Milton Herald - April 6, 2017

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 1 2 , N o . 1 4

Braves exec addresses GNFCC Shares excitement for new SunTrust Park PAGE 4

Getting people off the streets Mission Dawgs helping the homeless in N. Fulton PAGE 10

Reporter fights for transparency

We talk to Jessica Szilagyi for our Blackbox Special Report: Part IV ►►PAGE 12

WellStar names new chief

Baseball season in full swing

New medical staff director predicts more growth for North Fulton Hospital ►►PAGE 18

Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►PAGE 24

Teams play crucial region games before spring break, stories pages 30-31.

Cambridge sets state record JOE PARKER/HERALD

Milton’s Graham Pauley and Blessed Trinity’s Jake Smith have led their teams to the top of the region standings.

SkillsUSA team wins 82 medals ►►PAGE 29

Pre-Screened Local Tree services.

We do all the homework, so you don’t have to.

You’re never more than 2 clicks away on your smart phone, tablet or desktop.

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

2 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

Alleged book thieves caught returning to store 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

POLICE BLOTTER

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News: news@appenmediagroup.com Press Releases: NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ex. 101 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ex. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ex. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com Our Weekly Publications

28,000 Circulation

20,000 Circulation

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

17,000 Circulation

10,000 Circulation

Our Monthly Publication

18,000 Circulation Our Companion Websites

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.

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

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 Visit AppenMediaGroup.com for more information.

The Herald Newspapers are published by Appen Media Group, 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta Ga. 30009.

►► Carl Lynn Hurt, 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 fail-

confirmed that seven textbooks, worth $2,300 total, were missing.

On March 23, Alpharetta police were called in when campus security 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.

pharetta. 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.

warrant out for his arrest for giving false statements to Forsyth County law enforcement.

Wanted man arrested on Webb Road MILTON, Ga. — Milton officers arrested a man March 27 who was wanted in Forsyth County. Andrew Bobby Franklin of Birmingham Highway, Milton, was pulled over for speeding in a school zone at the intersection of Webb Road and Cogburn Road. Franklin had a ure 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 license. ►► Mandar Vithal Patil, 43, of Saint Michelle Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 18 on Haynes Bridge Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► David Michael Eike, 54, of Water Lilly Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 18 on Westside Parkway for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Stolen identity used to rent apartment 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. ►► 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

Get It Framed by the pros at

THE PICTURE FRAMER The Picture Framer is independently owned and operated since 1990. A proud and active member of the ABA, we offer custom framing, shadow boxes, needle work, frame and print restoration.

See ARRESTS, Page 30

25% Off

All Custom Framing Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with any other offer.

Located at 631 North Main St. Suite 109 • Milton, GA 30004 (across the street from Big Lots) • 770-667-2112

NorthFulton.com | Milton 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

Voted “Top Doctors in America” by Castle Connolly SERVICES WE OFFER: • Bladeless Cataract Surgery • Diabetic Eye Examination • Dry Eye Management • Corneal Transplant • Glaucoma • Ocular Emergencies Evaluation/Management • Pterygium Surgery

Johns Creek | Cumming | Canton | Buford | Roswell | Dahlonega

470-326-0330

Call to make your appointment: Learn more: milaneyecenter.com

NEWS

4 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Braves exec ‘puttin’ on the Ritz’ for SunTrust Park Local Service

SPECIALS 10%-$250 Off TREE SERVICES

770Tree.com

Pre-Screened Local Tree Services. We do all the homework, so you don’t have to.

Screened and vetted local services.

WET BASEMENT?

$250 OFF

250 OFF full basement solutions over 100’or $150 OFF basement solutions less than 100’.Water-proofing and Mold Repair, Crawl Space Encapsulation, Foundation/ Walls Bowing or Cracked. Solutions.

Guaranteed. Discount only by mentioning this ad.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Pls Call Aquaguard for quote 678-250-4470 $

LANDSCAPING

$150-$250 OFF

Take $150 off any job over $1500 or $250 off any job over $3500. Degreed in Horticulture. Call Tad 678-648-2012

ELECTRICAL

$30 OFF

Any Electrical Work.

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Rated A++ by BBB • Many local referrences

Call 678-648-2011

New customers only. Cannot be combined with any other discount. Limit one coupon per household. Expires 10 days after publication.

DRIVEWAY REPAIR

SAVE $250

$250 OFF any job over $3500 $50 OFF any job over $300 Cannot combine with other offers.

Expires 10 days after publication.

Honest • Professional • Competitive Many Local References • Free Estimates

Dave McKemey 678-648-2010

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

COURTESY ATLANTA BRAVES

The Battery Atlanta is the 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use commercial space that complements the new SunTrust Park. It includes shopping, restaurants, hotel and apartment living adjacent to the park. 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,”

See BRAVES, Page 11

Former Roswell councilman indicted on 15 child sex charges Counts include sexual exploitation, furnishing alcohol to a minor

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The DeKalb County Grand Jury has formally indicted former Roswell Councilman Kent Igleheart on 15 counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Igleheart was jailed in DeKalb County March 28 after his indictment.

Igleheart, 54, was out on bail following his arrest Oct. 20, 2016 after a sting investigation by the DeKalb

County Police Special Victims Unit. He was accused of inappropriate relations with a 17-year-old female.

According to detectives, Igleheart had maintained an online relationship with the girl since February IGLEHEART 2014 when she was 13-years-old.

During that timeframe, Igleheart allegedly exchanged nude photos and

engaged in inappropriate conversations with the girl.

Only a few days after his arrest, Igleheart formally announced his resignation Oct. 31 from the Roswell City Council, the same day that he was bonded out of jail for $30,000.

A special election was held March 21 for his vacated Post 4 seat, but it failed to yield a majority winner.

A runoff between the top two candidates, Marie Willsey and Lori Henry, will be held April 18.

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds

JOHNS CREEK: Rivermont Community; 730 Rio Grande Drive 30022. Friday 4/7, Saturday 4/8, 8am-4pm. Dryer, golf clubs, household...

DEADLINE

To place garage sale ads: Noon Monday. • Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 5

NEWS

6 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

GDOT calls for ‘extensive’ months-long I-85 repairs 3 suspects arrested in connection with fire, bridge collapse Family Owned and Servicing Alpharetta Since 1987 SERVICES:

FREE:

Tires Brakes Alignments Wheel Bearings CV Axles

Brake Check Alignment Check Parts Check Air Pressure Check

LOWEST PRICES ON ENCLOSED TRAILERS!

770-751-9811

502 N. Main St., Alpharetta www.campbelltirecompany.com

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 crimGEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/SPECIAL

See REPAIRS, Page 35

Bringing Care Back to Healthcare Cumming 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive Suite 200, Cumming, GA 30041 Milton 12970 Highway 9 • Milton, GA 30004

Office Phone: 770-781-8004 Fax: 678-679-4053

James R. Morrow, MD

Jaime D. Kutter, PA-C

Patrick Kindregan. DO

www.morrowfammed.com

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 7

Acre Basement Homesites Available ManorView | Homes from the low $600s - upper $700s

For a Limited Time Purchase a To-Be-Built Home and Receive: UP TO

25,000

$

Use How You Choose Credits*

PLUS

5,000

UP $ TO

Toward Closing Costs When financing with our affiliate lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage, and using our affiliate CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC, as your closing agent/title insurer*

COMMUNITY FEATURES • Gated community located in prestigious city of Milton • Offering new home designs and 72 minimum 1-acre basement homesites • Three-car side entry garages or two-car side entry garages with additional third garage per plan • Easy access to Fowler Park, Big Creek Greenway and Birmingham Park

• The Manor Golf and Country Club close by, 2.5 miles to Atlanta Hwy. (Hwy. 9), 6.5 miles to GA 400 and convenient to shopping, fine dining and entertainment • Community is bordered by the city of Alpharetta to the south, Forsyth County to the east and Cherokee County to the north and west

For more information, please call Frank Allen at 770-663-0027.

CalAtlanticHomes.com *Available only when you close on a To-Be Built home in the ManorView community pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 4/1/17-4/30/17. Receipt of up to $5,000 in Closing Costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. Receipt of Up to $25,000 Use How You Choose Credits is subject to limits. Seller provided credits may be applied to Upgrades or Options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL236

8 | April 6, 2017 | Milton 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 on our environment, she said. It has a smaller carbon footprint due to shorter transportation time on the road. And

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

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Kathy Davenport, left, and Unity Garden Manager Julie Hollingsworth Hogg talk about plants at the Chattahoochee Nature Center plant sale. 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.

“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..

Is there such thing as a girl’s car?

I was given the opportunity to attend the Atlanta International Auto Show last week, and being a car lover, I couldn’t pass it up. I could also not pass up the opportunity to drive a Fiat 124 JOE PARKER Spider while at the Reporter joe@appenmediagroup.com show.

The 124 is Fiat’s revival of its midsize sedan from the late 60’s and 70’s, but the new rendition shares nothing in common with the Italian box of 50 years ago. In fact, they couldn’t be more different.

The 124 Spider is a small, convertible roadster built with the underpinnings of a Mazda Miata. Because of that, some have started taking to calling the 124 the “Fiata.”

My ambition is to drive every car at

least once, and I knew I was going to love the 124 Spider if it was anything like the Miata. I jumped at the opportunity to get behind the wheel for a test drive, but when I shared this excitement with a friend of mine, he seemed confused.

“But it’s a girl’s car,” he said.

He brings up an interesting notion.

Can a car really be a girl’s car? And if so, what makes it a girl’s car? Surely no one looks at a toaster and thinks it’s geared toward women, so why do we do the same to cars?

I began polling friends, asking them what would constitute a girl’s car and to give me some examples, if that is, they even believe such a thing exists.

Many respondents said the model of car is irrelevant, it’s the personal touches (somehow feminine, I suppose) that are the deciding factors. Color was also a popular response, stating women prefer brightly colored cars whereas

guys typically like more neutral colors.

I also had a few responses that the styling of the car influenced its “girlishness” or not — if a car has a “face” like a Mazda 3, which looks like it’s happy to see you every time you pass one by, it’s more feminine.

But perhaps the most common answer was the amount of girls who drove a car. Basically, the more female drivers a car has, the more of “girl’s” car it is.

I don’t buy that. If that were the case, the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Honda Accord and Ford F-150 would all be considered girl’s cars because they are the best-selling cars in the United

States. They’re not girl’s cars. Boring, absolutely, but not girl’s cars.

The most common examples of a girl’s car given was the VW Beetle, the Ford Mustang, the Mini Cooper, the Smart Fortwo and the Mazda Miata, which again, is essentially the 124 Spider’s Japanese cousin.

Even after hearing these opinions, I still wasn’t convinced there was such thing as a girl’s car. But maybe I would find out after driving the Fiat.

My co-pilot for the drive was Kristine, who was so friendly and breathtakingly gorgeous that by the time I was

See CAR, Page 9

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.

Car: Continued from Page 8 up for my test drive, the Fiat’s interior was covered in a thick layer of drool from the guys who went before me.

As I took the wheel and Kristine and I set off, I asked her if she believed there was such thing as a girl’s car.

“I’ve seen guys who drive brightly colored VW Beetles and Miatas and other cars that people believe are girly, but I guess you could make a car girly with personalization,” she said, in one fell swoop hitting all the talking points that were brought up when I polled my friends. “But I don’t think there is such thing as a girl’s car. Even if there is, if you like a car, who cares if it’s supposedly a girl’s or guy’s car,” she added.

After I attempted to wipe away the drool pool in my lap and remembered I was married, I told Kristine I couldn’t agree more.

And in the end, this 250-pound, bearded, sports-loving man would be thrilled to go out and purchase a 124 Spider, “girl” car or not.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 9

10 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Mission Dawgs helps homeless population get jobs, basic necessities Nonprofit helps over 1,000 people a week

To learn more, visit missiondawgs. com

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.”

KEVIN WEAKLEY Creater of Mission Dawgs

Kevin Weakley created Mission Dawgs to help the homeless population around metro Atlanta.

“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.”

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 people 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 needed. From there, he talks with the people, gives them what they need, like gloves or food, and gains their trust.

See MISSION Page 11

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 11

Mission:

Braves:

Continued from Page 10

Continued from Page 4

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.

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 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 bet-

Everybody is worried about the traffic...There are 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?”

TREY WORKMAN Atlanta Braves’ director of corporate partnerships

ter 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.

The place to be right now.

Amenity-Rich Resort Living for Active Adults Just north of Atlanta, Soleil is the place to be. This award-winning, active adult community is just minutes from shopping, dining, hospitals, and culture.

New homes from the low $300’s

Findd Your New Home at SoleilLaurelCanyon.com yon.com Call Today for Your Personal Tour 678.880.3071 102 High Mountain Trace Canton, GA 30114

24 hour manned gatehouse | 28,000 square foot Clubhouse | Tennis Facility | Health and Fitness Center | Heated Indoor Pool | Zero Entry Lagoon-Style Pool & Expanisve Deck Ampitheater 5 Acre Fishing Lake | Gourmet Teaching Kitchen

© 2017 Lifestyles at Laurel Canyon, LLC. Special offers, prices, home designs and other information subject to errors, changes, omissions, deletions, availability, prior sale and withdrawal at any time without notice. Not an offering to CT, NJ or NY residents. Void where prohibited.

12 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | blackboxdocs.com

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.”

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 13

March Eagle Scouts for the Northern Ridge District NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District - which includes the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton – has announced its newest Eagle Scouts.

These are Scouts who have passed their Board of Review on March 23 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church: Sunil Mohan, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and construction of a 200 foot Hiking Trail at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. This trail connected two existing trails.

Meissen Hsu, of Troop 2000 was sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. For his project, Hsu designed and constructed three wooden picnic tables for Johns Creek Presbyterian Church.

Zachary Cone, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of a Tennis Hitting Wall for the Shakerag Homeowners Association. The wall was eight feet high and five four-foot panels long.

Drake Mackley, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of three benches for

In the top row, from left, stand the new Eagle Scouts Sunil Mohan, Meissen Hsu, Zachary Cone, Drake Mackley, Mukund Aravapalli and Jake Worden.

In the bottom row are Davis Ellington, Samuel Frey, Ware Edmondson, Jordan Johnston, Kerrington Witherspoon and Kyle Coleman. the Chattahoochee High School Nature Trail.

Mukund Aravapalli, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. His project was the fundraising and purchasing of 40 desk sets and then organizing the Scouts in India to help him build these desk sets for the Government Higher Primary School in Magadi Taluk, India.

Jake Worden. of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the collection and refurbishing of 20 bicycles and

the donation of 11 new bicycles for the Foster Care Support Foundation.

Davis Ellington, of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church. His project was the design and construction of three recycling units that each contained one trash bin and one recycling bin for the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Samuel Frey, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of a Fire Pit with two benches for the Congregation of Temple

Get Your “Out the Door” Low Price on Tires at ExtraMileTirePros.com

Dor Tamid.

Ware Edmondson, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church.

Edmondson’s project was the design and construction of a fire pit and four six-foot benches for this fire pit at Bridge of Grace Church.

Jordan Johnston, of Troop 2143, sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of a twenty foot boardwalk trail enhancement for Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Kerrington Witherspoon, of Troop 2206, sponsored by St. James United Methodist Church. For his project, Witherspoon designed and constructed of 25 flagpole assemblies and a storage shelf system to store these American Flags/Flagpoles for the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club.

Kyle Coleman, of Troop 734, sponsored by the Webb Bridge Ward of Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. His project was the collection and shipping of snacks for Treat the Troops. Coleman collected 1,500 individualized snacks, 721 pounds of candy, 1,600 cookies, 164 toiletry kits and 441 thank you cards for American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

2875 Bethany Bend Milton, GA 30004 (At Bethany Village)

678-389-6462

d models including n a s e k a m l l a – g n i h t y r e v e x We fi We sell all tire brands.

Lowest price guaranteed. $19 EXPRESS EMISSIONS TESTING *See store for details

FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK +

$10 OFF

ALIGNMENT (if needed)

See store for details. Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 5/12/17.

15 MINUTE VALVOLINE OIL CHANGE SPECIAL WITH FREE SEASONAL CHECK-UP

$2495

Most cars/light trucks. Oil change includes up to 5 qts. of motor oil and new oil filter. Tax and disposal fee extra.

Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 5/12/17.

15 MINUTE VALVOLINE

FULL SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE WITH FREE SEASONAL CHECK-UP

$59

95

We Specialize in High-End Euros Most cars/light trucks. Oil change includes up to 5 qts. of motor oil and new oil filter. Tax and disposal fee extra.

Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 5/12/17.

FREE OIL CHANGE with the purchase of four tires

See store for details. Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 5/12/17.

14 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Religious Services

MAUNDY THURSDAY

SATURDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

EASTER SUNDAY

Evening of Prayer Service April 13 7:00 PM

Sacred Silence: A Dramatic Choral Presentation April 14 7:00 PM

Easter Egg Hunt April 15 10:00 AM-NOON April 16 22nd Annual Sunrise Service 6:30 AM Easter Worship Services 9:30 & 11:00 AM

15770 Birmingham Hwy. • Milton, GA 30024

BirminghamUMC.org

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

He is Risen!

Palm Sunday, April 9 Traditional Worship, 8:00 and 11:15 am Contemporary Worship, 9:00 am

Good Friday, April 14 Noon and 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 16 Traditional Worship, 8:00 and 11:15 a.m.

Contemporary Worship, 9:00 a.m.

Easter Story and Egg Hunt, 10 a.m.

Cross of Life Lutheran Church 1000 Hembree Rd., Roswell (1/4 mi. west of Hwy. 9) www.crossoflifelutheran.org 770-475-9159

St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church April 13th

HOLY THURSDAY

7:00 pm - Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 14th GOOD FRIDAY

April 15th HOLY SATURDAY 9:30 am - Blessing of the Food Baskets April 16th EASTER SUNDAY Masses

12Noon - 7 Last Words of Christ

8:00 pm - Easter Vigil Mass

3:00 pm - Stations of the Cross

7:30 am/9:00 am*/10:45 am*/12:15 pm

7:00 pm - Passion of our Lord

*Masses in Main Church, Parish Hall & Blessed Trinity HS

11330 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 678-277-9424 www.stpeterchanel.org

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 15

It was our goal to create a downtown Alpharetta that would be commensurate with the stature of our city.

DAVID BELLE ISLE, Alpharetta Mayor 16 | Milton 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.

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.

“These businesses should be celebrated in the Alpharetta community.

You are our community builders. You

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

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

give Alpharetta its vibrancy,” Owens said.

Tokar rose to add that the city 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.

Bigger –

✔ 1400 Memberships ✔ 100,000+ North

Fulton Professionals

Faster–

Belle Isle could not resist mentioning the City Council broke ground last week on the start of the City Center’s $85 million commercial development which will include 12 to 15 restaurants, 25 to 30 new shops and the technology company DataScan, which will bring

See BREAKFAST, Page 17

We’re Greater Together!

✔ Direct Access to

Decision Makers

Alpharetta • Johns Creek • Milton • Mountain Park Roswell • SandySprings

✔ Business Solutions

Stronger –

& Resources

✔ Pro-Business

Advocacy

✔ Catalyst for Economic

Development

It’s time to join!

www.GNFCC.com • 770-993-8806

BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 17

We’re all state champs at the beach 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 16 500 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

NORTHSIDE CHAPEL

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 – esperibbon 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.

Rex T. Grizzle, Owner Locally Owned and Operated 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 770-645-1414 info@northsidechapel.com www.northsidechapel.com and CREMATORY

North Fulton’s Only On-Site Crematory

cially 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!

Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

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.

Content marketing 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 DICK JONES from traditional Founder & President marketing, and small Jones Simply Sales 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.

$3000 OFF ANY

ELECTRICAL! New customers only. Cannot be combined with any other discount. Limit one coupon per household.

Expires 10 days after publication.

Rated A++ by BBB • Many local referrences

• Licensed • Bonded • Insured 678-648-2011

SSales & SService Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm Sat: By appointment Sun: Closed

5055 Hammond Industrial Dr. Suite B, Cumming, GA

770-887-RIDE (7433) www.topdoggolfcarts.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

18 | April 6, 2017 | Milton 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 community,” Dunson-Allen said. “WellStar also embraces that and are focused on qual-

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

ity 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, Dun-

son-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

Alpharetta welcomes Prestige Auto Polishing and Protection

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

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 coat-

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

ings 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 | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 19

PreR Free egister to A Toda tten y! d!

Meet and Greet over a dozen Travel experts to find your next dream vacation!

WIN A CUSTOM PLANNED TRIP TO ITALY!

Complete your “Passport to Italy” for a chance to WIN a Custom Planned trip to Italy – $3,500 toward the trip of your dreams – brought to you by the experts at Mr. and Mrs. Italy!

Start dreaming of your trip today at www.MrandMrsItaly.com

WIN A $500 CRUISE CREDIT

Visit Cruise Corner sponsored by Expedia Cruise Ship Centers and meet representatives from Major Cruise Lines

Interested in learning more? Register at NorthFulton.com to attend the exclusive breakout presentations with Q&A. Only 25 spots per session!

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.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters – 1 p.m.

Get details and insight on Cruises and learn about exclusive offers with speakers from major cruise liners with an exclusive Q&A opportunity.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Royal Caribbean, Princes Cruises, Cunard, Oceania, Cruises, AmaWaterways

Saturday, May 6 • 10 am – 2 pm • The Metropolitan Club, 5895 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta To pre-register or for more information, visit NorthFulton.com. Follow us on

; Facebook.com/AppenMediaGroup

20 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

REGISTER TO ATTEND AN EXCLUSIVE TALK Pre-register today at NorthFulton.com and attend one or more of our exclusive talks and expert Q&A sessions – only 25 spots available per session!

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!

NORTH ATLANTA HAIR RESTORATION

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.

Wherever you are in your journey

Expedia CruiseShipCenters – 1 p.m.

Get details and insight on Cruises and learn about exclusive offers with speakers from major cruise liners with an exclusive Q&A opportunity.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters – Vince Bonfanti and Reid Trego Royal Caribbean – Fran Miles Princes Cruises and Cunard – Monika Pasquerello Oceania Cruises – Andy Fuentes AmaWaterways – Kathy Brock

Saturday, May 6

The Metropolitan Club, 5895 W

Meet and greet over 40 vendors • Go deeper w Heavy hors d’oeuvres • Dozens of door

To pre-register or for more information, visit NorthFulton

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 21

PreR Free egister THIS YEAR’S VENDORS T Want to be a vendor? There are only a few spots left! to Attendoday! !

Call Wendy at 770-442-3278.

GOLD SPONSORS

Vickery Rose BRONZE SPONSORS

Pre-register a t NorthFulton.c om to win a $500 cruise credit from Expedia Cruis eShipCenters

y the EXPO has something for you!

6 • 10 am – 2 pm

Windward Parkway, Alpharetta

with one of our exclusive informational talks r prizes • Health & memory screenings

n.com. Follow us on

; Facebook.com/AppenMediaGroup

MILAN EYE CENTER

CRUISE CORNER Meet representatives for the major cruise lines

22 | April 6, 2017 | Milton ForsythHerald Herald| |NorthFulton.com ForsythHerald.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| |Forsyth Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 23 ForsythHerald.com

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 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

24 | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017

Sponsored Section

Easy updates for a faster sale

By Shanaz Kanga Harry Norman Realtors It’s been a few months and your gorgeous home is still sitting on the market. You’re hoping for a buyer to fall in love with your house just as you did years ago, but the wait seems endless!

Your home is beautiful, it holds many happy memories, and you’re sure some buyer will want it. Why haven’t you received an offer on your home as yet?

The first few weeks on the market are critical to attract buyer interest. A tight inventory and strong demand for homes means it’s a seller’s market, but there are many homes that are not selling even if they have appraised well.

There are many reasons; the primary ones are location, price, and layout of the house. The location cannot be changed, modifications to the layout are achievable but come at a cost, which leaves the price of the house. But

what if your house is priced correctly and still not selling? These homes are already competing with new construction, so what can you do as a seller to make your house more desirable?

Buyers today are KANGA cash-strapped and do not want to take the time and energy to remodel a house. They are not looking for large spaces, but would rather have a well-appointed home with bells and whistles. If your house is not move-in ready, you have already narrowed your buyer pool. By making some small and easy updates to your house, you can change the look and feel of the space and make it more appealing to buyers.

The changes below will likely provide a good return on your investment: Clear out the clutter - Remove extra

furniture and furnishings from living spaces, take down paintings and photographs from walls leaving only one or two as accents, wipe down and organize bookshelves or display areas.

Remove heavy drapery or valences.

Fussy, floral draperies with a lot of valences and lace are not trendy anymore - clean lines are more popular. It is better to remove the old drapery and leave the windows bare if you cannot replace them with simple curtains or fresh designs.

Repair deferred maintenance, especially if it’s visible from the street.

You want to convey the impression that your home has been well maintained.

If you can’t afford to repair and paint something it is better to remove it.

Caulk and paint window trims.

Paint your rooms a neutral color.

Even a clean wall will look bright and fresh when re-painted. Lighter colors on walls are popular, which is good

because it’s harder to find a dark color that will appeal to many people. Semigloss is a safe option to select for interior paint as walls can be wiped down if they get dirty. Don’t forget to paint or re-finish the front door of the house.

Curb Appeal increases your home’s value. The front lawn should be mowed, bushes and shrubs neatly trimmed and planting beds mulched and kept free off weeds. Adding colorful flowers to the front of the house, especially near the front door, is appealing and draws the eye towards your house.

If you have roof damage get it fixed, or get an old roof replaced with a new one.

Other upgrades that can help - upgraded lighting fixtures and hardware such as cabinet pulls, doorknobs, balusters, and replacing a very old HVAC system with a new one.

See REALTOR Page 25

un

Shanaz Kanga

It’s all in the Details.

“With a background in Architecture, Interior Design and Technology, Shanaz provides exceptional service with the highest level of integrity, when marketing your current property or choosing your new home.”

Call 770-594-4950

7855 North Point Parkway | Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | www.shanaz.kanga.harrynorman.com | www.facebook.com/shanazkangarealtor d: 770-594-4950 | o: 678-461-8700 | f: 678-325-6085

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

CRYE-LEIKE real estate services raises $89,387 for United Way Nashville, Tenn. – Crye-Leike Real Estate Services, the nation’s sixth largest residential real estate brokerage firm, concluded its 2016 United Way Workplace Campaign by raising a total of $ 89,387 companywide to support United Way agencies located in 29 counties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Since becoming a partner with United Way in 1995, crye-leike, its sales associates and corporate staff companywide have contributed in excess of $800,000.

“Our company’s partnership with United Way is a perfect philanthropic fit for our real estate company. By giving to United Way, crye-leike is investing in the communities we serve,” says Joyce E. Friedman, affiliate broker and vice president of corporate communications of crye-leike Real Estate Services who served as co-chair of crye-leike’s 2016 United Way Workplace Campaign.

“We know that United Way’s board members and other volunteers safeguard the monies raised with a stringent process for prioritizing needs, evaluating agencies and their programs and distributing funds to those agencies most deserving and in need,” says Friedman. “Their diligence produces results and allows United Way to make a positive impact on our neighbors like supporting people in crisis, enriching seniors’ lives, strengthening families, promoting health and independence and helping youth succeed.”

Realtor: Continued from Page 24 When you are ready to sell, consider getting an appraisal of the house.

This helps to price the house correctly.

Listing it at the right price from the beginning is key to selling your house quickly. Hire a professional photographer to take pictures of the house with

Second only to the federal government, United Way is the largest provider of funding for health and human services in the nation.

Crye-leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 40 years, is the nation’s sixth largest residential real estate brokerage firm and the largest serving Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and the Mid-South.

It has a network of over 3,100 sales associates in 126 company-owned and franchise offices located throughout a nine-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Missouri.

the correct lighting. The best way to start marketing your house is online where it will be viewed immediately. If it doesn’t stand out, a buyer that could’ve been yours will be onto viewing the next house. You just lost an opportunity.

If you have any questions about selling your home including how to prepare, price and stage your home, contact me for a free consultation at 770-594-4950 or email Shanaz.Kanga@ harrynorman.com

Share your opinions northfulton.com

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 25

26 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Five Star Professional

Milton Real Estate Specialist • Top 10 Agent in North Fulton / Alpharetta / Milton • Approved by all Corporate Relocation Companies • Awarded Five Star Professional • 12+ Years Experience in Milton • 100’s of Milton Homes SOLD

Testimonials

www.MoveToMilton.com Cleaning your house inside and out can be very satisfying—and easier than you may think.

Jan 20, 2017 ★★★★★ by Stan P. Mike is an outstanding REALTOR. He has helped my family buy and sell 4 homes in Milton over the years. Two of the homes needed complete makeovers and Mike managed that entire process for us with his contractors.

The homes all sold in days for fantastic prices.

Nov 2, 2016 ★★★★★ by Drew E. Michael helped me sell one home and buy a new one at the same time. He was referred to us and we had some reluctance with an unknown agent, but what a pleasure! He got us the right buyer at the right price, and helped us find the perfect fixer upper opportunity.

Sep 2, 2016 ★★★★★ by Chris W. Due to many corporate relocations, we have had the opportunity to work with lots of real estate agents over the years. No one compares to Mike Stevens. He sold our Crooked Creek home in 1 day and at a record price.

Mike is truly ‘Best in Class.’ He goes above and beyond the call of duty to get the deal done. His expertise and integrity are unmatched.

RE/MAX On Main

301 North Main St. • Alpharetta, Ga 30009

770-905-7053

Mike@NorthAtlantaTeam.com MoveToMilton.com CrookedCreekHomeSales.com

Ten tips for successful spring cleaning (NAPSI)—As the weather begins to warm, many people begin to think about spring cleaning. Here are 10 simple tasks to help get ready for spring.

1. Clean the Windows. A simple solution of dish soap and warm water and a squeegee will give you the best results.

2. Clean those often-neglected baseboards and door frames. Dish soap and warm water are once again a good solution for wiping down these areas.

3. Dust ceiling fans and wall art.

Use a microfiber dusting cloth to wipe down fan blades, artwork and photographs.

4. Freshen Up Window Treatments. Vacuum blinds with a brush attachment. Wooden blinds can be wiped with a gentle wood cleaner; plastic and metal blinds can be removed and bathed in a solution of warm water and dish soap.

5. Clean Out Kitchen Cabinets.

First, take everything out of the cabinets and wipe down the insides.

Next, sort plastic storage containers and throw out any that are stained or missing lids. Check expiration dates and throw items away as needed. Wipe down the outside of all cabinets.

6. Clean out the refrigerator.

Take everything out to give shelves and

drawers a good scrubbing. S.O.S® Soap Pads are an excellent tool for cleaning removable glass shelves. Made with durable steel wool and long-lasting soap, S.O.S pads are perfect for tackling an incredible variety of cleaning projects.

Simply wet the pad, scrub away any sticky messes, and rinse. Finally, check expiration dates on all food and condiments in the fridge, and throw out or put back items as needed.

7. Clean Out the Couches. Clear out any lost coins and other goodies and use a vacuum wand attachment to clean the cushions and crevices.

8. Clean out the Gutters. A little work now to remove debris and check for damage is well worth it to avoid future damage to your home’s exterior or foundation should the gutters stop diverting water as intended.

9. Clean Patio Furniture. Cleaning plastic or metal patio furniture is easy with S.O.S Steel Wool Soap Pads. Just wet the pad, scrub away dirt and grime, and rinse with a garden hose.

10. Swap Out Outdoor Tools.

Clean and put away shovels, salt and snow brushes. Bring out your garden tools, kids’ outdoor toys and lawn mower.

Learn More For additional cleaning tips and tricks, visit www.sosclorox.com.

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 27

Benefits of using an agent when buying a home

By BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty There are so numerous benefits to using an agent when you are in the market to buy a new home, as this can be a very stressful and intimidating process. Having a licensed professional to help walk you thought the buying process can help to relieve the pressure and make your experience more enjoyable.

Especially for a first-time homebuyer, an agent is there to answer all of your home buying questions and concerns and prepare you for potential obstacles that may arise. Here are a few reasons why you should consider an agent when looking for your dream home.

Finding the right property: Once it has been determined what you are looking for, the next step will be for your REALTOR® to book appointments and walk you through potential homes.

These appointments can help narrow down your criteria and determine what you truly desire in a home. Your REALTOR® will have the knowledge to explain the area, neighborhoods, schools and everything you will need to know before making a knowledgeable, final decision on the home you make an offer on.

Negotiating an offer: Your agent will advise you on an acceptable offer price, while also helping you to negotiate a deal that could save you money.

This is such a crucial part of buying a home, and it allows your REALTOR® to use their expertise in the negotiation

process.

Professional recommendations: There are so many aspects to buying a home, and professional resources are always needed.

Agents make suggestions on reliable sources they have RAWLINGS used before, from a reliable mortgage broker to home inspectors. This is just another way that a real estate agent can help to relieve stress during the process of finding a new home.

Overcoming obstacles: During the due-diligence period new issues can arise, and a real estate professional can help advise you regarding solutions.

This is a time when negotiation is key, and it is extremely helpful to have someone on your side who is knowledgeable, experienced, calm and in control should a situation arise.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the seller typically pays the commission of both the buyer’s and seller’s agent. With the commission of the sale typically being around 6%, this fee is broken down between the two agents.

Reliving the pressure of an additional cost on finding the home of your dreams.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents deliver results.

Allow one of our dedicated professionals to assist you by visiting atlantafinehomes.com or calling our office at 770.442.7300.

Article is adapted from: http:// www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-isa-buyers-agent-used-for/

Alpharetta. $1,690,000 1175 Mid Broadwell Road 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5811097 Bonnie Smith 404.713.7713

Alpharetta. $300,000 2660 Wander Trail 3BR/2.5BA FMLS: 5792507 Jenny Doyle 404.840.7354

Alpharetta. $532,800 3288 Kentworth Lane 5BR/4.5BA FMLS: 5804209 Nancy Anderson 770.845.8638

Alpharetta. $899,900 700 Lake Mist Cove 6BR/6.5BA FMLS: 5818437 Karen Salter 770.309.7309 Charlcie Forehand 678.613.4422

Ball Ground. $1,399,000 670 Hawks Ridge Drive 7BR/6.5BA FMLS: 5821550 Martha Hasty 678.910.3311 Cynthia Chandlee 770.826.8276

Cumming. $289,900 1265 Apple Blossom 5BR/3BA FMLS: 5823692 Reed Guthrie 404.808.9953

Cumming. $789,500 1372 Holbrook Campground Road 6BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5819377 Abbe Laboda 678.491.1015

Marietta. $849,900 4420 Sandy Plains Road 7BR/5BA FMLS: 5807087 Angela Miller 404.964.1823

Milton. $1,560,000 14013 Tree Loft Road 5BR/5BA/3HBA FMLS: 5823350 Rhonda Haran 404.556.5600

Milton. $499,900 780 Foxhollow Run 4.13+/- Acres FMLS: 5649218 Abbe Laboda 678.491.1015

Roswell. $1,197,000 1380 Cashiers Way 6BR/6.5BA FMLS: 5805988 Tom Corbo 678.549.1671

Roswell. $1,239,000 185 Ansley Way 6BR/7BA/3HBA FMLS: 5802031 Suzanne Close 770.335.1880

Roswell. $299,900 50 Mill Pond 3BR/2.5BA FMLS: 5823804 Kathy Rice 678.697.4984

Serenbe. $1,499,900 17 Swann Wynd 4BR/4BA FMLS: 5780446 Sandra Storrar 404.310.3558 Evan McKinney 770.527.0128-

Pebble Beach, California $4,595,000 1567 Griffin Road Sotheby’s International Realty Carmel Rancho Brokerage

atlantafinehomes.com | 770.442.7300

00;9,, 6RWKHE\·V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ DQG WKH 6RWKHE\·V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ ORJR DUH UHJLVWHUHG RU XQUHJLVWHUHG VHUYLFH PDUNV XVHG ZLWK SHUPLVVLRQ (DFK 2IÀFH ,V Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Artwork by Isabelle Gautier, used with permission.

28 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Investing in single-family real estate properties online (NAPSI)—Nobody has a secret formula for successfully investing in real estate, but brushing up on your financial literacy, digging deep into market dynamics, understanding property-specific costs and turning to today’s access to unprecedented data and technology can lead to more-informed buying decisions.

Here are five tips that can help: • Rule number one when looking at a property online. Figure out how the property performs today as an investment. You shouldn’t assume any type of appreciation, speculation or reduction in expenses over time.

“What you’re buying today is what you’re going to live with because no one knows what tomorrow will hold for your property. Most savvy investors do not speculate on what a property might become,” said Dennis Cisterna, CRO of Investability Real Estate, Inc. • A big line item is price. A lot of online marketplaces will factor price appreciation into their analysis. Often, this can be misleading because you don’t always have the knowledge to know whether a market will appreciate, and making assumptions based on previous performance can be risky.

• Another factor to consider is rent appreciation. “It can’t be guaranteed

and you shouldn’t speculate that rental increases will be part of your return.

You may assume, if rents go up, you might see an equal appreciation in your costs, so your yield may remain the same,” said Wally Charnoff, CEO of Investability Real Estate, Inc. • Also, be sure you understand operating costs. When you own a property far from home, it can be beneficial to rely on third-party providers to manage and repair the home. Therefore, it’s often best to include costs such as repairs, capital expenditures, “turn costs” (when a tenant moves out) and leasing expenses upfront.

• Finally, you must do your due diligence when investing. Regardless of whether you’re buying across town or across the country, make sure that the assumptions the seller uses are in line with the market’s actual costs and returns. Look for an opportunity based on the current numbers, not what some experts may promise about tomorrow.

By understanding the market- and property-level analytics and familiarizing yourself with the service providers in the area, you can be in a better position to make an informed investment decision.

With upfront metrics and a network of vetted service providers, Investability

There are a few key elements to consider when looking at an investment property. can make it easier to find single-family residential properties that fit with your investment strategy.

Find your next single-family real estate investment at www.investability. com.

Tune in to “The Real Investor” pod-

cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play for more tips, strategies and insights into real estate investing. To hear more on this subject, listen to “What to Consider When Buying Residential Investment Properties Online” on Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2gjrZIS.

Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More

Fulton County ManorView (Milton) 770-663-0027 Homes from the low $600s to the upper $700s Forsyth County Arbors at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the upper $300s Arbors II at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $300s

For a Limited Time Purchase a To-Be-Built Home and Receive: UP TO

10,000

Reserve at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $400s

Herrington Glen (Cumming) Model Now Open 470-302-8205 Homes from the mid $400s

Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $400s

Herrington Trace (Cumming) 770-557-2289 Homes from the low $400s Marketplace Commons (Cumming) 770-889-8619 Homes from the low $400s

Seneca lll (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $300s Seneca IV (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $400s Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) 470-321-5702 Homes from the upper $300s

5,000

UP $ TO

$

Use How You Choose Credits*

Champions Run I (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the low $400s

Champions Run II (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the mid $400s

PLUS

Toward Closing Costs when financing with our affiliate lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage, and using our affiliate CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC, as your closing agent/title insurer*

For more information, please visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

*Available only when you close on a To-Be Built home in one of our Atlanta area communities pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 4/1/17-4/30/17. Receipt of up to $5,000 in Closing Costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. Receipt of Up to $10,000 Use How You Choose Credits is subject to limits. Seller provided credits may be applied to Upgrades or Options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL236

SCHOOLS

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 29

Cambridge’s SkillsUSA team at forefront of job skills, leadership training Team sets state record at competition

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Cambridge’s SkillUSA team captured a state record of 82 medals at this year’s state SkillsUSA competition on March 23-25 at the Georgia International Convention Center. In its fifth year, the school’s SkillsUSA team has proved itself as one of the top in the state, winning multiple national titles and appointing a State Officer, the highest honor for a student, every year since the program began.

Cambridge sent 112 students to the state competition, the largest delegation in the state.

Those old enough to remember might know SkillsUSA under its former title, VICA, the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America.

But since 1999, SkillsUSA has undergone a name change and has become the second largest student organization in the country, informing and training students in the areas of entrepreneurship, leadership and community service as well as technical, vocation, business and health science training.

Thomas Washburn, who teaches law and justice courses at Cambridge and is also a SkillsUSA adviser at the school, says Cambridge has the “perfect storm” for success.

“A lot of the reason we have had success is we have had great student leadership, great parent support, administrative support and a great staff.

We have great advisers and get a lot of support from teachers in the building.

Also, our student leaders work very hard,” Washburn said.

Another benefit it that Washburn is able to use SkillsUSA in his curriculum.

“SkillsUSA is a co-curricular organization. My curriculum is one side of the zipper and SkillsUSA is the other and they literally zip together. We use the SkillsUSA rubric to develop competitions in class to help train the students and prepare them for competition.”

The benefits of the training has been especially apparent to Washburn in his criminal justice team.

“My student leader knows more about processing a crime scene than I do as a former police officer. She has trained with the GBI, Gwinnett County CSI and has taught other people,” he said.

In addition to the criminal justice program, Cambridge will look to win a

Cambridge’s 112-member delegation was the largest in the state at the SkillsUSA state competition. second straight national title with its audio-visual team.

Students prepared a pre-submission that was judged by members of the Georgia film industry. The team won state this year and will look to win another national title at the SkillsUSA national championships this summer.

The national competition is the largest day of corporate volunteerism in the nation according to Washburn, with over $30 million in sponsorships and support.

The companies represented at the national competition aren’t just out to advertise, they want skilled workers, which SkillsUSA provides in abundance, said Washburn.

In addition to work-set skills, SkillsUSA also teaches leadership.

Connor Christiansen was named Georgia State Officer at this year’s state competition. Christiansen will serve at the National Conference as a voting delegate and attend several leadership training events. He will also serve the state this year, lobbying for legislation at the state Capitol and will meet with representatives from Georgia’s industries.

Of all the organizations Washburn has been involved with or has seen firsthand, he believes that SkillUSA is in a league of its own.

“The kids get so much benefit, it’s unreal,” he said.

Experience Gibbs Gardens Stroll through 220 acres of spectacular gardens with mature woodlands, ponds, streams and rolling hills. Spring bursts into bloom with dogwoods, azaleas, roses and “new” this year, 20,000 tulips. Join us for live music, arts and crafts shows, garden talks and plant sales.

Visit our website for a schedule of events.

®

www.gibbsgardens.com • 770-893-1881

SPORTS

30 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Gift Shop for all Occasions

New Wholesale Home Decor Program! (only $500 min. order.

Save 50%-70% off retail.

All major brands!)

Experience Milton’s Most Charming Gathering Place!

Organic O i CCoffffee CCafe f •M Market k •G Gift ift S Shop h Wine Shop • Home Decor • Events & Catering

Now Serving Full Lunch Menu Mon - Fri 11am -2pm

Wine Tasting and Live Music Every Friday 5pm - 9pm

Book Your Private Event Today!

P 850 Hickory Flat Road • Milton, GA (at Birmingham Crossroads) (877) 201-2601 • Farmtable.Milton@gmail.com www.WilburAndRudys.com • “Like Us” on Facebook!

Complete list of events and information on our website.

BT baseball dominates Chestatee in doubleheader Titans undefeated in region

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Blessed Trinity cruised by region foe Chestatee in a doubleheader Friday, enforcing the mercy rule in both games with wins of 16-0 and 12-1. The wins kept BT (18-3, 6-0) undefeated in region play and tied atop the Region 7-AAAA standings with Marist.

The Titans, who are allowing on average two runs per game this season, had solid outings from the pitching staff in the doubleheader.

Cole McNamee threw a complete game in the five-inning first game, allowing just one hit with six strikeouts and a walk.

Patrick McNamara struck out nine of the 21 batters he faced in the second game, allowing four hits and one earned run. Clark Dearman came in relief for McNamara in the sixth inning, striking out one.

As BT’s pitchers kept Chestatee’s bats in check, the Titans lit up Chestatee’s pitching with 29 hits and 28 runs in the doubleheader.

Nine Titans had a hit in the first game and scored nine runs in the top of the second inning. Mitchell Weidner went 4-4 with six RBIs and Jake Lundkovsky batted 3-3 with two RBIs and four runs scored. Mickey Skole, Colin Davis and Josh Voss each had two RBIs

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 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 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

in the 16-0 win.

Weidner and Skole kept the momentum rolling in the second game, with Weidner going 2-3 with an RBI and Skole batting 2-4 with three RBIs — including a home run in in the top of the fourth. BT scored in every inning but the second, to take the 12-1 win.

In their first season in Class AAAA, the Titans are in the running for the Region 7-AAAA title, but they will have to get past Marist. Marist has won 12 state titles, most recently back-to-back in 2010-11, and captured their region title in Class AAAA last season. Both teams are 6-0 in the region standings.

“We have played Marist [in past seasons] and we know what a great program they have,” BT head coach Andy Harlin said earlier this season.

“Their head coach Mike Strickland and I go way back, and we know he is going to have his kids prepared. He is a phenomenal coach.”

BT and Marist will face off in a three-game series next week, with Marist hosting BT on Tuesday and the Titans hosting a doubleheader next Friday.

This week, the Titans travel to Florida to face three Florida teams in a spring break tournament.

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.

SPORTS

South Forsyth takes series over Milton Two losses drop Eagles out of first in region standings

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — South Forsyth (12-8, 5-4) took the first and third game of its three-game series against Milton last week, securing third in the Region 5-AAAAAAA standings and dropping Milton (14-6, 6-3) out of first.

South Forsyth used a Grant Pierce RBI single and a Milton throwing error to earn the win in the first game of the series last Monday, 2-0. Landon Sims threw a complete game for the War Eagles, allowing just four hits and striking out five. Bradley Prince Jr. and Grant Gerberding both went 2-3 with a run scored.

Milton’s Trevor Iannone threw 6.2 innings, allowing one earned run off nine hits.

Last Wednesday’s second game of the series saw much more offense for Milton as their 15 runs was enough to end the game through the mercy-rule after the bottom of the fifth.

Milton’s 16 hits from eight batters powered them past South 15-2.

Graham Pauley went 4-4 and Drew Hamrock, Ryan Murphy, Garrett Cook, John Morgan, Chandler Woolridge, Danny Grillo and Russell Megenity all had multiple RBIs. Cook hit a solo home run in the top of the first to begin the onslaught of offense from the Eagles.

Woolridge threw a complete game for the Eagles, striking out five in five innings. South’s only runs came from a two-run home run by Pearce in the bottom of the first.

In the decisive third game last Thursday, South Forsyth’s offense had success against four Milton pitchers as the War Eagles captured the series with a 7-3 win.

Nine War Eagles had a hit with Sims going 2-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Luc Scudellari got the start for the Eagles but would be pulled in the top of the third after giving up three straight singles, a double and throwing an error on a pickoff attempt. Down 3-0, Milan Sutaria took over on the mound but South would earn another run off a Kyle Becker RBI single.

Milton loaded the bases off a walk and singles from Cook and Woolridge in the bottom of the fourth, but a strikeout from South’s Cooper Davidson and a fly out from the next batter allowed South to escape the inning with its 4-0 lead intact.

Davidson threw a complete game for the War Eagles, giving up one earned run and striking out five.

South loaded the bases to start the top of the fifth and would score three more runs off two singles and Drew Becker stealing home.

Milton cut the deficit to 7-3 in the bottom of the fifth with two singles and a sacrifice fly, but the runs would be the last of the game.

Milton and South will put region play on hold over spring break this week. Milton will host Gardendale (AL), Hillgrove and Sequoyah this week.

South will take on Sequoyah, Etowah and Wesleyan.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 31

HOP TO THE SWAMP

Easter Sunday, April 16th

Easter Brunch

Featuring Special Limited Menu, Available Online

w/ $5 Mimosa’s • 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Dinner

Featuring Our Dinner Menu 5 – 9 p.m.

Call for Reservations

470-242-5458

52B North Main Street Alpharetta, Ga 30009 www.flatlands52.com

32 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Pre-screened local tree services.

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! Call 770-442-3278 to be a part of next week’s scoreboard.

We do all the homework, so you don’t have to.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SCORES FOR NORTH FULTON AND FORSYTH

Appen Newspapers

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

LACROSSE (GIRLS)

You’re never more than 2 clicks away on your smart phone, tablet or desktop.

Every time you use 770Tree.com to request an estimate, Appen-Rated makes a donation to North Fulton Community Charities or The Drake House.

Do good & get great tree work too!

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

for the best source in local news

twitter.com/northfulton

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 33

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 competitors.”

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

MIKE RIEMAN/SPECIAL

Kasiyahna Kushkituah scored four points with three rebounds and a block in the All-American Game. 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

MIKE RIEMAN/SPECIAL

Maya Dodson (right) with future Stanford teammate Kiana Williams. 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 Tennes-

see.

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.

Dance is the new yoga!

Here are some examples: Dance through your meditation... in Dancer’s Stretch Imagine if Tai chi were a dance... in Thread Have some injuries? Need recovery? So do dancers... in Stretch & Alignment All fabulous dance 101 classes! More awaits you than you can imagine...

For class schedule visit our beautiful website www.dance101.org Drop in to class for $25

dance 101 Alpharetta 735 Highwy 9 & Windward Pkwy 404) 545-8048

SCHOOLS

34 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Lawmakers help failing schools; reject mandatory recess 2017 session ends with numerous changes to K-12 education

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com

INFINITE ENERGY ARENA

377769

APR 20 – 23 DisneyOnIce.com

ATLANTA, Ga. - 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 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.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 35

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.

Repairs: Continued from Page 6 inal 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.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has started major repair work to the bridge for both the southbound 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, 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.

April is Pet CPR First Aid Month

Please Join Us Sat., April 22nd 2-5pm for Pet First Aid & CPR Training.

It Could Save Your Pets Life!

APRIL PROMOTION

& First Aid Class to the Public FREE CPR

Sat., April 22nd, 2-5pm RSVP: 770-667-9022

Please call to reserve a spot in one of the two classes being held.

13775 Hwy. 9 Alpharetta

(just North of Windward Pkwy.)

www.lovinghands.com • 770-667-9022

Serving your community for over 15 years.

We offer a 10 year warranty on structural construction.

LICENSED & INSURED

Specializing in Construction, Renovation, & Repair • Patios/Pool Decks • Pools & Spas • Outdoor Kitchens • Arbors • Brick & Stone • Chimneys/Fireplace • Decorative Concrete/Pavers • Decks • Driveways • Grading & Drainage • Retaining Walls • Stone/Tile Deck Waterproofing & Leak Repair

404.478.9563

rick@southernoutdoorcd.com • www.southernoutdoorcd.com

36 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Milton hosts community egg hunt April 15 MILTON, Ga. — Milton will hold its annual Easter egg hunt April 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Friendship Community Park in Crabapple.

This family friendly event will include egg hunts for all ages beginning

at 10 a.m.

The hunts are organized by age beginning with children one to threeyears-old.

In addition to the egg hunt and a visit by the Easter bunny, there will

Request for Proposal Strategic Plan Implementation & Performance Management Software

also be games, face painting, crafts and music.

Food trucks will be at the park with treats for sale, and the Milton Police and Fire Departments will be on hand to display their vehicles and equipment.

“This is one of our favorite annual events to host, the community loves it,” said Milton’s Community Outreach Manager Courtney Spriggs. “Last year, more than 300 children participated, hunting 3,000 hidden eggs.”

CITY OF MILTON

RFP NUMBER 17-IT01

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR REZONINGS AND TEXT AMENDMENTS

Sealed Proposal Due Date: May 2, 2017 2:00PM Local Time Milton City Hall To be publicly opened approximately 2:05PM EST in the Milton City Hall Council Chambers, located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton GA 30004.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

The City of Milton is requesting submittals from interested parties for a public private partnership. The request for sealed proposals for Strategic Plan Implementation & Performance Management Software will be posted on the following websites the week of April 6, 2017. http://www.cityofmiltonga.us or http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

CITY OF MILTON SPECIAL CALLED CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING April 13, 2017 10:00 am City Hall (Community Center) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the City of Milton Charter Commission will hold a meeting on April 13, 2017 beginning at 10:00 AM in the Community Center located at City of Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, Georgia 30004.

This Public Notice is in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1.

This the 30th day of March 2017. _____________________________ Sudie AM Gordon, City Clerk AGENDA 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

Call to Order Approval of Agenda Approval of March 1, 2017 Minutes Public Comment Review of Proposed By-Laws Review of Suggested Charter Changes Discussion of Next Meeting Date New Business Adjournment

Milton’s Easter egg hunt returns this year on April 15 at Friendship Community Park.

Petition No.: Location: Applicant: Request:

RZ17-02 12800, 12830, and 12850 Hopewell Road Fuqua & Associates To rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to R-4A (Single Family Dwelling) to develop 17 single family lots on 14.6 acres at a density of 1.16 units per acre.

TEXT AMENDMENTS RZ17-03 – Consideration to amend Sec. 64-418. - Pre-development notification and public informational meeting and Sec. 64-419.

Definitions of the AG-1 (Agricultural) Zoning District.

RZ17-04 – Consideration to amend Sec. 64-441 – Pre-development notification and public informational meeting and Sec. 64-441.

Definitions of the R-1 (Residential) Zoning District.

RZ17-05 – Consideration to amend Sec. 64-464 – Pre-development notification and public informational meeting and Sec. 64-465.

Definitions of the R-2 (Residential) Zoning District.

RZ17-06 – Consideration to amend Sec. 64-487 – Pre-development notification and public informational meeting and Sec. 64-488.

Definitions of the R-2A (Residential) Zoning District.

RZ17-07 – Consideration to amend Sec. 64-2453. - Creation of a historic preservation commission.

Chapter 2 of the City Code – Administration – Sec. 2-206 – Duties of the Planning Commission.

Chapter 50 of the City Code – Subdivision – Consideration to amend the process of plat procedures.

Public Hearing:

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, April 24, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall – City Council Chambers (New City Hall Location) 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 37

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.

JOHNSON 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 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.

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR ATTACHED WIRELES TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY AND CONCURRENT VARIANCE Petition No.: Location: Applicant: Request:

T17-01/VC17-03 1 and 3 Verizon Place Verizon Wireless c/o Troutman Sanders LLP Proposed rooftop antenna and concurrent variance to allow roof top antennas and associated structures to project more than ten feet above roof lines.

(Sec. 54-6(h))

Public Hearing:

Design Review Board Meeting Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, June 19, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall – City Council Chambers (New City Hall Location) 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004

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.

38 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Upscale Housecleaner Great opportunity for a positive, energetic, detailed, dependable female.We serve a very elite established repeat clientele. Monday-Friday, 3035 hours/week. Excellent pay! Sheri 770-309-7335

S. Forsyth/VICKERY Walk to village shops, restaurants, schools, many homes $400’s-$900k+, swim/tennis community. Featured property: 3bdr/3.5ba, master on main, open flr plan, front porch, priv courtyard, many upgrades! $514,900, Robyn Sprague 470-227-1277 Palmer House Properties vm. 404-876-4901

Maintenance person needed in manufacturing plant in south Forsyth. 5 yrs min experience required maintaining mechanical equipment and or facility. M-F 7-5, matched 401K, major medical included.

Great team in place and company is growing .

770-664-6742 ext 203 Russell Harris

SERVICE DIRECTORY

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | April 6, 2017 | 39

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Cleaning Services

Gutters

Haulers

Lawn Care

Auto Donations

Miscellaneous

Housecleaning quality care for your home.

Free Estimates and References. Martina 678-656-4492.

We know clean, leave the details to us!

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

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling etc.

Many local references.

Call Ralph Rucker at 678-898-7237

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

LOCAL DRIVERS WANTED! Be your own boss.

Flexible hours.

Unlimited earning potential.

Must be 21 with valid U.S. drivers license, insurance & reliable vehicle. Call 888-913-3007

Concrete/Asphalt

Handyman

LEAVE THE MOWING TO US”A”!

Weekly/ Bi-weekly Lawn mowing/landscape.

Mulch & Pine-straw Installation. Licensed/ Insured/free est. Call or text: 678-727-6850 w w w. g a g r e e n w o r k s . com

We fix UGLY driveways and patios. $100 OFF any concrete job over $1000 New or Repair: Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls.

Residential or Commercial.

Call for FREE estimate.

The Best Concrete Company-Ask for Dave McKemey.

678-648-2010.

P r o f e s s i o n a l , competitive, many local references.

ALL CARPENTRY & REPAIRS: Roof Leaks, Wood Rot Repair, Siding, Deck Repairs and Refinishing, Painting, Doors/Windows.

Excellent References.

404-895-0260

Driveway REPAIR or REPLACEMENT Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. $150 off any job over $1500 For a FREE estimate call Dave 678-914-2576.

Competitive pricing.

Many local references.

DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT: Patios and walkways.

Stonework. 15 years experience. Hundreds of reviews online; see our online photo gallery: Sudlowconcrete.com 404-285-5995

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

RAM’S HOME SERVICES Kitchen hardware replaced. Appliances and ceiling fans installed. Sink/toilet/ leak repair. www. ramshs.com for list of services. Experienced.

770-769-5498 RELIABLE HOME REPAIRS: 21 years experience.

R e f e r e n c e s .

Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, wood rot repair, siding, painting, pressure washing.

Free e s t i m a t e s !

770-605-0340

Kitchen & Bath:

Plumbing, Electrical Drywall and Other Repairs and Installations.

Home Maintenance.

Small Jobs Preferred. Call Mike.

404-647-1406

®

HANDYMAN REMODELING

678-455-2434

www.HandyHero.net

Home Improvement Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932.

R e m o d e l i n g , handyman. 31 years experience. Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms.

All insurance. Credit cards accepted. Paul Finegan 404-353-5611 Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical.

Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs.

All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell.

Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate

Landscaping 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

Masonry MASONRY REPAIRS Stone, brick, block.

Fireplace, walkway, retaining walls etc.

Guaranteed work. Terry Conley 706-435-7596 (N. Fulton/S. Forsyth)

Pinestraw PINESTRAW, mulch delivery/installation available.

Firewood $110/$200, plus delivery.

Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch.

770-831-3612.

Tree Services 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

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Make/Models 2000-2015!

Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330.

Educational AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888686-1704 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Earn $1000 per week! Paid CDL Training!

STEVENS TRANSPORT COVERS ALL COSTS! 1-888734-6714 drive4stevens.com

Employment MAKE MONEY MAILING POSTCARDS! Guaranteed Legitimate Opportunity! www.PostcardsToWealth. com Earn Multiple $250 Payments Daily! w w w. 2 5 0 P e r D a y S y s t e m . com Home Workers Urgently Needed! www.

LegitOnlineWork.com PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000 Weekly Mailing Brochures From Home!

NO Experience Required.

Helping home workers since 2001!

Genuine Opportunity. Start Immediately! www.MailingCompany.Net

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

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping!

24/7 CALL: 1-888-223-8818 Hablamos Espanol.

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

FREE VIAGRA PILLS 48 PILLS + 4 FREE! VIAGRA 100MG/ CIALIS 20mg Free Pills! No hassle, Discreet Shipping. Save Now. Call Today 1-888-410-0514

OXYGEN Anytime.

Anywhere. No tanks to refill.

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

Thank you for reading the classifieds.

WALK-IN-TUBS - Save $1500 if you own your own home & its value is $100k+ Free heated seat ($600 value) America’s Favorite Brand! Call (844) 890-5268 CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer.

Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

Call Canada Drug Center to find Affordable International Medications! Safe, reliable & affordable!

Plus, get a FREE 2017 Calendar! Call 855-389-3862 Now! Cell phone bill too high? Call now and see how you can save. National 4G coverage for less! 855-663-0120 Lung Cancer? 60+ yrs old? May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 888-853-3432 To Learn More.

No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies. com VIAGRA 52 PILLS + 4 FREE! VIAGRA 100MG/ CIALIS 20mg Free Pills! No hassle, Discreet Shipping. Save Now. $99.00 Call Today 1-800-213-6202 Make a Connection.

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

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

1-800-772-1142 1-310-7210726 usa@classicrunners.com

Wanted to Buy Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment!

Call 1-855-440-4001 www.

TestStripSearch.com. Habla Espanol.

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

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits?

We Can Help!

WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-855-498-6323 to start your application today!

Education & Training AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA Technician certification.

Approved for military benefits.

Financial Aid if qualified.

Job placement assistance.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-453-6204

Health & Fitness VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed.

CALL NOW! 1-866-312-6061 Hablamos Espanol CALL CANADA Drug Center.

Affordable International Medications! Safe, reliable & affordable! FREE 2017 Calendar! Call 855-768-0762 Now!

Medical Got Knee Pain? Back Pain?

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

Miscellaneous Comcast Hi-Speed Internet -$29.99/mo (for 12 mos.)

No term agreement. Fast Downloads! PLUS Ask About TV (140 Channels) Internet Bundle for $79.99/mo (for 12 mos.) CALL 1-844-714-4451,

HughesNet: Gen4 satellite internet is ultra fast and secure. Plans as low as $39.99 in select areas. Call 1-855-440-4911 now to get a $50 Gift Card!

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now!

Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+.

Lung Cancer? And Age 60+?

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

Spectrum Triple Play TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea.

60 MB per second speed No contract or commitment. We buy your existing contract up to $500! 1-855-652-9304

Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $25/ Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT. 1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests.

Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes.

Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads. com for more information

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

40 | April 6, 2017 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

FOLLOW US ON:

Stephanie Butler Realtor® 678.296.1774

NEW LISTING Crabapple Chase: 12435 Brookhill Crossing Lane 5 bd • 4 full ba • 1 half ba • finished terrace level • renovated kitchen • mater up • swim/tennis community • new roof/hvac FMLS #5820257 • $429,900

NEW LISTING White Columns: 745 Scarlet Oak Trail 5 bd • 4 full ba • 1 half ba • master on main • cul-de-sac lot • renovated kitchen FMLS #5827109 • $635,000

Lisa Swayne Realtor® 770.241.9165

770.475.0505 butlerswayne.com

NEW LISTING Brookshade: 841 N Brookshade Pkwy 6 bd • 4 full ba • 1 half ba • master on main • renovated kitchen • new hardwoods • finished basement • open floor plan • Swim/tennis neighborhood FMLS #5809588 • $795,000

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

COMING SOON

Woodland Park: 1405 Woodland Trace 4 bd • 4.5 ba • master upstairs • finished terrace level • 3-car garage • screened porch FMLS #5715145 • $475,000

Prov @ Atlanta National: 130 Providence Oaks Pointe 5 bd • 4 full ba • 1 half ba • fully renovated kitchen • bedroom on main • master upstairs with sitting room• cul-de-sac lot• Swim/tennis/gated neighborhood FMLS #5810405 • $775,900

Kingsley Estates: 315 Quayside Court finished basement • master up • secondary bedrooms all w/ private bath • fenced yard • swim/tennis community $920,000

NEW PRICE

NEW PRICE

SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY Six Hills: 800 Owens Lake Road 5 bd • 6 full ba • 2 half ba • 1.6 acre lot overlooking lake • 4 car garage • guest suite on main FMLS #5777703 • $1,049,000

UNDER CONTRACT Tullamore: 15470 Thorntree Run 6 bd • 5.5 ba • master on main • 4+ acre lake lot • guest house • 5-car garage (total) • pool/spa FMLS #5739942 • $1,099,000

White Columns: 15390 White Columns Drive 5 bd • 4 ba • 1 half ba • Master on main • finished basement • large secondary bedrooms • screen porch • custom designed pool.

FMLS #5810405 • $824,000

SOLD The Parc at Cogburn: 12895 Cogburn Overlook 4 bd • 3 full ba • 1 half ba • master on main • fenced yard • new construction $572,095

White Columns – Gated: 155 Golf Link View 5 bd • 6 full ba • 1 half ba • master on main • lg keeping room/kitchen • all bedrooms w/ private bath • finished basement • overlooks 14th fairway of WC Golf Club & lake FMLS #5797930 • $999,000

Laura Falk

Realtor® 770.715.0325

Gianna Whisler-Amneteg Realtor® 470.865.9887

Kelly Finley

Realtor® 678.468.4990

UNDER CONTRACT Blackberry Ridge: 118 Townsend Pass 6 bd • 6 full ba • 2 half ba • 2+ acre lot pool/spa/cabana • master up • 5-car garage FMLS #5708397 • $1,190,000

©2015 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Opportunity Employer.