletic Director Matt Crooks, sister Katie Heissenbuttel, brother Peter Heissenbuttel and CHS Principal Tim Duncan.
Hooch’s Heissenbuttel to Play Soccer at West Georgia JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee’s Parker Heissenbuttel has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at the University of West Georgia, where she plans to pursue a degree in pre-med. Heissenbuttel is a three-year letterman for soccer and a one-year letterman for basketball. She is co-captain for the Cougars girls’ varsity 2015
soccer team. In addition to playing for her high school, Heissenbuttel has played club for Norcross Soccer for the past four years under coach Justin Moore and recently for Rodrigo Rios. In 2013, Heissenbuttel was selected to attend the National Olympic Development Player camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
’Hooch, TRMS celebrate diversity together Lehotan–Flory Mr. and Mrs. David P. Flory, & Mr. and Mrs. Martin P. Lehotan, of Johns Creek, announce the engagement of David Nicholas Flory & Olivia Mary Lehotan. The future groom graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He is employed by McKesson as a Hospital Software Sales Representative. The future bride graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. She is currently enrolled in the Physician Assistant Masters Program at GRU and will graduate August 2015. A wedding celebration has been planned for August 2015 !
International Night a festive affair JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School and Taylor Road Middle School announced their annual International Night Tuesday, April 14. Both schools are working together to provide an exciting and festive evening for the Johns Creek community. This event will recognize the students’ cultural heritage by displaying flags from their
native countries during the flag parade, sharing in traditional foods, and enjoying cultural student entertainment. Highlights also include selections by the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. It is a great night to learn more about the diverse community and to experience new cultures. For information email chs.internationalnight@yahoo.com.
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If you go What: Chattahoochee High School and Taylor Rd Middle School International Night When: April 14, 2015 from 6-9 p.m. Where: Chattahoochee High School, 5230 Taylor Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022 Tickets: Admission is free. A donation of $5 individual/$15 per family is requested. All proceeds will go to the Baloga Children College Fund.
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SPORTS
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 13
The Ocee Orioles want to go to Cooperstown. Front row from left are Harrison Goldstein, Aaron Turner, Nick Frascino, Jaime Barbosa, Evan Dixon and Micah Bettis. Middle row are Leland Whitlock, Trevor Sands, Andrew Schmidlkofer, Brendan Patterson, Jack Fletcher and Tyler Cato. Rear row are coaches Bill Turner, Joe Patterson, Mitch Goldstein and John Cato. (Not shown is coach Jeremy Compton.) Sabrina Jiang signs her letter of intent to attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, as her family look on. Rear row are AHS Principal Shannon Kersey and Athletic Director Mike Scheifflee.
AHS senior Sabrina Jiang bound for Air Force Academy ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta High School Sabrina F. Jiang signed her letter of intent to play tennis at the United States Naval Academy. Her intended major is Biomedical Engineering. Jiang played varsity tennis in grades 9, 11 and 12 playing on the GHSA Regional championship and state championship finalist team her junior year. She was also achieved a USTA Girls 18 and Younger Top 20 ranking all four years of high school and a Top 80 in the South. She was a scholar-athlete her junior year as well as “Most Fearsome Tennis Player” award winner.
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Ocee Orioles Host Dog Days 5k race JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Ocee Park Orioles 12U Travel Baseball Team has not only been hard at work on the ball field but has also been working hard to raise money. They need it to fund their trip to the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame Invitational Tournament in Cooperstown, New York next summer. The team’s biggest fundraising effort is the Dog Days 5k fun-run set April 11. The team is hosting the race at Newtown Park. Dog Days is a fun, pet-friendly 5k open to all participants — runners, walkers, and strollers.
You don’t even have to have a pooch to participate. More than 100 teams from all over the country compete in this weeklong tournament. The parents want the boys to earn their way not only by playing baseball well, but also financially, so they can appreciate the costs and efforts needed to raise such funds. All participants will receive a long sleeve race T-shirt and the top three finishers in all five age categories will receive awards. There will also be snacks and drinks available for all the runners during and after the race. The team expects to have
If you go What: Dog Days 5k run When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Newtown Park 3150 Old Alabama Rd in Johns Creek Visit: www.oceepark. com/travel-baseball/ 12u-travel to register for the race or donate a few hundred participants. For information, or to become a race sponsor, contact Bill Turner at OceeDogDays2015@gmail.com or 678822-1105.
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14 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
SPORTS
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BOYS SOCCER:
Cougars unbeaten, top-ranked in soccer Team survives 3-1 deficit in penalty kicks By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – As a native of Northern Ireland, a collegiate soccer player in the U.S. and the Chattahoochee Cougars’ coach for 16 years, Les Meenan has seen a lot during his history with the sport. But he readily admits he hasn’t seen much that can match what transpired in last Friday night’s key Region 6-AAAAAA match between Chattahoochee and Alpharetta on the Cougars’ home field. Chattahoochee came into the game unbeaten in the region and 11-0 overall. Alpharetta had only one region loss. Regulation ended with the score tied 1-1, necessitating penalty kicks to decide the outcome. Alpharetta connected on its first three PKs, while the
Cougars missed two of their first three. With only two more kicks left for each team, the Raiders only needed to score one or stop one to hand the Cougars their first loss. “I had given up,” Meenan said after his team fell behind 3-1 on PKs. “I was resigned to the fact we were going to take our first loss.” Fortunately for the Cougars, senior goalkeeper Dara Mansouri was determined to preserve the team’s unbeaten record. He stopped the Raiders’ fourth penalty kick, and sophomore forward Drew Catapano, who scored Chattahoochee’s only goal in regulation, converted his PK to keep the Cougars’ hopes alive. Mansouri stopped another Alpharetta attempt and sophomore midfielder Alex Fields scored for the Cougars to force another penalty kick. Mansouri denied the Raiders for a third straight time and senior defender Andrew Gray gave Chattahoochee an improbable victory, converting the gamewinning kick.
“We snatched victory from the jaws of defeat,” Meenan said two nights after witnessing the near-miracle win. “I still can’t believe it.” Meenan said he could not recall a team coming back from 3-1 behind in PKs, but credited his team’s resolve and spirit for the comeback victory. “We’re not the best team in the world, but I feel like every time we’ve won, we earned it,” he said. The Cougars have put together an unbeaten season after going 8-9 last year with wins in their last four matches. Meenan said the team had seven seniors on that squad, with the Cougars starting five sophomores at times this season along with a comparable number of upperclassmen. Meenan says the group of sophomores has played “with reckless abandon,” and instilled a spark in a team that won its last four games in 2014 with the addition of some late call-ups from the junior
See COUGARS, Page 26
BOYS BASEBALL:
Tigers seek second straight state title King’s Ridge wants to add region crown this year By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – After winning a state championship in baseball last year, King’s Ridge Christian is looking to achieve a slightly less lofty goal this season – despite returning most of starters from the Tigers’ championship squad. The Tigers did not win their region championship last year, and as a result, were seeded fifth in the Class A private school playoffs, entering the postseason with a 20-4 record. King’s Ridge stormed through the playoffs, sweeping all four series and outscoring its opponents 84-18. The Tigers faced Mount Paran Christian in the state finals after losing to the Eagles 6-0 and 9-1 during the regular season. In the playoff rematch, King’s Ridge finished off its dominant playoff run, winning 7-2 and 10-3 to conclude its perfect postseason. Standout shortstop Grayson Byrd, now playing at LSU as a freshman, and Slade Osborne were the only major graduation losses for the Tigers. Through the first dozen games of the 2015 season, they are playing like a team intent on adding a region title, as
well as a second straight state championship. The Tigers came into this week 11-1 (8-1 in Region 6-A) and first in the standings. Their lone defeat came against Mount Paran in mid-March, and that 7-4 defeat was one of just two games in the team’s last nine in which the Tigers did not score at least 10 runs. It was also the only game this season in which King’s Ridge allowed more than three runs, as the Tigers’ pitching has been has impressive as the offense. Other than having to replace the talented Byrd, the big change for the team this season is getting acclimated to a new head coach. Dallas Macpherson took over prior to this season from Jason Couch, who led the team to state quarterfinal appearances in 2011 and ’13 before last year’s championship run. Macpherson is new to the coaching business, with his first job as an assistant last year at Strong Rock Christian. He is not new to baseball, however, playing professionally from 2011 to 2012 including stints in the majors with the Angels, Marlins and White Sox. The Braves drafted Macpherson out
Kings Ridge’s Austin Higginbotham tags out the Pinecrest runner. of high school in 1998, but he elected to attend The Citadel. He was drafted again in the second round by the Angels in 2001 and made it to the majors in ’04. He was considered one of the most promising young home run hitters in the game, but a series of injuries cut short his career. Macpherson was never able to play a full season in the majors. Macpherson, a North Carolina native, settled in Atlanta, his wife’s hometown. He got into coaching and quickly landed a head coaching position. “I walked into a good situation here,” he said. “The previous coach left me a good baseball team and so far everything has been great.”
Macpherson said “trying to explain my system and style of coaching to the older players has been a challenge, but they’ve been great. They’re a talented group that makes up for the mistakes I make. I can’t think of a better situation for a first-year head coach.” As a former power hitter of note (he led the entire minor leagues in home runs one season), Macpherson can appreciate the many offensive weapons in the King’s Ridge lineup. Catcher-infielder Lawson Hill, who started last year as a freshman, is hitting .618 with a staggering OPS of
See TIGERS, Page 15
SPORTS
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 15
Organ transplant UPCOMING EVENTS recipient ‘pays it forward’ Business Academy Charity golf tournament supports Swing Easy Hit Hard Foundation By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. – Johns Creek Parks Manager Kirk Franz knows what it is like to stare cancer in the face and walk away with the gift of life. Now he wants to help others have that same chance. In May of 2010, Franz, a Cumming resident, got the news no 37-year-old husband and father wants to hear. He had a rare liver disease and bile duct cancer. Without a liver transplant and radiation and chemotherapy, he had little expectation to live. He went on radiation and chemo for six months, and then was cleared to be put on the waiting list for a new liver. How long a wait, no one could predict. Then Franz caught a break. “I was on the list for less than a week when I got the call to go in and get my liver transplanted,” said Franz. “It was lucky for me they were able to find a match pretty quick.” There is nothing like receiving the diagnosis of the need for a transplant and then experiencing the wait. “I had no idea how often people in the Atlanta area were receiving an organ transplant,” said Franz. “There are several each week. And most have to
wait a lot longer than I did to receive their gift of life.” Today, Franz is healthy and cancer-free. But he has not forgotten those who helped him return to his family. After his recovery, Franz said he felt called to find a way to “give back” to others who would require an organ transplant. In 2012, with the help of family and friends, Franz established an annual charity golf tournament and the Swing Easy Hit Hard Foundation. The foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) fundraising organization with a mission to increase organ donation awareness and to provide support for patients and families affected by organ donation and transplantation. “We needed to raise money for my medical expenses that first year, so we started the golf tournament. Now we are continuing the tournament to raise money to help other families with organ transplants,” Franz said. Last year, the tournament was the most successful ever, raising $12,000 for the Emory University Hospital Transplant Center and the Georgia Transplant Foundation. This year’s event will be held April 16 at the Windermere Golf Course in Forsyth County. The charity event is
Tigers: Continued from Page 14 1.625. Through 12 games, he has 21 hits, two homers and 17 runs batted in. Macpherson says Hill “has been magnificent behind the plate.” Outfielder-first baseman Brandt Stallings, a Georgia Tech signee, has four homers, nine RBI, a .467 batting average and a 1.468 OPS, while also stealing eight bases. Infielder-pitcher Adam Moore, who will play at Mercer, is batting .574 with six doubles and 12 RBI. Versatile junior Kyle Brnovich, who also pitches, is the team’s fourth hitter with a .500plus average, batting .517 with a 1.370 OPS, 11 RBI and six steals. Austin Higginbotham, an Austin Peay signee, and Connor Burns, who was committed to Wake Forest but is still looking at colleges, are the team’s primary starters and are also making major contributions at the plate. Higginbotham is batting .440 with 10 RBI, and Burns is hitting .387. The two are a combined 7-0 on the mound. Higginbotham is 5-0 with an ERA around 1.00 and 25 strikeouts in 20 innings. Burns is 2-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 17 innings. Moore is 1-0 with nine strikeouts in 11 innings and an ERA under 2.00, with Brnovich (1-1) strik-
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Swing Easy Hit Hard Charity Golf Tournament Date: Thursday, April 16 Location: Windermere Golf Club, 5000 Davis Love Dr., Cumming, Ga. Time: Check-in at noon; shotgun start at 1 p.m. Fee: $150/player or $550/foursome Registration and info: www.SwingEasyHitHard. org timed to celebrate National Donate Life Month, and proceeds benefit Georgia organ transplant patients and families. In addition to golf, each player will receive a Chick-fil-A lunch, an embroidered pullover, hat, non-alcoholic drinks and post-golf dinner banquet. This year’s dinner banquet will feature live music, a silent auction, raffle drawings and awards. “Every day and every week, there are families here in Atlanta who are going through a liver transplant,” he said. “It’s a rough time to go through between having to be off work and the stress of having health issues.” So if people are interested in becoming an organ donor after they die, they need to make their wishes known to family members. “So even though there is death, someone can have a new life,” he said.
ing out 12 in 12 innings and allowing just one walk with an ERA of 1.70. Sophomore John Byrnes has also drawn a start this season and won. “We are very deep in pitching,” Macpherson said. “We have four or five guys we can run out and start and two or three in relief who would start at a lot of places. We have quality depth.” The team’s closer is Tarez Miller, who hasn’t been called on that much, striking out six and allowing just one hit in three innings. Miller has also had the unenviable task of taking over at shortstop for Byrd, but Macpherson says he has been “outstanding,” both defensively and as the Tigers’ leadoff hitter. Miller is a senior who was a freshman standout as a running back before injuries took him off the football field. He is headed to Georgia Southern. Junior Cullen Monette, a third basemancatcher and a starter last year, has also produced offensively as well as making a few relief appearances. Sophomore second baseman Tanner Wakefield and junior outfielder Will Janofsky are the other newcomers to the lineup along with Byrnes. Even with so much talent on the roster, Macpherson says the Tigers have something to accomplish before they take a shot at a second straight state championship. “We didn’t win the region last year and that’s our main goal,” he said.
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Belle Isle urges business take larger role in community Alpharetta honors local businesses By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta was filled with the movers and shakers of the city’s business world March 26, at the third annual Alpharetta Business Awards. The event was not so much a giving of awards as it was recognition of those who have received them. Local businesses that excelled in their fields in the past year were honored for being good at what they do.
“We want to recognize businesses that are doing their highest in the city,” said Peter Tokar, the city’s economic development BELL ISLE director. Each of the roughly 100 businesses represented had been honored in the past year as being the best at what they do. They were given a “challenge coin,” as a mark of appreciation for their efforts, by the city. Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle addressed the business leaders and urged them
For list of winners and their awards, visit NorthFulton.com to help make the city a better place. In every city, there are consumers and creators, he said. The creators make up less than 1 percent of the population, but are responsible for creating a vibrant and engaging community. “What are you doing to create something in your city to get people to love it?” Belle Isle asked. “What can I do to make a city fall in love with itself, as
a business in Alpharetta?” The reason he ran for mayor was to create an active downtown and a sense of community in the city, he said. “I knew there was something to love about Alpharetta,” he said. Avalon has created a corn hole league; the Alpharetta Business Association hosts the annual Brew Moon Festival; brewpub Hop Alley hosts beer pairings with their meals. While they are good events by themselves, taken as a part of the whole in the city is what creates that community, Belle Isle said. “How do we get more people involved?” he asked. “As business owners, you are as
much a part of the city as the citizens.” Belle Isle challenged the audience of business leaders to start thinking about ways they can help improve the city and its community in ways the city government cannot, such as sponsoring a cause or creating an event. He cited the Lantern Parade at the Atlanta Beltline. A citizen-started event, it drew 20,000 revelers in 2014. “That was not started by a government. It was started by residents. Can a single event cause people to fall in love with a city?” Belle Isle said. “It doesn’t take a lot of people to change a city. You will help us love Alpharetta.”
Alpharetta warns of scam targeting local businesses ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Local businesses may be taken in by a recent scam. Emails notifying Alpharetta area businesses they have won an award from the Alpharetta Award Program appear to be part of a scam designed to get companies to pay for vanity awards and plaques. The emails may be confusing to area businesses who may believe they are related to a recognition program coordinated by the City of Alpharetta. “The Alpharetta Awards Program sounds similar and seems to be capitalizing on an annual recognition program coordinated by the City,” said Samir Abdullahi, Alpharetta’s economic development manager. “Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, we became aware of the other program only when a business owner advised us of an email she had received.” The email from “Alpharetta Awards Program” stated the business owner had been selected for the 2015 Alpharetta Awards. It provided a link to a website for more information that, in turn, lists a telephone number, 888-509-9915, for questions. Not stated in the email is that to receive the award, businesses must
We would never ask a business to pay for us to say thank you.” SAMIR ABDULLAHI, Alpharetta’s economic development manager
pay for a plaque with costs starting at $149.99 and going up from there. By contrast, the city’s annual recognition program comes with no costs or strings attached. “The City of Alpharetta began its awards program three years ago to recognize Alpharetta-based businesses who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields during the year,” said Abdullahi. “It is
an opportunity for us to bring attention to those businesses and express our appreciation for the investments that they have made in Alpharetta and for their efforts to excel. We would never ask a business to pay for us to say thank you.” The city warns “vanity award” programs are not uncommon and provides a few tips to area businesses to protect them from falling victim: 1. Learn everything you can about who is giving the award. If it is coming from an organization you have never before heard of, it is likely a group that just wants your money. 2. If you did not apply for an award or the group cannot tell you how you were nominated, the award is likely not legitimate. 3. Most legitimate awards do not come with costs for the recipient. If there is a cost, look into the organization and the award even more closely. The City has reported the issue to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is investigating similar complaints in other communities. —Jonathan Copsey
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Keep an eye on inventory for market entry points Editor’s note: This is part of a series of excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.” Here are several more micro trends in the housing market and general economy we’ve spotted on our radar. The impact of inventory Real estate is a business of supply and demand. The housing market constantly ebbs and flows between shortage and surplus of inventory. Since January 2014, North Georgia’s real estate market has teetered just on the edge of a balanced market, with an average of five months of available inventory. (A balanced market is considered about eight months.) So how does inventory impact you as a buyer or seller? -- If you’re in the market to purchase a home, less inventory means more competition for the best properties. It’s important to improve your negotiating position by getting preapproved for a mortgage; have
rates are also on the rise. Employment While total non-farm payroll employment is now at 139.7 million, substantially above the pre-recession peak of 138.4 million, full-time nonfarm payroll employment is at just 119.6 million, 2 million below its pre-recession high. As a result, the number of persons working part-time but wanting full-time work now stands at 7 million. And while that’s down from a peak of 9.2 million, it’s substantially above its pre-recession level of 4.8 million. Resale homes There were 73,844 singlefamily detached used and bank-owned properties sold over the past 12 months. Twenty-two percent of these closings were bank-owned sales (one year ago, it was 38 percent). Pre-foreclosure activity has fallen to a 12-year low, resulting in fewer foreclosed homes and additional upward
FRANK NORTON JR. CEO and Chairman The Norton Agency
your finances in order, and be ready to make a quick, solid offer. Also, know your needs, wants and must-haves. -- If you’re ready to list your home, less inventory means you’re more likely to sell for a price closer to the asking price – but don’t get greedy. Buyers want a fair contract and will likely ask for some concessions. Set realistic, yet reasonable limits if you’re serious about selling. As we leave the winter months behind, existing inventory is likely to decrease, as people prefer not to move over the holidays. Builder inventory will grow steadily. Interest
Residential units closed in 22-county metro Atlanta, year over year as of Sept. 2014 New single-family detached – 12,204 New townhomes – 1,989 New condos – 281 Resale single-family detached – 73,844 Resale condos/townhomes – 12,428 Grand total – 100,744 Residential closing – Up 5 percent year over year Source: MetroStudy 2014
pressure on home prices. November single-family listings (inventory) moved upward by 23 percent year over year to 22,000, its highest level in 24 months, but the supply remains low at 4.5 months. Equilibrium or a normal month’s supply of resale inventory for the region is about seven months. Negative equity continues to decline, and yet a sellers’ market still exists, especially below the $250,000 price points, based on an FML
NewBusinessSpotlight
Making adjustments to your business plan Now that the first quarter is over, are you making adjustments to your business plan? Have you had some disappointments from some of the key initiatives you started in the beginning of the year? Making adjustments to your business plan can help you improve results, take advantage of things that are working well and de-emphasize things that aren’t. A business plan typically includes strategies and tactics to profitably grow your small business. Sometimes you have a perfect strategy, but the tactics you are using to implement it are not producing the best results. Tweaking your tactics to better align with your strategy can help. In some cases, your strategy may be flawed. For example, you may have a
A business plan typically includes strategies and tactics to profitably grow your small business.
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Founder & President Jones Simply Sales
strategy to penetrate a certain industry or specific prospects, and the overall approach just isn’t getting you any traction. Modifying your strategy to account for what you have learned will help improve your potential to be successful. Business plans are like “road maps,” and if you hit a “detour” you need to be prepared to take a different road. There are many examples of companies who had a great product or service that just wasn’t selling; and when they
adjusted their business plan, it sold like hot cakes. Periodically making adjustments to your business plan will not only help you be more successful, it is essential to continually making improvements in running your small business.
MetroStudy. Housing, a regional view There were 11,000 annual single-family housing starts in the North Atlanta market in 2014, up 12 percent from 2013 when annual starts were 9,800. Nearly three-quarters of all starts in the region occurred in North Atlanta. Single-family annual closings reached 9,600 units at the end of 2014, up 21 percent from the annual 2013 figure of 7,584.
Countryside Pet Estates Business: Countryside Pet Estates Opened: Dec. 19, 2014 Owner: Peg Engleka What: Premier dog and cat boarding, day care, grooming and training facility. Hours: Monday through Friday
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: 2540 Hopewell Road, Milton, Ga. 30004 Phone: 770-864-1020 Website: http://www.countrysidepetestates.com
Find your paper online at issuu.com/appen-inc History lesson
hold Courthouse to donated American artifacts Society by the Historical ► PAGE 4
| forsythherald.com August 28, 2013
Legionnaires
Post See this year's Auxiliary 307 Legion and members ► PAGE 11
Ssssnake bites on the rise bitten Area pets being at alarming rates ► PAGE 7
Real Estate Report
Special section ► PAGE 16
'We own the mistakes'
Schools take blame for jam ► PAGE 4
Good samaritans
Residents open hearts, homes ► PAGE 6
New Birmingham Cross raised
Symbol of welcome for congregation ► PAGE 10
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closed ng facility Fulton Looking at reopeni State law prohib-
sewerage its pumping HURD to By HATCHER from one basin Etowah hatcher@nor thfulton.com another. The most of Basin serves Ga. – but JOHNS CREEK, needs to Forsyth County,n porForsyth County the southeaster capacity in Johns add sewerage and tion is in the southeast Forsyth, Creek Basin. owns County one option the looking The county is as Commission 300 acres known Cauley AMOS at is reopening and the Threatt property. opCreek Creek Reclamation as an As for the Cauley Reuse Facility it was too early building a facility tion, Amos said alternative to to say anything. the process of from scratch. in still Reclamation “We’re Cauley Creek plants to see million-gallonscomparing sewer Facility is a 5 us best,” Amos facility that had in which will suit per-day (mgd) discuss that County in east said. “We will served Fulton but we haven’t Last fall, Fulton the near future, on Cauley Johns Creek. contract with made any decision bought out its saying Fulton’s Creek.” focus, Cauley Creek, into Environmen As plans come own Johns Creek be cheaper county will have would Amos said the tal Campus discussions” in the long “full and open and as effective Creek and ALDO NAHED/STAFF with both Johnsabout Cauley run. to expand its Fulton County Forsyth needs at Fowler. in the Shakerag enjoys skating Creek. sewer capacity has been not at that point Elementary student, we’re it Creek “But because a Vickery area, growth area. Samuel Cushman, yet,” he said. er tapped as a are Forsyth Commission Forsyth officials on represents commenting Brian Tam, whosaid it is just are guarded about negotiations Shakerag, also about where the idea since bids for building too soon to talk ongoing and ons-perForsyth is at. a new 2.5 million-gall situation. opened only “It’s a delicate is a numday facility werecounty has $27 there to Somewhere, last week. The sense for us for construcber that makes to say we are million budgeted facility. do this. It’s fair tion of the ShakeragChairby renowned options includwas designed Hollyday, of assessing our Forsyth County rmed the Tam said. – Fowler confi architect Wally in 2008 met ing Cauley Creek,” CUMMING, Ga. are-foot man Pete Amos is in a good Cauley California, who “Forsyth County look at these has talked with is still skaters Park’s 23,000-squ draw county to county can but it with about 40 final design position. We we have budskate park continues CEO Ron Green, the . to help craft bids for which million. And enthusiasts. who very much preliminaryour opfor the park. to skaters, geted up to $27Cauley Creek. For Mark Cushman, “We are evaluatingare still he was at In addition now, we a we can look had skated when have joined tions. Right need to keep a great opbids we have other enthusiasts and BMX So all of them younger, it was comparing the new plant to hang out with the 6 in. Stunt scooters the numerALDO NAHED/STAFF portunity to received for 10, and SEWER, Page that basin,” See now share of Samuel, bikers needs Cumming, sons, of two serve the Conor McKeon, a place ous ramps. Benjamin, 7. are really said Amos. —Aldo Nahed said it’s nice to have “The lights US TO ARRANGE said. “You to BMX. HERE NOW! CONTACT good,” Cushman on page 24 A TEST DRIVE TODAY dark.” More photos can stay until skate park The county’s
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February 5, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 9, No. 6
Cities grapple with gridlock, snow
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hold a place in our hearts. We are relocathis ing to South he will resign Feb. 1. Georgia, Post 4 seat effectivehe said, “I closer to In a statement citizens for our my sales wish to thank serve seven to territory in allowing me as a City Georgia and FIGUEROA wonderful years in Johns Florida. The Council memberKaren and I move will alCreek. My wife daughters in both markets our low me to be raised have time on the by wonderand spend less time at home here, surrounded supported by road and more ful friends and we could with my family.” the finest schools Page 4 imagine. and all it See COUNCIL, “Johns Creek, forever will encompasses,
Ga. – Johns JOHNS CREEK, Ivan Creek City Councilman Jan. 9 Figueroa announced City Council
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By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. wanted to know what – If you ever looked like with every Atlanta’s roads resident driving on them, Tuesday, Jan. 28 should give a glimpse. Schools, businesses and governments all shut same time, turning down about the workers out onto the streets at the same time. Variously called “Snowmageddon ,” “Snowpocalypse,” or “SnOMG,” local governments were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of motorists on the road and the worsening conditions throughout the day. A would normally take commute that 20 minutes turned into a 10-, 14- or 20-hour drive. Alpharetta had 50 Department employeesPublic Works begin salting the roads as the snow began on Tuesday, said Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz. Over the course of Tuesday and the following day, Sewczwicz said hundreds of tons of sand and salt were put down by workers working 12-hour shifts. Unfortunately, as traffic grew, so did Above, in Milton, the problems. Hopewell was like so many others Road “We had all our trucks – clogged with traffic and abandoned ready to go,” he said. “Our problem vehicles. is we couldn’t get anywhere once we treated The worst intersectionsit once.” and bridges were hit first, however, day as the salt trucks with the slugbegan using gish lines of traffi police cruisers as c, the salt trucks escorts to move could not get to the traffic aside. hot spots quickly; nor could they return Conditions became to those already treated. The trucks cal police departments so bad, lobecame as stuck as the traffic. help stranded motoristsrefused to or come to It’s a problem a frustrated fender-benders. Sewczwicz said was unavoidable. “People didn’t know “When cars are backed turn,” said Lisa Holland,where to up and with the you cannot get your Roswell Police Department. vehicles there to treat roads again,” 911 call centers were he said, “and where busy with people are stopped endless calls for help in and you get ice. There’s snow and rain, “We had to save our police. nothing we can do resources with that. We were for the most serious frustrated. Because calls,” Holland of the saturation said. “In 30 years, of traffic, we couldn’t I’ve never seen do more.” anything like this.” A solution showed itself later in the Fulton County Schools See GRIDLOCK, Page let out just as the snow 4 on buses and in classrooms began, leaving students LOU HABLAS due to heavy traffic. stranded
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Molinari new executive for CBIZ Insurance Services
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Technology Association of Georgia has named Agilysys as one of its Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia. The Top 40 recognizes Georgia-based technology companies for their innovation, financial impact and efforts at spreading awareness of Georgia’s technology initiatives throughout the United States and globally. This year’s finalists were selected from more than 120 applicants. Agilysys is a developer and marketer of proprietary enterprise software, services and solutions for the hospitality industry. Companies selected for the Top 40 were showcased at the 2015 Georgia Technology Summit, held March 25 at Cobb Galleria Centre. The event featured presentations from some of the nation’s leading technology influencers.
RelayHealth unveils collections system upgrade ALPHARETTA, Ga. — RelayHealth Financial has released a new version of its RelayAccount software that helps providers efficiently increase patient collections. The online patient billing solution lets providers see what each family or individual owes at the point of service. It then enables them to collect payment or set up a recurring payment plan. Company officials said patients benefit from 24/7 access to their account status and convenient online payment. The resulting clarity around each patient’s financial obligations enables hospitals to accelerate collections, boost patient satisfaction with the payment process and minimize bad debt. Using RelayAccount with a patient financial advocacy program allowed Lawrenceville-based Gwinnett Medical Center to collect online patient payments of $45 million over five years, realize a 38 percent compound annual growth rate for online payments over four years and significantly reduce call center volume. “At-a-glance access to account status puts us in a much better position to help patients navigate the new world of high-deductible plans, which helps us improve our accounts receivable,” said Travis Mendenhall, senior systems analyst, Gwinnett Medical Center.
BUSINESS COMPUTER PROBLEMS?
ATLANTA – Chris Molinari has been hired as a sales producer for the Southeast region of CBIZ Insurance Services Inc. Molinari has more than 26 years of experience in property and casualty insurance. He began his career at Chubb and Son Inc., where he worked for more than 17 years, based out of several locaMOLINARI tions. He then moved to Fireman’s Fund, Atlanta, for four years. In these jobs, he held sales executive and various management positions. More recently, he successfully developed two Atlanta agency startup operations – as director of property and casualty insurance at Signature FD, then as managing director at Taylor & Taylor LLC. In his new position, Molinari’s responsibilities include insurance carrier relationships and newclient development for CBIZ’s Southeast region. Molinari works out of the Atlanta office of CBIZ Insurance Services and reports through the CBIZMeridian office in Alpharetta.
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com and breakfast at the Forsyth Conference Center in Cumming, where it awarded their Million Dollar Club members and several other milestone awards as well. Kimberly Yates/Yates Estates received top honors. With over $30 million in sales volume, they received Top Team Award for the highest volume in sales. Her team includes Steve Yates and administrative assistant Robin Andrews. The recipient of the Top Individual Award was presented to Jason Gillis as he achieved sales production levels over $16 million. Top Commercial Agent was awarded to Dan Thornton. The Rookie of the Year Award went to Heather Beyer for her outstanding production as a first year real estate agent. Amanda Staines received the Quality Service Award with a 99.27 percent customer satisfaction scoring in 2014.
GROWTH »
Turf Masters announces largest acquisition to date ROSWELL, Ga. – Lawn and pest control company Turf Masters has acquired Dorsey Services, a major lawn care, tree and shrub and pest service company. The transaction is the largest investment made by Turf Masters, and it expands the company’s services throughout central Georgia. With this acquisition, as well as expansion markets completed in 2013 and 2014, the lawn care business now has nine company-owned operations in four Southern states: Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Planet Fitness opens first Roswell club
Century 21 Results Realty Services awards 2014 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Century 21 Results Realty Services held its annual kick off meeting
ROSWELL, Ga. – Planet Fitness recently celebrated the grand opening of its first club in Roswell, located at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 840. With more than 950 locations nationwide, Planet Fitness offers state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, circuit training, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, numerous flat-screen televisions, HydroMassage beds, massage chairs, tanning and total body enhancement booths. The club is open and staffed 24 hours from Monday at midnight through Friday at 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Smallcakes Alpharetta grand opening Business: Smallcakes of Alpharetta Opened: January 2015 Owners: Marie and Jesus Anthony Brown What: For many years, we have wanted to start a business. When we came across the Smallcakes franchise, it seemed like the perfect fit for our family. It wasn’t until a year later that we decided to take the plunge. We are a cupcakery, with over 100 recipes baked throughout the year. We have 12 signature flavors baked daily, plus a variety of specialty flavors, cookie sandwiches and soon-to-be-released cupcake
milkshakes. Smallcakes cupcakes has been featured on three seasons of “Cupcake Wars,” on ABC’s “The View” and in 2012 was selected in USA Today’s Top 10 Places to Bite into a Gourmet Cupcake. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; noon to 7 p.m., Sunday Location: 4055 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta Phone: 470-545-2051 Website: smallcakesalpharettabakery.com
EDITOR’S PICKS
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CALENDAR
Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 19
Send
me your event...
GOOD FRIDAY
Passion with special guest the Morehouse College Glee Club at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 2200 Encore Parkway in Alpharetta. Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Visit goodfridayatlanta.com. Please note that covered seating sold out.
EVENTS:
EGG HUNT
Milton hosts its first Community Egg Hunt with food trucks and displays from Milton police and fire departments at Friendship Community Park, 12785 Birmingham Highway in Milton. Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m. This event is free.
Where: Autrey Mill Preserve and Heritage Center, 9770 Autrey Mill Road in Johns Creek When: Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Cost: $5 Web: autreymill.org
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
What: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, The Autism Society of Georgia will have live music and light 1,410 luminaries in the park, each representing one child or adult in Roswell with autism. Where: Elizabeth Way in Roswell When: Thursday, April 2 Hours: 7 to 10 p.m.
KINDERGARTEN SNEAK PEEK What: Upcoming kindergarten students and their parents can take a tour, see a classroom, hop a bus and visit the cafeteria. Where: Crabapple Crossing Elementary School, 12775 Birmingham Highway in Milton When: Friday, April 3 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Info: crabapplecrossing.org
TASTE OF FORSYTH
Easter egg hunt, food, live music, “touch a truck” and more at Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road. Saturday, April 4. Samples will be $1 to $4. Visit cummingfair.net for more info.
noodle dishes and introduce you to the wide variety of noodles typically found in Asian markets and the differences between them. Where: Sur la Table, 1000 North Point Circle Suite 1082 in Alpharetta When: Thursday, April 2 Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $69 Web: surlatable.com
Calendar Editor calendar@appenmediagroup.com
Submit your event to northfulton. com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL THEATER • You Can't Take it with You April 30, May 1, and May 2, 2015 - 7pm Cambridge Theatre
CENTENNIAL
BACK TO YOUR ROOTS FARM FAIR
What: A full day of greenthumb; farm activities that will get you ‘back to earth’ to enjoy the sunshine. Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell When: Saturday, April 4 Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: Stock the North Fulton Community Charities food pantry and be entered to win Spring Fun Giveaway. Web: chattnaturecenter.org
4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta When: Saturday, April 4 Hours: 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Cost: $44 Web: thevelvetnote.com
COUPLE’S GRILLING
What: Join Chef John Wilson for western rubbed and mopped flank steak, grilled corn, green beans and grape tomato salad, baked potato cheese pockets and “grilled chutney fruit kabobs. Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive in Roswell When: Tuesday, April 7 Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $50 per person Info: Reservations required, call 770-640-3855
MUSIC: WALLACE RONEY What: Join Autrey Mill Nature Preserve for a family-oriented nature hike.
The American Legion Post 201 will have 1500 eggs hidden around the park area and a walk of memories at the American Legion, 201 Wills Road in Alpharetta. Saturday, April 4 at 12 p.m. Ages 1 through 10
SHANNON WEAVER
CAMBRIDGE
FOOD:
GUIDED HIKE
AMERICAN LEGION EGG HUNT
ASIAN NOODLE FAVORITES
What: A chef instructor will demonstrate several amazing
Who: Wallace Roney holds the distinction of being the only trumpet player Miles Davis ever personally mentored. Where: The Velvet Note,
RACES AND BENEFITS:
• Senor Directed One Acts - April 22-25, 2014 • Senor Directed Dessert Theatre - May 1st, 2014
KINGS RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • Mary Poppins the Musical Thursday, April 23 – 25, at 7:00 PM
MILTON:
RACE TO CHANGE DESTINIES What: 5K benefiting RCCG outreaches, free clinics, clothing drives, homeless shelters and more. Where: RCCG King’s Court Chapel, 9435 Willeo Road in Roswell. When: Saturday, April 4 at 8 a.m. Cost: $25 Web: runsignup.com
• Cirque Avontuur April 30, May 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9 at 7:30pm May 2 & 9 at 2pm Tickets Available Online April 3 • Senior-Directed One Acts May 13 & 14
NORTHVIEW • Spring Musical: Mary Poppins May 1-2, 2015 at 7pm Dessert Theatre
20 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
North Atlanta’s
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Sponsored Section • Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015
News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.
Jumpstart Your Home Sale By: Eve Jones, Harry Norman Realtors A little known fact: the first three weeks are the most critical when selling your home. Why is that? Because new listings initially generate a lot of excitement among agents and buyers. There are many buyers out there waiting for the right home to magically appear on the market. And, agents are checking the multiple listing service “hot sheets” (new listings) every day. With all this attention, you had better be ready! So, let’s talk about the “S” word. If you’ve ever watched any program on HGTV, you know what “staging” is, but there some new thinking about how homes should be staged today. According to Realtor® Magazine (a NAR publication), no longer are designers recommending the “stripped-down, beige-heavy stylings at that are as boring as they are forgettable. Staging today is giving way to a livelier vision encompassing, more trendy inviting interiors and exteriors that are intended to make a listing more marketable.” The boring has been traded in for adding back some personality in
the form of bold pops of color, updated fabrics, accessories and furnishings while still appealing to a wide range of buyers. Stayed antiques and fine oil paintings do not appeal to younger home buyers. Often sellers ready to downsize are resistant to make many changes or updates to appeal to the new generation of buyers, but they are only hurting them themselves (and their pocketbook). Other opportunities for engaging home buyers is to focus on outdoor spaces. Outdoor living is the latest item on the buyer’s want list, so make the most out of your deck or patio space by staging a dining space, lounging space and even add a fire pit. So, staging addresses the concept that “real estate is a beauty contest”. But, I’d like to add that, “beauty is only skin deep”. Yes, your home should look good but, beneath the surface are some of the most important features of a home; mechanical/HVAC systems, roof, structural integrity, siding and trim condition, hot water heaters, windows etc. This is the non-sexy stuff that, if left to chance, can kill a deal. Many of the homes in North Fulton are advancing
to 20+ years in age and require maintenance and systems replacements. Some sellers mistake replacing an 18 year old HVAC unit or replacing/painting wood rot for an “upgrade”. These are not upgrades. They are simply maintenance. Buyers do not want to fix your problems that should have been addressed long ago. Here’s where a full-service Realtor can really earn his/her commission on the front-end of a sale by finding an
inspector who can help you identify issues before you get all those agents and buyers excited about your home! And, that agent will have reliable contractors to do the repairs. Both staging and addressing maintenance issues are ways to jumpstart a smooth, easy, profitable home sale and the thing that may keep the buyer “inlove” with your home from the market introduction to the closing table.
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In the Atlanta division, on accepted purchase agreements on homes that are signed between January 1, 2015 and January 31, 2015 are eligible to receive $15,000 in Flex Cash; can be used towards MyStyle® Design Center Options and/or closing costs when using RMC Mortgage® and/or lot premiums, finished basement, etc. Incentive offer does not apply to contracts written prior to January 1, 2015. The following communities are excluded from the $15,000 incentive, Bethany Crossing, Bridleton, ManorView and Marketplace Commons. Individual promotions may vary by community. Certain included features may not be available on all plans. Value of package, and products, may vary by community and plan. Homes already under contract prior to this offer are not eligible. Plus for New to-be built homes, buyer eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Individual incentives may vary by community. Closing cost assistance available from Ryland Homes to those financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing with a closing attorney selected by Ryland. Amount of closing cost assistance may vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Buyers also eligible to receive Waived 1% Origination Fee through RMC Mortgage®; average value of $4,000 which is based on a $400,000 loan amount. The waived origination fee through RMC Mortgage® Corporation is subject to cancellation or change without notice. Buyers must make a loan application by January 31, 2014 with RMC Mortgage® Corporation (NMLS# 203897) a Georgia Residential Mortgage Lender Licensee #24225. *Buyers must also close with RMC Mortgage® Corporation. Please contact your RMC Mortgage® Corporation Representative for exact quotes. Prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Ryland reserves the right to modify or cancel these offers at any time. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or incentives. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See a Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2015 The Ryland Group, Inc.
Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
The Spring Market...
April 2, 2015 21
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22 April 2, 2015
Sponsored Section • REAL ESTATE REPORT
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald
Buyers: Get a Jump Start in the Spring Market By Bill Rawlings Vice President/Managing Broker Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Spring officially started on March 20, but the spring market truly started back in February, even as we nervously crossed our RAWLINGS fingers to ward off a repeat of Snow Jam 2014! Spring and early summer are traditionally the busiest times of the year for residential real estate. With winter behind us, buyers and sellers alike are eager to see what the spring market holds. As a buyer, you and your REALTOR® may face intense competition and rising prices as you set out to find the home of your dreams. Now that you have put away your winter sweaters, take the time to prepare for the home-buying process so that you have an immediate advantage over other homebuyers. By taking these steps in advance, you may afford yourself the ability to act quickly and decisively when you find the house you want to call home. Before you begin the search: • Find your REALTOR®. You need an experienced partner with extensive knowledge of the residential real estate market. Identifying the right agent who is best suited to work with you requires some research. Ask your friends for references, look up the recommendations and interview three or four agents. Navigating the ins and outs of the homebuying process is not always smooth sailing, so you want to ensure you identify the agent who you believe is best suited to assist with your needs. • Have your loan preapproved. This process may take a little time, but if you take care of it up front, you will have the advantage of knowing exactly how much the bank will loan
you, and it will also show sellers you are truly ready to buy when you submit an offer. • Consider the down payment process. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, first-time buyers typically put down 6 percent. More than 24 percent of first-time buyers down payment are funded by gifts from relatives or friends. If this is not an option for you, research loan programs that better suit your needs. Be careful to save for closing costs, which often run anywhere from 2-7 percent of the purchase price. • Ready, set, GO! With the hot spring and summer markets, your agent is going to alert you about homes matching your criteria the second they are listed. If it has most of your ‘must-haves,’ head over to the home as soon as your agent can arrange a showing. If you love it, be prepared to make an offer. • Keep an open mind. If the home meets your biggest requirements – school district, proximity to work and shopping, a desirable neighborhood- but you are not totally in love, what changes could be made to make the home work? Are they easy or difficult? Remember, you can change the floors, carpet and paint colors. Try and envision what the home will look like when it has your touch. • Listen to the advice of your REALTOR®. He or she will know how to make your offer shine in a multiple offer situation. Together, you can determine the best course of action if you and several other potential buyers make an offer. At Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, we are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience throughout the buying and selling process. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Article adapted from Realty Times.
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 23
Meals on Wheels gets high-profile delivery persons ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Senior Services North Fulton celebrated Community Champions Week, March 16-20, as a part of its annual March for Meals celebration. The North Fulton mayors and Fulton County commissioners showed their support for Meals on Wheels and North Fulton seniors during the third week of March. “We were honored to have our mayors and commissioners participate in our annual March for Meals Community Champions Week,” said SSNF Executive Director Carrie Bellware. “They are in an excellent position to help raise awareness for the growing number of seniors in need of nutritious meals and address senior hunger and isolation. Both are serious problems affecting our community and communities across the United States.” The mayors and commissioners delivered a meal to an older adult in their community or helped to pack meals for delivery. March for Meals is a nationwide celebration during the month of March, organized by Meals on Wheels America for the last 13 years. Its purpose is to raise awareness for not only the vital network of Meals on Wheels programs operating in virtually every community across the country, but draw the needs of the seniors they collectively serve. Throughout the month, Meals on Wheels providers such as Senior Services North Fulton celebrate March
Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, left, and Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker make a Meals on Wheels delivery for a North Fulton senior with Care Manager Willi McDowell. for Meals in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives. Community Champions Week also engages prominent figures in the community to help bring attention to the cause.
Senior Services North Fulton is a private, non-profit 501 (C) (3) founded in 1991 to provide programs and services for the older adults who live in North Fulton. It is the only nonprofit in North Fulton dedicated to serving older adults, operating senior centers in Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and Sandy
Springs. Staff coordinates care for clients, including Meals on Wheels, transportation and supportive in-home services such as personal care assistance, homemaker services and respite care. All clients are served regardless of ability to pay.
Library System restoring library hours Go into effect April 1 ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has
new hours in effect at each of its locations as of Wednesday, April 1. In January, the Fulton
Restored Library Hours Alpharetta Branch 238 Canton St., Alpharetta 770.740.2425 Monday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday,10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. East Roswell Branch 2301 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell 404.613.4050 Monday, 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m.– 6 p.m. Roswell Branch 115 Norcross St., Roswell 770.640.3075 Monday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Branch 9560 Spruill Rd., Johns Creek 770.360.8820 Monday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Ocee Branch 5090 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 770.360.8897 Monday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The East Roswell Library. County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the 2015 budget, which included allocation for the restoration of hours for all branches of the Library System. In 2014, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners passed a budget that included a $6 million (19 percent) cut to the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS) budget. Overall library hours were cut by more than a third and more than 100 positions were eliminated. “This is a great day for our
libraries and the communities we serve throughout Fulton County,” said Interim Library Director Gayle Holloman. “By expanding the library hours, we meet the critical needs of residents of all ages in our libraries in every part of the county.” In 2014, budget reductions meant significant cuts to library hours including the elimination of Friday hours at many branches. As a result of the action taken by the Board of Commissioners, hours will be restored to their 2013
levels. The Library System’s Building Program is also progressing, with the new Wolf Creek, Palmetto and East Roswell Libraries open and additional new libraries opening this year. The Auburn Avenue Research Library and South Fulton Branch are both currently closed for expansion projects, as part of the Library Building Program. For more information please visit www.afpls.org or call 404-730-1977.
24 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
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Religious Services
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 25
Celebrate Holy Week with
Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church
nes
Hay ge Brid
Palm Sunday: March 29
Old Alabama
Nesbit Fy.
North Campus Sanctuary | 9:00am North Campus Sanctuary | 10:30am
400
Ho lco mb Bri dg e
Good Friday: April 3 (Seven Shadows) North Campus Sanctuary | 7:00pm
In ree cht Pea
d.
ter Car my Jim
285
141
141
Easter Services: April 5 Sunrise Service North Campus Amphitheater* | 6:33am Family Worship North Campus Sanctuary | 9:00am North Campus Sanctuary | 10:30am
MountPisgahUMC
mountpisgah.org | 678-336-3000 2850 Old Alabama Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30022
Come, Make Yourself at Home this Easter Maundy Thursday • April 2 • 7:00 p.m
Service in the Chapel, Youth Choir, Intimate Communion
Good Friday • April 3 • 7:00 p.m.
Sanctuary Tenebrae Service featuring John Stainer’s “Crucifixion” performed by the Chancel Choir and Grammy Award-Winning Soloists
Easter Sunday • April 5 • Sunrise Service • 6:15 a.m. • Soccer Fields Sanctuary Services • 8:30 a.m., 9:50 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Chancel Choir and Orchestra
Childcare is available at Entrance D on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter Sunday (Bell Road side). There will be no Sunday School on Easter Sunday. Johns Creek United United Methodist Church 11180 Medlock Bridge Road • Johns Creek, GA 30097 Dr. D.B. Shelnutt, Jr., Senior Pastor www.JohnsCreekUMC.org
26 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
Barnwell 1st graders hold cereal drive
SCHOOLS
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — First grade students at Barnwell Elementary School held a schoolwide cereal drive for North Fulton Community Charities. The first graders created their own cereal boxes and flyers to advertise the challenge to all of the Barnwell students to donate 500 boxes of cereal. With the help of administration, teachers, students and parents, over 530 boxes of cereal were collected over four days. —Jonathan Copsey
SCHOOL BRIEFS Send us your news! Email to news@appenmediagroup.com More Info: 770-442-3278
Fulton Schools receives five-year reaccreditation NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The Fulton County School System has been reaccredited for another five years by AdvancED, the parent organization of SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). A 20-member external review team assessed the entire school district in early February, following a pre-visit review of the system’s overall operations. During the four-day site visit, the SACS team interviewed nearly 650 system leaders, principals, teachers,
Cougars: Continued from Page 14 varsity. Even with contributions from the youngsters, the Cougars remain a team built around its veterans, starting with Mansouri. Chattahoochee has scored six shutouts through 12 matches, allowed
students, families and business/community partners. Three primary areas were examined by AdvancED in determining accreditation status: impact of teaching and learning; capacity of leadership; and use of resources. A report praised Fulton for providing learning environments that have high expectations and are equitable, supportive, active and well-managed. It also gave high marks – called Powerful Practices – for the district’s leadership and school board governance. “This is an intensive process, one that allows us to take a deep look at ourselves and to peel away our layers to evaluate our effectiveness and efficiency as a school system. We’re extremely proud that AdvancED recognized our hard work and efforts to provide a qual-
one goal in three others and has yielded less than a goal per game. Meenan says Gray and fellow senior Eduardo Viada have keyed the Chattahoochee defense and “done a lot for us” with their presence at the back. Senior midfielder Owen Ferreira “has been fantastic,” Meenan says, using his height (6-foot-3) and size to advan-
Proud Sponsor Of:
student athlete of the week Chattahoochee High School
Carolyn Neumeister
Name: Carolyn Neumeister Age: 17 GPA: 3.8 Athletic Team: Swim and Dive Team Position: Team Captain School and/or Community Activities: Beta Club, HOSA, NHS, High school swim club, Dynamo swim club, church volunteer Athletic Awards: Academic Athletic Award, Swim team MVP award Academic Awards: AP Scholar Award Future Plans: Get into dental school and study to become a dentist.
ity learning experience for all students,” said Linda McCain, president of the Fulton School Board. Areas for improvement cited by AdvancED include how digital learning is addressed in schools and a perception in the community that funding or resources may not be allocated the same among schools. It also shared that while some schools are high performing and continually seek improvement, other do not focus on that process. “We know that there are some areas that need improvement, but they don’t come as a surprise,” said Fulton Superintendent Robert Avossa. “Many already have direct plans for improvement, such as our digital learning environment, which is being addressed through our strategic plan. We are confident AdvancED will see great success in this area when we are reevaluated
tage both in the air and on the ground. Meenan also credits the leadership of fellow senior midfielder Haroon Tariq, who he says “has enabled the young kids to get a foundation and allowed them to be creative.” Junior Shane Burke leads the team with eight goals, with Catapano also making a big contribution up front. “He’s creative with the ball,” Meenan said of the sophomore forward. “And he’s not afraid to put his body in there.” Among the reasons for the team’s success this season has been the “selfless” attitude of his players, Meenan says. “I think they get more satisfaction from an assist than a goal,” he said. “They’re working for each other.” Meenan admits to being “pleasantly surprised” at the success of this season’s team, but this is not the first time the Cougars have been a factor at the state level. Chattahoochee won a state title in AAAA (now AAAAA) in 2011, the spring after the football team also won a state title. It’s the only state championship for a North Fulton boys’ soccer team.
during the next five-year accreditation cycle.” Being accredited by AdvancED signifies that a district and its schools are focused on raising student achievement, providing a safe and enriching learning environment and maintaining an efficient and effective operation. In 2004, Fulton County Schools became the first school system in the nation to receive district accreditation. Before that, every school went through the accreditation process individually. Alpharetta-based AdvancED accredits more than 32,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in 70 countries worldwide. transportation, nutrition, Title 1, JROTC, career and technical education, strategy and innovation and communications.
The Cougars have been a consistently strong team for most of Meenan’s tenure as coach. But having its attendance boundaries shrink three times between 2002 and 2009 with the creation of neighboring new schools eventually took a toll; although it did enable the school’s sports team to play in the next highest classification during its championship year of 2010-11. Chattahoochee is back in the highest classification in the state, and while the Cougars compete in a tough region, they are in different regions from the Gwinnett and Cobb teams that have won the last 14 state championships in what is now AAAAAA. With a strong senior class this season and a quality group of sophomores who should keep the Cougars very competitive for the next two years, the Cougars are again a force at the state level. Meenan believes they should remain a force for the next few years. Meenan says the current Chattahoochee team has done a good job of “not getting carried away” with their success
thus far. The team is ranked No. 1 in the state in one poll, and Meenan says his players “have seen the rankings and talked about. I think it’s motivated them because they didn’t start off saying they were good.” The Cougars had to overcome some adversity to survive their match with Alpharetta and retain their unbeaten record and No. 1 ranking. Burke was injured scoring a goal in a 5-3 win over Northview earlier last week and Ferreira missed a considerable portion of the Alpharetta game after being kicked in his Achilles tendon. “Without him, we were kind of lost,” Meenan said. “But once he got back, we regained control. We started very, very well and had two great scoring chances by Jorge Herrera and Nick Troyer.” The Cougars have some difficult late-season games, including non-region rivals Milton and Roswell and two matches at Hilton Head during spring break before getting a shot at the state’s top teams in the AAAAAA playoffs.
COMMUNITY
Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 27 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Newtown Easter egg hunters bag limit 3,500 – 4,000 turn out for park’s big family-friendly event JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Want to know how to make 10,000 Easter eggs disappear in twoand-a-half minutes? Spread them out on three ball fields and tell 500 kids, “Go!” That’s about all it took at the annual the city’s Newtown Park Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, March 29. But that wasn’t the end of the fun, not by a long shot. With eggs and baskets in hand, the action moved to the Newtown
amphitheater where activities just began to get started. Some took picnic lunches on the green, others availed themselves of the food trucks. Kids had their choice: petting zoo, crafts, sack races, hula hoops and various inflatables to bounce and crawl over. It was just the kind of family event the city envisioned for the park. – Hatcher Hurd
PHOTOS BY HATCHER HURD/STAFF
OFF TO THE RACES!
ANTICIPATION IS MAKING ME LATE AND YOU CAN USE IT AS A BONNET...
... I SEE WHAT YOU MEAN
WHO IS THIS GUY?
THIS IS GOING TO BE SO COOL
JUST HANGIN’
IT’S AN EGG RACE
TOO LATE
WE NEED A PLAN
28 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
DEATH NOTICES Sandra Biggio, 71, of Alpharetta, passed away March 16, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society. Joel Burnett, 79, of Cumming, passed away March 24, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Janice Clifton, 95, of Cumming, passed away March 20, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Doris Wheeler Corn, 90, of Forsyth County, passed away March 21, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Gerald Coughlin, of Alpharetta, passed away March 13, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Thomas Dannemiller, Sr., of Milton, passed away March 21, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Robert Earl Greer, 72, of Cumming, passed away March 23, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Jared Haden of Roswell, GA passed away on March 17, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Linda Halpin, of Roswell, passed away March 23, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Nagwa Hanna, of Alexandria, Egypt, passed away March 16, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Betty Heard, 80, of Cumming, passed away March 18, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Bruce Howard, of Alpharetta, passed away March 23, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Scott Kershaw, of Milton, passed away March 22, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Dan Loposer, of Roswell, passed away March 20, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Kenneth Ludwig, 67, of Cumming, passed away March 17, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society. Richard Mace, 77, of Roswell, passed away March 17 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society. Katie Lee Martin, 83, of Cumming, passed away March 23, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Nikolas Negron, of Milton, passed away March 18, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Joseph Olander, 76, of Johns Creek, passed away March 24, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Dina Owens, of Alpharetta, passed away March 16, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
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ONLINE AUCTION BY CITY OF ALPHARETTA The City of Alpharetta, in conjunction with GovDeals, will conduct a CONTINUOUS online auction to sell surplus material, equipment, and vehicles. To view the surplus items or to place a bid, please visit www.govdeals.com. All sales will be final to the highest bidder and sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. The City of Alpharetta and GovDeals reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and the right to waive formalities. Once the items are sold, the coordination of and actual removal of the items must be completed by the selected party.
VARSITY BRIEFS Send us your news! Email to news@appenmediagroup.com More Info: 770-442-3278
Keene State College KEENE, N.H. – Bridget Goodwin was named to the fall 2014 Dean’s List at Keene State College. Students must achieve a 3.5 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 scale to earn Dean’s List honors.
For further information, visit www.govdeals.com or contact Brent Burdette with the City of Alpharetta, Department of Finance at (678) 297-6067 or bburdette@alpharetta.ga.us.
Notice of Public Internet Auction Johns Creek Police Department The following is a list of property located at the Johns Creek Police Dept. If you believe that you are the owner of this property, please call 678-474-1572 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Proof of ownership and a valid ID will be required to claim any property. A public internet auction of the following items will begin the week of April 13th. The auction’s website is www.propertyroom.com. Items: Golf bag with 8 iron clubs Fuzion Brand Scooter Mongoose Bicycle iPad Two brown purses Black wallet and contents Murray bicycle Mongoose BMX bicycle Black HP Tablet Black cloth purse with contents Nikon camera with Flash London fog camera bag Nikon camera and bag
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Otis Ray, 87, of Cumming, passed away March 18, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society. David Shortnacy, 75, of Forsyth County, passed away March 19, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Ngoc Tran, of Alpharetta, passed away March 17, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the City Council on Monday, April 27, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. V-15-05 Coro Realty Building- 10 Roswell Street Consideration of a request for a parking variance in order to expand office uses within an existing building. The address is 10 Roswell Street. The property is located at the southeast corner of Milton Avenue and Roswell Street and legally described as being located in Land Lot 1269, 2nd 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 South Main Street.
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Pet of the Week: Panda ATLANTA – LifeLine Animal Project presents the Fulton County Animal Services Pet of the Week, Panda. This adorable 2-year-old female has a panda bear face, a silky coat and weighs 40 pounds. Panda is sweet, submissive and aims to please. She loves to give and receive affection, and really likes to play outside. Panda sometimes gets picked on by other shelter dogs because of her submissive nature, so she really needs to be adopted where she can finally feel safe. Panda is great with kids and would make the perfect family dog. Now through the end of March, you can adopt Panda for only $45 through our “Adopt a Lucky Charm” promotion. This price includes her spay, microchip and vaccines. To meet this great dog, please drop by the shelter, email at adoptions@fultonanimalservices.com or call 404-613-0357. To view dogs or cats available for adoption, please visit the shelter at 860 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, 30318 or go to www.fultonanimalservices. com/adopt.
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 2, 2015 | 29
PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Wednesday, April 15, 2015 - OPEN HOUSE Thursday, April 16, 2016 – CHARETTE SUMMARY PRESENTATION Johns Creek Central Business District Redevelopment Plan The City of Johns Creek will host an OPEN HOUSE on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. AND there will be a Charette Summary Presentation by Urban Designs Associates on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The purpose of the Open House is to have Urban Design Associates provide information and receive feedback regarding the Johns Creek Central Business District Redevelopment Plan. Both events will be held at 11555 Medlock Bridge Road, in Johns Creek, GA 30097. The public is encouraged to attend both events and provide feedback on this important issue. In conformance with the Georgia Open Meetings Law, please note a quorum of the City of Johns Creek Mayor and Council Members may be in attendance. In addition members of the Arts and Culture Board, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Public Arts Board along with members of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals may also be in attendance at these events. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions or need assistance. Joan Jones City Clerk
Hiring college students...
Hiring college students... ...to paint this summer. Training provided by Sherwin Williams. Work will be in Forsyth County. Call or email Sean Brown for details. 678-372-4263 sean2016@uga.edu
...to paint this summer. Training provided by Sherwin Williams. Work will be in Forsyth County. Call or email Sean Brown for details. 678-372-4263 sean2016@uga.edu
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32 | April 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
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• Fine Arts from Artists thoughout the U.S. • Historic Downtown Alpharetta on Milton Avenue • Children’s Art Interactive Area • Live Jazz, Folk & Roots Rock • Festival Cuisine • Clutural Arts Performances • Free Admission • Experience Downtown Shops and Dining
www.alpharetta.ga.us 678-297-6000
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 18 - 19, 2015 10am - 5pm Milton Avenue at Main Street, Alpharetta Historic District www.facebook.com/alpharettastreetfest
@ArtsStreetFest