Milton Herald, June 10, 2015

Health and Wellness Sponsored section ►►PAGE 20

Avossa says farewell

Former FSS superintendent reflects on past four years ►►PAGE 10

Police impersonator in Alpharetta Fake cop pulls over girl ►►PAGE 4

No degree, no problem

Roswell HS offers alternative to college ►►PAGE 14

June 10, 2015 | miltonherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 10, No. 24

Milton buys Providence Park

11-year wait over, but more work needed

By SHANNON WEAVER Shannon@appenmediagroup.com

Members of the Milton City Council and community cut open the locks on the gates to Providence Park after the city officially bought the 42-acre site from the county.

MILTON, Ga. — Since the founding of the city of Milton, one piece of Fulton County has stayed with the county – until now.

On June 2, the city purchased the 42-acre Providence Park from Fulton County for $100 per acre, a total of $4,200. The site includes a lodge, hiking trails, a rock-climbing cliff and a lake.

The park will likely be for passive uses with trails, rather than active fields.

The grounds had been closed for an environmental cleanup since 2004 when contaminants were found in the ground water and soils after people had used it as a chemical dumping site. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division deemed the cleanup complete in 2014.

See PARK, Page 32

Alpharetta Elementary reopens after lockdown No threat found; determined a hoax

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta Elementary School reopened after it was on lockdown and the site of heavy police presence when someone called in a threat early June 2.

According to police, at 9:39 a.m., an unknown caller contacted the school. The caller stated he was on the roof of the school, armed and “wanted to

do harm,” said Police Spokesman George Gordon.

Gordon said there were children in the school at the time of the call, attending a summer camp for special needs children.

The program was a half-day summer school program and had about 37 kids from neighboring schools, said Fulton County Schools Spokeswoman Samantha Evans. She added there were 35 staff members in the building.

Alpharetta and Milton police, as well as school resource officers, quickly responded to the school, which was in lockdown.

“The place was saturated with a significant number of officers,” Gordon said.

All students and faculty at the school were brought to a secure location and remained under police protection while a thorough search of the school, campus and surrounding area was performed. All students and employees were reported unharmed.

The call has been determined to be a hoax, said Gordon.

“At no point did we find any person who posed any threat,” he said.

Police are still investigating to find the suspect.

A heavy police presence was around Alpharetta Elementary School June 2, after threats were made of a suspect on the school grounds.

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2 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

Man accused of threatening another with loaded gun

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MILTON, Ga. – A Morris Road resident was arrested May 29 after allegedly pointing a loaded gun at another man.

The victim told police he and his two young sons were on their way to his ex-wife’s home to collect a dog crate. He allegedly sent his ex-wife a text saying they were on their way and why.

When the three arrived at the Morris Road home, they knocked on the door and the ex-wife’s new husband, Benjamin Matthew Torrence, 32, of Morris Road, Milton, an-

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.

swered. He allegedly pulled a gun on the victim and ordered him to leave “before I shoot you.”

The victim left and called police.

Police questioned the ex-wife and Torrence. The ex-wife said she was in another room during the incident and did not know what happened. Torrence allegedly said he would not speak with police without a lawyer. The gun was found and was loaded. Torrence was arrested for aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the third degree.

The victim realized it was a scam email only after he received a second email saying the same thing. Neither email came from a PayPal.com address.

The camera was shipped to an Iowa address.

police he was walking his dog about 3 a.m. when he saw three men in a car driving slowly through the neighborhood.

At one point, two of the men got out and ran behind the victim’s house.

When the suspects saw the witness, they all got into the car and drove away.

Employee bilks store of $1,000s

$144K in jewels reported stolen MILTON, Ga. – A Milton family had their home broken into over Memorial Day weekend, with nearly $144,000-worth of jewelry stolen.

The victim, who lives near Dinsmore Road, told police the family left for the weekend.

When they returned, they found the back door to the home pried open. The only things reported missing were a jewelry box and a safe, which contained more jewelry.

The police report notes the jewelry was valued in total at $144,000, and was made up of diamond bracelets, a Riviera necklace, diamond rings and diamond earrings.

Craigslist buyers always beware JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A Johns Creek man may be out several thousand dollars after he was scammed by a Craigslist buyer May 18.

The victim told police he put his Panasonic digital camera, valued at $2,500, for sale on the website. Along with that, he added two lenses, valued at $400 each.

A buyer contacted him and arranged payment via PayPal. A day later, the victim said he received an email claiming to be from PayPal advising to ship the item and the funds would be sent to his bank account.

Missing: cheap patio chairs

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A convenience store employee is suspected of stealing as much as $3,600 from her employer.

The employee, a 20-year-old woman, is accused of allowing family and friends to come into the store on Old Alabama Road and pay for only one item out of a cart-load.

The thieves would then come back to the store later and return the unpaid items, getting money for them.

The woman is accused of doing this on 15 separate occasions. In total, about $3,600 was stolen, with more than $900 of that in fraudulent returns.

MILTON, Ga. – Someone made off with two plastic patio chairs May 27 from a Morris Road home.

The victim said she left the home during the Memorial Day weekend.

When she returned, she noticed two green plastic patio chairs were missing.

They were valued at $20 apiece.

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.

2 vehicles broke into in Milton

DUI arrests

MILTON, Ga. – Two residents of Waterside Drive reported having cars broken into May 25.

One victim told police someone broke into his car and stole an iPod music device as well as some change.

The car was unlocked.

Another victim said he did not discover his car was broken into until 10 a.m. that day.

He said he went for coffee and opened his rear door to grab a book when he found papers strewn about. A Garmin GPS device and Adidas shoes were reported missing. He was unsure if he locked his car.

A witness to the auto incident told

►► Ryan Anthony Ganster, 22, of

Devore Road, Alpharetta, was arrested May 23 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Santos Chavez-Hernandez, 25, of Brooks Bridge Crossing, Alpharetta, was arrested May 23 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and improper U-turn. ►► Elton Eugene Ashford, 55, of Birch Bend Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested May 21 on Highway 9 in Milton for DUI.

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Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 3

Keeping kids safe around the water Drowning is a leading cause of children’s deaths in Georgia

By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – With schools out for summer break and temperatures on the rise, many parents and children will venture to public and private pools to beat the heat.

Although a day at the pool can be relaxing, fun and entertaining, whenever children are in the water, parents must pay special attention to safety.

According to the Georgia Child Fatality Review, 26 children under the age of 18 drowned in Georgia in 2013, accounting for 15 percent of all unintentional injury childhood deaths in the state. Among boys aged 1-4, it was the leading cause of unintentional death.

Scott Doll, executive director of the Ed Isakson/ Alpharetta YMCA, says that many have the wrong idea of what drowning actually is.

“Drowning is silent. It is not this dramatized thing that we see in the movies. Someone that is not able to catch their breath can’t scream. Drowning is a silent occurrence,” said Doll.

Therefore, the best way a parent can prevent submersion is to always be within arm’sreach of their child.

“You are that child’s lifeguard,” he said.

Alpharetta YMCA Associate Aquatics Director Mike Ziolkowski says parents should be in the water with their children.

“The first step is for parents to be in the water,” he said. “If you have a child that is not a swimmer, put yourself in the water. Parents can get a little too comfortable in the neighborhood pool or the backyard pool.

“They get in that lounge chair where it’s too easy to grab a cellphone or a newspaper or walk away for two seconds,” he said.

Forsyth County Family YMCA Aquatics Director Deb Kelly agrees.

“Be in the water with your kids,” Kelly said. “It’s fun and it’s a great bonding time. And if you are in the water, you can grab them [if need be]. No one watches your child better than you. The lifeguards are there to keep everyone safe, but we want to make sure that [parents] have their eyes on their own child.”

In addition to being in the

Someone that is not able to catch their breath can’t scream.

Drowning is a silent occurrence.”

SCOTT DOLL Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA

water with their child, Kelly said that the most important factor to children’s safety in the water is teaching that child to swim.

“The best way to prevent drowning is to have swim lessons and for your child to know how to swim,” said Kelly.

For the YMCA, exposure to the water can begin as early as 6 months old, with actual swim lessons beginning around 3 years of age.

Ziolkowski said parents cannot expect older children to feel comfortable in the water if they have no prior exposure.

Therefore, he suggests getting kids in the water sooner than later. Kelly said time in the water is a factor also. “The more [children] are exposed to the water, the easier it is for them to like the water,” Kelly said. “You want them to like it and you want them to want to learn to swim. Those are going

to be the best swimmers.”

Any flotation devices used by children should be able to keep the child’s head above water. According to Doll, “water-wings” can cause a child to float face-down.

Although drowning can be the most dire consequence where pool safety is concerned, it is not the only safety issue with which parents should concern themselves. Parents should also consider: • Hydration. It is still summertime and important that kids get water, preferably not by drinking pool water.

• Regular breaks to avoid fatigue. A tired child can get into trouble more easily.

• Bathroom breaks. Don’t let temptation foul the pool.

• Limit horseplay. Roughhousing tends to escalate until someone gets into trouble.

• Application of sunscreen.

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A few ounces of prevention ensure everyone has good time in the water.

For the safety of the other swimmers, the Centers for Disease Control suggests a “poolpant” for all children under the

age of 5. Pool-pants are put on over a swim-diaper and do not allow for leakage into the pool.

Pool-pants are required for all children under the age of 5 at all YMCA facilities.

“Pools can be fun, and they should be fun,” said Doll.

That’s if a parent puts a special emphasis on safety.

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4 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

NEWS

Northwestern Middle, city expanding fields Lacrosse, soccer fields to improve

By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Construction service agreements for two projects at Northwestern Middle School were approved at the June 1 Milton City Council meeting.

The first project was the creation of a practice field intended for girls’ lacrosse. The outfield of the baseball and softball field will be modified to create an 85 by 50 yard prac-

tice space.

The girls’ lacrosse program is expected to be over 450 people next year, said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge.

“It also gives an opportunity to the school to have more play space for their activities,” he said.

The other project renovates the existing baseball and softball field.

“We have identified space between the existing tennis

courts and the existing rectangular game field that we can modify and provide appropriate warm-up space,” Cregge said.

The Eagle Stix girls’ lacrosse program contributed $100,000 for the projects,

which total $142,000.

Also at the meeting, the use agreement with Senior Services North Fulton for the Thomas Byrd House was approved. The senior center will open June 10.

Police impersonator in Alpharetta Pulled over girl, tried to get in car ALPHARETTA, Ga. - On May 31, around 10 p.m., a young woman contacted Alpharetta police saying she was stopped by man impersonating a police officer.

The 16-year-old victim stated she was driving her vehicle on Old Milton Parkway and turned right onto Kimball Bridge Road. While traveling on Kimball Bridge Road, the victim said a tan-colored sedan pulled behind her vehicle and activated red and blue emergency lights common to police cars. The victim pulled over. A man described as being Caucasian, 5’ 10” in height, 165

pounds with a bald head and a thin dark colored beard wearing a dark colored short sleeve shirt and dark pants walked up to her vehicle.

The victim stated the man told her, “You were speeding,” and then said, “Can I get in?”

The victim refused.

The victim said the man then asked her to pull her vehicle over into the trees. Once again the female said “No.” At this point the girl told the alleged police officer “You’re not wearing badge. Are you a real cop?” In response the male said “Whatever,” then walked to his vehicle and departed.

Police advise that if a motorist feels uneasy about stopping for a police officer attempting a traffic stop, they

If a motorist feels uneasy about stopping for a police officer attempting a traffic stop, they should call 911.

should call 911 and advise the dispatcher they are driving to a lighted area. The dispatcher will let the officer know your intentions. Alpharetta authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the possible suspect or vehicle to call their tip line at 678-297-6307 or submit tips by– 1. Visiting www.alpharetta.

ga.us 2. Click on “City Departments” 3. Click on “Public Safety” 4. Click on “Submit Crime Tips” under the Public Safety banner on the left side of the page.

All tip information will be kept confidential.

—Jonathan Copsey

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 33

ALPHARETTA, Westminster At Crabapple, 5095 Jonquilla Drive 30004. Friday 6/12, 8am-4pm and Saturday 6/13, 8am-3pm. Estate sale: Beautifully maintained home; everything must go. Cash only, no refunds..

ALPHARETTA/MILTON:,15945 Milton Point (Highland Manor) Friday 6/12 & Saturday 6/13, 8:00am-3:00pm. Redecorating - For Sale: Home decor’, samples, hutches, light fixtures, household, small appliances, games, clothes, etc CUMMING, Hunters Chase Subdivision, 2515 Woodland Hills Drive 30040. Saturday 6/13, 8am-2pm. Tools, aquarium, tennis/sport bags, light fixtures, remote control Hummer and race car, miscellaneous.

MILTON, Multi family. Wyndham Subdivision, Sunfish Bend and Highway 9. Saturday 6/13, 9am-3pm. Lots of “something for everyone!”

MILTON, Crooked Creek; 135 Kentworth Circle. Friday 6/12,

Saturday 6/13, 8am-3pm. Brunswick pool and pub table with 4 leather chairs, like new stainless washer and dryer and 4 door refrigerator, patio furniture. Furnishings for all rooms.

MILTON, Champions View Subdivsion, Multi-family 115 Champions Club Court 30004. Friday 6/12 and Saturday 6/13, 8am-2pm Furniture, Baby stuff, Clothes, electronics, and more.

ROSWELL, Much stuff! Antique-new. Saddle Creek, FridaySaturday 612, 6/13, 9am-4pm ROSWELL, Brookfield Subdivision, Multi-family Oakhaven Dr. and Arroyo Drive; Furniture, household items, children’s items; Friday 6/12, Saturday 6/13, 8am-2pm; Don’t miss it!

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 5

‘CURE’ charity receives $6K donation North Atlanta Business Post donates

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A night of networking and fun went hand-in-hand with charitable giving, as the North Atlanta Business Post Leadership Summit raised $6,000 for Atlanta-based charity, CURE Childhood Cancer.

More than 150 business leaders turned out May 14 at the Leadership Summit at the Ruth’s Chris Steak House Alpharetta location.

Paula Collins, development manager with CURE Childhood Cancer, said the money will go a long way to help her organization’s efforts.

“This makes a direct impact on research and family programs,” said Collins. “It’s a real significant amount and will make a significant impact.”

She said the donation could be used to pay for 60 sessions of professional counseling for families struggling to cope with childhood cancer, or it could provide emergency assistance grants to three families to help with ongoing expenses and bills related to childhood cancer.

“Ruth’s Chris Steak House

takes great pride in serving the Alpharetta community, and as such, it was our distinct honor to sponsor the North Atlanta Business Post Leadership Summit, which brought together top area business leaders while raising funds to support CURE Childhood Cancer,” said Nancy Oswald, co-owner and franchisee of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Alpharetta. “Like our partners at Appen Media Group, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is committed to the businesses and residents of North Atlanta, and we look forward to many great years of sizzling steaks, legendary hospitality and impactful community involvement in Alpharetta.”

The North Atlanta Business Post is committed to bringing business news to the north metro area. Its 20,000 copies are distributed to local businesses and chambers of commerce.

“This was the finale to a great business networking event, culminating in a joint effort to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families coping with childhood cancer,” said Business Post Publisher Hans Appen.

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6 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald

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‘Blame it on the Parkinson’s!’

New song spreads awareness worldwide

By MALIK JONES news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Mitch Faile was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 44. As a corporate executive, entrepreneur and father, the initial diagnosis was debilitating, leaving more questions than answers. However, instead of letting Parkinson’s control him, Faile is using his disease to fuel his creativity. He has written a hilariously encouraging song that is making a difference in lives of other Parkinson’s patients around the world.

“Blame it on the Parkinson’s” is a lighthearted take on a typical day living with a disorder known for its effect on the central nervous system.

Parkinson’s can result in a loss of cells in different parts of the brain, specifically those that control the coordination of movement and the fluidity of muscles.

In the opening scenes of his music video, Faile wobbles out of bed and “stumbles all around” his room. He takes his pills and attempts to make breakfast, but drops his eggs in the process. Later

in the song, Faile lightheartedly recounts tripping over his favorite pants, stubbing his toe on the door and cutting his face shaving, highlighting the difficulties Parkinson’s patients face when trying to do certain things for themselves.

“My Parkinson’s symptoms are most difficult first thing in the morning,” said Faile. “I wake up stiff, achy, cloudyheaded and sore. I take my medications and immediately take a hot shower. My first thought of the day was, ‘Wow, what happened to me last night? I feel like I am back in college with a giant hangover!’

However, I quickly realized it was just another day of life with Parkinson’s.”

The song goes on to Faile walking around town before meeting some friends at a local bar. However, instead of blaming his stumbling on one too many drinks, he boldly goes into his chorus line, saying, “If you want to blame somebody, blame it on the Parkinson’s.”

“I made a game each morning out of listing all the vices I did not engage in the night before that might cause a hangover,” he said. “Before I knew it, I was singing the list

and giggling to myself, and the chorus seemed to write itself in the shower.

“As I recorded the song, it became my coping mechanism; a personal anthem which invoked a laugh or smile with family and friends as we dealt with symptoms at home,” he said. “When I would bounce off a wall, break a glass, drop food on the floor, forget to do something or just slip off and take a nap, everyone would jokingly shake their head and say, ‘Blame it on the Parkinson’s!’”

Eventually, those comments stuck. Within a few months, a simple household joke turned into a full-fledged song that needed to be recorded. Faile was able to record his song with the help of David J. Leonard of Reveal Audio Services in Marietta. His music video, directed by Joel Steven of Octagon Studios of Atlanta in Alpharetta and Kathy An Kessler of Galerie Boutique in Roswell, took roughly three months to complete.

Faile’s shooting itinerary included Miss Jane’s Restaurant in Warrenton, Georgia, Good Ol’ Days Bar and Grill in Cumming, the Hickory Ridge at Crabapple neighborhood in Alpharetta and several locations in South Carolina. The finished video was uploaded to YouTube

three weeks ago, and has since received over 5,000 views, with hundreds viewing in Canada and the United Kingdom.

The song has enjoyed unprecedented success so far and is poised for even greater accomplishments.

“The project has already raised over $5,000, and we expect that number to climb as we release the song on CDBaby and iTunes this week,” said Faile. “Our main goal is to raise awareness through YouTube views. I would love to see us get one million views to raise awareness for the one million people in the United States with Parkinson’s.”

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year.

The disease is also a costly one, with its combined direct and indirect costs estimated at roughly $25 billion per year in the United States alone.

That’s why all proceeds from “Blame it on the Parkinson’s” are being donated to the Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation in Roswell, which donated half the funds for the filming of the video. Faile hopes that his song will serve as an anthem for others with Parkinson’s and continue to be a tool to increase global awareness and

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Singer/songwriter Mitch Faile works with local music studios to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease. promote research for a cure.

“I realize I can’t change having Parkinson’s. I can’t hide having it, and I can’t control what people are thinking when they look at me…What I can do is be thankful for the many blessings I have been given, and wake up each day determined to live life to the fullest of my abilities and enjoy the people I care about, because I know time is fleeting,” he said.

“In that way, Parkinson’s has been a blessing to me.”

To watch the “Blame it on the Parkinson’s” video, donate to the Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation or for more information, please visit www. pdsong.org.

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 7

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8 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

OPINION

North Fulton is not an island I’m not a legal analyst, nor do I know much about land use. But I do know a thing or two about rights and people.

I’ve been covering cities and municipal issues for years now, and I have seen trends come and go. The biggest trend by far is the attitude by residents that “change is bad.”

I mean this for a very specific type of person who lives in the cities of the northern suburbs. They tend to be new arrivals that have this nagging trait that the gates to the city should close behind them.

These are the people who show up to city meetings to decry the most recent development – housing or commercial – saying it will destroy the very nature of the community they moved into. It’s particularly bad where residents see horse farms or dense woods replaced with row after row of houses.

Almost inevitably, the arguments of these people are shot down by the cities. And here’s why – property rights.

There are strict limitations on what a government can do to restrict the use of a property. In general, if I own property in a residential district, I may not be allowed to put heavy commercial uses there, but I can put any number of homes that the zoning allows. If I bought or own land with an intended use, one that was clearly marked when I bought it, my right as a landowner is to make use of the land. The viewshed of my neighbors doesn’t factor into that decision. I really don’t owe anything

JONATHAN COPSEY

Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com to them. That’s just the fact of it.

As much as anyone else, I dislike when I see a peaceful horse farm, pasture or forest torn down to be replaced with the latest neighborhood, which I’m sure will only add to our traffic woes. But disliking it and being able to do anything about it are two separate things. City councils know this. Councilmembers may not like the idea of horse farms disappearing any more than their neighbors, but they also know that denying that development could deny property owners their rights – and open the city up to a lawsuit.

If North Fulton had closed the gates to new development at any point over the past five years, we wouldn’t have Avalon, or a new downtown in Alpharetta. We wouldn’t have much in Crabapple.

Perhaps the city fathers should have denied all new homes 20 years ago, keeping the area as fields and 3,000 people. There would be no North Point Mall or, really, much of anything.

That’s the point – where do you draw the line? In reality, you can’t.

Hoaxes are not funny, people In light of last Tuesday’s threat made at Alpharetta Elementary School, I’m reminded of the fable, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”

In case you missed it, someone called to say they were at Alpharetta Elementary and made threats to the students inside. Police responded in force to secure the building, the students and search for the supposed “attacker.”

No one was found, and the call was determined to be a hoax.

For anyone who is uncertain, such a “hoax” is not funny. That’s how people die.

I was once speaking with a police officer from a local department about his biggest fear. Right up near the top, he said, was a school shooting.

His reasoning is thus: a school is a large, sprawling building with many doors, rooms, corners and crevices for someone to use. Add to this rooms filled with hundreds of potential victims, all of whom will have eager, demanding, panicking parents trying to force their way into the building.

If police were to raid the building, they have no tactical advantage at all. It’s a scenario where they almost cannot win without a loss of innocent life.

It reminds me of the 1999 Columbine shooting in Colorado. I was in high school in Indiana. As the

Submit your opinions to news@appenmediagroup.com

GUEST EDITORIAL »

Citizens must work together to preserve rural Milton Editor’s note: This letter is in response to Jonathan Copsey’s column “North Fulton Is Not an Island.”

I also have been frustrated with residents who come to meetings and criticize the city for not stopping new development.

I do, however, have a completely different perspective on these citizens’ motivations. Superficially, it may appear to be the case that they are asking the city “to close the gates and not let anyone else in” because they are upset about new subdivisions.

However, dismissing these community members’ complaints as hypocritical and uninformed about property rights is at the very least simplistic and the worst, divisive.

This type of language pits stakeholders against each other at a time when the community needs to work together to address the city’s problems.

I believe these citizens represent the views of the majority of our community: They reside in a city that claims it values small town life and rural character while it does little to preserve what it purports to value. They are upset because more homes (350 in 2014) does not mean a “small town,”

LAURA RENCHER Preserve Rural Milton Inc.

and loss of farms, trees and rural views (400 acres in 2014) does not equate to “preservation of rural character.”

Milton’s Comprehensive Plan was not just developed by city staff beginning in 2007. It was accomplished with significant input from Milton's citizens. As part of this plan, the City of Milton adopted a simple and straightforward vision statement for its community: “Milton is a distinctive community embracing small town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing our rural character.”

I think everyone will agree that the city feels the pressure of development now more than ever in its history. Even though we can't stop growth, the city has the power and authority given by Georgia’s state constitution to shape that growth and enact its vision statement.

(Ga. Const. of 1983, Art. IX, Sect. II, Para. IV).

Our community chose

JONATHAN COPSEY

What I know

tragedy unfolded, we watched in horror on what few TV screens there were around the school. And then came the hoaxes.

For weeks afterward – months even – threats of bombings and shootings were repeatedly made to my school, all fake.

At first, we were evacuated for each one. But then the evacuations dropped off. Only later was I told that while the evacuations had ended, the threats had not. The administration decided they cannot stop everything for every hoax. So they just stopped telling people of the threat.

Now, nothing ever came of that for us, but just like with the boy who cried wolf, it could have become a disaster. Too many hoaxes make people complacent and feel secure, so much so that they may not be watching out for the one threat that turns out to be real.

This Memorial Day, I took inventory of “what I know.”

I am who I have brought into this world – my children. While a parent does not control the ultimate person a son or daughter becomes, being a parent is our single best shot at fulfilling what God wants us to do. That is to make this world just a little bit better by helping other people. Our children are our legacy toward this end.

I marvel at my kids – Hans, Amelia and Carl.

They’re not perfect, but they are perfect enough for me to feel like Christina and I have done OK. They are completely blind – they don’t see color, race, gender or creed.

They simply see people as fellow humans living on the same planet and hav-

Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com

ing the same needs, wants and desires. They are also honest, fair, honorable, compassionate and loyal.

I grew up in the segregated South. I still remember the waiting room for “whites” and the one for “coloreds” in my father’s medical office. I remember the Symbionese Liberation Army, H Rap Brown, the black power salutes of John Carlos and Tommie Smith in the 1968 Olympics and the Watts riots. Today, I see Sanford and Baltimore.

However, in the same thought, I look at my kids and see their acceptance of others and their relationship and responsibility to others. One thing I know is that my kids’ values – their appreciation of humanity – is more likely to improve our world than to make it worse. If this is

to incorporate in 2006 in order to attain this power. The city’s actions are further justified by its charter and Comprehensive Plan. The elected officials are required to lead the city using these documents as guides.

Unfortunately the current methods of development regulation do little to help with the city's loss of greenspace and rural views.

The issue of “taking” of property rights that your editorial refers to is often used as an incorrect justification to preclude zoning or to restrict land use. The reality is that the Georgia Supreme Court has created a literal balancing test in zoning cases which weighs the detriment to the property owner with the government’s interest in protecting the public health, safety and welfare. (Guhl v. Holcomb Bridge Rd., 238 Ga, 322 (1977).

Our city officials are elected not just to defend property owner rights, they are elected to find a balance amongst community members’ rights. This means that all residents are stakeholders and have a vested interest and that every citizen has a voice regardless of where a resident lives or how long they have lived here.

RAY APPEN

Publisher ray@appen mediagroup.com

all I have accomplished by the time I die, I will have lived a successful life.

I also know that if you take care of the little things in life, the big ones will usually take care of themselves. Little things add up to big things. Little acts of kindness add up to grace.

Exercising for five minutes a day can become a lifestyle, eventually. Getting a good grade on one test in one subject is the first step toward academic excellence.

I know we must teach our children that everything starts with just one single baby step, and the

See KNOW, Page 28

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10 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

SCHOOLS

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Avossa reflects on highs, lows of 4 years as superintendent Will assume new Florida position on June 12

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Robert Avossa, former superintendent for the Fulton School System, spent only a handful of weeks in the system’s new administrative buildings in Sandy Springs, barely unpacking before packing up again for the superintendent position in Palm Beach, Florida.

Avossa said he leaves with few regrets, noting Fulton remains on the path to be one of the nation’s top school districts. He leaves on these high notes: • Graduation rates at an alltime high, especially among minority students.

• A 50 percent reduction in dropout rates.

• A pension that will be fully funded in a short time.

• A strategic plan that is a road map for the system in coming years.

His final weeks were spent transitioning interim Superintendent Ken Zeff into place.

He said the change in leaders should have few ripples, noting Zeff has worked alongside him for months.

“One of the board’s objec-

tives was a strong succession plan for all our system leaders, and we have done exactly that,” Avossa said Recalling the vast majority of his four-year tenure was spent traveling from his home in Milton to South Fulton, he leaves just when the commute to the office becomes minutes, not hours.

“But these buildings [board headquarters and system headquarters] are among my greatest accomplishments,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of our decision to move.”

Like all major decisions undertaken by Avossa during his tenure, considerable time was spent developing plans and recommendations, given the landmines that generally greeted change in a system as racially and politically diverse as Fulton. But when the decisions came down, they came down swiftly and surely.

He mastered the art of obtaining board support first – no easy task when dealing with a school board composed of seven highly engaged women.

“I truly enjoyed working with the [Fulton Board of Education],” he said. “They are passionate about this school

system, and you have to come ready with answers to their questions.”

Avossa spent the first year on the job simply AVOSSA observing, asking employees what they did, how it impacted learning and gauging their value to the system. By his second year, many positions with ambiguous titles and big salaries were gone. Central administration was dispersed to four Learning Communities where decisions could be made closer to the schools. The strategic plan rolled out in his second year focused on improving graduation rates and ensuring Fulton graduates were career- and college-ready. It remains the engine that drives all system decisions, with broad board and staff support.

Avossa is proud of what was accomplished under his watch, but conceded Fulton was doing well when he arrived.

His plan was to build upon it, focusing on the lower-per-

forming schools, but recognizing the top schools needed to avoid standing pat.

“I am most proud that our really great schools continued to see real, substantial improvement and didn’t rest on their laurels,” said Avossa.

He singled out Alpharetta High School as a model for achievement in a relatively short time. It all starts with effective leaders, he said.

He revamped the selection process to focus on leaders with a mindset for change and innovation.

“The most important element of success in a school is its leadership team,” said Avossa. “I am committed to putting the right people in the right place at the right time with the right skills.”

Avossa cited principals Shannon Kersey at Alpharetta and Ed Spurka at Cambridge as two exceptional leaders who are doing great things at their schools. The new process of finding leaders is working, he said. He makes no apologies for removing low-performing principals and assistant principals. Within two years of Avossa’s appointment, more than half of the schools in the system had new leaders.

He searched for leaders on the upside of their career,

many young and ambitious, perhaps in his mold.

He takes it personally when one of his protégés fails to deliver and there are few second chances when one of the “deadly sins” are violated such as cheating, lying or financial and relationship improprieties, among others. The bar set high for principals meant an equally high bar for teachers, and Avossa is well aware teachers were not always on board with the pace of desired improvement. Much was mandated by new state laws, but much was owed to Fulton’s strategic plan.

“I highly value teachers, but [their approval] is not my gauge of success,” said Avossa, a former classroom teacher. “In the end, the teachers have a relationship directly with their principals, and not me. And principals are always tasked with maintaining a balance of pressure and support to make great things happen.”

He is pleased the budget this year finally allowed a permanent raise for teachers and staff, noting Fulton is putting more money into staff raises than any other school system in the region this year.

“I am very gratified that I am leaving the district in better shape than when I came here,” said Avossa.

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 11

12 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald

COMMUNITY

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New resource created for families in need Helps mental health, substance abuse victims

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com

Laramine Smith (middle) with Father Paul Lundberg (left) and Linda Lopos (right), President of P.E.O. Chapter of Woodstock.

P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Awarded to Local Student MILTON, Ga. – The Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) STAR Scholarship for the 2015-16 academic year was presented to Laramie McKenna Smith, a home-schooled student from Milton.

The scholarship was presented at an awards ceremony at Smith’s church, Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta.

Smith, the daughter of Eric and Donna Smith, was recommended for this scholarship

by P.E.O. Chapter BI of Woodstock. She has been accepted at Emory University where she plans to study the classics and international business this fall.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for future success.

The program is open to young women who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada and who are graduating high school seniors at the time of application. A student must be recommended by a P.E.O. chapter.

For additional information on the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, visit www.peointernational. org.

—Jim Lichtenwalter

Beautiful New Homes in Milton, Roswell & East Cobb

ROSWELL, Ga. – When someone in North Fulton has an issue that may be mental health-related, where do they go?

If Remco Brommet has his way, they will come to him for answers. Brommet has started a nonprofit for all of North Fulton, called The Hub Family Resource Center.

The Hub Family Resource Center is an independent nonprofit connecting families in North Fulton to resources that meet their mental and emotional wellness needs in partnership with public and private entities, and working to increase societal awareness of the pressures on today’s families.

“We live in high-end suburbs,” he said. “That brings with it a lot of stress and per-

formance pressure” on both children and adults.

These pressures can lead to mental issues, such as depression.

“It comes out of my work as a citizens’ advocate, which entailed connecting and referring citizens in crisis to appropriate resources, usually of a mental health nature,” Brommet said. “I kept hearing on a regular basis people telling me they need help but don’t know what help or where to find it or trust.”

Brommet hopes the Hub will be the first step. People referred to the Hub will be interviewed to determine what help they need and put in connection with the appropriate resource.

“We are partnering with police departments in the communities, courts, probation officers, hospitals and Fulton County Schools,” he said.

The Hub is seeking fundraising and employees, and Brommet hopes to open the doors in the late summer.

For more information, visit thehubfrc.org.

Network with Northside Woman Join the staff of Northside Woman as we kick off our new feature

She Gives Back

June 24, 2015 • 5:30pm – 7:30pm The Drake Closet

26 Old Roswell St. Alpharetta. 30009

• Network • Shop for a Good Cause • Wine and Appetizers Homes ready now and lots available to build your dream home!

• New homes from the $600’s – $1 Million+ • Top notch North Atlanta School Districts • Decorated Model Homes

Enjoy refreshments while you shop for a good cause AND bring your suggestions of nonprofits we may feature in coming additions.

Message us on Facebook if you can attend!

NorthsideWoman www.Peachtreeresidential.com East Cobb-Marietta: Hadley Walk & The Pointe on Lassiter 770-365-8000 Milton: The Hampshires, Hickory Crest, and BRAND NEW Muirfield Park 678-725-9206 Roswell: Windfaire 770-855-0130 Final Home

Please bring an item for the Drake House food pantry.

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 13

Mike and Bri�any Ovbey

About Us

...Milton is where we call home too. We couldn’t be happier here, and we’ve lived in almost every North Fulton city over the last 18 years. What an ideal place to live...the schools, the community, the horse farms and beautiful scenery! Our passion is helping others with selling and buying homes in Milton. We have a combined 27 yrs of real estate experience, and specialize in foreclosures, short sales, luxury homes, and buyer & seller representation. Whether you are in the market to buy or sell, we have the experience and look forward to working with you.

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Real Estate Stats For Milton May 2015 Year Over Year (YOY) Change

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– Jereme Holding, Johns Creek To read more of our client testimonials, please visit: www.OvbeyTeamTestimonials.com

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The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Not intended to solicit property currently listed with another broker. Equal Opportunity Housing

14 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

Roswell breeds new apprentices

SCHOOLS

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Trade program teaches skills

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Not all students are destined to university. Some simply do not see their future including such degrees. But for Roswell High School students, that doesn’t mean they stop learning.

The school has an apprentice program, the RHS construction program, where students can learn and develop trade skills, ultimately securing an apprenticeship with local companies.

Zach Fields, the construction department chair, said such a program can have immeasurable benefits.

“Most trade industries have apprenticeships,” he said.

“If you have skills and are a skilled laborer, you can do something 98 percent of people cannot do; you apply that knowledge.”

Woodworking, engineering, electrical wiring and similar skills are all necessary in greater numbers than those

trained to use them. As such, the jobs are in high demand.

This translates into pretty good pay.

One contractor said his company would pay to send apprentices to a trade school, allowing them to graduate debt free, with a job waiting for them.

And that job could pay as much as $58,000 a year after five years.

“If you think college is your only opportunity, you are incorrect,” the contractor said.

Meer Electric, a Roswellbased company, took on one student. Peter Meer said these students could be a great asset to his company.

“We have more success with hiring kids and training them to do things how we want it done than hiring someone off the street who didn’t start off in the trade,” Meer said.

Bad habits are hard to break, he added. By having the opportunity to shape good habits early, Meer said it was

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Students of the RHS construction program take part in a mock signing day for their apprenticeships. From left are Peter Meer, of Meer Electric, students Charlie Seibert, Oliver Sandreuter and teacher Zach Fields. invaluable.

Courtney Hadden’s son, Shyheim, became interested in carpentry through the program, which she said has changed him.

“As a parent, I’m ecstatic to see how he has become interested in something,” she said.

“I’ve seen such a big change [in him].”

He has developed a work

Weʼre right outside your back door...

United Futbol Academy UFA is excited to announce that we have expanded our soccer operations into Milton (North Fulton). As a natural extension of our program, Milton has provided many families to our club over the years.

We will play out of George Baker Soocer Complex.

We offer the following programs: Recreational U4 - U19 Adult• Academy U8 - U12 • Select U13 - U19

Recreational and select tryout registartion is now open!

Fore more information about our programs, please contact Philip Broome; Director, UFA Milton (404) 824-2265 • Philip@UnitedFA.org www.UnitedFA.org Skills for Soccer. Skills for Life

ethic to go along with his interest, which Fields said makes him a great potential employee.

“This is a great opportunity for the kids, no matter what their plan is,” Fields said.

COMMUNITY

Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 15 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Friends of the Alpharetta Library celebrate their contribution in 2014 and hold the check of $1,498,662.27. From left are: Linda Statham, Ben Statham, Gerrie Fornek, Heather Staniszewski, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Volunteer Services Manager, Barbara Selwyn, Susan Fornek and Sherry Wright.

Friends of Alpharetta Library recognized for 2014 service ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Recently, several Friends of the Alpharetta Library (FOTAL) volunteers were recognized for their dedication and contribution of time during 2014. A total of 4,693 volunteer hours were given toward supporting the Alpharetta Library and other literacy projects. Ben

Statham served 1,216 hours with the Friends of Alpharetta Library. Gerrie Fornek, president, donated 1,120 hours with the Friends. Others recognitions include: • Ten year service award: Gerrie Fornek and Charna McCurry • Five year service award:

Martha Clarke, Dawn Manhoff and Hannah Manhoff • 1,000 hours or more of cumulative service at the end of 2014: Susan Fornek • 600+ hours in 2014: Linda Statham • 400+ hours in 2014: Barbara Selwyn • 100+ hours in 2014: Susan

Fornek, Dawn Manhoff and Hannah Manhoff There was also a dedication to Statham, an Atlanta native, who has broken every volunteer record and has served more than 20,000 hours since 1991.

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new Alpharetta Library and have book plates in honor of his service.

They will be available for check out in the Southern History section.

For more about the FOTAL and the work they do, visit them online at fotal.org.

—Jim Lichtenwalter

16 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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The Millennials have a growing distrust of the credit card systems that are out there today, and they tend to use cash quite a bit.

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Tellermate fills bill for cash retail market Huge need for reliable cash counting

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Cash is still king for one international company operating in the heart of Georgia’s technology and e-commerce hub.

After posting a record of 132 percent year-over-year growth in North America, Tellermate recently announced plans to expand its sales and service organizations at its North American headquarters in Alpharetta. The company develops and markets a range of cash-counting systems for retailers around the world.

“There are people who are always going to use cash, and that requires the company to count it and make sure it’s managed,” said Liz Smith, product marketing manager at Tellermate. “Unfortunately, in the United States, there’s a big problem with employee fraud tracking that cash all the way from the customer to the bank.”

A 2014 study published by the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank reported that cash accounts for 72 percent of the transaction value for general merchandise retailers in the United States.

That has been good for business at Tellermate and its line of cash-counting systems.

“It’s a very quick return on investment,” Smith said. “It averages about a three- to six-month return. The most recent one we did was one month before it paid for itself.”

The company opened its first Georgia office in Roswell, then moved to its current Mansell Road headquarters two years ago, Smith said.

Because of the growth in business, Tellermate has appointed two new strategic account managers to work with

The Tellermate T-iX 3500 has an integrated numeric keypad allowing balances and reference numbers to be entered and reported against. Count data can be sent in report format to a Tellermate printer or a PC. existing customers.

“We have customers that have counted on Tellermate for over 20 years, and the account managers will focus on our customers’ continued success,” said Chad Jones, vice president of sales for North America.

Those customers include close to 250,000 businesses worldwide, from Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart, Apple and McDonald’s to small retailers who see a bulk of their business transacted in cash. Tellermate systems process more than $2 billion daily in over 20 currencies and across 30 countries. Tellermate is headquartered in Newport, Wales.

“Cash accounts for about 70 percent of the world’s transactions, and here in the United States, it’s about 40 percent,” said Jim Stone, vice president of marketing for Tellermate. “The U.S. government has actually got more money in circulation now than it ever has.”

With the growth in e-commerce and the expansion of the credit card industry, Tellermate has kept a close

Chad Jones (left), vice president of sales, and Jim Stone, vice president of marketing for Tellermate. eye on the spending habits of the consumer market, compiling research to target those businesses where cash still prevails.

“The Millennials have a growing distrust of the credit card systems that are out there today, and they tend to use cash quite a bit,” Stone said. “Boomers and Millennials are the two predominant groups that use cash.”

Market research also shows that consumers are more likely to use cash in retail transactions of $20 or less, he said. Restaurants in general would have more of a cash business than a department store, he said.

In January, Tellermate announced the North American version of T-ice, its intelligent system that counts the contents of a cash drawer every time it is closed. To support this new product line, the company is also expanding its technical team that works directly with customers’ IT teams.

Representatives also conduct audits to measure the amount of time a company has saved through the use of their equipment.

“Typically, we’ve had anywhere from 65 to 80 percent time reduction,” Stone said.

The company has an array of cashcounting products from base level bill counters to sophisticated drawers that determine the amount of bills and coins based on weight to Wi-Fi systems that track cash flow from the customers’ hands to the bank vault.

Although they deal in a business that has been around for thousands of years, Stone says he’s proud of the technological advances his company has made in the field of counting currency.

“Most people, when they see the machines operate, even some of my colleagues in high tech, are just absolutely amazed by our technology,” he said.

BusinessPosts

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Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 17

Labor shortage rising as employment posts gains Editor’s note: This is part of a series of excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.”

Labor force growth in the next few years will drop to the lowest growth rate since the end of World War I. Without a change in immigration policy, the United States will face a severe shortage of workers.

No one watches the unemployment rate. The labor rate – or total U.S. employment – is now the primary bellwether for economic strength. They have played with the unemployment rate for so long no one believes them anymore. Many of the millions of long-term unemployed are now permanently out of the labor market, either because of skill erosion, age or being effectively retired.

Though these factors weigh on society in many ways, their

METRO AREA EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AND FORECAST

FRANK NORTON JR. CEO and Chairman The Norton Agency

impact on labor force participation is likely to persist.

How many people are we talking about? The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics figures say that 3.5 million people looking for work have been out of a job for six months or more in an economy that grew by more than 200,000 per month in 2014.

As reported in an earlier column, the number of persons working part-time but wanting full-time work now stands at 7 million. And while that’s down

These figures from the Georgia State University Economic Forecasting Center show steady gains in employment over the past two years and moving forward.

Employment Growth % 2014 2015-Q1

Georgia Albany Athens Atlanta Dalton Gainesville Macon

DICK JONES

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales

and preparation – something they never anticipated.

Staying current on what is available to you is a first step. There is an abundance of information online or in printed journals that discuss new technologies and the pros and cons of implementing them. It wasn’t very long ago when you had to hire a professional to build a website for your

3.5 1.0 3.9 4.0 5.4 5.0 2.2

7.3 8.8 6.6 7.1 8.7 6.0 8.0

6.3 7.6 5.8 6.1 7.3 5.2 6.9

Employment Growth Forcast % 2014 2015-Q1

2.9 1.0 2.9 3.4 4.5 4.7 2.4

2.3 1.4 2.3 2.7 2.6 3.0 1.9

*Seasonal adjustment by the Economic Forecasting Center from a peak of 9.2 million, it’s substantially above its prerecession level of 4.8 million.

Data suggests that this is

Adapting to new technology Is your small business taking advantage of technology to make your employees and your operations more efficient and effective? Are you still using old technology because you haven’t had the time or inclination to upgrade? Many small business owners ignore new technology, and subsequently are sub-optimizing what they can do.

With the incredible pace of changes in technology, a majority of small business owners find themselves “behind the curve” in using new technology. They may very well know about it, but using it in their business requires planning

3.0 0.1 2.3 3.7 4.3 3.4 2.6

Unemployment Rate* 2014 2015-Q1

small business. Now, this can easily be done with numerous website design systems.

Hiring an information technology professional can also help. Let’s face it – if you want to utilize technology in your small business and don’t know how, hire someone who does! Training is also very important for you and your employees. You can’t expect everyone to learn how to use new technology unless you invest in educating them.

Adapting to new technology is critical for long-term small business success, and it won’t happen unless you make this a top priority in your business.

not just a shortage of high-tech or knowledgeable workers.

Truck drivers and health services jobs are seeking quali-

fied applicants. National data in the manufacturing sector shows more job openings than new hires since January 2012.

NewBusinessSpotlight

Cashin’s Sculpture Garden Open Business: Cashin’s Sculpture Garden LLC Opened: May 9, 2015 Owner: Jack Cashin What: Cashin’s Sculpture Garden is on Chukkar Farm Polo Club and Event Facility, a 100-plus acre site that offers a venue for events such as weddings, polo matches and concert series. All sculptures are for sale and will be replaced once a year if not sold. Ongoing programming will soon

be offered. Phase II is being developed.

Address: 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004 Hours: Open for all attendees of events at Chukkar Farm and by group reservation only to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Phone: Susan Wright at 678-8990509; or email wrightsusan277@ gmail.com to make a reservation.

Web: www.chukkarfarmpoloclub.com

18 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald

REAL ESTATE »

Berkshire Hathaway hires new agent

BusinessBriefs employ two doctors and six staff members.

Majmundar specializes in plastic surgery for the face, head and neck.

BUSINESS »

ROSWELL, Ga. – Andrew Snook, formerly an industry leader providing commercial mortgages secured by various real property assets, has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices as a real estate agent.

“Being a realtor in a market as active as Atlanta and associating with an industry-leading brand like Berkshire Hathaway made the decision to switch an easy one,” SNOOK Snook said. “Providing superior levels of customer service to the residential real estate market is an appealing opportunity.”

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — John A. Bardis, founder of MedAssets, has been named to the board of advisors of Jackson Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health care staffing companies.

Bardis founded MedAssets, a health care performance improvement company, in 1999 and served as chief executive officer until BARDIS February of this year. He served as president of the company from its inception until December 2014. He is currently a member of the board of directors and serves as a consultant to the Alpharetta-based company.

“With the ever-evolving changes in health care, John Bardis is the perfect choice to bring new ideas to our team,” said Richard L. Jackson, chairman and CEO of Jackson Healthcare. “With health care facing more regulations and other challenges, he knows how to make it operate efficiently.”

Anaconda Pharma, a privately held biotechnology company based in Paris, France. The acquisition brings to Biota AP611074, a patented, direct-acting antiviral in clinical development for the treatment of condyloma, or anogenital warts, as well as the orphan disease recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Joseph M. Patti, PhD., president and chief executive officer of Biota, said his company plans to advance clinical development of AP611074 and initiate a Phase 2 trial later this year to further validate its favorable local skin tolerability profile and antiviral activity.

Workout Anytime to relocate headquarters

HEALTHCARE »

Bardis named to Jackson Healthcare advisory board

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com

Sawnee to participate in Georgia solar project CUMMING, Ga. — Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sawnee EMC) announced that it has acquired a 34 percent stake in a new 52 megawatt (MW) solar project, which will be located in Jeff Davis County, near Hazlehurst, Georgia.

This is the third such project that Sawnee’s board of directors has approved during the past 12 months. This new project will bring Sawnee’s total solar generation capacity to 42 MW, enough to power thousands of homes.

“We continue to look for responsible and economically viable ways to diversify our overall energy portfolio, especially when it is cost effective and meets the goal of limiting the effects of carbon on our state with regard to generating electricity; all of which makes good overall business sense for our members,” said Michael Goodroe, Sawnee president and CEO. “We are glad to once again take the opportunity to take the lead on this . . . [it] is very exciting.”

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Workout Anytime is moving its corporate headquarters from the back of its Dunwoody club to a new site on Lakeview Parkway. As the brand nears the opening of its 100th club, company officials say they are in need of more space.

Workout Anytime operates fitness clubs open 24 hours a day in more than a dozen states across the United States and is set to open for the first time in a handful of others, including Oregon, Virginia and Mississippi by the end of the year.

OPENINGS »

Sola Salon Studios opens in Roswell ROSWELL, Ga. — Sola Salon Studios has officially opened its newest location in Roswell at Stonebridge Square.

The Roswell location opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, May 27.

“We are excited to bring Sola Salons to Roswell and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Haynes Chidsey, owner of Sola Salons in Atlanta. “We look forward to creating the best salon environment for stylists and clients alike.”

The new location is at 622 W. Crossville Road.

For more information, visit solasalons.com.

Agilysys names Jacks VP of professional services

The building at 11681 Haynes Bridge Road is expected to look like this.

Medical office begins construction ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A 15,000-square-foot plastic surgeon’s office has begun construction on Haynes Bridge Road.

Situated on 1.6 acres of land, the offices at 11681 Haynes Bridge Road will be three stories tall, with only two visible from the road. The basement will be visible from the rear.

Based on plans submitted to Alpharetta, the office will belong to the practice of surgeon Mike Majmundar. It will feature 8 – 10 exam rooms and

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Agilysys, a global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, has named Robert L. Jacks vice president of professional services for the company. Jacks’ primary responsibilities will be to build Agilysys’ consulting business and help customers improve operational performance through technology.

Jacks is an IT industry veteran, with more than two decades of experience. Most recently, he provided leadership and direction on the construction of a 45-acre five-star resort in Costa Rica, where he managed a team of international consultants, architects, attorneys and engineers. Jacks has also served as chief information officer for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce, where he was responsible for leading the corporate technology agenda. In addition, he has held IT leadership positions at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Mandalay Resort Group and USA Mobility.

Jacks was selected by Computerworld magazine as a Top 100 IT Leader for 2009 and selected as an IBM Champion in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for his leadership role in IT management for the Chickasaw Nation.

Biota Pharmaceuticals completes acquisition ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Biota Pharmaceuticals has announced that it has completed the acquisition of

Autobell has opened its second Alpharetta location on Cotton Creek Entry.

Autobell opens second Alpharetta location ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Charlotte-based Autobell Car Wash has opened its second location in Alpharetta at 11725 Cotton Creek Entry, bringing the company’s number of Atlanta-area washes to eight. The company is also opening a facility at 425 W. Pike St. in Lawrenceville.

Autobell Car Wash is the United States’ second largest conveyor car wash company, with 69 locations in North and South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. The company was founded in 1969 in Charlotte, North Carolina, by the late Charles Howard Sr. and remains privately held and operated by the Howard family.

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LAST FIVE STANDING

The Concerts at Collection Forsyth series is back with Last Five Standing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a free outdoor concert with children’s activities at The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming. Thursday, June 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Free and open to the public.

MUSIC:

BACK TO THE CHATTAHOOCHEE

River race and festival featuring live music, artisans, farmer market vendors and kid friendly activities at Garrard Landing Park and Riverside Park in Roswell. Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Festival is free of charge.

Visit chattahoochee.org for race entrance fees.

LAVENDER FESTIVAL

Music, children’s activities, arts, crafts, antiques, specialty foods and more at 535 Barrington Drive in Roswell. June 13 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. This is a free event. Visit roswellgov. com for more info.

EVENTS: SUNSET SIPS

MORRISSEY

AN EVENING WITH SHAWN MULLINS

What: Like Americana sound?

Check out singer songwriter Shawn Mullins performing as part of the Live in Roswell series.

When: Saturday, June 13 Hours: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street Cost: General admission is $35. Additional ticket price options can be found on the Roswell government website.

Web: roswellgov.com

LANA DEL REY

What: Indie pop artist Lana Del Rey will be performing some of her hits at Aaron’s Amphitheatre.

When: June 14, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, 2002 Lakewood Avenue SE in Atlanta Cost: $25.00-$79.50 Web: www.atlanta.eventful. com

SPORTS: FLY CATS

What: The Fly Cats are a north Georgia jazz band specializing in selections from the Great American Songbook.

When: June 13 at 8 p.m.

Where: Cumming Playhouse, 101 School Street Cost: $20 adults, $15 seniors, veterans, 18 and under or groups of 25 or more.

Web: playhousecumming.com

BANKS AND SHANE BBQ CONCERT

What: Banks and Shane will be singing for HomeStretch, with live and silent auctions.

Where: Chukkar Farm, 1140 Liberty Grove Road in Alpharetta

POSSUM TROT

What: Fun, fast and flat race along the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River. 10K Peachtree qualifier race followed by Fun Run. When: Sunday, June 14 at 7 a.m.

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell Cost: $30 pre-registration, $40 race day.

Web: chattnaturecenter.org

Come join Alpharetta’s 147year tradition of community a cappella at Alpharetta City Hall 2 Park Plaza in Alpharetta. Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is a free event. Visit awesomealpharetta.com for more info.

Cost: Free Web: awesomealpharetta.com

When: Sunday, June 14 Hours: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $100 includes full BBQ meal, desserts and beverages.

Call: 770-642-9185 Web: homestretch.org What: Former lead singer of the 80s British alternative sensations, The Smiths, Morrissey will perform at the Atlanta Symphony Hall on his solo tour.

When: Saturday, June 13 at 8:30 p.m.

Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall 1280 Peachtree Street NE in Atlanta Cost: $50.85-$82.75 Web: atlantasymphony.org

JUNE SINGING OF SACRED HARP

CURE NF WITH JACK GOLF CLASSIC

What: Take to the links to support the effort to cure neurofibromatosis.

Where: The Manor Golf and Country Club, 15951 Manor Club Drive in Milton When: Monday, June 15 Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Web: curenfwithjack.com

What: Listen to live music as you take in the sunset at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

The green roof will have beverages, including beer and wine, available for purchase.

When: Thursday, June 11 5:30 p.m.

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center Cost: Free to CNC members or $10 general admission for adults Web: chattnaturecenter.org

PUBLISH15

AMERICAN GIRL AUTHOR MARY CASANOVA

What: Meet the woman behind Grace, the 2015 Girl of the Year, American girl doll who makes business out of baking. Bring your 8 and up girls for the meet and greet.

When: Sunday, June 14 Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: American Girl at North Point Mall

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.

FREE YOGA

What: Break out your yoga mats, the Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Division is offering free yoga.

When: Sunday, June 14 at 9 a.m.

Where: Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek Cost: Free Web: johnscreekga.gov

ARTIST MEET AND GREET

BOOKS: What: Publishing convention featuring literary agent pitching, educational workshops, an exhibition hall, live demonstrations of book printing, binding, prizes and more.

When: June 13 (9-6 p.m.) and June 14 (9-5 p.m.)

Where: Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Cumming Cost: General admission: $10 adults, $5 students/teens, ages 12 and under free 2-day Workshop pass: $99 for adults, $49.50 for students/ teens 1-day pass: $75 for adults Web: publish15.com

SHANNON WEAVER

SLEEPING BEAUTY

What: Tanglewood Marionette presents its adaption of Sleeping Beauty.

When: Monday, June 15 Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest Street in Roswell Cost: Tickets 5 dollars, summer passes 30 dollars Web: roswellgov.com

MOVIE IN THE PARK

What: "Movies at Newtown Park" debuts its first movie Saturday. All movies are kid friendly. A moonwalk, face painting, food and drinks will be available before the screening.

When: Saturday, June 13 Where: Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek Cost: Free Web: johnscreekga.gov Info: Movie starts at dusk

What: Like nature and art?

Check out Larry Martin’s artwork. Meet Martin and have some refreshments.

Auction benefiting rhino and elephant preservation.

When: June 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta Street Cost: Free Web: visitroswellga.com

CHILL HILL MOVIE

What: Bring your kids to watch SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge Out of Water at Vickery Village’s Chill Hill. Bring your lawn chairs and bug spray.

When: Wednesday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m.

Where: 5860 South Vickery Street in Cumming Cost: Free Web: forsythforfamilies.com

KEVIN HART

What: See celebrated comedian Kevin Hart on his ‘What Now?’ tour at Phillips Arena.

When: Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m.

Where: Phillips Arena, 1 Phillips Drive in Atlanta Cost: $55.50 to $169.50 Web: philipsarena.com

20 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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

Sponsored Section

Milton Herald | June 10, 2015

Hypothyroidism: Understanding How it is Diagnosed

By DR. SEAN SAVEDOFF Hypothyroidism affects an estimated 27 million people, so it is quite common. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible so that you can start feeling better.

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

Blood tests can usually confirm whether you are suffering from hypothyroidism.

There are a few different things that your doctor can test you for. Whether you want to know this or not, understanding a bit of the anatomy can make it easier to understand what the blood tests mean.

Here’s a bit of an anatomy explanation first.

Your thyroid gland is located in your neck. It is, however, also regulated and controlled by a part of your brain, called the pituitary gland. The pituitary also receives feedback from the thyroid so it is kind of like they are always communicating with one another.

There is also another part of the brain called the hypothalamus, and it also regulates and works with the

pituitary.

Therefore, it takes all three working together – the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the thyroid– to have a properlyfunctioning thyroid system. This is called DR. SAVEDOFF the HPT Axis.

This is how they work together: The hypothalamus in your brain releases Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH).

TRH then stimulates the pituitary gland in your brain to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

Now, the TSH signals the thyroid gland (located in your neck area) to release its hormones (T4 and some T3). T4 also gets converted into T3 in the liver. Yes, your digestive system is involved in this process as well, so if you have any digestion issues or have had surgery to remove any digestive organs, the odds are it’s affecting your thyroid. Now you may understand why so many endocrinologists are getting your diagnosis wrong. The thyroid also releases calcitonin, which is related to calcium and bone metabolism, but for

the purposes of this, we do not need to discuss it. T4 and T3 then go about their work of maintaining a healthy metabolism, as well as ensuring proper growth in infants and children.

Here’s a schematic of what was just explained: Hypothalamus releases TRH --> Pituitary Gland releases TSH --> Thyroid Gland releases T4 and some T3 (and calcitonin).

So when you go to your doctor, there are many blood tests that can be performed. It is helpful for you to know all of the different types available. Here are most of them: 1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – This is usually the most common test. Hypothyroidism can be detected if the TSH is high. This test can also be helpful in diagnosing subclinical hypothyroidism, where you have higher than normal levels of TSH, but normal levels of T3 and T4.

The reason behind the TSH test is that in healthy individuals with normal, functioning thyroids, when their thyroid hormones get too low, the pituitary knows it has to make more TSH to tell the thyroid to make more of its hormones. When the pituitary

receives feedback that the thyroid has made enough hormones, then it slows its production of TSH. That is how it is supposed to work.

However, in the case of hypothyroidism, when the thyroid is not making enough thyroxine (T4), the pituitary tries to stimulate the thyroid to make more by producing more TSH. However, if the thyroid cannot make more T4 (depending on what is wrong with the thyroid), the pituitary keeps on making more and more TSH, resulting in higher amounts of TSH. So when high levels of TSH are seen, it could mean that the body also has low levels of T4. Which in rare cases, may mean something is wrong with your pituitary and not your thyroid.

2. Total Thyroxine (T4) – Most of the T4 in your blood is attached to a protein. About 1% is not. A total T4 test is looking at both kinds of T4 (bound and not). The free T4 (the 1%) is what affects your tissues.

3. Free Thyroxine or Free T4 – This test checks the amount of free T4 available for actual use by your body.

4. T3 Tests – There are Total T3,

See HYPOTHYROIDISM, Page 25

Restore your Thyroid and increase your energy naturally.

Call today to schedule your FREE Personal Consultation.

Do you experience any of these symptoms?

• Life-altering low energy • Abdominal Pain • Memory Loss • Weight loss resistance • Hot flashes • Hair loss • Trouble Sleeping • Depression or Anxiety

At this event YOU will find real answers to:

• Why your blood work looks normal, but you do not feel well • Why 80% of thyroid symptoms are auto-immune related and why most doctors do not test for them • How you may have a condition “reverse T-3 dominance” that can be revealed by a simple test

As well as discuss:

• Food Intolerance, Autoimmune Hypothyroid and Hashimoto’s • Proper ways to detox and how your liver is involved • Why simply taking thyroid medication may not impact symptoms

$97 LAB SPECIAL

Includes diagnostic labs to discover source of your condition.

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770-731-9410

Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

June 10, 2015 21

Muscle-Building Exercise, the Real Key to Calorie Burning

By Dr Robert Ladd, PH, MD What’s the difference between your 25-year-old body and your 55+-year-old body?

Thirty years and 20 pounds?

If so, you are about average, but don’t believe for a minute that you have to settle. This isn’t our fate as we get older.

By doing some meaningful strength training, you can add back calorie-burning muscle that can really turn things around for you. Here’s the truth.

As we age, we tend to slow

down. With careers and busy households we may not continue to do meaningful exercise, and without it we lose valuDR. LADD able muscle tissue which we exchange for fat. Less muscle mass means lower metabolism and we burn fewer calories at rest. This may explain why so many of us gain weight slowly with age,

even with no major changes in the number of calories we are eating. Doug McGuff, MD and John Little, authors of Body by Science, argue that the solution is MUSCLE. According to McGuff and Little, just 5 pounds of lean muscle has a calorie-burning capacity of about 250 calories per day! The good news is that it doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you are a man or women, or whether you haven’t exercised in years, you can still regain lean muscle that improves your shape and in-

creases your metabolism. The key to building lean muscle is doing meaningful strength training exercise.

According to McGuff and Little, only a small percentage of muscle fibers are required in steady-state activities, like walking or running and, in fact, the body adapts to the demands of endurance activities by dropping “useless and burdensome” muscle weight.

Steady-state or endurance activity does help burn a few more calories on the day it’s performed, but it doesn’t place

a high enough demand on muscle fibers to signal your body to add more lean muscle that boosts your everyday calorie-burning capacity.

The best way to stimulate your body to add more muscle is to challenge your muscles at a sufficient level of intensity.

This can be effectively done by strength or resistance training.

Based on the evidence and exercise guidelines, my recommendation is strength training twice a week.

Dr Robert Ladd, PH, MD Owner SuperSlow Zone

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You can fit it into your busy schedule. I love that you have no distractions and the facility is cold so you can come anytime to exercise. I am very happy with my workout routine at SuperSlow Zone and would highly recommend it.”

-Judy “I can truly say that after 3 months, my back and hip are pain free.

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22 June 10, 2015

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald

Bianco Primary Care As medical students, husband and wife Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco saw a problem emerging in healthcare. Time after time they heard their physician preceptors tell patients that there was only time to discuss one health concern during appointments.

With costs growing and reimbursements from insurance and Medicare shrinking, doctors are being forced to see more patients each day. The practice of medicine has become quantity focused rather than quality focused. Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco want to change this.

Bianco Primary Care is a new type of general practice that gives doctors and patients more time together. This time allows patients the ability to talk with their doctor about health concerns without feeling rushed. They are able to take the time to listen, to develop a personal relationship with their patients and to offer more than just an additional prescription.

This caliber of care is delivered within the concierge or subscription model of primary care. In this type of medical practice, patients pay an annual fee that guarantees them more time with their physician.

This fee, about the cost of a daily Starbucks coffee, allows the physician to have a smaller patient pool for their practice, giving them the ability to see fewer patients in the day and spend more time with those patients. Joining a concierge medical practice restores the strong doctor-patient relationship that many of us can still remember.

Becoming a patient of Bianco Primary Care means same day or next day appointments that start ontime, having access to your doctor by phone or email 24/7, and developing a personal relationship with your doctor. Additionally, Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco offer nutrition counseling, coordination with specialists and house-calls. Bianco Primary Care is accepting new patients, call for a 30 day no cost trial with Bianco Primary Care.

General Practice – Customized Healthcare.

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• Same or next day appointments • Extended, unhurried visits • Annual executive physical, advanced lab work & 12 lead EKG • 24/7 access to online medical records

Dr. Shelley Bianco D.O.

• Quick response from physician or support staff • Nutrition counseling • Internal Medicine practice, disease prevention/management

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*Affordable annual membership fee keeps volume low so doctors have time to listen. Limited volume practice so patients get the time they need (10 times less patients than a normal primary care practice)

Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

June 10, 2015 23

Key to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke — stay cool

By Chris Munn, R.N. While rising temperatures are great for outdoor activities, getting too much heat exposure can pose a danger to your body.

Whether you’re running, playing tennis or working in your yard, you could be putting your body at risk for heat exhaustion and even a heatstroke.

While heat exhaustion and heatstroke symptoms are similar, there’s a difference between these common heat-related illnesses — a heatstroke is a medical emergency.

With heat exhaustion, which can resolve itself with proper cooling, the person usually has cool, clammy skin and can sweat profusely.

However, with heatstroke there is normally no sweating and the body loses its ability to cool down.

Other signs of heat exhaustion include a headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse and muscle cramps. Some people can get dizzy and fatigued. Although your body temperature might be slightly elevated, you will not have a high core body temperature with heat exhaustion. To treat heat exhaustion, finding an air conditioned space or shade should be your first intervention. Drink a lot of water, preferably a sports drink, or any non-caffeinated

beverage. If you can, also spray down the body with cool water.

Heatstroke is a little bit different. The key thing for the person attending to someone experiencing a heatstroke is to immediately call 911. The body temperature of a person having a heatstroke can sometimes rise to 104 to 106 degrees. Because the body is no longer sweating and has lost its ability to cool itself, the skin becomes dry, red and hot. The person’s pulse can be either really fast or really slow during a heatstroke.

When a person is having a heatstroke and continues to stay in the hot weather or sun, they can experience confusion, disorientation, seizures and can even lose consciousness.

After calling 911, the victim should be moved to a cool or shady place; external cooling should also be initiated by placing cold compresses under the armpits, back of neck and groin.

During the hot summer months, try to stay cool by doing physical activities in the morning or late afternoon, drink plenty of fluids and increase your rest breaks. It is the best way to avoid a trip to the emergency room.

Chris Munn is Director of Emergency Services at Northside Hospital. For more information, visit northside.com.

Mind Your Health

By PATRICIA SMITH (NAPSI)—All of us struggle at one time or another as we face life’s challenges. This can sometimes lead to severe depression, anxiety or other behaviors that keep us from feeling and doing our best for ourselves and our loved ones.

For too long, people struggling with mental health challenges have felt discouraged or ashamed because they are not able to “force themselves” to do or feel better.

So what can we do about it? There are many ways to help yourself feel better. Take advantage of the resources available in most communities such as free support groups, and make sure you get enough sleep and exercise. If your symptoms are keeping you from your normal activities or you have any thoughts of giving up, contact your doctor or local mental health resources.

Know that it is okay to speak

In an emergency, experience matters Emergencies happen. And when they do, rest assured that you’ll get the best care close to home. Northside’s board-certified emergency medicine physicians and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified nurses are just right up the road. We hope we don’t have to see you, but if we do, you’ll be in the best possible hands.

up, to acknowledge that “I’m having trouble here,” and look for an approach that works for you.

“Toughing it out” may be the right strategy for some challenges, but it’s not right for depression or mental anxiety.

And pat yourself on the back for taking the step that could dramatically improve your life.

• Ms. Smith is president and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, online at www.achp.org.

Visit us online at www.northside.com.

24 June 10, 2015

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald

RESTORE Your Vision – REFRESH Your Appearance

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Eyelid dermatochalasis

or “eyelid bagginess” is related to stretching and thinning of the eyelid skin.

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Dr. Sajja has a unique blend of experience, compassion and artistry that he shares with each and every patient. With the addition of Dr. Sajja, Milan Eye Center will expand the unsurpassed level of care and services provided to

the North Atlanta community.

Milan Eye Center has four convenient locations around North Atlanta: Johns Creek, Cumming, Canton, and Buford. Milan Eye Center is a premier ophthalmology practice and is affiliated with Atlanta’s finest hospitals including Northside Forsyth, Northside Cherokee, and Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

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There’s an APP for that !

For YOUR ears and YOUR world

By DR. DEBORAH WOODWARD Can you imagine being able to stream the sounds from your iPhones and iPads directly into hearing devices that NO ONE else can see? What if you could answer or make phone calls and clearly hear the person on the other end through both ears?

The marvels of technology have made these scenarios possible to create a seamless connection to a world filled with sounds. More than 36 million Americans experience hearing challenges in various environments and situations - a frustrating disadvantage to those affected.

Forget about what you think you know about hearing devices up to now. You will be AMAZED at how smart, how helpful, and how transforming better hearing can now be. “As an audiologist for almost 24 years, it is both exciting and overwhelming to stay on top of the latest advances in hearing technology. It is a very fulfilling time to be in a profession that is truly transforming people’s lives by connecting them to the world in a way that others take for granted” says Dr. Deborah Woodward. “Another leap forward has been the very successful extended wear option.”

These devices are invisible to others, worn 24/7 for months at a time, and have no batteries to change. If you have a mild to moderate hearing loss, this cutting edge option may be right for you.

As the local community’s leading link to better hearing over the past 17 years, Dr. Deborah Woodward and her staff at the Johns Creek Audi-

ology and Hearing Center have successfully led thousands of hearing challenged patients to a more enjoyable and fulfilling life. Dr. Woodward offers patients not only improved day to day communication, but also the solutions to those challenging listening environments such as restaurants, group meetings, phone communication, and yes, that age old argument between spouses on the “correct” loudness of the television volume. Countless devices and services are now being marketed to assist the hearing challenged but like fingerprints, no two ears are the same. Consulting with an audiologist is an absolute must. The “one model fits all” bought from a magazine or website has the potential to actually add MORE damage to your current hearing profile. If in need of help, you can rely on the expertise of a Doctor of Audiology and a Center with a proven TRUST record to help plan your personal and unique solution to “better” hearing.

The Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Center is known for their competitive pricing along with award winning service. They can also provide diagnostic testing for hearing disorders, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, and ear wax management. All major insurance plans are accepted and no interest finance plans are offered.

Call (770)814-1260 to schedule YOUR life changing appointment

Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

“Dog Days” of Summer Heat Stress Dangerous for Your Pets “Heat stroke” refers to the damages done to your animal’s body systems from exposure to excessive heat. Old or sick animals, as well as “brachycephalic” breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers, are predisposed to the development of heat stress.

Body temperatures in excess of 105 degrees F can lead to permanent brain injury, and one study found that as much as 40% of animals experiencing heat stress may not survive!

One of the most common reasons for heat stress in dogs and cats is being confined to an area with high temperatures and poor airflow like getting closed in a hot car. NEVER leave your animals in a car without air conditioning for any length of time. Some animals will develop severe heat stress from being too active in warm weather as well.

Signs of heat stress in your animals include: excessive panting, red to purple gums, blood shot eyes, and even convulsions or seizures. If this occurs immediately cover your pet’s entire body with COOL water. Do not get them cold or use ice because this can cause them to cool too rapidly. We

are more than happy to care for your over-heated pets at Atlanta Veterinary Specialists; and we have the most state-ofthe-art equipment to ensure that they make it back home in time to further enjoy the “Dog Days!”

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Hypothyroidism: Continued from Page 20 Free T3, and Reverse T3 tests.

Like T4, T3 circulates in the blood mainly bound to proteins, but 1% is not bound. It is that 1% that is believed to be most potent in its effects at the cellular level, even in comparison to T4. In fact, your body converts T4 into T3 in your liver. How well it does this in all individuals is a matter of how well your digestive system is working.

No matter what, T3 is another important blood test to consider. The Free T3 and Reverse T3 tests can also provide valuable information.

Free T3 appears to correlate best with your functioning.

Reverse T3 is a controversial test that is not often done by medical doctors, because it is assumed that your body can convert T4 into T3 without problems. However, holistic practitioners, and some medical doctors, are now recognizing it as an important test. Reverse T3 is a product created when your body converts T4. It should convert it into T3, but instead it converts it into Reverse T3.

This Reverse T3 is useless to your body’s cells, and cannot provide the energy they need, hence the growing diagnosis of Reverse T3 dominance in my practice.

June 10, 2015 25

5. Thyroid Antibodies – It is quite common for someone with hypothyroidism to have thyroid antibodies, created when the body attacks its own tissues. This is the only way to properly diagnose Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. The reason most doctors do not request this test is because even if it comes back positive, there treatment will be the same as for a standard hypothyroid case. This is why so many people complain of the there symptoms even though they’re on the medication.

Thyroxin will not address the inflammation causing the autoimmune attack on your thyroid. It only makes your TSH values look normal….

In summery, I hope this article answers some of your questions regarding the confusion about how hypothyroidism is commonly misdiagnosed. My goal is to bring to light some of the amazing lab tests out there for patients to request from their doctors and get real answers. There are some natural ways to sup-

port your thyroid, and ensure it functions optimally. By gaining an understanding of these different lab tests and there proper values, I believe the majority of people with a thyroid disorder will be able to get a true diagnosis and see significant improvements in their symptoms. That being said, there are those who will need additional tweaks, deeper testing, and personalized changes to their diet, supplements, and lifestyle plan before they see the improvements they’re looking for. So you may want to find a doctor that practices functional medicine. A functional medical doctor can assist you with natural ways of treating the root cause of illness, rather than just treating the symptoms with medication. And this is what we do, so if you or someone you know may have a thyroid disorder and want to correct this condition, please call (770) 731-9410 or visit www.DrSavedoff.com and schedule an appointment with us today.

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Peterson signs with Radford University lacrosse MILTON, Ga. -- Several Milton High School students have signed letters of intent to play college sports. Grace Peterson, center, will play lacrosse at Radford University.

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SPORTS

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 27

Messier signs with Ga. Tech MILTON, Ga. -- Several Milton High School students have signed letters of intent to play college sports. Maddie Messier, center, signs for Georgia Tech cheerleading.

—Hillary Hunnings

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Ga. Warriors win Battle at Big Chief MILTON, Ga. —The 9U Warriors of the Team Georgia Baseball Academy and the Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association (AYBA) won for their division in the Battle at Big Chief tournament on May 17.

The Warriors went into their second tournament championship this season with a 5-0 record. “The boys played very hard and it was a great overall team effort with every player significantly contributing to this championship,” Warrior coach Mike Lazzara said.

For more information on the Team Georgia Baseball Academy, visit their website at www. tgbabaseball.com. Pictured in front from left: Bennett Flach, Owen Falcon, Seth Lakin, Cole Lazzara, Nick Lanning, Jeremy McWhirter, Owen Edwards, Lucas Clements, Ty Petrovich, Brandon Nielsen and Brennan Cozad. Back from left: Coach Mark Lazzara, Coach Matt Edwards, Coach Tim Nielsen and David Lakin.

—Malik Jones

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28 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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CAMERON OSBURN\INTERN

Participants not only played an 18-hole scramble tournament, but also took part in a putting contest.

Inaugural Mayors Cup golf tournament raises over $53,000

By CAMERON OSBURN news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The first metro Atlanta Mayors Cup golf tournament was held June 1 at Dunwoody Country Club.

Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis and Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood joined other local mayors and dignitaries in the tournament, which was presented by

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Home Properties.

Along with playing an 18-hole scramble tournament, there was also a putting contest, long drive contest and closest to the pin contest on a couple of the par 3 holes.

The purpose of the tournament was to raise money for Sunshine Kids, a charity that provides fun activities for chil-

CAMERON OSBURN\ INTERN

From left are Shannon Malone from the Sunshine Kids (holding mic), Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis (teal polo) and Tony Floyd from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Home Properties (grey shorts) as they welcome participants to the inaugural Mayors Cup Golf Tournament at Dunwoody Country Club. dren going through cancer.

The goal was to raise $50,000, and the tournament did that and more by raising $53,500 for the charity, said tournament co-chair Donna Davis. “Our greatest asset is our youth,” said Berkshire Ha-

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thaway HomeServices Georgia Home Properties Chief Executive Officer Dan Forsman. “The Sunshine Kids is a great cause for us all to rally around.”

Forsman said the company has had a relationship with Sunshine Kids for about 15

The winners from the Mayors Cup tournament and various challenges: Mayors Cup Champions Gross Score: • Andy Pippin • Butch Sanders • Jim Teel • Joe Lockwood Mayors Cup Champions Net Score: • Jack Jessen • Joe Garner • Scott Peters • David Barron Closest To The Pin: • Mark Brown - Hole #6 • Dan Forsman - Hole #17

Know: Continued from Page 8

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years. He estimates they will raise roughly $100,000 this year alone for the charity.

For more information on the Sunshine Kids and how they are helping children with cancer, visit www.sunshinekids.org.

key then is to take another one and another. I know that our example influences others around us. We want to be good leaders. We want our actions to be those that pull people up and provide positive and productive models.

We want our actions to reflect a sense of connectedness and shared responsibility for others.

I know that every time something bad happens, if you look hard enough and long enough, you will discover a new door has opened.

That door may offer the opportunity to create something good out of something bad – either for you or for someone else. The older I get, the more

Long Drive: • David Knapp - Hole #9 • Jim Teel - Hole #18 Mayors Cup Champions - Sunshine Kids Putting Challenge: • Cabeesh Buffington • Ebony Clark Mayors Cup Champion - Players Putting Challenge: • Tony Floyd Mayors Cup Champion - Mayors Putting Challenge: • Mike Davis

I believe there is a reason for almost everything. Very little that occurs is truly random. It may be really hard to see that reason every time, but you have to believe that it is there.

I know that taking care of other people means doing small things for them; not big ones. Listen to someone.

Ask about their son or daughter. Remember someone’s name or birthday.

Open a door, give up your seat or walk someone to the car. Notice a new hat, make a simple phone call to “check up on you” or give a hug. Send a thank you note.

These and similar “little things” are what make our world tolerable. They bring enough joy and compassion to cause smiles to happen. And making someone smile at the end of the day is more important than just about anything else.

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

SPORTS

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 29

Lady Eagles LAX visit Adam Bomb Show ATLANTA— Nine-time defending girls lacrosse champions Milton Lady Eagles stopped by before their playoff game May 4 to host the “5@9” on the Adam Bomb Show radio program.

The Lady Eagles made a run at an unprecedented tenth consecutive State Championship. With nine titles under their belt and a potential 10th one looming, the girls were eagerly anticipating this year’s State Tournament to begin.

“We have to fulfill our destiny and live up to our expectations,” said Senior Shahpar Mirza.

The girls ended up winning that championship.

Being in the finals nine times brings the Milton program added pressure.

The girls’ biggest challenge this season

will be controlling their nerves and living up to the expectations.

“My expectations for the team are to keep working to get better and continue executing our fundamentals,” said Coach Tim Godby.

With 12 seniors (six who have committed to play at the college level next year) the Lady Eagles are ranked No. 1 in the state and ninth nationally.

For more information on Milton’s girls lacrosse team, visit their website at www.miltonladyeagleslax.com.

The Adam Bomb Show can be heard Mondays-Fridays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on stations across the country.

The show features live celebrity interviews, the biggest stars and the latest celebrity news.

—Jonathan Copsey

The Milton Lady Eagles lacrosse team stop by the Adam Bomb Show radio show May 4 to host the “5@9” program.

Roswell’s Mitsunaga a USGA champion Part of winning team in inaugural event

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com BANDON, Ore. – Roswell’s Rinko Mitsunaga, a 2015 signee for the Georgia women’s golf team, was part of the winning team in the first-ever U.S. Women’s Four-Ball Championship, played last month at Oregon’s Bandon Dunes Resort.

Mitsunaga teamed with Californian Mika Liu. The two both attended a sports academy in south Florida. Mitsunaga previously attended Centennial High School.

The two players barely made the entry deadline for the USGA event, signing up with just minutes to spare. Mitsunaga was one of seven Geor-

gians to compete in the event, including Lauren Lightfritz, a member of the Lambert girls’ golf team that recently won its third straight state AAAAAA championship.

Lightfritz and fellow junior golfer Megan Carter of Brunswick won their opening match before losing in the second round.

Mitsunaga, 18, and Liu, 16, won 4 and 3 in the finals against fellow teenagers Robynn Ree of California and Hannah O’Sullivan of Arizona, who placed second in stroke play qualifying. Mitsunaga and Liu tied for 10th with a 5-under 139 total for 36 holes and were seeded 13th among the 32 teams to reach match play.

The 4 and 3 margin in the championship match was the largest for Mitsunaga and Liu in the tournament, with the winning duo 8-under par

Mitsunaga is currently ranked 10th among the country’s female junior golfers, winning multiple national junior events, including four victories in 2013. for 15 holes. After losing the first hole to a birdie, Mitsunaga and Liu birdied six of the next seven holes, winning 6, 7 and 8 with birdies to take a

3-up lead. Mitsunaga all but clinched the victory when she holed out from 88 yards for eagle on the par-5 12th to put her team 4-up with six holes to play.

Mitsunaga and Liu won their first two matches 2 and 1, with their second round opponents including 2014 U.S. Women’s Open sensation Lucy Li. Mitsunaga and Liu birdied the first four holes and five of the first six, and finished the day 8-under through 17 holes.

The toughest match for the winning team came in the third round, when they needed 21 holes to get past the fifth-seeded team. Mitsunaga and Liu were 2-down after 13, but won the par-3 14th with a par and the par-3 17th with a birdie to force extra holes. They won with a birdie on the par-5 12th, the third playoff hole.

Mitsunaga and Liu won 3

and 2 in the semifinals against the No. 9 team that had defeated the qualifying medalists in the quarterfinals.

They got off to another fast start with five birdies in the first seven holes to take a 3-up lead, and lost just one hole after that, playing 16 holes in 7-under par.

Mitsunaga is currently ranked 10th among the country’s female junior golfers, winning multiple national junior events, including four victories in 2013. So far this year, she tied for first place in a rainshortened American Junior Golf Association tournament played in April at Country Club of the South in Johns Creek, and won the Kathy Whitworth Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, in a playoff, despite having to play with borrowed clubs when an airline lost her clubs.

Brookfield pro Parrott competing for spot in U.S. Open ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Brookfield Country Club Director of Instruction Michael Parrott and rookie tour pro Franco Castro were among the players to advance from a recent local qualifier for the U.S. Open, played at Golf Club of Georgia.

Parrott, Castro and Roberto Castro, Franco’s older brother and a PGA Tour member, will be among the players attempting to make it into the U.S. Open in a sectional qualifier Monday, June 8 at Hawk’s Ridge in Ball Ground.

Former Georgia Tech golfer James White of Acworth was medalist in the local qualifier at Golf Club of Georgia with a 6-under 66 on the Lakeside course.

Former Auburn golfer Reid Edstrom, who played out of Rivermont Golf and Country Club before settling in Auburn after completing his college career, tied for second at 67. Parrott tied for fourth at 68 along with Georgia Tech golfer Drew Czuchry, who lives in

Alpharetta.

Franco Castro shot 69 and won the seventh and final qualifying spot in a playoff. Castro, who played his college golf at Charlotte, played for the Alpharetta golf team in high school. His brother Roberto, who enjoyed an outstanding college career at Georgia Tech, played for Milton.

Among those failing to qualify was former Roswell High golfer Bryan Fox, who shot 71, and Atlanta Braves Hall of

Fame pitcher John Smoltz of Alpharetta, who shot even par 72.

Also competing for spots in the U.S. Open at Hawk’s Ridge are PGA Tour veteran Jason Bohn of Acworth, current Georgia Tech golfer Anders Albertson of Woodstock, recent Kennesaw State graduate Jimmy Beck, the 2013 Georgia Amateur champion, and Gainesville’s Spencer Ralston, one of the state’s top junior golfers.

– Mike Blum

30 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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CITY OF MILTON PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR A REZONING AND A USE PERMIT AND TEXT AMENDMENT Petition No: Location: Applicant: Request:

RZ15-12 Kings Close with approximately 525 feet of frontage on the west side located in the 2nd District, 2nd Section in Land Lots 396 and 397.

Five Oaks Development, Inc. To rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to R-2A (Residential) to develop 5 single family residences on 6.431 acres with minimum one acre lots.

Petition No.: Location: Applicant: Request:

U15-03/VC15-02 2780 Bethany Bend Bob Dike To request a Use Permit for a Day Care Facility (Sec. 64-1809) for after school program and summer camp within an existing church and a concurrent variance to allow a non-opaque fence for the playground enclosure (Sec. 64-1809(b)(3)).

Petition Number: Request:

RZ15-11 Chapter 64 of the City Code, Article XXI- To create the Arnold Mill Form Based Code.

Public Hearings:

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, June 15, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (Council Chambers) Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2500

The City of Milton will host three Public Workshop Meetings to discuss the proposed CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE. Everybody is invited to be part of the discussion and to provide their comment.

Wednesday May 20 at 6:30pm Saturday May 30 at 10:00am Milton City Hall Council Chambers 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107-E Milton, Georgia 30004 678-242-2500

Location:

Wednesday June 10 at 6:30pm Alpharetta Courthouse 12624 Broadwell Rd, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 678-297-6250

Location:

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 64 OF THE CITY CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) Petition No.: Request:

RZ15-15 To amend the Rural viewshed within the Rural Milton Overlay for Single-Family type uses. (Sec. 64-1141 (a))

Petition No.: Request:

RZ15-16 To amend Private Swimming Pool Standards for detached dwellings.

(Sec. 64-1069 (b))

Petition No: Request:

RZ15-17 To create a definition for “barrier” in definitions (Sec.64-1)

Public Hearings:

Community Zoning Information Meeting Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR A REZONING AND A USE PERMIT Petition No.: Location: Applicant: Request:

Public Hearings:

RZ15-14/U15-04/VC15-03 3503 and 3505 Bethany Bend Wisdarium LLC To rezone from O-I (Office-Institutional) and AG-1 (Agricultural) to O-I (Office-Institutional) and a Use Permit for a Private School (Sec. 64-1831) to expand the existing school from 2,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet for up to 150 students. A two-part concurrent variance to reduce the 50 foot undisturbed buffer and 10 foot improvement setback to a 10 foot landscape strip along the north property line (Sec. 64-1091(a)) and to reduce the 100 foot setback for recreation areas to 40 feet along the north property line (Sec. 64-1831(b)(4)).

Community Zoning Information Meeting Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Design Review Board Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, August 17, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (Council Chambers) Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2500

Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, August 17, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (Council Chambers) Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2500

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Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 31

Getting to know Laura Stalemark Alpharetta woman finds stress relief on roller derby track

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northsidewoman.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – With team names like the Toxic Shock, Sake Tuya and Denim Demons and team players named Rudy Huxtabrawl and Choke Cherry, being a roller derby girl may not be for the faint of heart.

Or for someone looking for a relaxing hobby to relieve the stress of a long day.

But for Laura Stalemark, the roller skating rink is exactly where she’s headed after a day of tending to clients at Tryst, her Alpharetta hair salon.

“I love anything sportsrelated that isn’t typical,” laughed the mother of two when asked why roller derby caught her attention.

She discovered the sport on a whim four years ago, and has plunged headlong into the training to reach the elite levels. Stalemark is not yet a member on one of the Atlanta Rollergirls teams —that honor is reserved for the talented few who emerge from the “minor leagues” of the sport through sheer determination and fight.

But Stalemark has the prize in sight, spending up to 10 hours a week on the rink as part of the “Fresh Meat” program, where potential team members are developed and potentially drafted.

“If I pass the assessments, I will be eligible for mid-season draft, which is in [June] if a team wants me,” said Stalemark, who moved to Alpharetta in 2001. “If I don’t get drafted, there is another draft in the fall.”

Northside Woman spent some time with Stalemark getting to know what drives her to careen headlong down a roller skating rink while “jams” and “blocks” are thrown her way.

How did your search for

a new hobby end with you picking up roller derby skates?

I grew up in Western New York roller skating at our local rink, so it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. But about four years ago, I wanted to do something fun on a weekend with some friends; so I started Googling things that we had never done before. Roller derby popped up during my search! I went to watch and became mesmerized with the sport. I found out they had a recreational league, and the next fall I joined. After a few years, I got involved in the “Fresh Meat” team, which is a more intensive training program that works toward becoming an official Rollergirl.

We live in the land of ALTA and USTA tennis as the dominant pastime for women. What was it about roller derby that drew you to the sport?

Three years ago I became very involved in the Crossfit craze. I love lifting weights and being able to get fit while listening to loud music. I got hooked. It was the same with roller derby. Roller derby is a full contact sport, gets my heart racing and I am committed to becoming the best I can be with this league. I want to derby for as long as my body lets me! It’s all about the team and your teammates, and everyone is willing to give tips for you to become better at the sport. They tell us “you are only as strong as the weakest player,” which encourages the more seasoned players to help the newbies.

Tell me about the transition from “rec” player to more competitive player?

In the Atlanta league there are several levels. There is the recreational league where I started and which is separated into two tracks: G league is for newer skaters, and PG/R league for retired Rollergirls and advanced rec league ladies. If you want to move onto a more serious level, like I did, you need to try out for the “Fresh Meat” program, which teaches more involved techniques to become a Rollergirl.

In the Fresh Meat league, there are three levels: Blue Meat, Red Meat and Black Meat. Each requires an assessment and if you pass the Red as sessment you are able to scrim mage with the real roller ladies.

If you pass the

Black assessment, you are eligible for the draft to one of the Atlanta Rollergirls teams. I would love to be a team member and am training hard as a Fresh Meat in the Red program.

It sounds like a serious time commitment. How much time do you spend on the track, and what is a typical week for you?

To really perfect your skills, it requires about five to nine hours a week at the level I am at (Red Meat). My typical training week is two hours on Sunday and Monday where a team member drills with a large group working on specific skills. Tuesdays are another two-hour practice, focused on endurance training with a champion speed skating coach. Wednesdays are a twoto three-hour scrimmage with the different teams to give real derby experience and practice for the team members. We train at the headquarters in Norcross, with bouts for the official teams at the Shriner Center on Ponce de Leon. Bouts are open to the public and are family-friendly, but practices are closed so strategies are not revealed.

While you are certainly still young, it seems roller derby is a sport of the even younger women. Do you find that to be the case?

I am 43 – but feel about 25!

Age is not a factor in roller derby unless you feel old or have medical concerns. You need to be 18 to join the league, but there are a number of ladies who are in their 40s. I have the mentality where you don’t need to “act your age” when it comes to being healthy and fit. Derby has made me stronger and I have more endurance, which helps me in my everyday life. I can keep up with the younger ladies. I would love for more older women to get into the recreational league.

It can help get rid of stress and make a ton of new friends.

Through roller derby, I have

Laura Stalemark met other moms, doctors, business owners, students and women from all walks of life who derby.

You mentioned that roller derby allows you to unload stress, but isn’t constantly being on the cusp of falling and getting hurt counterproductive to that?

We wear protective gear – a mouth guard, wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet are required – and we learn the correct way to fall so we minimize the injury factor. And the adrenaline that skating gives me helps reduce stress. Although you try to “block” and “hit,” many times you are being “blocked” and “hit” yourself. But the rush of taking a hit and not falling is awesome. While bruises are common, they are outweighed by the serious awesomeness of the game and the constant teamwork involved.

Can you give me a brief overview of the rules of roller derby?

A match is played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track. Game play consists of a series of short matchups (“jams”) in which both teams designate a scoring player (the “jammer”) who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team.

The teams attempt to hinder the opposing jammer, while assisting their own jammer – in

effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously. Although it is full contact, there are specific rules of how you can hit or block.

You’ve been participating in roller derby for nearly four years. What have you learned in that time about yourself?

I have learned through this process that I am stronger than I thought. Sometimes when you are in the role of being a mother, wife or business person, you feel you need to fit into the mold of those roles.

As I tell my story to others about derby, some say, “I wish I could do something like that.”

I tell them, “Then just do it!”

My husband and kids think it’s great that I am involved with the sport. If Mommy is less stressed, then everyone is happy.

So your family aND friends (and clients) are pretty impressed with your very unconventional choice of pastimes?

The reaction from my friends, family and clients has been outstanding. They are interested in what new things I have been learning, watching me progress, becoming more fit, being happier and healthier. My kids think I am “cool,” which unfortunately doesn’t help them remember doing their chores. My husband thinks I am “bad-ass,” which I feel is a real compliment.

32 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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Park: Continued from Page 1

ALPHARETTA CHAMBER’S

GOLF TOURNAMENT and

NETWORKING LEAGUE

ALPHARETTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INAUGURAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Tuesday, June 30, 2015 Atlanta National Golf Club

There is still much work to be done before the park is safe and ready to open, said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge.

“Nature has taken over,” he said.

In the 11 years the park has been closed, overgrowth has caused damage to many of the structures. Trees have fallen into a large valley and created a dam for stagnant water. Parts of the site have been vandalized as people broke into the park.

But Cregge is looking forward to the job.

“I don’t see an aging hulk of a park here,” he said. “I see a

Daniel Jean Bouchard, 56, of Cumming, passed away June 2, 2015. Arrangements

by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Mary Rebecca Royal Jacobs, 92, of Cumming, passed away May 27, 2015. Arrangements

by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Ricky Burnett, 57, of Cumming, passed away May 29, 2015.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Betty Gilleland Jennings, 75, Cumming, passed away May 28, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Tamera Conroy, 51, of Roswell, passed away June 1, 2015.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Philip Johnson, of Alpharetta, passed away May 31, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

John W. Craven, of Roswell, passed away June 1, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Charles McFarland, of Roswell, passed away May 31, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Nancy Doelling, of Alpharetta, passed away June 1, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Robert Gaouette, 69, of Cumming, passed away May 27, 2015.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

www.AlpharettaChamber.com

Current Event Sponsors:

challenge, an opportunity.”

The facilities that remain on the site will have to be demolished, Cregge said. But his first priority is to update the fencing and make the park safe to open.

“I want to get it safe so people can start walking in it,” he said.

Cregge said he hopes to open the park by Labor Day. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us.

DEATH NOTICES

Registration:

Contact Hans Appen – 770-527-4118, hans@alpharettachamber.com Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce 319 North Main Street, Suite 300 Alpharetta, GA 30009

SHANNON WEAVER/STAFF

Little maintenance has been conducted at the park since it was closed in 2004, allowing old facilities to be overgrown.

James Thomas Hall, 89, of Cumming, passed away May 8, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Donald Houston, of Roswell, passed away June 2, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Johnny Hughes, 62, of Cumming, passed away May 31, 2015.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Benjamin M. Price, of Roswell, passed away May 31, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Belvin Donnie Raines, 61, of Cumming, passed away May 30, 2015.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Diane Roscoe, 62, of Alpharetta, passed away May 26, 2015.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Adeline Sokolowsky, 76, of Cumming, passed away May 30, 2015.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

George Stapler, 70, of Cumming, passed away May 30, 2015.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Patricia Molinaro, 70, of Alpharetta, passed away June 2, 2015.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ellie Wynell Smallwood Tallant, 96, of Cumming, passed away May 30, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Warren Ansley Montgomery, 84, of Cumming, passed away May 30, 2015. Arrangements

by Ingram Funeral Home.

Larry Trout, 66, of Cumming, passed away May 28, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Laura Morganti, of Roswell, passed away May 29, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Charles Tucker, 75, of Gibson, passed away May 31, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Thomas Walls, 74, of Alpharetta, passed away May 21, 2015.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society

Robert Pecora, 73, of Cumming, passed away May 29, 2015.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Andrea Snyder Phebus, 69, of Cumming, passed away May 29, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

SPORTS

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | June 10, 2015 | 33

White Columns to host Atlanta Open Several local players among favorites

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – Many of the state’s top club professionals and amateurs will compete at White Columns Country Club June 15-16 in the Yamaha Atlanta Open, one of Georgia’s longest running tournaments.

The tournament dates back to the 1920s, with Bobby Jones among the early winners. The tournament is considered one of four major championships conducted by the Georgia PGA, with the field limited to club pros and amateurs.

Last year’s tournament was also played in North Fulton, as Atlanta National served as the host. White Columns first hosted the Atlanta Open in 2000, with James Mason winning the event in a three-way playoff.

Mason, a member of the Champions Tour since 2002, is now playing primarily in Georgia PGA events and will be one of the players to beat, along with Tim Weinhart, one of the

two players he defeated in the playoff in 2000. Weinhart, an instructor at the Standard Club, is among a strong contingent of local players who will be competing in the tournament. Weinhart is a seven-time Georgia PGA Player of the Year and the 2009 Atlanta Open champion. He tied for second in a recent Georgia PGA event held at Rivermont Golf and Country Club in Johns Creek.

Other local pros in the field include Danny Elkins, Matthew Evans, Shawn Koch, Chris Nicol and Michael Parrott. Elkins, the owner and operator of Roswell’s Georgia Golf Center, recently qualified for the U.S. Senior Open. Nicol, an assistant at Georgia Golf Center, has won two Georgia PGA events in recent years.

He tied for third in last year’s Atlanta Open and for sixth in the recent tournament at Rivermont.

Evans, the head pro at Rivermont, has been a consistent contender in Georgia PGA events, and had the lead during the final round of last year’s Atlanta Open.

Koch, the director of instruction at Country Club of the South, won the Atlanta Open in 2006, and has two

other Georgia PGA victories.

Parrott, the director of instruction at Brookfield Country Club, made it through the first stage of U.S. Open qualifying and played in a sectional qualifier in the Atlanta area earlier this week. The local amateur contingent is led by Alpharetta’s Bob Royak, who won the 2007 Atlanta Open at the Standard Club, one of several North Fulton clubs that have hosted the tournament.

Erik Martin of Alpharetta, who tied for second in the recent Georgia PGA tournament at Rivermont, is also in the field, along with fellow local amateurs Billy Mitchell, Jeff Belk and Mark Nickerson.

Hank Smith, the head pro at Frederica Club on St. Simons Island, is the defending champion, and also won the Georgia PGA’s Section Championship last year at Sea Island Golf Club.

Other top Georgia PGA members who have already entered the tournament include Craig Stevens and Sonny Skinner, who have six Player of the Year titles between them including each of the last three, as well as former Atlanta National head pro Clark Spratlin, now the director of golf at

Invitation to Bid PROVIDENCE ROAD STORMWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS BID NUMBER 15-PW09 Sealed Bids Due Date: June 25, 2015, 2:00PM Local Time Milton City Hall To be publicly opened approximately 2:05PM in the Courthouse The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The City of Milton is requesting submittals from interested parties for a public private partnership. The request for sealed bids for the PROVIDENCE ROAD STORM WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS is posted on the following websites: http://www.cityofmiltonga.us or http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

the Currahee Club in Toccoa, and Phil Taylor, the director of golf at Ansley Golf Club and the 2002 Atlanta Open champion.

The entry deadline for the tournament is Friday, June 12 at 10 a.m., with the 156-player

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36 | June 10, 2015 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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