Johns Creek Herald, April 23, 2015 by Appen Media Group

Empty Nest

Sponsored section ►►PAGE 20

Avossa packs bags for Palm Beach Fulton School Superintendent new job all but done deal ►►PAGE 6

Star in the making

Swinging to stage Christian Youth Theater preforms ‘Tarzan’ ►►PAGE 12

Ashlé singing her way to top ►►PAGE 11

April 23, 2015 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 19, No. 17

Despite heavy weather, Johns Creek comes through OK Little damage reported in city By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

David Csont, Urban Design Associates chief illustrator, uses his computer to turn the ideas, likes and dislikes he has heard from citizens into something visual. He says knows he’s got it right when people tell him, “I want to be in that picture.”

THE DISTRICT:

Designing a city block by block Residents get to weigh in again in Round 2 By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The city’s plan for The District is coming into focus as the second of three phases of the planning stage comes to a close. In a three-day blitz, the city’s consultants on The District, headed by Urban Design Associates, met with residents in focus groups. Culminating in a public charrette, the planners showed how they had refined the ideas voiced by residents to become pic-

tures on paper and computer screens. Tuesday of last week, focus groups including developers and homeowner associations met with the design team to hear what the team had learned about the strengths and weaknesses of The District, the now 780-acre Central Business Planning District (as they referred to it), and what opportunities are there. Wednesday was the chance to talk with designers and discuss how the ideas are translated from thoughts and

desires to scale modeling on the computer screen. The design team will take away new ideas and suggestions from the charrette it held last Wednesday to refine the plan and return with a final report in June or early July. What the land designers were doing was showing residents pictures of types of architecture and design elements to get a better feel for what the public liked. They were much like the optometrist placing and replacing lenses for the eye patient and asking, “Is that

See DISTRICT, Page 9

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Heavy storm clouds blew into North Fulton with a full tornado warning and Alpharetta’s sirens blasting. In the end, though, the storm was hail. Johns Creek had little damage to report, although some schools held up the release of their students for about a half hour. Many residents reported large quantities of hail fell during the 30-minute storm. Chattahoochee High School Principal Tim Duncan said the school went into “full tornado drill” in which students crouched under desks, students in classrooms with windows were doubled up in rooms that didn’t have windows and the two outdoor portables were evacuated. “That is one of the advantages Chattahoochee has in having classrooms without windows. It gives me more space in which to bring the kids,” said Duncan. Next door at Taylor Road Middle School, it was much the same. Go into the tornado drill and wait out the storm. TRMS Principal Ed Williamson said his students knew what to when the tornado warning came because they have monthly drills for a range of situations. Because of the danger of glass shattering, stu-

There was quite a bit of hail in some places. This photo posted on the Johns Creek Police Facebook page shows a pile of hailstones. dents sit in the school hallways facing the walls. “Every kid knows what to do because we drill. One month it’s for a tornado, one month for an intruder, one for fire and one for a bomb,” Williamson said. “Today they got in the halls and covered their heads. We were in place in about two minutes. “The teachers know their jobs, and the kids were quiet,” he said. Meanwhile, the school sent out e-blasts to alert parents and let them know there would be delays at school. But by

See WEATHER, Page 7

2 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Roswell Fire Department ISO Rating upgraded

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ROSWELL, Ga. — The Insurance Services Office (ISO) has upgraded the City of Roswell’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) to Class 2, which indicates an exceptional capability to respond to and fight structure fires. The city was previously rated Class 3. The new rating will become effective on July 1, 2015, and may affect the underwriting and pricing for a variety of personal and commercial insurance coverages in the city. “We are extremely proud to receive a Class 2 rating from the ISO,” said Roswell Mayor Jere Wood. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our firefighters, emergency communicators and water resources staff, and it also demonstrates the importance the city places on ensuring public safety.” A community’s PPC rating depends on: • Emergency communications systems - including facilities for the public to report fires, staffing, training, certification of telecommunication staff and facilities for dispatch-

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.

When was your twin brother born? ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Hampton man was arrested April 3 after allegedly trying to use a fake ID to buy a tablet computer. Police were called to a phone store on North Point Parkway after a report of a man using a fake ID to buy a tablet. When questioning the man, identified as Aron Jamell-McKenzie Young, 22, of Hampton, he said he had two ID cards, one Georgia license for himself and one Florida license for his twin brother. When asked when his twin brother was born, he allegedly said, “He has a different birthday. 1973.” It turns out Young allegedly came into the store a week prior and bought another tablet using the same false information. He was arrested for theft by deception, forgery and using a fake ID.

Confederate flag missing from broken pole MILTON, Ga. – Someone tore down a flagpole April 9 that was supporting a Confederate flag.

ing fire departments; • Fire department - including equipment, staffing, training and geographic deployment of fire companies; • Water supply system - including the inspection and flow testing of hydrants and a careful evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires; • Community efforts to reduce the risk of fire - including fire prevention codes and enforcement, public fire safety education and fire investigation programs; The ISO collects information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) and then assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, while Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire-suppression program doesn’t meet ISO’s minimum criteria. —Jonathan Copsey

The victim, of Owens Lake Road, was away from town at the time of the incident. A neighbor called police to inform them of damage to the home. A gate was broken from its hinges and a flagpole in the yard was bent at the base. The pole was missing its flag, a Confederate flag.

Dealership wants its demo car back MILTON, Ga. – A dealership’s car was taken to be detailed April 5 and went missing overnight. The victim, an employee of the car dealership, told police he took the Honda CRV home to his Deer Point Court home and parked it outside overnight. When he came out in the morning, the vehicle was missing, along with the keys.

Be careful what you buy JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – An Atlanta man is out a cellphone after it was found to be stolen when he attempted to unlock it. According to police, the man went to a local store to unlock a new phone he had bought. The employees discovered the phone was reported stolen in October 2014. The original owner confirmed this when he was called. The victim told police he had bought the phone from his ex-wife, who said

she got it from her now-husband.

She only wanted food for her dog ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Forsyth County woman was arrested April 6 after allegedly trying to steal $170-worth of items, largely dog food, from a local grocery. The suspect reportedly filled her shopping cart with dog bones and biscuits along with bottled water, chips and chicken. She then left the store without paying for the goods. A police officer was nearby and stopped the woman from fleeing. She allegedly told him, “I was just trying to get food for my dog.” She was arrested for shoplifting.

Family returns to burgled home MILTON, Ga. – A family returned from vacation April 8 to find their home burglarized. Police were called out to a Manor Club Drive home after the family returned from vacation. They say when they entered the home, they noticed items in disarray and a rear window smashed. Missing were checkbooks and a jewelry box full of items, including gold bracelets, 14 karat gold loop earrings, diamond earrings and a diamond neck-

See BLOTTER, Page 3

PUBLIC SAFETY

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

DUI arrests ►► Valentine Chike

Emechete, 40, of Memphis, Tennessee, was arrested March 28 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and taillight requirements. ►► Bhooshan M. Patel, 40, of Sonata Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested April 2 on Maxwell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to use due care. ►► Scott David Meyer, 45, of Country Lake Road, Cumming, was arrested March 30 on Birmingham Highway in Milton for DUI, child endangerment, speeding and notice of address change. ►► Kurtis Jon Munroe, 27, of Dawsonville was arrested

April 1 on Canterbury Lake in Milton for DUI and suspended license. ►► William Wade Brandon, 45, of Deer Trail, Milton, was arrested April 3 on Morris Road in Milton for DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of drug-related items and taillight violation. ►► John Harding Kielly, 21, of Highgrove Club Drive, Milton, was arrested April 5 on Dinsmore Road in Milton for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Drug arrests ►► John David Williams,

25, of Decatur was arrested April 2 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► Dominique Roemoan Tolbert, 24, of Atlanta was arrested April 1 on Morrison Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related items

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and headlight violation. ►► Cyril A. Cenac, 30, of Merganser Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested April 1 on Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, speeding and expired tag. ►► Kevin R. Mosley, 21, of Lawrenceville was arrested April 3 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug-related items, public drunkenness and affray. ►► Quatavis Dajuan Bigby, 23, of Atlanta was arrested April 4 on Morris Road in Milton for possession of marijuana.

Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 3

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 lace. All told, the missing items are valued at $20,000.

Missing: pricey sunglasses MILTON, Ga. – Two Greencrest Circle residents are out expensive sunglasses after their car was broken into April 9. The victims told police they heard an alarm on the vehicle go off, but assumed it was each other setting it off. Two expensive sunglasses

– valued at $280 and $220 each – as well as a Bluetooth device and some change were all missing.

Shoes do not fit down pants MILTON, Ga. – A young man was spotted April 11 trying to steal shoes and socks by hiding them down his pants. The 18-year-old suspect allegedly walked around the Kohl’s store on Ga. 9 and selected a pair of Nike shoes and a pair of socks, which he then hid down his pants. He then entered a bathroom and then fled the store.

NEWS

4 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Rail, buses proposed for northern MARTA expansion Public transit plan open for comments

dedicated lanes. The cost to implement this would be closer to $600 million. Rail would take more than a decade to build. Buses could take less than eight years. Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) is a known proponent of public transportation, seeing it as a means to solve many of the traffic problems plaguing metro Atlanta. He said a MARTA expansion north of the river was needed. “If transit gets you where you want to go and it is clean and safe, it will get people off Ga. 400,” he said. He pointed out that the younger generation, especially those in the technology fields, prefer public transit, eschewing homeownership and cars. Several large, new corporate relocations to the metro area chose locations because of their access to public transportation. The current step in the process is to collect feedback on the alternatives. After that, by spring of 2016, there will be a draft document for more feedback. “We need mass transit,” said resident Gloria Scarabelli, who attended an April 16 meeting in Alpharetta. “Ga. 400 is impossible during rush hour. I’m a huge fan of the idea.” Crime and safety as well as density are still issues around any expansion. Eatman said these will be addressed before the project is complete. There is still a long way to go, said Eatman. Another public meeting will be April 30. Public comments will

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – MARTA is pushing ahead with extending services north of the Chattahoochee River, clear up Ga. 400 to Windward Parkway. Plans call for five stations to dot the 12-mile distance from North Springs to Windward – Northridge Road, Holcomb Bridge Road, Encore Parkway/North Point Mall, Old Milton Parkway and Windward Parkway. These locations are generic – no specific sites have been chosen yet. Instead, these are vague locations of where stations are preferred to go. Linking these stations could be either heavy rail or heavy bus routes. “There is a lot of travel demand from the population here,” said Mark Eatman, the project manager of the study, “and there will be more from the population coming in the future.” Population projections call for a steady influx of new residents in the north metro area. Milton, for instance, will double in population in the next 10 years. Last month, the MARTA Board of Directors approved the “Locally Preferred Alternative” – the choice from public meetings – which is the heavy rail option, similar to what dead-ends at North Springs station today. Another possibility is using heavy buses, which would be more like the trains but on wheels. There are positives and negatives, said Eatman. Heavy rail is already installed at North Springs. However the construction costs are high, more than $2 billion. In comparison, bus rapid transit could use Ga. 400 to travel or could use new,

MARTA is proposing five new stations on the northern line up to Windward Parkway highlighted in blue. Existing stations are shown in magenta. be ac-

cepted until May 11.

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 29

ALPHARETTA 30009 Andover North, 3996 Dover Ave. FRIDAY 4/24, Saturday 4/25, 9am-6pm, Sunday 4/26, 9am5pm. NO Earlybirds! RAIN OR SHINE!!! Moving/estate sale. Furniture, tools, washer/dryer etc ALPHARETTA: Kimball Bridge Crossing Subdivision. 500 Morning Mist Court 30022. Friday 4/24 and Saturday 4/25, 8am-2pm. Moving! 4 piece entertainment unit, king sized brass bed, sofa, treadmill, household items, tools and more! CUMMING: 20+ homes! Woodland Park Subdivision, 1020 Woodland Trace 30041. Friday 4/24 and Saturday 4/25, 8am-2pm. CUMMING: Multi-Family. Rosewood Lake Subdivision; Hyde Road and Rosewood Lake Drive 30040. Friday 4/24, Saturday 4/25, 8am-2pm. CUMMING: 20+ families! Longlake Subdivision, 1790 Aurelia Drive 30041.

Friday 4/24, Saturday 4/25, 9am-3pm. JOHNS CREEK: Mayfair/St. Clair Subdivisions; multi family. Nesbitt Ferry Road and Arborwoods Drive 30022. Saturday 4/25, 8am-2pm. Tools, furniture, home decor, childrens’ items, etc! JOHNS CREEK: Entire Doublegate Subdivision! Twingate Drive and State Bridge Road 30022. Saturday 4/25, 8am-2pm. JOHNS REEK/DULUTH, entire Sugar Mill Subdivision! Abbotts Bridge/120, just East of 141. Friday, Saturday, 4/24, 4/25, 9am-2pm. MILTON: Six Hills, 765 Owens Lake Road. Garage/estate sale. Downsizing, Friday-Saturday 4/24-4/25, 8am-2pm: Home decor, wicker furniture, toys, and much more! Cash only. MILTON: Two families. Triple Crown Subdivision, 14053 Triple Crown Drive. Saturday 4/25, 8am-2pm. Estate sale.

DEADLINE

Furniture, household furnishings, kitchenware, bedding, artwork, and much more! MILTON: Multi family. Crabapple Crossing and Station Subdivisions; Broadwell Road and Dunbrody Drive. Friday 4/24, Saturday 4/25, 9am-2pm. ROSWELL: Multi family. Magnolia Walk Subdivision; Coleman Road and Magnolia Walk 30075. Saturday 4/25, Sunday 4/26, 9am-4pm. SOUTH FORSYTH: Entire Olde Atlanta Club! 5750 Olde Atlanta Parkway. Saturday 4/25, 8am-3pm. Childrens’ clothes and toys, collectibles, sports equipment, antiques, household; something for everyone! SUWANEE/SOUTH FORSYTH 30024: Entire Grand Cascades Subdivision! Old Atlanta and James Burgess Road, follow signs. GPS: 154 Rivergate Drive. Saturday 4/25, 8am-3pm.

To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week. Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 5

6 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

SCHOOLS

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Avossa to depart for Palm Beach Schools June 1 By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – The Palm Beach (Florida) Board of Education moved quickly to offer Fulton School Superintendent Robert Avossa the top spot in its school system, hiring him for the superintendent position within an hour of interviewing the final three candidates during a public forum April 16. Over the space of 13 days, Avossa went from one of 72 candidates, to a top four finalist, to selection as superintendent of the nation’s 11th largest school system. Although the contract negotiations are still underway in Palm Beach, Avossa’s departure from Fulton by the end of the school year is a done deal. A congratulatory message was quickly released from the Fulton Board of Education immediately after the Palm Beach offer was extended. “The Fulton County Board of Education congratulates Dr. Robert Avossa on being named the superintendent for the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida,” said Board President Linda McCain. “We appreciate his willingness to keep us informed throughout the selection process.”

McCain said Avossa told the board in late March that he would be applying for the Palm Beach opening, so there was little AVOSSA surprise when his name emerged on the candidate list. According to the Palm Beach Sentinel, Avossa was considered the frontrunner from the start. Five of the seven board members listed the Fulton superintendent as their top choice after individual interviews prior to the public forum. He was a unanimous selection on the final vote. Avossa’s move to Florida was not unexpected. He grew up in Florida, graduated from the University of South Florida and worked for years as a teacher and principal in the Orange County (Orlando) School System. While the professional challenges of running one of the country’s largest school systems was motive for the move, Avossa said the opportunity to return home was a primary factor in his decision to leave Fulton.

School board looks to future under new leadership McCain says goals of Strategic Plan to stay By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Linda McCain, president of the Fulton County Board of Education, expressed “disappointment” that Superintendent Robert Avossa is leaving for Palm Beach, Florida, but looks forward to bringing a new leader to Fulton to carry out the work the board began during Avossa’s four-year tenure. “The goals of the Strategic Plan will continue with the same degree of excellence and commitment to achievement, regardless of who is [superintendent],” said McCain, who praised the working relationship the board had with Avossa. She noted the district will continue to work toward increasing the graduation rate and ensuring graduates are career and college ready as it enters the fourth year of the five-year plan. “Fulton was doing well when Avossa arrived here, but he raised the bar even higher for the district, the schools, the staff and the students,” “Florida is home for me,” he said. “My parents and two of my three sisters are within an hour away. And as my children grow up, I want them to spend as much time as they can around family.” Avossa will remain with Fulton Schools until June 1, working with an interim superintendent during the transition period. He said he leaves a school board commit-

said McCain. “There is every expectation that Fulton will continue to excel under new leadership, and the board will ensure the resources are in place to make that happen.” Fulton has become known around the nation as a leader in innovation, said McCain, after becoming the state’s largest charter system in 2012. That transition pushes more control and governance down to the local school level, and supports decision-making at the ground level. “As we look for the next Fulton Schools leader, we are going to be a very attractive system for other superintendents who want to be on the innovative edge of education,” said McCain. She said the plans for hiring the next superintendent, and an interim leadership plan, will be announced soon. McCain noted the end of the school year is not the ideal time to be searching for a new superintendent, and wants to avoid any rush to hire. “A succession plan is in place,” said McCain. “There are excellent people in the school system to serve in the interim and continue the course that Dr. Avossa and the board have set.”

ted to continuing the initiatives he championed over the past four years, and with whom he worked well. “I am proud of the relationship we have, and I truly enjoy working with this board,” said Avossa. “Great progress was made, and great progress will continue to be made because of the commitment this board has to continued excellence.” McCain offered few details

of how the search for Avossa’s replacement will be handled – whether the board is leaning toward a national search or elevating an internal candidate. She did stress the board has long had a succession plan for all of its key administrators. “Over the past several years, the board has built a robust, sustainable system

See AVOSSA, Page 28

NEWS

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 7

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Taylor Road Principal Ed Williamson credited monthly drills with keeping students calm during the storm as it passed through Johns Creek.

Weather: Continued from Page 1 4:30 p.m., the buses were rolling. “It really went like clockwork. That’s why we practice,” Williamson said. Johns Creek Communications Manager Doug Nurse

said there was little storm damaged reported to the city. A tree fell on Parsons Road, but that was quickly removed. “We had no power outages, no flooding. At City Hall, everyone went into the stairwells and sat it out,” Nurse said. “But there were no reports of trouble anywhere. “We dodged a bullet,” he said.

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

8 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

OPINION

Submit your opinions to news@appenmediagroup.com

Anniversary Tripp just icing on the cake I reached a bit of a milestone this month when My Lady Wife and I celebrated the anniversary of our nuptial contract for the 20th annum. Even I understand that such appointments require that I take some particular notice on my part. Kathy and I were married April 1, 1995, and you may read what you will into that particular date. I decided we should do something out of our usual orbit for this special occasion and thought a sort of second honeymoon might be in order. We didn’t want to travel too far, so it came down to a place decidedly out of town but something less than a trek. I hit upon Chattanooga as the perfect spot. It is a quaint city that is big, but not too big. It’s historic and that’s a plus. There are a couple of great Civil War battlefields for a history buff like me. There is of course Chattanooga’s aquarium, which predates Atlanta’s and doesn’t eat up your pocketbook like Atlanta’s. If you’ve ever seen those See Rock City signs, well this is where it is; likewise Ruby Falls. Plus, it is only about two hours away. When I offered up my plan, My Lady Wife was all for it. And as the day of departure drew nigh, we began talking about how great it was going to be to have this getaway. I noted it would be the first time in recent memory that we had actually been anywhere just the two of us, all alone. There would be no other couples or family. Yep, that’s right, just the two of us, I thought. Just she

Tripp on Lookout Mountain.

HATCHER HURD

WHAT’S APPENING?

Executive Editor hatcher@ appenmediagroup.com

and I — all by our lonesomes. Just we pair. All alone. Nobody else around. Me and she. Hmmm. As I began to ponder the depth and breadth of all that such a Crusoean situation entailed, My Lady Wife’s Vulcan mind meld kicked in on my wavelength. She said: “You know, it might be fun to take one of the boys along.” By that, she meant one of our twin grandsons, which would almost certainly be Tripp since he is the grandson who does not play baseball 10 months out of the year. I quickly responded, “That would be great, honey.” We both let out a sigh of relief. It turned out Tripp’s social calendar was clear – it was fortuitously his spring break. We opted to stay at Chattanooga’s Read House, a hotel smack in the middle of downtown, which was built in 1928. I was immediately drawn to the idea of the Read House because it had some history to it, and the Old Girl did not disappoint. She was of the style when a hotel was much more than just a pillow upon which to place one’s head. The Read House still has that energy of the Roaring ’20s and the patina of the elegance of the era without overstatement. She’s a grand girl who has grown old gracefully. In its day, it was filled with shops on the ground floor and a fine restaurant. Granted, the barbershop has been replaced by a Starbuck’s, but that was okey-dokey with Kathy. Nevertheless, it had a Downton Abbey atmosphere about the place that was echoed by the staff. And it is perfectly

The Read House situated on Broad Street to see the city. Walk out the door and there is the free electric trolley to shuttle you down to the river and the Tennessee Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of American Art and Walnut Street Bridge. That bridge is pedestrian only, and just about everyone can be seen sauntering across it for the view and to be viewed. Having Tripp along meant we could do some of the cheesy things that two metropolitans from Atlanta might otherwise have thought themselves too sophisticated to do. We all agreed the Duck Tour was aces. For the uninitiated, these tours use World War II surplus amphibious DUKWs that can run on city streets and plunge into the Tennessee River with equal ease. It was a blast. Captain Barry was our guide and a Chattanooga native to boot. He had the skinny on “old Chattanooga” that spiced things up a bit. The big thrill was getting to see everything through the eyes of our Tripp. He loved looking at the battlefields and scrambling over Lookout Mountain. (We won’t tell his mother about that.) His epicurean highlight was hot wings. Have to work on that. He’s not too expensive to feed, it’s just that he never stops. So now we are home and our other grandson Chase has made it known he is now due a “road trip.” You have to remember Tripp is our Buick grandson. Chase is our Ferrari Testarossa. He said he would be pleased to go see a Red Sox game. In Boston of course. Maybe for our 40th.

Would you support MARTA rail service in North Fulton? Below, Appen Media Group introduces its new blog, What’s Appening? You can also find out “What’s Appening” at www. northfulton.com/whatsappening/ or follow it on the Facebook and Twitter pages for the Revue & News, Forsyth Herald, Johns Creek Herald and Milton Herald. Every day, thousands of people commute from and to North Fulton and Forsyth counties. Most move here to take advantage of the great schools, neighborhoods and overall quality of life, but spend hours of their day sitting in traffic on Ga. 400 or in offices closer to Atlanta. But as Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Cumming have grown, so too has the number of businesses in these communities. Now, workers who live south of the River or in town are increasingly commuting north to offices here. The result is a seemingly never-ending “rush hour” both ways on our main traffic arteries. For years, people have talked about finding a solution to the gridlock. Enter the latest round of MARTA public hearings. On April 16, local residents were invited to listen to and provide input on MARTA’s plans to bring rail service as far north as Windward Parkway on Ga. 400 at a public hearing from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Georgia State University Alpharetta Center. The plan includes three, and could include as many as six, transit stations between the current end of the line at North Springs and the upper reaches of Fulton County. Another public meeting will be held on April 30 in Roswell at the East Roswell Recreation Center, again from 6:30 – 8 p.m. MARTA’s Ga. 400 Corridor

KEITH STILL

Newsroom Editor keith@appenmedia group.com

Join the conversation • Would you support extending rail service to North Fulton? Would you support an express bus service? • Are you attending the MARTA public meetings? What solutions would you offer to clear up the traffic in North Fulton and Forsyth? Email your thoughts to keith@appenmediagroup. com Transit Initiative will investigate the need for “high-capacity transit connections between the Perimeter Center area near the interchange of I-285 and Ga. 400…and Windward Parkway in Alpharetta.” The need for something seems obvious. The problem is that even if everyone agrees to bring rail service north immediately, an actual solution is still years away. And there’s no indication that these hearings will result in any real movement on the issue. It was less than two years ago that similar hearings were being held to consider the idea of expanded rail or bus service in North Fulton – and nothing happened. Extending rail service is a huge – and expensive – undertaking. All the while, the cars will continue to clog the roads.

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District: Continued from Page 1 better or worse? Or about the same?” Using the public’s choices, the team will go back and refine the plan. Johns Creek Community Association President Judy LaFave liked the way the charrettes were being handled. She explained what the city was doing to a homeowner this way: “This is what transparency in government looks like,” said LaFave. Thursday was a chance to hear the design team’s ideas and see how the project is taking shape. Economically, there is plenty of room to grow the city’s tax base and provide a great deal more in terms of quality of life, said consultant Tom Moriarity, vice president of Economic Research Associates. He said Johns Creek has a tremendous upside in what it wants to accomplish because so much is already here. In terms of creating The District, Johns Creek is not at square one: • Johns Creek is a stable community with an 80,000plus population living in 28,000 households, of which 86 percent are single-family and privately owned. • The city average household income is $150,000. That is three times the national average. • It is a well-educated community with 64 percent holding college degrees and many post graduate degrees. The high-end workforce is here. • There are no major commercial centers within a 5-mile radius of The District (although Avalon in Alpharetta is close). • The community has an annual spending average of $1 billion annually, but only half is spent locally. That means the other half-billion is on the table for The District to capture. • Geographically, it is the nexus for three major roads in North Fulton: Medlock Bridge Road, McGinnis Ferry Road and Abbotts Bridge Road. So when Johns Creek is talking about a makeover for The District, the city brings a

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lot to the table. But any conversation about The District turns quickly to that of traffic. Traffic is the bane of any successful community in metro Atlanta (and even some that aren’t), but in creating solutions for traffic, there are rays of sunshine. Paul Ostergaard, Urban Design executive vice president, points to The District’s acres of parking lots. The area has developed piecemeal and around 25 percent of the land in The District is simply asphalt parking lots. That is not a bad thing, he says. “Think of those parking lots as land banking,” Ostergaard

NEWS said. The District will have to have a grid of streets through it, and the open space created by these parking lots will be a huge boon for planning that grid. It is much easier to plow up some asphalt than tear down a building. “There are also some wonderful existing secondary roads such as Johns Creek Parkway and Hospital Parkway,” Ostergaard said. “These become major arteries connecting The District.” On Medlock Bridge Road, planners see widening of the road with a lane on either side. This would become the side roads for local traffic while the center four lanes carry the

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 9 through-traffic. A further center lane could wind up serving as a bus rapid transit (BRT) lane that would also lighten traffic and possibly bring a workforce from outside the city. Much of this is long-term strategy, but the idea is to have a plan for expansion when the time comes, said Johns Creek Assistant City Manager Eric Taylor, who has the task of shepherding The District plan through its evolutions. “This is not something that will happen overnight. We may not turn the first shovel on this for five years,” Taylor said. The ideas of what the space will look like were previewed at the Thursday night meeting.

The key was creating a walkable community with lots of features to keep the area on a human scale. Most buildings would not be more than four or five stories. One of the existing features that has the designers excited is what they are calling the Canal District. They are using a water feature Technology Park created, made up of two lakes and a creek, to be the centerpiece of the entertainment district. “We could use the water course and green space to create a space that would have a lot of appeal. There would be nothing like it in the entire Atlanta region,” Ostergaard said.

10 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

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City introduces new community development director Sharon Ebert likes challenges suburban communities present By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Sharon Ebert brings a lot of civil experience in land planning to the table, but taking the job as Johns Creek’s new community development director is a bit like jumping directly into the frying pan. Indeed, her first day on the job was to sit in with commercial developers and consultants with Urban Design Associates to discuss how The District should take shape. The District is the 728acre commercial area of Johns Creek. It is targeted for a 20-year makeover to increase the city’s commercial tax base while giving the city a vibrant and scintillating dining and entertainment district as well. A New Yorker with years of urban planning experience, Ebert sounded more confident than brash when she said, “I like a challenge.” Ebert previously served as the New York City regional director for community de-

velopment for the New York State Division of Housing and Renewal and later as deputy commissioner of planning and development in Yonkers, New York, with a population of nearly 200,000. The Atlanta area first came on her radar screen in 1995, with the approaching Olympics creating a lot of buzz at the time. “I looked at the Atlanta area then. It was doing leading-edge development then. But I was a single mom with a 10-yearold son, so that was not a good time pull up stakes and move. But I have had a goal of migrating south for some time. So Johns Creek was a perfect fit for me,” Ebert said. An empty-nester now, she relishes the opportunity to work in the suburban environment of Johns Creek and its “green fields.” A city re-inventing itself is not the type of challenge many in her field get to take a shot at. Ebert likes the idea of suburban community planning because it is “cleaner.” “In the Northeast, urban

Suburbia is sort of unknown territory. That’s what I mean by green fields. I don’t really have to worry what is under the grass.” SHARON EBER Community Development Director

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

New Community Development Director Sharon Ebert stands her post during the recent public meetings on Johns Creek’s The District.

redevelopment always involved tons of environmental reme-

diation,” she said. “Suburbia is sort of unknown territory. That’s what I mean by green fields. I don’t really have to worry what is under the grass. “The idea of a new city is exciting too,” she said. “A new city in New York is like – established in 1639. To work with a group of citizens who came together in a point in time to form a new city is great. And now they are already at a point where they want to renew their city and get re-inspired. That is something to be a part of.” There is always “push and pull” in community development with gains and losses to be assessed. “Public development is a dynamic field,” Ebert said. “I

was an architect by trade, but in working in government, I have been exposed to financing, property law, zoning, construction, design, planning and the list goes on. “But I love it all. There is no instant gratification in this business. It takes time,” Ebert said. The best part of the job for her is the team-building – having talented people come together and collaborate to make a project better. “That’s the exciting part,” she said. With Johns Creek just embarking on its two-decade plan to redesign of itself, Ebert will have cause for enthusiasm.

COMMUNITY

Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 11 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.

Keep up to date with Ashlé Facebook: www. TheRealAshle.com Twitter: TheRealAshle Instagram: TheRealAshle “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

NOW OPEN

Upcoming star Ashlé, center, with “Mama” Jan Smith, left, and vocal coach Erica Hoffman. Ashlé’s first single came out in early April. 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 outlets, 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.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

12 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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A huge cast with spectacular costumes and dance numbers bring energy and color to the stage.

‘Tarzan’ swings into Alpharetta ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is bringing “Tarzan” the musical through May 3, 2015 at the old Milton High School (Milton Center) in Alpharetta. Based on Disney’s beloved film and the Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “Tarzan of the Apes,” the stage production also includes music written by rock legend Phil Collins. “Tarzan” promises to provide a Broadway experience that all will enchant young and old. This family-friendly production tells the story of the upbringing of Tarzan, an infant orphaned on the shores of Africa, Jane, an adventurous young botanist who encounters adult Tarzan during an expedition, and all those loving (and comical) apes that adopt Tarzan as a part of their family. Turning a cast of students, ages 8-18, into the tribe that is Tarzan’s adopted family, is

If you go What: Christian Youth Theater presents Tarzan Where: The Milton Center, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta (the old Milton High School) When: Thursday, April 23 at 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7 pm; Saturday, May 2 at 2 pm and 7pm; Sunday, May 3 at 3 pm. no easy feat. “One of the biggest challenges was going through the process of turning humans into Apes,” said Michelle Evans, Director for “Tarzan”. “Not just through the design of costumes and makeup but the physical transformation of being down on all fours moving around like gorillas not humans.” Throughout the story, Tarzan struggles between his love

for his adopted family and his legacy as a human. “What I love most about the story of ‘Tarzan’ is that who we are is not determined by what we look like on the outside, but who we are on the inside,” said Pat Valleroy, artistic director for CYT Atlanta. “This is so relevant to our world today, and it is a timeless truth that never changes.” Tickets for Tarzan may be purchased online at www. cytatlanta.com. General admission and VIP seating are available for all shows. Performances will be held at The Milton Center, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.

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| Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 13

JC Symphony invites you ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes’ Season finale at JCHS auditorium May 9 By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will take patrons on an exciting musical journey for its 2014-15 season finale that touches ports all over the world. Performed by the full JCSO under the direction of Maestro J. Wayne Baughman, the orchestra will visit Sweden, Russia, Spain, England, the South Pacific and the good old USA with the music composers including Grieg, Borodin, Smetena, Loewe, Rodgers and Kern. Special guests, the Soweto Street Beat Dance Theater Company will bring an exotic element to this delightful program of light classics and pops. Soweto Street Beat is based in Atlanta, making it the only professional South African dance and music company in the United States. The troupe provides both

JC Symphony Orchestra What: “Around the World in 80 Minutes” When: Saturday, May 9, 8 p.m. Where: Johns Creek High School auditorium 5575 State Bridge Road Tickets: $30 adults; seniors $25; students $15 More info: 678-748-5802 email info@ johnscreeksymphony.org dance and music productions for schools, colleges, events and festivals. “This the only [South African] dance company using original ethnic garb, drums and instruments,” said JCSO Executive Director Sue Haggerty. It is all part of an idea Baughman has had to do a symphony program involving music not only about the world over, but from composers the world over. “So this will be a tour around the world with music as its thread,” Haggerty said. It is loosely tied to the

International film series for seniors set to roll Begins April 26 at Park Place JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek’s older population can catch up on the foreign and Indie movie scene at the new International Film Series being shown at Park Place, the City’s adult activity center, starting April 26. The movies, which also include American independent films, are highly acclaimed projects that have been shown at film festivals, independent theaters, or at specific film series programs across the U.S. Each showing will be followed by a short discussion, refreshments and opportunities to socialize. The first three films to be shown are: • Sunday, April 26, 3:30 p.m. – “Le Papillon” (The Butterfly), produced in 2002, is a story about an elderly man who is searching for a rare butterfly. He is accom-

panied by 8-year-old Elsa who fails to tell her mother, who thinks she has been kidnapped. • Sunday, May 24, 3:30 p.m. – “Stories We Tell” is about a film-maker who delves into a family’s lore, and learns the complicated, loving and contradictory truths inherent in common stories held by different members of a family. • Sunday, June 28, 3:30 p.m. – “The Visitor” focuses on a college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple living in his apartment. RSVPs requested. Refreshments provided. For more information, call Park Place at 678-512-3430 or email parkplace@johnscreekga.gov. Park Place, Johns Creek’s adult activity center at located 3125 Old Alabama Road, provides educational, social and fitness activities for people at 62 years old or older.

Jules Verne classic, “Around the World in 80 Days,” as the program takes patrons to countries of the composers’ birth or to foreign lands for which the music was composed. “If everyone keeps to the tempo, we should complete our journey in 80 minutes of music,” said Baughman. In all, there will be nine selections including the Soweto Street Beat guest performers.

The Soweto Street Beat Dance Theater will be special guests at the concert representing music from Africa.

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Milton Cirque presents: ‘Avontuur’ MILTON, Ga. – The Milton High School Cirque show this year, “Cirque Avontuur,” explores the idea and importance of decision making. In life, decisions and sometimes lack of decisions both result in various outcomes. Doors of all sizes and shapes are employed to symbolize the entrances and exits of our individual journeys as we experience the decisions we make. “’Cirque Avontuur’ is an upbeat show and will have lots of variations from acts we have seen in the past,” said Larry Smith, the show’s director. The Milton Cirque shows are unique pieces of theatre, and have proven popular with audiences. Milton is the only public high school in the country with a cirque program as a part of the regular theater curriculum. The audition-only class of over 60 students attracts students with various athletic and specialized skills like tumbling and dance. Cast members also train on various apparatus including the Cyr wheel and silks, and often train with some cirque professionals that travel here to work with them on master-

Community Walk to Benefit The Drake House Milton Theatre will perform their new Cirque show, titled “Cirque Avontuur” April 30- May 9. ing specific skills. The students begin a rigorous routine of physical conditioning in the fall, and the show’s story line begins development with a student planning team that generates ideas. Smith then writes the script for the production “Cirque Avontuur” will perform eight times over two weekends. To purchase tickets on line, visit www.miltontheatrecompany.com. —Jonathan Copsey

If you go What: Cirque Avontuur Where: Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Hwy, Milton When: April 30 – May 2, May 7-9 at 7:30 p.m., matinees at 2 p.m. May 2 and 9 Info: www. miltontheatrecompany. com

ROSWELL, Ga. -- Saturday, May 2 marks the 6th annual Drake Walk to benefit local non-profit organization The Drake House. The Drake Walk 1 mile and 5k routes go through historic downtown Roswell. Check-in is from 9 - 9:30 a.m. and the walk ends at noon. Start and end are at Roswell United Methodist Church at the corner of Mimosa Boulevard and Magnolia Street. Entry cost for individuals is $15; families pay $30 and groups of 10 or more pay $10 each. There will be fun for the whole family at the finish line celebration, including entertainment, food, music and raffles. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more infor-

mation and to register, please visit www.thedrakewalk.org. Registration will also be available the day of the event. The Drake House offers short-term crisis housing, education and empowerment programs to homeless mothers and their children in North Fulton designed to move the families toward self-sufficiency. Funds raised from the Drake Walk will help maintain 16 furnished apartments and provide life skills classes on job readiness and personal finances with the end goal of sustainability for these families. For more information, visit www.thedrakehouse.org or call Karen Pye at 770-587-4712 x 307. —Jonathan Copsey

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April 23, 2015 23

Easy ways to alleviate So big deal, a little joint pain and stiffness inflammation By Leslie Gaskill, M.D.

(NAPSI)—The next time those normal aches and pains have you wondering "What are joints like these doing in a nice person like me?" take comfort. There are several steps you can take to tackle three all-too-common problems of aging: joint and muscle pain, joint stiffness, and limited mobility and reduced range of motion. How To Help Yourself 1. First, the more you do, the more you can do. It may seem strange, but exercise is good for reducing your joint pain. Exercise can: • Strengthen the muscles around your joints • Help you maintain bone strength • Give you more strength and energy to get through the day • Make it easier to get a good night's sleep • Help you control your weight • Make you feel better about yourself and improve your sense of well-being. You should ask your doctor about what's best for you before starting on any exercise regimen, but most people with joint aches related to normal aging can benefit from low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, riding a bike and swimming. 2. Next, try both heat and cold. Heating pads or ice packs may help relieve arthritis pain. 3. Finally, recommends Julian Whitaker, M.D., bestselling author and founder and director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute, America's largest natural health clinic, you can take a unique blend of three clinically studied ingredients in one small, highly

concentrated capsule. How It's Made These ingredients include a Boswellia serrata extract called AprèsFlex. In clinical studies, it was shown to be a true superstar with significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in daily functions that were hindered by pain—starting in as little as five days. After 30 days, a substantial improvement was seen in alleviating pain, stiffness, and functional ability. In addition, there's UC-II type 2 undenatured collagen, which helps block collagen breakdown and, in clinical studies, was shown to be more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin for reducing joint pain and exercise-induced joint discomfort. Plus, there's Meriva, a powerful turmeric extract—45 times more bioavailable than ordinary curcumin. It helps

promote a normal inflammatory response and provides antioxidants that reduce free radicals that may promote more comfortable joints. The supplement is called TriComfort Essentials. Dr. Whitaker, a pioneer in his field who specializes in treating patients with purely natural methods, including targeted nutrition, therapeutic exercise and other innovative therapies, says you simply take one capsule daily with a meal and it works quickly, providing comforting relief starting in only a few days, as well as significant pain reduction after a month. Dr. Whitaker even backs his product with a 90-day money-back guarantee. Want to Learn More? To discover how well it works for yourself, call 1-800931-9965 and find out how you can get a FREE bottle, for just the cost of shipping and handling.

Exactly,….. BIG DEAL! Inflammation is not something to take lightly. Let’s put it this way, if you came across a smoldering fire in your house, you wouldn’t just walk away... would you? I suspect that you would consider this an important matter to tend to, because you know that even a small smoldering fire could quickly become a big rip roaring fire that could burn your house down. Your thought process might be something like, “don’t panic, just put the fire out; and put the fire out fast.!” You might even say “Whew, I am glad I caught that fire while it was small, and thank God that I just happened to walk in here and see this.” Yeh, it would be an emotional and financial disaster to lose your home. So what if we were talking about your life? All it takes is ONE fire to cause an event i.e heart attack and stroke. There are many causes of inflammation that can ultimately cause your arteries to be fragile. The arteries can suddenly rupture as plaque pushes through the wall like a volcano. A clot is formed, blocking the flow and BOOM. You have a heart attack or stroke. What causes inflammation? Great question. Stress, bad diet, migraines, autoimmune diseases (like lupus and psoriasis), smoking, cholesterol, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, liver disease, sleep disorders, and, periodontal disease to just name a few. Don’t get a false sense of security if you are a marathon runner, passed your stress test, calcium score, and even have a phenomenal cholesterol profile. Stay tuned to hear more from us and Plaque Busters in the national arena.

If you are serious about your life, and your life is a priority, we can help you before it is too late. We are very experienced GASKILL in a prevention strategy that works! It is tailored to YOU, your body and your genetics! Right now as spring approaches, most of you are wanting to “get the weight off”. We are excited about our new weight loss program and we will personally coach you. If you want to find out your genetic dietary pattern needs (we are all one of six patterns), we can help you learn how to eat for minimizing your risk of developing plaque and to help you lose weight most effectively for a lifetime. Yes, it’s true: we are not all genetically programmed to eat the same way! Out of all of Dr. Gaskill’s patients that have followed & complied with her cardiovascular prevention method for the past 7 1/2 years, none have had a heart attack or stroke! We also utilize functional/ naturopathic medicine in addition to traditional Western medicine to successfully treat a large number of illnesses, including chronic fatigue, pulmonary disorders, food and chemical sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome, ADD, obesity, migraines, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, digestive disorders, skin disorders, anxiety, depression & insomnia. www.drlesliegaskill.com and www.plaquebusters.net Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., LLC 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Ste 201 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 770-495-9995

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24 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

SPORTS

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BOYS BASEBALL:

Playoff spots on the line in final week of season Gladiators, Cougars among contenders By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Local high school baseball teams are scheduled to complete their regular season schedules this week, with several teams involved in battles for state playoff spots facing a string of games after much of last week’s action was rained out. Johns Creek and Chat-

tahoochee are both competing for the fourth and final state playoff spot from Region 6-AAAAAA, and both teams are scheduled to play five region games this week. Coming into this week’s games, Johns Creek was fourth in the region at 7-6, with South Forsyth fifth at 7-7 and Chattahoochee sixth at 6-7. The Gladiators moved

into fourth place thanks to a 13-0 victory over Chattahoochee last week, in which they scored three runs in the third inning and 10 in the fourth. Cole Neuber had two hits and drove in four runs for Johns Creek. Justin Mihalik was 2-for-2, scored twice and drove in a run, and Will Mangurian belted a three-

run homer to back the two-hit pitching of Jonathan Horan. Milton stands third in Region 5-AAAAAA at 8-4 with two key games this week against second-place Pope. The Eagles need a sweep of that series to get the region’s No. 2 seed in the playoffs and a home series in the first round. The Eagles, 16-5 overall, swept Lassiter last week 9-0 and 2-1, getting outstanding pitching efforts from Kyle Jaworski and Clay Forbes. Jaworski tossed a four-hit shutout in the first game and did not walk a batter. Drew Tate, Steven Curry and Kris Franklin had two hits each for the Eagles, who exploded for seven runs in the third inning. Milton managed just three hits in the second game of the series, but Forbes limited

Lassiter to one run over five innings. Brice Johnson and Jaworski worked scoreless innings in relief to preserve the victory. Roswell, which has won four of its last five region games, defeated Cherokee 3-2 in nine innings to keep its slim playoff hopes alive. The Hornets are 5-8 in the region and 13-10 overall. Roswell needs a second win this week against Cherokee and a sweep over Etowah, and will also need Etowah to lose one of its two games against Wheeler. The Hornets lost seven of their first eight region games, scoring a combined seven runs in the seven losses. Cambridge had its final regular season game against

See PLAYOFFS, Page 27

SPORTS

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 25

BOYS SOCCER:

Hornets go from losing record to state ranking Roswell soccer team near region championship By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – The Roswell boys’ soccer team came into 2015 after winning just four of 18 games the previous season with a new head coach and a largely new group of players. The outlook for the Hornets was a little cloudy as they began play, but it has gotten progressively brighter as the season has gone along. The Hornets sport a 12-2 record and a state ranking after their seventh straight victory last week. Roswell came into the final week of the regular season with an excellent chance to capture the Region 5-AAAAAA title and will begin play in the state tournament next week, looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. Will Roper, an assistant coach last year for the Roswell girls, took over as the boys’ head coach this season, with Roswell alumnus Ryan Maffett joining him as an assistant.

STUDIO 7 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Roswell boys’ soccer team is 12-2 and currently riding a seven game winning streak. Roper says only four varsity players returned from last season, which he said included “a lot of 1-0 losses.” In addition to the returning players, Roper says the team has added “some new blood,” as several front line players were not part of last year’s team. “We have a lot of seniors and a solid group of younger players,” Roper said. “I had one philosophy, and that is that no one player is greater than the team. We are all in this

together. We have great leadership and the team can almost coach itself.” The four returning regulars are midfielders Arturo Hernandez, Luis Vasquez, David Rivera and Umar Tashtanov, with Vasquez also playing up front. “Stuff happened at the end of last year, but this is a new year and a new team, and we are trying to rebuild the program,” Roper said. “Three years ago, Roswell went deep in the state playoffs, but over

the years, there have been some peaks and a lot of valleys.” With a number of new players moving into the starting lineup, Roper says “guys have stepped into roles, and they’ve all contributed.” Hernandez directs play from midfield, with striker Cal Jennings taking over as the Hornets’ main scoring threat. Roswell is an offensive-minded team, scoring at least three goals in 12 of their 14 games and two goals in the other two.

The team’s season high was six goals, and the Hornets needed every one in an early season 6-5 victory over Mount Paran, which is one of four state-ranked teams Roswell has faced. The Hornets suffered an early 5-2 loss to Paideia, also state ranked, but has improved defensively since, allowing a total of three goals in their last four victories. Sam Van Ede, a starting linebacker on the football team, and Jake Dreger have keyed the defensive effort, according to their coach. Sophomore goalkeeper Jose Isidor has also come up big in several games, including two wins on penalty kicks against Walton and Duluth, both state-ranked along with the Hornets in AAAAAA. The victory over Walton, perennially the dominant team in 5-AAAAAA, “was definitely a big deal,” Roper said, adding that the win sent a message to his players that they had the ability to achieve big things this season. “You can tell them they are capable, but they have to do it to believe in themselves,” he said. “It was great to see them

See HORNETS, Page 27

Attention Former Roswell High Students RHS is celebrating its 65th anniversary and to cap the festivities, the Alpharetta-Roswell Revue & News will publish a special Green Hornet pullout section honoring the school and all who passed through its halls.

We are asking all RHS grads to send to us photos, anecdotes and remembrances of their times at school. It could be about: • Who were your best buddies? • Where did you hang out? • Best moment in school (first kiss?)

• Most hilarious incident (names may be withheld) • Coolest guy or gal

The articles should be short, 200 words or less. Email to RHS65@appenmediagroup.com (put RHS 65th in the “info box”)

PHOTOS ARE VERY IMPORTANT: If you have them electronically saved, simply email to same address.

• Baddest car • Most influential teacher or person • We just want to hear from you!

Since many photos will be film, bring them to our office (319 N. Main St., Alpharetta) and we will scan them while you wait. (We don’t want to be responsible for losing precious memories) Anything we scan we can then email back to you to put with your smartphone photo galleries.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

26 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

GET’s ‘My Fair Lady’ just ‘loverly’ Excellent cast gets most out Lerner and Loewe By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – It has been a pleasure to watch Georgia Ensemble Theatre mellow and age like fine wine, and this latest vintage “My Fair Lady” is fine wine indeed. Artistic Director Robert Farley called it a week before the show opened. “If the theater company has the capability to do ‘My Fair Lady,’ then you can’t beat it,” he said. “Note for note, it’s the best show ever written.” This is arguably the best musical ever written. Every song is a gem, and every song has its place in moving the story forward. The wit and humor ranges from dry sherry to “Sex on the Beach.” But the material is only as good as the players, and this cast, headed by Carey Curtis Smith as Professor Henry Higgins and Molly Coyne as Eliza Doolittle are simply spot on as the dueling protagonists. She is so “delightfully low” and he is the most selfabsorbed English prig imaginable. Their chemistry is delightful to watch. It must be so, or the show falls flat. As it is, “Lady” hits every note perfectly. Coyne (who may be remembered in GET’s

My Fair Lady • Presented by: Roswell Cultural Arts Center • The last week: • Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. • Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday at 2:30 p.m. • Box office: 770-6411280 classic hit “Pump Boys and Dinettes”) amazingly transforms herself from the cockney flower girl (“Wouldn’t It be Loverly”) to Higgins’ Lady (“I Could Have Danced All Night”). We can’t help but root for her as she stubbornly clings to her “aiiis” despite all of Higgins’ attempts to instill his “aaaas” in her. She alone would be worth the price of admission, but GET does not stint. Smith makes sure our Higgins in addition to his self-absorption is perceptive, witty and above all rakishly charming. Smith sets the table for all that comes after the incredibly witty “Why Can’t the English?” in which he bemoans the current fate of the English of Shakespeare, Keats and Shelley. If Smith does not make his case as a phoneticist that the state of the national tongue is adrift then we cannot take him

DAN CARMODY/STUDIO7

Carey Curtis Smith as Professor Henry Higgins and Molly Coyne as Eliza Doolittle seriously. He seizes “Why Can’t the English?” and makes it his own. Now comes Mark Cabus as the most rascally of rascals Alfred Doolittle, and well named is Alfred as he proposes to “do little” all his life. Doolittle is a rogue, but the rascality Cabus infuses in the character makes him a lovable rogue, and we long to be the wastrel he is singing “With a Little Bit O’ Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.” I think everyone who has played Doolittle on Broadway has won a Tony doing it, and

they have those two songs to thank. William S. Murphey has the role of Col. Pickering, and it is a role all about timing – either setting up the punchline or delivering it. You either have that timing or you don’t. Murphey does. He waits quietly on edges, then swoops in for the laugh and he’s out again. That’s a pro’s pro. This version is called the “ten and two,” because it is a cast of 10 and two pianos. That puts a quite a burden on the remaining eight as they

glide in and out of roles, but it is seamless and they are a rousing group indeed. Kyle Brumley as Freddie has the honor – and the talent – to sing one of the most hauntingly lyrical songs, “On the Street Where You Live.” What more inventive way to sing you’re in love than with the words: I have often walked Down the street before, But the pavement always Stayed beneath my feet before. That is Lerner and Loewe. And this is “My Fair Lady.” What are you waiting for?

AUTREY MILL UNPLUGGED:

Award-winning Americana singer, songwriter Wyatt Espalin performs

Wyatt Espalin

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Georgia-born Wyatt Espalin’s debut album, The Pardon (2013), has drawn critical success, and now on the road he is winning new fans wherever he goes. Entertaining audiences in his hometown of Hiawassee, Georgia, as early as age 8, Espalin’s passion for music was obvious. He started playing on the barn room stage built by his grandfather. He and his brother Matt were known as “The Fiddling Brothers.” While Matt hung up his fiddle and bow after high school, Wyatt was just getting started. Armed with a guitar and a desire to write songs, he paired with his friend, Cobi Ferguson to form the acclaimed Americana duo, Trees Leave. Combining electric guitar with traditional bluegrass roots led to a noticeably unique sound and a growing fan

If you go What: Wyatt Espalin In Concert Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve (off Old Alabama Rd.) When: Saturday, April 25 7 p.m. Gathering 8 p.m. Concert Cost: $15, $10.50 for Johns Creek residents & Autrey Mill member base. Having years of touring under their belts and two successful albums, “Run” (2008) and “The Gospel of Hurt” (2010), they parted ways. Espalin entered a new phase in his

career finding a more personal level of songwriting. Alone he began his sabbatical to Tennessee’s Ocoee River. While working as a raft guide and caring for his ailing grandfather, he began writing the songs for his debut album, “The Pardon.” His songs have garnered recent attention, winning the New Song Songwriting competition at the L.E.A.F. festival in 2014. He also placed as a finalist at Merlefest, at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriting competition, and at Eddie’s Attic Open Mic Shootout. The fun begins at 7 p.m. on Autrey Mill grounds in the Summerour House for complimentary light refreshments (wine and beer for sale) and socializing. Then it’s a short walk to the Heritage Village path to the mid-1800s Warsaw Church at 8 for the concert.

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Playoffs: Continued from Page 24 North Springs rained out, and was scheduled to begin play this week in the 7-AAAAA tournament. The Bears were third in their sub-region at 9-8, just ahead of Sprayberry, North Atlanta and Riverwood. Blessed Trinity, ranked No. 1 in the state in Class AAA, remained unbeaten in 4-AAA with a pair of wins last week. The Titans (13-0, 20-2) defeated Decatur 6-3 and Cedar Grove 11-1. The Titans broke a 3-3 tie against Decatur with a run in the sixth and two in the seventh. Cody Roberts had two hits for BT and got a save in relief, striking out two batters in a scoreless seventh. Conor Davis and John Castro drove in two runs each for the Titans, and Brad Spinner got the win, allowing three runs in six innings. Castro had three hits and three RBIs. Garrett Dupuis drove in two runs to back

Hornets: Continued from Page 25 be able to do it.” After winning five of their first six games against nonregion opponents, the Hornets lost their region opener against Cherokee on penalty kicks, but came back two games later with their big win over Walton. Facing a potential letdown in their next game against Duluth, the Hornets again went to penalty kicks, but came away

Hayden Lehman’s five-inning four-hitter against Cedar Grove. Lehman allowed four hits, walked one and struck out six. The Titans have three games scheduled this week, including one at home Thursday against Westminster, which is 12-1 in region play. King’s Ridge, No. 1 in the state in Class A, won three games in Region 6-A, defeating Pinecrest Academy 13-2, Mount Pisgah 10-1 and Fellowship Christian 13-2. The Tigers are 13-1 in the region and 19-2 overall with three games remaining this week. The Tigers trailed 1-0 after three innings against Pinecrest before scoring four runs in the fourth inning and nine in the fifth. Brandt Stallings had two hits including a homer and drove in four runs. Tarez Miller, Austin Higginbotham, Lawson Hill and John Byrnes all had two hits, with Hill driving in two runs. Adam Moore allowed four hits and two runs in four innings. with a third victory against a state-ranked opponent. Since then, Roswell has won four straight region games by a combined 16-3, including a 3-1 victory over rival Milton. The Hornets are tied with Walton at 6-1 in the region, and a win Monday night against Woodstock would give the team the region’s first seed in the state playoffs, which begin next week. Roswell was scheduled to close out the regular season Wednesday against Chattahoochee, ranked No. 1 in the state in AAAAAA.

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Future Plans: Go to college and major in bio(pre-med) then go to med school to become a neuro surgeon. I also want to start my own sweets business on the side called Briana’s Sweets.

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 27

Miller, Tanner Wakefield and Stallings had two hits against Mount Pisgah with Hill driving in two runs. Higginbotham limited the Patriots to one run in six innings and struck out six. Miller had three hits and three RBIs, Moore had two hits and drove in two runs, and Will Janofsky and Kyle Brnovich drove in two runs each against Fellowship. Brnovich struck out seven and allowed two runs in four innings.

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.

28 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper

Pet of the Week: James Bond

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Monday, May 11 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 Tuesday, May 26, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. Z-15-05 Rucker Road/ Rodriguez Consideration of a rezoning approximately one acre from AG to R-15 in order to develop one single family home. The property is located at 1540 Rucker Road. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1273, 2nd District, 2nd Section of Fulton County, Georgia. b. CLUP-15-05/Z-15-07/CU-15-04 River Rock Development/Canton Street Consideration of a request to rezone approximately .5 of an acre from SU to C-2 to develop a mixed use project. A Conditional Use amendment to allow Single Family attached is also requested on the entire site in order to construct 24 for-sale stacked flats over retail. A request to change a portion of the property from the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from “Public/Institutional” to “Central Business District” is also requested. The property is located at the northwest corner of Milton Avenue and Canton Street. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1269, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. PH-14-13 Regulations for the Downtown Master Plan Consideration of approval of the Downtown Master Plan regulations. The area boundaries generally include Mayfield Road and Canton Street to the North; South Main Street and Allyson Circle to the South; Wills Road to the West; and Westside Parkway to the East. d. PH-15-08 UDC Changes Assisted Living Definition Consideration of changes to the Unified Development Code definition for Assisted Living and changes to the 2.2 List of Permissible and Conditional Uses. 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.

Fulton County Animal Services LifeLine Animal Project presents Fulton County’s Pet of the Week, James Bond. He’s a little guy with a big personality. This 2-year-old is very smart and curious and friendly to everyone. He gets along well with other dogs and his small size makes him a great fit for any home. Please come meet this charming guy by dropping by the shelter, emailing adoptions@ fultonanimalservices.com or calling 404-613-0357. To view dogs or cats available for adoption, please visit the shelter at 860 Marietta Blvd

Avossa:

Continued from Page 6 that involves a team effort,” said McCain. “There is not one part of our process that would be compromised by one person leaving, regardless of who that person is.” She is confident there

Norton: Continued from Page 16 ings; inch tiles; half of anything – half brick up the front, half-wide porches you can’t use, half the lighting you need, single-tile backsplash versus full backsplash. Buyers today are facing the reality of a new market.

DEATH NOTICES Frances Black, 90, of Roswell, passed away April 9, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Annie Mae Price, 72, of Alpharetta, passed away April 10, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

David D. Sprouse, 69, of Roswell, passed away April 7, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Paul Elijah Pruitt, 77, of Cumming, passed away April 6, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Johnny Vaughan, 69, of Cumming, passed away April 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Michael Kelly, 78, of Cumming, passed away April 12, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

James E. Rivas, 72, of Alpharetta, passed away April 14, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Leonard Abram Wilcox, IV, of Alpharetta, passed away April 12, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Frank Elbert Dills, 79, of Forsyth County, passed away April 13, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Peter Paul Martin, 49, of Forsyth County, passed away April 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

David Brian Sigarto, 55, of Cumming, passed away April 6, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Ugonda Mae Wooten, 63, of Cumming, passed away April 8, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Mary L. D’Orazio, 86, of Cumming, passed away April 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Donna Miller, 77, of Alpharetta, passed away April 14, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Eddie Ruth Silvers, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away April 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Dolores Dent, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away April 14, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Louise Collins Gazaway, 80, of Cumming, passed away April 14, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Rev. A.B. Alpharetta, 9, 2015. Northside Directors.

Hatifeld, 90, of passed away April Arrangements by Chapel Funeral

Elaine Stone-Drummond, 47, of Alpharetta, passed away April 9, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

NW, Atlanta, 30318 or go to www.fultonanimalservices. com/adopt. will be a smooth leadership transition for the school district to a new superintendent. “The board is confident that when the time comes to choose a successor, we will hire someone well-suited to complete the work that has been started and to address the future needs of Fulton County Schools,” said McCain. They are not quite as obsessed with finding “the deal of the century” but want to stretch their purchase dollar wherever possible. They are showing less willingness to wait and buying something to flip or renovate to better suit their needs. Foreclosure buys at the courthouses of Georgia are now selling at a 12 to 20 percent discount off market value versus 47 percent discount at the peak of distress. A new survey from the American Affluence Research Center found that the number of affluent Americans planning to make large purchases this year – including major home renovations – has finally returned to pre-recession levels. The survey polled more than 300 households with a minimum net worth of $800,000. Prior to 2008, respondents who had no plans to make large purchases held steady at around 45 percent. Since then, even the wealthiest Americans have tightened their belts, and that number rose to between 50 percent and 60 percent. Now, penny-pinchers are back to a 45 percent minority, meaning more than half of all of the affluent respondents – who represent the wealthiest 10 percent of American households – do plan to either remodel, upgrade to a new home, purchase a second (or third) home, buy a new car, go on a cruise or make another large purchase.

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | April 23, 2015 | 29

Autrey Mill Nature Center ready for WILD Weekend Zoo Atlanta to make appearance JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Every year, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center has been hosting a WILD weekend, with guest presentations. This year, Autrey Mill has some especially wild guests. Admission will be $5 per person with children under 2 free with admission of an older sibling. Several animals from the Atlanta Zoo will visit with their human friends in the Atlanta Zoo Mobile. Featured Zoo Atlanta critters will be Chompers, an American alligator, Tsara, a tenrec (which resembles a hedgehog) and Cusco, a Peruvian chinchilla. Autrey Mill will offer lots of activities focusing on the ani-

If you go What: Autrey Mill Nature Center Going absolutely WILD Where: Autrey Mill Nature Center When: 11a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April mal and insect kingdoms. In addition to the animal presentations by Zoo Atlanta, we will have fun activities such as Leaf Critter Crafts, Who Lives in a Tree and Hear-Hear stations where you will learn about animal senses. There will also be a bubble station where children will make giant bubbles and learn about animals that use bubbles to catch prey and survive under water. Girl Scouts can earn their Bug Badge and Boy Scouts can

earn their Wild Life Conservation Belt Loop. While visiting, don’t forget to say hello to our three corn snakes, Niblet, Kernel and Pop, the rat snake, Mitch. The adorable African Spurred Tortoise, Pebbles will be available to race any hares who care to challenge her. Families can also enjoy the Autrey Mill trail system and explore the historic buildings that remind us of Johns Creek’s historic past.

Scheuch-Gower Mr. & Mrs. Charles Scheuch, of Johns Creek, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Dorian Kathleen Scheuch, to Micah Caleb Gower. A graduate of Georgia College and State University, Dorian is employed as a teacher for Fulton County Schools. Micah is the son of Charles and Joyce Gower of Martinsburg, West Virginia and is a chef at Dantannas in Sandy Springs. The wedding ceremony will be held July 25, 2015 at St. Benedicts Catholic Church, with a reception following at 173 Carlyle House in Norcross. After a cruise to the Bahamas, Dorian and Micah will reside in Roswell, Georgia.

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32 | April 23, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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