Johns Creek Herald - April 6, 2017 by Appen Media Group

A p r i l 6 , 2 0 1 7 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 1 , N o . 1 4

Braves exec talks with GNFCC Promises more than just a game at SunTrust Park ►►PAGE 16

Bridging path to recreation

City unveils prototypes for Rogers Bridge restoration ►►PAGE 4

Reporter fights for transparency

We talk to Jessica Szilagyi for our Blackbox Special Report: Part IV ►►PAGE 6

Real Estate Report HATCHER HURD/HERALD

The Wall That Heals stops in Johns Creek

A member of the St. Brigid Catholic Church Knights of Columbus finds the name of a fallen comrade on the Wall of Healing and salutes him. It was an act repeated many times as some 400 people came to visit The Wall That Heals Saturday at Newtown Park. Read more, Pages 34 – 35.

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Johnson tapped to lead Pisgah basketball Former Duke player brings wealth of information, experience ►►PAGE 40

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2 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 139 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After allegedly stealing two cars and leading law enforcement on a chase into Fulton County, two teens were arrested March 27. Seymour Demetrius Prather, 18 of Stockbridge, and Darnell PRATHER Cedric Pressley, 19 of Atlanta, were arrested on multiple charges including theft of auto and entering autos. A third suspect was involved but reportedly got away. Deputies responded March 26 to the Shake Rag Farms subdivision PRESSLEY on a theft in progress call. When they arrived, they immediately engaged Prather and Pressley. Pressley reportedly was in a stolen car driving out of the neighborhood when deputies spotted him. A chase then ensued into Johns Creek where Pressley reportedly crashed the car, got out and ran on foot into a creek area. He was apprehended quickly and transported to the Forsyth County Jail. He will face additional charges in Johns Creek. At the same time, a second chase was occurring when Prather reportedly was attempting to leave in another stolen car. Prather reportedly became lost in the neighborhood, ran over mailboxes, eventually abandoning the car and fleeing on foot. He was arrested on Old Atlanta Road by a deputy patrolling the area.

PUBLIC SAFETY 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 ►► Carl Lynn Hurtm 53 of St. Patrick

Street, Atlanta, was arrested March 19 on Ga. 400 for DUI, open container and improperly changing lane. ►► Robert Stephen Hardwood, 35 of Roswell Road, Atlanta, was arrested March 19 on Ga.400 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Jorge Otontiopa-Vargas, 34 of Marietta Street, Alpharetta, was arrested March 18 on Lake Union Hill Way for DUI, failure to maintain lane and driving while unlicensed or expired. ►► Mandar Vithal Patil, 43 of Saint Michelle Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 18 on Haynes Bridge Road for DUI and failure to maintain

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.

Alleged book thieves caught returning to store ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested two men March 23 for shoplifting from Gwinnett Technical College’s bookstore after both attempted to flee officers. On March 15, two men were allegedly seen leaving the bookstore with “heavily laden” backpacks. Their backpacks had been empty when they entered the store. Store employees later confirmed that seven textbooks, worth $2,300 total, were missing. On March 23, Alpharetta police were called in when campus security

lane. ►► David Michael Eike, 54 of Water Lilly Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 18 on Westside Parkway for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Dina C. Lingerfelt, 46 of Township Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested March 17 on Ga. 400 for DUI and speeding in a work zone. ►► James Connor Clay, 25 of Georgetown Chase, Roswell, was arrested March 18 on Ga.400 for DUI, failure to obey required traffic control devices and operating a vehicle with expired tags. ►► Kirill Kabasyuk, 26 of Windhaven Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 16 on Ga.400 for DUI and speeding. ►► Brent Elvin Hinkle, 65, of Thoreau Drive, Suwanee, was arrested March 22 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Shin Kyun, 42, of Davenport Park Drive, Duluth, was arrested March 23 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek

See ARRESTS, Page 44 was notified that the two suspects had returned. One entered the bookstore while the other waited outside. A campus police officer confronted the suspect in the store, 27-year-old Dakota Bogert of Marietta. During questioning, Bogert bolted, but he was later found hiding in a nearby restroom stall. He was arrested for shoplifting over $500 and obstruction of police officer/resisting arrest. The other suspect, 29-year-old Cody Alley of Woodstock, also attempted to flee, but he was also located and arrested on the same charges.

Car window smashed during workout JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A woman reported March 23 that her car had

See BLOTTER, Page 44

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 3

Cataract surgery and the newest Symfony Lens Implant

See the Blooms Clearly!

By Dr. Samir Vira

Cataract surgery has become a very safe and refined procedure with over 3 million Americans undergoing the surgery every year. With advancements in technology over the last 20 years, the surgery can now be performed with mild sedation in about 10-15 minutes. Not only has the procedure become sophisticated, but the lens technology used to correct patients’ vision has evolved also. In the past, patients were simply offered standard Samir Vira, M.D. intraocular lens implants and were instructed Cataract & Refractive to obtain new bifocal glasses after surgery. Surgeon However, with the advent of astigmatism-correcting and multifocal lens implants, patients are now able to see clearly with independence from glasses. Presbyopia is a natural aging process of the eye whereby an individual loses his or her ability to see things up close beginning in the mid 40s. This occurs due to the natural loss of flexibility of the lens, and you will require the need of reading or bifocal glasses or contact lenses for your near visual tasks. Presbyopia-correcting lens implants have emerged to match the needs for your near vision. Unlike bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, these lens implants are inserted into your eye and do not require any additional care. Several presbyopia-correcting lens implants, including accommodative and multifocal implants, have been developed over the last 10-15 years. However, both categories of implants have their limitations. Accommodative implants do not provide adequate near vision for most individuals and still require the need for reading glasses. Multifocal implants usually provide good vision for intermediate and near tasks, such as working on the computer or reading a book; however, patients may experience glare or halos while driving, especially at night. Additionally, these implants do not correct astigmatism. The newest presbyopic-correcting lens implant that received FDA approval in July 2016 is the Tecnis Symfony lens implant. This implant, categorized as the only “Extended Depth of Focus” implant, not only will give a broad range of vision from distance to near for patients but also improve the quality of their vision. The Symfony implant has been engineered to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations of the eye. These aberrations can diminish an individual’s image quality despite a normal and good surgical outcome. By reducing these aberrations, the Symfony implant will improve the quality of a patient’s vision. Furthermore, with a reduced incidence of glare and halos with this implant, patients are more likely to be satisfied with their visual outcomes. The Symfony implant is also available for astigmatic correction, unlike the previous multifocal implants, in the United States. With the advent of this newest Symfony lens implant, patients can now have the most customized results, based on their visual needs and desire to have freedom from glasses.

• Fellowship trained, board-certified surgeons specializing in cataract, cornea, and refractive surgery • State-of-the-art surgery centers directly adjacent to many of our clinics providing the utmost convienience to our patients • Most advanced diagnostic and imaging technology At eighty-two years old, I never believed my eyes would be returned to such great sight. The surgery was a very easy experience, lasting just a few minutes with an easy recovery. By following exactly the very clear drop instructions, my eyesight continues to improve. Each day I thank the nurses, the associates, and my great doctor Samir Vira and then go outside and enjoy my new eyes. - Robert P., Peachtree Corners

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4 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek residents got the chance March 28 to look at images of what Rogers Bridge might look like after a five-government coalition completes restoration. Rogers Bridge is the old span across the Chattahoochee River at the end of Rogers Road that has been closed for 40 years and serves to hold up the emergency sewer line between Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Yet the steel structure is still 90 percent there and, if restored, could be a huge attraction to people who enjoy the river. Decision time is approaching. Johns Creek, Duluth, Fulton County and Gwinnett County are contributing 20 percent of up to $5.2 million with the state picking up 80 percent of the tab. James C. Garrison III is the engineer for the project. His company, Development Planning & Engineering Inc., has come up with four alternate plans that would provide four possible designs to reopen the bridge to pedestrian traffic. “It is the missing link that would connect us with Duluth and Gwinnett County,” said Johns Creek City Councilman Lenny Zaprowski. He said it doesn’t take a genius to see how that bridge would connect residents on both sides of the river to allow access to more parkland and recreation. Johns Creek’s newly acquired 20 acres on Cauley Creek lead right up to the bridge. On the other side are Duluth’s Rogers Bridge Park and Chattahoochee Dog Park. The Western Gwinnett Bikeway

Plan 1: Existing bridge rehabilitation: This plan retains the existing bridge with its 228-foot, pin-connected Pennsylvania Petit steel truss. It would preserve the bridge but is more costly to maintain. Restoration is the most expensive at $5.1 million and would take longest to complete at between 24 to 30 months.

Plan 3: Replica truss replacement: This plan removes the existing bridge and replaces it with a steel truss bridge that replicates the scale and structural form of the old bridge of 33 feet in height and 228 feet in length. Cost would be $4.2 million and take 12 to 15 months to complete.

Plan 2: Truss-hybrid: This would retain the original bridge truss but it would be strengthened with a supplemental structure. It will be more costly to maintain due to its age. Restoration would cost $4.6 million and take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Plan 4: Tied arch replacement: This would remove the old bridge and replace it with a steel-tied arch bridge and a supporting prefabricated steel truss below. It would require extending the length to 252 feet. Cost to replace would be $4.2 million and take 15 to 18 months to complete.

would be within reach of cyclists as well as access to the public spaces and parkland along the Chattahoochee. “Structurally, the bridge is over 100 years old,” Garrison said. “Rehabilitation of the bridge would be extensive and the most expensive. It was designed to carry a horse and buggy.”

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Environmentally, Garrison said the plan is to “stay out of the river.” That means no work inside the “ordinary high-water mark” as determined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “So that limits our options,” he said. The first issue is determining how to take the bridge apart. It will mean bringing in a crane and keeping it “out of the water” too. Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann said she was glad to see the project becoming a reality. “It will be a great amenity for the city,” she said. At the March 28 open house, Johns Creek resident Thomas Nguyen said he thought the project was a great idea. “I love the way we’re thinking about putting a park with the river,” Nguyen said. “It would be great to go floating through the city. And all along the river is national parkland.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 5

Fabric giant offers 30% off for those in town this week This week is the best time to shop to avoid the Atlanta crowds. Boca Bargoons decorative fabric outlet is rewarding all customers who have stayed in town with 30% off all purchases with no exceptions! Boca Bargoons is where you’ll find thousands of rolls of name brand fabrics lying in wait for the deal of a lifetime. These designer fabrics are what make Boca Bargoons so unique and so adored by so many. Boca Bargoons started in Boca Raton, Florida, 35 years ago and now has grown to become the single most desirable source for fine decorative fabric in the world. They are successful largely because they combine unique quality fabrics with in-stock availability, thus eliminating wait time. Boca Bargoons’ showrooms are filled to the brim with skillfully coordinated fabrics and trims in hundreds of vignettes of color, pattern, and style. These fabrics are suitable for use in adjoining rooms, thus eliminating the search time for pairing fabrics together in decorating projects. In addition, Boca Bargoons has a workroom capable of doing any project. Just show them a picture of what you would like, and the rest is very easy. They will calculate the necessary yardage and quote you the price for labor. Successful decorating projects start with beautiful fabrics and the beautiful fabrics at Boca Bargoons are definitely priced right, especially during their 30% off sale this week! Boca Bargoons of Alpharetta is located at 11120 State Bridge Rd. and can be reached at (770) 475-1219.

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BLACKBOX SPECIAL REPORT: PART IV

Journalism under attack: Georgia

Open records requests met with stonewalling Jessica Szilagyi of AllOnGeorgia says ‘there is a war on transparency’ By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com Though Georgia’s Sunshine Laws are designed to provide for a more transparent government, often city and county governments will stonewall open records requests for information they would rather not reSZILAGYI lease, says AllOnGeorgia reporter Jessica Szilagyi. Szilagyi, a graduate of Roswell’s Centennial High, has become a goto voice for readers seeking in-depth coverage of government and politics in South Georgia working with AllOnGeorgia, GeorgiaPol.com and her blog, The Perspicacious Conservative. She is also a contributor on Fox5 Atlanta. Szilagyi often “comes up to bat” to seek open records for her news outlets, and often she says, she is met with stonewalling with some agencies charging thousands of dollars for open records or attempts to discredit her as a reporter. “There are more places that stonewall you than are willing to give you the information. It’s almost always for their beneficial reason, not out of ignorance,” she said. “They don’t always think that I’m somebody that’s going to stay on it and they think that a price can deter the digging,” she said. “I’ve repeatedly had

Note to the editor Thanks for the insightful article “Pentagon Papers to Watergate to WikiLeaks” in The Herald. While I am not a fan of “anonymous” sources, your story gave me a better appreciation of the role they might play. Hopefully they won’t be used without careful verification. –Dick Euler, Milton

Szilagyi was instrumental in keeping the public informed during a controversial city hall acquisition in Reidsville, Ga.

Read Parts I thru III of Journalism under attack: Georgia by visiting NorthFulton. com/blackbox people charge me exorbitant amounts.” When requesting documents from Claxton, Szilagyi was charged for 100 hours worth of work to pull salaries and job description for 25 employees. The cost was over $1,000. When requesting open records from Valdosta State University, which is subject to most open records laws as a public institution, Szilagyi was charged over $7,000. The charge for the retrieval of the records was only $400 but an attorney review of the records came with a $4,000 price tag. This huge price point came from a simple request by a professor at the university seeking his own personnel file. “From every size city, county and schools, they are the same,” Szilagyi said. In addition to monetary stonewalling, Szilagyi also encounters those who try to discredit her as a reporter. “When a city or county is stonewalling open records requests, the first thing they are going to do is to discredit the cause you are looking into because they want to paint you as a liar. ‘She’s just trying to find problems and stirring the pot’ they seem to feel.” “The biggest thing I get is ‘oh you’re not a real journalist, you’re just a blogger.’ But it’s my full-time job and I make a living out of it,” she said. Though her efforts are sometimes

Jessica Szilagyi with pecan grower and former County Commission candidate Kyle Durrence of Reidsville discuss the local political climate at his pecan packing plant, Durden Pecan. discredited, Szilagyi and her work are vital to keeping the public informed. Szilagyi was integral in keeping Reidsville (Tatnall County) residents informed of the city’s purchase of a new city hall amid controversy surrounding the purchase. The city hall, which had a high mark-up in price compared to surrounding buildings, was purchased from the city attorney, raising plenty questions of legality by citizens. “I built those stories over the course of many months and just kept pounding away at [city staff]. The community was fully engaged and wondering what was next. From them I started to receive tips and information,” she said. And though many open records are now available online, Szilagyi said it does not necessarily equal transparency and is still up to journalists to keep the public informed when the public can’t make right or left of most documents.

“I love cities that have information online but when you start getting into other documents like a budget, people don’t know what they are looking at. So while the digital age can be great use for a city saying how transparent it is, most people don’t understand what those documents mean or don’t have time to sift through a budget or whatever it may be. Sometimes I think it’s a shield for getting praise when you really haven’t done anything to help inform anyone. That’d be my cynical view,” she said. “I thought at first it would be the cities that were more technologically advanced that would be more open but that’s not always the case. And It’s across all sizes and demographics of public institutions. There are a lot of loopholes within the Sunshine Laws,” Szilagyi said. “There are about 28 exemptions dealing with why they would not have to be provided and some of them are not clear.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 7

8 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

Unity Garden at Chattahoochee Nature Center gives gift of health Garden-fresh vegetables for needy grown for N.F. Community Charities You never know what you will learn if you get out of your comfort zone and see what other people are doing. For instance, I happened to take a trip over to the Chattahoochee HATCHER HURD Nature Center’s Executive Editor hatcher@appenmediagroup.com annual native plant sale and found a lot more than just plants. For instance, did you know most produce in grocery stores is picked two weeks earlier? And that means those vegetables lose over ¾ of their nutritional value? That was gospel from Unity Garden Coordinator Traci Nitti. I stumbled onto the Unity Garden right next to the CNC plant sale. The Unity Garden is a 10,000-square-foot urban farm established in 2010 with a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for donation to the North Fulton Community Charities’ food pantry. Nitti can give you chapter and verse on the perks home-grown food has over the supermarkets’ fare. Locally grown produce improves the quality and nutritional value of our food and reduces the negative impacts

Paula Hovater is stocking up on plants for this spring at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Last days of CNC Native Plant Sale What: Georgia native plant sale When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 8, 9 Where: 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Why: Proceeds benefit North Fulton Charities: Unity Garden

PHOTOS BY HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Kathy Davenport, left, and Unity Garden Manager Julie Hollingsworth Hogg talk about plants at the Chattahoochee Nature Center plant sale. on our environment, she said. It has a smaller carbon footprint due to shorter transportation time on the road. And of course that means the produce is fresher and more nutritious. Nitti and her volunteers can get as many as three harvests a season. Since

the first harvest in 2010, the Unity Garden has produced more than 27 tons (54,000 pounds!) of healthy, locally grown food, as well as many bushels of fresh culinary herbs for families who often have trouble feeding their children balanced meals.

Couples often make it “a date” to come out together to pick out plants to beautify their yard.

“We are adding cultural and ethnic plants to the garden next year as well,” Nitt said. The Unity Garden is a learning experience to the thousands of Fulton County students who tour the Chattahoochee Nature Center every year. In addition to learning about Georgia’s native animals and flora and the balance of nature, they see the value of growing their own food. She also uses the Unity Garden to teach visiting students ways to tend gardens without relying on toxic pesticides. “Most bugs are part of the balance of nature. They provide pollination and help plants by eating the harmful insects,” she said. The little lady bug is one of those guardians for us. They feast on aphids and other ‘bad’ insects.” One lady bug can eat 5,000 aphids in its lifetime and it won’t contaminate the vegetables you are trying to protect. You can see the Unity Garden and catch the last weekend of the Nature Center’s annual Native Plant Sale this weekend. For questions about the Unity Garden, contact Tricia Nitti at t.nitti@chattnaturecenter.org..

Jacque Digieso, right, reacts as Unity Garden Coordinator Traci Nitti tells her the CNC is asking for plants at its annual plant sale. All proceeds go to support t CNC’s Unity Garden.

OPINION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 9

Murder-suicide doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell real story Deeper tragedy goes unanswered

The Herald recently ran the story of the 61-year-old woman who shot her 37-year-old mentally impaired daughter in an Alpharetta hotel and then turned the gun on herself. I do not have all the details regarding this incident yet, but calling it a murder-suicide is so very wrong, because there is so much more to the story. The individuals involved were a mother and daughter, the mother in her mid-60s and the daughter in her 30s. The daughter was profoundly disabled. This is a tragic failure, and so very painful to imagine what drove this mother to think that this was her only means of escape. There is more than enough blame to go around. Until this incident, the mother and child were invisible to us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just like most other families caring for a family member with a disability, Because of the social and physical architecture of our community, these

families are left in a dark corner of the room. They do not have the time, energy or resources to advocate for themselves or coalesce into a political bloc that would finally draw the interest of elected and appointed officials. I, we, need to find better ways to articulate their reality â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that resonates with the rest of the community. We never again want to hear the words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No interest.â&#x20AC;? Families fracture and friends disappear within a very short span of time when a child is born with or acquires a disability. I hear the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;lonelyâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;silenceâ&#x20AC;? over and over again from parents new to the North Metro Miracle League. I have to admit the formation of social networks and support groups was an unexpected consequence when we started the Miracle League in 2001. But now, 16 years later, it is one of our primary goals. What happened a few days ago hurts. Can the Miracle League and other groups with a parallel mission of helping disable children keep this from happening again?

Families fracture and friends disappear within a very short span of time when a child is born with or acquires a disability. I hear the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;lonelyâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;silenceâ&#x20AC;? over and over again from parents new to the North Metro Miracle League. No, but if we stop just one tragedy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beginning. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commit to the work ahead. At this point the Miracle League does not have a formal crisis response/ intervention program other than facilitating relationships among Miracle League families that share a common reality. These personal relationships and social networks are our crisis response teams. It is time for us to recognize the need and find a way to address that need. When a parent like the mother in

the room starts to spiral into a very dark place there needs to be someone to turn to. What do we do if the Miracle League is a desperate parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first point of contact? And what could a trained Miracle League parent do if added to a formal response team? Could that parent add an element of empathy and understanding that might make a difference? We have work to do. All of us. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; John P. McLaughlin Executive director, North Fulton Miracle League

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10 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA — The section of Interstate 85 near Piedmont Road will remain closed for the foreseeable future following the collapse of the southbound lane Thursday night after the roadway was engulfed in flames. Three suspects were arrested late Friday night in connection with the incident. Less than 24 hours after the highway’s collapse, police arrested Basil Eleby, 39, of Atlanta on charges of first degree arson and first degree criminal damage to property. He is being held at Fulton County Jail on a $200,000 bond. The two other suspects face criminal trespass charges. Fulton County Jail records show that Eleby has been arrested 19 times, mostly on drug charges, since 1995. Sophia Brauer and Barry Thomas were also charged Friday night for criminal trespass. Jay Florence, the state’s deputy insurance and safety fire commissioner, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the three suspects worked together while Eleby set the fire. All three are believed to be homeless.

Roadway Closures and Detours: • I-85 northbound traffic is being diverted to the Buford-Spring connector. • I-75/I-85 northbound traffic is being diverted to I-75 northbound. For northbound traffic, 17th Street is last available exit prior to the Brookwood split. • I-75 southbound ramp to I-85 northbound ramp is closed. • Ga. 400 southbound to I-85 southbound is closed, with traffic being diverted to I-85 northbound. Sidney Marcus Boulevard is the last available exit. • I-85 southbound is closed, with traffic diverted to Ga. 400 northbound. Lenox/Cheshire Bridge is last available exit • The Buford-Spring connector southbound is open from Piedmont Road. • The Buford-Spring connector northbound is open from Spring/West Peachtree and Peachtree Street. The Georgia Department of Transportation has started major repair work to the bridge for both the southbound

See I-85, Page 45

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 11

12 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SCHOOLS

Lawmakers help failing schools; reject mandatory recess 2017 session ends with numerous changes to K-12 education By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Mandatory recess is out, but flexibility in testing – and tests – could soon be Georgia law. On the final day of the 2017 Georgia General Assembly on March 31, lawmakers put the finishing touches on education legislation, while tabling others till the next session. Two pieces of approved legislation will have the most impact on education in Georgia: Senate Bill 211 which allows options for mandatory state testing, and House Bill 338 which provides state structure for improving failing schools. Education advocacy groups and school boards lobbied hard for SB211 which requires the State Board of Education to look at nationally recognized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, in addition to, or in place of, the Georgia Milestones assessments (End of Grade and End of Course tests).

Mandated in grades 3-12, these annual high stakes tests have been criticized for technical glitches, delivering late results and exceeding federal testing mandates. SB 211 proposes a solution for “local DEAL school system flexibility...to the greatest extent permitted under federal law.” Last month, Fulton school leaders testified before a Senate committee on behalf of SB 211, urging the state to give local systems more options in meeting testing mandates. If signed by Gov. Nathan Deal, school systems with flexibility waivers, including Fulton, would be allowed to choose approved assessments to meet state and federal mandates for student testing. Attached to the bill in the final day of the session was House Bill 114, which prohibits a school system from disqualifying students from valedictorian/salutatorian status if they are dual-enrolled students through Move on When Ready. The bill only applies to students

who enroll in a high school prior to their junior year. A related testing bill, House Bill 425, also passed the Legislature, allowing students to take state-mandated assessments with paper and pencil. Currently, the state is moving to mandatory online testing for all. The bill also prohibits a local school system from taking punitive actions against students whose parents opt out of state mandated assessments. The most-debated education bill before the General Assembly was how to fix failing schools. Last year, Deal’s Opportunity School District idea was shot down by voters for its overreach into local school systems. This year, the Plan B, now known as “The First Priority Act,” revisited the plan, with more input from local educators and state education advocacy groups. The bill went through numerous tweaks throughout the 40-day session, but it passed with enough support to likely earn Deal’s signature. In a nutshell, the State Board of Education will appoint a chief turnaround officer (CTO) to work with local school systems to improve the lowest performing schools. The definition of a failing

school will ultimately be decided by the CTO after “collaboration” with the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) and the local school system. The “who’s in charge” piece was decided by the Legislature, which turned down an amendment to have the CTO report directly to the state school superintendent. A second amendment to allow parents to be taken to court for failing to support their child was also defeated. The nuts and bolts of HB338 will be ironed out in the coming weeks and will go into effect for the 2017-18 school year. The much-debated House Bill 273, known as the recess bill, failed to pass the Senate by day 40. The bill sought to require at least 30 minutes of “unstructured play” for students in grades K-5. It will be eligible to pass next year. The Legislature did approve a task force to look at the school calendar issue and whether lawmakers need to legislate when schools can open each year. Gov. Deal has 40 days from the end of the session to sign or veto passed legislation. If the governor takes no action, the legislation becomes law.

COMMUNITY

Early voting opens for 6th District race SIXTH DISTRICT — Early voting has officially started for the 6th Congressional District seat vacated by Tom Price after he was named as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. A total of 18 candidates are vying for the seat, which encompasses parts of Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties. Early voting will be held through April 14, with the actual election set for April 18. If no candidate gets over 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will be held June 20. Voting at North Fulton locations is held during regular business hours in: • East Roswell Branch Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell • North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Rowell Road, Room 232, Sandy Springs • Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton • Robert F. Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek • Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell (April 10-14 Only) More information about voter status, locations and what to bring can be found at sos.ga.gov.

Emory JC offers free driver safety tests for seniors JOHNS CREEK, Ga.— Emory Johns Creek Hospital will offer free safety tests to senior drivers on April 29. The American Society on Aging, American Automobile Association, American Association of Retired Persons and the American Occupational Therapy Association created an educational program called “CarFit” that will be used to educate drivers at EJCH. A trained team, including occupational therapists will be on hand at the CarFit event. They will teach drivers how to properly adjust their seats, steering wheel and mirrors to minimize blind spots. Drivers will also learn good foot and head rest positioning and how they can reduce their risk for injury and accidents, among other things. Each assessment takes approximately 20 minutes. Call 678-474-8008 for more information.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 13

COMMUNITY

14 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

Barbara May, right, an audioprosthologist with Optimal Hearing, tests a visitor’s hearing.

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By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — For seniors looking to stay healthy, the answer may be closer than they think. Each year, the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department holds a free Senior Health and Wellness Expo as a one-stop destination for information gathering, and this year’s event was no different. Although the annual expo focuses on those 50 and older, anyone is welcome to take advantage of the resources. “It’s an expo for anybody interested in health and wellness. There’s no limit,” said Kiran Fatania, the health and wellness coordinator for the city and organizer behind the expo. “It’s vital information for anyone to use in the community.” Fatania is part of the city’s specialized Health and Wellness Division created two years ago to support the community with year-round programs and activities. The expo is one of the division’s largest events. “People are always asking us where they can get help for their aging parents – what’s a good facility to go to or who is a good chiropractor,” Fatania said. “With the expo, you can gather all of that information for yourself in one day.” This is the 15th year that Fatania has organized the senior expo, and she said that it has grown each year. Since she started, the expo’s vendor list has more than doubled. This year’s

was so large that the organizers had to create a wait list for interested vendors. “We had vendors doing a little bit of everything, from chiropractors, senior living facilities, hospices, vision screenings, hearing screenings – basically anything wellness related, some even not wellness related,” Fatania said. Some of this year’s vendors included orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, nutrition counselors and jewelry makers. Companies such as Neurosport Physical Therapy, Lako Family Chiropractic, Sprouts, Sam’s Club, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, Roswell Nursing Home and Brookdale Living provided demonstrations, healthy treats and samples. “We’re getting more creative with our vendors too. We’ve been getting away from some of the more traditional health and wellness screenings and branching out into related fields,” Fatania said. “As we’ve grown, the vendors have diversified.” Health and Wellness Division will put on a similar expo May 13 at Riverside Park that will also include workshops and panels in addition to providing demonstrations and samples. This will be the second time that Roswell will be hosting the Family Music, Health and Wellness Expo, which focuses on music as an integral part of health and wellness. Because it will be held outside, organizers are looking to give it a more festival-like feel, Fatania said. Fatania said that they have gotten good feedback from vendors and community members alike for their expos and that they are excited to continue expanding the programs. To learn more about the upcoming programs, including free summer “Fitness in the Park” classes, visit roswellgov.com.

NEWS

WABE holds 6th District race panel discussion By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Some 300 came April 3 to hear the panel discussion about issues in the 6th District congressional special election sponsored by Public Radio station WABE. Panelists for the discussion were Cobb County Democratic Party Chairman Michael Owens, Republican political director and strategist Justin Tomczak and Georgia State University political science professor Sean Richey. WABE’s Dennis O’Hayer, local host of the morning news show “Morning Edition,” acted as moderator. Presented under the title “High Stakes, Changing Times,” the big question seemed to be does a Democrat stand a chance when the 6th Congressional District has been held by a Republican since 1979 in a field of 18 candidates in a nonpartisan race? No candidate names were mentioned by the panel, but it was clear the discussion swirled around the chances of Democrat Jon Ossoff who does not even live in the district. With 18 candidates in the race, mostly Republican, it would be difficult to choose a front-runner for that party. GSU professor Richey acted as the fair arbiter as Owens and Tomczak stood in as proxies for Democrat and Republican candidates respectively. There has been a lot of national interest in the race – in part because it was former Congressman Tom Price’s House seat before he joined President Donald Trump’s cabinet as Health and Human Services secretary. O’Hayer said the race is looked on by many as an early bellwether for Trump’s early days in office. The 6th District has in recent years turned out 60 percent Republican and 40 percent Democrat. If there is a Democrat win, it could be argued as burgeoning backlash against Trump. As Cobb Democratic chairman, Owens said the 6th District has a diverse population running east to west from Cobb County’s Dobbins Air Force Base to Doraville in DeKalb County. “North Fulton’s population didn’t grow up in North Fulton. They are a diverse group, highly educated who have moved here from all over the country,” Owens said. But a candidate talking up more defense spending means one thing in Marietta where Lockheed-Martin Aerospace plant dominates.

WABE, 90.1FM, will replay an edited broadcast of the forum Friday, April 7, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 9, at 2 p.m. Speaking for Republicans, Tomczak said voters are “looking for authenticity – someone who is telling the truth.” Jobs are very much an issue, he said. One questioner from the audience said “as a woman and a Democrat” her voice was not being heard. There is a “sea change” in the political scene and isn’t the 6th District “flip-able?” Professor Richey picked up on that. “There is a sea change in the district but it is a demographic one,” he said. The Atlanta area continues to draw new people – and younger people – to live and work here. It remains to be seen how politically active they are and in which direction along the political spectrum they fall. Owens said there has been an “outpouring of people” who have not been involved in the political process. “We are seeing more involvement now. The big consideration for us is when we win [the special election], we will have to turn around run again next year,” he said. Tomczak said Georgia has seen a lot of political shifting in Georgia and it has been to the Republican side. “When I moved to Georgia it was a Democratic state. Now it is Republican,” he said. Tomczak does not see that pattern changing. O’Hayer said the Republican administration is determined to end federal environmental regulations. That is “pennywise and pound foolish” isn’t it? Tomczak said no. He suggested over-regulation does no good. “There have been regulations in place for years, and yet we still have problems,” he said. “More regulations are not the answer. If people see someone dump stuff into rivers, they should expose it.” Fear of public reaction would halt it, he said. Owens said being a Democrat does not equal over-regulation. What Trump is proposing goes beyond easing the brakes on businesses. “I want my child to live in a pure, clean environment,” Owens said.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 15

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COMMUNITY

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

On April 18th, VOTE Jon Ossoff for Congress. Braves exec ‘puttin’ on “I’ll work to attract the Ritz’ for SunTrust Park more high-tech

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GNFCC members hear all about Braves in Cobb By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga.— Trey Workman, the Atlanta Braves’ director of corporate partnerships, was on a roll as he sang the praises for SunTrust Park to a full house at the March 27 Greater North Fulton Chamber Breakfast. With the opening of SunTrust Park days away, Workman promised much more than mere Major League Baseball. We are talking about the Braves Experience. As much as Workman glowed about the new 41,000-seat home of the Atlanta Braves getting ready in Cobb County, he was equally enthusiastic about The Battery Atlanta, the 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development that wraps around the park. Located in the Cumberland area of Cobb at I-75 and I-285, SunTrust Park flows directly into The Battery Atlanta. The Battery features boutique shops and chef-driven restaurants. Other amenities include, an Omni Hotel and The Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre. There are 550 apartment units in The Battery as well. Inside the park, fans are going to be delighted, he said. Where at Turner Field there were only about 400 “premium seats,” at SunTrust there will be 4,000 premium seats. The SunTrust Club, Delta Sky 360 Club, the Infiniti Club and more, patrons will have great seats, food and beverages served in a manner and an atmosphere not usually associated with

baseball. The Braves set an ambitious goal to sell 18,000 season tickets. To date SunTrust Park has sold 15,000. Workman says he feels good about that. “We have moved closer to where our core base is. And let’s face it. Nobody wanted to hang around after a game at Turner Field. Here there will be a host of things to do. “Being in the Northern Arc where our core base is, we are happy.” Workman said the Braves tried hard to do a deal with Atlanta but it just was not to be. “If we had gotten half of what we were asking for, we would have stayed,” Workman said. “But it has worked out for both [Atlanta and the Braves.] “They’ve got a wonderful connection with Georgia State University, and the university is pleased as well.” Cobb County took some hits also, but Workman said Cobb will have the last laugh. “There has been $5 billion in new mixed-use development in Cobb County since the SunTrust deal was announced. In the first year, $28 million in new Cobb taxes will be generated,” he said. “There will be $14.8 million going to Cobb schools.” Of course the one topic in everyone’s mind is “How do you get there and where do you park?” “Everybody is worried about the traffic,” Workman said. “Well, the newspapers are not always right. There are

See BRAVES, Page 45

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 17

Religious Services

Come, Make Yourself at Home this Easter Palm Sunday ~ Sunday, April 9 8:30, 9:50 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services

Maundy Thursday ~ Thursday, April 13 Chapel | 7:00 p.m. | Communion Service

Holy Week

PALM SUNDAY APRIL 9TH Worship Service 8am | 11am “Launch Into the Seats” 4pm Palm Sunday Concert 5pm MONDAY APRIL 10TH Chestene Scholarship Golf Tournament 8am

TUESDAY APRIL 11TH Bishop Marvin Sapp 7pm (doors open at 6pm)

SATURDAY APRIL 15TH Easter Eggstravaganza 11am-2pm

GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 14TH Worship Service: Walk to Calvary 6pm 7 Last Words 7pm

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 16TH 6am | 7:30am | 9:30am | 11:30am

St. James United Methodist Church • 678-762-1543 • StJamesUMC.org 3000 Webb Bridge Rd • Alpharetta, GA 30009 Rev. Dr. Michael T. McQueen, Sr. Pastor @STJAMES_UMC

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Good Friday ~ Friday, April 14

Sanctuary | 7:00 p.m. | John Stainer’s Crucifixion with Chancel Choir & Organist Jeremy Rush

Easter Sunday ~ Sunday, April 16

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11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097 Rev. Dr. Sondra R. Jones, Senior Pastor www.JohnsCreekUMC.org

It was our goal to create a downtown Alpharetta that would be commensurate with the stature of our city. DAVID BELLE ISLE, Alpharetta Mayor 18 | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017

BUSINESSES OF EXCELLENCE:

Alpharetta businesses of excellence

Alpharetta has 5th business awards recognition breakfast

Each year, the City of Alpharetta generates a list of awardees conduction an extensive search. The search includes combing the internet, the annual published lists of Forbes, Fortune, Inc 5000, Appen’s “Best of the Best,” The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Book of Lists,” The Atlanta Journal Constitution, and other sources. These lists are highly regarded, respected and are a record of achievement of excellence. 5 Year 3 Year • Alpharetta Convention • Alpine Bakery & Visitors Bureau • Addington Place of Alpharetta • Edge Solutions LLC • Burns & McDonnell Engineering • Schweitzer-Mauduit • Da Vinci's Donuts International, Inc • Drake Closet • Brixmor Property Group • ENT Institute • Colonial Pipeline Company • FiberLight • Dodge Communications Inc. • Georgetown Pediatrics • Lancope, Inc • Jackson Healthcare • McKesson • Keller Williams Realty – • National Christian Foundation CH Realty Investments LLC • Neenah Paper Inc. • Kid to Kid • RE/MAX of Georgia Inc. • King’s Ridge Christian School • Siemens • LeasePlan USA • ZCorum • Media Brokers International Inc. • Paramount Software Solutions 4 Year • Pieper O'Brien Herr Architects • Hop Alley • Priority Payment Systems • The Rainmaker Group • Pyramid Consulting • Village Tavern • Queen of Hearts • Iroff & Son Jewelers • Robertson/Loia/Roof P.C. • Medicus Solutions • Safe Systems • Novogradac & Co. LLP • Santi & Associates • Profisee Group • The Original Honey Baked Ham • Xcentric • Company of Georgia • Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre • Wellcentive • Willis Chiropractic

Mayor Belle Isle honors businesses for achievements in field By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta took the time March 30 to honor the city’s businesses that have been singled out for achievements in their fields by their peers in those fields. It was the fifth annual Business Awards Recognition Breakfast with more than 200 in attendance. This year more businesses were recognized than ever before. Alpharetta Economic Development Director Peter Tokar said the Achievement Awards Breakfast was begun to honor these companies that have won awards or special distinctions in their respective fields given the “Businesses of Excellence” distinction. Alpharetta City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Owens greeted the guests saying the 220 businesses being honored that morning need to know the city appreciates what they do for the community. “These businesses should be celebrated in the Alpharetta community. You are our community builders. You give Alpharetta its vibrancy,” Owens said. Tokar rose to add that the city

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle tells the business community they are partners in building a great community.

wanted to recognize the contributions made by the city’s businesses and say thank you. “It is you that make Alpharetta the great business community that it is. Each one at the tables here have played a role in that achievement,” Tokar said. Each of the 220 businesses present had been recognized during 2016 as having stood out among their peers. Mayor David Belle Isle was the keynote speaker, and he made it clear the city appreciates its business commu-

nity. “And love must be shown to be known,” Belle Isle told the guests. “Every groundbreaking is a tremendous day for Alpharetta,” he said. The city has been transformed by the businesses – large and not so large – that continue to attract more companies to the city.

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See BREAKFAST, Page 19

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 19

We’re all state champs at the beach Content marketing I’m not sure what you are doing, but right now I’m writing this column on the lanai of a house we rented for the week in Sandestin, Fla. At home in Roswell I have a back GEOFF SMITH porch. Here I have Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com a lanai. If it makes you feel better, I can see a storm rolling in from the Gulf. It won’t damper my day that much though, really. We did the beach yesterday, we’ll do it again tomorrow. Guess I’ll have to rough it inside today playing Uno with Brenda and the boys, or maybe Clue, or watch a move or two. Maybe we’ll go out to a theater? Hard to say. I’m typically a pretty focused worker. I put in a lot of hours at work, in the community and with projects at home. If you are fully involved in what you do for work or anything else, it’s a treat to unplug from it for a bit. Damian Cook, one of the managing partners at our branch here in Atlanta, just got back from a two-week trip to Israel with his wife. It looked like an incredible trip and he looked pretty incredible himself upon return. I’m sure most of you would say this about your jobs, but being a mortgage banker is a very intensive and high-maintenance job. But I

Breakfast: Continued from Page 18 500 jobs downtown to occupy the four-story office component. “It was our goal to create a downtown Alpharetta that would be commensurate with the stature of our city,” he said. He noted Avalon will cut the

guess anything can be high-maintenance if you care a lot about the quality of each end result. My wife, Brenda, is the coach of my son Samuel’s Odyssey of the Mind team at Queen of Angels. If you are not familiar with that program, it’s a competition where schools are given specific tasks that they have to perform in the way of a dramatic skit. They work together in teams of seven and spend several months creating the sets, writing and practicing the skits and creating objects that will perform the tasks. There is also a ‘spontaneous’ portion of the competition where they go into a room and are immediately asked to figure something out. They are judged and allotted points. Our team won region last month, and then we had the state competition in Columbus, Ga., last Saturday. Their team had largely been together for three years. They got fifth in the state last year and the year before. After last year, these fourth and fifth graders decided that they were going to win state this year. They started early January meeting every Sunday and Tuesday getting their set together, writing their skit, creating vehicles with their own unique propulsion systems and then practicing their skits. Well folks, I’m here to tell you that they are your state champs! They will be heading to the world competitions in East Lansing, Mich., next month.

They really worked so hard – especially for children that young. I can’t tell you how happy they are – well, I kind of can. Two days after the competition, three of the seven team members still wear their medals around their necks (one I saw on Facebook is still wearing his team-shirt). It has been so much fun to watch. As adults, we don’t get that kind of exhilaration after our wins. As we get older, our tasks get longer and our exhilaration turns to more of a satisfaction. A win for me is having a big month, a big quarter and a big year. But after each win, in our business, you have a short amount of time that you can celebrate before realizing it’s time to start working on next year. That said, getting to step away and enjoy time here with my family in Sandestin, is kind of my victory celebration. There were some missed opportunities and things that could have been done better, but this week I’m going to enjoy the successes. And I’ll start by riding the coat-tails of my wife and son and their team. Congratulations Queen of Angels’ State Champs Team!

ribbon on its second phase and Alpharetta is creating its Alpha Loop trail to connect the downtown, Avalon and the Haynes Bridge Road office community. “It will be our own Beltline,” Belle Isle said. The city is partnering in business conference center in Avalon and building a parkway – a linear park, the mayor called it – that will link downtown and Avalon as well.

The mayor noted four of the 10 largest technology companies reside in Alpharetta. And while Mercedes added 800 jobs and a $100 million development in Sandy Springs, it should be noted Jackson Healthcare in Alpharetta is adding 1,400 new jobs and a $120 million expansion. The city wanted to show the business community its appreciation for the investment and quality of life they bring to the city.

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attracts new customers Are your marketing efforts not attracting new customers to your small business? Do traditional marketing channels not produce the results that you want? Consumers have migrated away from DICK JONES traditional marketing, Founder & President Jones Simply Sales and small businesses owners are realizing that content marketing is a way to get them back. So, what is content marketing? Content marketing is creating and distributing relevant and valuable information to attract, acquire and engage a clearly defined and understood target audience, with the objective of driving profitable customer actions. Fundamentally, content marketing allows you to communicate with your customers and prospects without selling. The big difference between content marketing and traditional marketing is that it captures the attention of your target audience by providing them with information that is relevant and valuable to them. Content marketing also builds trust and enhances the relationships you have with your customers. The starting point for content marketing is developing an overall strategy and determining what marketing channels to utilize. Email marketing, social media, blogs, videos, webinars, white papers and e-books are all great vehicles to deliver your content to customers and prospects. You then need to develop your marketing content messages. Doing your homework to determine what is relevant and valuable to your customers is an important step in this process. If you are not happy with your current marketing results, and you want to get better results in attracting new customers to your small business, content marketing is the way to go.

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BUSINESSPOSTS

20 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

WellStar North Fulton Hospital names chief of staff Dr. Shelley DunsonAllen brings experience By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Months after WellStar Hospital acquired North Fulton Hospital, it has named Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen its new chief of staff. Her responsibilities will be to oversee the entire medical staff at the hospital. That includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and others. She also chairs the Medical Executive Committee for the hospital and is part of the Executive Leadership Team. “Dr. Dunson-Allen has dedicated her career to her patients and will have a great impact on the quality of patient care for the North Fulton community,” said Lindsey Petrini, interim president of North Fulton Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses, leaders and team members agree she’s an asset and look forward to benefiting from her passion for patient care.” Dunson-Allen has been on staff at North Fulton Hospital since 2001. “I execute projects and programs and the day-to-day functioning related to physicians and healthcare providers,” she said. “(The acquisition is) exciting. The WellStar corporation is a very good corporate entity. They have a great plan for North Fulton Hospital, now WellStar North Fulton Hospital, to

continue to grow in the community and provide outstanding services across the board.” The hospital is one of the few in the state fully accredited for trauma, she said. Additionally, it is an accredited stroke center, offers inpatient rehab services, has an intensive care unit, cardiology services, has a “5-star” women’s health division and the lowest cesarean rate in the state of Georgia. “We have in-house midwifery care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so women have an opportunity to labor a little longer and usually because of that have a successful vaginal delivery,” Dunson-Allen said. “We are really proud of that.” The hospital also strives to help its team members in personal development. “This is significant to help them identify talent, reward it and support people in the organization who are trying to move forward in their educational and professional growth,” Dunson-Allen said. “This will help retain them as employees and they won’t have to hire new people all the time and train them. It’s nice to have your own timeline and develop your own internal group of staff members.” While the hospital has a lot of programs, it has always been community -based, she said. “We’ve always been focused on providing service lines that are necessary for taking care of people in a commu-

nity,” Dunson-Allen said. “WellStar also embraces that and are focused on quality and safety. That focus is good and is the direction hospitals need to go in the future to continue being successful and continue to provide the quality of care we want patients to have.”

In addition to this new role, Dunson-Allen will continue to run her private practice, Providence Women’s Healthcare practicing OBGYN and midwifery, which has three locations in Alpharetta/Roswell, Dunwoody and Johns Creek.

NEWBUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

Burn Boot Camp comes to Roswell Business name: Burn Boot Camp Roswell Owner: Ashley Beasley and Victoria Ciresi About: Burn Boot Camp is a fitness community that focuses on mindset, nutrition, burst training, strength and conditioning, and their community of

Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen was recently named chief of staff at WellStar North Fulton Hospital.

women. They offer camps, nutrition coaching and free childcare. Opened: Feb. 19, 2017 Address: 12060 Crabapple Road, Roswell, Ga. 30075 Phone: 470-485-2770 Website: www.burnbootcamp.com/ roswell-ga

Alpharetta welcomes Prestige Auto Polishing and Protection Business name: Prestige Auto Polishing & Protection Owner: Chris Luman About: Prestige Auto Polishing & Protection, located in north Alpharetta, has officially opened its doors. The detailing studio offers detailing packages,

paint correction, ceramic coatings and XPEL paint protection films. Opened: March 2017 Address: 155-J Mauldin Drive, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004 Phone: 678-820-8244 Website: www.prestigeautopolishing.com

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 21

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22 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CALENDAR “THE IF PROJECT”

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Enjoy face painting, balloon art, the Red Barn petting zoo and rides on a trackless train. Be sure to bring a camera for photos with the Easter Bunny. An egg hunt for ages 3-6 will start at 11 a.m. Instead of a hunt area, a special goody bag will be given to the first 250 children ages 2 and younger, and 7 and older. Join the fun Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.-noon at 13450 Cogburn Road in Alpharetta. For more information, visit alpharetta.ga.us. Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton.com/ Calendar.

EVENTS: FORSYTH SENIOR EXPO

What: Forsyth County Senior Services will host the 15th annual Forsyth Senior Expo. Explore vendors from home care, senior living, legal services and more. Free health screenings, prizes and refreshments. When: Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming More info: forsythco.com

COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

What: North Fulton businesses and residents are invited to recycle computers, appliances and other electronic equipment for free. See full listed of accepted materials online. When: Saturday, April 8, 9 a.m.-noon Where: Alpharetta Department of Public Safety parking, 2565 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

RUMC MINI JOB FAIR

What: Employers from throughout greater Atlanta will meet in person with possible candidates for their job openings. The mini job fair will be held in the evening with workshops throughout the day. When: Monday, April 10, 12:30 p.m. Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell More info and full schedule: rumcjobnetworking.com

ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Alpharetta’s weekly gathering returns on Old Roswell Street with rotating food trucks and music each week. Six to eight food trucks from the Atlanta area will come out to help kick off the weekend early. When: Thursday, April 13, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Old Roswell Street in Alpharetta’s historic district More info: awesomealpharetta.com

ROSWELL AZALEA FESTIVAL

What: Events will take place throughout the city to celebrate spring, Roswell and the abundant azaleas, a native Georgian flower. Activities include plant sales, art exhibits, bicycle races, ghost tours, comedy night and more. When: Through April 30 Where: Multiple locations throughout Roswell More info: roswellazaleafestival.com

FREE TAX PREP

What: The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers will present a film that follows the fastest growing segment of the incarcerated population: women. A Q&A session with the filmmaker will follow the free showing. When: Tuesday, April 11, 7-10 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

“DRIVING MISS DAISY”

What: The Kudzu Players present a Pulitzer Prize-winning Off-Broadway play about the relationship between an aging white Southern woman and a black chauffeur. When: April 13-23, times vary Where: Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors More info and tickets: bullochhall.org

“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”

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

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

FREE AARP TAX HELP

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

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: JOE GRANSDEN AND & HIS BIG BAND

What: Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents Joe Gransden and his 16-piece big band. Gransden is known for his hard bop approach and a singing voice that has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. When: Monday, April 10, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St. Cost: $20 to $30 More info and tickets: get.org

LIBRARY EVENTS:

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

SCAD PRINTMAKING EXHIBIT

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

MILTON CROCHET CLUB

What: Beginners or advanced patrons with an interest in learning the basics or more complicated patterns are invited to this free club. Bring your own needle and yarn. Recommended for adults and elders. When: Thursday, April 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

MEMOIR WRITING FOR TEENS

What: Teens will consider their favorite books as models of good writing and will learn about the six steps of good writing. They will then use what they’ve learned to work on their own writing project. When: Saturday, April 8, 2-4 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: laura. hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov

DRAWING PLANTS, FLOWERS

What: Learn some of the secrets to drawing plants, flowers and other natural objects using techniques that are fun, effective and easy to practice at home. For ages 7-14. Registration required. When: Saturday, April 8, 3-5 p.m. Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 404-613-4050

AP TEST PREP: US GOV

What: Join the instructors from C2Education as they help prepare students for the AP US Government test this spring. Participants will get the chance to take a mock exam April 15 during library hours. Registration required. When: Monday, April 10, 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 770-640-3075

GIRLS WHO CODE

What: Girls Who Code is a national club created with one goal: to close the gender gap in technology. This club is open to girls in grades 6 through 12. When: Sunday, April 9, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info and registration: girlswhocode.com or marcia.divack@ fultoncountyga.gov

RECYCLED ART

What: Children, ages 6-11, will create a recycled art piece. The class may get messy, so children are advised to dress accordingly. Presented by Out of the Box Art. Registration required. When: Wednesday, April 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 404-613-4050

PET ADOPTIONS:

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

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

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: FREE TAX PREP SERVICES

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

CALENDAR

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 23

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA:

Tackling the Appalachian Trail Alpharetta-native discovers the AT is more than a walk in the woods

You may have seen Kimberly Maxwell and not even known it. Kimberly is an Atlanta actress, model and motivational speaker who has appeared in commercials for STEVE HUDSON companies such as Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net Zaxby’s and Tropical Smoothie, and it’s neat to see someone you know on TV. Just the other evening my wife and I were watching a little TV when the Zaxby’s ad appeared. “Wait a minute!” I said. “Run that back! That’s Kimberly!” But you may also have seen Kimberly if you’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail. Kimberly is a member of that select group of folks who have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. That’s about 2180 miles … one step at a time. Some start in Georgia and hike straight through to Maine; others do what’s known as a flip-flop hike.To fit her schedule, that’s what Kimberly did, starting in the middle at Damascus, Va., hiking north to Maine, then returning to Virginia and hiking back to Georgia to finish atop Springer Mountain. That’s a lot of hiking. But it’s not the only challenge Kimberly has taken on. She has also won a battle with cancer. “Beating cancer taught me a lot about how limitless I am,” she says, and that helped empower her to tackle the Appalachian Trail. How did folks react when Kimberly began talking about hiking the AT? As her departure date drew nearer, she began to hear warnings that maybe she shouldn’t try it. Quietly at first, and then more loudly, some began to tell her that the hike really wasn’t a good idea. The trail was long, they said. Weather could be rough, they said. And there were some bad people out there… “I was told every day how scared I should be,” she recalls. “But if I’d listened to that, I’d never have left the front door.” Instead, Kimberly decided to tell herself “a different story.” “Certainly, I would be aware,” she says. “But I would not be scared.” Kimberly began her hike on May 17 and finished two days before the end of October. Did she ever doubt she

Kimberly Maxwell at Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. would make it? “People ask me when I knew that I’d be successful,” she says, “and I tell them that I already knew I’d make it through on the very day I decided to go.” Yes. But what do you do when the going gets hard and the voice in your head that it would be easy…oh so easy…to call the whole thing off? “There’s a saying among thru-hikers,” she says, “that you have to ‘hike your own hike.’ ” I ask her what that means, and I’m still processing what she said. But I think the bottom line has to do with (at the risk of cliché) charting your own course rather than letting others do it for you. That’s important on an adventure like this. You must decide what you hear: the voice that keeps you moving – or the one that urges you to throw in the towel. “There are no bounds,” Kimberly once noted, “if you don’t impose them on yourself.” It occurs to me that this really is a mindset thing. I know because I tried a little piece of the AT myself just a few weeks ago. It was (how to put it) challenging. I set out figuring I’d make it, but I forgot to let my head know. Instead, partway through and gasping for air, I started wondering if I was go-

ing to die right then and there. For me, giving up certainly was an option. And so I took it…publicly sad to have called it quits but secretly thrilled to be heading back to the comfort of the car and the prospect of a Yonah Burger on the way home. Come to think of it, too many of those burgers just might have been part of my problem. I’m going to have to deal with that and try again. But I still ask “what if?” What if I had decided, at the get-go, to take “turning back” off the table? That’s what Kimberly did, and she finished the trail. “That doesn’t mean that there were never hard days,” she says, “or even hard weeks. It doesn’t mean that there weren’t times when I was cold or lonely. But giving up wasn’t an option.” Instead, she says, “My only option was to come up with an alternate plan.” What would she say to other women who are considering such an adventure? “I’d say to them, ‘You’re capable,’ ” she says. In fact, that’s what she emphasizes when she speaks to groups about her experience and what it means. “I speak about choosing bravery,” she says, “and about not listening to fear.” Hiking the Appalachian Trail, she adds, “proved I can do anything.” She sums it up like this: “I walked 2,189.2 miles, crossed through 14 states, saw 13 bears, one moose, one rattlesnake, countless other wildlife, took two trips to New York City, a trip to Washington D.C., a trip to Portland, Maine, a trip to urgent care, saw seven plays, was given nearly $400 by complete strangers, had five complete breakdowns, made friends with some of the most selfless people I’ve ever met, and learned more about myself than I could’ve ever imagined. “I learned that I am smart, strong, and brave,” she adds, “and that there are no limits to what I’m able to achieve. I realized that I can do anything. Can you?” You can learn more about Kimberly Maxwell’s Appalachian Trail experience through her blog at www.KimbersAppalachianAdventures.wordpress.com. To learn more about having Kimberly speak to your group or organization, contact her at KimberlyLMaxwell16@ gmail.com.

24 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Mr. and Mrs. Italy – 10: 15 a.m.

Italy travel expert, author of Handpicked Italy, and founder of MrandMrsItaly.com, Debra Levinson will be sharing on custom and signature trip designs. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insider knowledge on how you can experience the best of Italy through authentic, immersive travel with Q&A. PLUS: Win a Custom Planned trip to Italy - $3500 toward the trip of your dreams!

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North Atlanta Hair Restoration – 11 a.m.

Dr. Danyo, a leading expert in his field of practice, will be presenting on the latest advances and options for Hair Restoration with an exclusive Q&A opportunity.

Premier Dermatology and MOHS Surgery of Atlanta 12 p.m.

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon and certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care. Dr. Taylor will be presenting on the latest advances in Skin Cancer Treatment and Vein Care with an exclusive Q&A opportunity.

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Expedia CruiseShipCenters – 1 p.m.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 25

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26 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

26 | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 27

28 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 29

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

COMMUNITY

JCHS announces official football feeder program JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Beginning with the 2017 Football Season, the Johns Creek Junior Gladiator Football Program will support all third through eighth Grade Tackle Football teams associated with Johns Creek High School, as well as, kindergarten through second grade flag football teams and cheer. The Johns Creek Football community has recognized the need to grow

the program at the high school level as well as the need for organic team growth over time through the development of one cohesive youth level program. The Jr. Gladiator program is focused on the growth and development of football players and cheerleaders in order to support the school. Fall Flag and Tackle Football registration is now open. Visit www. juniorgladiators.com to learn more.

Wilson Creek ES third grade students are shown with Gov. Nathan Deal at the Georgia State Capitol Building.

Wilson Creek Wildcats meet Gov. Deal JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On March 22, students from Wilson Creek Elementary School visited the Georgia State Capitol Building in conjunction with their social studies unit “Roots of Democracy.” More than 150 students attended the capitol. Students met Governor Nathan Deal and toured the Capitol Building, including the rotunda, General Assembly Hall and the Capitol’s Museum of governmental artifacts of Georgia.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 31

Senior Sophie Kopec (front row) IS joined by her parents Tricia and John Kopec as she. Rear row are from left Northview Athletic Director Scotty McDaniel, cousin Scott Whitesell, and coaches Kristyn Wakely and Jen McConnell.

N’view’s Kopec to play lacrosse at William & Mary JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Northview High School senior Sophie Kopec signed recently her national letter of intent to play Division I women’s lacrosse at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Kopec is a 4-year

varsity starter and is three-time AllState selection. She is also a three-time team captain. Kopec was also a National Under Armour tournament participant. She played on multiple Team Georgia and Georgia All Star teams.

Woodward North Odyssey of the Mind advances to state JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Woodward North’s three Odyssey of the Mind Teams recently competed at the South Georgia regional tournament in Hawkinsville, Georgia. Teams compete in three categories; Long Term, Style, and Spontaneous. The Odd-a-bot Division Two team and the Catch Us If You Can Division One team won all three categories. The Superhero Cliffhanger Division One team came in first place in two of the three categories. All three teams came in first place overall, qualifying for the state Odyssey of the Mind tournament on April 1 at Columbus State University.

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32 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

New volunteers mingle March 25 during a meet and greet to support Mission Dawgs.

PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Mission Dawgs helps homeless population get jobs, basic necessities Nonprofit helps over 1,000 people a week By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — On a Saturday morning a few weeks ago, Kevin Weakley woke up and helped feed more than 120 homeless people in Atlanta. But that’s just a day in the life for the founder of Mission Dawgs, a nonprofit aiming to help feed and employ the homeless population. “I ask them, ‘wouldn’t you rather work for $12-14 a day and have self-esteem than panhandle all day for $40 and not get spit on?’” Weakley said. “There’s a better way to do this. Let’s do it together and I’ll help you. But you have to commit to me that you won’t lie to me and you will go to work.” And that’s exactly what Mission Dawgs does by feeding, housing and then helping more than 1,200 homeless people find jobs. Started in Athens about six years ago after Weakley moved from his home in Alpharetta, the organization helps homeless people all over the state. “Our goal is to get people off the streets,” Weakley said. “Our success rate is about 30 percent. We’re hoping that gets better and it has a little bit so far this year. We are going to keep on doing what we do.”

Kevin Weakley created Mission Dawgs to help the homeless population around metro Atlanta. Now, the group of more than 400 volunteers has expanded to include North Fulton and wants to help the community. “I know this community and I’m glad to be back working with them,” Weakley said. “The homeless population up here is bigger than the census says, but they’re scattered so it’s a little bit more difficult to work. We have things we are going to do to try to prevent peo-

ple from becoming homeless. We will deal with addiction problems, especially the heroin epidemic that’s hit this community so hard.” Before Weakley started helping the homeless, he said he visited cities talking to rehab facilities about graduation rates and what their 90-day plan was for their clients to stay clean. His research showed that homelessness and addiction doesn’t discriminate, and that he can help. “From addition, alcoholism, mental illness and veterans, there are so many reasons people become homeless,” Weakley said. “It’s not my job to judge people. It’s my job to help people. All people are important. I don’t judge a person by the size of their pocket book, education level, how pretty they are or how good of an athlete they are. I judge people because they’re God’s children and that makes them a value to me.” Every morning, Weakley said he asks God where he should go that day and what he should do. “I asked God for help and God told me what to do,” Weakley said. “I’m a leader of people. I asked for a long time and I found my niche in helping people less fortunate than me. I was fortunate growing up and made a lot of money. But I find my value now in helping others more than I have in anything else I’ve ever done.” Traveling to the “darkest areas” of cities shows Weakley where his help is

To learn more, visit missiondawgs.com needed. From there, he talks with the people, gives them what they need, like gloves or food, and gains their trust. Then he gets to work helping them find stable housing and jobs. “People ask if I’m scared to go there,” Weakley said. “I’m not scared, those people are broken. Broken people are not going to hurt you if they know you are willing to help them. All you have to do is go down there, offer a hand and treat them like they’re people. They’ll open up to you. It’s not that hard to do.” And while the group probably won’t cure homelessness, Weakley said if he can help just a few people, he’ll feel like he did his job. “When you work with these people you have to realize any day they could fall off the wagon,” Weakley said. “You have to stay strong for them and tell them to call you. Just like all of us, it doesn’t matter what you have in life, we all have bad days. That’s where they give up. I would like for people not to quit on life. They’re good people. They just fell in a bad space and we’re trying to make them move into the next space.” To find out more about Mission Dawgs, visit missiondawgs.com.

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 33

We’re the key to success! 16th Year SPECIAL

Atlanta Athletic Club to host Arnold Palmer Cup JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Atlanta Athletic Club will host the 20th Anniversary of the Arnold Palmer Cup, named for legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, June 9 – 11. Featuring the top male university/ college golfers matching the United States against Europe in a Ryder Cupstyle tournament. The tournament will be free and open to the public. Notable Arnold Palmer Cup alumni include Luke Donald (1998), Rickie Fowler (2008), Bill Haas (2002), Dustin Johnson (2007), Brandt Snedeker (2003), Matt Kuchar (1998) among others. The Arnold Palmer Cup was cofounded by Arnold Palmer and The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) and began at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Fla. in 1997. In 2018, the participants will include corresponding women golfers who will be added to both the USA and International teams and will thus become the only major tournament which features men and women playing side-by-side as partners. Coaches for Team USA and Team Europe were named on January 10. John Fields from the University of Texas will coach the United States and David Inglis of Northwestern University and Scotland will lead Team Europe. Andrew DiBitetto of the University of North Carolina will serve as assistant coach for Team USA while Alan Murray of Ireland and the University of Washington will hold the role for Europe. The Arnold Palmer Cup teams for

both Europe and the United States were announced March 17 during the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Texas Tech and Sweden’s Hannes Ronneblad and Fredrik Nilehn, Kristoffer Ventura of Oklahoma State (Norway), Jacksonville’s David Wicks (England) Harry Ellis of Florida State (England) and Missouri’s Rory Fransson (Scotland) qualified for Team Europe by finishing in the top six of the Arnold Palmer Cup Player Ranking. Committee selections were Maynooth’s Stuart Grehan (Ireland) and Viktor Hovland of Oklahoma State (Norway). Richard Mansell of Nova Southeastern (England) was David Inglis’ coach’s pick. The final member of the team will be the winner of The R&A Foundation Scholars Tournament, which will be contested April 3-4. The six United States players determined by the ranking included Sam Burns of LSU, Texas A&M’s Chandler Phillips, Collin Morikawa of California, Virginia’s Jimmy Stanger, Stanford’s Maverick McNealy and Oregon’s Norman Xiong. John Coultas of Florida Southern, Southern California’s Sean Crocker and Illinois’ Nick Hardy were committee selections. Coultas was the designated non-Division I player. Doug Ghim of Texas was John Fields’ coach’s pick. McNealy represented the United States in 2015 and was selected compete in 2016. When McNealy withdrew from the 2016 event, Doug Ghim was added to Team USA.

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34 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

WHEN VETERANS OF VIETNAM WERE CALLED BY NAME THESE VETERANS STOOD AS THEIR NAMES WERE CALLED:

Wall that Heals lives up to its name Vietnam Veterans remembered at Newtown Park service By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – For four days The Wall That Heals – the traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., – was encamped in Johns Creek March 30-April 2 with honor and respect. Several thousand people came to visit it at its place of honor in Johns

Creek’s Newtown Park. The St. Brigid Catholic Church Knights of Columbus brought The Wall to celebrate all of the Vietnam veterans who came home from that war but never heard the cheers of a grateful nation. The Fourth Degree (for patriotism) Knights of Columbus at St. Brigid Catholic Church sponsored The Wall

Visitors gaze at The Wall That Heals. Most are searching for the name of a comrade or relative who died in the Vietnam War.

That Heals visit to Johns Creek. A ceremony April 1 was the highlight of a four-day event that had a twofold purpose. First it was to honor all of the Vietnam veterans who served. They did not get the parades that their fathers did after World War II or the recognition of their sons and daughters as they came home from Iraq, Afghanistan and now Syria. A Vietnam vet usually flew home after a 12-month tour in Vietnam and landed alone at some distant airport. If they were lucky, a relative was there to pick them up. No bands. No flags waving or citizens cheering. It just wasn’t that kind of war. Today, young troops coming home are often met and cheered at airports across the country so that they would not have that empty feeling when coming home. It was also a time of remembrance for the 58,315 men and women who died in that war. WAGA-TV news anchorman Russ Spencer was the master of ceremonies April 1. He introduced the keynote speaker Richard A. White. White entered the U.S. Army as a private E-1 and retired as Col. White. He served as an airborne trooper for two tours in Vietnam before becoming a helicopter pilot.

A veteran searches the wall for his fallen About serving in Vietnam, White put it succinctly. “All gave some. Some gave all.” He dwelled on those who gave their all. That included eight women – all nurses – who died protecting their patients. Some families gave more than any one family ought to bear. There were 40 sets of brothers who died in Vietnam. Three sets of fathers and sons died there too. The youngest to die was 15 and the

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 35

PHOTOS BY HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Participants in the program honoring Vietnam veterans are from left, master of ceremonies Russ Spencer, Peter Manfre, St. Brigid Catholic Church pastor Father Neil Herlihy, retired Col. Rick White, retired Lt. Col. Michael Mizell, retired Chief Warrant Officer Warren Tobin, American Legion Ambassador Roger Wise and Worshipful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus George Yourick.

comrade’s name. oldest 62. But the average age of a GI, sailor, Marine or airman was 19, White said. That is a young age to face the lifeor-death realities of Vietnam. “Their service can be summed up in four words, ‘Selfless service; stoic sacrifice,” White said. One name on that wall is Dennis Wayne Jacobs. White was leading a platoon when he and his men were ambushed and Jacobs was hit and died in his arms.

“That holy wall is correctly named,” White said. “Truly it is the Wall that Heals.” It was not until after White had retired from the Army that he went to the Vietnam Memorial. “I couldn’t approach it before. But when finally I did, I saw the effect it had on its visitors. It gave them peace,” he said. Then there was a roll call of the Vietnam veterans in the audience who had signed up to attend the ceremony. They each stood in turn as their names were called and their service recognized. It was not enough. But then nothing would be enough to honor them for their “selfless service.” But it was the best we can do now.

Members of the Knights of Columbus perform the Table Ceremony which is symbolic of the MIA/POWs who never came home and are absent from the table of life.

36 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Russian artist brings gift to Roswell Sky Maintenance installed as part of ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com

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ROSWELL, Ga. — A piece of artwork from thousands of miles away is joining the Roswell sculpture tour this year. Moscow artist Dima Alekseyev visited Roswell March 25 to install his work, Sky Maintenance, at Don White Memorial Park as a gift to the city. The artwork, made primarily from mesh, hangs from the bottom of the bridge on Ga. 400, which crosses the Chattahoochee River at Riverside Road. This is not the first time that Dima has visited Georgia to spread his artwork. He is also known for his piece Games: Ancient Olympia to Atlanta to Rio, which was commissioned by the Millennium Gate Museum last year. Sky Maintenance comes from Russia to Georgia by way of the artist’s son, Feodor Alekseyev, who lives in Roswell. Feodor approached the city in 2015 to introduce his father’s work, and that in turn brought him to Rochelle Mucha, the chair of the Roswell Arts Fund. “There were a lot of security and safety concerns at first as this is a new kind of work of art for most of us,” Mucha said. But after a year-long pen-pal relationship with Dima, Mucha was granted approval in fall 2016 by the Georgia Department of Transportation and the City of Roswell to have Dima work on a piece for the city. Sky Maintenance was chosen from three designs submitted by Dima as the most “organic” fit for the sculpture’s

location. Construction on the sculpture began in Moscow, and it was later fully assembled with the help of Dima’s wife, Anna, in the Old Machine Shop at the Roswell Mill. It is made from thin, wire mesh and elastic glue, and depicts dangling silhouettes of workers painting or fixing the sky. The sculpture will remain suspended four to five meters above the Chattahoochee for two years. Dima said that Sky Maintenance brings together two of his significant interests: bridges and the sky. “I have always been attracted by the bridges,” Dima said. “Both in the metaphysical sense and in the engineering sense — [a bridge] is a miracle.” He added that the work encourages people to take time and look up during their lives, because “when people no longer look at the sky, civilization will end.” The installation of the sculpture was not without its challenges. It took over seven hours, a crew of 12 people and one flat-bottom boat borrowed from the Atlanta Rowing Club to successfully hang the artwork under the bridge. Arts Fund board members Lawrence Catchpole, Steve Jabon, Jeff Hopkins, Dima’s son Feodor and eight other volunteers were all instrumental in this effort. “Finding a boat itself was an unexpected challenge,” Mucha said. “It was very challenging to find a flat-bottom boat. All of the kayaks — they weren’t good, because they aren’t big enough. And the rafts they rent out aren’t stable enough.”

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From left, Anna Alekseyev, Roswell Arts Fund Board Member Jane Brown and Dima Alekseyev work on constructing Sky Maintenance.

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Sky Maintenance hangs over the Chattahoochee River on the Don White Memorial Park bridge. The crew first had to install it at the top of the bridge, let it unravel down the side, then secure the edges at the bottom from their boat. “It was incredibly difficult,” Mucha said. “You have to toss the wire over the top of a beam and inch it over to the side where a volunteer would be standing at the top of a ladder in the middle of the river. It took several efforts, some of them quite comical.” The wind only complicated the pro-

cess, sometimes blowing the wires out of volunteers’ hands before they could secure them, Mucha said. Sky Maintenance along with 12 other sculptures will feature in the second annual ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour, which will officially kick off April 22 at the Heart of Canton Street. To learn more about the sculpture tour, including Sky Maintenance, visit artaroundroswell.com or download the free audio guide Otocast app.

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38 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Ag Commissioner Black pitching Georgia Grown Official tours Chattahoochee Nature Center in search of community liaisons By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

Center offers just the connections to all kinds of nature groups,” Black said. “Instead of the Department of AgriROSWELL, Ga. – Georgia Agriculture culture being some huge monolithic Commissioner Gary Black was in organization, we want our staffers to be Roswell last week to build up momenconnected to groups all over the state.” tum for Georgia Grown. That is Black’s The No. 1 goal of the program is to initiative to get Georgians to demand help the various agricultural economies the produce they buy come from locally by bringing together producers, procesgrown farmers be it in the store or the sors, suppliers, distributors, retailers restaurant. and consumers to become one powerBlack was making a tour of the ful, statewide community. Chattahoochee Nature Center in Ros“I have one job and that is to help well because he wants a grassroots new agribusinesses grow, and estabcadre in every community pushing lished agribusinesses thrive. But Georthe brand Georgia gians need to know Grown. more about what Standing in the Georgia’s agribusNature Center’s iness does for the Unity Garden, Black economy and for said many GeorGeorgians themgians do not realize selves,” Black said. the size and scope So to build conof agriculture in the sumer awareness, state. he wants a network “Agri-business of local community in Georgia is a groups – garden $75 billion-a-year clubs, farmers economic force in markets, local Georgia. And we growers, restrateurs are making agriand shoppers – to tourism a growing understand buying GARY BLACK part of that as well,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Georgia Grown is said Black. “We good for Georgia want people in every and good for the community who are going to support dinner table. branding Georgia Grown locally. And Agribusiness runs the gamut of The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a wholesaling and retailing all things that perfect organization to help us.” come out of the ground or are fed by CNC Executive Director Chris NelGeorgians – cows, beef, poultry, pork, son is a friend of more than 20 years, shrimp and the like. Black said. One of the newest areas for Black is Georgia Grown is a marketing and promoting agri-tourism. That includes economic development program of the visiting a local craft brewery or attendGeorgia Department of Agriculture. ing a wine-tasting tour of North Geor“And the Chattahoochee Nature gia’s wineries.

Agri-business in Georgia is a $75 billion-a-year economic force in Georgia. And we are making agri-tourism a growing part of that as well.”

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black listens as Chattahoochee Nature Center Senior Director of operations Hemming von Schmeling, right, explains how the Unity Garden operates. With Black are CNC Director of Development Deana Fordham, Unity Garden Director Tricia Nitti and CNC Executive Director Chris Nelson. It can mean attending events at one of Milton’s horse farms or visiting the Alpharetta Equestrian Center. “We haven’t scratched the surface yet with what we can do with agri-tourism,” Black said. “But to do that we need relationships in every community possible. That is where a huge local institution like the Nature Center can help.” Black said the big part of coming to the Nature Center was to establish those relationships and coordinate with people through the CNC. “People know the Nature Center and we know Chris Nelson. So we just need to make those connections to work with them,” he said.

The Nature Center itself is an agribusiness destination just like its sister organization, the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. “So we want find ways we can be of help to local businesses,” Black said. There is a huge culinary arm of agri-business as well which should put Black’s staffers down on Canton Street working with the chefs to promote Georgia Grown specialties on every menu. “We want people to go into a restaurant and ask for Georgia Grown items on the menu,” he said. “Because if it’s Georgia Grown, it is good for Georgia – and its citizens.”

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SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 39

Johns Creek track travels to Austin for Texas Relays Gladiators first team from state to compete in event By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com AUSTIN, Texas — Members of Johns Creek’s track team became the first school in Georgia to compete in the Nike Clay Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin, Texas, the second largest track meet in the country. The event, in its 90th year, was televised on ESPN3. Johns Creek runners competed in the boys and girls distance medley relays, a relay of 1200, 400, 800 and 1600 meters from four different runners. The boys team, composed of senior Matt Derbawka, freshman Cole Quidley and juniors Caden Ciul and Colton Ross broke the school record by four seconds in the event against some of the fastest high school teams in the nation. “The best part of the trip was definitely the experience of getting to compete against these high level teams from different areas with my teammates,” said Derbawka. “It was cool to get to know these people a little better outside of school and our practices at

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home. It was for sure an experience that I will never forget.” In addition to running in the distance medley relays, Ciul also competed in the 300-meter hurdles. Ciul placed sixth in the final event. “I had hoped for a new personal best in the hurdles, but it was seriously windy to have a personal best,” Ciul said. “But I finished sixth against all those guys and the best in the country.” The girls team of seniors Sophie Brandeis and Sarika Gowda along with juniors Madigan Wallace and Carly Swanson were one of just 30 teams in the nation selected for the girls distance medley relay. “We went with a small team and we all got to spend time together, enjoy Texas and we got to bond a lot. I’ve been on many high school trips for sports and this one was definitely my favorite,” Gowda said. Wallace said, “It was such a cool experience and one that so many people don’t get to go to. Now we can look back at this and remember that we were the first in Georgia to compete in the Texas

Relays.” The Johns Creek runners have a

home meet on April 11 before the sectional meet on April 29.

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40 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Mt. Pisgah lands former Duke player to lead boys basketball program Patrick Johnson has coached at collegiate level By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Mt. Pisgah received over 300 applications to lead the boys varsity team, but athletic director Kent Harrison said there was a clear frontrunner — former Duke player and collegiate head coach Patrick Johnson. Johnson was announced as the Patriots’ head coach March 24. Harrison said not only does Johnson bring a wealth of information and coaching experience, he also brings stability. The Patriots have been led by three different coaches the past four seasons. “Coach Johnson is a long-term hire,” Harrison said. “He is committed to living in the area and has family here.” Johnson, a Georgia native who went to Atlanta’s Grady High School, comes most recently from Citrus College, a junior college in Glendora, Calif., where he was head coach of the men’s basketball team. Under Johnson, the Owls posted a 16-14 record last season and the team received the highest number of players

with GPA’s of 3.0 or higher in the program’s history. His collegiate coaching resume also includes stints at Concordia University and Claremont McKenna College and Missouri Southern State University. “Having been with a number of different schools and in a lot of situations coaching, the most important thing is to give our student-athletes the best experience possible. I want a close team, where players develop friendships that go beyond the basketball season,” Johnson said. Mt. Pisgah’s family atmosphere was one of the aspects that brought him to the school. “My wife and I are excited to be a part of the community and be a part of something bigger than the basketball program,” he said. “I’m looking forward to throwing myself completely into the program, the school, the community and the church.” Prior to his coaching career, Johnson was a member of the perennial powerhouse Duke Blue Devils. Johnson played at Duke between 2002-06, making the team as walk-on his freshman season before earning a

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scholarship for the next three seasons. Johnson appeared in 40 games for the Blue Devils under head coach and living legend Mike Krzyzewski. “I learned so much at that level. I took so many lessons from there as a player and now as a coach,” he said. “The biggest things I took away was the preparation and the standard of expectations. We were never underprepared.” He graduated Duke in 2005 with a degree in political science. “We feel very fortunate to bring coach Johnson in to lead our program. He is extremely genuine, a relational coach and a strong Christian leader that understands basketball at the highest level. His time with Duke also shows that hard work pays off. Patrick was the total package for us,” Harrison said. “We are at a perfect place for him to take over the program and we are excited for our community to get to know him.” Johnson’s coaching duties begin immediately. He met with players at a meet-and-greet on March 29. “I’m really excited about the kids here at Mt. Pisgah and I’m looking forward to getting to work,” Johnson said.

Patrick Johnson played with Duke in the early 2000s and has since coached at the collegiate and high school level.

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SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 41

Dodson, Kushkituah play at All-American Game St. Francis teammates only girls from same school to play in game By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com CHICAGO — St. Francis seniors Maya Dodson and Kasiyahna Kushkituah played in the McDonald’s All-American Game last Wednesday at Chicago’s United Center. Kushkituah and Dodson were the only players selected for the game from the same school and they say it was an incredible opportunity. “My experience at the All-American game has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Kushkituah said. “I have enjoyed my entire week and consider myself extremely blessed to be here.” Dodson said she will forever cherish the experience and said playing against the top talent in the country is what made the event so fun. Kushkituah said she relishes playing against the best players, and “this week gave me an opportunity to get a taste of what college will be like as well. I’m excited to keep facing top competi-

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Maya Dodson with future Stanford teammate Kiana Williams. tors.” The teammates will play once more together at the Jordan Brand Classic on April 14 at New York’s Barclays Center, but both were appreciative of the opportunity to play on the national stage at the All-American Game. “It’s always fun having someone familiar on the court or in the gym with you,” Kushkituah said. Dodson said, “I never would have thought sophomore year when I came

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to St Francis we would be playing in the All-American Game. It was great to be able to play one more game with her.” Both players said their favorite experience of the trip was visiting the Ronald McDonald House. “The kids were awesome,” Dodson said. Both played on the East team. Kushkituah scored four points with three rebounds and a block in 16

minutes and Dodson had two rebounds and two blocks in nine minutes. The teammates won two state championships together playing for St. Francis, their sophomore and junior seasons. Kushkituah also won a state title with the Lady Knights in her freshman season before Dodson transferred to the school. Dodson, a Stanford commit, played for Team USA’s U17 National Team last summer, was named to the 2015 AllState team and was named to the Class 6-A All-Region team from 2014-16. Kushkituah was named to the 2016 All-Georgia team, was the 2015 AllNorth Fulton Basketball Player of the Year and was on the 2016 Naismith Trophy watch list. Kushkituah has committed to the University of Tennessee. Both players were named to the AllState team for the 2016-17 season. Dodson scored 1,087 points in her three years with St. Francis, shooting 49 percent from the floor. She also accounted for 607 rebounds, 129 assists, 181 steals and 222 blocks. In 102 games for the Lady Knights, Kushkituah scored 1,185 points with 775 rebounds, 85 assists, 110 steals and 200 blocks.

42 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

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BASEBALL Friday, March 31 Alpharetta 3, Centennial 2 Blessed Trinity 16, Chestatee 0 (G1) Blessed Trinity 12, Chestatee 1 (G1) Forsyth Central 6, North Forsyth 2 Lambert 6, West Forsyth 2 South Forsyth 7, Milton 3 (Played on 3/30) Pinecrest Academy 15, White County 7 St. Francis 7, Bowdon 2 Gordon Lee 7, King’s Ridge 6

LACROSSE (BOYS) Friday, March 31 Centennial 16, St. Andrew’s (FL) 13 Lake Mary (FL) 13, Johns Creek 7 Milton 10, Buchholz (FL) 8 Pinecrest Academy 15, Greenbrier 6 Saturday, April 1 Oxbridge Academy (FL) 16, Centennial 11 Johns Creek 13, Bolles (FL) 10 Lambert 14, Westminster 5 Milton 10, Cardinal Mooney (FL) 8

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Friday, March 31 Centennial 10, Charlotte Latin School (NC) 6 West Forsyth 12, Forsyth Central 2 Northview 23, Johns Creek 14 Pinecrest Academy 15, Woodward Academy 14 Saturday, April 1 Milton 14, Robinson Secondary (VA) 12 Charlotte CDS (NC) 17, Centennial 11 Weddington (NC) 11, Centennial 9

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 43

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

44 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 been burglarized when she got a fraud alert text during her workout. The woman had parked at the Lifetime Fitness on Johns Creek Parkway and was still going through her workout routine, when she got a text from her bank about fraudulent charges on her account made to a Walmart in Alpharetta. They did not provide an exact address.

The woman left the building 10 minutes later, only to discover that her passenger side rear window had been smashed. Several items were missing from the car, including her laptop, purse and checkbook.

was pulled over for speeding in a school zone at the intersection of Webb Road and Cogburn Road. Franklin had a warrant out for his arrest for giving false statements to Forsyth County law enforcement.

Wanted man arrested on Webb Road

Stolen identity used to rent apartment

MILTON, Ga. — Milton officers arrested a man March 27 who was wanted in Forsyth County. Andrew Bobby Franklin of Birmingham Highway, Milton,

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man’s identity was used to rent an apartment in Missouri. The victim received a notice of collection for $4,241.08 in rent charges for an apartment located in Kansas City, Mo. The victim had never travelled to Missouri and was not sure who could have used his identity. The collection agency would not give the victim any further information about the collection other than what they sent him in the mail.

ONLINE AUCTION BY CITY OF ALPHARETTA The City of Alpharetta, in conjunction with GovDeals, Inc., 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.

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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, Inc. reserve the right to reject any and all bids, and the right to waive formalities. Once the items are sold, the coordination of the actual removal of the items must be completed by the selected party.

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For further information, visit www.govdeals.com or contact Brent Burdette with the City of Alpharetta’s Department of Finance at 678-297-6067 or wburdette@alpharetta.ga.us.

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR TELEPHONE MAINTENANCE & MONITORING SERVICE RFP # 17-110 The City of Alpharetta (City) is requesting proposals from qualified and experienced companies for Telephone Maintenance & Monitoring Service including, but not limited to, the City’s existing Cisco VoIP telephone network. The Request for Proposal document will be available online Thursday, March 23, 2017, at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the RFP documents and submit any specific bid related questions. Proposals will be due on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For information, please contact Stephanie Cochran at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on March 29, 2017 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage and Wine. BUSINESS NAME High Point Fusion Inc. Dba J’s Asian Cafe 11550 Jones Bridge Road Suite 1 Johns Creek, GA 30022 OWNER/OFFICERS High Point Fusion Inc. Dba J’s Asian Cafe 11550 Jones Bridge Road Suite 1 Johns Creek, GA 30022 Owner Bill Tan

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 for DUI and traffic arrest. ►► Scott Roy Sadler, 41, of Santa Fe Trail, Atlanta, was arrested March 24 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI.

Drug arrests ►► Corneshia Kimyatta Hill, 24

of Cambellton Road Southwest, Atlanta, was arrested March 21 on Haynes Bridge Road for possession of marijuana less than one ounce, driving under the influence of drugs and possession and use of drug-related items. ►► Jason Matthew Livy, 32 of Anchor on Lanier Court, Gainesville, was arrested March 25 on Ga.400 for possession of marijuana less than one ounce. ►► Chelsea Rae Hale, 26 of Buck Murphy Road, LaGrange, was arrested March 25 on Kingswood Place for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and possession of schedule LI drugs. ►► Jeremy Andrew Hold, 28 of Chickasaw Drive, Waleska, was arrested March 24 on Haynes Bridge Road for possession of cocaine, possession of hallucinogens and driving under the influence of drugs. ►► Brain Keith Bailey, 26 of Skipper Place Northwest, Atlanta, was arrested March 21 on Mansell Road for possession of marijuana less than one ounce, driving while license is suspended or cancelled and missing tag light. ►► Kimtrell Dentrice Petty, 28 of Rock Creek Drive Southwest, Marietta, was arrested March 20 on Mansell Road for possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 6, 2017 | 45

I-85: Continued from Page 10

COURTESY ATLANTA BRAVES

Access to SunTrust Park is easy from I-75, I-285 and Ga. Highway 41.

Braves:

Continued from Page 16 300,000 cars going through the I-285 and I-75 exchange every day. Do you really think it can’t handle another 7,000 cars on game days?” He scoffed at traffic worries. Many visitors will be coming early to take advantage of the shopping and dining opportunities at The Battery, and many will stay late after the game. “The traffic is only going to get better around there,” he said. Indeed, the fine dining and service inside SunTrust Park Parkman described almost made you forget there’s baseball game going on. When the question was eventually asked, “just how good” will these Braves be?” he gave a fair appraisal.

“We got away from the things that built those great Braves teams we had.” By that he meant drafting and developing good talent through the farm system. “We thought we were close to a championship and tried to add a couple of pieces [players] and signed some really bad contracts. That hurt us.” He noted in the Braves glory years they averaged bringing in about 10 new players every year as new talent earned a shot. “But we have gotten back to basics and rebuilt the farm team. We have the No. 1 farm system in the Major Leagues again, and we have a really competitive club with great young players.” He promised these Bravos will be a fun team to watch. For information on SunTrust Park, visit www.Braves.com/suntrustpark.

and northbound lanes as well as possible replacements for adjacent road sections. “The extent of the fire-related damage necessitates extensive reconstructive activities to ensure the safety of motorists,” said GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. At least 700 feet of roadway will have to be replaced, and the Secretary of Transportation has already authorized $10 million in “quick release” funding to help repair the damages. GDOT is expecting these repairs to take “several months.” In the meantime, the Chamblee Tucker, Shallowford, Clairmont and North Druid Hills ramps on I-85 will remain closed indefinitely. Some 400,000 cars travel that section of highway each day. Design work on the damaged sections began the night the road collapsed and is being updated as more information comes in, McMurry said. The fire started in an area of the state’s right of way which was being used as a storage location for construction materials, equipment and supplies such as PVC piping. However, the site was secured and the piping material is non-combustible, McMurry said. GDOT does not yet know how the fire started. “We are as eager to learn the cause of this fire as anyone,” McMurry said. “We will continue to work closely and in full cooperation with fire investigator to determine exactly how the fire was started.” No one was injured or killed as a result of the fire or roadway collapse,

... We encourage the public to avoid the affected area, remain patient and allow first responders to perform their jobs.” NATHAN DEAL Georgia Governor but the city is expecting months of disrupted travel and new traffic patterns. Gov. Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for Fulton County. “The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety and minimize disruption of traffic as we continue emergency response efforts,” Deal said. “As this safety investigation and bridge assessment continues, we encourage the public to avoid the affected area, remain patient and allow first responders to perform their jobs. “We will continue updating the public on alternative traffic routes and other information as it becomes available.” GDOT and other local transit agencies are working to identify all possible options for commuters including Xpress Bus Service and Peach Pass express lanes and safe, alternative traffic routes. MARTA is providing additional services such as increased rail services to accommodate the influx of passengers. The rail services have not been compromised, but bus lines 6, 27, 30, 33 and 47 are affected by the collapse. Motorists are encouraged to visit dot.ga.gov or follow GDOT on Facebook for the latest updates.

DEATH NOTICES David Blane Baker, 60, of Cumming, passed away March 22, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Billy Brooks, 90, of Cumming, passed away March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Francis Dunay, of Roswell, passed away March 22, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Laura Hipp, of Roswell, passed away March 24, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors. Billy Holcombe, of Roswell, passed away March 26, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Lucinda Renee Frantz, 47, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2017. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Ann Lampe, of Roswell, passed away March 27, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Barbara. R. Zettel Grubb, 81, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Emma Lou McConnell, 95, of Cumming, passed away March 24, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Barbara McKenzie, 85, of Roswell, passed away, March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Kenneth McDonald Raines, 73, of Cumming, passed away March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Mary Reep Moretz, 55, of Cumming, passed away March 21, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Vida Dale Ruis, 65, of Cumming, passed away March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Catherine Morris, of Roswell, passed away March 26, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director.

Beverly J. Scott, 54, of Cumming, passed away March 24, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Gloria Price, of Roswell, passed away March 24, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Eleanor Sincevich, of Milton, passed away March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors. Barbara Y. Watkins, 90, of Roswell, passed away March 21, 2017. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

46 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Landscaping 404Cuttree. One of the most experienced and reliable tree companies in North Atlanta. Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service. Free quotes. Fully insured. 770Tree.com 678-506-0006 Yellow Ribbon Tree. Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner. Free estimates and insured. 770Tree. com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary. RAS Landscape Design Installation A full service landscape company capable of doing your job. 25+ years experience. Ralph 678-898-7237

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

Tree Services JJ Tree Cutting Services. Complete Tree Removal-Call us for a Free Quote, 678467-1325 or 770-6306672. Licensed and insured. jjtreecutting@ gmail.com RAS Cutting Services Complete tree removal. Ralph 678-898-7237

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Health & Medical

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

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

Medical

Need work done on your home?

Call the Experts

Autos Wanted

in the

SE RV IC E DI R E C TORY

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Thank you for reading the classifieds.

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CADNET ADS

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

Miscellaneous

AIRLINE CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

800-481-7894

Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

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

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Call Appen Media Group at 770-442-3278 to advertise

48 | April 6, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com