Police seeks burglary suspect Wanted in several crimes ►►PAGE 2
Milton boys track champs Runners 1st in 3 events ►►PAGE 25
&
Meet the voice
Local singer Ashlé debuts album ►►PAGE 21
Alpharetta-Roswell
REVUE NEWS
April 16, 2015 | revueandnews.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 33, No. 16
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1: Our editorial staff from left Jonathan Copsey, Kathleen Sturgeon, Hatcher Hurd and Shannon Weaver. 2: Sales team members Mike Dorman and Wendy Goddard. 3: From left production team members David Brown, A.J. McNaughton and general manager Hans Appen. 4: Sales team members Abby Breaux, Regan Schoch and Paige Roman.
By HATCHER HURD Hatcher@appenmediagroup.com SAVANNAH, Ga. – For the second year in a row, Appen Media Group returned from its annual Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) Conference April 8-11 laden with awards including “Best of the Best” for highest number of individual awards. This year’s conference at Savannah’s Marriott Riverfront saw staff winning honors for writing/commentary; design; photography; and ad design. There were 72 national award categories in all with 1,250 submissions to the judges. Appen Media took home 28 awards (including Best of the Best), that includes 12 First Place awards. That was almost 17 percent of all firsts awarded. “The quality of the graphics and editorial content in our member publications continues to raise the bar every year as indicated in our Best of the Best Awards Competition,” said AFCP Executive Direc-
See APPEN, Page 20
Avossa one of three finalists for Palm Beach School chief Compensation would match Fulton’s By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Fulton School Superintendent Robert Avossa is one significant step closer to becoming the new superintendent for the Palm Beach County School System at the end of this month. On April 8, the Palm Beach Board of Education (PBBOE) narrowed the list of 72 applicants down to just four finalists for the top job in the nation’s 11th largest school system. A day later, one of the finalists, the superintendent for the St. Paul (Minnesota)
School System and the only female finalist, withdrew her application. In addition to Avossa, the other finalists are the deputy superintendent for Orange County (Florida) Public Schools and a top administrator with the Broward County (Florida) School District. The PBBOE plans to have the new superintendent hired by April AVOSSA 30, allowing a two-month transition time for outgoing Superintendent Wayne Gent, who steps down July 1. If Avossa is offered the job, his compensation would be significantly higher than
Gent’s current salary of $236,000. Prior to the search, the PBBOE agreed to pay the next superintendent between $275,000 and $350,000. Coincidentally, Avossa signed a three-year contract with Fulton Schools in October, which sets his base salary at $275,000 and maxes at $344,000 with benefits. The Palm Beach County School system is approximately twice the size of Fulton Schools, with 185 schools and an enrollment of more than 183,000 students. The next step in the process will be a public meeting on April 16 at 2 p.m. where the PBBOE will interview the three finalists. The meeting will be broadcast live online at www.palmbeachschools.org.
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2 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
Alpharetta seeks ID of serial burglary suspect
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety is asking the public to help identify a suspect wanted for commercial burglaries. On Dec. 17, 2014 and March 10, 2015, the suspect burglarized a commercial business office complex in Alpharetta. Recently, two other law enforcement agencies – Sandy Springs and Cobb County – have identified the
same suspect as a person of interest in other burglaries. The suspect casually walks into an office building and looks around for office suites. Once a targeted suite is identified, he uses a screwdriver to pry open the door if it is locked. The suspect enters the suite and steals laptop computers. In one instance, the suspect walked into a targeted business and wedged a piece of
POLICE BLOTTER All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Fight leads to drug arrests ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A fight near a local business April 3 resulted in two men arrested for fighting as well as drug charges. According to police, Frank Edward Wells, 32, of Providence Road, Milton and Kevin R. Mosley, 21, of Lawrenceville, were fighting in front of the AlphaSmoke business on South Main Street. When police arrived, Wells was found on the ground yelling and incoherent. Mosley said he did not know what happened. A witness said they saw the men run from the corner of the building before the fight. A check of the corner turned up a pair of lawn chairs set up,
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.
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DUI arrests ►► James Bryant Berryman, 45, of
Holcomb Pond Court, Alpharetta, was arrested March 26 on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Larry James Smallwood, 58, of Woodstock was arrested March 27 on
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plastic between the door and the frame so he could facilitate an after-hours burglary. The suspect is a black male, black hair, brown eyes, approximately 30-40 years of age, approximately 6’ in height, weighing 200 pounds. If anyone has information which can identify the suspect, contact Alpharetta police Detective Duval at 678-297-6375. Tip may remain anonymous.
along with empty beer bottles and a backpack belonging to Wells allegedly containing a jar of marijuana. A search of Mosley’s car, which smelled of marijuana, turned up a “large amount” of the drug. Wells was taken to hospital and charged with possession of marijuana and affray. Mosley was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug-related paraphernalia, public drunkenness and affray.
Thief leaves behind ID ALPHARETTA, Ga. – One woman was arrested and another suspected after a March 6 shoplifting attempt of nearly $1,000 of perfume. Employees of the J.C.Penny at North Point Mall told police they saw Valerie Ochoa, 31, and another woman take perfume bottles and place them in their purses. One woman was arrested on the Hopewell Road in Milton for DUI, failure to maintain lane, failure to yield when entering roadway and possession of marijuana. ►► Bethany L. Starcher, 27, of Cambridge Court, Cumming, was arrested March 20 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and using wireless communications while driving. ►► David Patrick Ottmann, 47, of Norcross was arrested March 20 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and improper u-turn. ►► Andrew Hayden Parkin, 26, of Crabapple Hill, Milton, was arrested
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scene for misdemeanor shoplifting, but Ochoa escaped, leaving behind her purse. The purse contained identification as well as bottles of perfume valued at $482 and $470 each. A warrant was issued of Ochoa’s arrest on felony shoplifting charges.
$3k ring missing MILTON, Ga. – A $3,000 ring was reported missing April 3 from a Gables Walk home. The victim said she is having construction done to renovate the home, with many contractors in and out of the home. On Sunday, April 2, the victim noticed a key in the front door lock. This key is typically kept hidden outside. A search inside resulted in the victim noticing a ring missing from the home. It is described as a gold band with a rectangular tanzanite stone. On each side of the stone are three small diamonds. It is a family heirloom, the victim said. March 18 on Davis Drive in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to obey an authorized person directing traffic, failure to obey a traffic control device and seatbelt violation. ►► Michael B. Fleming, 49, of Summer Creek Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested March 17 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and headlight requirement. ►► Robert Jordan Suggs, 42, of Atlanta was arrested March 23 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and following too close.
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NEWS
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Library System has online, mobile movies, music New app makes media available to Fulton library card holders ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System announced public availability of thousands of free movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks, all available for mobile and online access through a new partnership with hoopla digital. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card holders can now access the free hoopla digital
Arrests:
Continued from Page 2
DRUG arrests
►► Taylor Alan Lovelace, 22, of
Dixter Close, Johns Creek, was arrested March 27 on Dixter
mobile app on their Android or IOS device by visiting www. afpls.org, see hoopla widget on the front page under “Books, Research & Databases,” or under the eResources tab. Then begin enjoying thousands of artists and titles available to borrow 24/7, for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their smartphones, tablets, computers
and Apple TV. The free content hoopla digital provides, as well as the easy-to-use interface and elimination of late fees enhances the Library System’s collection and the patron experience. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is the third library system in Georgia to partner with hoopla digital. Hoopla digital, a service of Midwest Tape, is a categorycreating service that partners with public libraries across North America to provide online and mobile access to
Close in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana. ►► Ellen Clemente Lind, 47, of Greatwood Manor, Alpharetta, was arrested March 23 on Greatwood Manor in Alpharetta for possession of methamphetamines.
tailored to meet the needs of each branch’s community. All ages may choose from a variety of classes, visit exhibitions, listen to authors discuss their work, check out videos, DVDs and CDs, attend book club discussions, get homework help, hear music and see live performances. Last year patrons borrowed more than 2.7 million items, made 3.4 million visits to the libraries and the website had over 7.9 million hits. For information visit www. afpls.org or call 404-730-1977.
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thousands of movies, TV shows, videos, music and audiobooks. With hoopla digital, patrons can borrow, instantly stream and download free dynamic content with a valid library card. All content is accessible via hoopla digital’s mobile app and online. The AFPLS is the largest in the state, with 34 libraries and a collection of 2.3 million items. It offers innovative programs, services and resources
NEWS
4 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
April 13, 2015
Cross
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Kennedy
Mitchell
By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com
Reconsideration of a vote allowing a 17-unit neighborhood off Spruell Circle.
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Approval of a change to a 17-unit neighborhood off Spruell Circle.
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Approval of applying to the 2016 Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant.
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Approval of additional streetscape improvements from Marietta Street to Academy Street for $66,000.
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Approval of a financial auditing services contract for $49,500.
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – When letting groups use public buildings, there are generally procedures and policies in place on who can get what at what price. For the new municipal buildings – Alpharetta’s City Hall and Brooke Street Park – there are no such procedures. Yet. “There is a lot of interest in using the City Hall and surrounding grounds for meetings and events, but the existing policies for other parks may not fit this property well,” said Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard.
FAILED
Alpharetta City Council Recap
PASSED
How best to use City Hall, new parks
Belle Isle
Alpharetta seeks parks, event policy
VOTE KEY: Y = yes; N = no; A = abstain; R = recused; * = absent For instance, the new City Hall is well-suited for public meetings, homeowners’ association meetings and community meetings. It would not be good for weddings, Drinkard argued. “Some communities have developed their City Hall with
specific event space for wedding receptions. That wasn’t in mind here,” he said. Despite this, the grounds of the building may be perfect for wedding receptions. There is a park behind it and to the side, next to the library, is a formal garden. It is conceiv-
able, the garden could be used for weddings. Should the City Hall make itself available for receptions? “A public park is paid for by citizens,” Drinkard said. “We want to make available space
See COUNCIL, Page 28
MARTA wants N. Fulton transit input NORTH FULTON -- MARTA is hosting a series of meetings to discuss and collect public input on their Connect 400 Transit Initiative, a plan to extend public transit up the Ga. 400 Corridor into Alpharetta. One of those meetings will be held April 16 in Alpharetta at the Georgia State University Campus and April 30 in the East Roswell Recreation Center, both from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The Ga. 400 Corridor Transit Initiative involves investigating the need for high-capacity transit connections between the Perimeter Center area near the interchange of I-285 and Ga. 400 in the City of Sandy Springs and Windward Parkway
in Alpharetta. MARTA s current plan includes the construction of three transit stations in Alpharetta to be located at Encore Parkway, Old Milton Parkway and Windward Parkway. The plan is focused on the extension of the existing heavy rail transit line from North Springs Station. Those unable to attend the meetings, can still share their thoughts via MARTA’s online survey at www.surveymonkey. com/s/GA400. For more information, please visit the Connect 400 Transit Initiative website at www.itsmarta.com/north-line-400-corr. aspx. —Jonathan Copsey
MARTA Public Meetings 6:30 – 8 p.m. April 16, 2015 Georgia State University Alpharetta Center 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga. 30022 6:30 – 8 p.m. April 30, 2015 East Roswell Recreation Center 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell, Ga. 30076
GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 29
ALPHARETTA, Windward; Dashing Wave Lane. Multiple homes! Saturday 4/18, 7am-2pm. ALPHARETTA, Harrington Falls MultiFamily Garage Sales. Friday 4/17 & Saturday 4/18, 8am-2pm. Furniture, clothes, books, lots of home decor & good stuff. ALPHARETTA/JOHNS CREEK: Deer Lake Subdivision, 570 Fawn Run 30005. Saturday 4/18, 8am-2pm. Lawn and sporting equipment; miscellaneous household items; moving, must sell! CUMMING, Villages at Castleberry Subdivision, 3282 Castleberry Village Drive 30040. Saturday 4/18, 8am-12pm. Z-Gallerie couch, original art, clothes, jewelry, American Girl dolls and accessories and more!!! CUMMING/S.FORSYTH, Creekstone Estates; Friday 4/17, 8am-2pm and Saturday 4/18, 8am-1pm. 25+ homes. Highway 141/Peachtree parkway @ Clement Road (Highway 141 is exit 13 off GA 400) Lots of something for
everyone. CUMMING/S.FORSYTH, Polo Fields Subdivision, 6745 Sunbriar Drive, Friday 4/17 and Saturday 4/18, 8am-5pm both days. Kids clothes, Toys, Furniture Household Items, Chandelier, computer, stereo speakers, LP Album from the 60’s CUMMING, Multi-family, Peachtree Court Subdivision (Peachtree Parkway & Diplomat Drive)30041. Fri. 4/17 & Sat.4/18, 8AM - 12PM JOHNS CREEK 30022, Hunts Pointe Subdivision off Old Alabama Road. Multi family; Saturday 4/18 and Sunday 4/19, 8am-4pm. Plenty of wonderful things to see and buy! JOHNS CREEK 20+ FAMILY, Medlock Bridge Subdivision, just north of State Bridge and Medlock Bridge Road. Friday 4/17 & Saturday 4/18, 8am-3pm. Furniture, clothing, miscellaneous
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JOHNS CREEK, Multi-family yard sale. Falls of Autry Mill. 9825 Autry Falls Drive. Look for balloons! Saturday 4/18, 8am-2pm. MILTON, “Willow Wares Tag/Estate Sale!” 185 Creamer Way. Friday-Sunday 4/17-4/19, 10am-6pm (Sunday till 2pm). Vintage furnishings, painted wood, farmhouse accents, what-nots. No clothes. ROSWELL, Horseshoe Bend Subdivision. 8745 River Bluff Lane. Friday 4/17 and Saturday 4/18, 8am-2pm. Furniture, golf, motorcycle accessories, decorative, housewares, books, linens, garden, etc. ROSWELL, Horseshoe Bend: Huge, 100+ families! Holcomb Bridge Road, 3 miles east of GA 400. Info & map can be found at www.horseshoebendgaragesale.com. Saturday 4/18, 8am-4pm. Sponsored by Mitch Falkin of Move Team Real Estate LLC at RE/MAX Prestige. 770-330-2374
To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week • Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com
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COMMUNITY
6 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News
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2015 Riverside Sounds Preserve Rural Milton launches concert series announced new campaign at Earth Day Fest ROSWELL, Ga. – On May 2, the City of Roswell will kick off the 2015 season of Riverside Sounds, an annual series of six free outdoor concerts held at Riverside Park on the first Saturday of the month from May through October from 7-9 p.m. In July, the concert will be held on the second Saturday due to the 4th of July holiday. “We are excited to be bringing more original artists back to Riverside Sounds this year,” said Morgan Rodgers, director of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks and Historic and Cultural Affairs Department. “This year we have a great mix of music genres including Latin, blues, folkrock, pop, rock and funk.” There will be food trucks at each concert from 6-9 p.m. and guests are also invited to bring their own picnic. The following are the featured artists for each month: May 2 - Havana Son – Created by Cuban native Rene Herrera, this worldrenowned bandleader brings music to life through his use of piano, vocals, guitar and TRES (Traditional Cuban Stringed Instrument). Llilian Herrera adds her unique vocal style to create an intoxicating cocktail of Latin and American sounds. June 6 - Royal Southern Brotherhood – An American blues and blues rock band made up of five members that all had impressive careers of their own before joining together to create the Royal Southern Brotherhood. July 11 - River Whyless - Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, River
Whyless puts a hauntingly sweet spin on traditional foundations. English trad-folk sounds are some of the band’s obvious touchstones, putting them in a category similar to contemporaries like Fleet Foxes and Stornoway. August 1 – Adron - Named Best Songwriter of 2012 by the Atlantabased arts and culture magazine Creative Loafing. Adron has managed to unite audiences from all backgrounds, age groups and subcultures with her universally communicative and infectious music. Sept. 5 - Monte Montgomery Born in Port Antonio, Jamaica, this talented and charismatic singer started to write and create music in his early years and has since reached the British Charts and toured across Europe. He is listed in the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles, and was recognized as one of the top reggae artists of all times by Billboard magazine. Oct. 3 - Get Right Band - The Get Right Band is described as “hip-shaking, earthquaking pure funk fun” by The Alternate Root magazine and was recognized as Relix Magazine’s “On The Verge” pick. Combining catchy, clever songwriting with musical expertise and fearless improvisation, this live show covers everything from funk to rock ’n’ roll to reggae. Riverside Sounds concerts are produced by Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department.
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MILTON, Ga. – Two years after it was created, Preserve Rural Milton is kicking off its new fundraising campaign at an event almost tailor-made for a group concerned about land conservation – the Milton Earth Day Festival. Preserve Rural Milton (PRM) was founded in 2013 to raise awareness about the critical and immediate need for land conservation in light of increasing pressure for residential development in Milton. “To launch our fundraising campaign, we are having a booth at the Milton Earth Day Festival on April 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Community Park,” said Laura Rencher, president of PRM. “We encourage residents to drop by, have a glass of sweet tea and learn how you can become a part of the movement.” PRM will offer various levels of support, starting at the “Friend” level ($10), which includes a PRM car magnet. Those interested in becoming involved in PRM’s effort can also join them on social media. To date, PRM has received over 1,200 likes on Facebook and has many active followers on its website at www.preserveruralmilton. org. PRM is in the process of launching a crowd-funding website to make it simple for people to make contributions of any size. “We would like for the entire Milton community to get involved with PRM’s ambitious goals of preserving Milton’s
If you go What: Milton Earth Day When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 Where: Crabapple at Friendship Community Park, 12785 Birmingham Highway, Milton rural appeal and leaving a legacy of greenspace for future generations,” said Rencher. “We hope to see you Saturday at Earth Day.” Now in its sixth year, the Earth Day Festival held at Crabapple at Friendship Community Park (12785 Birmingham Highway, Milton) will feature food, family-friendly entertainment and environmental vendors. Parking is available at Crabapple First Baptist Church and Crabapple Crossing Elementary. The festival will also have live turkeys and a turkey drawing contest for children.
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• Fine Arts from Artists thoughout the U.S. • Historic Downtown Alpharetta on Milton Avenue • Children’s Art Interactive Area • Live Jazz, Folk & Roots Rock • Festival Cuisine • Clutural Arts Performances • Free Admission • Experience Downtown Shops and Dining
www.alpharetta.ga.us 678-297-6000
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 18 - 19, 2015 10am - 5pm Milton Avenue at Main Street, Alpharetta Historic District www.facebook.com/alpharettastreetfest
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OPINION
8 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
Submit your opinions to news@appenmediagroup.com
APS cheating scandal has no winners, only victims
Trials and tribulations of gardening
With the trial of the Atlanta Public Schools over, we are still left with the big question – why did this happen? How does one of the biggest school systems in the state stray so far from true north to alter test scores on such an enormous scale? It points to a number of problems in the education system today. First, we rely entirely too much on test scores to judge performance. Testing is necessary, of course. We have to measure results. But standardized tests are only one way to measure. But we are losing the point of education. We are a nation that seems only teach to the tests. Realtors are selling homes in neighborhoods based on the average SAT scores those neighborhoods produce. Parents are desperate for their children to perform well on standardized tests, and teachers are under enormous pressure to produce those scores as well. At the APS, that pressure – and the rewards given for performance – sent an entire school system over the cliff. In the end, it was almost laughable that the APS administration thought they could get away with it. As it turns out, state educators actually look at the tests and look for such institutional erasures on these standardized tests. Scanning tests that show abnormal amounts of erasures, especially from wrong answer to right answer, are then mea-
Last year, my fiancée and I started a garden when we moved to Alpharetta. She was very experienced in growing food whereas I was only experienced in consuming food. That being said, I learned an incredible amount of information on how to grow food in your own backyard. Now that planting time is upon us, I thought I would share some of the many helpful tips I learned last year. If the soil at your home is not conducive to successful planting, there are plenty of bagged potting soils that can be put to use. Of course these soils can only be used to grow plants in the trunk of your car as the plastic used for the bags will rip if a molecule of dust lands on them. Many books on the topic of gardening will specify how much sunshine a day certain plants should receive. You should ignore these as no matter how much or how little sunshine your plant receives, it will die. You must be sure to correctly judge the amount of water your plant needs at any given time. You can either water them with a teaspoon of water a month or a gallon of day. Either way, they will die. When planting seeds, you should ignore your fiancée’s advice and throw the seeds into the soil as haphazardly as possible. This will ensure her the ability to tell you “I
HATCHER HURD
Executive Editor hatcher@ appenmediagroup.com
sured against the answers from all students as a whole. For example, one class of fourth-graders at one school would have erasures measured against all other fourth graders statewide. State Board of Education results showed APS tests were “off the chart” in terms of suspected tampering. So it was known fairly early that cheating was widespread in the APS. When confronted with the evidence provided to APS School Superintendent Beverly Hall, she was charged to investigate what was happening on her watch. Instead, what happened was a total whitewash of the affair by what was supposed to be a blue ribbon committee. Give full credit to Gov. Sonny Perdue for initiating a more prudent investigation. Headed by, among others, former state Attorney General Michael Bowers, it quickly became apparent that the cheating was institutional, leading to the very top of administration. Now, there has been some shock at the severity with which these former educators have been handled. They
were led away in handcuffs (save one who is pregnant) and speculation is having been convicted of the worst offense, racketeering, will receive stiff prison sentences. My first reaction was that these people did wrong, but they are not gangsters. How much of a threat to the community are they now? But on further reflection – and hearing what parents of APS students were saying – my heart has been hardened. Educators have the most sacred trust we can give – the education of our children. The APS administrators, principals and teachers who were involved betrayed that trust. Worse, they betrayed those children. To hear parents tell their stories is heartbreaking. “My child can’t read. I knew that. But I was told she could not receive remedial help offered by the [APS] because her test scores were too high,” said one parent. It was a story that was repeated over and over. Bowers put it bluntly. “They robbed a generation of children of their education,” Bowers said on a PBA 30 interview. “They are the real victims. This was a terrible wrong done to some of the most vulnerable children in the state.” And so it is. Whatever justice is meted out, it won’t repay those children for what was done to them.
Locked in a room… for fun? I was taking a tour of the Centers for Disease Control, part of a tour group on a happy, sunny day, when a biohazard outbreak occurred. The resulting lockdown trapped me and my tour group in a series of rooms. We had an hour to escape before we too became infected with whatever caused the lockdown. With locked doors and only our wits with us, we had to survive. And survive we did. This was all part of the new attraction in Alpharetta – Urban Escape Games. The premise is simple – a group of players are locked in a room with a clock count-
If you go
JONATHAN COPSEY
What: Urban Escape Games
Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com
Where: 20 Mansell Court East, Suite 275, Roswell, Ga. 30076
ing down an hour. A series of puzzles must be solved to unlock the door and get free. At Alpharetta’s location off Mansell Road, there are several scenarios – escape the CDC outbreak, solve the murder mystery and more. I first heard about such a thing a few months ago on the radio. They were talking about
More Info: www.urbanescapegames.com
how this trend had taken off in Europe and Asia – a realworld survival game. This is a quickly growing fad. In the past few months, three of these businesses have
WHAT’S APPENING? With Keith Still
popped up just in Atlanta. It’s easy to see why. It’s like a video game, played collaboratively and with just as much stress, if not more because it is real life. The countdown clock adds tension (especially when it starts blaring as it gets closer to zero). As you get closer to winning or losing, the stress amps up (all the way to 11!) and when that door finally opens, it really is a sense of relief that washes over you. I’m not sure if escape games are the next big thing or just a fad. Regardless, it’s fun and it’s something very different.
JOE PARKER
Appen Intern news@appenmedia group.com
told you so” for the rest of the growing season. Sometimes animals, from bugs to birds, will want to have a taste of your plants (this is before they have died, of course). The best course of action to keep these away is to yell a stream of obscenities at them through your back porch windows until they go away. At least that is what I did. If you live in an area with a large deer population, you can purchase deer repellent sprays that state the spray has a “pleasant” smell. Under no circumstances should you believe that this smell could ever be described as pleasant. ‘Rotting animal’ would be more accurate. Just because the jalapenos you grew were incredibly mild, that does not mean the cayenne peppers will be. Therefore, it is advised that you do not eat a whole cayenne pepper in one bite to “see if they are also really mild.” If something actually does grow, you should be sure to harvest the herbs, fruits, vegetables, etc., with reckless abandon thereby ruining the plant and any chance that anything else will grow afterwards. Some studies have suggested talking to your plants helps them to grow. I do not know if this works or not, but if it does, I am not sure yelling at them for their inability to grow helps. Finally, you should grow your own food, despite my inability to do so successfully. There is nothing like finishing off a beurre blanc with chives and parsley you grew yourself. Unless they already died, that is.
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Artist’s Profile
Lisa Mote www.LisaMote.com
Where are you from? I grew up on a farm in rural Alabama, but I have lived in Georgia most of my adult life. When did you realize that art was a calling? I think I was 5 when I first declared that I was going to be an artist. Are you self-taught or have formal training? I have a degree in Painting and Commercial design, but my experience with glass has been selftaught. In retrospect, I always had a strong interest in glass, but it was toward the end of my college days when opportunities and motivations began to pull me in that direction. Tell us about one of your favorite pieces of work. That is a difficult question to answer. My work is in a constant state of evolution; each piece or series is inspired by the one before it. I love vibrant colors, rich textures, and organic contours. I love working large and pushing the limits. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of my glass panels is the size. I often hear, “do you really have a kiln big enough to do that?” Yes, I do! What is the price range of your work? I have done commissioned pieces in the tens of thousands range, but what I bring to art shows is usually under $5000 and I have small items such as coasters, trivets, and bowls which sell in the range of $25 to $500. How long does it take you to conceptualize, create and finish a piece? I don’t really keep up with my time, mostly because I’m never working on a single piece from start to finish. My pieces are very complex, sometimes with extensive prep work, multiple
firings, and most of the larger pieces are a combination of fused glass and constructed steel. I’m always working on multiple pieces, at different stages. What inspires you to create? The work itself inspires me. I love the interaction of the colors, the light and just the manipulation of the materials. I want my work to inspire and excite people. I often hear, “It makes me happy”, and “I love that, I’m inspired by that!” I love it when someone is walking by my booth, and stops in their tracks, because something about my work spoke to them. It’s very gratifying, to realize that something that I have created has gotten that kind of reaction. Tell us something that someone would be surprised to learn about you, or a favorite guilty pleasure? People who don’t know me, are often surprised to learn that I am a mother of 5. My kids grew up going to and helping me set up my work at art shows. In the early days, you often saw baby stuff, and kids running around my booth. They’re all adults now, and I have 5 grandchildren. I feel enormous gratitude that my career as an artist allowed me the flexibility to be a stay at home mom. It’s pretty fantastic to have carved out my niche as an artist, while raising the wonderful family that I have.
What was the one thing you always wanted to be growing up? I don’t think I really thought that far ahead. I always wanted to create, but I didn’t really know exactly what I would do with it. I guess I’ve always been an “in the moment” kind of person. I have had to learn to plan, in order not to miss opportunities. I guess I’m ok with taking things as they come, and when opportunity knocks I respond. How can someone buy your art? Come see me at this year’s Alpharetta Arts Streetfest or you can find me on www.LisaMote.com.
Name an Artist that inspires you? I don’t know that I feel particularly inspired by any artist in particular. I loved the post impressionist painters, but I can’t say that they inspire my work.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the other artists that will be featured at this year’s show
To see more, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us.
ArtsStreetFest
AlpharettaStreetFest
10 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News
COMMUNITY
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UPS Partners with Habitat North Central Georgia ROSWELL, Ga. — Mark Susor, vice president of the UPS Foundation, presented Russ Hayes, CEO of Habitat North Central Georgia, with a $100,000 check to help build a Habitat home. The UPS/Habitat home will be in the Villages of Park Creek neighborhood, on the border of North Fulton and Cherokee County. Construction will start for the Thang/Par family in April and UPS employees will provide all of the volunteer labor to build the home. —Shannon Weaver
From left: Colleen Fogarty, resource development director of Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia; Mark Susor, UPS Foundation vice president and Habitat Board Member; Alex Dunbar, Habitat North Central Georgia administrative and marketing assistant.
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Colors Festival of Arts in Roswell Mother’s Day weekend ROSWELL, Ga. - The 25th annual Colors Festival of Arts returns May 9-10 in Roswell’s Historic Town Square. The festival will feature glassworks, paintings, photography, jewelry and crafts. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day and feature storytelling, vocalists, instrumentalists and dance performances. The festival will run from 10 a.m. from 6 p.m. each day. The event will raise funds for Roswell Jr. Women’s Club and their charitable and community programs. —Joe Parker
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Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
PROM-A-PALOOZA
Making prom dreams come true WFG employees, Girl Scouts team up to collect dresses, shoes, accessories By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Prom Night is one of those magic experiences everyone remembers from their high school days. Yet sadly for some families, the expenses involved in going are just beyond their means. That is why World Financial Group/Transamerica and its employees are involved in Prom-a-Palooza. WFG has a long history of community involvement and local community charity work. They are especially happy to provide prom dresses and all the accessories so that young ladies will be able to enjoy their prom experience. “I was not surprised that employees rallied to support this organization and the Girl Scout service project,” said Angela Merlette, lead system quality assurance analyst. “We donated 45 dresses, evening shoes and sparkling accesso-
Donate a prom dress Fostering Hope Bargain Resale Store 608 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 210 Roswell Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 770-641-8081 ries to this worthy cause. I’m sure that the recipients will revel in the beautiful selection of dresses and accessories.” WFG employees teamed up with local Girl Scout Troop 3397 to collect formals, shoes, purses and more for young ladies to wear. All items collected will go to the Foster Care Support Foundation’s PromA-Palooza. The foundation will donate the items to high school girls in foster care and group homes, making it possible for
World Financial Group volunteers in Johns Creek collect gently worn prom dresses and accessories to help ensure all young ladies get to the ball. them to attend their proms. Rachel Ewald, executive director of the Foster Care Support Foundation, began Prom-a-Palooza 12 years ago. The reason is simple. “It’s important for these girls to be able to go to the prom with their friends at school. Imagine what it does to a girl’s self-esteem to sit home on prom night because she doesn’t have a dress to wear,”
PANCAKE & SAUSAGE BREAKFAST ALL PROCEEDS TO ASSIST IN EYE CARE FOR THE NEEDY
PURPOSE: Charitable funds will go to a vision screening machine for community use. Eyesight is precious. Close your eyes for a few moments and picture how life would be without vision. It is almost unimaginable. We take our eyesight for granted. For some time, Alpharetta Lions have wanted to buy vision screening equipment to perform free eye screenings in our community. We know this equipment could make a difference through early detection of correctable vision problems. Please join us for breakfast and help us reach our goal. We serve so others may see!
DATE: April 18, 2015 TIME: 8 AM - 12 Noon PLACE: Alpharetta Methodist Youth Center (MYC) 69 North Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
Cost:
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Sponsored by: ALPHARETTA LIONS CLUB, THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE MOSS REALTY
MENU: Pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, coffee TICKETS: Any Lion member…At the door…or… Contact Lion Jason Blalock at 678-458-2404
Ewald said. “When they get a dress, they just light up. It’s a big ‘Say yes to the dress moment.’ It makes me feel great to see it.” The young girls involved are from various situations. Many are in foster care, others are in relative care or grandparent care. Right now, there are 300 names on Ewald’s sign-up list. Ewald is collecting dresses all year long. She said these
young people in foster care or living with other family members are in financially strapped situations already. Prom dresses are often an extra expense that is just not in the budget. “It means a little normalcy in their lives, some anticipation in their lives,” said Ewald. “All you have to do is take out that dress that’s just hanging in the back of a closet that’s just collecting dust.”
12 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
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AP test participation rises as passing scores drop Only one of three AP exams taken in Fulton qualifies for college credit BY CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- As the number of Advanced Placement (AP) exams given each year increases in Fulton County high schools, the number of students successfully passing the rigorous, college-based exams is dropping. The number of AP exams taken by Fulton students increased nearly 24 percent over a 5-year period, from 11,290 exams given in 2011 to 17,576 given in 2014. But the pass rate—students who scored at least a 3 on the 1-5 scale, dropped from 72.6 percent to just 66.5 percent over the same period. This means one in three students in Fulton County did not score high enough to earn college credit for the AP course, and may have potentially put their grade point average, and their eligibility for the HOPE scholarship at risk. Although Fulton County gives students additional points for taking an AP course given the rigor of the coursework, the state strips many of those points away in calculating HOPE eligibility.
A spokesman for the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), which administers the HOPE program, said local districts can vary on the number of additional points awarded for AP and other rigorous, so any weight added to AP/International Baccalaureate, honors or gifted courses will be subtracted and reweighted by GSFC. “[These courses then] receive an additional weight of 0.5 if the course is taken in a core content area (English, science, mathematics, social studies and foreign language),” said Christopher R. Green, director of government relations for the GSFC. For North Fulton high schools, the pass rate on AP exams was higher, on average, than the system average. Pass rates for 2014 at the area’s eight traditional high schools ranged from 66 percent at Milton High to 83 percent at Chattahoochee and Northview high schools, for an average of 78.5%. In comparison, the state pass rate was 56 percent, and the global average was 59 percent.
A spokesperson for Fulton Schools noted the system is pleased overall with the AP numbers, noting the courses are becoming more popular among all students, not just the highest performing students. “We’re pleased to see growth, both in numbers of students taking the exams as well as performance among individual student subgroups,” said Susan Hale, communications manager for Fulton Schools. She noted the percentage of black and economically disadvantaged students who took at least one AP exam in 2014 rose at a higher level than the system overall. Fulton students are increasing their scores in one important category—those tests scoring at the “4” and “5” level. Students who score at those levels often receive full college credit for the course, potentially saving thousands of dollars in college tuition and time spent in college. For students who want to receive college credit while in high school, but do not want to take an AP course, the option to dual enroll in a community college is available. There, as long as the student passes the course they will receive college
NOW OPEN
AP stats by high schools* School
AP Tests Given
Pass Rate
Alpharetta 2152 81% Cambridge 1058 74% Centennial 1087 78% Chattahoochee 1573 83% Johns Creek 1580 81% Milton 2164 66% Northview 1825 83% Roswell 1863 82% North Fulton 11,124 78.5% System 17,576 66% *Source: Fulton School System – October 2014 Board Briefs
credit. There are 37 AP courses offered by the College Board, which is the same organization which administers the SAT. Not all are administered in Fulton County, although some schools, such as Northview and Chattahoochee high schools, offer up to 31 of the more popular courses either in a classroom setting or through virtual learning. AP courses which posed the most challenge for students included environmental science, human geography and computer science, which had dismal pass rates at most Fulton Schools. Chattahoochee High School with its 80 percent pass rate was the lone North Fulton high school to post a
pass rate above 54 percent on the environmental science AP exam. Overall, students posted the highest scores in calculus BC, statistics and Spanish AP exams. A spokesperson for the College Board said it encourages students to take AP courses, but recognizes the rigor may not be for all students. “Students should take the AP courses for which they are prepared and in which they are interested,” said Kate Levin, associate director of communications for the College Board. “Students, their parents, and school administrators should determine how many AP courses a student should take and in which he or she can be successful.”
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Brenau University GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Nina Chanel Jackson of Alpharetta was recently selected as the American Society of Interior Designers’ National Student of the Week. This honor is only presented to four students nationwide. Jackson is currently a senior and studies interior design at Brenau University. Also at Brenau, local students participated in the fall production of “An Evening of Dance: Unspoken Truths” at the university’s Pearce Auditorium Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. Rachel E. Lange of Alpharetta and Kelly Rayborn of Suwanee performed. Both are majoring in dance.
ern College. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 average on a 4.0 scale.
Valdosta State University VALDOSTA, Ga. – Natalie Ajamian of Roswell and Caitlyn Brown of Alpharetta both returned from the Czech Republic and Central Europe as part of Valdosta State University’s Summer Study Abroad Program. The trip included three weeks of seminars and lectures at the host institution Palacky University. Students earned up to nine hours of credit in psychology.
Northfield Mount Hermon MOUNT HERMON, Mass. – Nicholas Massoudi of Alpharetta graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon as a member of the 2014 graduating class.
American Hebrew Academy GREENSBORO, N.C. – Roland Rosenberg of Cumming was named to the American Hebrew Academy Dean’s Honor Roll for the 2014 fall trimester. Rosenberg maintained an average of 90 or higher and was one of
revueandnews.com | Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 13 39 students to qualify for this achievement.
Messiah College MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – Meghan Boyle of Alpharetta has graduated from Messiah College with a degree in mathematics. Boyle was a member of the College Honors Program.
DeSales University CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Rebecca J. Ni of Duluth has made the Dean’s List at DeSales University. Ni is currently majoring in medical studies.
Harding University SEARCY, Ark. – The following local students recently graduated from Harding University. Brooke Tabor of Duluth received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Victoria Sams of Suwanee received a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Milton Park Jr. of Alpharetta made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Park is currently studying civil engineering.
University of North Georgia DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Lisa Scott of Suwanee was recently inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Scott current attends the University of North Georgia pursuing a degree in history.
Georgia College
Hofstra University HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The following students graduated from Hofstra University in the class of 2014. Ohad Amram of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film studies and production. Paul Bruckner of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s of business administration degree in management.
Georgia Southern University STATESBORO, Ga. – Renee Nance of Alpharetta was named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team. Nance is a junior at Georgia Southern University.
BirminghamSouthern College BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mattie Gereben of Alpharetta has made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Birmingham South-
Thursday • May 7, 2015 • 5-10 pm 25th Annual
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Natalie Mau of Alpharetta was named a finalist for the Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Award at Georgia College and State University. Mau read an excerpt from her work “The Garden” on Nov. 11 at the award ceremony. This award is granted annually to undergraduate students at Georgia College.
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14 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
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Alpharetta Elementary goes ‘Over the Edge’ ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Alpharetta Elementary staff members will go “over the edge” and rappel off the Buckhead Tower to raise funds for the Special Olympics May 2. Stacia Hastings, Amanda Groover, Wendy Bendit, Kathleen Blackburn and AES Principal Adam Maroney will rappel down the 20-story building. Students recently had the chance to stick Principal Maroney to the wall to raise awareness for the Special Olympics. To make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsga.org. —Joe Parker
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AES’s Wendy Bendit, Principal Adam Maroney, Kathleen Blackburn and Amanda Groover will go “over the edge” to raise funds for the Special Olympics.
Ann Schaub (left) receives a book donation by AES parent and children’s author Kim MacPherson.
Alpharetta Elementary receives book donation ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Kim MacPherson, parent of a student at Alpharetta Elementary School and children’s author, has donated 30 books to the AES library. —Joe Parker
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Northside Sleep Center unveils upgrades UPCOMING EVENTS By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@appenmediagroup.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Center in Roswell made several upgrades to its sleep study laboratory last year. They celebrated with a party and open house March 26. The center treats disorders including narcolepsy, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. The center’s sleep study laboratory includes rooms where patients sleep while staff can monitor activity to better understand sleep patterns. Larry Lindberg, director of sleep disorder services, said they try to make the rooms feel more like a hotel than a lab. “No one wants to come spend a night away from home,” Lindberg said. “We know we can’t make it the Ritz Carlton, but if it has a good Marriott Courtyard feel to it, people are pretty comfortable. We really have tried to get to a point to make you feel homier.” The rooms have new beds, televisions and wireless Internet, as well as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks that regulate oxygen for some sleep disorder patients. The lab upgraded soundproofing, expanded one room to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and added another ADA room. More staff are also available to work weekends, further increasing capacity. “We’ve got increased volume and increased access for people with disabilities,” Lindberg said. Before, the center treated about 20 patients a week. With a new bed and extended hours, it is estimated to be able to serve 35. Technological upgrades involve monitoring software and faster medical reports. “We’re able to score our studies much more quickly and communicate back to our primary care doctors, which is key,” said Dr. Dan Callahan, founder of North Point Pulmonary Sleep, which practices with Northside at the center. “Now we’re able to detect at a higher level the events that are happening during the night, and we are able to monitor the adjustments we’re making.” The renovations in Roswell were part of an overall sleep center expansion, including a new facility in Sandy Springs. Callahan said that disorders like sleep apnea are common. “The prevalence is higher than we originally
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No one wants to come spend a night away from home...We know we can’t make it the Ritz Carlton, but if it has a good Marriott Courtyard feel to it, people are pretty comfortable. We really have tried to get to a point to make you feel homier.” LARRY LINDBERG Director of sleep disorder services
thought years ago, and doctors are becoming more aware of it,” he said. “It’s always really gratifying when we make those diagnoses and help people.”
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Walkability, entertainment key to Canton success Connections link pedestrians to destinations By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Canton Street has often been described as the heart of Roswell. With its small restaurants and boutique shops, as well as wide sidewalks, some nights it has an almost party atmosphere. In warmer weather, patios open and doors are thrown wide to allow walkers to mingle with diners. “Canton Street has an interesting mix of things to do outside of the normal park, walk into a restaurant and leave,” said Ryan Pernice, owner of Table and Main, one of many unique restaurants lining Canton Street. The biggest appeal, Pernice said, was walkability. People can drive to Canton Street and stroll around at their leisure, meeting people and looking into stores and restaurants. “On a spring day, there is no better place to go than Canton Street,” Pernice said. He likened it to walking on a promenade in past years, where it was more of a social event than simply getting out. “People thirst for that,” he said. The city is trying to keep that feeling alive. One way is to improve transportation and mobility in the area. In Canton Street, the biggest issue the city is seeking to solve is a lack of parking. A victim of its own success, the quest for parking can be daunting. One solution is the proposed city green. This would see Roswell tear down the trees separating City Hall from Ga. 9 and Canton Street in an
effort to not only spur new development in the area, but also open up the 400 parking spaces on the other side of City Hall. Anyone using the parking now has to walk through the woods, which due to a lack of lighting can be dark. Elizabeth Way, at the southern tip of Canton Street, was recently converted from a one-way street into a two-way street to help with traffic flow. Plans are in the works to redevelop the alleys on either side of Canton Street to be more pedestrian- and business-friendly. South Atlanta Street – the portion of Ga. 9 south of the town square – will see significant improvements in coming years. The city is planning to widen the street to two lanes in either direction, get rid of the changing middle lane and add a median. Wide sidewalks will also be added. The improvements will go south from the square to the Chattahoochee River. Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak said this project, dubbed the “Historic Gateway,” would be a “remarkable improvement” for traffic in the area as well as beautifying it, making it more appealing to drivers and, hopefully, businesses. Pedestrian improvements will also help cross-street mobility, he said. Currently, there are none between the town square and the river, a distance of over a mile. Construction on this project may not begin for as much as four years, Acenbrak said.
Residents enjoy walking and dining on Canton Street in Roswell.
ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
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Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 17
Small business success stories in Forsyth County By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com We found 3 small businesses in Forsyth County to highlight and asked them a few questions to get behind the scenes of how to run a successful small business. North Georgia Accounting Consultants Inc., Cumming Becky Brown, CPA How did you first start your business? I started my firm from ground zero like a lot of CPAs, in my home with BROWN very few clients. I wanted to work with small businesses that didn’t have the resources needed to start and grow their businesses. I had worked for several firms and noticed the small business owner wasn’t getting the kind of help they needed. I decided to start a firm which would specialize with all aspects of small business. If I didn’t have the answers I would make sure to have the resources that did. What has been the best part of having a small business? The worst? The best part of having a small business is watching our client base continue to grow and stay loyal as their success becomes our success. I would have to say the worst part about it is ‘the buck stops here.’ But I love having my own
business and being able to do something that I am passionate about makes any problems worth it. Why do you think Forsyth County is a good place to start a business? As someone who doesn’t live in Forsyth County, I really enjoy having my business and business relationships here. The people are wonderful and the location is convenient to just about everywhere. It’s also one of the fastest growing counties, so there are plenty of small businesses. What’s not to like? Cumming Dance Academy, Cumming Niki Jernigan-Watkins How did you first start your WATKINS business? I opened my business in 2003 in a one-room studio in downtown Cumming. I had dreamed of having a studio my entire life and once the opportunity arose, it set sail quickly. Within the first year, I expanded to two studios, then three. Then in 2009, I built my dream studio — a free standing building on Tribble Gap Road. What has been the best part of having a small business? The worst? The best part of having a small business is the opportunities to participate in the community development, as well as touching lives of hundreds
of young ladies. My goal has always been to empower young ladies to have self-confidence and know that they can do anything they set their minds to. We teach far more than dance at Cumming Dance Academy. We are instilling in these young people of the future confidence, grace and character that only the discipline of dance can surely assist with. I also have a personal development character program we intertwine into our dance classes weekly. The worst part would be the time it takes to run a small business on your own. The rewards are great, but owning your own business is a 24-hour, seven days a week job. Why do you think Forsyth County is a good place to start a business? When I opened my studio in Forsyth County, there was only one other studio in the area. Now, I believe there are over seven. As a member of the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, I also sit on the Small Business Advisory Council Board – so I am around and seeing the new businesses in our area. The growth in Forsyth has been astounding and certainly it is rapidly continuing to burst with new life. Despite the quick growth, however, there is still a ‘hometown’ feel in Cumming – which is what I love. I grew up in a small town in South Georgia and I am a simple girl with big dreams. It is such a pleasure to watch others living their dreams as well.
Using good subject lines in emails Are you getting responses from emails you send to new prospects or current clients? Is your email correspondence being opened and read? What you say in an email is important, but if the email isn’t opened and read because of what the subject line includes, then it’s headed for the deleted items folder. First and foremost, keep your email subject lines short and to the point. If it’s more than 25 characters, it’s too long. Use the email recipient’s name in the subject line. Your email is more likely to be read if the subject line includes their first name. Reference a previous interaction, such as, “Per my Voicemail.” This will connect your email to a previous correspondence you’ve had. The goal of a subject line in an email is to get the recipient to read what is in the body of the email. Make sure your subject line is clear and easy to understand. Put yourself in
Georgia Dermatology Center, Cumming Dr. Alex Gross How did you first start your business? I was originally part of a dermatology group centered in Buckhead and GROSS affiliated with Georgia Baptist Hospital. In 1993 the hospital requested we send a doctor to Cumming one day a week to service Baptist North and I volunteered. Due to the tremendous population growth in the county, this one day quickly turned to two days then three days. By 1995 I was practicing in Cumming full time. We started out renting space in a small free standing building close to the old hospital and in January of 1999 we moved into the medical office building adjacent to the new hospital which is now Northside Hospital Forsyth. We began as a predominantly medical practice but expanded to include cosmetic treatments and then a Medical Spa. What has been the best part of having a small business? The worst? The best part of running a small practice is the ability to create a philosophy and environment that reflects your values and ideals. This includes flexibility in scheduling, setting up ‘best practice’ policies for patient care, as well as ensuring we have the best possible staffing for our office.
We set high standards, and we are accountable to reach them. At the Georgia Dermatology Center, there is a strong commitment to taking care of your customer and we enjoy developing close relationships with our patients. As a small practice, we have been able to design a medical office that fills the needs of the population, from medical dermatology to our focus on anti-aging and cosmetic procedures. The greatest challenge is trying to survive in a constantly changing regulatory environment. Physicians must now spend a great deal of time tending to government compliance issues and regulations which have little to do with the quality of care. The solo practitioner is becoming an endangered species. Why is Forsyth County a good place to start a business? Forsyth is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. The physical growth and change has been extraordinary since I started practicing here. The strong development in housing and business is very exciting, as evidenced by all the cranes around Cumming. We have excellent schools, outstanding recreational opportunities and other services in the county which attract families and people of all ages. I have worked at several different hospitals and feel that Northside Forsyth Hospital is one of the best in the region. Our community of talented physicians is supported by excellent nursing and administrative staffs.
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the shoes of the recipient you are trying to reach, and ask yourself “what words would it take for me to read this email?” Using capital letters for just ONE word in an email subject line, like “Please CALL me,” will also help focus the recipient on the one thing you’d like them do. Let’s face it — we all get bombarded with emails every day. Make sure your emails are opened by writing good subject lines.
Opulence Nail Bar and Boutique grand opening Business: Opulence Nail Bar and Boutique Opened: Grand Opening February 21-22 Owner: Charis Trench-Simmons What: Opulence provides an extensive menu of customized services, from exfoliating mud masque-infused pedicures and OPI gel polish manicures to
anti-aging facials and eyebrow tinting. Where: 3710 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 104, Alpharetta 30005 Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday appointment only. Call: 770-674-0631 Web: www.opulencenailboutique.com
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SCHOOL »
BusinessBriefs “Merging Trackstar’s top-notch staff and our personalized customer service with HealthPort’s technologies will make a win-win combination for everyone,” said Donna Paine, Trackstar owner and president. The merger allows HealthPort to provide access to a unique and expansive distribution network, workforce and technology designed to process high volumes of personal health information quickly and securely. HealthPort focuses on the compliant exchange of protected health information through flexible release of information offerings and audit management technologies.
GROWTH »
Walton Electric Trust donates $20,000 to Gwinnett Tech NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Walton EMC, through Walton Electric Trust Inc., has donated $20,000 to Gwinnett Technical College to provide scholarship funds for adult education students seeking to earn their GED credential at Gwinnett Tech. The Walton EMC/Walton Electric Trust Inc. GED Scholarship Fund will award up to $160 to as many as 125 students to fund the GED test fee. “Walton EMC has a longstanding tradition of supporting education and Gwinnett Technical College,” said Victoria Seals, vice president of academic affairs. “We continue to be grateful for their partnership and their commitment to adult education, as it makes a tremendous difference in our community.” Learn more at www.GwinnettTech.edu/scholarships.
MERGERS »
HealthPort, Trackstar agree to merger ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta-based HealthPort has announced a merger with Trackstar, an information security company in California. Trackstar will join HealthPort’s workforce to handle and release confidential patient health information.
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All Around Gymnastics expanding its campus ALPHARETTA, Ga. – All Around Gymnastics has begun construction of a second building on its campus at 5500 McGinnis Ferry Road. The addition will allow the company to expand services to existing and new customers, as well as provide additional. All Around currently serves approximately 1,000 children per week in gymnastics instruction, with additional classes in tumbling and dance. A portion of this 12,000-square-foot building will be used to expand the gymnastics program, while the remainder will be used to offer other services for customers, saids Debbie Driskell, co-owner with her daughter, Lindi Polk. “Since the construction of our first building, we have introduced over 20,000 students to the sport of gymnastics,” Driskell said.” All Around Gymnastics recently qualified nine of their gymnasts past State Finals and on to Regional competitions. The new building is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2015.
PEOPLE »
Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 18
AWARDS »
Burger chain honors local franchises WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Two local franchise groups, Best Natural Burgers of Alpharetta and Main Street Burger of Kennesaw were recently recognized with the ‘Hospitality Award’ and the ‘On Time, Perfect Uniform, Positive Attitude Award,” respectively, at BURGERFI’s annual franchise summit. BURGERFI has 69 operating locations nationally, and 100 projected by year-end 2015. The company, which specializes in all-natural, hormonesteroid-and antibiotic-free Angus burgers, recently announced its first international development agreement to open 40 locations in Mexico by 2022, as well as plans to add 30 to 40 units domestically.
JOBS »
Roswell summer jobs open ROSWELL, Ga. – The City of Roswell is looking to fill a number of summer positions. Openings are available for camp directors, counselors and assistants; lifeguards, swim instructors and coaches; instructors for a variety of classes, including art, cooking, gymnastics, fitness and more; sprayground attendants and managers; receptionists, counter workers and crew workers. More information is available at www.roswellgov. com/jobs.
FARMERS MARKET »
McMillan Pazdan Smith hires local office director JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture has hired Joe Alcock as the firm’s new Atlanta Office Director. Alcock brings more than 15 years of experience in adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, and urban infill projects to the firm, along with strong knowledge of building codes, zoning and planning regulations. ALCOCK Alcock founded the awardwinning Atlanta design firm of Rutledge Alcock Architects. In 2009, he won the American Institute of Architects’ Emerging Voices Award for the Atlanta Chapter. His most recent projects include the LEED Gold Certified Inman Green condo development, the design award-winning Troy Peerless Lofts in Midtown, the Pratt-Pullman Yard master plan and the new home of Decatur City Police in the historic Beacon School Municipal Complex.
Businessman recognized for volunteerism CUMMING, Ga. – Local Allstate agency owner Nate Dever received the Allstate Agency Hands in the Community Award for his commitment to helping others and community service. Because of Dever’s outstanding volunteerism, The Allstate Foundation awarded a $1,000 grant to Camp Kudzu, where he volunteers. Now in its 63rd year, The Allstate Foundation has given more than $300 million in financial contributions to communities around the country, and in 2013, gave $139,000 in Georgia as part of the Allstate Agency Hands in the Community Program.
Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market to run thru Oct. ROSWELL, Ga. – The Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market will return to bring fresh produce, handmade food and craft products, and live entertainment to the city each Saturday, starting on April 18. The market will be located behind Roswell City Hall at 38 Hill Street and will run from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The market is a producer-only enterprise that draws from the best vendors within a 100-mile radius. Now in its eighth year, the market provides a shaded avenue with ample parking and a short walk from MARTA bus service. A typical Saturday includes live music, mini-workshops, children’s programs and chef demonstrations. A bistro area allows shoppers to relax, eat, and enjoy entertainment. For more information, visit www.roswellfam. com.
CALENDAR
EDITOR’S PICKS
Revue & News | April 16, Submit photos to news@appenmediagroup.com Johns Creek Herald | September 25,2015 2015| |19 1 Submit your your news event & online at johnscreekherald.com
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SPRING K CLASSIC ARTS STREETFEST
Colorful festival featuring live jazz and acoustical music, cultural arts performances, children’s activities and festival cuisine in Downtown Alpharetta. Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ART:
Historic Roswell Kiwanis Club hosts the 5th annual Spring K Classic 5K and 10K run to support local children and youth projects at Sweet Apple Elementary School, 12025 Etris Road in Roswell. Saturday, April 18, 10K at 7:30 a.m.; 5K at 7:45 a.m. Cost is $25 pre-race, $30 race day registration
MUSIC: SHOWER OF STARS
What: The Rhythms on the River concert series kicks off with “April Shower of Stars.” Cabaret-style vocalists with Jazz Jones Legacy. Supporting North Fulton Community Charities. Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell When: Sunday, April 19 at 6 p.m. Web: chattnaturecenter.org
THEATER: FRIENDS ARTISTS SHOW
What: This exhibit provides exhibition opportunity for local artists. It is the perfect opportunity to add affordable original art to your collection. Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road When: Saturday, April 18 Hours: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Web: Johnscreekarts.org
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
What: Join Roswell Theatre for a horror-comedy musical about floral assistant Seymore Krelborn and his mysterious plant, Audrey II. Where: Roswell High School, 11595 King Road When: Friday, April 16 at 7 p.m. Cost: $ 12 at the door, $10 in advance
FOOD TRUCK ALLEY
Alpharetta’s weekly gathering returns with rotating food trucks and music each week on Old Roswell Street in Alpharetta. Beginning Thursday, April 16, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET
What: The Downtown Alpharetta Farmer’s Market returns, featuring local farmers, gardeners, and makers of edible home goods. Where: Corner of Milton Avenue and Old Canton Street in Alpharetta When: Saturday, April 18 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Web: alpharettafarmersmarket.com What: Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market returns behind City Hall. Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street When: Saturday, April 18 Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Web: roswellfam.com
EVENTS:
ASHEVILLE ART CONNECTION What: The Wild Hope Art Gallery is your conduit to access beautiful original art from the talented Artists of the River Arts District in Asheville NC. Where: Wild Hope Art Gallery When: Sunday, April 19 Hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Web: wildhopeartgallery.com
theater, play activities such as bounce houses, slides, face painting and an array of food and beverages. Where: Historic Roswell Square When: Thursday, April 16 Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Web: aliveatthesquare.com
SHANNON WEAVER Calendar Editor calendar@appenmediagroup.com
Submit your event to northfulton. com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
COTTAGE SCHOOL GOLF TOURNAMENT
What: Invitational Golf Classic to benefit the Cottage School Where: Brookfield Country Club, 100 Willow Run in Roswell When: Monday, April 20 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 12 p.m. shotgun start. Web: cottageschool.org
IT’S GREEK TO ME
FAMILY REUNION WORKSHOP What: Free workshop on planning your family reunion or special event in Alpharetta. Where: Hyatt Place Atlanta/ Alpharetta, 5595 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta When: Saturday, April 18 Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Web: awesomealpharetta.com
What: Join Chef John Wilson at Barrington Hall for an exciting and informative class. Menu includes melitzanosalata (eggplant spread), spinach and feta salad, pastitsio and baklava. Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive in Roswell When: Tuesday, April 21 Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Info: Reservations required Web: roswellgov.com
VALUE VINO! TASTING
DREAM SO BIG WORKSHOP
What: Johns Creek’s Saturday market returns. Each market features more than 25 local farmers and vendors with organic and/ or sustainable foods and produce. When: Saturday, April 18 Where: Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Web: johnscreekga.gov
Roswell’s weekly street party kicks off with live music, outside vendors and extended retail hours, face painting, free trolley and more on Canton Street in downtown Roswell. Thursday, April 16, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
ROSWELL FARMERS MARKET
FARMERS MARKET:
JOHNS CREEK FARMERS MARKET
ALIVE AFTER 5
What: Director, producer and author Christopher B. Pearman brings entertainment, industry stories, motivation and inspiration, focusing on developing a positive mindset to help you find success in your career and life. Where: Atlanta Workshop Players, 8560 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite 111 in Alpharetta When: Saturday, April 18 Hours: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Info: Ages 10 and up Web: atlantaworkshopplayers. com
ALIVE AT THE SQUARE
What: This family-friendly focus to Alive After 5 consists of live music, children’s
What: Join Salud! Cooking School for a wine tasting of their best picks under $12. Where: Whole Foods Avalon, 2800 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta When: Friday, April 17 Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $19 to register. Web: www.wholefoodsmarket. com/service/salud-cookingschool-4
AZALEA FEST GALA
What: Gala to benefit the Cottage School. Dinner, dancing, live auction and special guests. Where: Ivy Hall, Roswell Mill 85 Mill Street in Roswell When: Sunday, April 19 Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Contact: Tangelam@ cottageschool.org
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
What: Milton’s annual festival offers sustainability information and inspiration. Family booths, educational groups, entertainment and foods. Where: Friendship Community Park, 12785 Birmingham Highway in Milton When: Saturday, April 18 Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m Web: cityofmiltonga.us
RELAY FOR LIFE OF ROSWELL
What: Join in the fight against cancer at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Roswell. Where: Roswell High School, 11595 King Road in Roswell When: Saturday, April 18 Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight. Web: www.relayforlife.org/ roswellga
20 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper
2015 Best of the Best Awards Winning Entries List
August, 2014 • NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com
NORTH FULTON MARKET REPORT:
All about resins
An inside look into the billiondollar Allnex deal. PAGE 1B
Letters from the Mayors
North Fulton leaders share what’s new in their cities. PAGE 4B
Andrew E. Shapiro Award Category A Cancer awareness promotion: Third Place – Northside Woman
Volume I, Issue 2 • Part of Appen Media Group • Cherokee • Cobb • Forsyth • Fulton • Gwinnett • Hall
BANK$ BOUNCE G BIBACK
Home of the Braves
Multi-use project starts near Braves new stadium. PAGE 4A
r rage Stop Fo on the vemove YourGMBe
JUNE 2014
Close to 90 Georgia banks have failed since 2007, far more than any other state.
THE
Company brings 1,000 jobs to Roswell. PAGE 10A
But there’s a bright side to the decline. It appears we’ve hit the bottom and now it’s a slow, upward climb back to the top.
GAME Groundbreaking
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit #3592
Fiserv to open headquarters in Alpharetta. PAGE 15A
Best Online Presentation of News Content: First Place Judge's Comments: “The crisp look and easy to maneuver site will keep me checking back for more news.”
While the effects of the severe financial downturn and the severity of the recession seem to be in the rearview mirror, it’s the smaller banks that were hit the hardest.
That’s because larger banks have a long history of navigating rough economic waters and community banks often have fewer resources. See the complete story plus our infographic on pages 16A and 17A.
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Appen: Continued from Page 1 tor Lauren Colburn. “Appen Media continues to lead the charge when it comes to maintaining a serious focus on quality. “Their impressive domination in this year’s competition demonstrates truly the Best of the Best that community papers have to offer.” Once again, Appen Media was led by senior graphics designer David Brown who won eight individual awards. His first-place award for Best Single Ad – Fitness, Fashion or Beauty elicited this Judges’ comment: “Compelling use of an image to draw you in combined with clear typography and great use of white space.” Brown’s recognition included the $300 prize for the best submission in the Advertising Design Contest for Veterinarian ads. Production/Newsroom Manager A.J. McNaughton won the $200 second prize. Publisher Ray Appen won three column- and opinion-writing awards including two of three winning selections in Best Original Writing - Column. Of the first-place column “Where Does Your Kindness Reside,” the judges said: “This article reminds us of the basic life lesson to simply ‘be kind.’
Best Online Presentation of Digital Edition or Flip Book: Third Place
The anecdotes are not only real and touching, but also well written and descriptive. We commend Ray Appen for reaching us on a social, emotional and moral level!” Executive Editor Hatcher Hurd scored two national firsts for Community Service /Editorial for his coverage of the Johns Creek Memorial Walk at Newtown Park and Best Original Writing – Opinion for his article : “Johns Creek Council Taking Can-do Approach.” The judges said: “The writer took a clear stance to inform the reader of an important matter in the community.” Appen Media’s “Rookie of the Year,” Kathleen Sturgeon, took second place in the Best Original Writing – News Article category and her coverage of political shenanigans in Forsyth County. She began her career at Appen as an intern. Her article “Leaked Documents Show Nonemployees Receive Health Benefits” was typical of her coverage of an ongoing story. Other Appen winners include Lead Graphics Designer Suzanne Pacey who picked up three awards for Northside Woman. Susan Hernandez won for Best Presentation of Digital Edition or Flip Book, and Abby Breaux won a first and a second for “Best Original Photography Used in Color Ad.” The judges said of her first place photo, “Yum! This ad makes you hungry!”
Best Original Editorial Photography Used in an Ad - Color: Second Place – Northside Woman First Place – Northside Woman Judge's Comments: “Yum! This ad makes you hungry! Good placement of the photo.” Best Original Writing - Column, A column written to inform or educate the reader: Third Place – Revue & News First Place – Revue & News Judge's Comments: “This article reminds us of the basic life lesson to simply 'be kind'. The anecdotes are not only real and touching, but also well written and descriptive. We commend Ray Appen for reaching us on a social, emotional and moral level!” Best Original Writing- Opinion: Third Place – Revue & News First Place – Johns Creek Herald Judge's Comments: “The writer took a clear stance to inform the reader of an important matter in the community.” Best Original Writing – News Article: Second Place – Forsyth Herald Community Service/Editorial: First Place – Johns Creek Herald Judge's Comments: “This paper supported an important community project by writing about it and sparking donations. “ Best Single Ad - Color, Ads more than 12 inches in depth on Newsprint: Third Place – Forsyth Herald Second Place, – Northside Woman Best Single Ad - Color, Ads more than 12 inches in depth –on Gloss: First Place – Northside Woman Judge's Comments: “This ad has a traditional feel and goes well with the holiday!” Fitness, Fashion or Beauty – Best Single Ad, Full color on newsprint: Second Place – Northside Woman
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First Place – Northside Woman Judge's Comments: “Compelling use of an image to draw you in combined with clear typography and great use of white space.” Creative Headline or Ad Copy Used in an Advertisement: Second Place – Northside Woman Best Cover Design – Newsprint Booklet/Magazine: First Place – Northside Woman Judge's Comments: “No “horsin’” around with this cover! The original photograph is engaging and welcomes you into the publication. “ Best Cover Design on Newsprint, Tabloid/Broadsheet: First Place – N Atlanta Business Post Judge's Comments: “Great use of typography. The “call-outs” on the left side entice the reader to look inside” Self Promotion – Rate Card: Third Place Self Promotion - Awards: First Place Judge's Comments: “A clear headline with an overall clean design. We loved the tag line 'locally delivered, nationally recognized'!” Self Promotion - Own Publication: First Place – N. Atlanta Business Post Judge's Comments: “We loved the page and headline. Well designed with great numbers in the body copy.” Most Improved, Publications with 10-25% editorial content: Second Place – Lifestyles General Excellence, Publications with a minimum 26% editorial content: Honorable Mention – Northside Woman Advertising Design Contest – to design a series of ads for a Veterinarian: Second Place, $200 Prize Winner, AJ McNaughton First Place, $300 Prize Winner, David Brown Judge's Comments: “Great use of unique photos not only draws attention but sends a strong message of trusting the vet service.” In Best Of Show, for the most overall points earned with winning entries in all catagories: First Place
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COMMUNITY
Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 21 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Alpharetta’s rising star: Ashlé Singer’s first album, single coming out BY JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta is the home town to the newest pop starlet on the music scene. Named “Ashlé,” she is about to drop her debut album, “Layers of Flavor.” Her first single, “Bad Boy Blue Eyes,” was released April 7. The 16-year-old said she got into music at an early age. “I’ve always loved music and writing songs,” she said. She started in the choir of her local church, Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. Her first song was written at age six. Music has been her goal in life, and now she is on the verge of entering the industry. “I just want to live my dream,” she said. All of the songs in her album, “Layers of Flavor,” are written and created by her, so they all have meaning to Ashlé. For instance, a victim of bullying herself, one song deals with that topic. “I was bullied,” she said. “Instead of being depressed, I wrote an uplifting song telling people they can get through it.” Despite coming so far, the process of making and releasing an album is daunting, she said. “I’ve learned so much about music and the business,” Ashlé said. “I thought it would be quick and easy and that [the album] would be out a year ago. I’ve learned about myself. You have to believe in yourself more than anything. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.” The “Layers of Flavor” has taken two years to create and mixes genres of all kinds – pop, hip-hop, R&B and more. The album is family-friendly, Ashlé said, and made in the hopes
the adults will find the songs just as catchy as their kids. “I try to make music for everybody, but it’s coming from a teenage girl’s mindset,” she laughed. She picks out beats from online sources and then creates lyrics to go with them. “I get the storyline and the melody after I find the right beat,” she said. But her career will take a team. Her mother, Kimberly, is a co-writer, and helps in many aspects of Ashlé’s career. “If I didn’t like the music it would be hard,” she said. “To sit in a studio for hours and go all over takes a lot.” Ashlé receives vocal lessons from Erica Hoffman of Jan Smith Studios. “Mama” Jan Smith has worked with the likes of Usher and Justin Bieber. Her producer and mentor, Selasi Duse of Crossfade Studios, mixes the music together to fit Ashlé’s personal flair. Duse has worked with such prominent musicians as Grammy Award winner Kandy Burruss. All this talent and work has gone to create the album and its single, titled “Bad Boy Blue Eyes,” about that one boy all the girls want. “I’m really excited my first single is out,” Ashlé said. “All the girls like bad boys.” The single was released April 7. The advice she gives to other potential starlets is to never give up. “Believe in yourself and be true to yourself. If you don’t give up, anything is possible.” “Layers of Flavor” will release later in the year, but the first single, “Bad Boy Blue Eyes,” is out now. It is available from all major music out-
Keep up to date with Ashlé Facebook: www. TheRealAshle.com Twitter: TheRealAshle Instagram: TheRealAshle
lets, including iTunes, Amazon and ReverbNation. For more about Ashlé and her upcoming album, as well as to order her new single, visit www.therealashle.com.
Upcoming star Ashlé, center, with “Mama” Jan Smith, left, and vocal coach Erica Hoffman. Ashlé’s first single came out in early April.
SUPPORT ALPHARET TA ARTIST ASHLÉ Get the first single now from her upcoming album on iTunes! Check out her website
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TheRealAshle Alpharetta singer Ashlé, center, with mentor and producer Selasi Duse, left, and Kwame Waters, her stylist.
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22 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News
The new Eagle Scouts of the Northern Ridge District are, from left, Zachary Darnell, Matthew Darnell, Andrew VanderLugt and Joseph Kucia.
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The newest Eagle Scouts of the Northern Ridge Boy Scout District are, from left, Jonathan Lian, Joshua Gundugollu, Justin Hentz, Jeffrey Kohn and Richard DeKold.
New Eagle Scouts for the Northern Ridge District NORTH FULTON -- The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District, which includes the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, announced March 26 its newest Eagle Scouts, who passed their Board of Review. These are Scouts who passed their Eagle Board of Reviews: Zachary Darnell, from Troop 985, was sponsored by Northbrook United Methodist Church. His project was the construction and installation of two granite benches for the Baptismal Pool at Hightower Baptist Church. Matthew Darnell, from Troop 985, was sponsored by Northbrook United Methodist Church. His project was the
construction and installation or two picnic tables at the playground area of Hightower Baptist Church. Andrew VanderLugt, from Troop 30000, was sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. His project was the construction of a bridge walkway leading to the Cross Country Trail of Milton High School. Joseph Kucia, from Troop 30000, was sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. His project was the construction of a 24 foot footbridge spanning a creek, for Birmingham United Methodist Church. Jonathan Lian, from Troop 143, was sponsored by Johns Creek United
Methodist Church. His project was the design, construction and installation of two wooden benches with stone overlay and then installing a brick patio for the Atlanta Chinese Christian Church North. Joshua Gundugollu, from Troop 3143, was sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church. His project was construction and installation of four benches and two picnic tables for Jessie’s House, a haven for abused adolescent girls. Justin Hentz, from Troop 1134, was sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. His project was tearing down of old rotten arbors and
replacing them with nice stepping stone paths for the Queen of Angels Catholic School. Jeffrey Kohn, from Troop 841, was sponsored by St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. His project was the construction and installation of 14 sets of cubby holes for the third grade classrooms for Statebridge Elementary School. Richard DeKold, from Troop 143, was sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church. His project was the construction of an obstacle course of eight different obstacles for the Centennial High School JROTC Program. —Jonathan Copsey
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Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 23 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
TRMS student claims $10K singing prize Meghana Pothukachi top youth Telugu singer, but doesn’t speak the language By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Meghana Pothukachi is a pert 12-year-old Taylor Road Middle School student who has quite a story to tell about what she did over her summer vacation last July – she won a $10,000 prize for singing in her parents’ Indian language of Telugu. And by the way, she doesn’t speak it herself. Meghana took singing lessons with her older sister. As it turns out, she has a real ear for music. At the age of 4, she could hear a tune once or twice and then sing it. It’s a gift. She also sings in the TRMS Choir and Honor Chorus. She sings so well, her parents encouraged her to enter a special American singing contest last summer for young Telugu speakers. The Telugu language has more than 75 million speakers and is considered one of the six classical languages of India. “The competition is part of the effort to keep Telugu alive and appreciated by the future generations,” said Meghana’s father, Hari Pothukachi. Meghana and her parents entered the contest, which wound up sending them on a whirlwind tour to eight cities in six weeks. Some 230 singers auditioned from all over the country, but only 18 were selected. Her travels took her from Atlanta to New Jersey, then on to Columbus (Ohio), Pittsburgh, Kansas City, St. Louis, Detroit and ending in Philadelphia. The finals had an audience of 10,000. In each city, the competition thinned out until Meghana was crowned on the last night. For Meghana, it was an immersion into not only the Telugu language but its culture. “I had to learn conversational speech because I also had to reply to the questions of the judges. We were judged on how well we answered and so I had to learn how to pronounce the words as well as I could,” Meghana said. Meghana’s mother, Uma Vempati, said pronunciation is a major part of the competition. “You can’t have an accent. So in singing in the native language, diction is judged as much as musical ability,” Vempati said. The competitions are filmed much like “American Idol” and shown in India where it is a
big hit. “And the host of the show is a famous singer there. He’s like the Frank Sinatra of India,” Pothukachi said. “They would have to sing duets with him as part of the show. As it turned out, all the finalists were girls, so they had to really be good to keep up with him.” Like “Idol,” in addition to their performance, contestants were also judged on personality and stage presence. Telugu is also a rich language full of allusions, metaphors and imagery. There are nuances and similes about nature, so the singer must show the correct emotions during each song. “It is very poetic. And if you put the accent on the wrong syllable, that’s a big mistake too,” said Meghana. But Meghana has enjoyed the challenge. Since her
mother told her about the competition and showed her the website that explained it, Meghana was intrigued. She was already taking classical music lessons, and this was a new challenge. “It’s similar training as opera; but it’s like popular music too,” Meghana said. “The genre and style is different. It’s like opera versus pop music.” And within the Telugu music there are more genres. She had to learn 23 songs for the eight performances. Memorizing all of those lyrics was the “tough part,” Meghana said. “Each song and so many words,” she said. Vempati was surprised at her daughter’s own toughness during the competition. “She would get in the car and immediately pull out her music and earphones and go to work,” Vempati said. “She had never really been away from home before. Now we were six weeks living from hotel to hotel. And she never once turned on the TV or her
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Meghana Pothukachi had the trip of a lifetime with parents Hari Pothukachi and Uma Vempati. Her singing competition took her to eight cities in six weeks. iPad.” Meghana’s parents said they were glad she had the experience – the glitz, the glamour and the hard, hard work. But her real job is ahead of her
– high school. After taxes and expenses, there was not much left of her prize, but she did get the MacBook she wanted. “It was great. I’m glad I got to do it,” she said.
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24 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
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BASEBALL ROUNDUP
BT sweeps trio of Florida opponents King’s Ridge tops pair of AAAAAA teams By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Some local high school baseball teams took advantage of spring break last week to take a trip to Florida for a series of games, others stayed in the metro area to play non-region opponents and a few had key region contests. Blessed Trinity went 3-0 against teams from the Jacksonville, Florida area to improve to 18-2 on the season. The Titans opened with a 7-2 victory over Episcopal Christian, getting five solid innings from starter Jackson Svete and two scoreless innings in relief from Cole McNamee. Conor Davis had two hits and scored three runs for BT. Cody Roberts and Garrett Dupuis both contributed two hits, and John Castro and Will Galloway drove in two runs each. Castro’s RBIs came on a home run. Galloway had two hits
including a homer and drove in three runs in a 9-2 victory over Bolles, Chipper Jones’ high school. Roberts added a triple and two RBI and Bronco O’Brien scored three runs, stealing five bases. Jack Dunn stole four bases for the Titans. Brad Spinner yielded four hits and two runs to get the win. The Titans managed just three hits in a 3-2 victory over Bartram Trail to close out their trip, scoring the tying and winning runs in the fifth inning. O’Brien had a double, drove in a run and also scored. Hayden Lehman allowed one earned run over five innings and John Michael Bertrand and Roberts both worked one scoreless inning in relief, with Roberts earning the save. Chattahoochee also played in the Jacksonville area last week, defeating Flagler Palm Coast 5-4 and Creekside 8-5 after an opening 7-0 loss to Clay. The Cougars are 9-9 and battling for a state playoff spot in Region 6-AAAAAA. Johns Creek, also a playoff contender in 6-AAAAAA, had two games scheduled at the Lake Point baseball complex near Lake Allatoona, but one game was rained out. The Gladiators (7-10) lost 5-0 to
Class A power King’s Ridge, which went 3-1 last week. The Tigers (16-2) opened last week with a doubleheader against teams from Chicago and Cincinnati. They defeated Whitney Young from Chicago 7-1 before losing to national power Moeller from Cincinnati 8-4. King’s Ridge came back later in the week to defeat Marietta 9-1 and Johns Creek, both AAAAAA teams. Lawson Hill had three hits and three RBIs against Marietta, with Kyle Brnovich adding two hits. Austin Higginbotham allowed just two hits and one run in six innings, striking out seven. Connor Burns struck out five in four scoreless innings against Johns Creek, with Tarez Miller closing out the win. Miller also had two hits and an RBI, and Adam Moore added two hits for the Tigers. Milton and Cambridge both played region games last week, with the Eagles splitting their third straight series in 5-AAAAAA and Cambridge taking two of three from Sprayberry in 7-AAAAA South. The Eagles scored four runs in the first and second innings and held on to defeat Woodstock 4-3. Austin McLeod
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had two hits for Milton to back five strong innings from starter Kyle Jaworski. Woodstock won the second game of the series 13-5. Milton’s last four wins have all come by one run, with the Eagles’ two most recent victories coming in contrasting games. The Eagles defeated Walton 12-11 to split with the league-leading Raiders, getting four hits from Brett Centracchio, three hits from Steven Curry and three RBI from Kris Franklin. The Eagles rallied from deficits of 7-2 and 10-7, scoring four runs in the sixth. The Eagles won their next game 1-0 at Etowah, with Clay Forbes pitching a complete
game two-hitter. The Eagles also had just two hits, scoring the game’s only run in the fifth inning. Milton is third in the region at 6-4 and 14-5 overall. Cambridge defeated Sprayberry 4-2 and 8-1 after dropping the opener in the series. Jonathan Hirschland went the distance in the first win, allowing five hits and not issuing a walk. Jonathan Mullis pitched a two-hitter in the 8-1 victory, with Nick Sieverts, Sam Wilson and Brian Moore collecting two hits each and Austin Weiermiller driving in two runs. The Bears are 9-8 in the sub-region and 9-9 overall.
SPORTS
revueandnews.com | Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 25
Milton boys take county track meet Distance runners first in 3 events By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – The Milton boys’ track team won the recent Fulton County Championship by the narrowest of margins, finishing with 113 points to edge Westlake, which was second with 112.5 points. The Eagles, who were the meet hosts, were led by their strong group of middle and long distance runners, along with Corey Claiborne-Landy in the discus and shot put events. Milton runners finished 1-2 in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter events. Michael McCarthy won the 800 in 2:00.43 with Jack Bluth second. Connor Cole and Preston Meade swept the top two places in the 1,600 and 3,200, with Cole winning the 1,600 in 4:31.29 and Meade taking the 3,200 in 9:46.45. Bluth and McCarthy were part of the winning 4x800 relay team along with Matt McGorrey and John Fravel. The Eagles’ time was 8:08.06, well in front of runner-up Johns Creek. Claiborne-Landy won the discus with a throw of 151 feet, 4 inches, and was second in the shot put behind Centennial’s Jimmie Walton, whose winning throw measured 48 feet and a half-inch. The Eagles’ Quin Lyles-Wood placed third in the discus, with teammate Chase Hooper fourth in the shot put. Justin Taylor had seventh place finishes in both the long jump and 300 hurdles. James Breyen was third and Steve Bui sixth in the pole vault for the Eagles. Porter Dobbins was sixth in the 400. A pair of disqualifications in relays could have impacted the final standings, but wound up cancelling each other out. The Eagles lost a point when their 4x100 relay team was disqualified for running outside its
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lane, but the same thing happened to Roswell in the 4x400 relay, giving fifth place Milton an extra point. Roswell was third in the boys’ standings with 81.5 points, with Johns Creek sixth, Alpharetta ninth and Centennial 10th. Tyson Spears of Roswell won the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 10.5 inches and was second in the 100 meters and fourth in the 200. The Hornets also took third in the 4x100 relay. Michael Francesconi of Johns Creek cleared 13 feet to win the pole vault. Other local athletes scoring top finishes in the meet were: Ian George, Centennial, third, 800; Bjorn Leicher, Cambridge, third, 1,600; Parker Roberts, Roswell, third, 3,200; Jose Gomez, Alpharetta, third, high jump; Will Ezrine, Cambridge, second, pole vault; Michael Lee, Alpharetta, third, shot put; Christian Cook, Alpharetta, second, discus. Westlake easily won the girls’ meet with North Springs second. Johns Creek was third, Milton tied for fourth, Roswell was sixth, Alpharetta seventh, Northview eighth and Centennial 10th. Johns Creek was led by Hayden Merrick, who won the
shot put (40 feet, 4 inches) and discus (144 feet, 10 inches). Johns Creek also went 1-2 in the pole vault with Reagan Pifer first and Makaya Wood second. Olivia Durrence was third for Johns Creek in the discus. Northview swept the two distance races, with Lindsey Billings winning the 1,600 in 4:57.21 and Anna Barefield taking the 3,200 in 11:27.41. Milton’s Riley Burr was second in the 1,600 and teammate Amy Ruiz placed third. Rachel Van Amburgh of Roswell was second in the 3,200 and Northview’s Sarika Temme-Bapat placed third. Grace Artis of Roswell finished second behind Merrick in both the shot put and discus, with the Hornets winning the 4x800 relay in 10:17.96. Running for Roswell were Nylah Brown, Kara Coulter, Lauren Fuller and Cathleen Mellor. Milton was second in the event. Other local athletes with top finishes in the girls’ meet were: Sarah Chappell, Alpharetta, third, 800; Ali LoPiccolo, Cambridge, third, 100 hurdles; Courtney Stuart, Alpharetta, third, pole vault; Emma Francis, Chattahoochee, third, long jump; Olivia Malone, Centennial, second, triple jump.
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SCHOOLS
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JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF
Students Emma Burns, left, and Emma McConnell show how the new Bridgeway Christian Academy media center’s computers work.
Bridgway opens new media center School includes computers, media, books By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The nature of a school library is changing these days. No longer is it simply an issue of keeping the most recent or relevant books; now it is common place to keep all kinds of media and community gatherings.
For the students of Bridgeway Christian Academy on Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta, they now have a new media center that will help them do all their work for years to come. The space used to be two separate classrooms and the old library was small, about a third of the size. Two dozen iPads occupy a rolling cart so they can be moved from class to class as needed. A wall of monitors dominates one section. They are linked to tablet computers on a nearby table, so students
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To officially open the new media center, Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle, center with scissors, and Head of School Rob Starner, to the right, cut a ribbon. can work on group projects or navigate a card catalogue. The catalogue itself is a far distance from preceding card catalogues. It’s all electronic and, for the younger students, it can be entirely picturebased. “Even before they can read, students can use the catalogue system,” said Anne Siggs, with the school. Student Emma McConnell said it was useful.
“It can help with projects and we can see what people are working on,” said McConnell. “We can watch movies, play games and use the Internet.” Head of School Rob Starner said the media center came about thanks to the help of many groups in the community, not least of which are the school parents. “It takes a village to make it
work,” he said. Siggs said the students are eager to use the new media center, which can also double as meeting space for parents or teachers. “We are really blessed by it,” she said. Bridgeway Christian Academy teaches about 200 students in grades K3-8. For more information, visit them online at bridgewayca.org.
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revueandnews.com | Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 27
Members of Alpharetta High School’s FBLA chapter show of their medals and plaques after a state business leadership conference.
Alpharetta high takes top honors at state business leadership conference ATLANTA, Ga.– Competing in the State Leadership Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta over March 20-21, Alpharetta High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members took home twelve first-place awards including the prestigious Sweepstakes Award. The Sweepstakes Award is presented to the high school with the most competition event wins. This year marks the third year in a row that Alpharetta has claimed the award.
AHS student named Eagle Scout ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Alpharetta High student Spencer Jones has attained the status of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award. —Joe Parker
Alpharetta students competed in over 30 events with 67 students qualifying for the National Leadership Conference in Chicago this summer, which is a Georgia FBLA record. Events range from public speaking events, technical pre-submission events such as computer programming and on-line testing events like Accounting, Business Law and Securities and Investments. –Adam Barth
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Manning Oaks Makes Largest Gain in County on Iowa Testing ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Results of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills show that fifth-graders at Manning Oaks Elementary made the largest gain out of 58 elementary schools in Fulton County for Math on the test. The students also achieved the second-largest gains for Reading and Social Studies, as well as the fourth-largest gain in
Science. “I am so proud of our students’ effort, our teachers” preparation and delivery of instruction and our parents support at home and at school.” said Don Webb, Principal at Manning Oaks. —Adam Barth
Fulton County ES-2014 5th Grade Results Location Alpharetta Birmingham Falls Cogburn Woods Manning Oaks *change New Prospect
Reading 77 79 76 71 +8 71
Math 79 81 83 78 +5 77
Language 78 76 78 72 +1 73
Social Studies
78 81 83 79 +8 76
Science 81 84 84 74 +5 79
The chart shows the Mean National Percentile of some of the schools in the North Fulton Area. This information has been provided from the Fulton County Website.
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Council: Continued from Page 4 for these things, but we also want to keep them open to the general public as often as possible.” To this end, the city is looking at pricing – everything from free and up – for renting out the new facilities as well as policies governing who and what can have use of these facilities.
One way to reduce demand is to put in place restrictions. Parks Director Mike Perry said that while catering of an event may be allowed, “alcohol is out,” he said. City policy currently states alcohol is prohibited at events other than city-sponsored ones. In addition, city policy, as it stands, allows musicians and bands to play, but it prohibits them from selling anything – such as CDs – on city property.
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper Also, event space cannot be reserved more than 90 days out. The new town green is also not included in the new policy discussions as, in the coming years, the intense development around it will make events in the way. The council agrees some tweaks are necessary, and the policy will need to change with it. “It’ll be trial and error,” said Councilmember Mike Kennedy. “We will learn as we go.”
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, May 7, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, May 18, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. Z-14-15/V-14-32 Academy Street Tract Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 10.43 acres from R-12 to CUP as well as site plan approval. A variance to the CUP zoning land area is requested. The property is located at 76 Academy Street, 94 Academy Street, 140 Academy Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1268/1267 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. CLUP-15-01/MP-15-01/Z-15-01/V-15-01 KB 400 Master Plan 1699 Land Company, LLC Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 12 acres from O-I to CUP in order to develop 59 for-sale detached and 37 for-sale attached homes. A variance from the CUP acreage and lot regulations is also requested. A Master Plan amendment to allow for-sale Single Family attached and detached homes is requested and a request to change the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from “Corporate Campus Office” to “High Density” Residential. The property is at the southeast corner of Kimball Bridge and North Point Parkway. The property is located within Land Lots 807, 808, 849, 850, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. MP-15-03/Z-15-04/CU-15-03/V-15-06/CLUP-15-06 Arrowhead Real Estate/Brookside Pod A Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 4 acres from O&I to C-1 in order to develop two 33,000 sf retail buildings. A request to change the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from “Corporate Campus Office” to “Commercial” is also requested. A request to change the Master Plan Amendment in order to allow retail as a primary use within Brookside Pod A is also requested. A Conditional Use is also requested in order to permit a liquor store. A variance for the front setback is also requested. The property is located on the south side of Old Milton Parkway next to Five Seasons Brewing. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 43, 44 and 49, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. Z-15-02/CU-15-02 City Center Consideration of rezoning approximately 26 acres from C-2 and SU to MU in order to allow a mix of uses for office, civic, commercial, residential, park and open space. A conditional use to allow for-rent dwellings is also requested. The property is generally described as being located east of Main Street and south of Academy Street, north of Thompson Street near the intersection with Haynes Bridge. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1268, 2nd District, 2nd Section, and Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. e. PH-15-05 UDC Changes Telecommunications Equipment Consideration of changes to the Unified Development Code telecommunications standards. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR STORM STRUCTURE & DRAINAGE REPAIRS BID #15-012 The City of Alpharetta is accepting bids for STORM STRUCTURE & DRAINAGE REPAIRS including, but not limited to, demo and replacement of structure tops, throats, curb and gutter, sidewalk, general maintenance to existing structures, landscaping and other work related to drainage improvements. The location of the work is throughout the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. The Plans and Project Manual will be available online Thursday, April 16, 2015, under the tab “Bids Online” on our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us. The bid opening will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For information, please contact Abby Shipp at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department at 678-297-6052 or via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us.
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE
5pm Friday, April 17
through
12am Sunday, April 19 Historic Downtown Alpharetta Milton Avenue: Completely closed from Main Street (Hwy. 9) west to Roswell Street/Canton Street
Old Roswell Street/Old Canton Street: Partially closed, allowing access to City Parking Lot
The arts festival will take place Saturday & Sunday, April 18-19 10am to 5pm www.alpharetta.ga.us
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CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-15-AB-05 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers April 16, 2015 3:00 P.M. PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Beer & Wine Sunday Sales APPLICANT Vito’s Pizza Rant, LLC d/b/a Vito’s Pizza Rant 3665 Old Milton Parkway Suite 60 Alpharetta, Ga. 30005 Owner Vito’s Pizza Rant, LLC Registered Agent Lourdes F. Martinez
revueandnews.com | Revue & News | April 16, 2015 | 29
DEATH NOTICES Atlee Carroll, 87, of Roswell, passed away March 30, 2015. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society. Barbara N. Crum, 90, of Cumming, passed away April 1, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Dorothy Jane Shermer Edmunds, 73, of Cumming, passed away April 3, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. James V. Grindle, 77, of Gainesville, passed away April 4, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Patricia Ingram, 66, of Cumming, passed away April 6, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Elizabeth Werner, 84, of Cumming, passed away April 2, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Robert David White, 33, of Alpharetta, passed away March 28, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Historic Downtown Roswell May 2, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Rain or shine event All proceeds benefit The Drake House
Individual: $15 • Family: $30 Group of 10 or more: $10 each Includes 1 mile and 5K routes Grand prize drawing Festival at end of route
visit www.thedrakewalk.org for more information
Hiring college students... ...to paint this summer. Training provided by Sherwin Williams. Work will be in Forsyth County. Call or email Sean Brown for details. 678-372-4263 sean2016@uga.edu
Hiring college students... ...to paint this summer. Training provided by Sherwin Williams. Work will be in Forsyth County. Call or email Sean Brown for details. 678-372-4263 sean2016@uga.edu
BACKWATER LANDING – LAKE KEOWEE, SC Waterfront Cottages, Gated – Prices from $140’s to $395,000 This showcase model now available fully furnished for $395,000 Lodge, fitness center, pool, beach, boardwalk, boat slips and more. 888-663-1133 www.backwaterlanding.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri 1-5, Sat & Sun 11-5 and always available by appointment
Country Ranch
Advantage Painting
HANDYMAN REMODELING
ALL REPAIRS & REMODELS
Air Conditioning Air Plus Co Inc. 24/7 Service Service / Installation Affordable Rates Residential / Commercial Will Beat all written estimates 30 yrs. exp. Licensed and Insured Call Steve 678-270-8108 (cell)
678-455-2434 www.HandyHero.net 30 yrs. exp./FREE ESTIMATES 1 YR WARRANTY/Lic. & Ins.
770-255-8575 Interior/Exterior Decks Sealed & Stained Carpentry Repairs No Up Front Money Proudly use Benjamin Moore & Sherwin Williams paints Prompt Professional Service Free Estimate, Insured
$100 OFF
PARKING LOT SEAL COATING Striping Seal Coating Resurface Work at Discount Price!
$100 OFF - mention this ad
678-506-0008
WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI-- Z1-900(1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000(1976-1982), Z1R, KZ1000MK2(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 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com
32 | April 16, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com
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The Hair Salon
Stylist Positions Available
970 North Point Dr. • Alpharetta • 770-712-3592
Inside Salon Lofts & across from Best Buy • 7 Days a Week 10am-8pm
$19
$29
MEN’S CUT
LADIES’ CUT
(Reg $25 - $35)
(Reg $40 - $50)
$99
FULL HIGHLIGHT
$149
BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT OR KERATIN SERVICE
(Reg $115 - $145)
(Reg $300)
Long Hair Extra
Long or Thicker Hair Extra
NEW CLIENT
NEW CLIENT
Call for an appointment Scandals 770-712-3592
Call for an appointment Scandals 770-712-3592
Call for an appointment Scandals 770-712-3592
Call for an appointment Scandals 770-712-3592
Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offers or on prior services. Gratuity not included. Exp. 5/30/15 RN
Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offers or on prior services. Gratuity not included. Exp. 5/30/15 RN
Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offers or on prior services. Longer or thicker hair additional charge. Exp. 5/30/15 RN
Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offers or on prior services. Gratuity not included. Exp.5/30/15 RN
NEW CLIENT
NEW CLIENT