Johns Creek Herald, July 2, 2015

Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►PAGE 20

Bodker becomes GMA president

Sworm in as 83rd president of Georgia Municipal Assocation ►►PAGE 11

Retiring at the age of 90 Lee Brown ends second career at Walmart ►►PAGE 13

Let the games begin

Glenhurst Neighborhood hosts Olympic games ►►PAGE 26

July 2, 2015 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 19, No. 27

Local fire chiefs urge safety for the Fourth New fireworks law goes in effect July 1

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Expect a much louder Fourth of July this year as new legislation went into effect July 1 that allows the sale of fireworks in Georgia. But with the law comes a word of caution from authorities.

Georgians will no longer have to drive across state lines to buy and bring back fireworks, even if it was illegal. Georgia House Bill 110 allows the

sale and use of fireworks in the state, beginning July 1.

This has local officials on guard not just for the July 4 holiday, but for the foreseeable future.

The bill revised several parts of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, updating it to reflect the new law. Among the changes included are some do’s and don’ts: There is a ban on fireworks usage

See SAFETY, Page 32

Safety tips for handling fireworks • Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and combustible materials.

• Light only one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.

• Never try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.

• Don’t try to combine or alter fireworks.

• Wear eye protection.

• Always keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off, or in case of fire.

• Keep your pets indoors.

• In the event of an emergency, call 911.

Belmont Village honoring WWII veterans What will The District

really look like?

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Belmont Senior Village in Johns Creek is participating in a corporate-wide effort to recognize the service of its residents who are veterans of that war.

To do so, Belmont is teaming with nationally known photographer Thomas Sanders, who created an award-winning photo book on World War II vets called “The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of WWII.” In it, Sanders photographed the veterans, usually holding a photo of them in uniform, and captured some of their memories or experiences of the war. This book was produced several years ago by Belmont Village, drawing from the 24 Belmont communities’ residents then.

For the 70th anniversary of that war’s end, the company is canvassing its residents again

See VETERANS, Page 25

Council brings city center into focus

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

THOMAS SANDERS

Sailor Howard Fox with the flag that flew on his vessel for his last voyage bringing him to San Francisco during his service in World War II.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – As the timeline for The District, the city’s vision for a new downtown, is coming into HUTMACHER focus, the Johns Creek City Council discussed June 15 just what it ought to look like after all the meetings and charrettes.

Based on residents’ reactions, the plan is coalescing around the west side of Medlock Bridge Road, where there is the possibility of creating a water feature the planners call The Canal. It would feed into a manmade lake.

CH2M Hill is doing a

It is a balancing job of keeping it lower density, but still able to attract people to its vibrancy.”

WARREN HUTMACHER Johns Creek City Manager

feasibility study that would determine the costs of such a project.

At the strategic planning meeting, council discussed some of the basic concepts that would drive The District’s development. Mayor

See DISTRICT, Page 24

PUBLIC SAFETY

2 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Alpharetta man convicted of defrauding NASA Business scammed government out of $800,000 ATLANTA – Craig D. Near and Genziko, Inc., of Alpharetta, Georgia, were convicted by a federal jury Friday, June 19, on seven counts of wire fraud and two counts of filing false claims against the United States. The charges came from a procurement fraud scheme targeting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“For years this defendant supported himself and his family in a suburban lifestyle, with practically his only earnings being the fruits of his scheme defrauding the government,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John Horn. “The Small Business Innovation Research Program, which Near defrauded, supports technological innovation by investing federal research funds in critical priorities. Near’s scheme diverted funds that should have been used for these important goals.”

The Small Business Innovation Research Program sets aside funds to support small companies that conduct innovative research.

From June 2008 to June 2014, Near submitted numerous fraudulent grant and contract proposals to federal agencies seeking funds for scientific research.

Near submitted all of the proposals through his company, Genziko. All of the proposals falsely stated that Genziko had

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.

Family dispute leads to pawning items MILTON, Ga. – A family dispute ended with police involvement and charges of theft and fraud. The victim contacted police to say he had an argument with his son in March. The son left the home.

The victim then noticed his Samsung tablet was missing. He found a pawn shop claim ticket belonging to an Alpharetta shop in his car for a tablet recently pawned. When the victim called the pawn shop, he wastold the victim’s son pawned the item. There were also several charges on the victim’s credit card the victim suspects were made by his son.

Man accused of passing fake check ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An Atlanta man

multiple employees. The proposals also listed the credentials of an apparently impressive management team with many years of experience in the relevant scientific and engineering specialties, without the knowledge or consent of several of those individuals.

Some of the proposals also contained fraudulent budgets and salaries for fake employees. Near pocketed the salaries for these NEAR “phantom employees” and also collected inflated overhead and general and administrative costs from the government based on their fictitious wages.

Near and Genziko, Inc. concealed the fact that they were making profits ranging from 79 to 197 percent on the three proposals that were actually granted by the government. These profits were far in excess of the 7 percent maximum that was allowed for these contracts by the NSF and NASA. In sum, Near and Genziko, Inc., received almost $800,000 in funds on the three granted proposals.

Rather than using the money for the scientific research for which it was intended, Near spent it almost entirely on personal expenses such as mortgage payments, private school tuition for his children, vacations, shopping and large money wires to family and friends overseas.

Near will be sentenced in September.

—Jonathan Copsey

faces forgery charges after allegedly trying to cash a fake check June 11.

The suspect, Larry Baker, 63, of Atlanta, allegedly entered the Suntrust Bank on North Point Parkway and tried to cash a check for $2,749.

Bank employees claimed it was a fake check and called police.

When police questioned Baker, he told them he had met two people downtown at Five Points and was told he could keep a portion of the check if he cashed it for them.

They drove him to Alpharetta and dropped him off at the bank.

The check was bogus and Baker was charged with forgery.

began writing on his car about his alleged infidelity.

When the boyfriend tried to stop her, she stabbed him with the pen. She then allegedly retrieved a machete and took it to the car, causing extensive damage.

She was arrested for aggravated assault and criminal damage to property.

Employee accused in $23K merchandise theft ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A store employee allegedly was caught stealing goods June 15 and allegedly admitted to stealing as much as $23,000 in merchandise.

Workers at the Best Buy in North Point Mall told police they saw the young man, who lives in Roswell, steal a Samsung Galaxy S6 phone, valued at $814 put it in his car.

When employees confronted the man, he allegedly admitted to stealing items, including other phones and tablet computers for months.

In total, he may have taken as much as $23,000 worth of merchandise.

Angry girlfriend uses machete on car JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A Starfire Lane resident was arrested June 5 after allegedly writing on her boyfriend’s car and then attacking both him and it with a machete.

According to police, they were called out for a domestic dispute.

The suspect said she was angry with her boyfriend and took a pen and

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PUBLIC SAFETY

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

DUI arrests ►► Michele DeKalb Schaeffer,

53, of Duluth was arrested June 9 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and following to close.

Drug arrests ►► Daniel Gavrielov, 23, of

Creek Way, Roswell, was arrested May 25 on Holcomb Bridge Road for possession of marijuana. ►► Timothy Levelle Williams, 36, of Woodstock was arrested May 28 on Old Dogwood Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana and improper lane change. ►► Kenneth Howard Schatten, 58, of Atlanta was arrested June 8 on Deerfield Parkway in Milton for possession of marijuana, speeding and headlights requirement. ►► Shepherd Joseph Wilson, 25, of Stone Mountain was arrested June 6 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and possession of drug related items. ►► Yolanda Guan Jeter-King, 42, of McDonough was arrested June 1 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana.

Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 3

Johns Creek police seek reality TV star Allegedly threatened man with gun JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek police are searching for a man accused of threatening workers at a local business with a weapon June 25.

Police have taken out warrants for the arrest of Mickey Wright, 38, of Atlanta for armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Wright is known for his performance on the reality TV shows, “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” and “Toya: A Family Affair,”

under the stage name “Memphitz.”

According to police, Wright took his vehicle to a carwash on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek. He then accused an employee of stealing marijuana from his vehicle.

WRIGHT Wright allegedly confronted the employee, produced a pink handgun and pointed it at the employee demanding he return the stolen drugs.

He allegedly threatened the employee, “I’m about to fire you up.” Wright

then left the car wash and later returned to have a physical altercation with the same employee. During this altercation, Wright pointed to his pocket where the handgun was located and said “Is it worth your life?” while taking the victim’s cell phone.

The vehicle, gun and phone were located a short time later by Johns Creek Police.

Physical and video surveillance were used to identify Wright as the perpetrator, police say.

Police are still searching for Wright.

He is wanted for armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Suspect arrested in hit and run FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Investigators with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit arrested Stephanie Anderson, 28, of Cumming June 23. Anderson was booked into the Forsyth County Detention Center on various charges that include felony hit and run, serious injury by motor vehicle, failure to maintain lane and failure to stop and render aid.

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NEWS

4 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

REMEMBER AND RIDE ON:

Cycling community airs worries Awareness key to safety of drivers, cyclists

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – When 42-year-old Jason Young got on his bicycle April 29 in Milton, he never could have known he would not return home. He was hit and killed by a driver head-on and a fellow rider was injured in the crash.

The driver was charged with vehicular homicide.

The bicycling community takes such news seriously.

Since May, several cyclists have been killed on Georgia roads. Jason Young’s case is unique in that motorists are rarely charged in bike-related accidents, say advocates.

“If you want to get away with murder, kill a cyclist,” said Michael Horowitz, of Alpha Bikes.

“Few drivers are ever charged in a bike crime. What are the consequences of killing or maiming us?”

As cycling becomes an ever-popular hobby and sport, more cyclists take to the roads, mingling with motor vehicles and sharing roadways. Still, the danger is always there. For cyclists, it’s not a question of if they will be hit in traffic, but when.

To deal with these issues, local bike advocacy groups held a forum June 25 at Roswell City Hall to air grief and come up with solutions.

The event was sponsored by several cycling advocacy groups in the north metro area, including Georgia Bikes, Bike Roswell and Bike Alpharetta.

“This gives people an opportunity to talk and be listened to,” said Tom Erdmanczyk, president of Bike Roswell, about the forum. “There is some frustration. There was

A bicycle memorial stands where Jason Young was killed in Milton. A driver hit him April 29 while he biked on a local road. Local cyclists are concerned about their own safety on roads. an obvious need for a forum because people feel this is important.”

Roswell is the first city in the state to be designated a Bike Friendly community for its efforts in making cycling safer for residents. Mayor Jere Wood is himself an avid cyclist.

“I can remember when Roswell was a safe place to ride a bike,” said Wood. “The best present I ever had was a bicycle. It gave me freedom.

I’ve biked ever since.”

While Roswell makes a point of including bike lanes in new roadways, not every community is as accepting of cyclists.

Because of this, state law has the “Three-foot rule.” This law dictates drivers must give a minimum distance of three feet to a cyclist when they pass. This is to create a safe area between the cyclist and a

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vehicle. State law also classifies bicycles as vehicles, which must be used on a road, if possible. They are not allowed on sidewalks.

“A lot of drivers don’t know about the three-foot law,” said Wayne Utz, of Bike Alpharetta.

“We need to raise awareness.”

Awareness is key, said many of those who spoke. This includes awareness from the cycling community as well as from motorists.

The law also dictates that cyclists must follow traffic rules, such as stopping at stop signs and lights, as well as riding only two abreast when in groups.

The consequences of ignorant drivers, as well as cyclists, can be deadly.

Several speakers told of their loved ones – brothers and husbands – who have died while cycling.

“Buzzing” is a term the cycling community uses to describe a motorist who gets too close to a rider, often intentionally. Nearly everyone in the room described being “buzzed” at least once. Some described extensive surgeries and rehabilitation after their brush with death.

One woman, “Val,” said she was struck while waiting on her motorcycle at a red light.

She said she nearly lost her life and had “rods and screws” put in her.

“To be standing here is amazing,” she said.

She said the other driver was turning left and did not

A lot of drivers don’t know about the threefoot law. We need to raise awareness.”

WAYNE UTZ Bike Alpharetta see Val or her bike. To hit a stationary vehicle implies the driver crossed into the wrong lane. That same driver later pleaded “not guilty” to traffic violations.

David Matthews, founder of bikefriendlyatl.com, said he makes “ghost bikes” in honor of those killed while cycling.

These bikes are white and placed as markers where the cyclist died.

“It’s all tragic,” he said.

“Our roads need to get safer.

I’ve built five ghost bikes since the first of May. Every time I put one out, another person has died.”

He said that when he was hit by a vehicle, the other driver was never charged with anything.

“They were on the wrong side of the road,” he said. “If I am hit by a car, they automatically broke the three foot rule.

“It’s never an accident. That implies both parties did something. Not paying attention is not an accident,” he said.

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

NEWS

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 5

Arts, Culture Board wants clarification on funding Role of board murky in light of proposed grant cuts

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek Arts and Culture Board’s agenda June 25 was dominated by the announcement by the City Council that rather than approve four arts grant proposals, members wanted to cut the program altogether.

At the council’s June 15 workshop session, Councilmembers Steve Broadbent, Bob Gray and Lenny Zaprowski voiced their displeasure with the arts grant program that offers up to $30,000 annually to fund grant proposals.

Saying that it is not the city government’s business to fund the arts, the three commissioners – who make up a majority of the votes with seats vacant – were leaning toward ending the grants program altogether.

Council then voted unanimously to bring the matter up for further discussion at the July 20 council meeting (the July 6 meeting has been cancelled) to give time for the council to hear from the community.

Their main concern was whether the city was providing funds for “operations” or to fund specific arts projects.

The matter came up during the midyear budget discussions. Broadbent first brought up his concerns, which were echoed by Gray and Zaprowski.

A cursory examination of the grant requests – from the Johns Creek Arts Center, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra and the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center – showed that the requests were for specific programming as specified in the procedures for securing the grants.

Other requirements specify that the organizations be a federally certified 501(c)3 organization operating in the city of Johns Creek and serving city residents.

Further, the grant procedure requires: • A written narrative describing the project.

• Identifying a specific need for funding, including the exact amount requested and explanation of how it will be spent.

• An explanation of the benefit to the city of Johns Creek and its residents.

• A project budget with city funds clearly identified.

• The proposed start and end dates and location of the program.

The protocol goes on to spell out that the grants are not to replace operational funding or salaries.

Grants are made for specific programs over and above the arts organization’s regular budget, said someone close to the process but who asked not to be identified.

What is the Arts and Culture Board?

The Arts and Culture Board promotes the arts by making recommendations to the mayor and City Council about enriching the city’s cultural scene, according to the city of Johns Creek website.

The board advocates for the arts as well as studies and makes quarterly recommendations to City Council about policies and proposed programs or artwork in Johns Creek.

The Arts and Culture Board has seven members nominated by the Governments are not allowed to spend tax dollars to operate a nonprofit, but governments can pay for service contracts to benefit or culturally enrich its citizens.

So these grants the city offers are in reality contracts for service, just as the city contracts for concerts at the city’s Newtown Park Amphitheater and its free movies program also at Newtown.

Last year the city spent $46,265 on four concerts and $7,234 for its summer movies series, a total of $53,499.

Council did not discuss these disbursements.

Meanwhile, the Arts and Culture Board members said they were puzzled by the councilmen’s comments about the arts grants.

mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

Each board member is appointed to a two-year term and may serve consecutive terms.

The current members are: • Kamini Anand (vice chairwoman) • Ron Cioffi • Deanna Maust (chairwoman) • Rae Prall • Jacquie Tracy • Brigid Yeager • Kirk Wilson “These are budgeted items that were in the budget and vetted by the grants committee,” said Arts and Culture Board Chairwoman Deanna Maust.

“They were solicited to apply for these grants, and I think at the very least these grants be honored.”

Board member Rae Prall agreed.

“I was so astounded that money already set aside in the budget would be pulled. I think this is all due to a misunderstanding. This is money already budgeted and ought to be spent,” Prall said.

Board member Jacquie Tracy said there are two issues at stake. One is the 2015 disbursement of the grant

See FUNDING, Page 6

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta has tentatively adopted an operating (“M&O”) millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes for the General Fund by 7.67 percent.

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the City of Alpharetta, Council Chambers, City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, on the following dates and times: July 13, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.

July 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

July 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

This tentative increase will result in an M&O millage rate of 5.000 mills, an increase of 0.356 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the M&O millage rate will be no more than 4.644 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $300,000 is approximately $28.62 and the proposed tax increase for non-homesteaded property with a fair market value of $900,000 is approximately $128.16.

While Alpharetta’s overall millage rate would remain flat under the proposal, there would be some changes to the individual components as follows: Millage Rate

Current

Proposed

Change

M&O

4.950

5.000

0.050

Bond

0.800

0.750

-0.050

Total

5.750

5.750

0.000

The City is shifting 0.05 mills from the Bond millage rate to the M&O millage rate to provide additional funding for capital investment in our infrastructure.

Robert J. Regus City Administrator

David Belle Isle Mayor

COMMUNITY

6 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

Northview Latin Club recruiting hard for 2016 JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Northview High School’s Junior Classical League is rarely mentioned in the news; in fact, it barely makes headlines in the school wide morning announcements.

The Latin club, however, has been quietly accumulating a number of stellar achievements over the years.

The Northview chapter is just one of thousands of Junior Classical League clubs nationwide. Each year, these school clubs meet in state conventions and a national convention, where students celebrate the classics and engage in friendly competition in the form of written tests, sports events, and a classicsthemed quiz bowl, Certamen.

The topics covered range from Roman history to Greek mythology to Latin grammar.

In these contests, Northview’s

Latin team is unparalleled.

At the Georgia JCL convention, Northview students collect numerous first places during the awards ceremony.

Our school dominates the Georgia Latin community.

And we’re moving up.

At the National Junior Classical League convention held last summer at Emory University, Georgia’s JCL chapter took home 10 first places in academic competitions, and the national championship in Intermediate Certamen.

The JCL offers opportunities not only for academic awards but also for leadership. Officers are elected each year at the state and national levels, and the 2015 GJCL convention at Rock Eagle was the product of the hard work of the GJCL state officers, four of whom came from Northview.

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Funding: Continued from Page 5 money already in the budget.

“That is a done deal as far as I’m concerned. The other issue is whether the grant funding will continue. That is strictly up to the City Council,” Tracy said. “What is more alarming is if there is no interest in funding these grants, why are we [the Arts and Culture Board] here?”

Board member Ron Cioffi said going forward, the City Council must ultimately make the political decision whether art and culture are areas for the city politically to support.

“Some cities do well supporting the arts. Culture is an economic generator. That is why the $30,000 is in the budget. That is part of the government’s goal in funding arts,” said Cioffi.

Cioffi is a board member of Arts on the Creek, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that originated the Arts on the Creek Festival. Now the city operates it as the Johns Creek

A large part of Northview’s formidable reputation in Latin is due to the untiring efforts of Northview Latin teacher Neal David. Although he may cut an intimidating figure on the first day of Latin I, he quickly wins over his students.

However, registration for Latin at Northview has declined in recent years, enough so that next year’s Latin I class will have only half the enrollment it typically does, a mere 33 students.

At Northview’s freshman orientation from July 6t to July 14, the official day for club recruitment, the JCL Club will host a table in the front of the school with a goal to have 20 to 30 students sign up for Latin.

Even now, JCL members are working through the summer to plan an exciting year for all Latin students.

Arts Festival, and the threeday event attracts around 100,000 people to the city over that weekend.

Cioffi said he felt like the Arts and Culture Board is being totally left out of the discussion.

“In the 48-minute discussion the City Council had about arts funding, it seems like the discussions would at some point include the Arts and Culture Board. We’re a new board, and they are a new City Council,” said Cioffi.

He suggested the Arts and Culture Board request a sit-down meeting with the councilmembers to discuss the arts funding as part of a larger discussion of the role of the arts in the city.

“That is a subject we are supposed to know well. I know I have some thoughts on the subject,” he said.

Maust agreed.

“We do need to be more vocal,” she said.

The Arts and Culture Board has submitted a request to be added to the July 20 work session agenda. It convenes at 6 p.m.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA 2015 TAX DIGEST AND LEVY NOTICE The City of Alpharetta does hereby announce that the 2015 millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia on July 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.

CURRENT 2015 TAX DIGEST AND FIVE YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Real & Personal

$

4,600,983,058 $

4,504,603,238 $

4,458,573,581 $

4,386,199,801 $

4,438,518,254 $

4,860,696,632

Motor Vehicles

$

193,069,470 $

198,495,280 $

201,312,700 $

218,557,340 $

186,312,400 $

130,611,730

Mobile Homes

$

12,640 $

10,776 $

10,760 $

10,760 $

10,760 $

10,760

Heavy Duty Equipment

$

73,282 $

- $

13,102 $

19,163

Gross Digest

$

4,794,138,450 $

4,703,127,826 $

18,532

4,659,897,041 $

-

4,604,767,901 $

4,624,854,516 $

4,991,338,285

Less Bond Exemptions

$

113,313,028 $

106,705,655 $

105,643,632 $

105,136,401 $

96,049,995 $

106,526,029

Net Bond Digest

$

4,680,825,422 $

4,596,422,171 $

4,554,253,409 $

4,499,631,500 $

4,528,804,521 $

4,884,812,256

Less M&O Exemptions

$

546,730,438 $

587,122,135 $

581,361,672 $

571,674,041 $

564,423,135 $

574,899,169

Net M&O Digest

$

4,247,408,012 $

4,116,005,691 $

4,078,535,369 $

4,033,093,860 $

4,060,431,381 $

4,416,439,116

Gross Millage

8.233

8.425

8.622

8.758

8.778

9.009

Bond Millage

1.535

1.535

0.930

0.880

0.800

0.750

Less L.O.S.T. Rollback

2.483

2.675

2.872

3.008

3.028

3.259

Net M&O Millage

4.215

4.215

4.820

4.870

4.950

5.000

Net Bond and M&O Taxes Levied

$

25,087,892 $

24,404,472 $

23,893,996 $

23,600,843 $

23,722,179 $

25,745,805

Net Bond Taxes Levied

$

7,185,067 $

7,055,508 $

4,235,456 $

3,959,676 $

3,623,044 $

3,663,609

Net M&O Taxes Levied

$

17,902,825 $

17,348,964 $

19,658,540 $

19,641,167 $

20,099,135 $

22,082,196

Net Taxes $ Increase/(Decrease)

$

(1,340,935) $

(683,420) $

(510,476) $

(293,153) $

121,336 $

2,023,626

-5.07%

-2.72%

-2.09%

-1.23%

0.51%

Net Taxes % Increase/Decrease

Robert J. Regus City Administrator

8.53%

David Bell Isle Mayor

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 7

PRESS RELEASE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX HEARINGS

City of Johns Creek Notice of Property Tax Hearings (Millage Rate)

The City of Johns Creek announces it is currently in the process of establishing its 2015 millage rate. The City, incorporated in December 1, 2006 has published their Five-Year History of its Tax Digest, Property Revenues and Millage Rate.

The City of Johns Creek announces it is currently in the process of establishing its 2015 millage rate. The City, incorporated in December 1, 2006 has published their Five-Year History of its Tax Digest, Property Revenues and Millage Rate as required.

Each year, the Board of Tax Assessors is required to review the assessed value of taxable property in the County. When the trends of prices on properties that have recently sold in the County indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the Board of Tax Assessors is required by law to re-determine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.

Before the City of Johns Creek sets the final millage rate for 2015, Georgia law requires a public hearing(s) to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this tax increase. All concerned citizens are invited to attend and participate in the Public Hearings which will be held in the Council Chambers at Johns Creek City Hall which is located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 on the following dates and times:

The City of Johns Creek has incurred growth and the reassessment value effects the rollback rate which is calculated to be a 7.43% increase for 2015.

Before the City of Johns Creek sets the final millage rate for 2015, Georgia law requires public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this tax increase. All concerned citizens are invited to attend and participate in the public hearings which will be held at Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 at the following dates and times: • • •

First Public Hearing Second Public Hearing Third Public Hearing

»First Public Hearing Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 11:30am »Second Public Hearing Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 6:00pm

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 11:30am Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 6:00pm Monday, July 27, 2015 at 7:00pm

»Third Public Hearing Monday, July 27, 2015 at 7:00pm Action to adopt the final millage rate for 2015 is scheduled to take place at the Council Meeting on July 27, 2015 which begins at 7:00pm or as close thereafter as possible after the final Public Hearing.

Action to adopt the final millage rate for 2015 is scheduled to take place at the Council Meeting on Monday, July 27, 2015 which begins at 7:00pm or as close thereafter as possible following the public hearing.

JOHNS CREEK 2015 TAX DIGEST AND LEVY NOTICE The City of Johns Creek, Georgia City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the City Hall building located at 12000 Findley Rd., Suite 300 on July 27, 2015 at 7:00 PM and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the 2015 Tax Digest and Levy, along with the Five Year History of the tax digest and levy.

CURRENT 2015 TAX DIGEST AND HISTORY OF LEVY Description Real & Personal

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

4,036,193,971

3,864,776,391

3,769,838,987

3,678,210,672

3,874,517,771

4,293,901,081

Motor Vehicles

234,501,440

233,172,030

246,471,400

276,044,730

238,200,610

172,426,560

Mobile Homes

0

0

0

0

0

0

Timber - 100%

0

0

0

0

0

0

Heavy Duty Equipment

0

0

0

0

0

0

4,270,695,411

4,097,948,421

4,016,310,387

3,954,255,402

4,112,718,381

4,466,327,641

401,513,668

394,616,032

390,804,326

390,281,164

406,614,154

468,367,859

3,869,181,743

3,703,332,389

3,625,506,061

3,563,974,238

3,706,104,227

3,997,959,782

8.205

8.752

8.756

9.279

9.005

9.345

Gross Digest Less M & O Exemptions Net M & O Digest Gross M & O Millage Rate Less Millage Rate Rollbacks

3.591

4.138

4.142

4.665

4.391

4.731

Net M & O Millage Rate

4.614

4.614

4.614

4.614

4.614

4.614

17,852,405

17,087,176

16,728,085

16,444,177

17,099,965

18,446,586

(790,234)

(765,229)

(359,091)

(283,908)

655,788

1,346,622

-4.24%

-4.29%

-2.10%

-1.70%

4.00%

7.88%

Net Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase

8 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

OPINION

What does exceptional mean in Johns Creek?

We are getting some mixed messages coming out of Johns Creek, which is probably to be expected since as a board, all of its members save the mayor are green as grass.

Take this latest brouhaha over funding the arts grants for 2015 and beyond. What city has an arts grant program, asks for arts organizations to apply for funding and midyear tells them sorry, change of direction.

Well a lot of people have been misinformed about what the program is, including yours truly. The $30,000 the city puts in the budget every year is to pay out grants, which is tantamount to a donation and a big no-no for taxing authorities to do.

But what cities can do, and Johns Creek has done in the past, is to contract for services from these nonprofit entities for work that is perceived as beneficial to the community and its residents.

Each of the arts groups are submitting requests for funding of particular projects or classes that will be additional outreach to the community in some way. These projects are then vetted by a committee of Johns Creek employees appointed by the county manager to evaluate them and forward with a thumbs up or down recommendation.

Now I am not saying the City Council should rubber-stamp the recommendations, but councilmembers should know that these are “over and above” projects that the Johns Creek Arts Center, or the Johns Creek Symphony or the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center say they can provide if deemed worthy.

It was apparent that the

HATCHER HURD

Executive Editor hatcher@ appenmediagroup.com

City Council had not studied the individual projects, nor the process involved in choosing which requests should be approved. Again, the key is these are not grants as such, but contracts for services.

The criteria include that these organizations and the projects will serve the residents of the city.

Now, it is certainly the purview of the City Council to establish the need and/or benefit of any arts program.

But it should be done in a more formal process than three guys who are fuzzy on the whole thing saying it’s not the city’s business.

First, the city is not a business.

As their primary reason for being, businesses have to turn a profit. A city doesn’t turn a profit paving streets or building baseball diamonds. It does those for other reasons.

A city is about raising the quality of life for the community. That means it keeps its people safe, puts out any fires and contributes in countless other ways make the city a great place to live.

So to say arts and culture have no place on the menu is not consistent with what the city has done in the past.

Take the biggest single event the city sponsors: the Johns Creek Arts Festival.

... Is the city in the music business?

I think not. Is the city in the movie business when it shells out $7,234 for free movies at Newtown?

I think not.

What is great about it is this festival draws thousands of people to the city. It gets the city recognition as a place that embraces the arts and the culture that surrounds it.

It also showcases our local dance companies, giving them a place to perform and be seen. Same goes for our youth orchestras that play. What a great thing for the community.

But it comes at a cost. A festival has to be promoted.

Out-of-town artists and artisans must be encouraged to come here. There is security to provide, and the space for the festival secured.

Does it make a profit? It all depends on what one’s values are, I suppose.

So I would put that festival down as a plus for the community, even though it costs taxpayers some of their hardearned cash to put it on.

Meanwhile we have a $1 million amphitheater at Newtown Park, which presumably is for more than to provide shade to the Johns Creek Farmers Market. It is home to free concerts offered by the city. The $46,265 it spent on performers was deemed “worth it.”

But is the city in the music business? I think not. Is the city in the movie business when it shells out $7,234 for free movies at Newtown? I think not.

So why is it suddenly so important to get down in the weeds of a $50 million budget to cut $30,000 from local arts groups to save 0.0006 of 1 percent of the budget? If Mrs. Hamby taught me math well enough, that is 6 onemillionths of 1 percent of the budget.

I would ask the City Council to take a wider view of just what encompasses the needs of the city. Encouraging the arts in this community is not really exceptional.

Most cities do it in some fashion or another.

To not support the arts is something else – what do you call the opposite of exceptional?

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Supreme Court has busy week with flags, gays, Obamacare What a time to be a policy wonk!

The past week has been a busy one for followers of SCOTUS – that is insider lingo for the Supreme Court of the United States. Over the course of a few days, these nine justices have handed down several decisions with wideranging consequences.

For a governmental body that rarely draws attention in its rulings, to have three blockbusters in two weeks is astounding.

First there was a decision on whether Texas should allow the Confederate battle flag on government-issued license plates. The court ruled 5-4 that the state does not have to allow objectionable icons on state-issued plates.

This ruling came right on the heels of the newly ignited debate over the use of the Confederate flag on state property (especially South Carolina).

“Just as Texas cannot force a private citizen to convey on his or her license plate a message with which he or she does not agree, so the Sons of Confederate Veterans cannot force Texas to convey on its license plate a message with which the state does not agree,” said Justice Stephen Breyer in the majority opinion.

Second was the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as “Obamacare”).

In a 6-3 decision, the justices decided that the intent of the law was clear – stabilize markets and provide affordable healthcare. A precise wording of imprecise language shouldn’t change that, is the gist of their ruling.

The case King v. Burwell challenged the federal government’s right to offer subsidies to healthcare enrollees in states who chose not to set up their own insurance exchanges. The law is quiet about the feds stepping in for recalcitrant states – unfortunately, those states make up 34 of the 50 in the Union. Hardly a minority.

Justice Antonin Scalia called the result “absurd,” in his dissent, suggesting the ACA now be called “SCOTUS-care.”

“Under all the usual rules of interpretation, in short, the government should lose this case,’ Scalia wrote. “But normal rules of interpretation seem always to yield to the overriding principle of the present court: The Affordable Care Act must be saved.”

It’s probably fair to say the challenges to the ACA are far

JONATHAN COPSEY

Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com

In Georgia, voters approved a ban on same-sex marriage in 2004. This decision is now overturned with this Supreme Court ruling just as they are in all states with gay marriage bans. from over. If Republicans keep Congress and win the presidency in next year’s elections, it’s almost a sure bet the law will be challenged again or changed.

The very next day, the longsimmering debate over samesex marriage is settled. In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court decided marriage is marriage regardless of what mix of genders participate. It is now the law of the land that same-sex marriage is legal.

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family,” wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy in the majority opinion. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”

In Georgia, voters approved a ban on same-sex marriage in 2004. This decision is now overturned with this Supreme Court ruling just as they are in all states with gay marriage bans.

Twenty-four states had already allowed gay marriage.

In his dissenting opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts decried the outcome: “If you are among the many Americans — of whatever sexual orientation — who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision … Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner … But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.”

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 9

10 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

SCHOOLS

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Georgia receives extension on No Child Left Behind waiver

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Georgia has received an extension of its waiver from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as it relates to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, allowing the state to continue its own plan to improve student achievement.

“I am pleased that Georgia was granted continued flexibility from the overly prescriptive and one-size-fits-all system,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “States

know what works to improve education better than the federal government.”

In 2012, Georgia was one of the first states to seek, and receive, a waiver from NCLB by the U.S. Department of Education. The waiver was granted in exchange for the state’s commitment to develop its own accountability plans to improve student performance.

NCLB was first implemented in 2002, requiring districts to have all students performing at grade level by 2014, or face harsh penalties. Although the law technically expired in

2007, it remains intact until the U.S. Congress either kills it or reauthorizes it. Only five states still adhere to NCLB; with waivers given to the remaining 45.

Recently, education committees for both the U.S. Senate and House approved new versions of NCLB, with more realistic expectations than the current law. This bipartisan support indicates reauthorization may actually happen in the near future.

“The [committee’s] consensus is this: Continue [NCLB’s] important measurements of

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academic progress of students, but restore to states, school districts, classroom teachers and parents the responsibility for deciding what to do about improving student achievement,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Senate Education Committee.

For now, Georgia has a waiver to pursue its own performance plans. Those plans include the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI), which considers a broad range of factors that make a school successful.

Under NCLB, a school could be deemed failing if only of small group of students did poorly on the state assessment.

Critics argued that was a snapshot of school performance on one day, instead of throughout the year, which the CCRPI now calculates. Each year, schools and school districts are given a CCRPI score from 1-100 that evaluates the school on its graduation rates, test scores, school climate and other factors.

In contrast, NCLB passed or failed schools on the basis of one annual assessment, which comprised Adequate Yearly Performance (AYP).

In requesting the extension, Woods included a request to

States know what works to improve education better than the federal government.”

RICHARD WOODS Georgia School Superintendent

amend the section dealing with newly arrived English language learners to allow more time to be deemed proficient.

The current waiver mandates such students show proficiency the first time they take the mandated annual assessments, which is often only the second year the student is in Georgia.

“Research has proven that it takes several years to gain the English skills necessary to engage with academic content effectively,” said Woods. “Our amendment request takes a more realistic approach to assess English language learners’ abilities.”

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Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Bodker Sworn in as president of Georgia Municipal Association Says key to success for cities to collaborate The following is a press release from the city on Mayor Mike Bodker’s assumption of the presidency of the Georgia Municipal Association:

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was sworn in June 28 as the 83rd president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). He is the first metro Atlanta mayor to serve as a GMA president.

GMA, which is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia, is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its members.

The ceremony took place in Savannah, during GMA’s annual conference, which used the theme “Creative Impact” to highlight the impact of the arts on Georgia cities.

The mayor took the opportunity during his remarks to build on the theme by recognizing the creative approaches cities around the state are taking to benefit their respective cities through collaboration.

“This collaborative spirit must be embraced and championed in order for our cities and our state to proposer and succeed,” said Bodker.

Among the many cities he pointed to as examples was Johns Creek’s collaborative approach to create a downtown sense of place and identity.

“In Johns Creek, the city is actively working alongside business and economic development organizations and with our residents to develop our own vibrant mixed-use downtown we call The District,” said Bodker.

“As envisioned, The District will become an economic engine, and cultural and entertainment center that will sustain our exceptional city for future generations.”

GMA organizers and Bodker also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Mayor Eva Galambos of Sandy Springs, who passed away in April.

It was noted that Galambos’ creative vision, passion, and drive served as the example for other communities with aspirations to become a city to follow.

“Without her multi-decade effort to create Sandy Springs, it is doubtful that Johns Creek and the other new cities in metro-Atlanta would have been created,” said Bodker. “Without her vision and tenacity, I know that I would not be here today as mayor of Johns Creek, much less as president of GMA.” As Bodker looked ahead to his one-year term as GMA president he pointed to two specific challenges that he says Georgia municipalities need to address.

The first challenge is the rise in drug use across the state and the importance of a collective approach to mitigate this growing problem.

“I think all of us in this room understand that there are no insular communities.

Drug use has permeated every level of society and it hides among us,” Bodker said.

“Our communities have tragically lost lives, both young and old, to addiction and overdoses and we must leverage our experience to aggressively turn the tide on this growing problem.”

The second challenge Bodker noted was how to create a better balance between cities and counties on service delivery and local option sales tax issues.

He closed his remarks

JC Junior Volleyball hosts camp, tryouts JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek Junior Volleyball will be hosting a camp and tryouts at Johns Creek High School at 5575 State Bridge Road July 6 – 8, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The cost is $135 and open for girls who have completed grades fifth through 8th.

Johns Creek Jr. Gladiator volleyball tryouts for 6-8th grade will be Aug. 3, noon to 2 p.m. Visit their website for details at http://johnscreekgladiators.com/index.php?id=1825.

emphasizing the need for a collective and creative approach to addressing common issues shared by all municipalities.

“I can think of no better way for us to do that – to create those lasting and powerful impacts in our cities and state – than by working together in a spirit of collaboration that respects our differences, uplifts our common purpose and cares more about results than being in control,” Bodker said.

Mayor Mike Bodker takes the oath of office as the 83rd president of the Georgia Municipal Association.

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12 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

COMMUNITY

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Bev Miller passes Rotary JC gavel Honored for her leadership, accomplishments in 2014-15

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Outgoing Rotary Johns Creek-North Fulton President Bev Miller ended her year of guidance, and was roundly applauded for her accomplishments during her term.

Incoming Rotary President Ron Jones said Miller is one of many Johns Creek women who have stepped up to take leadership roles. She has served on several community organization boards and was one of two women to serve on the inaugural Johns Creek City Council.

“North Fulton County has produced a number of female leaders – many of whom first got active on the local level,” Jones said. “People like Lynn Riley, who was a Fulton commissioner, state representative and now the state tax commissioner. And Liz Hausmann, who was a Fulton Board of Education member, followed Lynn onto the Fulton Board of Commissioners.

“Bev has been a leader since before there was a city

VERY UGLY DRIVEWAY? Old? Discolored?

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here,” he said. “She and these other ladies have done much to change the quality of leadership in Johns Creek.”

Rotary Assistant District Governor Bill Schmitt also attended to applaud Miller and the club for its growth and development.

“Leadership is an important trait. Leaders like Bev find a way to get things done,” Schmitt said. “I am proud of the way she has represented Rotary in Johns Creek.”

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment Miller had during her tenure as president was implementing a strategic plan for the club.

She also created a formal budget for Rotary Johns Creek as well as overseeing the growth of the club to 42 current members.

The club had become dormant until its revival a few years ago. Now it has a vibrancy about it and is creating a culture and tradition on which the club can build, Schmitt told the members.

“Most organizations have something in their DNA that

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Outgoing Rotary Johns Creek-North Fulton President Bev Miller is congratulated for her stellar term as president. Congratulating her, from left, are incoming President Ron Jones, the secretary of state’s roving ambassador Roger Wise, Miller and Rotary board member Glenn Spears. you can feel when you walk in the room,” he said. “And the Johns Creek Rotary has it.

You’re off to a great start.”

Roger Wise, acting as goodwill ambassador for Secretary of State Brian Kemp, brought a proclamation honoring Miller for her service to Rotary in bringing it forward to a new plateau.

“When this club was revived, Bev was one of those who took up the challenge,” Wise said. “The secretary wanted you to know your leadership

this past year is appreciated.”

Rotary Johns Creek’s first president after the revival, Rory Robichaux, said Miller’s involvement has been key since the start.

“We began with a small group. I needed someone with stature and credentials in the city. We needed someone who was respected at every level in the city. I needed Bev Miller,” Robichaux said.

“You lent that credibility when we needed to get the club going in its early stages,” he

said. “I have seldom seen such leadership as strong and as cheerfully offered. This club has matured under your leadership.”

Miller was quick to share the moment when she had her turn to speak.

“The reason for our success is before me. You were all there,” Miller said. “With all that we accomplished, the thing I learned is you don’t do it alone. I appreciate the kind words, but those words apply to everybody.”

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Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 13 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Walmart greeter Lee Brown retires at 90 ‘Second career’ comes to end

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – After 23 years as the greeter at the Windward Parkway Walmart store, Lee Brown is “retiring” – after all he is 90 years old.

After a 30-year career with a manufacturing company, Brown said he needed something to do, so at 67 he walked into the Walmart store to get a job as a greeter.

“I’ve always worked my whole life,” Brown said. “I think my wife wanted me to get out of the house some too.”

Walmart Store Manager Tom Dunn said Brown has been a fixture at the store, every weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“He has been a great asset to the store from day one. He always gives people good assistance and he always interacts well with the customers,” Dunn said.

As Dunn was speaking, a customer who only gave his name as Casey came up to speak to Brown.

“He’s what makes Walmart,” said Casey. “Every Friday we come to the store

PHOTOS BY HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Windward Parkway Walmart Store Manager Tom Dunn, left, congratulates Lee Brown on his 23 years with the store.

Brown, 90, is retiring for the second and final time, he said. and there is Mr. Brown with a big smile.

It’s like having a good friend at the store.”

Dunn said Brown was the first person he met when he

Lee Brown celebrates his last day at Walmart with family and co-workers. Brown and his wife were joined by son Phil, his wife Tamra, grandsons Danny and Jake and Brown’s other son David. came to the store to apply for the position as manager.

“My first day I walked into the store and there was Lee. He said, ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’ And I told him I was hoping to get the job as the store manager.

“He gave a big smile and said, ‘You’re hired!’ I didn’t know then he had that much pull with Walmart,” Dunn said jokingly.

Brown said he really enjoyed his time there, and all of Walmart associates were good friends.

“It’s like family here. I’m really going to miss them, but I think it’s time now,” Brown said.

His wife of 64 years, Helen Brown acknowledged it will be a change for the both of them to have her husband around the house all the time.

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“I always said if you don’t count the hours sleeping, his friends at Walmart saw more of Lee than I did,” said Helen.

“He would get home from work, and after dinner fall asleep watching some ballgame.”

So what will Brown do with all of this new-found spare time at home? He had his answer ready and with conviction.

“I’m not doing anything.”

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14 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

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REMEMBERING CHARLESTON:

Pastors: Stand up for love, community Local congregations take stand against hate, violence

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The killing of nine people in a Charleston Bible study class June 17 shocked the nation. It also shocked the religious community – sanctuaries are no longer safe from hate. In Alpharetta, several local churches decided to tell the community they were taking a stand of solidarity with each other and those in Charleston.

A peace and unity rally was held at midday June 28 in front of the new Alpharetta City Hall. Nearly 150 people from a half-dozen congregations around downtown Alpharetta joined together to sing, pray and express their faith.

“God is able to take anything and bring good out of it,” said the Rev. Thomas Hammond of Alpharetta First Baptist Church.

“We are united in our heart and sense of tragedy,” echoed the Rev. Robert Wood of St.

Aidan’s Episcopal Church.

“This [action] was ugly, but God’s grace is in our hearts.

We won’t stand for this. We are moving ahead in the grace of God.” The nine who were killed in Charleston spent their last moments on Earth in Bible study, in a sacred place. This was not lost on those assembled.

“Their last act was Bible study. The sacred spaces of sanctuaries are not safe places,” said the Rev. Ollie Wagner, senior pastor of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. “God is standing here for people and against violence; love and forgiveness against hatred.”

In echoing the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Don Martin, of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, said, “I have a dream, and nobody with any gun can take away that dream.

“I still have that dream,” he said. “It’s alive in Alpharetta, and that dream will one day cover the face of this Earth.”

The Rev. Michael McQueen,

The victims of the June 17 Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting • Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd (54) • Susie Jackson (87) • Ethel Lee Lance (70) • Depayne Middleton-Doctor (49) • Clementa C. Pinckney (41) • Tywanza Sanders (26) • Daniel Simmons (74) • Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45) • Myra Thompson (59)

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Residents of Alpharetta prayed for peace and love in the wake of the Charleston shooting. of St. James United Methodist Church, said the congregations’ strength comes from their numbers and resolve.

“We believe we can make a difference in our world,” McQueen said. “With God’s help, we can do something to strengthen us. God has always used pivotal events to bring the nation to bear witness.”

McQueen called for the religious communities of the area to band together and teach their congregations, especially the youth, that, “Jesus is love, and love will conquer sin and hatred.”

“We can come together in love,” he said. “Alpharetta is a place people can come together.”

“Alpharetta is a place to come together,” says Rev. Michael McQueen.

Rev. Robert Wood says the city is “united” in love.

Rev. Thomas Hammond speaks to the crowd at Alpharetta City Hall.

Rev. Ollie Wagner prays for those killed in Charleston.

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15 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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Colletta: Indigo Road’s newest venture in Avalon Follows streak of successful restaurants in South Carolina

By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Open since February in Avalon, Colletta combines all regional Italian cuisines, adding modern flavors to rustic dishes with a focus on in-house made fresh pasta.

Colletta is the sister restaurant to Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s Indaco, both of which fall under the command of Executive Chef Michael Perez.

Colletta will be Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s second Atlanta restaurant, the first being Oak Steakhouse. Indigo Road is based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Colletta’s General Manager Kevin Krapp said that Indigo Road chose Avalon for its newest location because of Avalon developer Mark Toro’s “commitment to hospitality and service.”

“Toro really made us want to come and join him [in Avalon],” Krapp said.

“Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to open a restaurant in the wintertime with zero advertising,” he said. “We had to get back to some grassroots marketing and start taking lunch to people every day.”

Since then, Colletta teamed up with marketing firm The Reynolds Group Inc., and Krapp said the response has been fantastic. “[Business] has been going

great for us, and it’s getting better every month,” said Krapp.

Some of that success, Krapp said, can be attributed to Indigo Road’s emphasis on being chef-driven and providing top-notch hospitality.

Colletta’s chef-driven attitude is apparent on the menu, featuring classic Italian fare such as fried calamari and four-cheese ravioli but, as Krapp said, Perez has put his personal twists on the classics as well as modern Italian fare.

“Some people come in here looking for veal scallopini or lasagna and that is not what we’re about,” Krapp said. “[Chef Perez] said if I’m going to put calamari on the menu, it’s going to be the best calamari they’ve had.”

Krapp called Perez vital to the success of Colletta.

“He’s the reason why we are out here,” he said. “He’s the only one who adds or deletes things off the menu. I’ve worked in Atlanta for a long time and a lot of restaurants are corporate and are driven on the ownership, whereas [Indigo Road] has chef-driven restaurants.”

For Indigo Road, success has become the norm for their group of restaurants. Oak Steakhouse in Charleston was named one of the best steakhouses in the United States in 2013 by Travel + Leisure, and Esquire named O-Ku one of the best new restaurants in the

PHOTOS COURTESY COLLETTARESTAURANT.COM

United States in 2010. Indigo Road is optimistic that their two Avalon endeavors, Colletta

and Oak Steakhouse, will continue their string of success.

Indigo Road plans to add

another restaurant to their Atlanta lineup in Midtown Atlanta.

BusinessPosts

16 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

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

Taking a risk-based approach Trends differ for multiDo you evaluate and measure the associated risks you and your small business are taking?

Are you putting plans together to mitigate any potential risks associated with your strategies, new products and services, or other initiatives you are implementing?

Taking a risk-based approach will help ensure that you get the best outcome and minimize surprises that could derail your plans.

Risk management is a key component in the corporate world but often overlooked with small businesses. Chief Risk officers in the corporate world are tasked with the responsibility of developing plans to identify, manage and mitigate all potential risks to their enterprise. In small businesses, this is yet another “hat” that a small business owner has to wear.

You should start by identifying all the potential risks you have and the likelihood

DICK JONES

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales

of them happening. Prioritizing each risk will allow you to focus more time and energy on ones that could cause the most harm. Assigning resources in your business to monitor each risk, and “raise a red flag” when they are about to occur, will help your reaction time in responding to risks.

Developing a specific mitigation plan is also critical. Being prepared for when a specific risk happens, including the specific steps your business will take to mitigate the damage, will help you save time, energy and money.

Taking a risk-based approach in running your small business will not only help you

Being prepared for when a specific risk happens, including the specific steps your business will take to mitigate the damage, will help you save time, energy and money. be more successful, it will also minimize getting blindsided when something does happen.

And it will!

NewBusinessSpotlights

Business: Virtual Properties Realty Owners: Steve Wagner and Karen Burks Opened: January, 2015 What: Virtual Properties Realty, an awardwinning firm, and recently voted one of the top companies for three years in a row by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, makes its agents and clients No. 1 in the business. The company

strives to do what is right and whatever level of success that we achieve, at the end of the day, it will be our honesty and integrity that matters most. We owe our clients no less.

Address: 11340 Lake Field Drive, Suite 100, Johns Creek Phone: 770-495-5050 x76 Web: www.virtualpropertiesrealty.net

family, office markets Editor’s note: This is part of a series of excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.”

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are mindful of our current conundrum.

A lack of available new multifamily product places upward pressure on rents, which in turn affects the costs of subsidized housing.

With more than five times as many tenant vouchers compared to project-based Section 8 units under contract – both totaling more than 300,000 units nationwide according to HUD.gov – most projects are receiving some level of governmentbacked rental payment.

The multi-family market activity has slowed in the larger institutional sector due to compressing cap rates, as well as new construction and rehabilitation in most markets.

However, smaller assets under 50 units are now recovering and provide the small investor a value-added opportunity.

At the same time, a recessional mindset is squeezing the office market. The National Registry’s local office leasing market that came out of the recession is vastly different than the existing market prior to 2008. Corporate tenants have redefined their use of space.

According to CoreNet Global Research, the average square foot per person dropped from 225 square feet to 176 square feet between 2010 and 2012. They further believe it will contract again to 100 square feet by 2017.

The office market has been essentially flat on real rent growth in most domestic markets. The office investment class stands alone as the primary asset class with sufficient scale for major oneoff investments.

Let us take one other observation from our interviewees that points to a trend that is bound to set off controversy. In a word, the drive toward space compression in office use is about at its end, and in the coming years the quality of the office environment will be used as

FRANK NORTON JR. CEO and Chairman The Norton Agency

... The average square foot per person dropped from 225 square feet to 176 square feet between 2010 and 2012.

They further believe it will contract again to 100 square feet by 2017. a marketing tool to recruit talent.

The millennial generation will not put up with the space cram-down much longer, especially as it gains seniority in the workforce. “We space” is going to have to accommodate “me space.” Greater flexibility – and variety – in office space design will be superseding cost cutting as a prime imperative.

“The collaborative aspect of open space is overdone,” one interviewee noted. “I don’t think people need to talk to their coworkers all day long.”

As an investment, office transaction volume was up 35 percent in the nation’s downturns and 25 percent in suburban markets in 2014 compared to the same year to date figures for 2013, according to Real Capital Analytics.

That investment interest is projected for 2015 as well.

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

Mr. Swiss reopens in Cumming

BusinessPosts

Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 17

By HILLARY HUNNINGS news@appenmediagroup.com PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF

CUMMING, Ga. – Breakfast bistro Mr. Swiss held its grand opening June 16, two years after a fire damaged its original location on Jan. 22, 2013.

“Local fire department officials determined that it was an electrical fire that broke out during the early morning when an employee was beginning the preparations for the day,” said company representative Amy Crusselle.

Mr. Swiss closed its original location (left) in 2013 after a fire. It reopened in a new location (right) earlier this year in Central Plaza.

Mr. Swiss now stands in a new location at 230 Elm Street in the Central Plaza shopping center, suite 800.

Despite the move, its history stands still.

“Charles and Lunell Robbs bought it in 1971,” said Crusselle. “We paid homage to that fact by encas-

ing a 1971 dollar coin into our front counter.”

The restaurant is considered a staple among many locals.

“Mr. Swiss is back baby!

What a true Forsyth County icon! So glad they’ve got a new home,” said Facebook user Mark Fouts via the Mr. Swiss Facebook page.

The page has a strong following. Several posts charting renovation to reopening received about 80 likes each. A photo posted of the Mr. Swiss sign on April 23 garnered 404 likes and 303 shares.

Currently the restaurant has a limited menu and is without a phone number.

According to the Mr. Swiss Facebook page they are working to reacquire their original phone number and will post it as soon as possible.

“We have been truly blessed by the community’s response to Mr. Swiss reopening. Our grand opening was a record day for biscuits,” Crusselle said.

BusinessBriefs TECH:

Sanuwave receives hydraulic fracturing patent ALPHARETTA, Ga. —Sanuwave Health announced the receipt of U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,232 from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office entitled, “Apparatuses and Methods for Generating Shock Waves for Use in the Energy Industry” that has a patent life to April 2033.

The patent includes twenty claims relating to the use of shock waves, generated with laser systems, for hydraulic fracturing of rock formations, which can be employed in both secondary and tertiary oil recovery.

“This new patent continues to extend the reach of our technology beyond regenerative medicine and fits with our long term strategy to maximize the value of our shock wave technology in non-medical fields,” said Kevin Richardson, chairman of the board of directors of Sanuwave. “Our new system can potentially replace the high pressure water fracking technology which could result in significant cost reductions and water usage decrease that can have major environmental impact.”

For more information, visit www.sanuwave.com.

FINANCE:

SouthCrest Bank plans Forsyth County branch CUMMING, Ga. — SouthCrest Bank is expanding its operations in Cumming by opening a new branch/ business center in late July.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting is planned for Aug. 5 at the branch, which is at 3275 Market Place Blvd., Suite 100 in Cumming.

“This new Cumming business center represents the first of many we plan to open in metro areas,” said Kenneth H. Maloy, SouthCrest president and CEO. “It demonstrates our continuing commitment to provide quality service and build strong, collaborative relationships with local business customers.”

SouthCrest Bank has had an office in the Cumming area for the past two years, but this move will exhibit a substantial increase in office size, employees and services offered.

The new Cumming business center will specialize in retail and commercial banking services, mortgage banking and small business loan processing.

Bridge2 Solutions secures $5 million venture loan ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Bridge2 Solutions has secured a $5 million venture loan from Horizon Technology Finance.

The company plans to use the proceeds for general working capital purposes.

Founded in 2006, Bridge2 Solutions provides marketing and fulfillment solutions for companies’ loyalty rewards programs.

Company President and CEO Craig McLaughlin said Horizon’s venture loan provides the company with meaningful liquidity that enhances its financial position and future growth prospects.

“As Bridge2 Solutions continues to attract new clients and integrate its unique platform across a wide-range of businesses, we appreciate Horizon’s confidence in the long-term outlook of our company,” he said.

PEOPLE:

Keller Williams agent selected for Leadership Forsyth FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. —Christy Scally, Kelly Williams realtor and Alpharetta native, has been selected to participate in the Leadership Forsyth Class of 2016. The purpose of this program is to provide a master’s level leadership training and inspire a network of emerging leaders through an educational experience that increases particiSCALLY pants’ knowledge and involvement with community leaders, volunteers and business community. After the yearlong program, participants end with a culminating service project for the residents of Forsyth County.

For more information on Leadership Forsyth visit www.leadershipforsyth.org.

Cynthia Frisina named executive director of BlazeSports America ALPHARETTA, Ga. — BlazeSports America welcomes Cynthia Frisina as executive director. Frisina comes to BlazeSports America with more than 25 years as an award-winning marketing professional.

As executive director, she will be responsible for the strategic direction, growth and overall operations of BlazeSports America as well as coordinating US and international activities through the 2016 Paralympics Games in Brazil and beyond.

Frisina is the founder of nonprofit foundation “Reaching for the FRISINA Stars. A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy.”

She has co-authored numerous articles, publications and curriculum content, and has presented courses, conferences and workshops for clinicians and families impacted by physical disabilities.

Keller Williams adds new agent ATLANTA - Kathy Schmidt has joined Keller Williams Community Partners in Cumming. Schmidt comes to the firm after serving as executive assistant to Atlanta FalSCHMIDT cons’ owner and chairman, Arthur Blank. She also served as Falcons Game Day Coordinator.

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, with approximately 700 offices and more than 110,000 associates in more than a dozen countries around the world.

Schmidt can be reached at 678-527-6074 or at KathySchmidt@kw.com.

HEALTH:

MedAssets names Twomey to board of directors ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Kevin M. Twomey has joined MedAssets’ Board of Directors, and will also serve as an independent member of the compensation committee as well as the governance and nominating committee.

From 1999 to 2006, Twomey was president of the St. Joe Company. He served as vice chairman and chief financial officer of H.F. Ahmanson & Company and its principal subsidiary, Home Savings of America, from1993 to 1998.

CALENDAR

EDITOR’S PICKS

18 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

Submit your event online at johnscreekherald.com

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me your event...

OUTDOOR SUMMER MOVIE FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Walk through the Art District in Historic Roswell, touring eight downtown galleries, Downtown Roswell, 1065 Canton Street. Friday, July 3, all day. Visit roswellartdistrict. com for more info.

PUNCHLINE COMEDY AT AVALON

A stand-up comedy routine performed by Dan Menghini at Palmer Plaza, 2200 Avalon Boulevard in Alpharetta. Monday, July 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free.

MUSIC:

JESSE TERRY AND BETH WOOD

What: Jesse Terry and Beth Wood perform at Chukkar Farms as part of the Home by Dark concert series.

Where: Chukkar Farms, 1140 Liberty Grove Road in Alpharetta When: Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m.

Cost: General admission $19.07 Web: www.homebydark.com

Northside Hospital Healthcare System will show Disney’s Maleficent at The Chill Hill in Vickery Village, 58060 South Vickery Street in Cumming.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray. July 1, around 8:30. Free. Visit www.cumminglocal.com for more info.

be available.

When: July 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Avalon Plaza at 2200 Avalon Boulevard in Alpharetta.

Web: http://www. experienceavalon.com

WIMBLETON VIEWING PARTY

What: Avalon is hosting a Wimbledon tennis tournament viewing party. The Avalon Plaza will have a Prince Sport Court complete with racquets and balls. Complimentary strawberries and cream will

What: Meet painters, sketchers and pastelists while they create scenes en plein air (in the fresh air.)

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell When: Tuesday, July 7 at 10

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.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street When: Friday, July 3 Hours: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $5 Web: www.roswellgov.com

RIVER WHYLESS

What: Riverside Sounds Concert Series continues with River Whyless from Asheville, N.C. Where: Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road in Roswell When: Saturday July 11 Hours: 7 p.m. 9 p.m.

Cost: Free

DIRTY SPOKES SAWNEE MTN What: 4 mile trail run at the Sawnee Mountain Nature Preserve.

Where: Sawnee Mountain Preserve, 4075 Spot Road in Cumming When: Saturday, July 18 Cost: $30 through July 5 Web: dirtyspokes.com

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

ARTISTS IN THE WILD

SHANNON WEAVER

When: July 11 at 6 p.m.

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

What: Food trucks, music and children’s activities return to Old Roswell Street.

Six to eight food trucks will be there.

When: July 2 at 5 p.m.

Where: Old Roswell Street in Alpharetta Web: http://www.alpharetta. ga.us

What: Atlanta jazz artist Gwen Hughes will perform at the Velvet Note.

When: Friday, July 3 Hours: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Velvet Note at 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta.

Cost: Admission $22 Web: www.thevelvetnote.com

EVENTS:

Community Fun Day inviting people to try out circus apparatuses, primarily Aerial Silks at Akrosphere, 5910 Gateway Drive in Alpharetta.

Sunday, July 5, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.akrosphere. com for more info.

a.m.

Cost: $10 or free to CNC members Web: www.chattnaturecenter. org

FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

GWEN HUGHES

AKROSPHERE FUN DAY

What: This musical is a fictionalized version of the life of Annie Oakley (1860– 1926), a sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West, and her romance with sharpshooter Frank Butler.

When: Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m.

Where: The Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St in Cumming Cost: Call 770-781-9178 for tickets Web: playhousecumming.com

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR

What: Movies at Newtown Park continues with ‘Penguins of Madagascar.’

THEATRE:

PRINCESS AND THE PEA, Y’ALL

What: This play adds a little southern charm to a classic fairy tale. That Puppet Guy, Lee Bryan returns for a hilarious and fun story.

ANIMALIA

What: Animalia explores the world of animals through movement, music and visually stunning puppetry.

When: July 6 through July 11. Various show times.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street in Roswell Cost: $5 dollars for an individual ticket or $30 dollars for the summer pass (seven shows) Web: www.roswellgov.com

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JULY FOURTH EVENTS

CALENDAR

Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 19

FAIRGROUND FOURTH FESTIVITIES

What: Come see a dance contest, food, vendors and children’s activities When: July 3 from 6 - 11 p.m.

Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road.

Cost: There will be free admission and parking.

Web: www.cummingfair.net

Where: The parade starts at Alpharetta Government Center parking lot and will conclude at Broadwell Pavilion in Milton.

Cost: Free Web: www.crabapple communityassociation.org

STEAM ENGINE PARADE

What: See the ThomasMashburn Memorial Parade, a Cumming July Fourth tradition.

When: July 4 from 10 a.m. 12 p.m.

Where: Cumming City Square, 100 W Court House Square Cost: Free Web: www.cummingfair.net

JULY FOURTH FIREWORKS AT WILLS PARK

What: Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, music and food in Wills Park.

When: July 4 from 6 - 10 p.m.

Food vendors will be located throughout the park until 9 p.m.

Where: Wills Park, 408 Wills Lane in Alpharetta.

Cost: The celebration is free, with fees for inflatables and other children’s activities.

Web: www. awesomealpharetta.com

CRABAPPLE PARADE

What: Decorate your tricycles, bicycles, strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, pets and yourself at Crabapple Community Association’s annual Fourth of July Parade. To participate in the parade register online.

When: July 4 at 10 a.m.

BBQ AND BLUEGRASS

What: Barrington Hall revives an old patriotic tradition at this inaugural event. Music entertainment provided by Smokerise Bluegrass Band.

When: July 4 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: 535 Barrington Drive in Roswell Cost: Free admission with barbeque, beverages and desserts available for purchase from the Mill Kitchen Bar and Grill.

Web: www.roswellgov.com

WE THE RUNNERS

What: A half marathon, 10K and 5K races along Big Creek Greenway and the Sparkler Trot, a half mile for children ages 10 and under. Benefits the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Foundation.

When: July 4 at 7:30 a.m.

Rain or shine.

Where: Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way in Cumming.

Cost: $40 to $65.

Web: www.rungeorgia.com

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA What: The city of Roswell and Roswell Rotary host a community celebration of Independence Day. Enjoy giant inflatables, carnival games, food trucks and more.

Live music from the Last Call Band and Banks and Shane.

When: July 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Fireworks begin at dark.

Where: Sweet Apple Elementary School, 12025 Etris Road in Roswell.

Cost: Free.

Web: www.roswellrotary.club

BBQ AND TURTLE RACE

What: Head to the Foster House for their 11th annual

BBQ and Turtle Race.

When: Barbeque will be sold from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Turtle Race starts at 1 p.m.

Where: The Foster House, 305 West Main Street in Cumming.

Cost: No fee to enter the race.

Web: www.foster-house.com

GIBBS GARDENS

What: Enjoy music at Gibbs Gardens.

When: July 4 the Gardens will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. From 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. flutists, harpists and violinists will play. From 6 - 9 p.m. Bill Pound returns to play both rock-n-roll and soft country.

Where: 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground, Georgia 30107 Cost: See website or call 770-893-1881 for ticket cost.

Wine, beer and food will be available for purchase.

Web: www.gibbsgardens.com

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20 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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

Sponsored Section • Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015

News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.

Crye-Leike celebrates opening of ninth office in Georgia JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – It’s been ten years since Harold Crye, CEO of Crye-Leike Real Estate, expanded the company’s footprint into the Atlanta metro area. Today, the third largest privately owned real estate company in the nation opens

its ninth office in Georgia at 9945 Jones Bridge Road located in Johns Creek.

Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Tammie Carter as the new Managing Broker.

The office has the capacity currently for approximately 50

agents with room to grow as needed. Its agents will serve buyers and sellers in Atlanta and the surrounding North Fulton, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Dawson, Hall and Cherokee counties.

“The Atlanta real estate

market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves,” said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. “We see a lot of potential for the local market like Johns Creek and are very happy to be expanding in and around the Atlanta area.”

Crye-Leike’s Johns Creek office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs.

The office is also in the process of recruiting and interviewing agents to grow its team. It will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this summer.

Crye-Leike Real Estate Services had a great year in 2014 achieving $5.3 billion in sales volume. Over a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled CryeLeike agents sold over 30,000 properties. Crye-Leike’s sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market.

Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/Roswell, Cartersville, Cumming, McDonough Norcross, Smyrna/ Vinings, and Woodstock in addition to a Residential Property Management, Commercial and Relocation division.

Crye-Leike is a full service company offering a wide variety of financial services such as home mortgages, insurance, and title insurance. Crye-Leike made several advances in technology support including new personalized mobile apps for agents.

The company also upgraded its appointment center system to be more intuitive for home owners and agents. In 2014, Crye-Leike’s Appointment Center scheduled 183,000 showings. Crye-Leike’s website, www.crye-leike.com, received an award from Leading Real Estate Companies in the world for its innovation with property listings.

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Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Saving money in a seller’s market: Three tips (NAPSI)—If you’re planning—or even just dreaming—of buying your first home, a few tips and trends may prove intriguing.

According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices are up and accelerating because there are more buyers than homes for sale.

Here are three tips for firsttime buyers looking to purchase in this seller’s market: Know your budget and stay within it: Before you start shopping, find out what you can afford with a preapproval from a lender so you know how much money you can borrow.

When determining your budget, consider the other costs of home ownership, including taxes, insurance and utilities.

When listings are scarce, home prices tend to rise as bidding wars drive them higher. Don’t get caught up competing against other buyers and counteroffering above what you can comfortably afford. Winning a bidding war could feel like losing if you end up spending above your means. Stay patient and walk away if the price surpasses your budget.

Identify needs versus wants: No home is perfect and many people have to compromise on features when buying an existing home. At the same time, you don’t want to end up settling for a house you don’t love.

Separate and maintain your focus on what you really want in a home against what you can live with (or without).

A home in a certain school district or close to your job most likely falls into the former while a kitchen with a fancy backsplash is something you can add at a later date.

Work with a Realtor who knows the area: When housing supply is tight, an attractively priced home will likely draw multiple offers. Find a Realtor with experience serving clients

in your desired area. He or she can provide invaluable market information, including how fast homes are selling and for what price. A Realtor can also help you with a negotiation strategy to make your offer stand out.

Buying a home is arguably the most important financial decision you’ll make in your life. Working with a Realtor and following this advice can give you the advantage you need.

July 2, 2015 21

22 July 2, 2015

Sponsored Section • REAL ESTATE REPORT

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald

Why to sell with a Realtor Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings BILL RAWLINGS, Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta; Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty There are many reasons why homeowners attempt to sell their home on their own. Some sellers are tempted to try a ‘For Sale by Owner’ (FSBO) transaction because their local community is in the midst of a seller’s market and they think they can sell easily without help. Others try it because they want to maximize their profits and think they do not need a real estate professional to sell their home. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, less than 10 percent of FSBOs actually sell.

Choosing to sell with a professional rather than on your own makes sense for a variety of reasons: It is fairly common that FSBOs price their home too high, which can significantly hinder the chances the home sells. Studies show that homes priced right when they are first listed sell more quickly and for a higher price than those that linger on the market. A REALTOR® has access to market data about recent sales and other homes on the market that can be used to price your home appropriately.

A REALTOR® can show your home when you are not available, can respond to inquiries from potential buyers and offer valuable feedback – all things that save you time.

A REALTOR® can screen visitors to your home, which provides a measure of safety that FSBO sellers do not have.

In addition, by checking to see if the buyers are legitimate and can afford to purchase your home, a REALTOR® can help you avoid wasting time showing your home to unrealistic buyers.

REALTORS® have RAWLINGS the tools to provide exposure that FSBOs do not. REALTORS® have professional marketing expertise, contacts with other REALTORS® who work with buyers and the support of a brokerage that can market your home more widely than you can as an individual.

Real estate contracts are loaded with lots of clauses, timelines and also many common contract contingencies, such as mortgages and inspections.

A REALTOR® can help you negotiate a contract that not only brings in an appropriate price for your home, but also negotiate specific parts of the contract, if needed.

Before you decide to sell your own home, remember the chance you will be successful is less than 10 percent.

Not only could you end up selling your home for less money, you could leave yourself open to potential legal problems.

The majority of homeowners prefer to work with a professional rather than risk an unsatisfactory selling experience.

Article adapted from USRealty.com.

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District: Continued from Page 1 Mike Bodker said it will not have the endless high-rise buildings that adorned many of the renderings produced in earlier charrettes.

The city is interested in creating “street-level vibrancy,” a term people responded well to in the meetings. City Manager Warren Hutmacher said the city will have to look at how to create a lower-density area that still has high impact at the street level.

“It is a balancing job of keeping it lower density, but still able to attract people to its vibrancy,” Hutmacher said.

Bodker said that vibrancy is what will ultimately drive the density and mix of uses. To create that atmosphere, there are three elements to the mix of activity and use changes to consider. Working days are mostly driven by business activities. On weeknights, from 5 to 7 p.m., that mix changes to focus more on dinner activities and light entertainment.

On the weekends, it is day and evening events and activities, he said.

“It takes a carefully planned mix [of uses] to achieve that all the time,” Bodker said. “Most city centers or downtowns fail in at least one of those areas.

The city of Atlanta is a great example of one of those.”

Bodker noted most of the downtown closes down at 5 p.m. on weeknights.

Only convention trade, concerts and sporting events draw locals back to downtown Atlanta.

Councilman Bob Gray said he agreed with that in principle. The task is finding the mix that fits Johns Creek.

City Community Development Director Sharon Ebert

told council the core of The District should be walkable, and the human tolerance for walkability is about a quartermile. Beyond that, they want to either get in a car or not go there.

“There are three key ingredients to the vibrancy everyone is talking about,” Ebert said.

“The first is people. The next thing that is needed is great spaces, and the third element is things to do.”

Adding those up, you have a downtown, she said.

People: The daytime population is adequate. More retail is needed to attract during the day. Evening and weekend attractions are needed. So the daytime population needs to be augmented.

Great spaces: That is often hard to describe, but you know them when you see them, Ebert said. These are often parks – perhaps with a lot of open space, or a specialty park such as a dog park. The more types of parks in the space – walking trails, a great lawn, a public pavilion – the more attractive it will be.

Civic spaces are also often a part of the mix. This could be a bandstand, a town square, a place where people can congregate, Ebert said.

Cultural spaces are another element. This could be an arts pavilion or public art space.

Things to do: Usually such areas have great retail shops and good dining. Key to that success are wide streets, outdoor dining and the ability to sit on a park bench somewhere. These should have human-scale lighting with areas of good sunshine and shade, depending on the time of the year.

When you have this mix of ingredients operating together, then you have a place that attracts people, Ebert said.

Finally, The District must

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be walkable. The core of The District should have a halfmile radius. Out the outer

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limits of the radius, people can still walk deep into the core. At a quarter-mile radius, people are really in the mix of things.

Inside the half-mile radius are living units – apartments, townhouses or condos. These residential units provide critical mass to the human density needed to create that “street-

level vibrancy.”

These are the elements for The District to be viable and attract people to it. It will also create a unique identity for the city.

Next week, Part II will delve into what planners say the numbers need to be for a successful District.

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Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 25 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Veterans: Belmont Senior Village pays tribute to veterans Continued from Page 1 for a second volume of photos and memories, said Belmont Vice President of Public Relations Amy Self. And they are starting with the Johns Creek Belmont Village.

“This is our second tour of our communities to take photos of our veterans,” Self said. “We learned of Tom Sanders’ work with veterans while he was still completing it and decided we want to be a part of it.”

Sanders, 31, began the project as a homework assignment when he was senior photography student at California Polytechnic State University, and it mushroomed into the book.

“I went to a retirement community to look for veterans, and I just became fascinated by their stories. And of course their faces,” he said.

He has amassed more than 700 photos of veterans and their stories to date, although he has branched out to include Korea and Vietnam veterans now.

One of the Johns Creek veterans he photographed was Ed Mervich, who joined the U.S. Army fresh out of high school at 18. Mervich, who was from Minnesota, was sent to the Pacific theater and had trained in the French protectorate of New Caledonia.

“It was beautiful there,” Mervich recalled.

U.S. Army vet Ed Mervich recently returned to Iwo Jima with his son Gregg Mervich. A fellow visitor took this photo from inside a Japanese pillbox with a rusted machine gun still in place.

But that idyllic time was short-lived. His outfit would be sent to the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. It was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in the Pacific. The U.S. Marines landed Feb. 19, 1945, but it

THOMAS SANDERS

Ed Mervich spent six months on the desolate island of Iwo Jima trying to round up nearly 3,000 enemy soldiers who still held out. Only 800 eventually surrendered.

took 36 days to secure the island in which the Marines suffered 26,000 casualties with more than 8,000 dead.

It was the only campaign in which U.S. casualties outnumbered the Japanese.

“Half the Marines who died in the war, died on Iwo Jima,” Mervich said.

Mervich and his mates in the 147th Infantry Division were sent in to “mop up” the remaining Japanese troops, estimated to be at less than 300. It was closer to 3,000, and they were holed up in 22 miles of caves. Mervich’s unit would not leave Iwo Jima for six months. Of the 3,000 Japanese, he said only about 800 surrendered. The rest were killed or committed suicide.

His closest brush on Iwo Jima came when he was standing on a rock and an enemy soldier suddenly appeared out of a spider hole and rolled a grenade at him.

“It was a dud, or I wouldn’t be here. My buddies told me they never saw legs move so fast and so far from under a body like mine did,” Mervich said.

It would be three years before he came home.

After the war, he became a forester and worked 35 years for Georgia Pacific while raising a family.

Howard Fix, a 90-yearold resident, joined the U.S. Navy at the ripe age of 17. He served most of his hitch, 1943 to 1946, assigned to the fleet tanker USS Kennabago. It was

their job to take fuel and supplies from island supply depots to ships at sea.

The Kennabago would refuel two ships at once, one on portside and one starboard.

I went to a retirement community to look for veterans, and I just became fascinated by their stories.

And of course their faces.”

THOMAS SANDERS Nationally known photographer “It was something to see with two pipes off either side with the waves kicking up.

Once in a while, we would transfer personnel. Then you had to keep the lines taut,” Fox said.

His ship took Fox from the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska to the southwest Pacific and the China coast.

While his ships did not take part in any fleet actions, they always had destroyer escorts wherever they went.

That was because the

tankers were prized targets for Japanese submarines. They knew if a ship was low on fuel, it would be out of action until refueled.

“Our biggest efforts to resupply would come before the invasions. We always had three or four destroyers around us,” he said.

One of Fox’s ports of call was Ulithi, south of the equator and one of the largest atolls in the world.

At 548 square kilometers, the 40-plus islands that made up the atoll were a perfect harbor and easily defended, the Navy thought.

The day after Fox’s ship left Ulithi, an oiler similar to the Kennabago, the USS Mississinewa, was sunk by a manned torpedo called the kaiten. A suicide weapon, this was the only successful sinking of a Navy ship by one of these.

“All hands were lost, except for three,” Fox said.

Fox spent time in China and Hong Kong after the war ended. He was a mailman third class, and it was his job to censor the mail of any information that might say where they were or where they were going, lest it fall into enemy hands.

What really kept him busy though was sending out money orders.

“After any big poker game or craps game, the money orders just flew out. You couldn’t spend it anywhere, so the guys would send it home to save or to help their families out,” Fox said.

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26 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

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‘LET THE GAMES BEGIN!’

Glenhurst Neighborhood Olympics builds community Youngster’s Olympics idea now a popular annual event JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The third annual Glenhurst Olympics took place June 26-27 in the Johns Creek neighborhood of Glenhurst.

From the parade of athletes to the medals ceremony and extinguishing of the Olympic flame, this event was a true community-building experience.

With 23 athletes competing

in 76 events in the two-day, jam-packed sporting schedule, this was not a typical neighborhood gathering — or a typical Olympics.

In fact, the Games were created and led by 14-year-old resident Luke Brown.

Inspired by the 2012 London Olympic Games at age 11, Luke had a vision for bringing the greatest athletic stage in

The medals ceremony included a winners’ platform, as athletes were awarded individual medals and team trophies.

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the world to his own neighborhood.

He laid out a creative plan for adapting the sporting events to the neighborhood’s existing venues.

In addition to using the tennis courts for tennis, badminton and volleyball, the courts could become the track, with empty Coke boxes as hurdles.

Nerf-based arrows and bullets could be used for archery and shooting, and Frisbees for the discus throw.

Water polo and rowing, using inflatable floats and kickboards, could take place in the neighborhood pool.

Safety-guard scooters and cones arranged in a circle on the basketball court could become the luge course; and with a chalk target drawn on the parking lot, the scooters could accommodate curling.

The playground slides were the start of the obstacle course, ending with a half-lap run on the tennis courts.

An excellent debater, Luke soon convinced his parents that his Glenhurst Olympic Games plan was doable. Together, they worked to make his vision a reality.

From the first Glenhurst Olympic Games in July 2013, the idea was met with cheers from children, parents and grandparents. Appealing to multiple ethnicities, the event was so successful that they were repeated in 2014.

Now an annual event, the 2015 Glenhurst Olympics continue to foster self-esteem and build confidence in athletes while honing athletic skills and giving participants the life experience of how to win or lose graciously.

Instead of staring at screens, kids got together to compete outdoors – choosing teams instead of choosing

Youngsters give their all in these hurdles on the tennis court.

Glenhurst Neighborhood Olympics founder, organizer and resident Luke Brown, 14, leads the parade of nations for the 2015 Games. the next video game to play or watching TV. The Glenhurst Olympics have attracted athletes ranging in age from 3 to 45.

The kid- and adult-friendly competitions are creatively designed for fun.

The Games also go a long way toward building Glenhurst into a real community of neighbors who know one another

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after the shared experiences of the annual event.

Children, teenagers and adults enjoy the spirit of friendly competition and the chance to cheer each other on.

Athletes compete to place for medals, trophies and surprisingly popular Olympic-themed rubber duckies.

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 27

North Fulton Hospital given accolades for education Garners 2015 Partnership in Education Award for collaboration with Gwinnett Technical College ROSWELL, Ga. – The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) has awarded North Fulton Hospital the 2015 Partnership in Education Award in recognition of the hospital’s partnership with Gwinnett Technical College.

North Fulton Hospital was honored in the large business category. Tracy Wilkinson, hospital imaging services director, accepted the award on behalf of the hospital, along with Jim Sass, dean of health imaging and informatics for Gwinnett Tech.

The GNFCC’s Education Committee established the Partner in Education Partnership of the Year award in 2009. It recognizes the many outstanding business partnerships that have been established with schools in the North Fulton community.

The support these businesses provide allows area schools to better serve the needs of students and the community.

Gwinnett Tech’s partnership with North Fulton Hospital began five years ago,

From left are GNFCC Board chairman Ken Davis of Renasant Bank; Jim Sass, dean of health imaging and informatics, Gwinnett Tech; Tracy Wilkinson, imaging services director, North Fulton Hospital; Paul Anderson, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood and GNFCC Education Committee chairman; and GNFCC president and CEO Brandon Beach. with the hospital serving as a clinical site for students in Gwinnett Tech’s programs in Radiologic Technology, Computed Tomography, Magnetic

Resonance Imaging, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography to name a few.

“Clinical rotations are an integral part of our student’s

education and allow them to learn from and work side by side with experienced healthcare professionals. Many of these professionals take on a

mentorship role for the students, which helps guide them into very successful healthcare careers,” said Sass.

“At the same time, while the North Fulton Hospital imaging services staff is helping the students gain experience and skills, that staff is also being challenged by the students to be engaged with learning.

“It is a win-win for both partners,” Sass said.

The partnership extends beyond the clinical rotation program. Wilkinson and members of the hospital’s imaging services staff now serve on the Gwinnett Tech Imaging Sciences Advisory Committee, providing input on curriculum, best practices and career development to help advance the program.

Gwinnett Tech began serving North Fulton in 2010 and is now building a campus in Alpharetta at Old Milton Parkway and Ga. 400 due to open in January 2016.

Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech: http://www. gwinnetttech.edu/news.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

ITB #15-197

FOR

CONCRETE PAVEMENT PROJECT @ FIRE STATION 63

FY 2016 MILLING AND RESURFACING

The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Concrete Pavement Project at Fire Station #63. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 2:00PM. on July 16, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on July 8, 2015 at 10:00 AM at City Hall, Chattahoochee Conference Room, 4th floor.

ITB #16-001 The City of Alpharetta is accepting bids for FY 2016 MILLING AND RESURFACING including, but not limited to, maintaining traffic control measures, milling existing pavement, installing tack coat, installing asphaltic concrete surface course, laying temporary striping, performing cleanup, and related work. The location of the work is at various locations within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia.

All construction shall conform to the State of Georgia Standard Specifications for the Construction of Transportation Systems, 2013 Edition. Only contractors that have been pre-qualified with the Georgia Department of Transportation to perform this class of work shall be allowed to submit bids.

Please submit your Georgia Department of Transportation qualification specification letter with the package.

The Plans and Project Manual will be available online Thursday, June 25, 2015 at https://www.ebidexchange. com/alpharetta.

The bid opening will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

For information, please contact Stephanie Cochran at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department at 678-297-6052 or via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us.

The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

ITB packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov).

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 5123233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. (TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. CD’s MUST BE FORMATTED AS A “TIF” FILE.) ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email.

All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein.

The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

28 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

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Johns Creek Library events for July 2015 The Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch is located at 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 30002. For information call 770-360-8820.

The Ocee Branch is located at 5090 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, 30005. For more information call 770-360-8897.

College Prep Series: Paying for College Monday, July 6. 6 p.m.

Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Parents and high school students are invited to this program presented by Applerouth Tutoring about translating the language of financial aid into understandable concepts. Ages 14-18. Registration required.

Adam Komesar and the Inflatable Zoo Tuesday, July 7. 10:3011:15 a.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Young children will enjoy this high-energy show that is full of music, safari adventure, comedy and magic.

Unmask the Artist in You with Mr. Funn Thursday, July 9. 3-4 p.m.

Ocee Branch Ages 12-18.

PSAT Practice Exam Saturday, July 11. 2 p.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch.

Kaplan presents this practice PSAT exam for current 9th

and 10th graders preparing to take the PSAT in May. Ages 14-18. Limit 20. Registration required.

Monday, July 13. 6-8 p.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch.

Appelrouth Tutoring Services will explain all the steps necessary to teen achieve great scores on college admissions exams (SAT or ACT) and submit more competitive college applications. Parents encouraged to attend. Ages 12-18.

Registration required.

Heroes in Our Community – Johns Creek Police Department Tuesday, July 14. 2 p.m.

Ocee Branch Join us for a visit with local heroes from the Johns Creek Police Department. Police vehicles will be in the parking lot.

Storytelling With Mr.Tariq Wednesday, July 15. 10:30 a.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Legends of Light and Shadow: The Hero’s Journey through Shadow Puppetry Wednesday, July 16. 11 a.m. Ocee Branch Experience the journeys of literary heroes and heroines as we bring to life stories from Greece, Russia, England, Africa and Native America.

Explore the art of shadow puppetry in depth as you create your own puppet hero and embark on a shadow screen

adventure. Ages 5-12.

Children’s Art Program Thursday, July 16. 2 p.m.

Ocee Branch Professional art instructors will conduct a creative art instruction program for elementary school-aged students.

Grades 1 to 5. Limit first 20.

What’s Your Future? Vision Board Craft Program Thursday, July 16. 2 p.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Want to know where your life will be in a month, a year or a decade? You can make a plan and draw a map to it by creating vision boards. Vision boards help set goals and determine paths to obtain them.

Ages 12-18. Limit 20. Registration required.

Atlanta Junior Bridge Camp Monday-Friday, July 20July 24. 3-5 p.m. Ocee Branch Exercise all your muscles this summer! Learn to play the fascinating card game of bridge! Free and open to children ages 8-18. Pre-registration required.

To reserve your space or for more information, call Karen Christian 770-998-9723 or email to kschrist2@yahoo.com.

Digital Photography Workshop for Teens Tuesday, July 21. 2-4 p.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch

In-depth look at the history and technique of photography teens will learn the origins of photography through to today’s modern 3-D applications.

They will learn the basics of using a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera while applying advanced lighting techniques to make their photos shine!

Cameras and access to specialized photo-editing software will be provided. Ages 12-18.

Limit 12.

Registration required.

North Fulton Community Charities Mobile Outreach Bus Wednesdays by appointment: July 22, Aug. 26. Ocee Branch Provides emergency assistance every fourth Wednesday of the month, particularly for families with transportation challenges.

For more information or to apply online www.nfcchelp. org or call 770-640-0399 (ext.

463).

3-D Print (3D Superheroes) Wednesday, July 22. 1:302:30.p.m. Ocee Branch Participants will join the Maker’s Movement by learning the basics of making 3D printed superhero’s and accessories.

4th-12th grade. Reservations required. Class size is limited. Sponsored by a Goddard Foundation Grant.

Summer Reading Program

Finale with Storyteller Mr. Tariq Thursday, July 23. 11:30 a.m. Ocee Branch Join Mr. Tariq and celebrate the success of reading during the summer. All ages.

ACT and SAT Practice Exams presented by Kaplan Saturday, July 25. 1-5 p.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Teens are invited to take the practice exam of their choice. Ages 14-18. Limit 20.

Registration required.

Alina Celeste, Guitarist and Storyteller Wednesday, July 29. 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch You are invited to this singa-long program with Alina and her amazing stories tales to live music.

Ages 3-9. Sponsored by Friends of Northeast/Spruill Oaks.

Food Science: Superfood – The Vegan No Bake Experience Wednesday, July 29. 4 p.m. Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch This studio will encourage students to reach for carrots instead of candy by exposing children to easy, simple recipes that they can make on their own. K- 5th grade.

Reservations required.

Class size is limited. Sponsored by a Goddard Foundation Grant.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK RFQ-15-216-2 APPRAISER SERVICES The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified consultant firms for Appraiser Services for the Public Works Department. Sealed RFQ’s will be received no later than 10:00AM. on August 4, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. RFQ’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on July 22, 2015, at 11:00 AM at the City Hall, Taylor Farms Conference Room, 3rd floor.

The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

RFQ packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. RFQ’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the RFQ number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope.

The name of the company or firm submitting an RFQ response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. FOUR (4) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE RFQ ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. (CD’s MUST BE FORMATTED AS A “TIF” FILE.) RFQ’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFQ information and instructions enclosed herein.

The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

COMMUNITY

Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 29 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Alpharetta Library closes for move New location opens July 30 ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Alpharetta Library, at its 238 Canton Street location, closed to the public as of Friday, June 26. The new Alpharetta Library will open on Thursday, July 30 at 11 a.m. with a grand opening celebration that the public is invited to attend.

During the closure, library service is available at the following nearby locations: Roswell Branch: 115 Norcross Street, Roswell 30075 Ocee Branch: 5090 Abbotts

Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 30005 The new 25,000-squarefoot Alpharetta Library will be located in the new Alpharetta City Center at 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta 30009. This new two-story facility will have a large auditorium on the ground floor with state-of-the-art presentation equipment, expanded and separate children’s and teen spaces and break-out study rooms. There will be new technology that allows patrons to video conference or hook up their laptops/iPads for interactive collaborative work.

Green building design and sustainability are priorities for all Phase I library projects, and

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK RFQ #15-216-1 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified firms for on-call Professional Engineering Services. Sealed RFQ’s will be received no later than 10:00AM. on August 4, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. RFQ’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on July 22, 2015, at 10:00 AM at the City Hall address, Council Chambers, 3rd floor.

The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d— 42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

RFQ packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. RFQ’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the RFQ number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an RFQ response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. FIVE (5) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE RFQ ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. CD’s MUST BE FORMATTED AS A “TIF” FILE.) RFQ’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFQ information and instructions enclosed herein.

The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

the Library System expects to achieve LEED Silver on each project. Each library will reflect the culture and interests of its community.

In November 2008, Fulton County voters overwhelmingly passed the library bond referendum. The plan will greatly enhance all of the county’s libraries, and Phase I includes eight new branch libraries, Alpharetta, East Roswell, Metropolitan, Milton, Northwest Atlanta, Palmetto, Southeast Atlanta and Wolf Creek.

For information, visit the library website www.afpls.org or call 404-730-1977.

—Jonathan Copsey

Georgia Department of Transportation To Hold A Location and Design Public Information Open House For P.I. No. 721000 Fulton and Gwinnett Counties Project Number STP000-0189-01(010) On Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the City of Johns Creek City Hall, 12000 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, the Georgia Department of Transportation will hold a Public Information Open House concerning the project listed above.

This project proposes to widen State Route (SR) 120/Abbotts Bridge Road from SR 141/Medlock Bridge Road to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard from two through lanes to four through lanes. The total project length is approximately 2.5 miles, which includes a 1500-foot tie-in to SR 120 west of SR 141 and a 1000-foot tie-in east of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. To accommodate additional turning movements, both SR 141 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard would be improved and widened for approximately 1000 feet in each direction approaching SR 120. Parsons Road would also be improved and widened for approximately 1,500 feet south of SR 120 to Wilson Road, and Boles Road would be improved for approximately 1000 feet north of SR 120; these improvements would also accommodate additional turning movements. All other side roads would be improved to a maximum of approximately 500 feet from SR 120. The existing SR 120 Bridge would be widened and reconstructed across the Chattahoochee River. All signalized intersections would be modified, but no additional signals would be necessary along the corridor. Proposed required rights-of-way would be approximately 104 to 140 feet.

The purpose of this Location and Public Information Open House is to provide the public with an opportunity to view the project, ask questions, and comment on the project.

The Open House will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It will be informal, and the public is invited to attend anytime during these hours. There will be no formal presentation.

A court reporter will be available to allow the public an opportunity to make verbal comments about the project.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by calling Kevin D. Cowan District Planning & Programming Engineer at :(770) 986-1258.

Written statements will be accepted concerning this project until Monday, August 03, 2015. Written statements may be submitted to: Ms. Hiral Patel, P.E. State Environmental Administrator Georgia Department of Transportation 600 West Peachtree Street, NW – 16th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30308

30 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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

City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. City of Johns Creek Council Chamber 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 The following Variance proposals located within The City of Johns Creek are scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above.

Case Number: Petitioner: Present Zoning: Property Location(s): Variance Request:

V-15-007 Bryan Warren R-4 - Conditional 11405 Frazier Fir Lane To encroach up to 13 feet into the 35-foot front yard setback for additions.

NOTICE OF LOCATION AND DESIGN APPROVAL FULTON COUNTY P. I. NUMBER 0010418

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

Notice is hereby given in compliance with Georgia Code 22-2-109 and 32-3-5 that the Georgia Department of Transportation has approved the Location and Design of this project.

RIGHT-OF-WAY NEGOTIATION SERVICES

The date of location and design approval is: The project will widen SR 120/Kimball Bridge Road from 2 to 4 lanes from State Bridge Road to Jones Bridge Road and will include the addition of an 8 to 10 foot enhanced sidewalk on both sides. The improvements include reconfiguring existing operational right-of-way to accommodate four lanes where the existing two lanes create bottleneck conditions. The project also includes operational improvements to medians, turn lanes, and traffic signals, and reconfiguration of the existing pavement and ROW to add two through lanes. The through lanes would connect to the existing four-lane sections and eliminate the bottleneck. SR 120/ Kimball Bridge Road within the intersections with State Bridge Road and Jones Bridge Road has previously been widened to the ultimate 4-lane width and this project will connect to those sections. The project has a total project length of 1.25 miles and is located entirely in Fulton County. The project is located in the 1st Land District of Fulton County and Land Lots 121, 128, 129, 153, 156-159, 162-164, 192, 193, 197, and 198.

This project will involve structural overlay of the existing pavement with full-depth widening to accommodate the future 4 lane sections. A 20’ raised median will be added to the corridor along with urban outside shoulders including closed drainage systems. The left shoulder will include a 10’ enhanced concrete sidewalk and the right shoulder will include a 5’ concrete sidewalk. The existing and new drainage structure locations will be evaluated to ensure adequate drainage with minimal impacts to adjacent parcels. The City of Johns Creek will be paying for the Right of Way Acquisition.

Drawings or maps or plats of the proposed project, as approved, are on file and are available for public inspection at the Georgia Department of Transportation: Sebastian Nesbitt, Area Engineer Georgia Department of Transportation District 7, Area 2 Office snesbitt@dot.ga.gov 1269 Kennestone Circle Marietta, Georgia 30066 (770) 528-3238 Any interested party may obtain a copy of the drawings or maps or plats or portions thereof by paying a nominal fee and requesting in writing to: Tom Black, Public Works Director City of Johns Creek, GA Department of Public Works thomas.black@johnscreekga.gov 12000 Findley Road, Suite 400 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 (678) 512-3200 Any written request or communication in reference to this project or notice SHOULD include the Project and P. I. Numbers as noted at the top of this notice.

RFQ-15-216-3

The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified consultant firms for Right-of-Way Negotiation Services for the Public Works Department. Sealed RFQ’s will be received no later than 10:00AM. on August 4, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. RFQ’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on July 22, 2015, at 1:00 PM at the City Hall, Taylor Farms Conference Room, 3rd floor.

The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d— 42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

RFQ packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. RFQ’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the RFQ number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an RFQ response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. FOUR (4) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE RFQ ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. (CD’s MUST BE FORMATTED AS A “TIF” FILE.) RFQ’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFQ information and instructions enclosed herein.

The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

COMMUNITY

Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 31 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Roundabout coming to Birmingham, Hopewell roads Will reduce congestion, accidents

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – The city is building a new roundabout at the intersection of Birmingham and Hopewell roads. Construction is anticipated to last a year.

The intersection was identified as needing improvements due to heavy traffic.

There was previously only a stop sign on Birmingham Road, which dead-ends at Hopewell. Turning traffic could back up during rush hour in the morning and afternoon.

According to traffic numbers from Pond and Co., the traffic consultants, during the day, nearly 600 vehicles turn from Hopewell onto Birmingham Road. Nearly 1,000 trips are made through the intersection along Birmingham Road and more than 500 trips are made turning onto Hopewell Road.

According to the traffic study, doing nothing was simply out of the question. The level of service would continue to deteriorate as new residents continue to come into Milton and surrounding areas.

SEND US YOUR NEWS EMAIL YOUR NEWS News@AppenMediaGroup.com

Pond and Co. suggested either improving the intersection with a traffic light or a roundabout.

A roundabout will require more right-of-way than a signalized intersection, having greater impact on the adjacent land. Additionally, a roundabout will require all traffic passing through the intersection, regardless of the approach, to slow or stop to safely navigate the intersection.

While a traffic light would also work, it would require ongoing maintenance, more than a roundabout.

Milton Public Works Director Carter Lucas said the improvements were needed and that a roundabout is the better

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-15-MT-01 PLACE City Hall 2 Park Plaza Council Chambers July 2, 2015 3:00 P.M. PURPOSE Massage Therapy License APPLICANT Solara Salon Inc. d/b/a Solera Salon & Med Spa 1655 Mansell Road Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Owner Solara Salon, Inc. Registered Agent John D. Needham

ONLINE AUCTION BY CITY OF ALPHARETTA The City of Alpharetta, in conjunction with GovDeals, will conduct a CONTINUOUS online auction to sell surplus material, equipment, and vehicles. To view the surplus items or to place a bid, please visit www.govdeals.com.

All sales will be final to the highest bidder and sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. The City of Alpharetta and GovDeals reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and the right to waive formalities. Once the items are sold, the coordination of and actual removal of the items must be completed by the selected party.

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

solution than a signal.

“They are safer,” he said.

“They reduce the frequency and severity of crashes. They promote a continuous flow of traffic that reduces delays and idling traffic which reduces vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. In some cases they are less expensive although we have found the initial construction cost is comparable but long term maintenance costs are less for the roundabout.”

Construction is anticipated to last 12 months. The cost for the project is about $1 million.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Construction at the intersection of Birmingham and Hopewell roads will create a roundabout.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR ENCORE PARKWAY STREETSCAPES & BIG CREEK GREENWAY EXTENSION Project: P.I. No. 0010241 & 0010339 BID No. 15-011 The City of Alpharetta is accepting bids for ENCORE PARKWAY STREETSCAPES & BIG CREEK GREENWAY EXTENSION including, but not limited to, furnishing of all materials, labor, and equipment for complete replacement of Encore Parkway Bridge over GA 400 and construction of widening of Encore Parkway from Westside Parkway to North Point Parkway.

All construction shall conform to the State of Georgia Standard Specifications for the Construction of Transportation Systems, 2013 Edition, and any applicable Supplemental Specifications and Special Provisions apply to this project. Only contractors that have been pre-qualified with the Georgia Department of Transportation to perform this class of work shall be allowed to submit bids. Please submit your Georgia Department of Transportation qualification specification letter with the package. The Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) goal for this project is 12% (PI 0010241) and 9% (PI 0010339). The Bidder qualifications are as follows: • Bidders submitting bids over $2,000,000 shall be prequalified with the GDOT. • Bidders submitting bids $2,000,000 or less shall be prequalified or registered subcontractors with the GDOT The City of Alpharetta in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The Project Manual will be available for download on Thursday, June 11, 2015, under the tab “Bids Online” on our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us.

Georgia Standard Specifications for the Construction of Transportation Systems, 2013 Edition, are available from the Georgia Department of Transportation website, http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/thesource/Pages/home.aspx.

A Pre-Bid Conference – Optional Attendance, will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 10:00 AM at City of Alpharetta, City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

Participation in the conference is optional. However, it is advisable that all interested parties participate.

The bid opening will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the City of Alpharetta, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department at 678-297-6052 or via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us.

COMMUNITY

32 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

DEATH NOTICES Rose Conti, of Roswell, passed away June 12, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

John D. Litras, 57, of Cumming, passed away June 18, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Byron Moore, of Alpharetta, passed away June 21, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Dorothy Cooksey passed away June 23, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Carl Ralston Morgan, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away June 23, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Kimberly Alpharetta, 17, 2015.

Northside Directors.

Cristofanelli, of passed away June Arrangements by Chapel Funeral

Randall Stewart Filby, passed away June 16, 2015.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Jack Ford, of Cumming, passed away June 20, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Patricia Ellen Huggins, of Cumming, passed away June 21, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Jacqueline Jakobsen, of Roswell, passed away June 23, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Craig Johnson, of Roswell, passed away June 22, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

James Lackey, of Roswell, passed away June 15, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Janie Bell Nichols, 77, of Cumming, passed away June 19, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

John Nordstrom, of Milton, passed away June 24, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Children from Alpharetta, Marietta and beyond took to the track at the Milton Center June 26 for the Alpharetta PAL’s first field day.

Clyde Price, of Alpharetta, passed away June 18, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Daniel Riggs, of Milton, passed away June 17, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Ernest Dale Scheffey, 75, of Cumming, passed away June 23, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Nelda Spruill, of Roswell, passed away June 21, 2015.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Doris Watkins, 83, of Cumming, passed away June 16, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Harry Ford Williams, 80, of Cumming, passed away June 21, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

PAL kids enjoy field day First joint event with multiple PAL groups ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Children from throughout the north metro area took part in races, basketball and potato sack races on a hot June 25 as part of the PAL Field Day at the Milton Center in Alpharetta.

The Alpharetta Police Athletic League (PAL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an environment of "Leaders Building Leaders" for the youth of North Fulton County. PAL’s goal is to engage police officers, firefighters and community volunteers to teach and mentor the youth, establishing a bond of mutual respect, understanding and trust with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

About 200 children took part in the inaugural games alongside police officers from Al-

Safety: Continued from Page 1 indoors or within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility.

The use of fireworks is limited the hours of 10 a.m. to midnight throughout the year, except on Jan. 1, July 3 and 4 and Dec. 31, where the hours are extended to 2 a.m.

Buyers, users and sellers also have to be at least 18 years old.

The new law also explicitly prohibits local governments from circumventing the use of fireworks. For instance, noise ordinances cannot be used to restrict proper usage, even at 10 p.m.

This has local public safety

pharetta, Milton, Marietta and DeKalb County.

Part of PAL’s mission is to allow children to get to know public safety officers as friends rather than people to be feared.

“This showed the positive side of our police departments to all children present,” said Veronica Carew, executive director of Alpharetta PAL. She said the event was also the first of its kind for Georgia – it was the first time multiple PAL groups participated in a collaborative sports event. Alpharetta, Marietta and DeKalb PALs took part.

For more about Alpharetta PAL, visit them online at www.alphapal.org.

—Jonathan Copsey

departments on edge.

Johns Creek Fire Chief Jeff Hogan said fireworks are fun, but they are also dangerous and unpredictable.

“Most people do not realize just how dangerous they are.

A bad accident can occur in a blink of an eye – and suddenly a life is changed forever,” Hogan said.

People should be mindful of the danger and the risk. Never hold a firework in your hand.

“It’s better if they let the professionals do it,” he said.

Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar had similar thoughts.

“The difficult part is there is nothing we can do other than respond to calls as they come,” said Edgar. “We believe there will be complaints of people shooting off fireworks

in certain areas of the city, and from a fire perspective, my major concern is people will be able to buy fireworks that will explode and cause injuries.”

Paul Piccirilli with the Roswell Fire Department said because it is a new law, governments are figuring out how to enforce or control fireworks.

Regardless, he said, the public safety crews will still be alert and ready to help those injured or to put out fires.

“We won’t be doing anything different than what we have done before,” he said. “We hope people will be smart enough to use the fireworks as they are intended and in a safe manner.”

Hatcher Hurd and Kathleen Sturgeon contributed to this article

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

| Johns Creek Herald | July 2, 2015 | 33

Attendees admire Larry K. Martin’s work.

Acclaimed nature artist visits Roswell Larry K. Martin part of ‘Go Wild’ month

By JIM LICHTENWALTER news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – On June 16, acclaimed artist Larry K. Martin and a number of his works appeared at the Roswell Visitors’ Center as part of the city’s “Go Wild” month. The gallery event was sponsored by the Robert W. Hagan Family Foundation and the Rhino Action Fund.

Martin is known around the country for his nature-inspired works of art, including ani-

mals, plants and scenery. His works have appeared in both Houses of the U.S. Congress, the National Wildlife Federation and in the in the private collections of President George H.W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

In addition to being an artist, Martin is an avid photographer, fundraiser and spokesperson for wildlife.

“Nature is something I’ve always been attracted to,” Martin said. In particular, he confessed an affinity for the

Artist Larry K. Martin stands with a painting he finished previous night. tropics because, “They are always alive.”

Martin also stated an interest in the city of Roswell and the surrounding area.

“I am fascinated by the southeast United States,” he said. “I love it here and I love the people. Right now there are people here from a number of eras of my life.”

He also discussed his fascination with southern history, particularly anything pre-dating the Civil War. “The C.V.B. [Roswell Con-

vention and Visitors Bureau] always has receptions for artists,” said Linda Lee Parker, a cultural ambassador for the city of Roswell. “We all know of Larry and his work.”

Martin’s work certainly fits in with the theme of “Go Wild.” There was a wide range of paintings at the gallery, ranging from domestic subjects such as eagles and deer to more exotic animals like giraffes.

Attendees to the gallery were able to see many of Mar-

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tin’s works. Additionally, original prints and paintings were available for sale, and part of the proceeds were donated to the “Save the Rhino” fundraiser. This cause raises funds to end poaching rhinos and increase the protection these particular animals receive.

“Go Wild” will continue through the end of June. For information on other events, visit visitroswellga.com. To learn more about Larry K. Martin and his works, visit larrykmartin.com.

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AIRLINE CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast.

Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students.

Military friendly.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

800-481-7894

WANTED

OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI-- Z1-900(1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000(1976-1982), Z1R, KZ1000MK2(1979,80), W1-650, H1-500(1969-72), H2-750(1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI--GS400, GT380, HONDA--CB750K(1969-1976), CBX1000(1979,80)

$ $ CASH $ $ 1-800-772-1142 • 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com

36 | July 2, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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