Johns Creek Herald - September 22, 2016 by Appen Media Group

What Fall Break Looks Like on Sea Island See our offer inside on page 10

S e p t e m b e r 2 2 , 2 0 1 6 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 0 , N o . 3 8

JC council passes 2017 budget $55.2 million in revenues anticipated in General Fund ►►PAGE 15

All’s fair in love, war and politics

Executive editor Hatcher Hurd gives his take on JC politics ►►PAGE 10

Empty Nest Sponsored section ►►PAGE 22

The Hub Family Resource Center closing

The Expo has something for you New Beginnings 55+ Lifestyle Expo this Saturday ►►PAGES 24 – 25

Remco Brommet, director of the Hub Family Resource Center, said the nonprofit will have to shut down at the end of September due to a lack of funding. Opening with much ballyhoo, its purpose was to serve as a clearinghouse for families facing such problems as drug addiction, spousal abuse, alcoholism and mental health issues. The Hub offered distressed families a place to turn. But in the end, The Hub had nowhere to turn. Read more, Page 4.

Pisgah grad breaks N. Colorado record HATCHER HURD/HERALD

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Kyle Sloter has career game against Abilene Christian University ►►PAGES 38 – 39

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2 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 143 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102

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DUI arrests ►► Gary Frank Powell, 49, of Cambridge

Drive, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 5 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and failure to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. ►► Jay Mithani, 50, of Hampstead Way, Duluth, was arrested Sept. 4 on Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and impeding traffic. ►► Abhilash Kurpath, 25, of Collingwood Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 5 on Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI.

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man reported a home burglary Sept. 9 on Donnington Drive when he came home and noticed that the glass of the back door was shattered. The man had left his parents’ residence for work between 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., while his parents were away in Texas. When he came home, the man noticed that several items were missing and the glass back door was destroyed. He called the police. According to the police report, the broken door appears to be the suspect’s entry and exit point.

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Hotel guest arrested for $7K in water damage ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A woman was arrested Sept. 8 for criminal damage to property totaling close to $7,000 in her

The master bedroom and bathroom were “heavily rummaged through.” A safe full of jewelry and precious metals that was in the master bathroom was thrown out to the back yard and dragged to the driveway. There was noticeable damage to the lawn where the safe had landed and was dragged. The missing items include a diamond ring, watch, 15 ounces of gold and miscellaneous jewelry. Their estimated worth is $100,000. The man told police that he hadn’t activated his home alarm prior to leaving for work.

►► Juan Villagran, 35, of Old Bridge

Way, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 11 on Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and suspended license. ►► Ruben Sanchez-Leal, 23, of Franklin Goldmine Road, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 10 on GA. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and no license. ►► Sveth S. Karkala, 25, of Gatewater Court, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 7 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Christopher G. McElwaney, 37, of Henderson Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 6 on North Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI, open container and reckless driving. ►► Lauren Nicole Redmond, 27, of High Hampton Chase, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 6 on Kimball Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and failure to obey a traffic control hotel room. The woman, 67-year-old Pamela Reichert, had been staying at the Wingate Hotel on Kingswood Place. She hung her clothes from the sprinkler head in her room, despite the signs warning guests against doing so. The hung clothes broke the sprinkler head, causing it to continuously shoot out water. The water damaged the furniture, ceilings and carpet of her room, the surrounding rooms and the hallways. Reichert told police that she was

device. ►► Daniel Scott Watson, 21, of Deer Trail, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 13 on Morris Road in Milton for DUI and operating unsafe or improper equipment.

Drug arrests ►► Kiala Alisha Murray, 22, of Church

Street, Douglas, was arrested Sept. 10 on Rock Mill Road in Alpharetta for possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug related items and possession of a schedule II controlled substance. ►► Andrew Ahn, 25, of Norwalk Trace, Lawrenceville, was arrested Sept. 5 on Groomsbridge Road in Johns Creek for possession of MDMA, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related objects and an outstanding warrant from Gwinnett County. careful when she was hanging her clothes.

Alleged shoplifter puts up fight ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A man was arrested Sept. 7 for resisting arrest after being confronted for allegedly shoplifting. A loss prevention officer at a Vic-

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 3

Preserving Vision with Laser Glaucoma Treatment Glaucoma is a progressive condition that if left untreated can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve and result in gradual vision loss and blindness if left untreated. The most common form of glaucoma results from increased intra-ocular pressure. The fluid in our eyes—aqueous humor—is made and drains continuously. When this fluid cannot drain properly or too much is produced, pressure in the eye becomes elevated causing damage to vital structures in the eye. For a long time, prescription eye drops have been the first line treatment for glaucoma. These drops work very well, but have their shortcomings. They rely on principles that patients will use them religiously every day and at the correct time. The drops, just like any medication, can have side effects and can cause allergic reactions. Additionally, eye drops can lose their efficacy over time necessitating additional drops or other forms of intervention. Another treatment used in conjunction with eye drops, or possibly as a stand-alone method, is a laser treatment termed selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). This laser treatment is unlike LASIK vision correction where the overarching goal is to improve vision. Instead, SLT is a preventative procedure that is done to lower eye pressure and protect the level of vision a patient currently has / prevent further vision loss due to glaucomatous changes that occur if eye pressure is elevated to an unsafe level. The SLT laser targets specific cells in the trabecular meshwork (aka the drainage system of the eye) to allow it to improve the outflow of fluid. This improved drainage in turn lowers eye pressure. The effects of SLT are not typically instantaneous, but rather take a few weeks for maximum result. Therefore prescription eye drops may be continued initially to ensure the eye pressure stays at a safe level. Once the effect from the laser has had time to fully develop, eye drops may be discontinued to determine if the goal eye pressure is maintained. This process occurs under the care of the ophthalmologist or optometrist. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is very safe, is done as an outpatient procedure, and the treatment takes just a few minutes. As discussed above, SLT can be used as a first line approach, but it can also be used in conjunction with eye drops. For example, is your eye doctor wanting to add a second eye drop to your regimen? It’s possible that SLT could eliminate the need for that. Are you allergic to an eye drop but your eye pressure is not yet at the goal your eye doctor has set for you? SLT could be a good next approach. When goal eye pressures are not met with drops alone but a more invasive surgical procedure is not yet warranted, SLT again could be a solution. One other optimal use for SLT is in patients that have been diagnosed with glaucoma at a relatively young age. Being on eye drops for 40+ years is less than ideal, and the longer the duration of use, the higher the probability is that patients will acquire side effects. Longer use of eye drops can also sometimes cause a decrease in efficacy. With very few but manageable complications and an approximated 50-80% success rate in patients, selective laser trabeculoplasty is a great treatment option for glaucoma. It is important to note that the efficacy of this technique can wear off over time, necessitating a repeat procedure, addition of eye drops, or further surgical intervention. Therefore, it is important to continue routine eye health checks with your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

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4 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Lack of funding ends program begun with high hopes to help residents By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON – The Hub Family Resource Center opened last year with a bang, announcing that now North Fulton had a place where families with emotional, addiction or mental health issues could turn for direction. It is closing this month with a whimper. The issue of course is a lack of money. Executive Director Remco Brommet said the original idea had been to get the nonprofit up and running, and then with the help of a board of directors find the funding to sustain it. Brommet said the model had a fatal flaw in that it had no sustaining dollars from the communities it served nor the foundation donations that it hoped to see. “The reality today is you have to be able to define your success. We acted as a referral service to match families with the help they could afford. But we couldn’t show foundations whether

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

The Hub Resource Center opened with a lot of visible support from North Fulton cities, the county and Fulton Schools, but in the end no funding mechanisms were found for the nonprofit to keep its doors open. families followed up on our referrals,” he said. The agencies rarely follow up with the referring agency so there was a difficulty there in showing “a success rate” that would “earn” The Hub foundation

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support. The Hub couldn’t show foundations successful outcomes because its job was to get individuals and families into treatment or counseling, not provide the services. “And we can’t charge for referrals or be a for-profit agency either. “Yet we know North Fulton is known as the heroin triangle because of young people here with the discretionary dollars to buy it,” Brommet said. It is the old story of kids getting opioids from the medicine chest at home or buying pills at school. Then as their addiction grows it becomes easier and cheaper to find heroin. “With the advent of the cell phone, buying heroin or the more powerful fentanyl isn’t about knocking on a door at night. It can be done by texting, and the dealer delivers,” Brommet said. They can put a pizza delivery globe on their car and bring it to you in a pizza box or pick up an envelope left under a doormat and leave the drugs in its place, he said. “A lot of parents are in denial that a lot of drugs are passed at school. But if you talk to the kids, they can tell you, ‘Oh, the marijuana kids are down that hall. If you want oxycontin pills you go down that hall,’” he said. One of Brommet’s board members told him the problem with The Hub is it is an idea whose “time as not yet come.” “By that he meant the problem just isn’t prevalent enough yet,” Brommet said. That is ironic because at its ribbon-cutting ceremony a year ago in Johns Creek, Brommet said the need for such a facility is as great in North Fulton as anywhere.

See HUB, Page 28

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 5

6 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

Officials are pushing ‘trust me’ to new limits Trust me. We hear that a lot from politicians these days. On the national level we hear it from both the Clinton and Trump campaigns. In fact, both campaigns have strayed HANS APPEN from decades of General Manager hans@appenmediagroup.com tradition of releasing tax returns, medical records and traveling with “protective pools” of journalists. Some have said that the last time we had this little amount of transparency this close to an election was 1932 when the nation was about to elect a president hiding his polio diagnosis from the public eye. In this social media age, this is truly astonishing. And perhaps dangerous. But where is the line? At what point do we go from a level of information that is generally understood to be public domain, if not legally required -- to out of bounds and “none of your business”? This is on the national stage, though. The White House feels very, very far away to the average American. To a certain extent, we almost expect to be misled or lied to. But recently, the line in the sand was challenged right here in our back yard. At a recent Milton City Council meeting, a measure that would have banned use of personal electronic devices by elected officials while council was in session was struck down 4-3 by the very people it would have affected. The genesis of the issue depends on whom you ask. Some are claiming it is political posturing intended to embarrass certain councilmen, or embarrass the city of Milton itself. What we do know is that records of texts and emails from an April 25th meeting have come to light that clearly

and unequivocally show attempts to sway the opinion of their readers and the outcome of a vote. The Georgia Attorney General’s office has said this was a clear abuse of Sunshine Laws, but would not go so far as to say that any laws had been broken. The point of a council meeting is to get everything on the record, in front of the public. Whether addressing tax issues, infrastructure or rezonings, these are all items that A. Cost money B. A ffect your quality of life, and thus C. D emand the highest level of transparency possible Sunshine Laws guarantee the right to information directly affecting any of these issues for any citizen who cares enough to acquire it. All you, or your local newspaper, have to do is file what is called an open records request (for a fee) for most information you seek. This is why it is illegal for a council to host a quorum outside of chambers without proper notice. None of it is on the record and discussed in front of the public. However, when asked specifically about personal emails and texts, Georgia Press Association’s legal counsel said it is only definitively a violation if it can be proven that the intent was to avoid access to these conversations via

Read more about Sunshine Laws, Page 15. an open records request. Essentially, unless any of these emails or texts are prefaced with “I am sending you this so as to avoid an open records request and make sure that it is not on the record...”, you are in the clear – legally. Obviously, no one is that stupid. We were told by multiple people, including Milton’s city attorney, that anyone is welcome to make an open records requests for any texts or emails on personal devices regarding a city issue. Unfortunately, because of the very nature of what a text or email is, there is really no way to know when to make such a request. And that’s the rub. It reminds me of the question “if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” The justification for denying the ordinance in Milton was that it would “infer that we don’t do the right thing when it comes to being ethical ... and I don’t want it to appear that way because I believe we all do what we’re supposed to do.” So, “trust me,” is really what they’re saying. My question is not whether we do, but why should we have to?

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 7

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8 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

A washing of feet, more magic on the Trail Publisher Ray Appen began walking the Appalachian Trail last March and completed the journey early September. He will continue to write of his experiences.

Visit northfulton.com/ ray-appen/ to read all of Ray’s ‘Tales From the Trail’

“Magic” is my most treasured memory from the Trail – “trail magic.” That is a hiker term for acts of grace and giving that seem to permeate the trail for all hikers. RAY APPEN On the simplest Publisher, AT Hiker ray@appenmediagroup.com of levels, this “trail magic” refers to feeding hikers. On a broader level it is helping and caring for other people in any way. It refers to people – called “trail angels” – who come out on the trail or set up where the trail crosses a road or a parking lot somewhere in the middle of nowhere and feed (primarily) thru-hikers. Sometimes it was as simple as an angel bringing a cooler of cold drinks and handing them out. Sometimes it was a hiker mom dropping 30 1-gallon containers of water at the trail head every other day because she knows that all the water sources on that stretch are dry. Other times the magic was on a larger scale involving multiple tents, grills, sodas, beer, snacks, burgers, hot dogs, omelets and more. The extent to which many of the trail angels went to take care of me and my hiker peeps, in almost every state, in all weather conditions, and on all terrain still brings me close to tears. Nothing in my pre-hike life prepared me for this. Nothing. And, significantly – at least to me – these acts of grace were personal, very personal and unconditional, in that I believe is found much of the other magic that has so moved me. They were not corporate acts. So, let me share with you some of the trail magic I was lucky enough to have encountered on the Trail. • Roughly two hours north of Dahlonega, off a forest service road, I encountered my first trail-magic experience. That afternoon we hikers encountered two pickups and at least one trailer full of food and drinks. Grills were going. A number of coolers were located near the trucks with juices, sodas and cold water. Burgers and hot dogs were being grilled, and it seemed like every hiker snack one could ever wish for was there on the beds of the pickups in boxes opened and ready for hikers: from Snicker bars, to raisins, Cliff bars, jelly beans, fruits, Reese’s cups and more. A

was sitting on a lounge chair – the kind you might find at the beach. “Can I make you an omelet?” he asked me. “But I have to warn you that all my omelets are five-egg ones!” His name was Carl, and he was an almost retired teacher I believe. He told me that he currently did magic 2-3 days a week in his spot and that as soon as he retired that he would be out seven days a week cooking food and taking care of the thru-hikers. I promised him I would send him a column if I wrote about him, so now I will be able to keep my promise! • The mom and son are from Canada and are only on the trail for six weeks. I have seen them on the trail and greeted them but nothing more. Once when I was trying to get a bunk in a hostel I am told there are none. The mom overhears and tells me that I will stay in the extra bed in the cabin that they have rented. Really? She doesn’t know me from Adam. Trail magic. I remember sitting outside of a WalMart packing the groceries I have just bought into my pack. Up walks a tiny and very old lady who stops right in front of me. “Young man, I have to go in here to get some shopping done but if you are still sitting on this bench when I walk out I’ll take you any where you need to go.” I experienced kindness and generosity on the Trail that I did not know existed. I saw with my own two eyes people give with no thought or expectation of anything in return. I saw it over and over and over. One day, it occurred to me what this reminded me of and it is the title of this column – “A washing of feet.” The older I get the more I believe that our lives are closely measured and we are never alone. Maybe some day I will understand why I do not see as much of the kindness I saw out on the Trail, off the trail. Maybe it is there and I am missing it. Maybe not. I think perhaps the success of our lives may be measured by how much we give, and for some reason people find reaching out to these crazy folks trying to walk a couple thousand miles with their tent and sleeping bag and food in their pack simply a wonderful excuse to embrace their fellow man and help another. Maybe God just uses the trail to remind us how much he loves us by showing us how much we love each other.

RAY APPEN/HERALD

A family drove from Augusta to about two hours north of Dahlonega to provide trail magic to through hikers. man and wife and it looked like probably a grandmother were in there helping, as were three younger children in their teens and younger. All were busy waiting on the hikers, chatting and enjoying the company. When I asked the dad if they were local he said that “no, we drove up from Augusta. We’ll be out here tomorrow, too.” A quick calculation in my head told me that this family had just driven about five hours with all this food just to feed us. I didn’t know what to say, so, being the newspaper guy that I am I asked him “why?” Almost without looking up he immediately replied, “I’m a hiker. I thru-hiked in ’11 and people took care of me. I wanted to give back. That and I want my kids to see and understand what it means to give.” His response was a simple statement from him – one void of pretense. I just stared and nodded my head. Again, I didn’t really know how to respond. “Thank you, thank you so much” I finally uttered. • Somewhere in Tennessee we hiked out of the tree line and onto a wide open bald. Off to one side was a road and a parking lot. As we walked across the bald, a figure walking from the direction of the parking lot began to approach us. We met and he quickly asked if we were thru hiking. When we told him we were, he shook his head and then began all the questions that so often we would get when people

realized that we were crazy enough to be hiking a couple thousand miles. We spoke for a few more minutes then we started to leave. “Wait” he said, and ran off back toward the parking lot. He returned about five minutes later carrying a very large pizza box. “Here, I know you guys are hungry,” he said and handed the box to me. It was still warm. “I come up here to eat my lunch sometimes. That’s the best pizza in this town too. You guys enjoy it,” he said and started to leave. We couldn’t believe our good fortune and opened the box. There was a large complete pizza inside. I called for him to at least come back and eat with us so he wouldn’t go hungry but he refused. “You guys need to eat that pizza more than I do. Enjoy,” he said and left us. • I had heard about him since the day before – trail magic just on the other side of the forest service road up the trail. Mistakenly I believed the location was much, much closer than it actually was, so I had hiked in high gear for what seemed like an eternity – actually since that morning – and did not arrive at the service road until almost 5 in the afternoon. I was so worried that it would be too late in the day and that he would be gone by the time I got there. He wasn’t. I walked up to his spot just off the trail. He had set up several tables, coolers, a gas stove, and stacks of boxes of various types of food. He

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 9

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10 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

Civility, reason first casualties of attack politics

HATCHER HURD

Executive Editor hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

We have heard the saying, “All’s fair in love, war and politics” since first we noticed political campaigns. It has always been the glib excuse for defending the distortions that every side seizes upon to twist the truth often to absurd

proportions. This presidential season not only has taken the practice to a new low, it has begun to creep into local politics as the obnoxious tactics of the national politicians are taken on by the local elected officials. The absence of civility is deplorable in the former and simply unacceptable in the latter. The tenor of the presidential campaign seems more vitriolic than most in recent memory. Underlying politics is the principle of attack politics. It is simple to ascribe one’s opponent’s ideas with the basest motives, often the more outrageous the better. Then repeat the tactic over and over again so as to make not the argument but the person the target of the vit-

riol. Of course the first casualty of all this is civility. It is a small step from demonizing the person to attaching the same stain to all who may agree. Unfortunately, the disease seems to have spread from the national stage to our local elected officials. If one cannot sway others to their position by force of logic, then it is fair game to go after them personally. Such was the case recently when Johns Creek got into a brouhaha over whether to cut the city’s millage rate. There are reasons for doing so and reasons to maintain the status quo. I won’t argue the merits of either. But when Councilman Jay Lin moved to keep the tax rate the same, Councilwoman Stephanie Endres attacked him personally even as he spoke. She whipped out a piece of Lin’s campaign literature in which he pledged not to raise taxes and accusing him of “going back” on his pledge. The attack ignored the fact that Lin’s motion was to keep the tax rate the same. It seems Endres had planned ahead to attack Lin to the point of bringing his campaign piece to use as a “gotcha” at an appropriate time. Apparently not supporting a tax cut

[Endres’] fiscal reasoning notwithstanding, the whole incident smelled of a calculated political ambush, and while amateurish, served to bring Johns Creek politics to a new low. is equal to a tax increase in Endres’ eyes. Her fiscal reasoning notwithstanding, the whole incident smelled of a calculated political ambush, and while amateurish, served to bring Johns Creek politics to a new low. What was telling was the fact that Endres had brought the campaign piece with her evidently with the purpose of producing it at the precise moment calculated to embarrass Lin to most effect. I suppose since and appropriate time, i.e. voting to support a tax increase, was not going to appear, Endres did not want to let the moment pass. Of course, the Roswell City Council is even more dysfunctional, and Coun-

cilman Marcelo Zapata brought that to a new low. He attacked fellow Councilman Donald Horton as he tried to get a compromise motion to the floor. I won’t repeat the slurs he offered here, but they are the sort that demeans the office he holds. It is fine for elected officials to be passionate about their positions, and it is their role to debate the issues on their merits. Let’s not lose sight of the civility that elevates these discussions to a sober evaluation of the merits of a particular action. It is easy to slip into the facile tactics of the political sound bite or the anonymous email to smear the character of those who do not agree with us. I used two examples of what I thought were egregious behavior in a public meeting by two who should know better and indeed are better than they showed at the time. But this has been a particularly volatile election season. Let’s make sure that as this season also doth pass, it does not leave lasting scars in our fair cities. These elected officials have chosen to stand up as leaders and face the criticism of the public as part and parcel to the job. But they should not have to watch their back all the time.

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12 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

RUMC jobs ministry has jobs fair Employers invited to send jobs listings ROSWELL, Ga. – Roswell United Methodist Church’s jobs ministry will have its next mini- jobs fair Monday, Sept. 26, starting at 6:45 p.m. The fair is at RUMC’s fellowship hall at 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. • The Rotary Club of Roswell will host this event. Businesses are invited to bring their open jobs and educational opportunities to discuss with attendees. Send an email to Karen Griggs, kgriggs@rumc.com or call her at 770-261-1739 to say your company will be participating. Dinner is 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. with the job seekers. During this time employers will have an opportunity to mix with the Job Seekers. The jobs fair expects 300plus to attend. • 6:25 - 6:45 p.m. - brief employer

meeting with Job Fair Director Katherine Simons in the dining room across from Fellowship Hall. • 6:45 - 7:15 p.m. - Job Fair begins with employers onstage in the main fellowship hall) to announce open positions available and room location where you will meet with job seekers. The Job Fair will end at promptly at 8:30 p.m. Employers are asked to send open employment positions to be posted to the jobs ministry database. This reaches 6,000 job seekers. There are three posting requests: 1. Send the job description information within the text of an email (plain text), not as an attachment. 2. Include contact information for the employment positions. 3. Send your website address as Job Seekers may want to check on other employment positions as well as learning more about your company.

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14 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Development Authority goes to neutral corner while role of volunteer board debated By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Even by Roswell standards, last Tuesday’s City Council meeting was a real corker. The three-hour bout Sept. 13 over the old Southern Skillet property on Alpharetta Street ended in a split decision. Mayor Jere Wood cast the deciding vote to allow the Downtown Development Authority limited autonomy to market the tract and find someone to develop it. But after sitting through the marathon ruckus that left both sides bloodied, DDA representative David Schmit told city leaders that he’d had enough and the Development Authority was stepping aside. Even so, the vote went on, and Schmit left the council chambers shaking his head in disbelief. “Didn’t they hear me?” he asked. The decision on how much oversight the city has over the project has been simmering since January when the city purchased the 4-acre property on Alpharetta Street for $4.8 million. The DDA then acquired the site by way of a loan from the city and began drawing up plans to market the property for mixed use. By state law, it is the role of development authorities to negotiate with

Development authorities serve specific purposes The Georgia Legislature authorized creation of local and regional authorities to serve many purposes. Authorities are established to carry out a specific public purpose. These purposes can include economic development, hospital operations, housing, the operation of a water and sewer system and others. The largest percentage of authorities registered with the state are development authorities, including downtown development, industrial development, and joint development authorities. Development authorities operate, for the most part, independent of government but often partner to undertake certain projects. Development authorities often negotiate with prospective developers and can even offer inducements in the form of low-interest development bonds. Those bonds are then sold on the market and are backed solely by the developer. If the project goes bust, neither the city nor the state is liable.

Roswell Downtown Development Authority representative David Schmit tells the City Council Sept. 13 that his group will step away from marketing a piece of city property until elected officials agree on what they want. prospective developers. DDAs can even offer inducements in the form of low-interest development bonds. If the project goes bust, neither the city nor the state is liable. The Southern Skillet project ran into problems in July when Schmit appeared before the City Council seeking guidance on precisely what mix of office, retail and residential would be appropriate for the site. He also inquired about what latitude the Development Authority would have in terms of height restrictions and other building codes. That inquiry turned into a 90-minute debate between two factions on the council. One side favored allowing the DDA to proceed with its own process of marketing, with ultimate site plan approval from the City Council. The other side demanded ongoing oversight in the development process, including input on the list of which developers were on the short list for selection. That debate, though testy at times, paled in comparison to some of the nastiness in Tuesday’s exchange when council members hurled insults at one another. Mayor Wood was moved to gavel one recess and later threatened another when things got too hot. One faction on the council, composed chiefly of veteran members Nancy Diamond, Jerry Orlans along with newcomer Donald Horton, accused the other side of wanting to “micro-manage” the project as well as insulting the volunteer efforts of the DDA board members. The other faction, led by newly

elected members Mike Palermo and Marcelo Zapata, along with long-time Councilman Ken Igleheart, countered that the City Council must not “abdicate” its responsibility to protect homeowners from high density. It is, they said, the taxpayers’ land, and the city must ensure the development reflects their interests. “Oversight is crucial,” Palermo said. He added that the final say on a site plan is not enough. In the end, it was Horton who proposed what he considered a reasoned compromise. He proposed a motion whereby the City Council would monitor development plans along the way, but let the DDA conduct its marketing program without interference. If the Council, at any time along the process objected, the development could be stopped by a vote of the City Council. Even then, Zapata asked Horton for clarification on the motion. “You’re removing the oversite which removes the elected officials who represent taxpayers who own the property?” Zapata asked. Horton repeated that the Development Authority was obligated by its own agreement with the city to gather public and City Council input along the process. With that motion pending, Schmit was recalled to offer the DDA’s reaction. “We’re not the City Council,” he said. “We don’t want to be in politics. We are real estate-related development people. We execute projects.” He thanked both factions for their kind words, but he added, with sentiment among the residents and the City Council so divided, he doesn’t think the DDA can deliver on any project. “It is not the Development Authority’s job to articulate the public’s vision; that is the job of elected officials,” he said. “When the city reaches a consensus on what it wants, the DDA can help bring that vision to reality. “I’m afraid if we go through [continual consensus checks], this will be our life for the next six months,” Schmit said. “Our expertise is available, so run the procurement yourself.” Following Schmit’s remarks, officials still held a vote on Horton’s measure. It passed, with councilmembers Horton, Orlans, Diamond and Mayor Wood in favor. Councilmembers Palermo, Zapata and Igleheart opposed. In the end, though, it may not matter. Schmit appeared resigned as he exited the chambers. “I don’t want to have to go through this every time I bring something up before the Council,” he said.

NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 15

Johns Creek passes 2017 budget

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The City Council approved the city’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget Monday with a General Fund that anticipates $55.2 million in revenues. That represents an overall 0.57% increase BODKER from the adopted FY 2016 budget. Additionally, the council will use previously reserved funds of $2,519,837 to continue the residential paving program. At a work session earlier in the evening, Mayor Mike Bodker ticked off line items suggested for cuts and polled council members on whether they approved. The officials entered the meeting with a $460,000 shortfall in the mayor’s proposed budget – a shortage created when updated figures disclosed a shortage of revenue anticipated for the coming year. One point of contention cropped up

... At the end of the day, the whole point of the bidding process is -- while we can be hopeful that it might net a certain outcome, the outcome will be whatever the outcome is. I’m not sure how you can say there’s going to be an X amount of dollars change...” MIKE BODKER Johns Creek mayor when two councilmembers proposed different plans for cutting the $460,000 necessary to balance the budget. Councilman Steve Broadbent proposed cutting “enhancements,” those items listed as improvements or capital expenses. His cuts would not affect service levels or public safety. Broadbent said some of his proposed cuts for park improvements and sidewalks, could be re-funded if the

proposed parks bond and TSPLOST are passed by voters in the fall. All total, his cuts totaled $1.6 million in reduced spending. But Councilmember Stephanie Endres re-introduced her plan by which the budget could be cut by $2.5 million. Her proposal, she said, ensured that operations were well funded so that city staff could perform their jobs. But Broadbent called into question a proposal by Endres to assume major

savings by rebidding contracts for services. “It looked like it was an annualized cut yet we’re talking about rebidding over the winter and awarding a contract hopefully sometime in the spring to allow for transition or whatever the ultimate goal is for Oct. 1, 2017,” Broadbent said. “So how do you annualize a cut in contracting when the process is just taking place?” The mayor said he was also confused. “How do you assume what that rebidding will net?” he asked. “At the end of the day, the whole point of the bidding process is -- while we can be hopeful that it might net a certain outcome, the outcome will be whatever the outcome is. I’m not sure how you can say there’s going to be an X amount of dollars change. That would be a goal, not a reality. It all depends on the bidding.” From there, the council moved into other budget proposals from other members, ultimately agreeing on a final document that placed cuts at about $1.4 million from the original proposed budget.

Various officials weigh in on Sunshine Laws Attorney General ‘disgusted’ by texting to avoid transparency By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — A few grey clouds have settled over Georgia’s Sunshine Laws, created to keep local governments transparent to the public. The Milton City Council came under fire recently after an open records request showed multiple councilmembers texting during an official meeting. Some were conversing about city business being discussed at the time. However wrong some people might see it, texting among city officials. The only thing the law says about this is that email communications among member of an agency are subject to the Open Records Act. This means members of the public can submit a request to obtain copies of those documents. Whether the action of elected officials texting and emailing during meetings, including about city business, is deemed unethical or distasteful is another story.

In response to the issue, the Milton council voted down a resolution that would have declared officials’ texting during meetings unethical. The council’s official stance on the issue runs counter to what other officials have said. Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens’ spokesman Nick Genesi has said to other media outlets that Olens is “disgusted by the use of technology to subvert openness in public meetings.” Genesi went on to say “the public should demand better behavior from their elected officials,” but acknowledged the current statute doesn’t cover “this gross violation of public policy.” That was reaffirmed when Milton’s attorney Ken Jarrard explained the Sunshine Laws to the council and public. Jarrard said there was a lot of debate during the 2012 rewrite of the Open Meetings Act as to whether electronic communications among a quorum council constitutes as an electronic cyber meeting. “There were those that said that it should, that if you send emails to all of council at one time and you all have a rip-roaring discussion about a policy issue, that ought to be considered a

meeting and illegal. It’s not,” Jarrard have to be made in the open where the said. “And in fact, the final incarnapublic would hear, then he agrees with tion of the statute specifically says Olens that this would be an abuse of that emails amongst you, not during a the state’s Sunshine Laws. meeting just on an afternoon if you’re “It may be that because the pubhaving a cyber discussion, it’s not a lic would have no way of knowing if violation of an open meetings act. But the text or email pertains to what is they’re available under being discussed in the Open Records Act.” the open meeting,” Regardless of the Hudson said. “It law, Jarrard said he should be considered believes texting among a violation per se if it council members durtakes place during a ing a meeting is wrong. meeting.” “If I were lecturing And while these you like a class, I would electronic conversasay (council members’) tions are subject to communications need the Open Records to be done to the public Act, members of the who are sitting here public often aren’t watching,” Jarrard said. aware to ask for NICK GENESI Georgia Press Assothese documents, Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens’ ciation general counsel making it hard to spokesman David Hudson agreed know if a group is and said there is nothabusing the law. ing that prohibits counIn cases like that, cil members from emailing or texting Hudson’s advice is to submit a narrowly during a meeting or any time. crafted Open Records request asking However, he said if the elected whether emails or texts have been exofficials are emailing and texting as a changed regarding public business. substitute for communication between To learn more about Sunshine council members that would otherwise Laws, visit http://bit.ly/2cWEE3i.

[Sam Olens is] disgusted by the use of technology to subvert openness in public meetings.”

It’s all about the experience for the end consumer. They’re the ones with the money and want to have the experience... JIM BUNITSKY, Scientific Games Chief financial officer 16 | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016

Scientific Games take its game international Alpharetta location prints 25B scratch-offs a year By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Scientific Games is a winner when it comes to doing business overseas. The company is a leading innovator in the global lottery and regulated gaming industries. Its Alpharetta site prints roughly 25 billion scratch-off lottery tickets a year. The company gave a behind-thescenes look Sept. 14 into how it does international business. Lottery Group CFO Jim Bunitsky said Scientific Games’ mission is to “empower customers by creating the best gaming and lottery experience.” “That is what we think about every single day,” Bunitsky said. “It’s all about the experience for the end consumer. They’re the ones with the money and want to have the experience. They want to win, be inspired and be excited by whatever they buy. They’re spending their money, make it worthwhile for them.”

The company’s Alpharetta location is a “hub of global activity,” he said. It serves as an example of how to run a global company. To prove his point, Bunitsky said he’s been with this company for 35 years because the lottery business is like family. “I love coming in every day excited to come to work,” he said. “To me, the longer you stay at an organization, the more you learn about it and the more valuable you become from seeing everything; as long as you stay excited about what you do and you want to learn more and look at things from different angles.” But he still says it’s important to bring in new people to get different viewpoints. This blend of old and new employees helped Scientific Games post $2.8 billion of revenue in 2015. That breaks down to: • $1.7 billion in gaming • $775 million in lottery tickets • $210 million in social interactive

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Scientific Games produces around 25 billion scratch-off lottery tickets annually. games on computers and smart phones, the fastest growing area. “Lottery has been growing from a retail sales perspective which drove the business at about 6 to 7 percent over the past year,” he said. Annually, there is $276 billion spent on the lottery business around the world, he said. To put that in perspective, he said Apple’s sales last year were $230 billion. The company has more than 8,400 employees worldwide and operates on six continents with about 70 percent of the world’s population having access to some type of product Scientific Games offers.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 17

Mixed-use ‘tech’ projects in works for Alpharetta Training your You may not be aware, but competition for millennial-based tech companies is heating up. And two major developments in Alpharetta could likely help the GEOFF SMITH “Technology City Assurance Financial, of the South” gsmith@lendtheway.com maintain its luster heading into the next decade. The TPA Group, a private real estate investment, acquisitions and development firm headquartered in Atlanta, is involved in both projects, which will provide significant relief in an office market that is about full. TPA is working with Fuqua Development LLC on a 62-acre, mixed-use project at the southwestern corner of Ga. 400 and Haynes Bridge Road. This is a relatively massive development that would include 430 apartments, 70 townhomes, 78,800 square feet of retail, 36,800 square feet of restaurants, 500,500 square feet of office space and 17 acres of greenspace. Initial renderings show 10-story office buildings and 5-story buildings with street-level retail with lofts, apartments and offices above. The project will be highly walkable with many of the same concepts as Avalon, which sits only a couple miles and one exit north. The architect for the project is Wakefield Beasley & Associates, who master-planned Avalon. Wakefield Beasley & Associates has become known for their ability to create developments that are active “16 hours a day.” In planning Avalon, they came up with 128 different merchandizing plans that considered the effect of different retailers positioned in different places throughout the development, and what all of those effects would be. They also designed the new Battery Park under construc-

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Wakefield Beasley and Associates’ rendering of a planned 62-acre, mixed-use development at the southwestern corner of Ga. 400 and Haynes Bridge Road tion next to the new Braves stadium. The project would scratch an itch millennials have about wanting to work in environments with a sense of place where they can walk more and drive less. The project is also within Comcast’s planned route for its new fiber network that will deliver 10-gigabit Internet speeds. The other project is more of an office campus being called Edison. Alpharetta has long been known for its corporate campuses, and this project could demonstrate how those campuses can adapt to the workforce’s changing workplace desires. The campus will be 220,000 square feet on 24 acres just south of Windward Parkway. It will have two 100,000-squarefoot buildings connected to a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse which will feature a conference center, coffee bar and gym. The buildings will have concrete floors, 15-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and garagestyle rollup doors that bring the outdoors into the office space. According to reports in the Atlanta

Business Chronicle, the developers of this project were encouraged to move forward after seeing the leasing success in Avalon. Phase II of the Avalon is under construction and will include an office building that is said to have already signed a lease with Microsoft. According to the same article, Alpharetta’s Class A vacancy rate is only 8.7 percent. Commercial realtors have told me that they cannot show space in Alpharetta to clients looking for large commercial offices – because there isn’t any. Alpharetta’s Economic Development Director Peter Tokar said the city is “desperate to have developers build office space to allow us to be competitive for the larger projects seeking to locate into the Metro Area.” Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

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18 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Traditions in Tile: Designing rooms from floor to wall By HATCHER HURD hatcher@ppenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – When they opened the doors to the Tile Contractors Supply in the midst of the Great Depression in 1936, H.T. Briscoe and O.E. Sizemore didn’t realize they were founding a dynastic company that would survive and thrive into its 80th year. But it has. From its modest beginnings in 1936 to a business with 10 showrooms across the Southeast, it has become a respected name in the tile and stone industry. It did so based on the confluence of a number of circumstances. The company has shown the capacity to adapt, expand and innovate. That is rare in most family-held businesses. But following the example of the founding partners Briscoe and Sizemore, Traditions in Tile has shown surprising flexibility and adaptability. “In 1936, we were tile installers,” said third-generation owner Richard P. Morley Sr. “They worked hard. It was the Depression and then World War II popped up and people went to war.” But after the war, the founding partners realized there was great opportunity as the pent-up demand for housing exploded with 10 million servicemen retuning home and the G.I. Bill ready to finance a new home. They saw that there would be a need for distributors to all those builders who would be putting up those houses. “So they took their setters [the men who laid tile] and turned them into salesmen – taught them how to estimate a job’s cost and provide the materials. They started installation companies and we serviced them,” Mor-

ley said. “Mr. Sizemore and Mr. Briscoe were unique in doing that.” Now a wholesaler of tile, stone and other materials to companies across the Southeast, they could truck materials for a construction project usually by the next day. Meanwhile, in post-World War II, Traditions in Tile was building up its relationships worldwide to contract for raw materials from Italy, Turkey, Mexico and Spain. And with a 50,000-square-foot warehouse, being out of stock is unheard of. J. Warner Veal, another third-generation partner, said looking back at where they started – out of a garage on Peachtree Street – it is amazing. “But they worked hard and built relationships for quality and dependability. They sold materials across the United States. The wooden mantels at Augusta National Golf Club came from them,” Veal said. And as they expanded, the variety of inventory grew, too. Now porcelain tiles, glass mosaics, terracotta (unglazed ceramics) of all grades are available at Traditions. “We can fit any budget from top to bottom,” Veal said. The fourth generation of owners is represented by the husband-and-wife team of Laurie and Andrew Brown. “The biggest difference in the business today is it is a lot more fun,” said Laurie Brown. “Today, there is as much fashion as function in the materials. People find there is also value as well as beauty in our designs.” She points out while wood never goes out of style, porcelain wood tiles provide a better value in that it doesn’t scratch, need recoating and is more durable. And it is easier to clean and maintain.

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This is Traditions in Tile’s original building circa 1945 with founders H.T. Briscoe and O.E. Sizemore. Then it was known as Tile Contractors Supply.

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Traditions in Tile and Stone has always been a family-owned business. From left are Laurie Brown, company President Andrew Brown, partners Richard P. Morely Sr., J. Warner Veal and Ann Veal. “These qualities really add up if the owner wants to sell that home later,” Laurie Brown said. “They see the value in our designs. The materials become part of the décor of the space.” Veal noted how innovations such as expanding standard-size tiles such as the 24-by-36-inch tiles can make for a client such Atlanta International Airport. “When they had the small size tiles

SPECIAL

This is the company in 1961, expanding now but still mainly specializing in building supply. Designing interiors was still a few years away.

down and the wheeled suitcase came along, it sounded like a thousand trains rattling down the concourse. The larger tiles made a huge difference,” Veal said. Partner Andrew Brown is married to Laurie and joined the Traditions family as well. He said the company entered the Digital Age, using technology to digitize colors of stone that allow Traditions to match them in color and texture with materials already on hand. But the company’s strength is its personal relationships with its customers, said Andrew Brown. “In the early 1970s, we hooked up with a developer just starting out named John Wieland. We tiled three of his new homes,” said Brown. Today John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods and its 45-year relationship with Traditions are just one of many mutually beneficial associations whose longevity is numbered in decades. “It all goes back to our associates in the company. We have people who have spent their whole lives working for this company,” Andrew Brown said. “That is not unusual for us.” Meanwhile, the partners say a fifth generation of partners is well on its way.

BUSINESSBRIEFS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 19

Georgian Lakeside Assisted Living opens in Roswell

Natural Sleep Mattress opens in Alpharetta

South Fit Athletic Center opens in Johns Creek

Business name: Georgian Lakeside Assisted Living and Memory Care Owners: Thrive Senior Living and The Griffin Group About: They offer luxury amenities, technological breakthroughs and resort style living. They have constructed a tri-level community situated on the lake cornering Hardscrabble Road and Woodstock Road. Opened: July 28, 2016 Address: 1070 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell, GA 30075 Phone: 678-367-4744 Website: www.georgianlakeside.com

Business name: Natural Sleep Mattress & Organic Bedding Owners: Vincent and Ilana Alberico About: Natural Sleep Mattress in Alpharetta offers natural and certified organic bedding. The products are hypoallergenic, pressure relieving and provide cooler sleeping with decades-long warranties. Get custom fitted for the perfect bed. Opened: June 1, 2016 Address: 501 S. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Phone: 404-788-3282 Website: www. naturalsleepmattress.com

Business name: South Fit Athletic Center Owners: The Country Club of the South/Club Corp About: New 3,800-square-foot fitness center within Country Club of the South offering state-of-theart equipment, large personal training/workout space, TVs throughout, two fitness classrooms and a variety of live and virtual classes designed to help members look and feel their best. Opened: August 2016 Address: 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, Ga. 30022 Phone: 770-475-1803 Website: www.thecountryclubofthesouth.com

BUSINESSBRIEFS

Keller Williams welcomes Michael Sapp ATLANTA — Michael Sapp has recently joined Keller Williams Community Partners in Cumming as the newest member of their team. Keller Williams Realty is the world’s largest real estate franchise SAPP by agent count, with approximately 700 offices and more than 110,000 associates in more than a dozen countries around the world. Sapp can be reached at 770-6082314 or at michaelbsapp@kw.com.

Lennar Atlanta welcomes new home consultant ROSWELL, Ga. – Realtor Tim Bearden joined Lennar Atlanta Aug. 17 as a new home consultant. “I am thrilled to be working for an A-plus home builder who leads with integrity,” said Bearden. “With Lennar BEARDEN Atlanta, I can help people make their dreams of owning a quality home at an excellent value come true.” For more information visit LennarAtlanta.com.

Bill Norman of Norman’s Landing donates $1,870.26 to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

sion of its geographical footprint with the acquisition of four new urgent cares. The centers are two North Atlanta Urgent Cares, Bethany Bend Urgent Care and Brightpoint Urgent Care. These centers are located in East Roswell, Druid Hills, Milton and Stockbridge, providing additional access to their patients. The Milton center is located at 13081 Highway 9 North. The centers will be rebranded, but currently operate under the NAUC and Bethany Bend brand.

Norman’s Landing donates Alpharetta OB/GYN to Children’s Healthcare named ‘Top Doctor’ FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Bill Norman, owner of Norman’s Landing, recently presented a check to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for $1,870.26. The money was raised during last quarter’s Ping Pong Tournament held at Norman’s Landing Restaurant. On hand for the check presentation were Bill Norman, Lauren English and Lane Hart of Norman’s Landing. Also present were Laurie Cole and Beth Buuresema of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Piedmont Urgent Care expands in Milton MILTON, Ga. — Piedmont Urgent Care has recently announced the expan-

ATLANTA — Sharon Smith, M.D. was recently ranked among the 17 Kaiser Permanente doctors who made the 2016 Top Doctors list published by Atlanta magazine. “To earn such a high level of respect SMITH and trust from your peers in the medical community is an incredible accomplishment for a doctor,” said Mary L. Wilson, M.D., executive medical director of the Southeast Permanente Medical Group. Smith has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology at the Kaiser Permanente Alpharetta Medical Center for more than 20 years.

Kapsimalis earns CPCU designation JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Central Insurance Companies employee Megan Kapsimalis has recently been awarded the professional insurance designation, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter. This professional KAPSIMALIS credential was granted by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters is recognized throughout the risk management and insurance business.

Keller Williams welcomes new real estate agent FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Mary Carpenter has recently joined Keller Williams Community Partners in Cumming as a full time professional real estate agent. Carpenter said she is committed to great customer service, consistent CARPENTER communication, strong attention to detail and ensuring a positive experience for all parties in a transaction including buyers, sellers, and cooperating agents. She said that integrity, energy, hard work and creative service are what her clients deserve and get from her.

20 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CALENDAR SPOTLIGHT RECOVERY

NEW BEGINNINGS EXPO

Learn about the resources and activities available for the 55-and-up lifestyle. There will be multiple vendors and guest booths presenting their options for every stage of the 55+ lifestyle, as well as guest speakers and prizes. The event is free, but pre-registration is highly encouraged. The expo will take place Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Metropolitan Club on 5895 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. Visit northfulton.com/ newbeginningsexpo for more info. Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton.com/Calednar.

EVENTS: FALL PLANT SALE

What: The Chattahoochee Nature Center is selling native plants for the fall season, including hazelnuts, evergreens, foamflowers and veggies. Admission is free. When: Sept. 22-24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell More info: chattnaturecenter.org

ALPHARETTA ART IN THE PARK

What: Creativity hits the park in this outdoor artists market that features handcrafted work by local artists. Enjoy pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry, photography, watercolor, mosaics, soaps and more. When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Downtown Alpharetta, Main Street and Milton Avenue, Alpharetta More info: awesomealpharetta.com

BIRDWATCHING WALK & TALK

What: Alpharetta’s Wild Side is offering a free class to learn about birding, including identifying common birds by sight and sound. Some binoculars will be available. Registration required. When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 9-10 a.m. Where: Mansell House in Wills Park, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta More info and registration: 678-2976200 or alpharetta.ga.us

25TH ANNIVERSARY AT SMITH PLANTATION

What: On Smithsonian Day, the Smith Plantation is offering free entry into the museum, with open house tours, guides, new exhibits and renovations. Refreshments will be served. When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL AND PAINT COLLECTION

What: Milton residents may drop off cleaning products, batteries, florescent bulbs, lawn and garden chemicals, and latex and oil-based paints to dispose of them. Full list online. Registration required. When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton More info and registration: cityofmiltonga.us

OPEN HEARTH COOKING AND LIVING HISTORY

What: Living history interpreter and open hearth cooking expert Clarissa Clifton will demonstrate how to make traditional southern food using an open flame. When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

EXPERT HIKES – MYCOLOGY

What: This event will feature recovery stories and breakout sessions on mental health, recovery and addiction. Learn about the various support services available and how to help those struggling with addiction. When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Alpharetta City Hall Greenspace, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: bit.ly/2cgRdXH

T-SPLOST PUBLIC MEETING

What: The city of Roswell is presenting a public meeting to discuss the T-SPLOST referendum Nov. 8. Learn about the tax and what transportation projects it could fund. When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 6-8 p.m. Where: City Hall, Room 220, 38 Hill St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com/TSPLOST

FARMERS MARKETS, FOOD TRUCKS: ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET

What: The Alpharetta Farmers Market features fruits, vegetables, natural meats, fresh flowers and herbs, and a variety of home goods. When: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., through Oct. 29. Where: Old Canton Street in downtown Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Alpharetta’s Food Truck Alley on Thursday evenings offers a variety of six to eight rotating area food trucks. When: Thursdays, 5-9 p.m., through Oct. 20. Where: Old Roswell Street in Alpharetta’s historic district More info: awesomealpharetta.com

What: Join a guided hike with an expert to explore the world of mushrooms throughout the 46 acres at Autrey Mill. All skill levels welcome. Hikes will take place rain or shine. When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek Cost: $7 for non-members, $5 for members More info and registration: johnscreekga.gov or 678-366-3511

ROSWELL FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

AN EVENING WITH DENNIS LEHANE

STARS-N-STITCHES QUILT SHOW

What: Forsyth Reads Together presents Dennis Lehane, author of this year’s book “Mystic River.” Lehane will be available to talk about his book, answer his questions and sign copies. Event is free, but registration is required. When: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Where: Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming More info and registration: forsythpl.org

What: The Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market offers fresh, local farm, ranch and artisan foods direct from producers, and much more. When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon. Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell More info: roswellfam.com

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: What: Over 200 quilts will be on display along with homemade items for purchase and a raffle. The Storybook Quilts Collection will provide readings for children each afternoon. When: Sept. 23-24 Where: Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, 1321 Atlanta Highway, Cumming More info: CESquiltguild.com

THE SHADOWBOXERS

What: The Johns Creek Summer Concert Series at Newtown Park continues with a free performance by The Shadowboxers, an Atlanta pop band. Reserve seating available. When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Where: Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

“TWELFTH NIGHT”

What: Roswell High School presents Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” a play full of pranks, crossdressing, mistaken identities and unrequited love. When: Sept. 22-23, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 24, 3 and 7 p.m. Where: Roswell High School Auditorium, 11595 King Road, Roswell Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at the door More info: ogle@fultonschools.org

GENESIS XXII ART SHOW

What: The Roswell Fine Arts Alliance presents “Genesis XXII,” an art show highlighting original fine art by their members. All art work will be available for sale during the show. When: Sept. 16-Nov. 4, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon Where: Bank of North Georgia, 10445 Alpharetta St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

“GHOST THE MUSICAL”

What: Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s new season opens with the story of two young lovers, Sam and Molly, and the psychic who facilitates Sam’s journey back from death to help solve his own murder. When: Wednesdays-Sundays, Sept. 15Oct. 2. Show times vary. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell Cost: tickets starting at $30 More info: get.org

LIBRARY EVENTS: FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS

What: Kick off horror movie season with a showing of “The Ring,” a remake of a Japanese horror film classic. The film is recommended for ages 13 and up. When: Friday, Sept. 23, 6:30-8:45 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOP

What: The Memoir Mavens will present a free workshop with an award-winning writer and journalist to teach participants how to pen captivating memoirs. Registration required. When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 10:30 a.m.noon Where: Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info and registration: johnscreekga.gov or karen.swenson@fultoncountyga.gov

WRITING CLUB FOR CHILDREN

What: Young writers, ages 8-12 are invited to discuss the art of writing with an experienced writer. The free class will go over writing for personal expression and academic success. When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 4-5 p.m. Where: Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info: laura.hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov

MYSTERY READERS’ BOOK CLUB

What: Join the Mystery Readers’ Book Club for a discussion of this month’s book, “The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man” by W. Bruce Cameron. When: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: afpls.org

BEEKEEPING 101

What: Georgia beekeeper Daniel Goodridge offers up some basics in how to become a beekeeper and what it takes to keep the bees happy. Suggested for high school age and older. When: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-4402

SAT OR ACT?

What: Learn the differences of both exams to find the right fit for you. Applerouth Tutoring Services will also discuss the ins and outs of the college admissions process. When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

SUICIDE PREVENTION WORKSHOP

What: Sheri McGuinness, president of SPAN-GA, will share information about understanding suicide prevention, what to do if someone is in trouble and how to support them. When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

PET ADOPTIONS: FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

CALENDAR

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 21

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA:

The park at the end of the road One of the neatest things about writing this column every week is that I’m always discovering, or rediscovering, those hidden gems that provide great opportunities STEVE HUDSON to enjoy the out-ofGet Outside Georgia, doors. Chattahoochee Media Group One of those places that I rediscovered for the umpteenth time last week is Webb Bridge Park. It really is the park at the end of the road – Webb Bridge Road, in this case. Nowadays the road ends at a cul-de-sac, where a left turn takes you into the park and, soon thereafter, to the one way (clockwise) loop road which circles the park’s ballfields. They’re a major feature here, and you should expect crowds on most Saturdays. But there’s a lot more here than ballfields, and that’s the secret I want to share with you now. One of the park’s most popular features is its network of walking trails. These wide and smoothly graveled hiking-only trails loop through the park, taking you through woods and along open grassy areas and even beside a pond for a ways. The main trail makes a long loop, while several shorter loops swing off the main route and allow you to mix-and-match your route to suit your mood and inclination on any given day. If I have time, I like to hike the whole thing, crisscrossing and backtracking until I’ve scratched my hiking itch and am ready to return to the car. If I just want to stretch my legs, however, one of my favorite routes here is the fairly short loop at the north end of the park. And why is it a favorite? Perhaps because this little loop takes you to one of those unexpected surprises that sometimes make hiking so enjoyable. In this case, the surprise is a small waterfall. Note the word “small,” for it really is tiny, but it’s a waterfall nonetheless. It’s on the northern leg of the loop, and you’ll probably hear it before you see it. I remember the first time I saw it. I’d found myself with an unexpectedly free hour, and I’d decided to spend that gift by doing a little hiking. Where? How about that north loop at Webb Bridge Park. At that point I’d never hiked it, but I’d always wondered what surprises it held. So off I went. Starting at the parking lot near the trail, I set off

counterclockwise around the loop. As elsewhere in the park, the graveled trail was well maintained. I walked along – and then it began to dawn on me that I was hearing the sound of falling water. A waterfall? It sounded like a waterfall! That’s when I saw a bench near the trail. The sound seemed to come from near the bench. I went to have a look. Sure enough, right in front of the bench was a small waterfall that had scoured out a nice plunge pool in the creek. The pool, acting like a natural amplifier, magnified the sound and making the little cascade seem much more dramatic than it was. In truth, it’s just a few shelves of rock with a total drop of just a couple of feet. But it is a waterfall, and that bench was issuing an irresistible invitation to sit and enjoy. Which is exactly what I did, and I’ll bet that you will too. As you explore these trails, you’ll find even more surprises – among them several bridges which carry the trail across or the road across the trail. Aside from enhancing hiker safety, those bridges are just plain fun to cross over or under. Is that the kid in me? Maybe so. And speaking of kids: If you have young children, be sure to visit the children’s play area. Located on the inside of the loop road near the turnoff to the tennis courts, this play area features not only the ubiquitous swing sets and playground equipment but some great surprises as well. One surprise a very large shaded sandbox area – and right beside it flows a tiny stream just right for the kids to play in. The little manmade stream, which is only a foot or two wide and an inch or two deep, gets its water from a spring-like flowing well. The water eventually ends up in the

park’s small pond. You’ll notice some other surprises in the play area too. One is a marimba-like musical instrument set at just the right height for young musicians to play with. Kids love to bang out tunes, and the sounds they create drift across the playground, over the trail, and somehow seem perfectly in place. Perhaps the neatest playground surprise, however, is one that lets your kids become part of a sundial. Yes! The kid-dependent sundial is located near the sandbox, and a sign in front of it explains how to use it. Basically, you stand facing the right way with your toes in the right spot (which varies month), and your shadow tells you what time it is. Even in this age of digital everything, kids find this kind of thing appealing and will play here for a long time. Adults, it is rumored, enjoy it too. Webb Bridge Park is located at 4780 Webb Bridge Road. It’s a bit off the beaten track, but once you and your family find it, I’m betting it’s a site you’ll return to again and again. A reminder that Outdoor Adventure Day is this Saturday, Sept. 24, at Unicoi State Park. It’s family outdoor fun at its finest, and it’s free. You can discover even more fun at Unicoi State Park through Steve Hudson’s books “Hiking Unicoi” and “Fisherman’s Guide to Unicoi State Park.” Both titles are available directly from Chattahoochee Media (chattahoocheemedia. com), from Amazon and from many local outdoor shops.

22 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

22 | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016

Sponsored Section

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EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

A healthy, fun social life doesn’t need to end at the retirement threshold By Brooke Wall, Sales Manager Celebration Village There’s no denying that as you age, social interactions can decline. If you’re not heading to an office or getting out and about each day, you may be missing out on important social interaction that keep you sharp, healthy, and maybe even ward off looming medical risks or dementia. Research has proven the many benefits that social interaction offers older adults. Staying socially engaged and maintaining interpersonal relationships can help you sustain good physical and emotional health, and cognitive function. By continuing close friendships and finding ways to interact socially helps people—especially older adults—to live longer than those who are isolated. Relationships and social interactions can even help protect against illness by boosting your immune system. There are far too many benefits of being in community with other people than can be listed, but a short list includes reduction in the risk of cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and depression. It helps keep your brain from getting rusty, but it’s most effective when coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and physical activity. So rather than shedding family, friends and hobbies as you age—which can hurt our mental and physical health— why not find a retirement community designed to facilitate social connections? A local example of this type of community is Celebration Village, a stateof-the-art, full-service independent living community being built in Forsyth and Acworth. With the foundation built on promoting an upbeat lifestyle, independence, optimism and successful aging for seniors, these communities are definitely worth taking a second glance. The most unique feature is The Celebration Club, the heart of activity and lifestyle that houses all Village services, offerings and amenities in one central location. The club-style amenities with distinctive, innovative design features creates an upscale, inspiring social environment for both their residents and non-residents alike. If you’ve taken a cruise before, you’ll definitely enjoy The Celebration Club’s cruise ship-like epicenter layout, designed to enable interaction and create environments that inspire exploration of common interests, and synergies

With the foundation built on promoting an upbeat lifestyle, independence, optimism and successful aging for seniors, these communities are definitely worth taking a second glance. amongst the residents and guests. Whether it’s a cooking class at the Chef’s Corner, a game of billiards or Wii tournament at Frank’s Game Parlor, a watercolor class in the Art Studio or just the stimulating sights, sounds and tastes this central hub will evoke, the social engagement is a proven factor to successful and healthful aging. Every day at Celebration Village will focus on “CELEBRATING LIFE,” allowing residents to remember the life they have been blessed with as well as the life they are living today. Find ways to stay young at heart, stimulated, busy—and out and about in your community because a healthy, fun social life doesn’t need to end at the retirement threshold. Opening in Forsyth and Acworth later this year, Celebration Village is proud to be built and managed with the founders of Masterpiece Living, and embodies the findings of successful aging to help residents age successfully, and ultimately celebrate living longer, healthier, happier lives. Celebration Village, developed by Active Senior Concepts (ASC) and AgeWell Living, has professionally designed and programmed an extensive variety of environments and services that promote continued physical, intellectual, social and spiritual growth, proven to dramatically slow the inevitable deterioration and depression associated with older age. The entire master-planned village from the resident homes, to the shopping shuttle express buses to the Celebration “Social” Club provides an abundance of positive, upbeat and stimulating environments designed to empower seniors to remain optimistic and in control of their own lives.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 23

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24 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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It is difficult in today’s market to make sure you are making the right decision when selecting a senior living community for a family member, friend, or even yourself.

QUALIFIED PATIENTS RECEIVE AT NO COST: Medical Evaluation • Study Medication • Study-Related Care One on One Physician Oversight • After Study Care BENEFITS: Access to Latest Research • Confidential Care Convenient Location with Free Parking • Education and Support

As an executive director, I cannot accomplish any of th above by sitting behind my desk trying to figure out ho going to increase the profits for owners by another nic

After a period of time, the different products can all start looking the same with the only visible difference being whether the product is a new community or an older community. Most senior living companies do an excellent job of selling their community with the best care, the best activities program, the best food, the best dining experience, the most updated technology or the best overall community for you to choose.

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Look at the quotes from recent advertising in the Herald publications: “Offering superior, innovative and personalized services for seniors…”, “…we’re committed to giving you all the resources…”, “Dining the way you want! Delightful dining opportunities await you…”, and “…unparalleled collection of everyday and luxury services and amenities, to the inclusive, never intrusive, personal care and assisted living support.” The reality is that “Beauty is only skin deep.” Anyone who works in senior living has good intentions. However, some intentions do not materialize into operating a successful community where your residents continue a lifestyle they have become accustomed during their adult life.

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A successful community to many operators is keeping the community full, producing good profit-and-loss statements, and keeping complaints to a minimum from their residents especially when it comes to dining. At Celebration Village, our philosophy is to have happy, engaged residents that look forward to each day’s new experiences, which results in a full community resolving any profit-and-loss issues through Masterpiece Living, the core of our culture.

I recently had a family member visit my community t had been to another community they perceived as b my competitor. They asked me why they would sele community for their mother and father instead of th community when I was $1,500 more a month.

When we compared the two communities, everything ap to be about equal in what Celebration Village offered an my competitor offered, excluding Masterpiece Living.

At the end of our conversation, I asked my visitors how director for the competing community answered when how they could offer similar services and amenities much lesser cost. Their response was that they had v the community five times but had never met the dire

After answering my question, they answered their o question and immediately felt their extended time w justified giving me their deposit.

At Celebration Village Forsyth, we are going to talk ab Masterpiece Living as the core of our culture. But like anything else, if you don’t eat it, breathe it and sleep with it, it’s only a conversation.

Come meet with me any Monday between 11:00 a and Noon during the month of September and learn Celebration Village Forsyth is more than a sales pi

I’m always available for my residents, family members prospects. If you can’t join me on Monday, just let me k day and time convenient for you, and I’ll make sure I’m There really is more beauty beyond the epidermis skin “Beauty is only skin deep.”

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26 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Meals on Wheels for Pets provides food and assistance to pets for owners in need.

Meals on Wheels for Pets howls at Pup-a-Palooza JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On Saturday, Sept. 10, Meals on Wheels for Pets attended Pup-a-Palooza at Newtown Park in Johns Creek. Senior Services North Fulton raised funds for the Meals on Wheels for Pets program and “Stuffed the Subaru” with donated treats and toys for our volunteers to deliver to their pet clients. Meals on Wheels for Pets started in 2013 as an extension to the Meals on Wheels food assistance program for seniors in the North Fulton community. Volunteers with Senior Services North Fulton deliver a month’s worth of free food and treats the first Friday of every month. The program currently

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has 46 cat and dog clients, even pet turtle. Pet owners that are age 60 or older who live in the North Fulton area, and that have a physical or financial need are able to participate in the program. The Meals on Wheels for Pets group thanked their event Classic Subaru and their sponsors, including A Hand to Hold, Brookdale Senior Living, Compassion Home Care, Kaiser Permanente, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, Publix Supermarkets Charities, and Synergy Home Care. To donate or get involved with Senior Services North Fulton, call 770993-1906.

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28 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Members of the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution appear at the Roswell City Council to celebrate U.S. Constitution week. From left are Martha Stewart DAR chapter members Lee Hills, Kathy Marsh, CatherineÂ Jimenez (regent), Shari Binder and Tammra Baker.

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DAR celebrates Constitution Week in North Fulton ROSWELL, Ga. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history Sept. 17, 1787: the United States Constitution. This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that â&#x20AC;&#x153;We the Peopleâ&#x20AC;? enjoy today. The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law

Hub: Continued from Page 4 Underneath the affluent veneer of North Fultonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-manicured lawns and country club memberships, families still are dealing with the same issues that affect households everywhere â&#x20AC;&#x201C; coping with the pressures of work or school, the availability and abuse of prescription drugs and the demons of mental illness. Families rarely know where to turn when such reverses hit their homes. The Hub was to be that important first step in finding them the help they need. The Hub Family Resource Center

on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Each year, members of the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the DAR come up with creative ways to promote awareness of the U.S. Constitution.Â Â This year they have received a Constitution Week proclamation from the Roswell mayor and City Council and have shared large scrolls for school children and Scout troops to sign, just like the original signers of the Constitution. The DAR has also placed displays in libraries, churches and other places of business in the communities where the members live and work. was to provide a one-stop gateway to a range of resources for a variety of agencies working with the public, such as: â&#x20AC;˘ Police departments â&#x20AC;˘ Schools â&#x20AC;˘ Courts and probation services â&#x20AC;˘ Fire departments â&#x20AC;˘ Hospital emergency rooms â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be a place where families and individuals can meet in safe surroundings with no stigma attached,â&#x20AC;? Brommet said at the opening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They will meet with resources specific to their needs who will listen but not judge.â&#x20AC;? Unless some last-minute donors can step up to the plate, families will lose an important resource they perhaps donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know they need yet.

SCHOOLS

SCHOOL BRIEFS Send us your news! Email to news@appenmediagroup.com More Info: 770-442-3278

Students named National Merit semifinalists for ’17 NORTH FULTON, Ga. – More than 100 area students have been named semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program and will go on to compete for more than 7,500 Merit Scholarship awards valued at more than $33 million. Finalists for the scholarships will be announced in the spring. Semi-finalists were identified through exceptionally high scores on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which they took as juniors. National Merit semifinalists from area high schools include: • Alpharetta - Veronica R. Bian, Megha Desai, Luke T. Heyerdahl, Brian Hu, Izaan Kamal, Rohan Kansara, Katelyn Lawrence, Philip Paul N. Mantchev, Anav Mittal, Nitish Sood, Anthony Zhang, Jeffrey Zhang • Cambridge - Cameron L. Chong, Savannah C. Farr, Madison A. Landis, Jason X. Yang • Centennial - Karl A. Jacobi, Kyle

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Qian, Justin Simard, Caroline Wittschen • Chattahoochee - John E. Arndt, Amanda Y. Bao, Sarah Chen, Aditi Choudhury, Christopher J. Chung, Rachel Fitzgerald, Ananya Ghose, Matthew Green, Saitej Guttikonda, Pallavi K. Kenkare, Dong M. Kim, Abhinav Kumar, Sofie K. Lehtikoski, Rahil Manji, Kalen Patton, Ryan Peng, Joaquin Ramas, Ashwin Ramaswami, Michael Sawchuk, Harry D. Traub, Eric Wang, Sophia Yan, Tigerwin Yang • Johns Creek - Noor Abi Rached, Madeleine E. Blair, Brennen M. Blotner, Daniel A. Bodea, Cassie Chen, Adam D. Davault, Yasheen Gao, Shalin G. Kapil, Woohyun Kim, Andrew W. Liang, Achyutha Abhishek Mallemadugula, Amy W. Mu, Katherine Shin, Christopher R. Sullivan, Abhinav L. Tirath, Anshul Tusnial, Akhil R. Vaidya, Jamie Wang, Vivian L. Wang, Michelle Yang, Koosha Zendehrouh Kermani • Milton - Roopsha Bandopadhyay, Grace Cassidy, Aditi Dhume, Maya Eashwaran, Niva Matcha, Ankita P. Mohapatra, Amulya Noone, Gina Piazza, Kate L. Reynolds, Andrew D. Sauer • Northview - Ruth Austin, Pragya Banerjee, Ashna Bhardwaj, Charles Cheng, Jasmin Gao, Felicia Guo, Amy L. Jiang, Minji Kim, Judy Li,

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 29

Michelle Liu, Calista Mei, Prahathishree Mohanavelu, Evan Moy, Thomas Moy, Soumil Nariani, Sally L. Pan, Keshav S. Pandiri, Sidharth S. Potdar, Nithin Raghavan, Tarun Ramesh, Omkara P. Rao, Yashi Sanghvi, Leonardo Tang, Kavya Vrid, Catherine Yang, Starr T. Yang, Amanda W. Zhang, Bill W. Zhang, Joseph Zhang, Irene Zhou, Patrick Zhou, Raymond Zhu • Roswell - Mary B. Bangs, Ethan C. Cain, Justin M. Cozzone, Kyle M. Cozzone, James K. Lewis, Cynthia D. Roby, Lily N. Rubin, Davis Tardif

Lake Windward ES recognized for fitness ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Lake Windward Elementary School in Alpharetta was among nine schools in the metro Atlanta area honored by First Lady Michelle Obama with the “Let’s Move!” award. This annual award is one of the nation’s top physical education and physical activity distinctions for K-12 schools. In order to receive the award, Lake Windward ES met “significant benchmarks” in five areas: physical education, physical activity before and after school, physical activity during school, staff involvement and family and community engagement. The students have at least 60 minutes of physical activity

per day as part of the fitness program at the school. In all, 544 schools from 41 states were recognized with a “Let’s Move!” award.

Fulton millage rate is the lowest in Atlanta NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The Fulton County School Board approved a millage rate for FY 2017 of 18.483 mills – a slight reduction from the previous year’s 18.502 rate — and still the lowest school tax rate in the metro Atlanta area. Fulton County’s total millage consists of two rates – a maintenance and operations (M&O) rate and a debt service rate. The school board adopted an 18.483 M&O rate and a 0.0 mill debt service rate, for a total 18.483 mills. This rate is the lowest millage rate in Fulton Schools since 2010. Most homeowners, however, will still see an increase in their tax bill because property values continue to recover from the economic downturn. One mill is assessed for each $1,000 of assessed valuation. For a home valued at $200,000, a homeowner with the standard homeowner’s exemption would pay approximately $3,700 in taxes to the school system at the 18.483-mill rate. That is a very slight savings from the last year.

30 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 toria’s Secret on North Point Circle had seen two people allegedly conceal clothing in their bags before leaving the store. When the officer approached the duo and identified himself, the 20-yearold man struck the officer with a fistful of keys while the other suspect ran away. The officer held the man to the ground until Alpharetta police arrived. The man repeatedly bit the loss prevention officer during this time, “leaving bloody teeth marks.” Police found $400 worth of clothing in the man’s bags. The bags were lined with “a large amount of aluminum foil,” which the loss prevention officer said is a common method of preventing the anti-theft sensors from detecting merchandise. The man continued to struggle while being arrested. He was charged with shoplifting, aggravated assault, possession of tools for commission of a crime and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

Caller fails to scam wary woman MILTON, Ga. — A woman reported an attempted scam Sept. 13, when she

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received multiple calls from someone claiming to be from the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department. The caller told the woman that she and her husband had warrants out for their arrest for their failure to appear for state grand jury duty. He said they had fines totaling $2,000 that they needed to pay by sending four $500 Reloadit cards through Office Depot. When the woman began questioning the caller about the law and his identification, the story fell apart. The woman hung up on the caller and contacted the Milton and Cobb County police departments to report the incident. Both organizations confirmed that there were no warrants for her arrest and that the calls were a common scamming method. No law enforcement agency requests money over the phone, especially in the form of cash cards.

Car missing after idling in driveway JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man reported his car missing Sept. 7 after leaving it idling in his driveway for a few minutes. The man had started his car, a tan 2004 Nissan Murano, early morning and left it running as he returned to his residence. He said he had used a second key to securely lock it before leaving. About

10 minutes later, the man returned and saw that the car was missing. The man said that he does not know who could have stolen it since he has no problems with anyone in the neighborhood and no issues with the Home Owners Association. The car has a sticker on the rear bumper that reads “Jesubuike God is Strength.”

Marijuana arrest uncovers ecstasy JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man was arrested Sept. 5 for possession of ecstasy, marijuana and for his outstanding warrant from Gwinnett County for probation violation. Police responded to a call about two suspicious vehicles parked at the Groomsbridge Pool Clubhouse. The three suspects all smelled of marijuana when police arrived. Police found two grams of marijuana on the person of 25-year-old Andrew Ahn. They also found scales commonly used to weigh narcotics as well as ecstasy in his car. He was arrested and transported to Alpharetta jail. One of the two other suspects had a Fentanyl patch. Both of them were released with charges for possession of marijuana and drug-related objects and given court dates.

Woman hit with $500 card fraud MILTON, Ga. — A woman reported fraudulent activity Sept. 13 on her debit card. When the woman noticed unfamiliar transactions on her debit card, she called police and provided them with all of the information. The fraudulent charges, totaling $500, were made to restaurants in Atlanta and Suwanee. The woman cancelled her card and contacted her bank about the fraudulent activity.

Woman tries to cash fraudulent $16K check FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies were called to a local bank Sept. 13 after a woman tried to cash a fraudulent check worth $16,459.A bank manager called the sheriff’s office after noticing the check’s number didn’t match the account’s checks. He also called the person’s number on the check who said the check was fraudulent. The suspect told deputies she knew the man whose name was on the check and said she asked to borrow some money from him. She said she did not ask for any certain amount or the amount she received. She was arrested for third degree forgery, and the victim was notified.

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 31

Presbyterian Church opens Balalaika Society presents new multi-purpose facility concert of Russian folk music JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek Presbyterian Church is celebrating the dedication of a $3.4 million multi-purpose facility. The new facility is designed to support the church’s members and the surrounding community. The components of the building will include: • A “Great Hall” which will allow JCPC to support banquets, concerts, theatre performances and light recreation • A dedicated youth center for fellowship, recreation and dining. • Additional meeting rooms varying in size to accommodate classes, presentations, luncheons and small group discussions. • And an atrium-type lobby for welcoming guests and encouraging fellowship. “God continues to bless Johns Creek Presbyterian Church with new members and new opportunities,” said Dr. Gray Norsworthy, senior pastor. Johns Creek Presbyterian Church invites others to join the celebrations of the

Johns Creek Presbyterian Church celebrates the dedication of a new multi -purpose facility that will accommodate fellowship, recreation and dining. new addition with an event on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 6:30p.m., located at 10950 Bell Road. There will be a free concert hosted by the JCPC Fine Arts Academy followed by an ice cream social. For information on the facility and upcoming events, visit jcpcusa.org or call 770-813-9009.

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Atlanta Balalaika Society Russian Folk Orchestra will present its 35th anniversary concert of Russian music, song and dance. The concert will feature instrumentalists Alexander Tsygankov and Inna Shevchenko from Moscow. Also featured are dancers from the Rustavi State Dance Ensemble from Tblisi, Georgia. The Atlanta Balalaika Society is a non-profit community orchestra dedicated to the performance and preservation of Russian and Eastern European folk music in the Southeast and in the United States. The concert will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center located at 950 Forrest St at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $8 for children. For information, call 404-2927176.

Traditional Russian dance will be performed at the concert of Russian music hosted by the Atlanta Balalaika Society this October.

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32 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Messiah Lutheran Church on Kimball Bridge Road dedicated its new Christian Family Center Sunday, Sept. 18, that will allow the church to better serve the congregation. The 3,500-square-foot addition will provide the church with badly needed classroom space and options for any number of services. The Rev. Larry Zahn, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church and its 200 members, said the discussions about exact uses for the $600,000, 2-story building are still ongoing. It will have seven classrooms and plenty of storage space. “We are looking for innovative ways to serve families, singles, and millennials. We would really like to reach out to the younger folks,” Zahn said. “We want to put together some programs for the space. But primarily we want it to be a gathering place – we just haven’t figured it all out yet.” The church is still gathering ideas and asking members of the congrega-

tion to “speak up and speak out,” Zahn said. “We Lutherans like to say, ‘Grow with The Word and then go with The Word. We have to build people up to go out into the world,” he said. But the church was “desperate” for fellowship space as well. At the dedication ceremony the congregation brought in as guest speaker the Rev. Paul Zell who was pastor of the church from 1992 to 2002. Messiah Lutheran Church was formed in 1983, splitting off from a Gwinnett County church that was drawing also from Dawsonville, Hoschston and Louisville. This is the second addition to the church since it was founded. “There wasn’t much out here in those days,” said Zahn. He was not the minister then, but he lived in the area and did a lot of commuting on “back roads that were seldom paved or unpaved in those days.” Today, the church is strong and growing with many young families in attendance. “This is a special church. We want to minister to those families and their children, but that is not the whole congregation. But we want to serve singles and broken families as well,” Zahn said.

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 33

GNFCC hosts awards ceremony breakfast By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards breakfast Tuesday, Aug. 23 recognizing local community leaders. Since 2000, the GNFCC has honored a new Small Business Person of the Year for their “vast knowledge and broad expertise in their industries and a commitment to nurture the economic prosperity, quality of life and positive reputation of the region,” said Kendra Plotkin, GNFCC director of operations. This year’s winner of the Small Business Person of the Year category was Walter Woliver, owner of Alpha Office Products. He was chosen out of four finalists who were all recognized as 2016 Business Persons of Excellence. They are Mary Becker, founder of Best Deal Movers; Kurt Hilbert, managing member and founder of the Hilbert Law Firm, LLC; Michael Lundmark, founder, president and CEO of Jekyll Brewing; and Dr. James Morrow, founder of Marrow Family Medicine. Woliver was selected as the 2016 award recipient by the nine members of the Small Business Committee using criteria that included “growth and longevity, principal ownership and community involvement, innovation and response to adversity and chamber membership.” “[Woliver] exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, hard work and sound business practices. He is a shining example of commitment to our community,” said Plotkin. “[He] serves as a role model and inspiration to others who are following their dream of being a business owner.” Woliver lives in Roswell and owns Alpha Office Products, an eco-friendly company offering office supplies, technology and furniture. He has been a Rotarian since 1995 and now serves as the club’s public relations chair. He is also the treasurer of the Roswell Masonic Lodge #165. Starting in 2014, the GNFCC also annually honors a Nonprofit Leader of the Year. This year’s award went to Rachel Ewald, the founder and chairwoman of the Foster Care Support Foundation. She was selected out of seven other finalists, five of whom were selected as winners of the 2016 Community Impact Award. The winners were: Russell E. Hayes, CEO of Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia, Inc.; John McLaughlin, executive director of North

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Tillie O’Neal-Kyles accepts her Lifetime Achievement Award from Brandon Beach.

Metro Miracle League, Inc.; Monica Oliveira, executive director of STAR House Foundation; Donna Smyth, executive director of Child Development Association; and Kathy Swahn, executive director of The Drake House. A seven-person committee chose Ewald for her “talent, dedication and success as a leader who serves the community with compassion and professionalism,” Plotkin said. “The winner serves as a role model and inspiration to others.” The Foster Care Support Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2000, supports an average of 3,500 foster and displaced children annually with clothes, toys, school supplies and infant care equipment. Ewald, the founder, also served on the Governor’s Office of Children and Families advisory board for four years under Sonny Perdue. The GNFCC awards ceremony likewise recognized Robert Farley, co-founder and artistic director of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, as the first recipient of the Nonprofit Vision Award. “The Nonprofit Vision Award was created to honor the visionaries in our community who abound with creativity and passion, making a difference in the places we live, work and play,” Plotkin said. Tillie O’Neal-Kyles, founder of Every Woman Works, was also the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for her service and accomplishments throughout her career. During the ceremony, Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis presented O’Neal-Kyles with a proclamation designating Aug. 23, 2016 as Miss Tillie O’Neal-Kyles Appreciation Day. To learn more about GNFCC and the 2016 Chamber Awards, visit gnfcc. com.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Country Club of the South 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022 This event will include a discussion on breast cancer with Laura Perason MD, FACS, Breast Program Director, ornament decorating, Hearts of Hope dedications, and survivor recognition. Brunch will be served. This event is free but space is limited. Please register at www.wellstar.org under Community Calendar or call 770-751-2660 to reserve your spot.

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34 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Local author writes about Forsyth’s “Blood at the Root” dives into county’s past By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County’s history, like most histories, is long, complex and sometimes steeped in controversy. One of the most infamous stories of Forsyth County’s past revolves around an incident from 1912, when three black men were accused of raping and murdering an 18-year-old white woman. One of the accused men was lynched on the town square, setting off a firestorm. “Soon bands of ‘night riders’ launched a campaign of arson and terror, driving all 1,098 black citizens out of the county,” according to local author Patrick Phillips. The county remained “all white” well into the 1990s. The story piqued Phillips’ interest growing up in the county during the 1970s and 80s, while attending Cumming Elementary.

“When I was a kid in Forsyth County, this was the type of story you heard in the back of the school bus or on the playground,” Phillips said. “I had always heard the legend. It made a big impression on me and made me wonder what the real story is behind all of that mythology.” He became fascinated with the event and took it upon himself to dig deep into the county’s history to figure out what really happened. And after a decade of research, Phillips published “Blood at the Root,” a book which debuted Sept. 20. Phillips’ work relies heavily on primary documents, rather than word-ofmouth stories. Most of the research was conducted in local libraries, the Forsyth Courthouse and Forsyth County history center. Even before the book was officially published, Phillips said he had already heard a lot of backlash from county residents. “Sometimes people who say ‘why dredge this up’ are operating with a

very simplistic idea of what happened,” Phillips said. “It’s an unhealed wound.

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There will always be people who will say it is better off being unspoken.” He also said some people who “think they know everything that actually went on” may learn something new. Phillips said even he was surprised by what his research turned up. He found instances that were “unexpected” on both sides, including a movement from the white community to stop the violence. But such instances are overshadowed by Forsyth County’s more sordid past, especially the 1987 march, which Phillips said was the first civil rights demonstration he had ever seen in the county. His parents and sister, who attended the march, were “pelted with rocks and bottles and screamed at by white folks from Forsyth who eventually stopped the march and brought a lot of attention to the county.” At the same time, Phillips was in the Cumming Square trying to find his family and join the march. But instead, he found himself in the middle of a Ku Klux Klan rally celebrating the marchers leaving. Forsyth County’s story, however,

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history of racial cleansing Sometimes people who say ‘why dredge this up’ are operating with a very simplistic idea of what happened. It’s an unhealed wound. There will always be people who will say it is better off being unspoken.” PATRICK PHILLIPS “Blood at the Root” author isn’t unique. Phillips said this racial cleansing also happened in Hall, Dawson, Cherokee and White counties. The difference is that it lasted a lot longer in Forsyth. “This was always used as an explanation or excuse,” he said. “Some people from families who had been in the county for a long time would say, ‘that was just the way it was in those days; that’s just what happened.’” There’s a kernel of truth in that, he said, as there were attempts to drive

out black populations all over Georgia during the Jim Crow Era. White mobs in Hall County attempted a similar racial cleansing, but the night riders were arrested, nipping the problem in the bud. The local sheriff in Hall apparently said they “crushed it in its infancy.” Forsyth, however, didn’t name who was behind the racial cleansing, so there was no public persecution, Phillips said. There were periodic attacks whenever anyone challenged that old

rule, letting the discrimination continue. Now, the county is an almost entirely different place. When Phillips was in Forsyth doing research, he said he was “astonished” by the changes he saw. “If you grew up in Cumming when I did, you’d understand. My jaw dropped to see the place tolerating the presence of nonwhite people,” he said. “That was unthinkable when I was a kid.” And now, he said, the newcomers “have a right to know” the county’s history. “Students have a right to learn about all of this in their history class,” Phillips said. “If I could wave a magic wand, every student in Forsyth County schools would know this story and the history of the place they live.” In a broader sense, he said he hopes this can serve as an example of one place “coming to grips and to terms with its own troubled history.” “There are other versions of this all over the country,” Phillips said. “I hope this will be an example of turning and facing that past rather than denying it.”

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Patrick Phillips’ new book “Blood at the Root” debuted Sept. 20.

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36 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Alpharetta volleyball enjoying near perfect season Team has 29-1 record with seven matches remaining By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. − Alpharetta volleyball is enjoying a near-perfect season as the team enters the final two weeks of regular play. The Raiders (29-1, 4-0) have four more matches against region opponents in that span. Under head coach Grace Fossier, the Raiders are ranked No. 1 in the state in Class AAAAAA by ScoreATL and No. 4 overall in the state according to MaxPreps. Not only is the Raiders’ record impressive, the quality of the teams they have beaten to earn that record speaks volumes. The Raiders have defeated some of the best teams in the state, including Woodstock, Lambert, Etowah, South Forsyth and Dunwoody. Their only loss came to Columbus, last season’s Class AAAAA state champions. Last week, the Raiders downed South Forsyth and Lambert, two top

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teams in Class 7A. “We have played some great teams,” said Fossier. “We have squeaked by a few tough teams but we’ve gotten the win.” Fossier said the catalyst behind the team’s success is its competitiveness and ability to function with a team mentality. “All of our girls make this team better when we compete against one another in practice,” she said. “It’s hard to be competitive against one another and still be a teammate and pull for each other, but they do that. They work really well together and care about each other.” Senior Destiny Stewart leads the team in kills with 336 and is averaging 5.3 kills per set. Fossier has high praise for the transfer from Florida. “She is just a phenomenal athlete, powerful and a great competitor,” Fossier said. “She also brings a great cohesion to the team.” Junior Amara Anderson has been the Raiders’ go-to player for setting, compiling 693 of the team’s 713 assists so far this season, and Fossier said she keeps getting “better and better” as the season progresses.

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Alpharetta junior setter Amara Anderson leads the Raiders in assists with nearly 700 on the season.

Anderson is also the leading server for the Raiders, having compiled 307 serves with 45 aces and a 97.7 serving

percentage so far this season. She has also compiled 69 kills, 30 blocks and 209 digs. In the backcourt, senior Halle Wong has compiled 397 digs on the season, followed by Stewart and sophomore Jenna Seides. Wong has stepped up in her role as she has already surpassed her number of digs from last season having played 30 sets less so far this season. Leading the team in blocks is freshman Nina Williams, followed by Cat Podsiadlo, Anderson and junior Maya Rodgers. Fossier said the team’s production is not only coming from the top players, though. “It’s been an effort on everyone’s part,” she said. Beginning this week, Alpharetta enters its final seven games of the season, including a crucial region game against Johns Creek, ranked No. 1 in Class 6A, according to some polls. “We are going to focus on the details on the court and the little things that make for a big point in the game,” said Fossier. “We’re finding all of our aspects on offense and defense and we’re working. We’re not there yet so we will continue to work to improve.”

SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 37

Fellowship Christian’s offense rushed for nearly 300 yards against St. Francis in its 46-7 win.

Fellowship gets commanding win on homecoming night FCS blows out St. Francis, 46-7 By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. − Fellowship Christian head coach Al Morrell said his team entered last Friday’s game against St. Francis, “beat up,” but it would be his team inflicting the damage all night against St. Francis. Fellowship Christian (4-0, 2,0) remained unbeaten on the year with a dominating performance over St. Francis (1-2, 0-1), commanding the game in a 46-7 win. Morrell said the plan against St. Francis was to control the ball offensively, and he was pleased with his team’s execution of that game plan. “We entered the game 3-0, which is awesome, but we’ve had to rely on big plays and not sustained, consistent drives,” Morrell said. “Tonight we accomplished our goal by moving the ball on the ground and threw it when we wanted to.” The Paladins’ rushed for nearly 300 yards with Andrew Johnson leading the team with 99 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Andrew Minkert compiled 87 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown. Davis Wynn also had a rushing touchdown for the Paladins. The Paladins’ offensive front consistently opened holes for FCS rushers, controlling the line of scrimmage throughout the game. “I’m very pleased with our offensive line, I think they had their best game of the season tonight,” said Morrell. After scoring all five touchdowns for the Paladins last week against Our Lady of Mercy, quarterback Jack Hardin threw 5-6 for 42 yards. Ryan Reid caught three passes, including a 22-yard touchdown from Hardin in the first quarter. Thanks in part to their ability to move the ball seemingly at will, as well

as going 3-3 on fourth-down conversions, the Paladins did not punt in the game. The Paladins didn’t slouch defensively, either, as FCS held St. Francis to just over 100 yards of offense on 43 plays. Knights’ quarterback Matt Davis threw 3-12 for 57 yards with a touchdown− St. Francis’ sole score − and an interception. St. Francis was able to manage just eight first downs in the game and was held to 3-9 on third downs by the Paladins’ defense. “I was really proud of the effort on both sides of the ball. Defensively we shut them out entering the fourth quarter,” said Morrell. The Paladins opened up the game with a 12-play, 62-yard drive capped off by an Andrew Johnson touchdown rush on their opening possession and never lost the momentum. Hardin would find Reid for a touchdown with 3:52 remaining in the first quarter, and after a missed PAT, the Paladins led 13-0. Andrew Minkert extended that lead to 20-0 with his 5-yard touchdown rush early in the second quarter. The only turnover of the game would result in a huge play for Fellowship as a Matt Davis pass was tipped to Paladins’ cornerback James Millhollin at the FCS 18-yard line. Millhollin gathered in the ball for the interception and weaved his way down the sideline 82 yards for a touchdown. With the score at 40-0, St. Francis would get its only touchdown of the game against FCS’ second-team defense. Matt Davis completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Evje with 11 minutes remaining in the game. With the win, FCS is now tied atop the Region 6-A subregion B standings with Mt. Pisgah. The Paladins have a bye this week before traveling to take on region opponent Walker Sep. 30. St. Francis hosts Walker this Friday.

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38 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SLOTER HAS HIS DAY:

Pisgah grad breaks Northern Colorado school record By MILES GARRETT news@appenmediagroup.com FORT COLLINS, Colo. — They say every dog has his day. For senior Northern Colorado University quarterback Kyle Sloter, that day was Sept. 10 in a shootout against Abilene Christian University. SLOTER Sloter, a backup quarterback and occasional receiver for the Bears of Northern Colorado, was called into action after starting quarterback Jacob Knipp went down with an injury early in the first quarter. He responded by having the game of his career. The Alpharetta resident, and Mt. Pisgah grad, tied the Northern Colorado record for touchdown passes in a single game with six. Sloter threw for 408 yards and added 41 yards on the ground while also finding the end zone early in the third quarter after calling his own number on a 22-yard run.

To understand the weight of Sloter’s performance, one would have to go back to when he was recruited out of Mt. Pisgah Christian School to play quarterback at Southern Mississippi University. In his first year, he was redshirted and faced a promising path to becoming the next starting quarterback for the Golden Eagles. However, things don’t always go according to plan. Head coach Ellis Johnson was fired and was subsequently replaced by, now offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Todd Monken from Oklahoma State University in 2013. Monken told Sloter, to his face, that he would never play quarterback for his team. “That for me was the toughest point,” he said. “It crushed me a little bit because I knew that I could do it. I finally felt like I had a good grasp on the offense and I never got a shot to show what I could do. At that point you’re thinking I’m going to have to leave my brothers to have a shot to play quarterback.”

In the end, I proved that I was athletic enough that I could play receiver. I started out low on the depth chart but before you know it, I’m starting halfway through the season.” KYLE SLOTER Northern Colorado football player Wanting to see the field, Sloter decided to switch positions to play receiver at Southern Miss and eventually landed playing time. He even managed to score a touchdown in a game against Louisiana Tech University. “I knew that I wanted to play regardless of position,” he said. “In the end, I proved that I was athletic enough that I could play receiver. I started out low on the depth chart but before you know it, I’m starting halfway through the season.” But receiver was not the position he

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 39

for touchdown passes faith in God first, praying a lot and knowing that good things come to good people. I try to live my life that way.” Sloter only received around 15 percent of the reps in practice as backup quarterback. That typically wasn’t a problem, though. While at Southern Miss, Sloter was a 3-time Conference USA Academic Honor Roll student-athlete, meaning he would translate his studious habits into the film room. So when starting quarterback Jacob Knipp separated his shoulder three offensive plays into the game, Sloter was prepared for his shot — a shot that was almost four years in the making. “It’s one of those things that happens so quick you don’t really know how to react, you just know that it’s your time,” he said. “There are nerves coming off the bench. I was a little bit nervous, but at the same time I knew that I was capable of performing that way.” The breakthrough performance resulted in Sloter being named Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week and the

FCS National Offensive Player of the Week Sept. 12. In addition, Northern Colorado’s offensive performance set a new program record with 689 yards, led by the kid who was finally given an opportunity. Sloter’s parents were proud of the perseverance they’ve seen from him throughout his career and credited him with making the most of the chance he was given to show off his abilities. “All parents want their kids to experience success when they put so much time and dedication into chasing their dreams,” said his father Daryl. “It was exciting for us to watch him do what he loves to do, and to see him rewarded for all his hard work.” Meanwhile, news came that starting quarterback Jacob Knipp will be lost for the remainder of the season due to his shoulder injury; meaning for now, this is Kyle Sloter’s team. “It was really emotional for me, I was crying at the end,” he said. “I had all these people who told me I couldn’t do it. It was just a huge moment for me in my life. Never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.”

Mt. Pisgah grad Kyle Sloter in action against Abilene Christian.

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40 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

‘It only takes one person to start a change’ Two SFMS students leading the way in inclusivity at school By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. -- Middle school is generally not a time of inclusivity among students. Cliques are being formed, everyone is concerned with how they will be perceived, and few are willing to reach out in the hopes of initiating a change. Yet, South Forsyth Middle School students and close friends Anna Grace Bowling and Maddie Franz are leading the way to include everyone in activities usually perceived as targeted for select groups. Bowling, an eighth-grader, has started a cheer program to include special needs students. From the sideline, she cheers on Franz, who is the only female player on the football team. “It only takes one person to start a change,” Anna Grace said. Last year, Anna Grace was required to submit a “passion project,” a written

SFMS students Maddie Franz (left) and Anna Grace Bowling say they hope to inspire others to break traditional barriers and participate in a variety of activities.

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assignment to share something she was passionate about. Though these projects only required words, Anna Grace said she felt compelled to see her project, a cheer team that included special needs students, become a reality. “When I started this project, I wanted these girls to feel included,” she said. Being autistic, they often don’t get the opportunity to get to participate in mainstream activities. Sideline cheer is fun, and this is a perfect opportunity for them to hang around a bunch of nice girls.” She says her fellow cheerleaders have been supportive in her pursuit as the squad is now fully into the season. With the project, Anna Grace hopes to change the perception of her classmates about special needs students, and to include them in all activities. She said seeing the two students who have joined the team, Julia Nazarowski and Alissa Ranta, has been a pleasure and she has enjoyed teaching them the sport. “It’s so much fun to watch them cheer. They have so much fun, and the crowd gets really hyped up,” she said. In addition, Anna Grace said she and her teammates have learned that, regardless of preconceived perceptions, these students are fun, pleasant, friendly and a joy to have on the team. “They have impacted us as a team a lot more than we have impacted them,” she said. On the field, Maddie Franz said, as the only female on the team, it is hard not to stick out, but she hopes to inspire other girls to take up the sport. Maddie began kicking by playing soccer. She currently plays for the United Futbol Academy’s U15 Premier team. While playing on the team, she and a few teammates made a pact -- a pact that they would all try out for their school’s football teams. While practicing in her P.E. class, she caught the eye of her P.E. coach who told her she should try out for

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SFMS student Anna Grace Bowling (center) is joined by Julia Nazarowski and Alissa Ranta, who joined the team after Bowling began a cheer program for special needs students. football. She made the team. Since then, she says she has grown to love the sport, and no one batted an eye at her decision to play in what many consider to be a boys-only sport. “The support has been wonderful,” she said. “A lot of the players on my team and their parents have been supportive and it has been mind-blowing to see how many people are behind it.” For those who believe football is for boys only, Franz said she hopes to “change people’s minds.” “I want to show them that I do fit in and I do belong on the team,” she said. “I think it’s a situation where maybe people didn’t think of [girls playing football] until they saw me, and I think that is really cool. Football has been really

life-changing for me. It has brought on a whole new part of me. I hope to inspire people.” As Maddie enters high school next year, she hopes to continue playing both sports she has grown to love. “It’s something that has been on my mind a lot lately,” she said. “It’s going to be very hard to balance both sports, but I think if I have a conversation with my coaches and manage my time wisely, I should be fine.” She said she is also pleased with the effort of her best friend Anna Grace to include others in the cheer program, and the support they give her from the sidelines. “Anna Grace is such a good friend and her and the support of the cheer squad has been amazing,” she said.

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SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 41

Alpharetta cross country runner-up Covered Bridge ALPHARETTA, Ga. — On Saturday, Sept. 10, the highly ranked Raiders cross country team participated in the Mizuno Covered Bridge Invitational in Roswell and finished second overall in a pool of over 20 teams, including every team in the region except Pope High School. The boys’ varsity, currently ranked fifth in the state, finished second to Lambert, beating Cambridge who is ranked third in the state. The boys were again led by Robert Chappell who finished fourth, and Will Ashe and Sean Rager were close behind finishing 12th and 13th. Robert, Will and Sean all medaled. The girls’ varsity, currently ranked fifth in the state, finished second to

Lambert, beating Dunwoody who is ranked fourth in the state. Kenedy Thorne ran well finishing in seventh place, while Sarah Chappell finished in 14th place. Sarah and Kenedy both received medals. The boys’ junior varsity team was led by Boston Jones, Curtis McClelland and Varun Kasibhatla. The girls’ junior varsity team was led by Madison Tigert, Brooke Witte and Maureen Renken. The JV-B team was led by Brayden Hughes and Ashley Day. The next meet for the Alpharetta cross country team is the Fulton County Championship on Sept. 17 in Milton.

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42 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Lambert falls in another close game, JC downs Centennial By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com

Central a 31-20 lead with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. A Bulldogs’ interception with under two minutes remaining quelled Duluth’s hopes of a comeback. Forsyth Central (3-0) remained unbeaten in the win.

Cambridge 35, Pope 21 Lanier 35, Lambert 28

Lambert fell to 1-3 after another close game left them on the short end of the match. After nearly making a remarkable comeback win against Cherokee last week, Lambert was unable to secure another game late. Lambert took a 28-21 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Lanier would tie the game at 28 with nine minutes remaining. With two minutes left, Lambert fumbled the ball with Lanier recovering on Lambert’s 3-yard line. Lanier scored to take the lead 35-28. Lambert’s comeback attempt ended when its offense failed to convert a fourth down in the waning seconds of the game.

North Forsyth 35, Pickens 31 North Forsyth won thriller with both teams exchanging the lead in the final minute. North led 28-24 in the final minute, but with 46 seconds remaining, Pickens would reclaim the lead with a 5-yard touchdown pass. However, North quarterback Ben Bales found Charlie Aiken for a 43-yard touchdown pass with just 16 seconds remaining to secure the final-minute comeback win for North, which improved to 3-1 with the win. Bales compiled 248 yards passing in the win and through four games is nearing 1,000 yards passing for the season.

Cambridge led Pope throughout the game, compiling over 400 yards rushing, while Pope’s offense − despite posting over 500 yards − failed to find the end zone on multiple occasions. The win kept the Bears undefeated in region play. Kaelin Byrd rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Chattahoochee 21, North Atlanta 17 Chattahoochee got its first region win of the season with a close win over North Atlanta in the school’s first-ever meeting. Chattahoochee’s opponents over the next three weeks will be the talented teams of Dunwoody, Centennial and Johns Creek.

Johns Creek 24, Centennial 21 Johns Creek trailed 14-3 at halftime, but with three touchdowns in the third quarter it was the Gladiators who led 2414 entering the fourth quarter. Centennial would score a touchdown in the final minute, but was unable to recover an onside kick. With the win, Johns Creek (3-1, 2-0) is now at the top of the Region 7-AAAAAA standings. With the loss, Centennial (2-2, 1-1) has failed to win three of its opening four games since 2003.

Forsyth Central 31, Duluth 20 Duluth opened the game with a 14-0 lead, including one off a Bulldogs’ interception, but Forsyth Central controlled the game afterward. A Christian Petino field goal and Sabrian Howard rushing touchdown pushed the score to 20-10 in the third before Howard rushed for two more touchdowns, and Blake Wood added another to give

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Lambert quarterback Richie Kenney looks for a receiver.

Pinecrest 35, Walker 0 West Forsyth 31, Dacula 14 The Wolverines found themselves down early against Dacula, but they scored 31 unanswered points to improve to 3-1. West’s defense forced three turnovers, and quarterback Kiernan Hamilton passed for over 230 yards in the victory. West will face Newnan this week in the team’s first-ever meeting.

Blessed Trinity 43, Hart Co. 0 BT quarterback Jake Smith threw 10-15 for 168 yards and three touchdowns, and Drew Nichols and Steele Chambers each added a rushing score for the Titans. Brooks Hosea was 3-3 on field goals. Blessed Trinity’s defense forced six turnovers and held Hart County’s offense to 200 total yards.

Pinecrest’s defense shut out Walker, while its offense had a 28-point second half to give the Paladins a win in their first region game of the year. Quarterback Ryan McCarthy was 3-6 for 105 yards and a touchdown. The win was Pinecrest’s third straight over Walker. The Paladins have outscored Walker 101-26 in those games.

Alpharetta 45, Northview 3 Etowah 28, Milton 10

Milton’s offense struggled against Etowah, compiling 144 total yards, while its defense struggled to keep Etowah’s balanced offense in check, and the Eagles fell to 2-2 this season. Jordan Yates connected with Dash Hairston for Milton’s sole touchdown of the game, and Nick Aguello was 1-2 on field goals.

Mt. Paran 42, King’s Ridge 7 King’s Ridge fell to Mt. Paran for the fifth straight year last Friday. The Tigers’ defense had surrendered just 35 points entering the game. King’s Ridge has a bye this week before hosting Mt. Pisgah Sept. 30.

Alpharetta’s defense forced multiple turnovers and quarterback Matthew Downing threw three touchdowns as Alpharetta dominated Northview. Northview made the game 7-3 with a field goal late in the first quarter, but the Raiders would run away with the game, taking a 24-3 lead into halftime and continuing to hold Northview’s offense at bay in the second half. With the loss, Northview fell to 0-3 after making the playoffs the past two years.

SCHOOLS VARSITY BRIEFS Send us your news! Email to news@appenmediagroup.com More Info: 770-442-3278

Belmont University Spring 2016 Dean’s List Johns Creek: Madison Barefield, Alexa Ditmar, Abby Janis, Anna Lackey, Sarah Terning and Elisa Watanabe.

Georgia College Spring 2016 Dean’s List Johns Creek: Maaria Cervasio,

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 43

Paine Crowson, Chloe Eng, Elissa Geckeler, Blaine Grissom, Joanna Grissom, Brittany Kortokrax, Mackenzie Light, Rebecca Mayo, Joseph Owens, Sara-Catherine Paoli, Matthew Pelli, Meredith Phillips, Jeremy Poncelet, Sydney Powers, Natalie Rames, Rachel Rice, Eve Wise and Fritz Young.

Georgia College Spring 2016 President’s List Johns Creek: Bridgett Armstrong, Kylie Barber, Riley Coordes, Taylor Dukes, Cain Gantt, Kayla Gula, Andrew Hooper, Janae Innis, Tucker Korb, Ashley Leblanc, Alanna Turry, Melissa Waits and Kyle Witt.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC ARTS BOARD, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 AT 7:00 PM. CITY OF JOHNS CREEK TAYLOR FARMS 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300 CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 AT 7:00 PM. CITY OF JOHNS CREEK COUNCIL CHAMBERS 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300 JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097 THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLIC ART DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING: HEAD OF ROGERS BRIDGE TRAILWAY ALONG BELL ROAD FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.JOHNSCREEKGA.GOV/ABOUT/BOARDS/PUBLICARTS.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, October 6, 2016 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, October 24, 2016 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. Z-16-12 1530 Rucker Road Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 1 acre from AG (Agriculture) to R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Residential) in order to subdivide the property into 3 lots. The property is located at 1530 Rucker Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1273, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. Z-16-10/CU-16-08/V-16-24 Southerton/72 Thompson Street Consideration of a request to rezone 0.3 acres from O-P (Office-Professional) to DT-LW (Downtown Live-Work) in order to develop 3 single-family detached homes. A conditional use is requested to increase the allowable density and a variance from UDC Appendix A, Section 3.7.3 to reduce the minimum lot size for detached homes and a variance from UDC Section 2.5.5 (D) to allow for crushed stone to be used for internal private streets is requested. The property is located at 72 Thompson Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. MP-16-12/CLUP-16-08 Cousins Westside Pod F Consideration of a request to amend the Cousins Westside Master Plan Pod F to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Detached’ and ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Attached’ to the list of permitted uses in order to develop 31 single-family detached homes, 33 townhomes, and 10 manor homes. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment is requested from ‘Corporate Campus Office’ to ‘High Density Residential’. The property is located between Westside Parkway and Encore Parkway, just west of Maxwell Road and is legally described as Land Lots 651, 652, 689, and 690, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. MP-16-11/CLUP-16-07/Z-16-09 Sharp Residential Townhomes/Windward Pod 20A Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 13.7 acres from O-I (Office-Institutional) and CUP (Community Unit Plan) to CUP in order to develop a townhome community. An amendment to the Windward Master Plan Pod 20A to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Attached’ to the list of permitted uses is requested, as well as, a change to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from ‘Corporate Campus Office’ to ‘High Density Residential’. The property is located behind Union Hill Park at the southwest corner of McGinnis Ferry Road and Union Hill Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1038, 1039, 1048 & 1049, 2nd District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia. e. CU-16-06 Vision Warriors/Group Home Consideration of a request for a conditional use to allow a ‘Group Dwelling’ within an existing commercial building. The property is located at 1497/1499 Alpharetta Highway and is legally described as Land Lots 597 and 600, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

44 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB #16-286 SARGENT RD. @ MCGINNIS FERRY RD. FLORIDA-T The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Sargent Rd. @ McGinnis Ferry Rd. Florida T Continuethrough Lane Project. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 2:00PM. on October 13, 2016 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on October 4, 2016, at 10:00 AM at the City Hall, Chattahoochee Conference Room, 4th floor. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. ITB packages and plans are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov) . Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. (TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED.) ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

DEATH NOTICES John Cameron, of Roswell, passed away September 9, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Brenda McConnell, of Alpharetta, passed away September 11, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Barbara Jean Scheuerer, of Cumming, passed away September 7, 2016. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Billie Southard, of Roswell, passed away September 8, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Shelia Shepherd, of Alpharetta, passed away September 1, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors. Celsa Carparros, 86, of Roswell, passed away September 4, 2016. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery. George Leroy Inman, 89, of Johns Creek, passed away September 8, 2016. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Willie Leon Langley, 78, of Cumming,passed away September 13, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Edna Elaine McArdle, 76, passed away September 5, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Charlotte Starnes Phillips, of Cumming, passed away September 8, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Ky Phouthavong, 66, of Gainesville, passed away September 5, 2016. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Guy Santostefano, of Alpharetta, passed away September 8, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Home.

Taylor Strickland, Alpharetta, passed away September 6, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors. Manuel Silver, of Johns Creek, passed away September 7, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director. Helen Wilson, of Alpharetta, passed away September 10, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | September 22, 2016 | 45

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Now Hiring: Advertising Sales Executive Job Description & Duties: Appen Media Group is hiring sales executives for the marketing and advertising department. Primary responsibilities will be managing a book of existing business by consulting on and selling advertising campaigns, and growing the existing book of business through cold calling and networking. Qualifications: Must be ambitious, hard working, good with people, and goal oriented. Previous sales experience preferred, but not required. Compensation: Base salary of $18,200/year with aggressive monthly commission. Full medical benefits, matching 401k and PTO.

they renamed the paper The Revue & News and increased the publishing frequency to weekly. Following the success of The Revue & News, the Appens started publishing three more weekly papers, a monthly women’s magazine and a quarterly relocation guide. They even expanded outside of publishing to social media management, graphic design services, digital newsletter management and website services. However, the core business remains community news publishing. Email a resume and cover letter to: christina@appenmediagroup.com and CC hans@appenmediagroup.com.

About Appen Media Group: Thirty years ago, Ray and Christina Appen bought a bi-monthly newspaper in Alpharetta called The ReVue, left their positions at The Miami Herald and moved to run the newspaper. In the following years,

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OFFICE MANAGER for Children Today Montessori, Alpharetta. Experienced. Positive attitude, customer service experience and love for children, initiative, leadership, management/ organizational skills, ability to communicate with staff, parents and children, computer and accounting experience with attention to detail. Salary based on experience. Paid vacation, holidays. Resumes: Jo Soderman info@ childrentodaymontessori. com or Fax 770-817-8201.

Builder/ Project Manager Peachtree Residential Properties, one of Atlanta’s premier home builders since 1988, is seeking a BuilderProject Manager for new home communities in North Atlanta. Visit www. peachtreeresidential. com for company information. Please email info@peachtreeres. com with resume. * Minimum experience 10 years in supervisory position in homebuilding industry. * College degree preferable. * We do drug testing and background checks. * North Atlanta subdivisions. * Competitive salary, excellent bonus program and truck allowance. * High customer service skills a must. * Multiple subdivision responsibility.

FRONT OFFCIE ADMINISTRATOR for Alpharetta CPA firm. Responsible for front line client communications, processing reports and returns, management of billing functions, general office administration and assistance. Email resume to: jobsacct1@ gmail.com

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Part-time

UNHAPPY IN YOUR JOB??

Outcomes Analyst, parttime bilingual: NFCC is a locally supported, volunteer based organization serving a diverse population in North Fulton with emergency needs. The Outcomes Analyst will collect, record, and report follow-up data to measure client outcomes. The successful candidate will be bilingual (Spanish/English) with excellent oral/written communication skills, database management and experience working with a low income population. Statistical training a plus. NFCC requires background check, drug screen and e-Verify. Submit resume or pick up application & job description at NFCC, 11270 Elkins Rd, Roswell 30076 or bduffy@ nfcchelp.org

Start your own business in Real Estate! Now Hiring 10 new Agents! We are the fastest growing Keller Williams Office in the 400 Corridor. Contact Robert Aiken at 706.429.8620

Part-time CAREGIVERS & CNA’S Please call Sarah 678-431-6233 SALES ASSOCIATES for Jan’s Hallmark 12850 Hwy 9 at Windward Parkway, near Kroger, Alpharetta. Customer service focused, take initiative, work in fast paced environment. Must be able to work flexible schedule including Saturdays AND Sundays, ALL through Holidays, and Events. 770-346-9050

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P A R T - T I M E A D M I N I S T R AT I V E SUPPORT: North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) has an immediate PART TIME position available at our Education Center in Roswell. The Education Intake Specialist will be in daily contact with new and established center participants and volunteers. In addition to receptionist and administrative support, this position oversees computer lab services and center closing activities. M o n d a y - T h u r s d a y, 2:30pm-6:30pm, with some Saturdays 9am-1pm. Applicants must have a history of outstanding customer service and administrative support skills with demonstrated compassion for cultural diversity; moderate to elevated level of competency with MS Office software and data entry; reliable transportation and valid GA Driver’s License required; and at least three years’ experience working in an administrative capacity. Bilingual in Spanish a plus. NFCC is a 501(c)3 human services nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of homelessness and hunger in North Fulton by providing emergency assistance and enrichment programs. Located in Roswell, NFCC is an equal opportunity employer. We eVerify. Please send your resume including experience, qualifications and salary requirements to info@ nfcchelp.org.

The Drake House is adding an after school program to provide consistent learning and enrichment activities for elementary and middle school children residing at The Drake House. We are seeking both a program coordinator and assistant coordinator to develop the children’s strengths and interests while promoting family engagement for complimentary learning. These staff positions will incorporate a variety of volunteers in teaching both academics and leisure time enrichment activities. Position hours will be from 3:00pm-7:00pm Monday – Friday, and on teacher workdays. A college degree and minimum of five years of experience working in education with children is preferred. The ability to work independently in a team-oriented, fast paced atmosphere is required. Please send resumes to cmerritt@thedrakehouse. org or fax to 770-587-4714.

Medical practice in the Milton/Alpharetta area seeking a part time media consultant. Must be willing to network and work flexible hours. 10-15 hours/week. Email resume and cover letter to savitha.shama@gmail. com to apply or for more information.

Inside Sales (Alpharetta) for Mint Condition, commercial cleaning co. Goal-oriented multitasker comfortable w/making outbound calls, communicating biz proposition, scheduling appts & lead follow-up. Demonstrated appt scheduling/outbound call exp & exc verbal & written communication skills. 20 hrs/wk. $12/ hr + bonus. Resume: mintcondition gacareers@gmail.com

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CNA, PT/FT VISITING ANGELS

Non-medical caregivers to assist elderly in their home. Must be CNA, with at least 1 year experience. 12 hour and day shifts. Call 678-277-9960

Sales Estate Sale ALPHARETTA North Farm Subdivision, 365 Carybell Lane 30004. Friday-Sunday 9/239/25, 8am-3pm. Sofabed, matching loveseat. Elna Sewing machine with table. Antique dressers. Power saws. Books. Media cabinet with TV. And more stuff!

Garage Sale ROSWELL Hollyberry Subdivision; 120 Honey Tree Lane 30076. Friday 9/23, 9am-2pm, Saturday 9/24, 8am-2pm, Sunday 9/25, 9am-Noon. Many Tools, Toys, Furniture, Books, Clothing, Sports Equipment and other household Items. NO early birds, please CUMMING Westbrook Subdivision; 4470 Newhall Drive 30040. Saturday 9/24, 8am-1pm. Electric scooter, Pottery Barn furniture/decor’, lots of household items! ALPHARETTA Windward Northshore Subdivision; 2225 Blackheath Trace. Friday 9/23, Saturday 9/24, 8am-2pm. Furniture, toys, treadmill, home decor’, childrens’ clothing and much more! ALPHARETTA Multi family. 685 Briars Bend 30004. Saturday 9/24, 8am-3pm. ALPHARETTA Church-wide garage sale, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street 30009. Saturday 9/24, 8am-3pm. MILTON Multi-family: Valmont Subdivision- Valmont Trail. Saturday 9/24 7AM-12PM. Clothing, Household items & Much More!

*Some Restrictions Garage Sale CUMMING 3920 PHILLIPSITE LANE 30040. Friday 9/23, 8am-3pm and Saturday 9/24, 8am-11am. Furniture, Beautiful Wood Office Desk, Women/Men/ Children Clothes, Tools, Electronics, Toys, Games and More. Everything must go!! JOH N S CREEK Cambridge Subdivision: 40+ homes! 5950 Millwick Drive Saturday, 9/24, 8am-2pm. Look for balloons! ROSWELL Willow Springs Neighborhood Garage Sale : 2500 Old Alabama Road. Friday 9/23 & Saturday 9/24, 8am-2pm. Large 700+ home community. For more info call 404-502-7006

Animals Pet Care IN-HOME PET SITTING and dog walking per your schedule. (First aid) certified, licensed, bonded. Caring, reliable, affordable! 603-557-2195. www. healthyspiritpetservice. com

Pet Supplies AQUARIUM: 60 gallon tank plus cabinet. Light plus timer, filter, air pump, heater, auto feeder, chemicals, books. $350. 770-886-3268/Cumming

Pets for Sale SHIH-TZUS Alpharetta. DOB 7/14/16. 3 black and white (1 female, 2 male), 1 brown and white female. Great personalities! $600/ female, $500/ male. Will have their first shots. 678-576-1700

MAIN CLASSIFIEDS continued on page 46

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48 | September 22, 2016 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Over 20 performers on 5 stages:

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