Johns Creek Herald, August 7, 2014

Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►page 32

Schools look for high enrolment County readies for undocumented students ►►Page 4

See when your subdivision repaved Pull-out map of Johns Creek 5 year paving plan ►►Pages 13 & 36

U.S. Amateur at AAC

Commemorative pull-out viewer’s guide ►►page 19

August 7, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 31

3 indicted in JC woman’s heroin death Waited 10 hours before calling 911

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com

Local geocachers Rachel Habberfield, left, and Darina Zapryanova find a cache in Autrey Mill Nature Preserve.

Modern day treasure hunting Geocaching comes to Johns Creek parks

By ERICA O’NEAL erica@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Geocaching is an international continuous treasure hunt that everyone can be a part of, and that includes Johns Creek.

Just before summer came into full swing, Johns Creek created geocaching locations in their parks in May. Four parks in Johns Creek now have geocaching locations, including Autrey Mill Nature

Preserve, Newtown Park, Ocee Park and Shakerag Park.

To participate, all a person needs is a GPS or a smartphone with the app. There are also coordinates for caches online at geocaching.com.

A typical cache is a plastic box with some tokens inside that can be taken as a souvenir, but protocol requires the finder to leave something in its place so that the next person will have something to find.

Kirk Franz, recreation manager of Johns Creek, said that geocaching is good for getting people to pay attention to specific areas.

“In Shakerag Park, we put geocaches in the newer section of the park along the

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Johns Creek woman overdosed March 3 on heroin. But police say she didn’t have to die.

According to police, the companions she was with waited nearly 10 hours before calling 911, by which time it was too late. Three men are now being held on murder charges.

According to Alpharetta police, Chelsea Bennett, 20, of Johns Creek, went with two friends, Cory Ben-Hanania and

See DEATH, Page 6

What are the rules of geocaching?

1. If you take something from the geocache (or "cache"), leave something of equal or greater value.

2. Write about your find in the cache logbook.

3. Log your experience at www.geocaching. com.

Chelsea Bennett

Vote for CDBG grants administration thorny Council still divided over use of federal grant funds

Source: geocaching.com

nature trail to draw attention to it,” Franz said.

Even though the city added geocaches, people can

See TREASURE, Page 38

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — While the Johns Creek City Council formally agreed Aug. 4 to cede administration – but not con-

trol – of the city’s Community Development Block Grant program, by a 4-0 vote, members voiced their qualms about how such funds could be used.

See CDBG, Page 8

public safety

2 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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Roswell street closed most of day ROSWELL, Ga. – A pair of men who were allegedly drag racing caused enough damage July 26 that an entire portion of Ga. 9 was closed to traffic for several hours.

Roswell police say two men were drag racing up Ga. 9/ South Atlanta Street at 3:30 a.m. when one of them hit a power line pole near Jones Drive, causing it to fall across the street and blocking all lanes.

“It turns out they were horsing around and racing when they both lost control,” said Roswell Police Department Spokesman Zachary Frommer.

Georgia Power was called out to repair the pole, which took several hours to fix.

The road was reopened at 1 p.m., nearly 10 hours later.

Both drivers – Antonio Duarte-Bueno, 19, and Lionel Marron Palacios, 20, both from Atlanta – fled the scene, although one later came forward. They were driving

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 ►► Murtura A. Mohammed,

27, was arrested July 19 on Cogburn Road in Alpharetta for DUI, disorderly conduct, failure to maintain lane and no license. ►► William D. Jarratt, 27, of Smead Court, Roswell, was arrested July 19 on Highway 9 in Milton for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► John Paul Carranza, 38, of Pine Grove Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested July 13 on North Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI, child endangerment and license plate obstruction. ►► Charles Richard Gunning, 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was arrested July 15 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and license

South Atlanta Street/Ga. 9 in Roswell from Ga. 120/Marietta Highway south to the river was closed July 26 after a car crashed into a utility pole and downed power lines.

Police say the drivers were racing another at the time. a blue Mercury Mountaineer and a green Nissan Altima.

“One driver ended up turning himself in later that day and admitted he and another vehicle were racing,” said Frommer.

“He wasn’t charged with anything right

plate obstruction.

►► Judy P. Curry, 57, of

Lawrenceville was arrested July 15 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and impeding traffic. ►► Travis Howell Gowin, 35, of Conway, Arizona, was arrested July 16 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and taillight violation. ►► Eduin J. Mendoza Sanchez, 30, of Warsaw Road, Alpharetta, was arrested July 6 on North Point Circle in Alpharetta for DUI. ►► Pedro Campos-Reyes, 39, of Dunwoody was arrested July 7 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane, driving on the wrong side of the roadway and no license. ►► XXXXXXXXXX, 24, of Donehoo Court, Alpharetta, was arrested July 9 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, open container, headlight requirement and no license. ►► Meagan Elizabeth Reese, 22, of Clairborne Drive,

then, but all the information was gathered and given to our hit-and-run investigator to follow up with charges.”

Both drivers were charged with driving while unlicensed and hit-and-run. Additional charges are pending.

Alpharetta, was arrested July 11 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to yield and operating a vehicle without a revalidation decal. ►► Adrienne Michele Dibrell, 21, of Concord Hall Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested July 12 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► John S. Stiles, 45, of Canton was arrested July 12 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Jacqueline A. Modlinski, 46, of Greenmont Court, Cumming, was arrested July 12 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain lane. ►► Preston James High, 26, of Coventry Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested June 30 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, open container and littering. ►► Goutham Kumar Gurram, 35, of Windstone Trail, Alpharetta, was arrested July

3 on Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and reckless driving. ►► Eugene Edward Cothren, 46, of Canton was arrested July 4 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, open container and speeding. ►► Joseph Anthony Basile, 55, of Pearson Court, Alpharetta, was arrested July 5 on Wills Road in Alpharetta for DUI, hit and run and following too closely. ►► Marjorie Rose Ryan-Santos, 33, of Grants Pass, Oregon, was arrested July 3 on Charlotte Drive in Milton for DUI, failure to maintain lane and child endangerment. ►► Jerome A. Burley, 30, of Atlanta was arrested July 18 on Old Alabama Road in Alpharetta for DUI. ►► Matthew George Schmidt, 25, of Salem Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested July 19 on North Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

See ARRESTS, Page 45

public safety

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.

Jury duty scam JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – In a twist on an old scam, a Johns Creek couple were defrauded out of $3,000 after scammers bilked them for “failing to show up” to jury duty.

The victim told police she received a call from a “Lt. Blackwell,” who said that her husband had missed jury duty and that he could be arrested unless a fine was paid.

The victim’s husband was out of town, but she got in touch with him and gave him the suspect’s phone number.

The husband got a similar story and was told he had to pay $3,000 or be arrested. He then bought several Green Dot cards and loaded them with money, giving the numbers to the suspect over the phone.

That is an immediate red flag that the caller is not legitimate and certainly is

not calling for any bill the resident may owe. The con artist told the victims that once the money was collected they would be contacted with a new court date. The victims never received another call, and efforts to call the phone number the scammer left were unsuccessful. Public officials remind the public that police will never collect money over the phone.

Employee dips hand in till ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Monroe man allegedly admitted to stealing $1,300 from cash registers while employed at a local Walmart. Police were called out to the Haynes Bridge Walmart July 21 after employees said they had a suspect in custody.

They identified employee Cassiuse Letron Smith, 26, of Monroe, whose job it was to reset the cash registers at the end of each day.

Video surveillance allegedly shows Smith taking $50 and $100 bills from the tills when processing them.

Smith admitted to the theft and was arrested for theft by taking.

Shoplifter leaves purse behind MILTON, Ga. – A suspected shoplifter at the Windward Walmart was chased away from the store July 25, leaving behind her purse and identification.

According to store employees, Tanya Mings, 51, of Riverdale, was seen filling her shopping cart with $677 worth of items and then walking out of the store without paying the goods.

When employees stopped her, she allegedly ran, leaving behind her cart. She evaded employees and was able to get into her car and drive away.

But her handbag was left in

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 3

the shopping cart.

A warrant was taken out for her arrest for felony shoplifting.

Crook makes hole in wall ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Someone broke into a local physician’s office by punching a hole in the wall. Employees of the Alderman Drive business came to work July 19 to find a hole bored into the wall.

The hole came from a vacant office next door, where it appeared someone pried open the rear doors and created the hole over the weekend. Nothing was reported missing.

Diesel siphoned from work trucks CUMMING, Ga. — On July 22, a truck driver told Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies he parked his 2007 Freightliner in a gated area at 5195 Browns Bridge Road.

When he got there at about 10:30 a.m., he said he saw the fuel cap lid screwed off and fingerprints around the tank.

He noticed the gate was opened when he got there, but did not think any thing of it until he saw the gas cap.

He checked the gate and saw someone had cut the chain. The man estimated about 40 to 60 gallons of diesel had been removed.

news

4 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Schools gear up for influx of ‘undocumented minors’ BOE keeping eye on new enrollment numbers

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – As the flood of unaccompanied minors from Central America are relocated to communities across the country, Fulton County School System (FCSS) officials are keeping an eye on increased numbers of new enrollments for the coming school year.

While it appears most of the 1,100 Central American minors sent to Georgia have been relocated into rural Georgia towns, FCSS officials say they are not aware of any influx into local schools – yet.

“The highest number of unaccompanied minors is expected to be from Honduras, Nicaragua or Guatemala,” said Susan Hale, spokesperson for the FCSS. “We’ve run a report to see if there have been any new enrollees listing those as a birth country, and so far there is only a handful—perhaps five – but those children were enrolled by parents.”

She added there is no way to tell if any new students are “unaccompanied minors” – since reporting only indicates country of birth, not reason for enrolling.

“Even so, federal law protects a student’s refugee status, so even if we did have unaccompanied minors, it not only would be difficult to identify them, but it would be unlawful to do so – even indi-

of school nutrition programs and Title I rectly,” she cautioned. funding, if applicable.

Hale said registration for the school This year, less than year often ramps up at 1 percent of the entire or near the start of the FCSS revenue stream school year, so enrollwill come from the fedment numbers genereral government. ally fluctuate during Nine years ago after the month of August.

Hurricane Katrina, the As of July 7, about FCSS enrolled more 30,000 of the more than 1,000 displaced than 50,000 unaccomstudents who were panied children here in considered refugees the United States have from the storm. been relocated to cities In that case, the across the country.

Federal Emergency Georgia has so far Management Agency received 1,154 – the reimbursed the FCSS ninth most among the nearly $4 million for 50 states. their education needs.

One factor is eviThat will not likely dent as local systems be the case for immiprepare for an influx grant children coming of unaccompanied over as unaccompaminors. Most speak nied minors, accordlittle or no English and Kenneth J. Wolfe ing to a spokesman will require extensive Public affairs officer for HHR for the U.S. Departservices to prepare ment of Health and them for schooling. In Human Resources Whitfield County in (HHR). north Georgia, a separate “academy” has “The Unaccompanied Alien Children been created to teach immigrants, many of them older teenagers, the skills typically program pays for all services while a minor is in our custody, however once a taught in the elementary grades. minor is discharged from our program, While the federal government manwe no longer have jurisdiction. Sponsors dates public school systems provide an are responsible for all costs,” said Keneducation to all students, regardless of neth J. Wolfe, a public affairs officer for status, the federal government does not HHR. provide any funding to do so, outside

The Unaccompanied Alien Children program pays for all services while a minor is in our custody, however once a minor is discharged from our program, we no longer have jurisdiction.”

Fulton bumps pay for high school principals Move necessary to retain top performers, say officials

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – School leaders who can make an impact in their schools are a hot commodity, especially in high schools where the stakes

for performance have never been higher.

For that reason, the Fulton County School System (FCSS) recently bumped the pay up for high school principals in an effort to keep them from jumping ship for higher-paying

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positions.

“Staffing a high school principal position is becoming more and more difficult due to the demands of that job and the complexity of managing thousands of students and hundreds of teachers and staff,” said Ron Wade, chief talent officer for the FCSS. “In addition, competition for sourcing/retaining high potentials is stiff, and we need experienced, high-skilled candidates.”

Principals in the system’s 15 regular high schools received an average pay increase of $7,500.

Whether these principals will also be eligible for the one-time, 3 percent bonus for all employees in December has yet to be decided, said Wade.

“The adjustments to the salaries are an investment and help how we market future opportunities, providing us an edge in the Atlanta metro/ Southeast education markets,”

... Competition for sourcing/ retaining high potentials is stiff, and we need experienced, high-skilled candidates.”

Ron Wade Chief talent officer for the FCSS

said Wade.

The pay range for high school principals is now $77,537 to $132,431 annually, depending on years of service and degrees earned. In comparison, teachers in Fulton range from $40,308 to $86,196 annually.

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

news

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 5

Milton High principal resigns over DUI Incident derails promising career

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com MILTON, Ga. – By all accounts Nathan Buhl was on the education fast track, having ascended from an elementary teacher in a BUHL rural Georgia school to principal of one of the top high schools in the state in less than 15 years.

But the fast lane ended this week with news of Buhl’s resignation as principal at Milton High School after his involvement in a motor vehicle incident on July 26 while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

“I am humbled and ashamed, after making the worst decisions of my life,” wrote Buhl in a letter to Milton families four days later. “A night of celebration quickly turned to nightmare because of the series of poor choices that I made.”

Buhl, 37, had been principal at Milton since mid-May. He has been charged with several violations related to the incident. Fulton Schools officials said Buhl “selfreported” the incident and submitted his resignation immediately.

“Buhl’s actions have made

it difficult for him, at this time, to serve as the leader of Milton High School,” said Area Superintendent Vic Shandor. “Therefore, we have accepted his decision to step down as principal. We appreciate him placing the needs of the school community first as he is dealing with this complex issue.”

In the interim, former principal Ron Tesch will return to Milton until a permanent replacement is found. Tesch retired in 2010 after leading Milton High for 12 years. Since his retirement, he also served as the interim principal at Riverwood High School during a transition.

Katie Reeves, the Fulton School Board member whose district includes Milton High, welcomed the news of Tesch’s return during the interim.

“This [situation] is sad for everyone involved, but we are fortunate to have Milton in the hands of a highly experienced principal, Ron Tesch, to be in place for the first day of school,” said Reeves.

Buhl’s education career had been on an upward trajectory.

After his first teaching assignment in 1999 in Coweta County, he moved on to Cherokee County Schools and was an assistant middle school principal by 2005.

In May 2011, he became the principal at Crabapple Middle School in Roswell where he remained until this May when he moved to Milton High.

Last year, Buhl was named

What happened to Nathan Buhl?

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Nathan Buhl, the newly installed principal of Milton High School, was arrested July 26 and charged by Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies for DUI. Buhl, 37, of Canton, came to law enforcement’s attention about 9:15 p.m. when he allegedly sideswiped a vehicle at Ga. 400 and Pilgrim Mill Road, said Robin Regan, spokesman for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.

Buhl then went to a home on Pointe Vecchio Circle in north Forsyth County about 9:42 p.m. when he allegedly hit a parked car with his own vehicle. He left the scene of the accident, but not before the owner of the damaged car was able to get his tag number. Law enforcement contacted the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for information on Buhl’s car, since Buhl lives in that county.

Officers found the vehicle had crashed with Buhl inside near the intersection of Cumming Highway and Old Mill Road. His car was wedged between two trees and emergency crews had to break through his windshield to get Buhl out. He was given a field test for alcohol on his breath and tested positive, with 0.193 grams found. The legal limit is 0.08 grams. Buhl was taken to North Fulton Hospital for his injuries and there, Forsyth deputies took him through sobriety tests.

“Based on their investigation, the deputies believed he was under the influence,” said Regan.

Blood was drawn and is being processed for bloodalcohol content.

Buhl was charged with DUI along with hit and run, failure to report striking an object and failure to maintain lane.

Read corresponding column, ‘Why we print the bad news,’ page 43. the Principal of the Year by the North Fulton PTA, and in 2012 received the Achievement Award from the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders.

See RESIGNS, Page 45

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Principal’s actions deprive Milton High School As an elementary school teacher getting ready to begin my 14th year, I was very disappointed to read that the principal you wrote to has just resigned due to DUI/hit and run arrests that occurred over the weekend.

Nathan Buhl had an opportunity to join an amazing school community and it is disappointing to read that he will no longer be able to do that. I feel badly for the families who have now lost a second principal.

Hopefully Milton High School will find a super qualified principal who can help the school year begin on a positive note.

(Name withheld by request)

6 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Death:

news

Continued from Page 1 Sebastian Andrade, both 20, to find heroin in Marietta. They returned to Ben-Hanania’s parents’ home on Ridge Oak Place, Alpharetta.

There, Bennett was coaxed by the other two into injecting heroin. Almost immediately, police say, she showed signs of being “in distress.” She had overdosed.

“They injected her with the heroin; they coaxed her,” said Detective Dave Bochniak.

“They can be charged with murder if they administer a drug and she dies.”

Instead of getting her medical help, Ben-Hanania and Andrade called the man from whom they allegedly bought the drugs, Kevin McCaffrey.

Police say they have text messages and phone calls between the men where they ask what they should do, organizing alibis and planning what to do with her body.

“They knew she was dying,” said George Gordon, Alpharetta Public Safety spokesman.

“Had she been treated, she may have survived. Chelsea did not deserve to die.”

Bennett was left on the floor for 10 hours while the men dithered about what to do.

Finally, at nearly 3 p.m., Bennett’s family had become worried when she could not be found. They knew she would be with Ben-Hanania. They called the house, and BenHanania’s brother answered the call and began searching for her. When he looked in Ben-Hanania’s room and saw Bennett’s body, he called 911.

When emergency crews arrived, she was dead, Gordon said.

Both Ben-Hanania and McCaffrey evaded arrest until July. Ben-Hanania was captured July 16. Alpharetta detectives discovered McCaffrey had been arrested and was in Cherokee County Jail on unrelated charges.

Andrade fled the state to family in Texas. He returned to his Johns Creek home July 29 to make preparations to move out of state, Gordon said.

Police had his home under surveillance and arrested him before he could leave.

“We were watching him. We knew he was going to flee and move,” said Detective Jakai Braithwaite, who investigated the case.

Had she been treated, she may have survived.

Chelsea did not deserve to die.”

George Gordon Alpharetta Public Safety Spokesman

Andrade

ben-Hanania

The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office charged BenHanania for felony murder, heroin distribution and concealing McCaffrey the death of a person. McCaffrey was indicted for felony murder. Andrade was indicted for concealing the death of another.

Alpharetta Public Safety Director Gary George said the work of his detectives and Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard and his staff will bring to justice those who were responsible for Bennett’s death.

“Even though an incident such as this is a rare occurrence in our city, it is indicative of our philosophy of going after those who manufacture, possess and distribute illegal narcotics and to hold them fully accountable for their actions and for the ramifications of those actions,” said Gordon.

The Bennett family released a statement following their daughter’s death.

“Chelsea-Ivanna was a gracious gift and we cherished her – she had a full and promising life ahead of her. She loved everybody and she was loved by and impacted so many lives.

This news, the news that her life was so tragically taken, is heartbreaking. We simply ask for justice for her.”

news

JC teacher drowns when car plunges into pond Laura Jones Tavel taught 13 years at River Trail Middle School

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – Gwinnett County authorities have identified a woman who died after her car inexplicably left the road and plunged into a retention pond in Peachtree Corners as Laura Jones Tavel, 53, who had been a teacher at River Trail Middle School the last 13 years.

According to Gwinnett Police around 7:30 a.m., Tavel’s silver 2000 Honda CR-V was making a curve while traveling east on Peachtree Corners Circle. Suddenly, the car veered right and into a retention pond. Peachtree Corners Circle is a convenient cutthrough between Peachtree Parkway and Medlock Bridge Road.

Although witnesses told police the car floated for a few moments before sinking upright, Tavel was not able to get out of the vehicle.

When police arrived, the car had submerged, said Cpl. Ed Ritter of the Gwinnett Police Information Office.

Lacking equipment or a boat, the officers at the scene could not find the car.

The Hall County Fire Department’s dive team had to be called in to locate the car and recover the body.

With witnesses to direct them, the divers found both in about 20 feet of water.

Police said they weren’t able to discover why Tavel went off the road.

She was not traveling at a high rate of speed, and no other vehicle was involved.

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 7

8 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

community

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

CDBG: Final project decisions lay with City Council Davebport

Stewart

Gray

Broadbent

Y

Y

*

Y

Y

*

*

Zaprowski

Stewart

Approval of an ordinance to create a City of Johns Creek Arts and Culture Board. Approved 4-0

Councilwoman Cori Davenport and Mayor Mike Bodker.

But Zaprowski and Stewart wanted absolute assurances that Johns Creek would have the final say over what sort of projects would receive the city’s CDBG allocations.

Hutmacher also repeated assurances that the sole reason for relinquishing administrative control to Fulton County was to avail the city of the considerable expertise that Fulton County staff has to weave through the ins and outs of federal bureaucracy.

In particular, there are programs that will allow CDBG money to be used for repaving streets where residents meet CDBG qualifications such as low income.

Y

Y

*

Y

Y

*

*

FAILED

Raffensperger

Approval of the cooperative agreement with Fulton County to manage Community Development Block Grant funding for a period of three years.

Approved 4-0

Johns Creek City Council Recap August 6, 2014

PASSED

Zaprowski

At council’s last work session, members heard the proposal brought by City Manager Warren Hutmacher to grant Fulton County the right to administer the CDBG grants program. Johns Creek would still retain the authority to decide which projects the city would fund.

However, Fulton County administers a variety CDBG programs and retains a great deal of expertise at finding ways to adapt the needs of unincorporated Fulton County and the cities it already oversees to the criteria demanded of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Renewal regulations.

With three city councilmen absent – Brad Raffensperger, Steve Broadbent and Bob Gray – and Councilmembers Kelly Stewart and Lenny Zaprowski reiterating their philosophical concerns about using public dollars for “charity,” passing the measure it discussed two weeks ago led to spirited discussion.

In the end, all four voted to pass the measure along with

Mayor Bodker

Continued from Page 1

Vote Key: Y = yes; N = no; A = abstain; R = recused; * = absent

Fulton County can go into individual neighborhoods and poll the information needed to qualify certain neighborhoods that meet CDBG standards.”

Warren Hutmacher Johns Creek City Manager “The cost and expense to train our personnel would be saved by allowing the county to do it,” Hutmacher said.

Other programs allow for the rehab of homes where the individuals met income or age qualifications, and the neighborhoods also met CDBG criteria.

Fulton is entitled to use 20 percent of CDBG dollars for its administration of the funds, but Hutmacher said it is well worth it because of their expertise in navigating these programs.

“Our smaller staff does not possess that expertise or ability,” Hutmacher said.

Whatever Johns Creek CDBG funds are lost to Fulton’s administrative costs should be made up through qualifying for programs eligible under CDBG guidelines that

the city simply did not know about or did not know to go about qualifying for them.

“This will require real work.

We don’t have hard demographic information below the Census Block level. Fulton County can go into individual neighborhoods and poll the information needed to qualify certain neighborhoods that meet CDBG standards,” Hutmacher said.

Zaprowski said he understood that charities such as North Fulton Community Charities qualify for CDBG funding.

“But there may be charities that Fulton County supports that I don’t necessarily want Johns Creek money to support,” Zaprowski said. “Do we have a say in that?”

Hutmacher said nothing has changed in the approval

process. Johns Creek City Council retains sole authorization for the amount and to which uses CDBG funds are put.

“Fulton County will administer the program, but the authority remains with the city,” Hutmacher said.

Stewart said she would support relinquishing the administration of funds to the county. But she said she would not support the use of the city’s CDBG funds for charities.

“I do not believe it is the government’s role to support charities,” Stewart said. “If there is additional programming for paving of streets or rehabbing houses, that I can support. Programs that benefit the elderly and bring up neighborhoods are good for the entire community.”

Bodker said gaining Fulton County expertise to improve Johns Creek as a community is exactly why he supported giving over administration of the CDBG program to Fulton County.

“It will allow us to do a better job of using the money we qualify through population to use as we see fit. It is our tax dollars coming back to us. If we can raise up neighborhoods and pave more streets, then I am all for it,” Bodker said.

Community

Sebastian Lara, Noah Sannes and Kyle Mann present their model of a renovated 1925 home.

Cambridge High architects place 2nd in national conference MILTON, Ga. — Noah Sannes, Kyle Mann and Sebastian Lara of Cambridge High School placed second at the 36th annual Technology Student Association National Conference held in Washington, D.C. The team participated in the architectural renovation competition, which required team members to renovate a 1925 Sears Americus Kit Home in a Washington suburb.

Using Cambridge’s Stratasys 3D printer, the team presented a scaled replica of the existing home, proposed additions and the surrounding landscape. The process involved months of CAD formatting, printing and painting.

“Involving such technology has certainly proved to be much more difficult and time-consuming than initially predicted,” Mann said.

“Transforming the ivory colored prints into the fully painted, sided and bricked home put on display was quite a feat, but the quality of the final product is second to none,” Lara said.

The team also employed CAD software to render the home’s interior spaces, including the custom chef’s kitchen, fireside family room and mas-

ter bathroom.

“Interior design helps the homeowner visualize living in the space,” Sannes said.

The Cambridge team was invited to tour the Americus home. They pitched their design to the couple and their two young boys, who decided to implement several elements.

“I had never imagined such precision, style and quality of work from high school students,” the homeowner said.

“I am eager to pass along their ideas to our architect.”

—Shannon Weaver

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 9

10 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Community

Milton is a calm, older dog in search of a home.

Pet of the Week: Milton FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Meet Milton, a very sweet and calm senior dog who gets along well with everyone he meets.

Milton weighs 32 pounds, loves people and obviously had a good home at one point.

However at the noisy shelter, Milton seems scared and confused.

He has won the staff over with his sweet disposition, and they want to see him get the respect he deserves. He would be a great fit for anyone seeking a quiet, calm and low maintenance dog.

The lucky person who adopts him

will not have to pay anything during the August “Tail End of Summer” promotion. As long as the applicant qualifies as a good adopter, they will pay nothing to adopt this wonderful dog who has been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and more.

To meet Milton, please call 404613-9157 or email kmoyershorton@ fultonanimalservices.com.

To view dogs or cats available for adoption, please visit the shelter at 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta, 30318 or go to www.fultonanimalservices.com/ adopt.

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

community

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 11

3 years later:

Alpharetta alcohol law has few takers North Fulton cities relax drinking restrictions

By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — It has been three years since Alpharetta changed its alcohol laws to allow drinking outdoors in downtown. So far, only a few city restaurants have taken advantage of this law.

Other area cities are cautiously experimenting with more lax open container laws in specific locations.

Alpharetta allows pedestrians open containers up to 16 ounces of wine and beer in downtown Alpharetta, and more recently allowed it for the upcoming Avalon district.

“It’s designed to be a pedestrian area, and we’re trying to encourage and promote people to cross pollinate restaurants and window shop,” said James Drinkard, Alpharetta assistant administrator.

“To create the vibe that we’re trying to create downtown, it made sense to allow for this kind of cross population.”

Drinkard, who helped draft the ordinance, said the policy helps local businesses.

“It’s been very successful in attracting restaurants. Unique dining experiences draw people in, and then retail businesses start to pop up,” Drinkard said. “Hop Alley has come online, Salt

has come online. We’ve seen South Main Kitchen has been attracted to the downtown district.”

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle said the law helps bring a sense of identity to the city.

“We wanted to make it an atmosphere that was still family supportive but at the same time allow people to come and have fun,” Belle Isle said.

“Downtown is where residents will identify with their community and be together.”

All told, there are six restaurants in downtown Alpharetta. Only Hop Alley and Smokejack serve “to-go” drinks.

Other restaurants do not allow such serving by company policy, with some citing liability issues.

Brandon Hintz, owner of Hop Alley, said the ordinance is “great for our business.”

“Alpharetta’s one of the few cities in Georgia that does this,” Hintz said. “We have a lot of business, especially Thursday nights with the food trucks. A lot of people come in, grab a beer from us and are able to walk around town.”

However, Hintz said the law was not a deciding factor in coming to downtown Alpharetta, simply an added bonus.

Alpharetta Public Safety Spokesman George Gordon said that as long

The area highlighted in pink shows where drinking is allowed in downtown Alpharetta. as owners and patrons comply with the law, he sees few problems with enforcement.

“It’s a well written ordinance. Business owners understand the expectations and requirements,” Gordon said.

“We really have not had any issues with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, DUIs or anything like that. As of right now, things are running very well.”

Following Alpharetta’s changes,

other North Fulton cities have relaxed their own policies.

In May, Johns Creek allowed licensed caterers to sell alcohol at Newtown Park’s amphitheater for the inaugural Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra concert June 28.

And in October, the city of Cumming allowed special events alcohol permits for the fairgrounds for the first time.

Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell allow alcohol at certain special events.

12 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

community

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Senior living facility construction underway Development looks at 2015 completion

By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The construction of a mixed use senior living facility was recently announced in south Forsyth County.

Atlanta-based developer Aspire Development Partners and the Arbor Company, a senior living management company also based in Atlanta, announced that construction is underway at a unique and cutting edge assisted living and memory care community.

Aspire has partnered with the Arbor Company to manage and market the community.

The Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek project is expected to add nearly 300 new operational and construction jobs to the area.

In December, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce estimated the project would generate $20 million in economic development to the area.

“With our community’s growth and strong emphasis on the health care industry, a new senior living community is a benefit to the area,”

said Jason Mock, director of the Healthcare Association of Forsyth County and CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce director of small business services.

The community is being constructed by Choate Construction and is set to open in late summer 2015.

The site for the community is located on Peachtree Parkway near the entrance to Laurel Springs Golf and Country Club.

Construction financing was provided by State Bank and LFW Investments, of real estate investor Leo F. Wells.

The location offers access to major highways, shopping, retail, health care and other services important to senior residents, said David R. Hink, managing partner for Aspire.

Two major medical centers, Emory of Johns Creek and Northside Hospital-Forsyth, are within a few miles of the community.

“We are very excited about bringing this quality of senior living to Forsyth County, especially considering the exceptional growth and development in the area,” Hink said. “As a

The site for Arbor Terrace senior living facility is located on Peachtree Parkway near the entrance to Laurel Springs Golf and Country Club. local resident I have seen the population grow in size and age, and the need for a new approach to senior care is overwhelming.”

The community will include 100 residential suites with 30 units dedicated as a state-ofthe-art memory care neighborhood.

All residents will have access to around-the-clock care as well as on-site rehabilitation and medication and diabetic management, all within a resi-

dential setting.

The two companies have experience in the senior living market.

Aspire Development Partners has developed senior living properties in Georgia including the Dogwood Forest assisted living properties and the Marshes of Skidaway CCRC. The Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, which will mark the seventh Arbor Terrace facility in Georgia, will offer ameni-

ties such as an activity center, beauty salon, spa, bistro and a fitness center.

Residents will have access to interactive games and participate in activities designed to entertain and sharpen mental acuity. The community campus includes an enclosed courtyard with walking paths, fountains and patios that will provide a serene and welcoming environment for residents and families alike. Inside the building will be the latest in technology, including wireless emergency call systems with monitoring devices in each room to ensure resident safety.

Judd Harper, Arbor Company president, said unique features will include the company’s innovative “GEM level” care that assesses cognitive and social needs and tailors individual programs of care, customized dining services, wellness programs and a secure and safe building.

“Our goal is to focus on high quality, compassionate care and the most progressive approaches to senior living,” said Harper.

Call 770-884-4942 for more information or visit www. aspire-development.com, or visit Arbor Company at www. arborcompany.com.

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

community

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 13

14 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Sponsored by

When companies have high taxes, there is less money for expansion, hiring, to invest in employees and pay shareholders.

Mark Burkhalter

JOIN TODAY: 770-993-8806 • www.gnfcc.com

Create jobs, attract, retain business with corporate tax reform A favorite argument among government bureaucrats is that corporations aren’t people.

Tell that to the employees who put in at least 40 hours a week to keep a company profitable in hopes that there will be a raise or bonus come year end.

But when government sees companies as nothing more than a name, employees suffer.

Such is what is happening to American workers. Taxes on American corporations are the highest in the developed world.

When companies have high taxes, there is less money for expansion, hiring, to invest in employees and pay shareholders.

Now, a flood of American companies have discovered a way out of paying the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world — 39.1 percent in state and federal taxes.

And that doesn’t include the burden of taxes and penalties levied by the Affordable Care Act and other regulations of the past six years.

Dozens of U.S. corporations are taking their headquarters offshore or merging with foreign businesses, primarily in Europe, to reduce their tax burden.

This has President Obama branding them unpatriotic.

What is unpatriotic is taxing companies so much that they are forced to flee the United States. Government should not feel entitled to take so much revenue that it harms business or forces them to shop for a more welcoming place to do business.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has called on

MARK Burkhalter Guest Columnist Congress to close a loophole in federal tax law that allows these so-called “inversions” or the ability of U.S.-based, multinational companies to combine with a foreign company and reorganize in a country with a lower tax rate while still operating here.

True patriotism would be for Obama to lead Congress to corporate tax reform so we can retain and attract new business to the United States. We now have a global marketplace and companies will always search for the most attractive place to conduct business, particularly when it comes to taxes.

The Congressional Research Service says that about 50 American companies, many in the health care sector, have recently combined with offshore business in places such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Great Britain to save billions of dollars in corporate taxes.

In recent weeks, Pfizer has attempted to purchase AstraZeneca based in the United Kingdom to reduce its tax rate to 21 percent. Walgreen Co., the nation’s largest drugstore chain, is considering the purchase of a European drugstore chain to relocate its headquar-

ters to Switzerland.

KPMG reports that Switzerland, one of the most vibrant economies in Europe, has a corporate tax rate of 17.9 percent. Many European nations have slashed their corporate tax rate, some as much as 30 percentage points, over the last 20 years.

The Economic Index of Freedom published annually by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal ranked the United States No. 12 in the world for economic freedom in 2014 with Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland at the top of the list. Our score has dropped

each of the past seven years, primarily due to fiscal policy and increasing regulatory burdens, according to the authors of the index.

Closer to home, North Fulton has been an attractive place to do business and is fortunate to have three Fortune 500 companies headquartered here: UPS, Newell Rubbermaid and First Data Corp. Several Fortune 1000 companies are headquartered in North Fulton as well. Think of how many more we could attract with corporate tax cuts.

If our leaders in Washington felt as passionate about sparking the economy as they

do in taxing companies, then foreign companies would be searching for their passports – looking to move to American shores and create much-needed jobs and investment.

Burkhalter is a senior strategic advisor and independent consultant in the National Government Affairs practice of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP. He also leads the firm’s public affairs and economic development initiatives in the United Kingdom. Burkhalter is the former speaker of the House and speaker pro tempore who spent 18 years representing Johns Creek in the Georgia General Assembly.

BusinessPosts

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

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 15

New studio brings instructors with additional training Johns Creek Pilates to open Aug. 14

By CAROLYN RIDDER ASPENSON carolyn@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek Pilates will open its doors with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 The studio is located at 4375 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 330.

Pilates, a core-based workout using a specially designed machine, the Pilates Reformer, is designed to improve physical strength, flexibility and posture.

“We work with all types of clients,” said Brooke Manning, the studio’s owner. “From fit men and

women to those with issues involving the back, neck, hips and the like.”

Manning said instructors are all certified through Peak Pilates and have additional training to enhance the program.

“One for example, has a dance background and another a master’s degree in health science,” she said.

Manning brings her experience as a clinical director for a local wellness center along with hundreds of hours of Pilates instruction.

“At the open house, we’ll introduce our instructors, offer our packages at a discount and give away door prizes,” Manning said.

“We’re excited to see people from the community come out and learn about the benefits of a regular Pilates program.”

For more information, visit www.johnscreekpilates.com.

BusinessPosts

How to handle Valuing a unique property customer complaints Are you getting a lot of complaints from your customers?

Are these issues that happen over and over again?

Are you responding to these complaints quickly?

Have you got a process in place to help prevent future occurrences of the same complaints?

Customer complaints are actually a valuable asset for helping you improve your small business.

Handling customer complaints starts by providing your customers a vehicle to express their complaint, either verbally or by submitting a written complaint.

Listen carefully to what your customers have to say and ask questions to ensure you are capturing the specifics about what they experienced. Act quickly to address the complaint.

If it can be fixed right then and there, take action and solve the problem.

Apologize for the situation and thank the customer for letting you know.

Always follow up to ensure that your resolution of the

Dick Jones

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales

problem is acceptable with the customer.

Logging all customer complaints and categorizing the nature of them will help you formulate solutions to prevent these types of complaints from happening in the future.

Determine the root cause of the complaint and take action to prevent, or at least minimize, the problem that created the complaint.

Last, but not least, train your employees to manage customer complaints.

Teach them to be empathetic and encourage them to follow up with the customer to ensure the complaint has been addressed.

Handling customer complaints in the right way and preventing future occurrences will help your small business be more successful.

I like to say, there are five different values on a home.

What the owner thinks it is, the realtor, the buyer, the appraiser and the tax man.

The truth is — the value will be defined by the bank’s appraiser. In order to determine that value, they will look at precedent. What have other similar homes sold for recently? When we prepare a market analysis for a homeowner, we look at recent sales as well.

In many cases, determining that value isn’t terribly difficult.

Most communities have similar homes and enough sales on a regular basis to offer more than enough comparable sales. The differences between homes are typically updates and finishes.

In those cases, determining value is usually straight forward.

Valuing a unique property can be far more challenging. For example, a recent property we looked at is a lovingly restored farmhouse built in 1912 on a couple of acres of land.

You can bet there aren’t many homes just like that selling every day. On the property was the original smokehouse that has been converted into a potting shed and has had a greenhouse added. The barn has been converted into a

BROOKE MANNING

Debra McCauley-Wilbanks and Sylvia Hutchison during a Pilates workout session.

Robert Strader

Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty

workshop as well. Circumstances like this warrant expanding the geographical area in which you look for comparable sales.

But when you do find comparable properties to work with, you’ll have to make some judgment calls on the features.

Finding properties with barns or workshops would be great, but maybe it’s a detached garage and not a barn.

How do you adjust value for a structure while trying to take into account things like character or scarcity in the case of the greenhouse? With character, scarcity and unique restorations, you have to make some “educated assumptions.”

There will be some latitude you have with values but you still must be guided by precedent.

Maybe there is a sixth value for a home — what the market will bear — but it still has to pass muster with an appraiser.

16 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald

NewBusinessSpotlight

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

Sandwich shop rolls into Forsyth Roly Poly sells rolled sandwiches as healthy casual dining

By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@northfulton.com CUMMING, Ga. — An Atlantabased health conscious food concept – rolled sandwiches with fresh meat and cheese and locally farmed produce – has opened in Forsyth County.

On July 9, Roly Poly opened their Cumming location at 425 Peachtree Parkway.

“We try to make it as healthy as we can without you really knowing it,” said Linda Wolf, one of the Roly Poly founders. “It still tastes delicious.”

Director of Operations

Jane Ferguson, a Johns Creek resident, opened the Cumming location.

“We didn’t really have anything up here,” Ferguson said.

“My friends were saying, ‘When are you going to open a Roly Poly here?’”

Roly Poly offers 45 combinations, including vegetarian and gluten-free options and custom rolled sandwiches, soups and salads.

“The secret of our taste is it’s just so fresh,” Wolf said.

“It’s the combination of ingredients and the flavor.”

Wolf and Ferguson said the restaurant has been well

received.

“We’ve been very busy,” Wolf said. “We’ve had an amazing amount of families coming in.”

The franchise has about 125 restaurants in the country.

Cumming is the sixth metro Atlanta location, with other stores in Kennesaw, Woodstock and Duluth.

“A lot of people know what it is, even though it’s a small concept,” Ferguson said.

“When they see it, they’re very excited.”

For more information, visit www.rolypoly.com.

Roly Poly opened July 9 in Cumming.

BusinessBriefs CELEBRATIONS »

includes tenure at establishments such as Sip Tapas and Wine Bar, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Rainwater Restaurant.

“I believe simplicity is the key to enjoyable food,” said Rose. “You have to be aware of your target market. You are not cooking for yourself; you are cooking for your guests.” Visit www.etriskitchen. com for more information.

ceeded that standard with four scoring in the 90th percentile,” said T.C. Parker, program director.

Gwinnett Tech’s surgical technology students continually score above the national average on the CST examination, with the college’s pass rate among first-time exam takers consistently at 90 percent or higher. For information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

Rose

Chiropractic center welcomes new doctor Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and McAlister’s Deli officials during the grand re-opening of the restaurant.

McAlister’s Deli celebrates remodel ROSWELL, Ga. — McAlister’s Deli is celebrated the grand re-opening of its restaurant located at 1425 Market Boulevard in Roswell.

The guest appreciation celebration featured several events including a fundraiser to benefit North Fulton Community Charities, free tea day and guest giveaways.

“We are very excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the McAlister’s brand with the Roswell community,” said McAlister’s President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Paci. “We want to thank our loyal guests for 15 great years in this location.”

The company has corporate offices in both Alpharetta and Ridgeland, Mississippi.

For more information, visit www.mcalistersdeli. com or call 770-594-3220.

NEW HIRES »

New chef joins Etris Kitchen & Bar ROSWELL, Ga. — Etris Kitchen & Bar in Roswell announced the arrival of Executive Chef Boyd A. Rose. Rose’s new menu will be available at Etris Kitchen & Bar beginning in fall 2014.

Rose’s experience in the restaurant industry

ROSWELL, Ga. — Care More Chiropractic Wellness Center welcomed Dr. Cristina Gomez Teran to the practice. Care More, 1580 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell, has offered chiropractic care for 25 years. As the director of the office, Dr. Claire Welsh said she’s happy to announce the acquisition of a bilingual doctor to the team. Teran, TERAN originally from Madrid, Spain, recently graduated with honors from Life University in Marietta. Visit www.caremorechiro.com for more information.

EDUCATION »

Gwinnett Tech students ace surgical credentialing exam GWINNETT-NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Gwinnett Tech’s graduating class of surgical technologists have continued the program’s long-running record of 100 percent pass rates on the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam – and have raised the bar further by earning the program’s highest scores ever on the exam.

The “perfect” performance of Willett the 12 graduating seniors extends the 100 percent pass rate to four years at Gwinnett Tech. The test assesses practical knowledge and skills in the field and awards the credential of CST (certified surgical technologist).

“Our students have always been high-performers on the exam and our pass rate is an important hallmark of our program. This year’s graduates ex-

APPOINTMENTS » Young Lawyers’ community outreach director from Alpharetta ATLANTA – Katherine N. Willett, of the Merbaum Law Group P.C. in Alpharetta, was appointed director of community outreach for the board of directors of Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the State Bar of Georgia. YLD Board of Directors President Sharri Edenfield made the appointment.

Willett will assist in promoting Edenfield’s initiatives for the year, which are focused on service to military veterans, leadership development in YLD members and finding solutions to access to justice issues. The YLD has more than 25 committees that produce an array of projects and programs.

Through the years, the YLD has also gained national recognition by winning several American Bar Association awards for its projects and publications.

Prince earns promotion to Arrow Exterminators manager ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Arrow Exterminators, a pest control company, announced that Phillip Prince was promoted to service center manager of Arrow Exterminators’ Alpharetta Home Service Center.

Prince has been with Arrow Exterminators for 11 years. “Alpharetta is an important market for Arrow and we couldn’t be more pleased to have Phillip leading the service center,” said Kevin Van Hook, region vice president of operations for Arrow Exterminators.

“The value of promoting leaders from within the organization who understand our business at all levels cannot be overstated. As a family owned and operated company, we are proud to reward success and hard work internally.”

Prince has over 22 years of experience in the pest control industry where he has held a number of different positions. In his free time, Prince enjoys fishing, swimming and spending time in the great outdoors with his family.

calendar

EDITOR’S PICKS

Submit your event online at northfulton.com

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 17

Send

me your event...

Erica O’neal

Calendar Editor erica@northfulton.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.

MUSIC»

FARMERS AND ARTISANS MARKET

WALKS IN THE GARDEN

The Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market has vendors from everywhere within a 100 mile radious and includes live music, mini-workshops, children’s programs and much more. Saturday, Aug. 9. 8 a.m. until noon. Roswell City Hall.

38 Hall St., Roswell. Please visit roswellfam.com.

OH DEER! HIKE

Come play games and interactive activities in Autrey Mill Nature Preserve that will help you understand the life of a deer.

Guided hikes through the park will last about an hour. $5 members, $7 non-members.

Saturday, Aug. 9 at 4 p.m. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek.

Please call 678-366-3511.

MATILDA’S UNDER THE PINES PRESENTS VALERIE HINES

As part of the Music Under the Pines concert series, Valerie Hines will perform on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Valerie Hines plays country, folk and blues music. 8:30 p.m. Matilda’s Cottage. 377 S Main St., Alpharetta.

Please call 770-754-7831 or visit matildascottage.com.

BLUEBERRY PICKING IN FORSYTH

ATLANTA PLAYS IT FORWARD PRESENTS SWING AND JAZZ

FRANK BARHAM PERFORMS AT VELVET NOTE

Come out and enjoy blues music by Frank Barham at the Velvet Note. His song list includes tunes by Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock among others. Showtimes are 7:30 and 9:30 p.m on Friday, Aug. 8. The Velvet Note. 4075 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta. Please call 855583-5838.

Join the fun at the Roswell Visitors Center to be entertained and to reminisce on the big band era as you listen to the music provided by the Reflections band that began its musical journey together in 1999.

Atlanta Plays It Forward founder Tom LaDow’s vision is to assist charitable and community organizations in securing musical entertainment for their events and activities at an affordable (or sometimes no) cost.

Event is free of charge. Saturday, Aug. 9, from 2-3:15 p.m. Roswell Visitors Center. 617 Atlanta St., Roswell.

Please call 770-640-3253.

EVENTS»

BELL MEMORIAL PARK GROUNDBREAKING

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT AT

Starting on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 9:30 a.m., there will be free tours of the gardens in the restored antebellum gardens of Barrington Hall. No reservations necessary. Plan to stay after for a tour of the historic Barrington Hall. Tours run Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Barrington Hall. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. Please call 770640-3855.

The City of Milton invites the community to the Bell Memorial Park expansion project groundbreaking ceremony Friday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m.

This ceremony will mark the kickoff of the $9.4 million expansion of Bell Memorial from a 12-acre park with four baseball fields to a nearly 30-acre multi-use facility with both passive and active recreation options.15245 Bell Park Rd., Milton. Please call Jim Cregge, the Parks and Recreation Director, at 678-242-2489.

OPEN HEARTH COOKING

Living history interpreter and open hearth cooking expert, Clarissa Clifton, will demonstrate making traditional southern food over the open flame on the historic grounds of Smith Plantation. This summer Clarissa is showcasing the versatility of the fire pit as she makes outdoor classics and even cakes over the fire. Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Smith Plantation. 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. Please call 770-641-3978.

Families and friends are invited to pick blueberries at the Blueberry Garden’s U-Pick Blueberry Farm & Nursery.

Open every Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. $15 for a gallon of blueberries. U-Pick Farm and Nursery. 5455 Crow Rd., Cumming. Please call 770-8892519 or visit blueberrygarden. org.

DANCEFX OPEN HOUSE

Dancefx is kicking off their 20142015 season with an open house.

Dancefx is offering free classes, raffles for free tuition and more. All ages are welcome to attend.

Saturday, Aug. 9 beginning at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

8465 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta.

Please call 770-645-0110 or visit dancefx.org.

MILTON-WINDWARD ROTARY CLUB

The City of Milton now has a rotary club to call its own. The rotary club meets every Monday at noon until 1 p.m. Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood will speak at the next meeting on Aug. 11.

St. Aidans Episcopal Church 13560 Cogburn Rd., Milton. Please call 678325-8050 or visit windwardrotary. com.

LOCAL AUTHOR GEORGE WEINSTEIN PRESENTS HARDSCRABBLE ROAD

Roswell author, George Weinstein, will speak at the Friends of Roswell Library Atlanta Authors series on Saturday, Aug. 9. His book, “Hardscrabble Road,” is Southern historical fiction about the value of perseverance and optimism during the Great Depression. The free program is in the Roswell Library Meeting Room from 2-3 p.m. 115 Norcross St. Please call 770-640-3075 or visit georgeweinstein.com.

RACES & BENEFITS» SUPER 5K FAMILY RUN

The course is a fun race down Cogburn Road around Cambridge High School and ends back at the Hopewell Middle School parking lot.

An after race celebration will have food trucks and an outdoor movie for all to enjoy. Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Hopewell Middle School. 13060 Cogburn Rd., Milton. Please visit active.com/milton-ga.

18 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

community

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Thaker named Teacher of Year Johns Creek JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Pintu Thaker, a teacher at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, was named the Georgia Teacher of the Year July 16 by the Georgia Business Education Association.

Designed to help fight childhood obesity in Georgia, GoGo Health included links to videos, recipes and information to help users get in shape and lose weight.

Her Web design and accounting programs have been Gwinnett County’s most

successful programs over the last nine years.

After regular school hours, she can be found working with students conThaker ducting FBLA activities, preparing students for competitions or working with students on classwork assignments.

The GBEA Teacher of

the Year award recognizes a dedicated business or computer science teacher who demonstrates a strong ability to foster excellence in education through the improvement of student learning and the learning environment.

The GBEA Teacher of the Year possesses a strong content area expertise and is able to deliver content in a meaningful and engaging manner, as well as incorporating innovative instructional materials, curriculum or strategies.

promotes 3 firefighters

New captain, lieutenant, sergeant JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek Fire Chief Jeff Hogan took the opportunity June 28 to bring forward three firefighters for promotion at the Johns Creek City Council meeting.

The men with their new rank are Capt. Curtis Walther, Lt. Clinton Crites and Sgt. Shawn Maschmeier.

As a captain, Walther will be in charge of a fire station

during his shift.

As a lieutenant, Crites will have command of an engine in a station.

As a sergeant, Maschmeier will have command of a rescue vehicle.

All three officers took their oath of rank from Mayor Mike Bodker and will now assume their duties for the Johns Creek Fire Department.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Sgt. Shawn Maschmeier receives the oath of rank from Mayor Mike Bodker.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Lt. Clinton Crites receives the oath of rank from Mayor Mike Bodker.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Capt. Curtis Walther receives the oath of rank from Mayor Mike Bodker.

August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

C O M M E M O R AT I V E V I E W E R ’ S G U I D E August

1 1 – 1 7, 2 0 1 4 • A t l a n t a A t h l e t i c C l u b , J o h n s C r e e k , G a .

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U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com

Atlanta Athletic Club features two 18-hole courses. Above, the 18th green of the Riverside Course.

U.S. Amateur comes to North Fulton Atlanta Athletic Club hosts event for first time

By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK -- The most prestigious tournament in amateur golf comes to North Fulton this month, as the Atlanta Athletic Club will host the U.S. Amateur Championship.

The tournament, which was first played in 1895, is scheduled for August 11-17, and is being held in the Atlanta area for just the second time ever.

East Lake Golf Club, the original course of the Atlanta Athletic Club, hosted the 2001 U.S. Amateur, which began the day after the PGA Championship concluded at AAC, which moved to its current site in North Fulton in the mid-1960s.

Unlike the 2001 U.S. Amateur, which also utilized the nearby Druid Hills Golf Club for stroke play qualifying, Atlanta Athletic Club will be the sole tournament site, with both its courses being used for the 36 holes of stroke play qualifying for the 312 participants.

The Riverside course, which was selected as the host course for the 1990 U.S. Women’s Open, will join the Highlands course for qualifying. The top 64 players from the two rounds of qualifying will advance to match play, which will be played on Highlands, the course used for the 1976 U.S. Open and the three PGA Championships contested at AAC. The two qualifying rounds are set for Aug. 11 and 12, with match play beginning the 13th. The second and third rounds will both be played on Thursday of tournament week, with the

quarterfinals scheduled for Friday, the semifinals Saturday and the championship match Sunday.

Golf Channel will broadcast the first three days of match play, with the semifinals and finals on NBC. The two finalists will receive invitations to the 2015 Masters.

Tickets are $20 per day and $75 for the entire tournament, with no charge for juniors age 17 and under when accompanied by an adult. Ticket purchasers can bring at least three juniors with them to the tournament.

Parking for the entire week is free, with spectators using the grass field across Medlock Bridge Rd. from Atlanta Athletic Club that was used for the PGA Championship three years ago.

The tournament will feature the top amateurs from all over the globe, with 31 players from outside the U.S. among the top 50 in a recent ranking. The top 50 receive exemptions into the tournament, with approximately 250 players from the 312-man field earning their spots through qualifiers played all over the U.S. Among the exempt players is World No. 1 Ollie Schniederjans, a senior at Georgia Tech from Powder Springs.

Schniederjans has been busy this Summer, competing successfully on both the Web.com and European Tours and in the Palmer Cup, a Ryder Cup-style event matching top college players from the U.S. and Europe.

In his first ever appearance in a professional tournament, Schniederjans tied for 5th in a Web.com Tour event in Wichita, and made the cut several

Jimmy Beck of Kennesaw won the 2013 Georgia Amateur. weeks later in the Scottish Open, tying for 41st against a field that included a number of the top players in the game. He was in England to play in the Palmer Cup, where he was one of the few American bright spots in a loss to the European team, going 3-1 and winning both his singles matches.

Schniederjans will be joined in the field by Georgia Tech teammate Seth Reeves, who is also among the top 50 amateurs in the world rankings and has won the Southeastern Amateur in Columbus twice. Schniederjans and Reeves helped lead the Yellow Jackets into the match play portion of the NCAA Championship each of the last

Kennesaw State University

two years, with Tech losing in the 2013 semifinals to eventual national champion Alabama.

The top four players in the recent rankings were all Americans. Robby Shelton, a freshman member of Alabama’s 2014 championship team, is No. 2 behind Schniederjans. Scottie Scheffler, who tied for 22nd in the Byron Nelson Championship on the PGA Tour earlier this year and will be a freshman at Texas this fall, is No. 3, with Oklahoma State’s Jordan Niebrugge fourth in the rankings. .

Both Scheffler and Niebrugge won

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U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com

Amateur: Continued from Page 20 U.S. Golf Association championships in 2013, with Niebrugge winning the Public Links title and Scheffler the U.S. Junior champion. Shelton won the 2012 PGA Junior Championship and was Schniederjans’ teammate on the 2014 U.S. Palmer Cup team.

Georgia Tech and Georgia will have four players each in the tournament. Joining Schniederjans and Reeves for the Yellow Jackets are Bo Andrews, like Reeves a recently graduated senior, and incoming freshman Jacob Joiner.

The qualifiers from Georgia are current team members Lee McCoy and Duluith’s Mookie DeMoss, 2014 graduate Keith Mitchell and incoming freshman Zach Healy of Peachtree Corners.

Two golfers who played at North Fulton high schools also qualified – Milton’s Zack Jaworski, a member of the golf team at Vanderbilt, and David Kleckner of Northview, who plays at Oglethorpe.

Kennesaw State has two players in the field -- 2013 Georgia Amateur champion Jimmy Beck and Austin Vick – and Georgia Southern (Scott Wolfes), Mercer (Hans Reimers) and Armstrong Atlantic

University of Georgia golfer Lee McCoy. (Travis Williamson) have one each.

Two mid-amateurs from Georgia also qualified – Atlanta’s Chris Waters and Butler Melnyk of St. Simons Island.

The Highlands course will play to a par 71 for the championship, with the 18th hole playing as a par 5.

The course has typically played as a par 70 for major events, with the 18th converted

University of Georgia

to a long par 4.

Rick Anderson, Atlanta Athletic Club’s Director of Golf, says playing 18 as a par 5 will make for “some interesting possibilities in match play.”

The second hole will again play as a long par 4, with Highlands capable of playing as long as 7,490 yards, although it will likely play shorter as various tees are used.

“The USGA likes to use a

Georgia Tech

Duluth’s Seth Reeves, a recent Georgia Tech graduate. lot of tees, and we have a lot of tees on both courses, especially Highlands,” Anderson said.

“Typically they have a drivable par 4,” with the sixth hole on Highlands a possibility.

Riverside can play as long as 7,381 yards, and while it will present plenty if challenge in stroke play qualifying, Anderson says it is “a little more player-friendly than Highlands, which is probably a couple of

shots harder.”

With both courses featuring ample length, greens that should be firm and fast and a healthy number of hazards, the rough on both courses will be kept at a manageable length.

“With firm, fast Bermuda greens, the rough doesn’t have to be high,” Anderson said. “We want it so you can play shots out of the rough toward the green.”

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U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com

Past Amateur champions a diverse group Golf’s greats on list alongside lesser names

By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A scan of the long list of U.S. Amateur champions will reveal some of the most famous names in the history of golf, as well as many long since forgotten.

The tournament, which was played for the first time in 1895 and has taken only two breaks since due to world wars, has a diverse group of past champions, although most of the winners in the post-World War II era have been young players on their way to professional careers.

The player with the most successful record in the U.S. Amateur never turned professional, but that was a different time. Atlanta’s Bobby Jones won five U.S. Amateur Championships between 1924 and 1930 before retiring as a competitive player following his “Grand Slam” in 1930, which then consisted of the U.S. and British Amateur Champion-

Far from amateur now, Tiger Woods won the U.S. Amateur Championship three times. ships and the U.S. and British Opens.

The four major championships of golf are now all professional events, with the PGA Championship and Masters

replacing the two amateur tournaments. The U.S. Amateur has retained its status as the No. 1 event in golf for nonprofessionals.

Although career amateurs

Steve dinberg

continued to be a major factor into the 1980s, the U.S. Amateur started to become a training ground for soon-tobe professionals in the early 1950s. Billy Maxwell (1951)

and Gene Littler (’53), both went on to successful professional careers, as did the 1954 champion (Arnold Palmer).

Of the five greatest American golfers of the post Sam Snead-Byron Nelson-Ben Hogan era, four won the U.S. Amateur, beginning with Palmer. Career amateurs continued to win the event on a regular basis after Palmer’s ’54 title, but the pendulum began to swing more in the college direction beginning with victories by Jack Nicklaus in 1959 and ’61.

Future PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman scored the first of his two titles in 1960, and made the finals twice more in 1963 and ’66, losing in the latter year to Canadian Gary Cowan, who joined Nicklaus and Beman as two-time champions when he won again in 1971.

Cowan was one of a handful of career amateurs to make a major impact in the U.S. Amateur after the mid-1960s, with a former Georgia Bulldog standout joining him to at least briefly stem the tide of the wave of college players taking over the event.

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U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP CO

24 August 7, 2014

Big events nothing new for Atlanta Athletic Club Bobby Jones’ home club returns focus to amateurs

both the U.S. Women’s Open and the Georgia Amateur, and will join Highlands as the site of stroke play qualifying for the U.S. Amateur.

Atlanta Athletic Club is also known in golf circles for the unmatched quality of its infrastructure that makes it such a popular

By MIKE BLUM tournament host, along with the news@northfulton.com accommodating, professional atmosphere surrounding the committees JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Atlanta that help run the events.

Athletic Club has hosted five major As the 2001 PGA Championship professional championships over was concluding with the award certhe past four decades, but the home club of the great Bobby Jones emonies, the PGA announced that the tournament would return to the has also been a longtime supporter Atlanta Athletic Club a decade later. of amateur golf.

“That was unprecedented at that The U.S. Amateur Championship comes to the Athletic Club this time to make the announcement so far in advance,” Anderson said. month, and will be the third U.S. “Hosting tournaments will always Golf Association Championship the be a fabric of the club, but we want club has hosted since moving from to spread them out so the members East Lake to its current home in can enjoy the club. the North Fulton suburbs.

“It’s a balancing act when one The club also hosted the U.S. comes to town,” he said. “There is a Mid-Amateur Championship in lot of preparation work and sacri1984 and the U.S. Junior Chamfice on all account.” pionship in 2002, as well as the There is a difference between Georgia Amateur Championship in hosting a professional major like 1995 and several regional amateur the U.S. Open or PGA Championevents. ship as opposed to a U.S. Amateur.

The professional majors played The USGA or PGA would set up at Atlanta Athletic Club include the staff on site for a 1976 U.S. Open, professional major 1990 U.S. Women’s and handle much Open and three PGA of the preparation Championships and merchandis(1981, 2001, 2011). ing, but most of “It’s always been the work for the part of our heritage U.S. Amateur is to host tournaments being handled by of national and the club. international sig“Even a club nificance,” said Rick like ours can’t Anderson, a PGA come close to Master Professional handling” all the and Atlanta Athletic requirements of a Club’s director of major championgolf. “It’s in our misship, Anderson sion statement. points out. “But “The club has for an amateur always hosted big event – even the tournaments, going U.S. Amateur – we back to when we Rick Anderson Atlanta Athletic Club’s Director of Golf can handle it out were at East Lake,” of our golf shop.” he said. “We had the The crowds Women’s Amateur will be signifiand a Ryder Cup. cantly smaller than they would be When we moved out here, one of for a U.S. Open or PGA Championthe first orders of business was to ship, but the Athletic Club will be ask the USGA to bring a national plenty busy, particularly early in championship to the home club of the tournament.

Bobby Jones.”

The field for the event is 312 Atlanta Athletic Club has esplayers, double the size for three tablished close ties with both the of the four professional majors USGA and PGA of America, hostand more than triple the number ing major championships for both of players in the Masters. Most organizations. The club is prized clubs that host the U.S. Amateur as a tournament host for a variety use a nearby course to help host of reasons, beginning with its two the practice rounds and two days exceptional courses. of stroke play qualifying, but the Although Highlands has been entire 2014 U.S. Amateur will be the primary tournament host, conducted at Atlanta Athletic Club.

Riverside served as the course for

When we moved [to Johns Creek], one of the first orders of business was to ask the USGA to bring a national championship to the home club of Bobby Jones.”

A statue of Robert Tyre (Bobby) Jones stands in front of the Atlanta Athletic Club clubhouse. He in the same year.

“Ken Mangum has got his work cut out for him during the two qualifying rounds,” Anderson said, referring to AAC’s highly regarded director of golf courses and grounds. Mangum has the responsibility of overseeing the work on the two courses to get them ready for the No. 1 amateur event in golf.

“We’ll tee off as early as we can start, but once we get down to 64 players, things will be a little more manageable,” he said.

Anderson, Mangum and the AAC’s maintenance staff will also hope for good weather to keep the

event on schedule, with the two days of stroke play qualifying typically lasting from just after sun up to almost or past sundown, especially the second day.

To get down to the match play field of 64, a playoff involving multiple players is generally required late Tuesday afternoon and often is not concluded until Wednesday morning, when match play is scheduled to begin.

The players competing in the two days of stroke play qualifying will experience two courses that are side-by-side and share a number

of similarities, but a cantly different styl The entire River the back nine of Hig part of the original club in the late 196 front nine of Highla few years later.

All 36 holes wer Robert Trent Jones have been renovate Rees Jones.

“The original 27 similar and are clos Anderson said, refe Chattahoochee, wh

OMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE

northfulton.com 25

A view of Highlands’ 8th fairway and green.

2014 U.S. Amateur fact sheet Par and yardage: Atlanta Athletic Club’s Highlands Course will be set up at 7,490 yards and will play to a par of 35-36–71. The companion stroke-play qualifying course, Atlanta Athletic Club’s Riverside Course will be set up at 7,381 yards and will play to a par of 36-36–72. (All yardages subject to change) Architects: Both the Highlands and Riverside courses at the Atlanta Athletic Club opened in 1964 and were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., with Jones receiving assistance on the Highlands Course from Joe Finger. Jones’ son, Rees, redesigned the Riverside Course in 2003 and three years later finished a redesign of the Highlands Course. Both courses will be used for stroke-play qualifying, with the Highlands hosting the match-play portion of the championship.

Who can enter: The championship is open to amateur golfers who hold a USGA Handicap Index® not exceeding 2.4. The USGA accepted 6,803 entries for the 2014 championship, 200 fewer than in 2013.

The record number of entrants is 7,920, in 1999.

Sectional qualifying: Sectional qualifying, played over 36 holes is scheduled between July 7-22 at 97 sites throughout the country. Entries closed on June 25.

Schedule of play: A field of 312 players will play 18 holes of stroke play on Aug. 11-12 on each of the two qualifying courses, after which the field will be cut to the low 64 scorers. Six rounds of match play begin on Aug. 13 and the championship concludes with a 36-hole championship match on Aug. 17. Here is the schedule:

Atlanta Athletic Club Scorecard

e remains the only golfer to ever complete the Grand Slam of golf — winning all four majors

are also signifilistically. rside course and ghlands were 27 holes of the 60s, with the ands following a

re designed by s Sr., and both ed by his son

7 holes are very ser to the river,” erring to the hich borders part

of the course. “The back nine on Highlands has more water in play than Riverside, and there’s a big difference with the front nine of Highlands.”

Anderson said that Highlands “has been our championship course and is supposed to be tough. Riverside is a little more player friendly, and when people discover it, they like it a lot. But it can play long, too.”

This will be the first time Highland’s famous 18th hole will play as a par 5 in competition, which Anderson believes will set up “some interesting possibilities for match

play.”

Other than the 2017 Palmer Cup, an annual match pitting top college players from the U.S. against European counterparts, Anderson says Atlanta Athletic Club’s schedule for the near future is open.

“At this stage, there’s nothing beyond that,” he said. “The majors usually operate now at about seven years out. There’s no reason to believe we won’t continue as a host, but we don’t know when it will be.

It’s just the timing of the event and whether we want to have it.”

Highlands Course Hole By Hole: Hole Par Yards Hole Par Yards

1 4 454 10 4 442

2 4 512 11 4 457

3 4 475 12 5 551

4 3 219 13 4 366

5 5 565 14 4 451

6 4 425 15 3 260

7 3 180 16 4 476

8 4 467 17 3 207

9 4 426 18 5 557

Total 35 3,723 Total 36 3,767

8 3 189 17 3 219

9 4 490 18 5 569

Total 36 3,768 Total 36 3,613

Riverside Course Hole By Hole: Hole Par Yards Hole Par Yards

1 5 616 10 4 400

2 4 433 11 3 172

3 5 579 12 4 464

4 4 391 13 5 534

5 4 428 14 4 397

6 3 200 15 4 438

7 4 442 16 4 420

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U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com

North Fulton clubs used to hosting big events It all started with ‘76 U.S. Open at AAC

By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Golf courses in North Fulton have been hosting major professional and amateur tournaments for almost 40 years, beginning with the U.S. Open at Atlanta Athletic Club in 1976.

The U.S. Golf Association returns to the Athletic Club for the fifth time this year, with the Johns Creek facility serv-

ing as host of the U.S. Amateur Championship, scheduled for Aug. 11-17.

Atlanta Athletic Club is one of a sizeable number of country clubs in North Fulton that have served as a tournament site for a professional tour, the USGA or a statewide championship for the Georgia State Golf Association or Georgia PGA. The quality of golf courses in North Fulton has attracted

national professional and amateur events to the area, with Atlanta Athletic Club hosting a variety of amateur and professional events.

Among the championships contested at the Athletic Club are the 1976 U.S. Open, three PGA Championships (1981, 2001, 2011), the 1990 U.S. Women’s Open, the 1984 MidAmateur Championship and 2002 U.S. Junior Amateur.

The four men’s majors played at AAC featured some of the more memorable finishes in modern golf history, begin-

ning with Jerry Pate’s sensational second shot from the rough on the 18th hole in the final round of the ’76 U.S. Open for a championship-clinching birdie.

The 2001 PGA Championship featured a scintillating duel between David Toms and Phil Mickelson that was decided on the 72nd hole after Toms elected to lay up short of the pond fronting the 18th green and had to scramble for a winning par.

When the PGA returned to the Athletic Club a decade later, two little-known PGA Tour neophytes staged a wild finish in the final round, with Keegan Bradley prevailing in a playoff over Jason Dufner, who rebounded to win the championship in 2013.

The lone women’s championship played at AAC is mostly remembered for the amount of rain that fell on the course that week, but managed to produce a worthy winner, as Betsy King edged Patty Sheehan by one stroke in the 1990 U.S. Women’s Open.

The two national amateur events that have been played at Atlanta Athletic Club both had a strong local presence, which is also likely to be the case at the 2014 U.S. Amateur Championship.

Atlanta’s Danny Yates was stroke play co-medalist in the 1984 U.S. Mid-Amateur, sharing those honors with Bob Lewis Jr., who reached the finals of match play before losing to Michael Podolak.

In the U.S. Junior Championship in 2002, three Georgia teenagers who all went on to make names for themselves at the collegiate and professional level advanced to match play and won a combined six matches.

Woodstock’s Chris Kirk, who helped lead the Georgia golf team to a 2005 NCAA championship and is a twotime winner on the PGA Tour, won his opening match at the Athletic Club in ’02 before losing in the second round.

Alpharetta’s Roberto Castro enjoyed an outstanding college career at Georgia Tech and qualified for the Tour Championship last year in just his second season on the PGA Tour.

He lost in the third round to fellow future PGA Tour member Charlie Beljan, who went on to win the Junior Championship at the Athletic Club.

Beljan also ousted another Georgian in the quarterfinals, defeating Savannah’s Brian Harman, who joined Kirk in Athens and is also playing on the PGA Tour.

Harman went on to win the

U.S. Junior the next year.

The last North Fulton course to host a USGA championship was Ansley Golf Club’s Settindown Creek, which served as the site of the 2005 U.S. Women’s Amateur, which was won by Morgan Pressel.

After turning pro later that year, Pressel won the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship, becoming the youngest player in LPGA history to win a major.

Settindown Creek has also hosted a number of U.S Open qualifiers, as well as the Nike (now Web.com) Tour Championship in 1995 and ’96. Allen Doyle of LaGrange, who went on to win several majors on the Champions Tour, including the U.S. Senior Open, and Duluth’s Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open champion, won the two pro events held at Settindown Creek.

Several North Fulton courses have hosted U.S. Open qualifiers over the years, among them Golf Club of Georgia, Country Club of the South and Horseshoe Bend, all of which also served as the sites of Champions Tour events in the 1980s and ‘90s.

The last Champions Tour event in North Fulton was the 2000 Nationwide Championship at Golf Club of Georgia, with Hale Irwin winning the second of his back-to-back titles in the tournament.

Horseshoe Bend and the Standard Club have also hosted U.S. Women’s Open qualifiers, with Brookfield Country Club the former site of an LPGA Tour tournament, which was played between 1977 and 1984.

Other than the 2011 PGA Championship, the last PGA Tour event played in North Fulton was a 2003 World Golf Championship tournament at Capital City Club’s Crabapple Course, won by Tiger Woods.

Capital City Crabapple was also the site of the 2013 NCAA men’s golf championship, won

by Alabama.

Georgia Tech reached the semifinals of that event, and three members of that team –Atlanta area residents Ollie Schniederjans and Seth Reeves along with Bo Andrews – will be in the U.S. Amateur field.

The Athletic Club has also hosted the GSGA’s Amateur Championship in 1995. Other North Fulton courses to host the state’s top amateur event are the Golf Club of Georgia (1993) and Settindown Creek (2007 and ’12).

Harris English, already a winner in his young PGA Tour career, won at Settindown Creek just prior to beginning his college career at Georgia in ’07.

27 August 7, 2014

U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com

Ex-Milton golfer Jaworski in U.S. Amateur field Looking to reach match play in second start

By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The last time Atlanta Athletic Club hosted a U.S. Golf Association championship, the field included a player from Milton High School.

The Athletic Club will host the 2014 U.S. Amateur Championship this month, with a recent Milton golfer among the 312 players who will vie for the most prestigious amateur event in the sport.

Zack Jaworski, a 2012 Milton graduate, earned his spot in the field by tying for fourth in a recent qualifier at Atlanta’s Piedmont Driving Club.

Only five spots were available from a field of 130 players and Jaworski came into the qualifier off a recent stretch of play that was not up to the level he displayed last summer, when he had a string of excellent showings in national amateur tournaments.

Jaworski shot back-to-back rounds of 3-under par 68 in the qualifier and earned one of the five coveted spots in the U.S. Amateur. He will look to at least match the effort of former Milton standout and current PGA Tour member Roberto Castro, who competed in the 2002 U.S. Junior Amateur at Atlanta Athletic Club and reached the third round of match play before losing to eventual champion Charlie Beljan, also a current PGA Tour member.

This will be Jaworski’s second appearance in the U.S. Amateur. He qualified two years ago shortly before entering Vanderbilt, and played respectably in stroke play qualifying, missing match play by a few shots.

Having that experience will be invaluable for Jaworski, who will be able to play in this month’s championship in front of family and friends in more familiar surroundings.

“It’s definitely really exciting,” Jaworski said of getting to play in the U.S. Amateur in his hometown. “I’ll have family and friends coming out to watch. It will definitely be a lot of fun.”

Jaworski says he had a memorable experience when he competed in the Amateur two years ago, but admitted he “got a little caught up in it” and was not one of the 64 players who advanced to match play.

Last year, Jaworski did not make it past sectional qualifying for the Amateur, and said

Vanderbilt University

Former Milton student Zack Jaworski will do his best to stay out of the sand traps during the U.S. Amateur Golf Championship. he “was disappointed I did not make it.”

In his third attempt at qualifying this year, Jaworski made it into the event for the second time and has a definite goal in mind.

“I expect to make match play,” he said. “The ‘awe’ factor is a bit lower and I should perform well.

I’m comfortable with the Highlands course, but I’ve never played the other course (Riverside). I plan to play it before the tournament and familiarize myself.”

Highlands will be the course for the match play Zack Jaworski portion of the Amateur golfer championship, with players competing one day on Highlands and one day on Riverside in the 36-hole qualifier.

Jaworski first played Highlands in a high school tournament when he was on the Milton golf team. He helped lead the Eagles to a state championship his senior year after a runner-up finish in 2011.

“To win state was a big deal,” Jaworski said. “That was one of my goals for high school, and it was great to win after coming so close the year before.”

Jaworski has played on the Vanderbilt golf team the past two seasons and has been in and out of the lineup, competing in a total of 15 events.

As a freshman, Jaworski posted the team’s low score in NCAA regionals and had a career best fourth place finish during his sophomore season. After his freshman season, Jaworski played well in several national amateur events, including a tie for 10th in the Dogwood Invitational at Atlanta’s Druid Hills Golf Club.

Jaworski enjoyed several solid showings during the spring portion of Vanderbilt’s schedule as a sophomore, but was not in the lineup as the Commodores qualified for the NCAA championship.

Three other members of Vanderbilt’s team and an in-

It’s definitely really exciting.

I’ll have family and friends coming out to watch. It will definitely be a lot of fun.”

coming freshman qualified for the U.S. Amateur along with Jaworski, and he expects to again be in a competition situation his junior season.

“I could not ask for a better group of guys,” said Jaworski, whose teammates include former Mount Pisgah golfer Jordan Janico. “I love my team and my coaches.”

Jaworski, who plays out of the Manor, had not been playing especially well this summer until his strong showing in the qualifier at Piedmont Driving Club. He shot 4-under on his first nine in the opening round before ending the day two off the lead at 68.

“The leader was at 6-under, and I figured if I could get to the leader’s number the second day, I’d be in pretty good shape,” Jaworski said.

He shot 2-under on his first nine the second day and came home in 1-under, making just two bogeys over the 36 holes.

His 6-under 136 total was two shots clear of players tying for sixth at 138.

“As bad as this summer has been, it was great to get things turned around,” Jaworski said of his play in the qualifier. “To play two good rounds like that headed toward the Amateur is a big deal.

“It’s a real confidence boost,” he said.

Oglethorpe University

David Kleckner

N’view’s Kleckner to compete Joining Zack Jaworski in the field is former Northview golfer David Kleckner, a member of the golf team at Oglethorpe.

Like Jaworski, Kleckner tied for fourth in the qualifier at Piedmont Driving Club, matching Jaworski’s scores of 6868—136.

Kleckner enjoyed a successful sophomore season at Oglethorpe, winning a tournament at Callaway Gardens and recording a top 15 finish in the NCAA Division III championship. He also tied for 15th in the recent Georgia Amateur, played at Idle Hour in Macon.

28 August 7, 2014

Past: Continued from Page 22 Marvin ‘Vinny’ Giles played on the Georgia golf team from 1963-66, and was a co-medalist in U.S. Amateur qualifying early in his Georgia career.

Giles remained an amateur after graduating from Georgia, and was a runnerup in the championship three straight years (1967-69) during an eight-year stretch when the tournament was contested over 72 holes of stroke play.

Giles broke through with a victory in 1972, the last year the tournament was played without a match play component. The runner-up that year was Ben Crenshaw, one of several future major champions to first make their marks in the U.S. Amateur in the early 1970s.

Lanny Wadkins edged out Tom Kite to win in 1970, two years before Crenshaw (Kite’s Texas teammate) made it to the title match. Craig Stadler and Jerry Pate were the 1973 and ’74 champions, with Pate’s victory coming less than two years before he won the 1976 U.S. Open at Atlanta Athletic Club.

Fred Ridley (1975), Jay Sigel (1982 and ’83) and future college coach Buddy Alexander (’86) all scored victories as career amateurs around titles by soon-to-be successful pros John Cook (1978), Mark O’Meara (’80) and Hal Sutton (’81).

Cook defeated Scott Hoch in the championship match before losing to O’Meara in the finals the next year.

Fred Couples was the qualifying medalist in ’81.

U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com But for every Wadkins, Stadler, O’Meara and Sutton who went on to win a major championship as a pro, there were players who never lived up to the promise of their U.S, Amateur triumphs.

Bill Sander, John Fought, Eric Meeks and Chris Patton were among the winners from 1976-89, along with Scott Verplank and Billy Mayfair, who both went on to lengthy professional careers. That stretch also included one of the unlikeliest U.S. Amateur champions of modern times – Nathaniel Crosby (son of Bing) in 1981 – and a pair of Georgians who lost in the finals, Macon’s Peter Persons in ’85 and Atlanta career amateur Danny Yates in ’88.

From 1990-97, four of the best college players of the past 25 years combined for six U.S. Amateur titles, beginning with Phil Mickelson and Justin Leonard and ending with Matt Kuchar, a member of the Georgia Tech golf team at the time.

In between were three straight titles for Tiger Woods, who won the U.S. Junior Championship the three previous years.

Of the five best American golfers post Nelson-Hogan-Snead, Tom Watson is the only who did not win the U.S. Amateur, something Palmer, Nicklaus, Mickelson and Woods all accomplished.

Since Woods scored the last of his three U.S. Amateur victories in 1996, a handful of the winners have gone on to successful careers in the pros, but most have not. Kuchar and Ryan Moore (2004) have both played well on the PGA Tour, with Edoardo Molinari

Phil Mickelson took the U.S. Amateur title in 1990.

(2005) and Richie Ramsay (’06) both winners on the European Tour. Ricky Barnes has enjoyed some success as a pro since his 2002 victory, but not as much as was expected.

Barnes’ victory capped a brief run of victories by golfers who were highly regarded at the time, but have not achieved the success predicted for them. Hank Kuehne, David Gossett, Jeff Quinney and Bubba Dickerson, who won at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club in 2001, have all struggled as pros, as has Australia’s Nick Flanagan, the first of five international

Stuart Franklin/Getty Imaeges Sport

players to win the U.S. Amateur in a seven-year span beginning in 2003.

American collegians have won three of the last four, but only 2010 champion Peter Uihlein has made any kind of a mark yet as a pro, and that has come in Europe.

England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick won last year at the Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, but has since turned pro after a brief stint on the Northwestern golf team. The player he defeated in the title match, Oliver Goss of Australia, has also turned pro since last year’s U.S. Amateur. v

29 August 7, 2014

U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com

Tech’s Schniederjans world’s top-ranked amateur Looks to contend at AAC after summer success against pros

By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK – Georgia Tech senior Ollie Schniederjans will begin the U.S. Amateur at Atlanta Athletic Club as the top-ranked player in the World Amateur Rankings, but that status will not matter once the tournament begins August 11.

Like the other 311 players in the field, Schniederjans will have to finish among the top 64 in stroke play qualifying to advance to match play, with those players seeded off their finish in qualifying, not their rankings.

After a busy and eventful summer, Schniederjans will be among the tournament favorites, even though he has bypassed the usual routine of playing in top amateur tournaments in the country in preparation for the U.S. Amateur.

Schniederjans, who grew up and still lives in the Cobb County community of Powder Springs, has spent his summer playing against the pros and competing in England, and comes into the U.S. Amateur off a string of strong showings in those events.

After an outstanding junior season at Georgia Tech that earned him first team AllAmerica status, Schniederjans ascended to the No. 1 ranking in amateur golf, and was awarded a sponsor exemption into a Web.com Tour tournament in Wichita.

In his first ever experience playing against tour players, Schniederjans tied for fifth place in what turned out to be his only tournament in the U.S. since the NCAA Championship, which ended in late May. He lost in a playoff for the individual NCAA title, with Georgia Tech losing in the match play quarterfinals.

Schniederjans went directly from Wichita to England, where he competed in the Palmer Cup, an amateur event matching top college players from the U.S. against a team from Europe. He was the top American player in a losing effort, posting a 3-1 record including victories in both his singles matches.

Schniederjans was able to extend his trip when he was offered a spot in the Scottish Open, a European Tour event played the week before the British Open. The Georgia Tech senior played solidly throughout the tournament, making the cut and tying for 41st

I’d like to contend and win some matches, but first I’ve got to make it to match play, and that’s not a given. You’ve got to play well.”

Ollie Schniederjans Top-ranked amateur in the world

against many of the top players in professional golf.

After returning home, Schniederjans did what most people do during the summer, and was on vacation in California a few weeks before the U.S. Amateur, participating in a media interview session at Atlanta Athletic Club on the phone from the West Coast.

“I’ve been playing nonstop since January and took a break after the Scottish Open,” Schniederjans said.

Although he was in California, Schniederjans’ thoughts were on an upcoming tournament a few weeks away in the Atlanta area “I’m very excited,” Schniederjans said about the prospects of playing the top event in amateur golf in his home town.

“I’d like to contend and win some matches, but first I’ve got to make it to match play, and that’s not a given. You’ve got to play well. Hopefully, I’ll make a really, really long run in match play. I feel good about my chances.”

As the No. 1-ranked player competing in his home town in the biggest event in amateur golf, much of the attention will be focused on Schniederjans, “It’s nothing I haven’t handled before,” he says, pointing out that the external pressure is no greater “than the pressure I put on myself.”

Schniederjans said his summer of playing abroad and against professionals has been “a great experience. I learned a lot just from being around those guys. The Scottish Open was very special, playing links golf against those names.

“I played pretty well in each

Georgia Tech senior Ollie Schniederjans is the top-ranked amateur in the world of them. I had one bad nine in the Web.com event, but I got back in contention.”

Schniederjans shot 64 in his first tournament round in a pro event, added a 65 two days later and closed with a final round 67 to finish just five shots behind the winner.

“That was pretty cool,” Schniederjans said of his opening 64, with his second round comeback after shooting 4-over on his first nine another highlight.

“I went straight from Wichita to England, and that was a tough transition. I played OK in the Palmer Cup, pretty good in singles. And I got some time to re-group and rest before the Scottish Open.

“I played pretty good there, but I didn’t score that good (four rounds between 70 and 72). To make the cut and play all four rounds was great. It was a great experience.”

Schniederjans has been a national caliber player since his days as a junior, and was ranked fourth in the junior rankings before enrolling at Georgia Tech.

After a successful freshman season at Tech, he began to emerge as a major player his sophomore season, earning third team All-America status and helping lead the Yellow Jackets into the match play portion of the NCAA Championship, where they lost in the semifinals at North Fulton’s Capital City Club Crabapple Course.

During his junior season, Schniederjans won three tournaments outright, including the U.S. Collegiate Championship at Golf Club of Georgia, and shared first place twice.

His five wins broke the Georgia Tech record held by PGA Tour players David Duval, Stewart Cink and Troy Matteson.

Schniederjans has a history of playing well in Atlanta area tournaments, adding a runnerup finish in the 2013 Dogwood Invitational at Druid Hills Golf Club (he was sixth the year before) to his college play at Golf Club of Georgia and the Crabapple course.

He was the medalist in a 2012 U.S. Amateur qualifier at Piedmont Driving Club and reached match play before losing in the first round.

Last year, Schniederjans narrowly missed qualifying for match play at the U.S. Amateur in Boston, and is looking for better results on a course he is more familiar with.

“It’s special. It’s one of my favorite Atlanta area courses,” Schniederjans says of the Highlands Course, which will host one of the two qualifying rounds and all the match play portion of the event. “It’s long and it’s difficult.”

30 August 7, 2014

U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP COMMEMORATIVE VIEWER’S GUIDE northfulton.com

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Arts & Entertainment

Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 31

Avett Brothers shake things up at Verizon Silver songbird Emmylou Harris sings for her summer

By JEMILLE WILLIAMS news@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Emmylou Harris, closer to 70 than not and rocking the most luxuriant silver hair in all the world of music for nearly half a century, stayed true to her folksy roots with her Wrecking Ball tour the evening of Friday, July 25. (Thankfully, it had nothing to do with Miley Cyrus. It was the title of an album she released two decades ago.)

She said she felt like Minnie Pearl: “Proud to be here.

It feels good to be surrounded by all the sights, smells and sounds of the South, being born a neighbor over in Alabama.”

Her melancholy “Red Dirt Girl” tells a too-common tale of the fate of many a country girl.

My favorite song of the evening was the haunting “Michelangelo” with its mournful moaning chorus.

She closed with Paul Kennerley’s “Born to Run,” which is a far cry from The Boss’ galvanic anthem of the same name. She gently sang of putting on her travelin’ shoes. And it’s a good thing. We’ll never tire of hearing the Silver Belle tolling out her wistful stories.

I hope she keeps them on for another decade or so.

Two-Hour Zumba Class A jungle beat by drummer Mike Marsh splits the dark as the Avett Brothers opened their no-holds-barred musical extravaganza with “Satan Pulls the Strings.” This newest song premiered two weeks ago at their three-night residence at Red Rocks and will be on their next album. This is only the second time they have played it for an audience.

Dim spots take in Bob Crawford and Tania Elizabeth as they appear with their dueling fiddles, then cellist Joe Kwon faces off with Elizabeth, and Paul DiFiglia drags out his double bass to play with Crawford.

A roar rises as brothers Scott on banjo and Seth on guitar take center stage. It. Is. On. From the get-go, the hypercaffeinated crew had the audience all hopped up. The joint was literally jumping.

While only two of the group are actually brothers, it’s apparent that the non-Avetts feel like brothers from other mothers. Bassist Crawford has had much need of that fraternal support as his family deals with their little 7-year-old daughter’s five-year fight with a brain tumor.

He had to take some time off from touring to take her to St. Jude’s Hospital, where they were grateful to discover it is 100 percent without charge, after they were told their insurance would not cover her treatment.

Through various drives, Avetts and Co. have raised over $150,000 to help Hallie Crawford and other families in similar need.

A highlight was when they brought Emmylou Harris out to sing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” with them.

The Carter Family couldn’t have sung it better. “Salvation Song” has some noble lyrics, especially stirring when they sang the final refrain a cappella: “We came to break the bad. We came to cheer the sad.

We came to leave the world a better way.” Mission already accomplished, gentleman and lady.

Photos by Charlie Holloway/ www.psychedlicplayground.com

32 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

North Atlanta’s

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Sponsored Section • Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014

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

5 reasons hiring a real estate professional is a good idea

By BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker North Atlanta Office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Today, nearly 100 percent of people begin the real estate process online.

With numerous real estate-focused websites offering enhanced exposure, some sellers choose the FSBO (for sale by owner) route because it seems effortless to position your home to potential buyers on popular real estate websites.

The Internet can be alluring in pursuing FSBO, but whether you are buying or selling, consider five important points in the difference between working with a REALTOR® and navigating the process on your own.

1. Paperwork. What, how and why?

Contract regulations vary from state to state and are required for a successful sale. Understanding the details and keeping abreast of the ever-changing regulations is a daunting task to undertake on your own. When you hire a real estate professional, you are hiring a market expert who can help you

navigate through the confusing, but necessary, paperwork.

2. You found the house of your dreams! So, now what?

The Orlando Rawlings Regional REALTOR® Association conducted a study and found that every successful real estate transaction has more than 230 possible required actions. A real estate professional is familiar with what each action entails and has a database of resources available, if necessary. Agents possess the knowledge and tools to help make your dream a reality.

3. Can you negotiate well?

Some people are not convinced they need an agent to sell their home; however, an agent offers expertise when it comes to negotiating with the long list of individuals required for a successful transaction. The average transaction requires working with a minimum of 11 different people including the buyer, inspector, appraiser and lender, to name

a few. It can be an arduous process – who wouldn’t want help with that?

4. Get the most out of your transaction. What’s your home’s real value?

Real estate professionals have access to market data required to price your home correctly. Competitively pricing your home right from the start allows you to attract serious, qualified buyers and leads to a quicker sale.

You will benefit from the expertise of an agent with no emotional connection to your home in identifying its truest value. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, “the typical FSBO home sold for $184,000 compared to $230,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”

5. Do you really understand what’s going on in the market?

When it comes to real estate, there is a constant flood of information about home sales, prices, mortgage rates, the right time to buy or sell – the list goes on. It is daunting to keep up with it all.

How do you separate fact from fiction?

Do you really know what’s happening in your area? By hiring an agent who

is knowledgeable about the market and your neighborhood positions you to have a positive buying or selling experience.

Agents are not just in it for the sale and are honest with their clients. Working with a real estate professional who can educate you on the process and handle the detailed aspects of writing and executing a contract will give you the best conclusion possible.

Do you need any more reasons?

You wouldn’t skydive without an experienced guide. You wouldn’t want to have an operation without an experienced doctor … do not make one of the biggest and most important financial decisions of your life without a real estate professional.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents are recognized as experts in the markets they serve.

Contact me today and I can recommend an agent to assist you in the purchase or sale of your next real estate transaction or visit us at AtlantaFineHomes. com Article adapted from KeepingCurrentMatters.com.

Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section August 7, 2014 33

A well-organized closet space offers several benefits. Being able to find the items you’re looking for can mean less stress and more time to enjoy with family and friends.

Tips on organizing your closets like a pro (NAPSI)—Any time of year can be the right time to give your closets the once-over. A wellorganized closet space offers several benefits.

For starters, you can save time when you can find the items you are looking for. That can also mean less stress and more time to enjoy with family and friends.

To help, here are some tips from EasyClosets—an online provider of do-it-yourself custom organization systems for all areas of the home.

• Closets can be easily overrun with clothes, shoes and jackets that you no longer wear or are out of season and are taking up valuable space. Rotating your wardrobe with the season and purging items keeps everything organized and gives your closet some space to breathe.

• When it comes to the closet space itself, create dedicated areas for specific types of items so you will know where to find them—and where to put them away— every time.

• Position shelves, hanging rods and drawers in a convenient location that makes it simple to get to items that are used frequently.

• Then use your closet’s top shelves to store off-season or seldom-used items, including hats, luggage and extra bedding.

• In the master bedroom closet, organize your belts,

ties or scarves with pullout racks that keep items separated and accessible.

• In your kids’ closets, you can make it easier to keep things orderly with baskets and shelves placed within their reach. Wire baskets will let your little ones see what’s inside.

Double up on hanging rods to maximize space and make clothing items more visible. As they grow, you can move or remove the adjustable rods.

• To organize your entryway closet, create zones by dedicating baskets, hooks and shelves to each family member. Use them to store jackets, shoes, hats, bags, the dog’s leash and seasonal items.

• If you want to get your closets organized right away, EasyClosets offers products that are custom made in one business day and shipped to your home. The company even has an intuitive online design tool to make space planning quick and easy for homeowners.

Complimentary design service is also available, allowing customers to have an expert review their plan or create it for them. Upgrading to a custom closet can increase the quality and value of your home. Plus, you can save up to 50 percent by designing and installing the organizers yourself.

To learn more, visit www. easyclosets.com.

34 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

community

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Faiths unite at Iftar Dinner program ALPHARETTA, Ga. —The evening of Sunday, July 20 saw more than 120 people of many faiths gather at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church in a joint Iftar Dinner program arranged between Neshama Interfaith Center and the Atlantic Institute.

Presenters Kemal Korucu, of the Atlantic Institute and Rabbi Michael Bernstein, of Congregation Gesher L’Torah, engaged in inspiring conversation about the spiritual meaning of fasting seeing as the event took place during Ramadan – the holy month where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

The purpose of the event was to share an Iftar, or fastbreaking, dinner.

This is the first meal Muslims partake in after abstaining from eating and drinking all day. However, Ramadan is about more than just fasting.

It’s a time of compassion, generosity, inner reflection of one’s spirituality and seeking oneness with God. It’s about gathering family, friends and neighbors together to strengthen friendships and enjoying the company of others.

It’s about opening the home and mind to people who have differing faiths and beliefs.

More than 120 people of many faiths gather at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church in a joint Iftar Dinner program.

Bernstein pointed out how all but two fast days in the Jewish calendar begin at sunrise and end with the appearance of the first stars of evening, appreciating how this is similar to Ramadan.

In fact, Bernstein shared that one of the fast days, the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, fell during Ramadan this year.

He added that in Israel, even with the hostilities going on between Hamas and Israel, that Jews from Israel and Muslims in the West Bank gathered together, “to fast together and then to feast together, showing the world that Jews and Muslims can and must live together.”

The format was not a formal discussion, rather a true

conversation, allowing the sharing of similarities as well as what makes fasting so vital and even welcomed in each tradition. This shared conversation allowed those in attendance to better understand the many facets of Islamic and Jewish fasting and ritual practice; spiritual growth, patience with others and with circumstances, and community.

Korucu’s engaging and enlightening stories were a highlight of the evening.

The most impactful part of the discussion between Korucu and Bernstein was not even about fasting.

At the very beginning of the program, both took turns praying for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Given the horror going on between both combatants, it truly set the stage for the evening. This sense of connection, understanding and acceptance of “The Other” continued to manifest itself when all participants shared the Iftar meal together.

As directed by the Neshama and Atlantic leaders, no one table could be comprised of members of the same faith.

Getting to know one another, “feasting after fasting” was truly one way to create the peace we all want and for all participants to “be the change you wish to see in the world.”

For more on the work of the Atlantic Institute and Neshama Interfaith Center, their programs and outreach, please visit their websites: www.theatlanticinstitute.org and www.neshamainterfaithcenter.org.

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community

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 35

Non-invasive brain surgery coming to Northside New technology approved to treat cancer, other illness FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Cancer Center at Northside Hospital-Forsyth soon will be able to treat a wide range of brain tumors and other neurological conditions through the a non-invasive technology that delivers Gamma radiation.

Georgia’s Department of Community Health approved Northside to purchase the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion with Extend system, which allows physicians to use radiosurgery to treat conditions that previously were considered inaccessible or inoperable with traditional Gamma Knife technology.

The new service could be available at Northside HospitalForsyth by January 2016.

Northside Hospital-Forsyth will be the only hospital in metro Atlanta, and one of only two in Georgia, with the Gamma Knife Extend system.

The technology will be used to treat metastatic disease (cancer that has travelled to the brain from elsewhere in the body), in addition to a spectrum of benign and malignant vascular and functional disor-

ders including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and Parkinson’s disease.

Nearly two-thirds of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy at some point during their treatment. In 2013, Northside Hospital-Forsyth’s Cancer Center saw about 450 new cancer patients and delivered nearly 9,800 radiation therapy treatments for a variety of cancers.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery, sometimes referred to as stereotactic radiosurgery, has long been considered the “gold standard” in treating brain disorders.

It delivers very precisely focused high-dose beams of radiation to selected areas deep within the brain, without a scalpel and without the usual risks of surgery or an incision.

However, traditional Gamma Knife technology is not able to treat some tumors because of their size or location. The Extend feature is a gamechanger, allowing clinicians to non-invasively immobilize the patient’s head and making repeatable or multi-fraction

Gamma Knife radiosurgery possible, ultimately making the technology accessible to more cancer patients.

Other nationally recognized cancer centers including MD Anderson and the Cleveland Clinic also have adopted the Gamma Knife Extend technology and have found it to be the superior, and oftentimes only, treatment option for numerous intracranial lesions and condi-

Emory cited for excellence treating heart attacks ATLANTA – Three Emory Healthcare hospitals are being recognized for excellence in the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory Johns Creek Hospital have received the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for achieving high standards in STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) heart attack care for 2013.

Each year in the United States, approximately 250,000 people have a STEMI heart attack, which is caused when a blood clot suddenly forms, completely blocking an artery in the heart.

To prevent death or severe heart damage, it is critical to immediately perform a heart catheterization to mechanically open the blocked blood vessel and restore blood flow to the heart.

“We are proud to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care,” said Dr. Abhinav Goyal, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at Emory and director of quality for cardiology at EUH and EUHM. “This award reflects a key institutional commitment to improve the quality of care for our heart attack patients,”

said Goyal, who also co-chairs the Atlanta Mission: Lifeline program.

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals, emergency medical services and communities improve response times so people who suffer from a STEMI receive prompt, optimal treatment. The program’s goal is to streamline systems of care to quickly treat heart attack patients.

Since EMS providers are often the first medical responders to reach a heart attack victim, they represent a critical link in the chain of events that stop heart attacks. The program includes protocols that prompt EMS workers to do an electrocardiogram (ECG) in the field to look for signs of a STEMI heart attack.

“Our goal is to work with emergency responders to get patients to hospitals that are capable of opening a blocked artery within 90 minutes of their first medical contact,” said Dr. Michael Ross, professor of emergency medicine at Emory and immediate past co-chair of the Atlanta Mission: Lifeline program.

“Starting this process in the field helps us to prepare for the patient’s arrival by quickly activating the cath lab to unblock the artery,” he said.

“This saves heart muscle. When time is muscle, every minute counts.”

tions.

Typically, a patient receiving Gamma Knife Extend radiosurgery returns home the same day as their procedure, and side effects are generally minimal and insignificant.

“More cases of cancer are diagnosed and treated at Northside Hospital each year than at any other hospital in Georgia,” said Patti Owen, MN, RN, director at Northside

Hospital Cancer Institute. “We look forward to being able to offer Gamma Knife Extend technology to our patients, and to further demonstrating our commitment to providing the most advanced cancer treatments closer to home.”

For more information about the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute and stereotactic radiosurgery services available, call 404-531-4444.

36 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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sports

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 37

Raiders make Elite 8 at Dizzy Dean ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Alpharetta AYBA Raiders 8U team made the Elite 8 for the Dizzy Dean World Series July 29. Both AYBA 8U teams – the Raiders and the Eagles – made the Elite 8, a rare accomplishment. There were 38 teams total.

The Raiders are, from top left, head coach Steve Davis, coach Pat Corkill, coach Matt Cozad and coach Chris Few. In the bottom row are Brayden Chrismon, Carter Few, Grant Zimmerman, Tyler Zandstra, Connor Corkill, Cameron Clark, Brady Corkill, Brennan Cozad, Owen Falcon Andy Davis and Palmer Sperier. Not pictured is Lucas Nobles.

—Jonathan Copsey

AYBA Eagles runner up in Dizzy Dean World Series MILTON, Ga. – The Alpharetta AYBA Eagles 8U team reached the Elite 8 and finished second in the Dizzy Dean World Series July 29 at Southhaven, Mississippi.

They were undefeated until the final game.

The team are, top from left, coach Jay McWhirter, coach Tim Nielsen, head coach

Scott Kersey and coach David Lakin. In the middle row are Ty Petrovich, Braydon Kersey, Ethan Babcock, Michael McCavitt, Seth Lakin and Brandon Nielsen. In front are Wesley Warren, Bennett Flach, Wesley Austin, Jackson Chappell, Asher Sabom and Jeremy McWhirter.

—Jonathan Copsey

38 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Treasure:

community

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Continued from Page 1 add their own caches to the treasure hunt as well. So there are some caches that the city manages and some that members of the community manage themselves.

It’s free to participate and the caches are available to find year-round during open hours in the parks.

“It’s a great way for kids to be outside with their parents and it’s something they can get excited about as they explore the parks,” Franz said.

Franz said placing geocache locations in Johns Creek parks was an easy activity for the city to add. It’s a fun activity for parents to do with their kids, but it’s up to the parents to determine what age is safe for children to geocache on their own.

Rachel Habberfield and Darina Zapryanova are college students from Alpharetta who heard about geocaching in Johns Creek parks. They explored around the parks and found a couple of geocaches.

“I had heard about geocaching before as an activity, but I had never been personally. My experience doing it in Johns Creek was fun, adventurous and informative, considering it was my first time,” said Habberfield.

Zapryanova had heard about geocaching during her freshman year of college at the University of West Georgia (UWG).

“I prefer a park setting best for geocaching. It’s fun to do with friends, but sometimes you have to be discreet around popular caches, because the next cacher might be around the corner and you don’t want to spoil it for them,” said Zapryanova.

If a cache can’t be found, cachers can mark the location as missing online or on the geocaching app so others know.

Families and friends who wish to participate in geocaching can do so any time by

Caches are usually a plastic container filled with random little trinkets. Geocachers can take an item, but only if they have something else with which to replace it.

It’s a great way for kids to be outside with their parents and it’s something they can get excited about as they explore the parks.”

Kirk Franz Recreation manager of Johns Creek visiting geocaching.com for information.

Caches have either pieces of paper or a small notebook for logging in who has found the cache in the past, and how long ago it was found.

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Alpharetta honors Old Soldiers Annual parade draws crowds

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – For the 62nd year, soldiers from nearly every recent war paraded down Main Street in Alpharetta for the annual Old Soldiers Day Parade.

Organizers called it the largest parade yet. This year’s theme was “Teach our children: God, flag, honor and country.”

“The values most people my age learned at home are only vague concepts today,” said Marty Farrell, past

community

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 39

commander of the American Legion Post 201. “Who better to teach these values than our military veterans?”

The keynote speaker was Don Giles, a retired U.S. Navy captain from Marietta.

He highlighted the need for a strong military in an uncertain world and equally strong young people to staff that military.

“I’m delighted to see so many young people today,” he said. “You are the next generation of soldiers. You are the ones who must step forward to defend our freedoms.

I believe you will do it.”

Alpharetta Rotary was the winner of the best float, holding most closely to the parade’s theme.

Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann passes out candy to passersby.

Scouts get a view from inside the parade

HATCHER HURD/Staff

HATCHER HURD/Staff

HATCHER HURD/Staff

HATCHER HURD/Staff

The soldiers of the American Legion Post 201 ride their traditional old fire truck.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Donald A. Giles gives the keynote address at Old Soldiers Day.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Soldiers reenact the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima.

Former Alpharetta Councilman John Monson with State Rep. Lynne Riley.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

The riders of the Milton Saddle Club bring their country spirit.

40 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

community

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Alpharetta YMCA member to compete for world swimming title ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Juan Carlos Sanchez, member of the Ed Isakson/ Alpharetta YMCA, is competing for the Masters World Swimming Championship in Montreal. Sanchez wants to make himself and his family proud, while setting a good example for his 13-year-old son.

“Placing top 10 would be super wild,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez began competing in events on Aug. 2 and will finish Aug. 9 against projected Olympians at the event, with about 10,000 competitors expected to race.

He is racing in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter freestyle as well as the 200-meter individual medley.

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Georgia College MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Paige Steioff, a business major from Johns Creek, was named to the fall 2013 Dean’s List at Georgia College in Milledgeville.

She was also inducted into the Delta Zeta sorority in October.

Steioff is a 2013 graduate from Northview High School.

Reinhardt University WALESKA, Ga. – Alexandra Mahan, a junior business major from Alpharetta, was recently presented with Reinhardt University’s McCamish School of Business Leadership Award. In all, 20 students were honored.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi BATON ROUGE, La. – The following local residents recently were initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines: Emily Bailey, Alpharetta, Georgia College and State University; Anna Bishop, Alpharetta, College of Charleston; Hannah Coyle, Alpharetta, Georgia College and State University; Sarah Cullen, Alpharetta, Mercer University; Chelsea Foster, Alpharetta, Brenau University; Nicholas Hanchey, Alpharetta, Georgia College and State University; Judy Martin, Alpharetta, Mercer University; Jenna McElroy, Alpharetta, University of Georgia; and Lindsay Wortham, Alpharetta, University of Georgia.

Kaitlin Alvin, Cumming, Georgia College and State University; Samantha Brown, Cumming, Armstrong Atlan-

The swimmer, born in Colombia, swam throughout high school until college at the age of 18, when he decided to make academics his top priority.

Sanchez says he enjoys the comradery amongst his fellow Alpharetta YMCA swimmers, noting that they can make fun of each other while also providing each other that extra push.

“It’s not the same by yourself,” he said. “We keep each other accountable.”

The championship is held by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), or International Swimming Federation. This year will mark the 15th biennial FINA World Masters Championship.

–Shannon Weaver

tic State University; Jessica Erdely, Cumming, Jacksonville University; Sarah Fogg, Cumming, Georgia College and State University; Eric Minter, Cumming, Brenau University; and Gregory Pattee, Cumming, Mercer University.

Carly Berg, Duluth, Brenau University; Katherine Potts, Duluth, Marshall University; Utkarsh Parwal, Johns Creek, Mercer University; Lisa Johnson, Johns Creek, Mercer University; Ryan Linnane, Johns Creek, University of Georgia; and Patrick Young, Johns Creek, University of Georgia.

Jennifer Garciasalas, Suwanee, Brenau University; Kelsea Luce, Suwanee, Georgia College and State University; Mikaela LaFave, Suwanee, Georgia College and State University; Cindy Nee, Suwanee, Mercer University; and Sarah Ashley Jolly, Suwanee, Mississippi State University.

Kristopher Schock, Roswell, Georgia College and State University; Loren Ranson, Roswell, Georgia College and State University; Stephen White, Roswell, University of Georgia; Jillian Moore, Roswell, University of Georgia; and Mikal Murphy, Roswell, University of Southern Mississippi.

Brenau University GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Local area students recently graduated from Brenau University with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Among them were Melissa Tavilla from Suwanee, who graduated with a degree in conflict resolution and legal studies and was the recipient of the Cora Anderson Hill Award for earning the highest grade point average in the graduating class for fall 2013 commencement, and Jordan Bryant Wallace of Cumming, who earned a bachelor’s degree and received both the Alpha Lambda Delta Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average as well as the Cora Anderson Hill

Award for spring 2014 commencement.

The following local students graduated from Brenau University with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the 20132014 academic year: Alpharetta: Kimberly Paige Brown, Carly McCullough Burdock, Julie Rubenstein Cohen, Kayla Thi Dao, Lois A. Fairfield, Angela Vicki Hawkins, Barbara Ellen Irons, Laura Christine Malone, Joan W. Mwangi, Kathleen Mae Nixon-Lancelot, Serena Elaine Parks, Katherine Anna Peacocke, Brian Scott Pinion, Allison McGee Pridgen, Keila Marques dos Santos, Marianne Kiran Sapra, Alysha Lauren Warde and Michelle Zhu. Cumming: Cassandra Marie Allis, Heather Anne Andrews, Kevin Lamar Bostick, Danielle Lane Doedens, Michelle Elizabeth Gilbert, Haylee Brooke Grogan, Kimberly Denise Harston, Mackenzie Erin Hayes, Makenzey Danielle Haynes, Kathryn Mary Kibler, Kristin Katherine Kliemt, Lauren Tyler Lewis, Beatriz Simons McKenney, Jamie Leigh Merola, Christopher R. Paravate, Larisa Plodovsky, Blythe Myers Robison, Austin Marie Smith, Jessica Amberlee Stockton, Traci L. Swanson, Ashley Morgan Tolland, Tracy Dawn Tyler, Jordan Bryant Wallace, Nicolette Amanda Weaver, Pennie Sherie Wilson and Brittany Ann Wood.

Duluth: Carly Ann Berg, Haeseon Cho and Raquel A. Martin.

Johns Creek: Vyacheslav Slavic Sazhko and Alyson Carol Shields.

Roswell: Bibiana Queiroz Galvao Carvalho, Amanda Fragulis, Rhonda Cay Hester, Kathy Louise Overstreet, Chung Wai Siu and Deirdre Marie Stinnett.

Suwanee: Jennifer Lea Boring, Candice Lee Boyd, Shayala Bhal

Dave, Christine Weigel Gangwisch, Jennifer Marie Garciasalas, Julie Kay Huizer, Katharine Leigh Jurgensen, Karen McNeely, Vivian O. Okafor, Lois Sherrell Powell, Tracie Ann Prescod, Kimberly Chevon Reese, Crystal Lee Robertson, Mayar Hatem Sadiq, Amy Lynn Sedgwick, Sylvie Mambo Shiwiri, Melissa Tavilla and Natalie Renee Yarnell.

Brenau students were also awarded for academic excellence and achievement during Honors Convocation on April 17. These students included: Chelsea Morgan Foster of Alpharetta, who was named the Ada Little Scholarship winner. Foster is a senior studying business administration.

Lindsay A. Kelly of Cumming, who was named the Baxter-Bryan Scholar and the Honors Research Award winner. Kelly is a senior studying middle grades education.

Debbie Pradillo Cashion of Cumming, who was named the Nancy Moore Scholarship winner. Cashion is a junior studying early childhood education.

Alumnae from Brenau’s Women’s College received awards during Alumni Reunion Weekend, including Jessi Barker Shrout of Cumming, who graduated in the class of 2004, and Lee Ann Romberg White of Cumming, who graduated in the class of 1982.

Loomis Chaffee School WINDSOR, Conn. – Samir Agadi, a sophomore from Alpharetta, was recently named to the High Honor Roll for the winter term at the Loomis Chaffee School.

California State-Fullerton FULLERTON, Calif. – Ofir Stolarski of Alpharetta was

named to the fall 2013 Dean’s Honor List at California State University-Fullerton’s Mihaylo College of Business and Economics.

The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher while taking a minimum of 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester.

Geneva College BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – Ethan Joseph of Alpharetta has been named to the Dean’s List for the 2013 fall semester at Geneva College. Dean’s List status is awarded to students who earn a 3.6 grade point average or better. A senior, Joseph is majoring in biology.

Mercersburg Academy MERCERSBURG, Pa. – Erin Pak, a ninth-grader from Duluth, was named a commended scholar (all grades of 85 or above) during the winter term at Mercersburg Academy.

American Hebrew Academy GREENSBORO, N.C. – American Hebrew Academy student Roland Rosenberg was named to the Honor Roll for the winter trimester of 2014. Rosenberg is from Cumming.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Milton Park, a sophomore civil engineering major from Alpharetta, recently earned Dean’s List recognition from RoseHulman Institute of Technology for achieving a grade point average of at least 3.3 for the quarter. Park is the child of Milton and Alison Park of Alpharetta.

See VARSITY, Page 41

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Varsity: Continued from Page 40

Reinhardt University WALESKA, Ga. – Several local students were among the 115 students and one faculty member recognized at Reinhardt University’s Honors Day on Sunday, April 6.

Jordan Mahan, a senior from Alpharetta, was honored as an Academic Degree Program Award recipient for political science and a Reinhardt University Academic Scholar.

Alexandra Mahan, a junior from Alpharetta, was honored as a Reinhardt University Academic Scholar.

Joyce Miller, a junior from Alpharetta, was honored as a Reinhardt University Academic Scholar.

Stephen Clark, a junior from Cumming, was honored as a Reinhardt University Academic Scholar.

Elizabeth Coe, a senior from Cumming, was honored as a Reinhardt University Academic Scholar.

Jeremy Burns, a senior from Suwanee, was honored as an Academic Degree Program Award recipient for marketing.

Academic Degree Program Awards are presented to up to two students from each of the university’s 41 undergraduate degree programs.

Reinhardt Academic Scholars are presented to seniors and juniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or higher.

In addition, several of Reinhardt’s best student minds and talents participated in the university’s Convocation of Artists and Scholars, a weeklong program featuring music recitals, creative writing reading, student research, portfolios, art and science exhibits and an international culture fest and communications conference.

Local students selected to participate in the COAS include: Price Signaigo, a junior from Roswell, who represented Kappa Delta Pi at the Honor Society Recognition Reception.

Ryan Burton, a junior from Roswell, who participated in the creative writing readings.

Jennifer Cowart, a graduate student from Alpharetta, who presented in the education presentations.

Marianella Lopez, a sophomore from Roswell, who participated in the International Culture Festival.

Emily Walden, a freshman from Cumming, who presented at the study abroad presentations.

University of Iowa IOWA CITY, Iowa – Steven Long of Roswell recently took

part in the “Research in the Capitol” day event, held in the rotunda of the State Capitol in Des Moines.

Brigham Young University PROVO, Utah – Several local residents recently graduated from Brigham Young University following the spring 2014 term.

Mitchell Mills, son of Bart and Joanne Mills of Milton, graduated magna cum laude.

A 2008 Milton High School graduate, Mills was selected Outstanding Student for General Business in the Marriott School of Business.

Megan Hirschi, daughter of Ken and Linda Hirschi of Milton, graduated magna cum laude with University Honors.

A 2007 Milton High School graduate, Hirschi received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in English and in music. She was also chosen to be the student body commencement speaker.

Kathleen Smith, daughter of Michael and Julie Smith, graduated with a degree in physics and a double minor in math and ballroom dance. She performed with the BYU Ballroom Dance Company earning high honors on her International Medals Exam and placing several times at Amateur Dancesport Nationals.

Washington University in St. Louis ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The following students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Washington University in St. Louis: Aine Caitlin O’Connor of Roswell, enrolled in the university’s College of Arts and Sciences; Azhar Pirani of Johns Creek, enrolled in the university’s John M. Olin School of Business; and Jared Blake Ross of Alpharetta, enrolled in the university’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Choate Rosemary Hall WALLINGFORD, Conn. – Shane Phillipps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Phillipps of Alpharetta, was named to the winter term 2014 Dean’s List at Choate Rosemary Hall.

Choate Rosemary Hall is an independent secondary school enrolling 865 boarding and day students from 40 states and D.C., and 40 countries.

Westminster School SIMSBURY, Conn. – Lauren Boures of Johns Creek, a junior at Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut, earned high honors for the winter

community 2014 academic term.

University of Findlay FINDLAY, Ohio – Elisha Snezek of Suwanee has been accepted to the University of Findlay, and plans to major in equestrian studies/English riding and training emphasis.

In addition, Snezek and Jacqueline Snezek of Suwanee were awarded merit scholarships for $16,000 each for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Oglethorpe University ATLANTA – The following students were named to Oglethorpe University’s Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester.

Michael Zambetti, accounting, Duluth; Diego Herrera, biology, Johns Creek; Claudia Kensela, biology, Roswell; Ana Almeida-Rojo, biopsychology, Roswell; Destin Miller, biopsychology, Roswell; Taylor Bone, communication and rhetoric studies, Alpharetta; Lindsi Bollinger, English, Roswell; Ashley Slater, English, Alpharetta; Carl Sweat, English, Roswell; Ruwa Romman, English and politics, Duluth; Tiffany Zimniak, individually planned major, Cumming; Anthony Amato, philoso-

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 41 phy, Roswell; Gavin Caffrey, philosophy, Roswell; Caleb Connell, philosophy, Duluth; Reid Cole, physics, Cumming; Harry Dodsworth, psychology, Alpharetta; Andrea Lopez, psychology, Alpharetta; Kiara Mora, psychology, Cumming; Tyler Salas, studio art major, Cumming; and Kristin Butler, theater, Alpharetta.

University of North Georgia DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Cody Aselton of Roswell and fellow members of the University of North Georgia Enactus team were named national finalists among 230 colleges and universities competing at the Enactus United States National Championship held March 31 through April 3 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati.

Representing UNG and the Mike Cottrell College of Business, Aselton and the team finished first runner up to eventual national champion Texas State University in the quarterfinal round, earning a top-30 finish overall. UNG Enactus also won the Jack Shewmaker Enactus Spirit Award, which recognizes a team that has demonstrated strong commitment to bettering the lives of others through their efforts.

UNG study abroad Also of interest, Brendan Curtis of Cumming and

Christie Behning of Suwanee recently traveled to London to get a firsthand look at international commerce and a culture rich with global influences.

The trip, taken during spring break, is part of the Mike Cottrell College of Business’s flagship study abroad program, the London Experience, which exposes undergraduate UNG business students to business practices and cultures other than their own.

UNG Research Conference Several students were recognized for their outstanding performance at the University of North Georgia’s 19th annual Research Conference, held on the university’s Dahlonega, Gainesville and Oconee campuses. Those recognized included: Catherine Basel of Cumming, Award of Top Honor in Nursing Group 5 (Dahlonega campus); Chandler Dean of Duluth, Best Poster Award in Psychology/Sociology (Dahlonega campus); Andrew Smitherman of Alpharetta, Best Poster Award in Psychology/Sociology (Dahlonega campus); Sarah Smudde of Cumming, Best Poster Award in Psychology/Sociology (Dahlonega campus); Erin Collins of Cumming, Second Place in Oral Presentation (Gainesville campus); and Lori Brennan of Suwanee, Award of Top Honor in Nursing Group 3 (Dahlonega campus).

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Why we print the bad news When newspapers run the photos of breaking news items or video clips of fires, accidents or other tragedies, it is not – as some people often claim – “to sell more newspapers.”

First, in our case, we sell very few newspapers. Most are delivered free to neighborhoods in our coverage areas. The few we do have in coin boxes and at grocery stores barely cover the cost of their printing and distribution. We do it as a way to provide the paper to those who want it but don’t receive it.

We can’t throw newspapers to everyone; this is a business.

So when we run a disturbing photo as we did of Nathan Buhl, recently appointed principal of Milton High School, it was not without more than a

Hatcher Hurd

Executive Editor hatcher@northfulton.com

... In the end, we decided to run it because it was news and we are a newspaper. little thought. The arrest photo shows Buhl with a swollen and stitched face.

It was suggested among the editors that we run a less graphic photo of the unfortunate Buhl. But in the end, we decided to run it because it was news and we are a newspaper.

According to police reports, Buhl, 37, on the night of July 26 allegedly hit a parked car and later that evening crashed his car.

The next day, he was arrested and faces charges of DUI in Cherokee and Forsyth counties.

When he crashed his car, he was apparently on his way home.

The result of the crash sent him to the hospital for treatment, and he was released the next morning into police custody.

Robert “Bob” N. Votta dies at 68 ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Robert N. Votta of Alpharetta went peacefully to his final reward Sunday July 27, at Embracing Hospice in Cumming following a brief illness.

Mr. Votta was a U.S. Air Force veteran who was deeply involved in veterans’ affairs at the American Legion Post 201 VOTTA in Alpharetta.

Mr. Votta was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania on March 21, 1946. He was the son of Carmen and Josephine Votta.

Mr. Votta was a devoted son, husband, brother and uncle. He leaves Mary, his loving wife of 40 years, to cherish his memory. He is also survived by his brother David (Joyce), nephew David Votta Jr., nieces Lynne Moore and Lisa Lombardozzi and cousin (like a sister) Carmela Bobick (Steven).

Mr. Votta was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Vietnam War Era with honor and distinction from 1967 to 1971.

Mr. Votta, who has called Alpharetta home for 24 years, retired after many years as a loyal and valued employee of the General Electric Co. “Bob,” as he was known to all who knew him, was a passionate sports fan and a man who never met a stranger. He had an uncanny ability to remember names, even of individuals

he only met one time.

Mr. Votta was also an avid golfer and following his retirement from GE, he worked at the Windermere Golf Club in Cumming. During his tenure there, he made hundreds of friends among both members and employees He is best known in the Alpharetta community as “Mr. American Legion” for his tireless efforts on behalf of the 825 wartime members of Alpharetta American Legion Post 201.

At the Legion, he was entrusted with numerous leadership positions. Among them, two terms as post commander, senior vice commander, six years as general chairman of the annual Old Soldiers Day Parade, chairman of the High School Oratorical Contest, chairman of the High School Scholarship Program and chairman of the Post Executive Committee.

Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. at Northside Chapel Funeral Home, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. also at Northside Chapel.

A reception at the American Legion Post 201 will follow at 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

Interment will take place at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road in Canton, Monday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m.

Northside Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

He has resigned as principal and at the age of 37, the man named 201314 Principal of the Year has ended a promising BUHL career.

So why run the photo of his swollen face?

As we stated, first, it was news. It shows graphically how he suffered.

While we understand the photo will add to the misery of a fine man and his family, it is also an object lesson to any who might think, “There for the grace of God go I.” It is why we publish the

names of all those arrested for DUI and drugs. Yes, it is news.

But it also has the effect of giving each of us pause. Everyone is guilty of some small act they would not like everyone to know.

But some acts have dangerous consequences that can endanger others as well as the perpetrators.

We believe this practice has a chilling effect on some, who then call a cab or use a designated driver rather than drive impaired.

So when people who hold positions of public trust stumble, then yes we report it, warts and all.

It is up to the readers to judge if our coverage overstepped the bounds of good taste.

44 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Going Green

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Making a difference in your local community Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014

Sustainable business practices for the new economy Charles Eisenstein, Yale University graduate and author of “Sacred Economics,” believes our society must form a “gift economy” in order to combat massive social inequality and the destruction of our environment.

His work is based upon how former civilizations worked, wherein the richest person in the society was the person who did the most for society, without government meddling, when individuals instinctively supported each other without intrusive laws.

This person could only gain so much by giving away the same amount.

Because whatever was produced was a gift for someone else, individuals were always ensured of receiving one back.

Eisenstein wrote that this type of thinking must apply to business leaders in the community.

“Someday, hopefully soon, we must change the business environment to end the opposition between profit and ecological well-being,” Eisenstein wrote in the British newspaper, the Guardian. “…Herein lies a very different sort of ‘business case’ for sustainability. It comes from questions like, ‘Who are you, really?’ ‘What do you care about?’ and, ‘What do you serve?’ From a deep consideration of such questions, courage is born.

“The other business case, the one based on profit, is just a tactical device, a way to give the bean counters – and our own internal bean counter – permission to say yes to what we all really want.”

In this sense, Maria Fundora, owner of Casa Nuova in Alpharetta, is ahead of the game.

Fundora manages a 13-acre “garden,” which is more like a farm, along with her husband, children and employees from the restaurant, to provide all the fresh veggies, herbs and fruit served in the restaurant.

“It’s probably a wash,” said Fundora, describing the expenses of the business practices of maintaining and running a farm to support a restaurant.

But she doesn’t do it for the bottom line. She does it to keep her customers happier and healthier — ultimately, sustaining and expanding her base of clients.

Fundora even gives away her extra produce to customers after they enjoy their meal.

james carr

The Jig Is Up james@forsythherald.com

Maria Fundora with her son Pepe.

“That changes everything; that you are not just making a living or making money, but you’re caring about your environment, you’re caring about your customer, you’re caring about improving your food quality even though it may cost more money,” said Fundora.

“Because at the end of the day, people will appreciate what you are doing and your business will improve.”

The value of Fundora’s garden isn’t quantifiable; it’s just good for the community.

It brings people together. It means land that was once grass and trees is now productive and useful. And it tastes amazing.

Steps like these will create waves in our free market, should we all choose to take them. I challenge business owners in the area to consider what you can do for your employees or community. Could you plant tomatoes and greens out back so your employees can make salads for lunch?

Could you buy chickens so your employees could have eggs each morning?

Could you save all the rainwater from your building to limit water waste?

Could you let your employees work from home once a week to cut down on carbon emissions and let the workforce recover and spend time with family?

There are unlimited options and almost none will help the bottom line. They will, how-

GOING GREEN: Q&A with Maria Fundora During research for my book, “The Jig is Up,” a book about sustainable living in urban environments, I interviewed Maria Fundora, owner of Casa Nuova restaurant and an avid farmer. Here’s an excerpt from our conversation. Read more of this interview at www. northfulton.com.

How did the farm become a part of your restaurant?

Fundora: We live on a farm, which is two blocks away. My husband bought the property in 1980, and at that time, there were no people out here (laughs).

We wanted to open something closer to home. We found this little place; it was a strip mall that was going up and we were the first people to sign in 1997, and we opened in February 1998.

We started slow, because the land you have to really work and if you want to be organic, you have to find natural fertilizers and that kind of thing. You have to really till depending on what kind of winter you had, too.

We started out kind of small. My husband would make small batches of gelato for our family. That’s kind of how it started, and it snowballed. We did one acre, then two then three, and now we’re up to 12 acres.

We don’t sell it to the public. We’ll use what we use here in the restaurant or like now, we have an abundance of cucumbers, so our customers will go home with little bags of our organic cucumbers to take with them. We try to use it as a marketing tool so people know we care about our customer, our environment and making our food better. And at this time of the year, our food is better. The recipe hasn’t changed, but what we’re using is better because we’re growing it ourselves.

What do you grow in the garden, and what is the process like?

Fundora: We start from organic seed in March or February, and we always plant after Easter -- we learned that lesson five or six years ago. We said, ‘Why don’t we start a little bit earlier?’ There was a major freeze, and we lost a lot of money in having to start over. If it’s an early Easter, we wait a little later.

We don’t do any mushrooms, but we have parsley, cilantro, basil, corn. We have every color of pepper you can imagine; cucumbers.

This year, we planted around 5,000 tomato plants.

For us, tomatoes are a major key ingredient, because aside from making sauce, it makes soup, it makes our sun dried tomatoes for the year. We have cherry, heirloom, beefsteak – every kind of tomato you can imagine, we have.

Eggplant, we have in the ground. We also have zucchini, yellow squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, different Caribbean squashes, ever, make the people around you happier and healthier. How much is that worth?

some potatoes, spinach, other greens – a little bit of everything that we use in the restaurant.

And we have fruit trees to make our homemade gelato.

We’re not doing it necessarily to make money because, as you know, using organic anything raises your price. Our pricing is very reasonable. We’re in a middle range, where you can have dinner with us on a weekly basis and not spend a fortune.

We try to be sustainable. It helps our customers and our families eat healthier, which is very important.

The Slow Food Movement in Italy isn’t just about food, it’s about an attitude. What are some of the differences between Italy and the United States in that regard?

Fundora: We travel to Italy pretty often. One of the things we find wherever we go – whether we’re in Southern Italy on the islands of Capri or we’re in Sorrento, or Northern Italy or the Adriatic Coast of Florence – is every restaurant that we go to has a garden. And they’ll pick from that garden what they’re going to make for the day. Whether they do it as a special or as an additive – OK, we’ve got a lot of basil, let’s make a pesto sauce.

And their customer base is used to that.

I think it’s more of a way of life. At almost every home, you see a couple of vineyards.

Not like an acre, but you’ll see a little track where they’ll harvest their own grapes and make homemade wine. You know? It’s the same kind of thing with food.

We’ve been here 16 years now. In this area in Alpharetta, I see more and more of that. I see more gardens. And it’s very nice to be able to see it on my level, that people are doing it for their businesses.

Does the garden supply enough food to last the entire year?

Fundora: Depending how the weather is, we’ll have a fall garden, which is much smaller of course. Last year, we had maybe two acres. And you get excited about seeing those things that you plant in the fall that are different than what you planted in the spring. It keeps you talking about the garden throughout the year. We’ll talk to our customers throughout the year about what we’re doing, so there’s an excitement about what you’re doing.

Our first flowers that we have every year are camellias, and when our customers see that we have camellias on the table they’re like, “Oh my god, have you started the garden?”

What five items would you grow regardless of time or temperature?

Fundora: Tomatoes, peppers, corn, spinach and basil. There are so many uses for all those.

James Carr is working on a book about the local, sustainable movement called “The Jig

Is Up.” For more information, visit thejigisup89.com.

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Resigns: Continued from Page 5 For the past few weeks, Buhl had been hosting “meet and greets” throughout the Milton community to get to know the parents and to introduce himself.

One parent who attended was impressed with his commitment to his job.

“He seemed very much a family man who loved his job and loved what he was doing,” said Carolyn Lauterbach.

“He told us he was living his dream and made you feel good that we always put the

kids first.”

In his parting statement to families, Buhl said he is taking time to focus on himself and his family.

“I need to reflect on what led me to make a series of disastrous decisions this past weekend, and I need to reflect with gratitude on the realization that it could have been even worse,” he wrote.

School system leaders confirmed a search for Buhl’s replacement will be far reaching.

“We will immediately conduct a national search for exceptional candidates,” said Shandor. “We will also be conducting focus groups with

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 45 parents and staff to gather valuable input into the selection process. “ Shandor added a survey will be distributed to obtain “stakeholder input” to determine what the community wants in a leader.

Buhl’s resignation is the second one in the past year for the Milton community attributed to lapses of judgment.

In January, the principal of Crabapple Crossing Elementary, George Freiberger, stepped down after it was discovered he had violated school system policies in regards to personnel.

Unlike Buhl’s situation, the issue with Freiberger was not criminal in nature.

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 ►► James Allen Dodds

III, 36, of Monroe Way, Alpharetta, was arrested July 6 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding, suspended license and failure to maintain lane.

Drug arrests ►► Corin Torres, 33, of

Sterling Court, Cumming, was arrested July 14 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for possession of methamphetamines and possession of drug-related items.

►► Darrien Dangelo White,

29, of Conley was arrested July 14 on North Point Circle in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, wanted person and shoplifting. ►► Randall Allen Guethler, 47, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was arrested July 18 on North Point Drive in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, open container and possession of drug-related items. ►► Fabian Andres Perdomo, 35, of Hillbrooke Trace, Johns Creek, was arrested July 6 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related items.

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 49

36 | August 7, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

5 Year Paving Plan (2015-2019) Subdivision Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

North Bridges Hunters Forest Jones Bridge Crossing Colony Glen Chessington Chase Farm Brook Subdivisions Consolidated River Trace Jones Bridge Plantation Queensbury East Spring Meadows Farms Doublegate Linkwood Aviary Ridge Queensbury Preserve at Johns Creek Saint Clair Standard View River Club Anaheim Farms Bridgewater Carriage Park Georgian Ridge Mayfair Woodland Hills Mackinac Reserve at Foxdale, The Silver Ridge Estates at Wellington, The Forrest Lake Ivey Ridge Surrey Park Village at Jones Ferry, The Enclave on Johns Creek, The Glastonberry Morton Chase Chartwell Creekside Hartridge Jones Bridge Place Brookshire Lake Enclave at Foxdale, The Foxworth Roswell Mill Brumbelow Crossing Estates at Foxdale, The Highland Park Spring Garden Churchill Downs

49

Estimated Cost

Plan Year

50

$116,774 $155,995

2015 2015

51

$96,320

2015

$180,683 $35,339

2015 2015

$467,910

2015

$53,607

2015

$192,259

2015

$71,185

2015

$62,842

2015

$969,214 $107,647 $34,071 $172,300

2015 2015 2015 2015

$28,759

2015

$102,298 $73,085 $133,361 $48,015 $125,613 $182,040 $28,691 $384,362 $133,954 $46,938

2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015

$258,706

2015

$282,534

2015

$132,313

2015

$33,316 $98,218 $62,148

2015 2015 2015

$122,705

2015

$35,115

2015

$206,167 $67,147 $410,944 $70,533 $234,356 $35,253 $82,453

2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016

$190,407

2016

$189,043 $109,091 $40,425

2016 2016 2016

$76,958

2016

$152,200 $7,445 $69,107

2016 2016 2016

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

PAVING PLAN

Donamere Enclave at Breckenridge, The Carriage Homes at River Farm Laurel Ridge River Ridge Amberleigh Aviary Bridgemor Heights Cameron Crest Farms Carrington Park at Breckenridge, The Evergreen Trace Fox Creek Laurelwood River Glen Sugar Mill Fairway Ridge North Peak Cameron Forest Lexington Woods Stratmore Timberlane

$108,124

2017

$150,473

2017

$42,808

2017

$51,290 $245,627 $185,610 $179,991 $100,121 $371,030 $50,328

2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017

$177,579

2018

$60,538 $97,258 $189,439 $319,448 $948,918 $128,886 $174,329 $436,681 $239,073 $41,198 $147,448

2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019

Estimated accumulative cost of repaving 70 subdivisions from 2015 – 2019:

$11,416,044

PAVING PLAN

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 7, 2014 | 13

$5.5M in place to move forward paving subdivisions Worst-to-best 5-year paving plan

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga.— Johns Creek can move forward repav-

ing city subdivision streets according to its resurfacing plan now that the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank’s (GTIB) $4 million loan to the city has been secured.

The city will add $1.5 million to the GTIB balance and begin paving in the spring of 2015.

The city will follow its needs study survey to determine which subdivisions will

be paved in its five-year plan.

In the map shown are subdivisions that will be paved in each of the five years. The map’s key is color-coordinated listing the city subdivisions marked for re-pavement in each year of the plan.

Some subdivisions will not be paved in the first five years.

At the end of the plan, a new assessment will determine the repaving needs based on wear of the roads and their respective needs.

The original repaving study

identified $30 million in resurfacing needs. The city has restated the estimate now stands at $40 million.

“In 2006, the city of Johns Creek inherited a street system that was far below standard,” said Mayor Mike Bodker. “Since then, we have put tremendous effort into upgrading major roads and working closely with the Georgia Department of Transportation to see that state routes are properly maintained.”