Johns Creek Herald, October 30, 2013 by Appen Media Group

Johns Creek candidates go head to head in campaign forum s

Fox 5 News anchor Russ Spencer dishes out the tough questions

PAGE 26

NASCAR kid gets checkered flag King’s Ridge Elliott wins Truck Series race ►►PAGE 31

October 31, 2013 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 13, No. 44

Meter stops on probe

At nearly $100K investigation appears ended; Now council must decide what to do with it By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Laura and Greg Stalemark with their daughter Sarah pose with some “adopted” family members.

Stalemark family has spookiest house in town By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Turn down Pinewalk Court in the Pinewalk subdivision and you will find out why neighbors

call Laura Stalemark “The Cat Woman.” You can’t miss the 35-foot inflatable black cat in her front yard. That is just a small clue to how much she likes to celebrate Halloween. One

year, it made the Google map of her house. Eleven months out of the year, Laura is as normal as apple pie. But come Oct. 1, her entire house goes through a transformation of vampire

See SPOOKY, Page 32

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – With an estimated $100,000 spent, the City Council’s four-month probe into allegations against Mayor Mike Bodker is apparently over. The big question now is what will council do with it? Apparently they are not sure. City Councilman Randall Johnson, who has been the council’s point man on the investigation, said the City Council will have to meet on what to do next with investigator Robert Wilson and City Manager John Kachmar. “Some of the questions are still open, and right now we are still waiting for the mayor, who has yet to turn over documents that were requested months ago,” Johnson said. “But we will look at our options. We have to decide whether to send [the report] to

the district attorney’s office, to state Attorney General Sam Olens or to the FBI,” Johnson said. “All our options are on the table.” Bodker’s attorney Michael Cross said the report is worthless as an investigation and that it is more likely any council action taken with it is only face-saving. “If there were any actionable items of ethics violations in the report, and there are none, the statute of limitations have long run out. And the members of the council must know this,” Cross said. “And as noted, it is an interim report. It has not been completed. There is nothing for any agency to act on.” As for the three main allegations the report singles out, none are serious enough for those agencies take up even if there were any proof.

See METER, Page 6

CH2M Hill cancels city party after owner speaks out Owner says retaliation for comments at council meeting By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Residents may wonder what it might cost them to speak their minds at a City Council public comment section, but Chris

Cupit, whose family owns Rivermont Country Club, says he knows how much it cost him when he spoke at the Oct. 22 City Council meeting – about $15,000. CH2M Hill, the company that handles much of the

outsourcing of jobs for Johns Creek, has cancelled the annual Christmas party for city employees and CH2M Hill employees who work for the city. Rivermont had hosted the party for eight years in a row and CH2M Hill had hosted the

Christmas party. The company had put down a $5,000 deposit for this year. They said the reason for the sudden change is employees had been asking a change of venue for the party. Cubit stood up at the council meeting to add his concerns about the inappropriate behavior of City Manager John

Kachmar and Councilman Randall Johnson. He related his experiences in his personal dealings with Kachmar. Weeks before the incident involving Kachmar in an altercation with two citizens critical of the city’s lack of response to information requests, Cupit

See CH2M, Page 4

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2 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Alpharetta man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of child Sentenced to 45 years prison in Alabama

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ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. – Cecil Lamar Benefield, 54, of Alpharetta, pleaded guilty on charges of sodomy in the first degree and sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years of age, in an Alabama court, Oct. 23. He was sentenced to imprisonment for 25 years and 20 years, respectively. Benefield was charged with the crimes after a relative disclosed that he had molested her repeatedly, beginning when she was as young as 5 years old and continuing until she was 12. Benefield told the girl that if she reported the abuse, her father

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

DUI arrests ►► Kevin Patrick Ramirez,

40, of Falling View Lane, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 8 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Neyli Adonai Perez Marroquin, 30, of Greenhouse Drive, Roswell, was arrested Oct. 10 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI, failure

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

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Drunk driver had child in car ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A man was arrested Oct. 12 for allegedly driving while intoxicated with a child in the car. Police said Thomas Gary Amerson Jr., 33, of Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, was driving on Westside Parkway about 9:41

would kill him. Then her father would spend the rest of his life in prison and she would never be able to see him again. An investigation located a number of other victims who had been abused by Benefield, dating back to 1987. Law BENEFIELD enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions were notified, and Benefield now faces charges in at least one other Alabama county for similar incidents involving another child under age 12. “This child, by coming forward, started the process that led to these convic-

tions,” said Deputy District Attorney Carol Griffith, who is assigned to prosecute cases involving crimes against children in Etowah County. “In doing so, she has prevented [Benefield] from victimizing another child. She showed real courage by coming to court to face her abuser.” Griffith said that most people don’t get the opportunity to see that type of bravery and strength in a child, and that she is continually amazed by the children she deals with in her job. In Alabama, the law does not allow for early release or parole for anyone convicted of a sexual offense involving a child under the age of 12.

to maintain lane, no license and leaving the scene of an accident. ►► Eddie Williams Jr., 53, of Birch Rill Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Oct. 12 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Paul Edward Brummer, 62, of Woodstock was arrested Oct. 12 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and improper stopping. ►► Ryan Klabunde, 44, of Wood Branch Drive, Milton, was arrested Sept. 20 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and expired tag. ►► Michael Wood Rubio, 27,

of Duluth was arrested Oct. 13 on Steeplechase Drive in Roswell for DUI, reckless driving and expired tag. ►► Alisha Denise Golden, 31, of Atlanta was arrested Oct. 11 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI. ►► Kelsey Leigh Zivic, 25, of Hemingway Lane, Roswell, was arrested Oct. 12 on Dogwood Road in Roswell for DUI, failure to maintain lane and obstruction of an officer. ►► Corey Reynolds, 32, of Roswell Creek Lane, Roswell, was arrested Oct. 12 on Roswell Creek Lane in Roswell for DUI. ►► Andrew Isaac Schmidth, 33, of Collingswood Lane,

Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 27 on Kimball Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Skyler Jordan Smith, 25, of Buice Road, Johns Creek, was arrested Oct. 12 on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Daniel Lee Von Lauer, 48, of Harvest Ridge Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested Oct. 12 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Abdul H. Hyath Mohammed, 38, of Duluth, was arrested Oct. 13 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI.

p.m. The officer reports seeing Amerson drive onto the shoulder twice, so he was pulled over. With Amerson was the owner of the car as well as her 6-year-old daughter in the back seat. Amerson allegedly failed the sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI, endangering a child and failure to maintain lane.

groceries and magazines Sept. 20 from a local grocery store. Store employees said they saw the suspect selecting items throughout the Publix store on Haynes Bridge Road and put the items in her shopping cart. Employees lost sight of the woman and, when they found her again, her items were bagged in her cart and she left the store. She was followed to her car. However, because they could not be sure she stole the items, employees did not confront her. A check of surveillance footage and register receipts showed she did steal the items, which included $100 in magazines, eight boxes

of cereal and several fruits. The car was registered to a Roswell address, however the residents would not say if they had been to the Publix.

Shoplifter stole groceries,magazines ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Roswell woman is suspected of stealing more than $350 of

See ARRESTS, Page 3

Man steals iPhones using fake ID ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A 19-yearold Fairburn man allegedly tried to steal nine iPhones from the Apple Store at North Point Mall Oct. 16. A loss prevention worker at the store told police Charles L. Meadows, 19, of Fairburn, was in the store

See BLOTTER, Page 33

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Rockdale police catch suspect in entering autos NORTH FULTON, Ga. – A man wanted in connection with multiple entering autos throughout the metro area, including Alpharetta, was caught Oct. 21 in Rockdale County. Eugene Coleman, of Norcross, was suspected of numerous cases of breaking into vehicles in Fulton and Cobb counties. He allegedly targeted parks, schools and fitness facilities, seeking wallets and purses left in the vehicles. He

Arrests:

Continued from Page 2

Drug arrests ►► Dylanie Collins-Higgins, 22, of

Lithonia was arrested Oct. 8 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► Tyler Wells Parker, 22, of Foe Creek Drive, Roswell, was arrested Oct. 14 on Upper Hembree Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana. ►► Samantha Marie Sullivan, 21, of Ashley Forest Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Oct. 14 on Upper Hembree Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana. ►► Darius Edward Bass, 23, of Atlanta was arrested Oct. 11 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession

would smash a window and grab the items. Any credit cards found in the wallets would be used at local stores, primarily Target and Walmart, police say. Coleman was arrested after he was allegedly caught breaking into vehicles in Conyers.

COLEMAN

of marijuana and speeding. ►► Quran Raazia Williams, 24, of Deer Trail, Milton, was arrested Oct. 12 on Deerfield Parkway in Milton for possession of marijuana. ►► Neekki Brandon Sarvghad, 20, of Silk Leaf Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Oct. 11 on Silk Leaf Drive, Johns Creek, for possession of heroin. ►► Fernando Escobar, 19, of Camberbridge Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Oct. 9 on Morton’s Crossing in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana. ►► Mario Ortega Solano, 20, of Morton Ferry Circle, Johns Creek, was arrested Oct. 9 on Morton’s Crossing in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana. ►► Sydney Dolores Pilson, 18, of Ashleaf Place, Johns Creek, was arrested Oct. 9 on Morton’s Crossing in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana.

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4 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

4 JCHS teens hailed for quick action By ALDO NAHED aldo@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The quick actions of four Johns Creek High School students helped stabilize the lives of two strangers involved in a car wreck in Forsyth County. Around 7:20 p.m. on Oct. 25, four Johns Creek High School seniors — Chris Woods, Austin Agerton, Jesse Dawson and Duncan Hensley — w ere traveling on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming to attend the Johns Creek vs. South Forsyth varsity football game. As they were driving, they witnessed a car trying to turn left on Peachtree Parkway being struck sideways by another car. Woods told the driver, Agerton, to stop their car, so they could help. The driver of the car that

CH2M: Continued from Page 1 said he contacted Kachmar to help in his attempts to get a wait staffer a pouring license to work in the country club’s dining room. She had a misdemeanor arrest as a teenager that was preventing her from obtaining a license to serve in the dining room. “She is a great young woman who is going to school and needs a job. She’s really turned her life around,” Cupit said. Cupit said his phone calls went unreturned, but Kachmar did return a letter requesting a phone interview. In two discussions with Kachmar, he said the city manager was inappropriately profane and was unprofessional in handling what Cupit thought was a reasonable request. Cupit also said Johnson,

was struck on the left side was shaken up by the impact. The driver of the car that hit her was more visibly hurt. “She was bleeding down her face and was disoriented,” Woods said. Dawson called 911 and relayed helpful information to emergency responders. Hensley and Agerton helped make sure the driver of the first car was calm and safe. Woods broke open the passenger door of the hurt woman’s car and stabilized her until emergency responders arrived. Woods kept the victim’s head stable and kept talking to her, making sure she was safe until responders came. Five minutes later, Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies and the Forsyth County Fire Department were on scene and took over. Forsyth County

Fire Department Division Chief Kevin Wallace said the drivers in the crash were both taken to area hospitals, where they were treated and released. “They’ve done the right thing by stopping,” Wallace said. “I think what they did was very commendable and I wish other teenagers would take

notice. When you see something like that, don’t put yourself in danger, but offer help if you know what to do.” Woods said in an email that they are inspired by what their high school Principal Buck Greene tells them: “Johns Creek will be known through the students’ actions.”

whom he had supported in past elections, not only asked Cupit to support him this year but to report any information he had about the mayor to Robert Wilson, the attorney heading up the council’s investigation, and gave him Wilson’s card. “I told Randall I didn’t want to get involved in anything political. I also told him that I wasn’t going to support him this year. I didn’t like this investigation, and I have known Lenny Zaprowski [Johnson’s opponent for the council seat] for many years and would vote for him too.” Two days after he spoke at the council meeting, Cupit received an email from Wayne P. Wright, program director at CH2M HILL, confirming the company was canceling the party. “The reason we are cancelling 52 days in advance is that many staff have told us they

will not participate in an event held at your facility. We have had complaints for the past two years because we have held the party at the same venue over and over again. The staff has made it clear that we need to move to a different location,” Wright wrote. He then asked for the return of the CH2M Hill $5,000 deposit paid in September to reserve Saturday night. Asked if CH2M Hill was changing the venue because of the way Cupit spoke out at council, Wright said no. “We’ve had a number of folks over the years complain that we go to the same place every year. So we just decided to mix it up a bit,” Wright said in a phone interview. Asked if it wasn’t too coincidental that the cancellation came on the heels of his speaking out, Wright said his email explained the rationale. Wright was asked if com-

plaints were so bad, why rebook this year and put down a deposit? Wright said they heard additional complaints from employees after booking the venue and decided to change it. “We are asking for our deposit back because he still has time to book the weekend,” Wright said. Cupit said it is quite late to book the date, since most event planners book months in advance. He hasn’t decided whether to return the deposit as requested. “I am just very disappointed about all of this,” he said. “I never wanted to get involved in politics at all. We have lived here for 41 years, and I was honored to serve on the committee to form Johns Creek. I wanted to be part of the new city. “Now it seems you can’t even speak up if you feel you have to without retaliation.”

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mas and everyday home decor, petite clothing, kitchen items, artwork etc. Everything new and almost new!. CUMMING, Creekstone Estates multi family. 2260 Fossil Creek Drive 30041. Friday 11/1, 8am-2pm and Saturday 11/2, 8am-1pm. Lots of “something for everyone!” CUMMING, Multi family. Three Chimneys Farm Subdivision, off Windermere Parkway 30041. Friday 11/1 and Saturday 11/2, 9am-3pm. CUMMING, Multi vendor. 2100 Castleberry Road 30040. Saturday 11/2,

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6 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Meter: Continued from Page 1 Johnson alleges that the proof would have been forthcoming had Bodker turned over the phone records and his lease agreement with a developer as the investigator had demanded. “This would have all been over in two months instead of four if the mayor had produced his phone records and the leases,” Johnson said. Asked if there was enough evidence for the district attorney or the attorney general to act on, Johnson said he did not know. “But I do know that this is

just the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “If he would turn over those documents, then the investigation could move forward. He mentions the costs of the investigation just to deflect the real issue. He knows that using his personal phone for city business means that all of his records are subject to the Open Records Act. That would have texts [that would incriminate him]. “Then the next step would be to look at all of his emails. But Bodker has been stonewalling,” Johnson said. “We have a dishonest mayor. That is the real issue.” Cross said if the mayor’s phone records were so critical to the case, the investigator already had the remedy in his

hands, which was the subpoena power granted to him by council. “He could have brought us before a judge at any time to demand we produce those records, and that was the point. It was our opinion there was never any justification for these demands and we wanted the fair arbiter of a judge to decide if the investigator had a right to see them,” Cross said. “The fact that the investigator never served us a subpoena clearly shows that he came to the same conclusion we did. And that was that a judge would never agree [the records were needed],” Cross said. In the report, it stated that the investigator amended his phone records requests to just

Difficulty hearing?

certain dates, and to redact any personal information that was needed in the investigation, Cross said. “That is a lie. If they had these allegations at the beginning, they should have made them. As it is, the report itself clears the mayor of 11 of the allegations,” Cross said. On the three major allegations the report “concluded” were actionable, none are, with or without phone records, he said. No action was ever taken to purchase the property. Regarding the allegation that he spoke to the landowner about information contained in council’s executive session, the property owner had already testified that the mayor did not. Any alleged phone record would not prove anything. The allegation that he violated the ethics policy when he cast a vote for a developer on a minor zoning adjustment that was tainted because he once negotiated a lease with

the man – a friend of 20 years – does not hold up, he said. “It was a unanimous decision that carried unanimous approvals by staff and the Planning Commission. They say he failed to recuse himself. It might have been prudent, but was not necessary. To say it is an ethics violation is a reach,” Cross said. Most of the allegations revolve around accusations of Bodker having talked to people with council’s permission. The charter as amended by council states the mayor shall only represent “the will of the council.” “They seem to think the mayor is subordinate to the council,” he said. “I think that most people in the city believe that he is a member of the City Council. But the mayor still retains his First Amendment rights. The councilmembers think that they have a right to muzzle dissenting opinion. That’s just plain nuts.”

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8 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

COMMUNITY

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Celebrity Golf Classic a touchdown for ALS awareness JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Terance Mathis announced that his inaugural golf outing for ALS scored a touchdown for the Emory ALS Center. The Terance Mathis Celebrity Outing for ALS was held at the Alpharetta Athletic Club on Sept. 9 and incorporated a 50/50 cash prize putting contest, long drive and closest

to the pin contests, as well as hole-in-one opportunities and custom cigar rolling on the course. Mathis, a former All-American and Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, partnered with Cure for ALS to host the event. Cure for ALS is a nonprofit organization whose mission

VOTE Nov. 5th! Nancy Reinecke Johns Creek City Council Post 3

is to support ALS awareness, advocacy and fundraising for viable treatments and an eventual cure. ALS is a neuromuscular disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure and the average life span after diagnosis is two to five years. It takes away the ability to move,

• A fresh perspective on City Council • Greater outreach to the community to discuss issues and solicit ideas • Protecting and improving the Johns Creek quality of life • Budgeting for infrastructure maintenance • Parks – Greenspace – Beautification • Making Johns Creek special!

For more information: nancyreinecke@gmail.com

speak, swallow and ultimately breathe, and it can strike anyone. “This golf tournament to raise funds for ALS was one of the most humbling and fulfilling days of my life,” said Mathis. “Increasing awareness for this terrible disease that can hit anyone has deeply touched my heart and soul.” Players were treated to an after-round reception with custom cupcakes from Patty Cakes Cupcakes and a moving presentation by former University of Alabama and NFL player Kevin Turner. The former New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles fullback has had ALS since 2010. Turner shared his story and encouraged the attendees to continue to support ALS funding and awareness and to live each day to the fullest. Online donations will be accepted until Sept. 20 at Terance Mathis ALS Golf. For more information, visit Cure for ALS at www.cureforals.com or Emory ALS Center at www. als.emory.edu.

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Beach launches Senate re-election bid Lt. Gov. Cagle on hand for campaign kickoff By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – State Sen. Brandon Beach launched his bid for reelection to the District 21 seat at the Jackson Healthcare Building in Alpharetta, and Rick Jackson, chief executive officer of Jackson Healthcare, was the host. Special guest and keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said he came to brag on the freshman senator from Alpharetta. Indeed, the lieutenant governor had glowing things to say about Beach. “Brandon has vision. He came to the General Assembly with a plan of what he wanted to accomplish. What I learned quickly was that he is the bull in the china shop. No matter what the issue, he keeps plugging along,” Cagle said. “I don’t think I’ve seen a freshman senator accomplish as much in his first term.” “He has the ability to look at an issue and see what’s best for Georgia. He’s a go-to guy, first when he was a member of the state Department of Transportation Board, then down at the Legislature,” he said.

State Sen. David Shafer was also at the kickoff to show his support. Jackson, the host, said he met Beach through church, and he became a great supporter of him. “As I got to know him as a legislator, I found out he was just tenacious,” Jackson said. “I would give him the Herschel Walker award for having such an impact as a freshman. He always does the right thing – not the most popular thing, but the right thing.” Beach said he was anxious to expand on the issues he worked for in his first term. “I want to continue to work on economic development to make sure that we have an environment and a tax policy that will continue to grow jobs,” he said. “We’ve had a great run bringing such companies as General Motors, Hewlett Packard, Ernst and Young and Air Watch in the last eight months.” These are top-shelf companies that chose to locate jobs in this district. “I want to continue to work with Gov. Deal in an atmosphere that will continue to drive our economy here forward,” he said. “I want our children to be able to come back here after their schooling is done and find a good job.” Another area of legislation Beach said he is involved with is with health care. Senate Bill 141 is the only legislation he’s seen that will reduce health

CLARK SAVAGE/CLAYTON CAMERACRAFT

Joining state Sen. Brandon Beach, far right, to kick off his Senate campaign are some heavy political hitters. From left are former House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, President Pro Tem of the Senate David Shafer and Beach. care costs. “It does this by reducing the costs of defensive medicine. That is a $15 billion a year problem in our state,” Beach said. Every doctor must run “defensive” tests that are unnecessary but are done in an overabundance of caution lest they be sued. Doctors run expensive tests that most patients don’t need.

“Someone has to pay for it, and it is all of us through higher insurance premiums,” he said. In the General Assembly, Beach serves as vice chairman of the Science and Technology Committee and is secretary of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development and the Government Oversight committees.

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Last year’s fashion show raised $1,000 with more than 100 people in attendance.

Johnny Foundation presents ‘Fashion for a Passion’ show Nov. 9 By McKENZIE CUNNINGHAM news@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga.— An organization dedicated to raising awareness about depression and suicide prevention will hold a fashion show fundraiser Nov. 9. The Johnny Foundation’s seventh Fashion for a Passion show will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the auditorium of North American Mission Board, 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. “My 21-year-old son ended his life 13 years ago and our family did not know and were not aware of some of the signs of depression,” said Lisa Leathers, founder of the Johnny Foundation. “After we went through that tragedy, we wanted to be sure to share what we’ve learned.” Leathers said she doesn’t want others to experience this type of pain and loss in their lives. Untreated depression is the No. 1 cause of suicide, and every 16 minutes someone in the U.S. takes their own life, Leathers said. The show will feature fashions from Belk in Cumming, raffle items, a silent auction, refreshments by Blu Owl Bakery and makeup by Tina Leathers, a Mary Kay beauty consultant. There will also be a diva shoe contest; the attendee with the most “divaish shoes” will win a prize. “We do the show as a fun event because depression is such a difficult subject for many people to talk about,” Leathers said. “But we also make sure that everybody leaves with education and literature that they can take home and read and become more aware.” A buy one, get one free ticket offer for the fashion show ends on Oct. 31. All proceeds will be used to help fund counseling services for those who may not have the means to get the help they need. For information, call Lisa Leathers at 678-493-4986 or visit www.thejohnnyfoundation.org.

If you go What: Fashion for a Passion When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 Where: North American Mission Board, 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta More Info: Call 678-493-4986 or visit www.thejohnnyfoundation.org

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The Junior Gladiator competition cheerleaders let folks know who is No. 1.

Jr. Gladiator cheerleaders take first place JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek Junior Gladiator competition cheerleaders with their coach, Danielle Sherfey, won first place in the Oct. 5 Wolverine Cheer Invitational at West Forsyth High School. By a wide point margin, this elite team of 15 athletes defeated all the middle school teams in the small division and amazed the audience with their acrobatics. The sport of competition cheer combines the

athleticism of tumbling and stunting with beautifully choreographed dance. In a stunning team performance, the Johns Creek Junior Gladiators reaped the rewards for many hours of conditioning and practice. Annual tryouts for rising sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders begin with registration in April each year. For more information on how to begin preparing now, contact jrgladiatorscheerleading@yahoo.com.

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John M. Del Vecchio, Vietnam vet and author of books on the war, will be the keynote speaker at groundbreaking ceremonies. This is Del Vecchio at work during his combat tour in Vietnam.

Newtown's Veterans Walk groundbreaking set Nov. 9 Vietnam author John Del Vecchio keynote speaker The Memorial Walk JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek Veterans Association and the city of Johns Creek will conduct a ceremonial groundbreaking Nov. 9 for the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk in Newtown Park featuring acclaimed DELVECCHIO author and Vietnam War veteran John M. Del Vecchio as the main speaker. Del Vecchio wrote the seminal Vietnam War novel, “The 13th Valley,” which was a finalist for the American Book Award in 1983. The New York Times Book Review said, “There have been a number of excellent books about Vietnam ... but none has managed to communicate in such detail the day-to-day pain, discomfort, frustration and exhilaration of the American military experience in Vietnam.” The 4-acre Veterans Memorial Walk will be a meditative memorial in a quiet portion of Newtown Park. It will consist of a landscaped trail with black granite memorials for each major conflict dating to World War I. The entrance plaza will have a brick sitting wall and flags for each branch of service. A gazebo will rest amid the walking paths. Completion is tentatively set for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2014. “The Memorial Walk is intended to keep alive the memories of our military men and women and their major influence on history,” said JCVA President Gerry Lewis. “It’s important to remember their sacrifices, and we believe the Veterans Memorial Walk will be a unique and moving tribute. I’m especially pleased to have John Del Vec-

is intended to keep alive the memories of our military men and women and their major influence on history.” GERRY LEWIS JCVA President

chio as the keynote speaker. His novels preserve the experience of a generation of those who served.” The project is estimated to cost about $200,000. The JCVA is accepting donations (online or by check) for the monuments, benches, entrance plaza, a gazebo and engraved pavers to be located near the monuments. The groundbreaking ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at 3125 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek. Del Vecchio will be available for book-signing after the ceremony, but attendees should bring their own copies of his book, as books will not be sold at the event. Del Vecchio was drafted and sent to Vietnam in 1970 where he served as a combat correspondent in the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). In 1971, he was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat. He has written four books and is a military/political commentator for FOX News. He is also a founding member of Charlie Foxtrot Entertainment. Questions about Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk should be directed to JohnsCreekVets@gmail.com.

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14 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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Going location scouting in North Fulton Film industry eyes local spots By JADE RODGERS jade@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – North Fulton has experienced an influx of filmmaking and a taste of the Hollywood life ever since filmmakers began receiving tax incentives for shooting their projects in Georgia. All the more exciting, Alpharetta has played host to a few big ticket films, granting local citizens the exhilarating privilege of spotting Hollywood stars such as Billy Crystal and Bette Midler in their own backyard. But filmmaking incorporates so much more than famous actors. As the saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words. The world of modern cinema takes this notion to new heights with its complex camera work, computer-generated imagery and special effects. Audiences can appreciate the intricacies of cinematography, but what seems to escape the attention of many is the complexity and detail that goes into pre-production of a film. I joined local Producer/

Director Ken Farrington of Vision-X Productions, in association with Twin Pilot Films, to unveil just what happens before the camera ever starts rolling. At our first meeting, I convened with Ken and Production Manager Hayley Polak for a day of location scouting, where the production team takes the time to root out the best sites for shooting movie scenes. I did not know what to expect as I wandered into the elegant marble lobby of one of Alpharetta’s medical centers, but we had gathered to view the demo room. Given that Ken’s upcoming film involves many medical scenes, the demo room was perfect for our purposes. “Whenever you’re filming, you’re always looking for [a set] that will over-sell the effect,” Ken told me as we walked toward the demo room, where we discovered medical O.R. lights as well as several hospital beds. In films, you have your “master shot,” which establishes the location within the story as well as sets the mood for the upcoming scene. Location scouting and master shots are utterly dependent on the overall disposition of the film and involve several different factors.

The production team has to make sure a desired location will be available to them within their filming time frame. Cost, location provisions and ambient noise all play part in the process of determining whether a specific location will be used in a film. There is a careful balance to having all the right factors in place. “We need to have contingencies and back-ups and alternatives,” Hayley told me as we roamed the hallways of a local hospital. “You want to see as many locations as possible so you feel like you covered your ground,” Ken agreed before scouting the hospital’s helipad. We covered a good deal of the hospital itself and took countless pictures for reference. Another important aspect to location scouting is documenting each site in order to remember its assets later on. Now that location scouting is nearly finished, Ken and Hayley will take a step back to do just that, as they decide which sites best suit the mood of their upcoming film. One certain thing, however, is that Alpharetta can look forward to the excitement of having another movie filmed in its own backyard.

JADE RODGERS/STAFF

Producer and Director Ken Farrington assesses a possible filming location at a local health care business. He, with his company Vision-X Productions, is looking at filming a movie in Alpharetta.

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By CAITLIN WAGENSEIL caitlin@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kate Service, a 5-year-old from Cumming, was diagnosed with liver failure in March 2013. After being put on a transplant list in May, Kate finally received a new liver Oct. 2. Because the cost of a liver transplant often exceeds $500,000, volunteers in the community began raising funds to benefit Kate and her family. The Team Kate Holiday Bazaar will be a fundraiser Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, to benefit Kate through the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). This is a national charity dedicated to helping communities raise funds for transplant expenses. The event will feature shopping, food and fun and will be held at St. Aidanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church at 13560 Cogburn Road in Alpharetta. Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Girls Night Outâ&#x20AC;? will include â&#x20AC;&#x153;mocktails,â&#x20AC;? hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, door prizes and raffles. The cost is $10. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free admission event will offer a bazaar for all ages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be a lot of different vendors offering a variety of crafts, merchandise and shopping for people to kick off the holiday season,â&#x20AC;? said Lisa Service, Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother. Some of those vendors include Stella and Dot, Party Plaza, Pampered Chef, Vault Denim and Mary Kay Cosmetics. William Service, Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, said they want to raise $2,000 at the holiday bazaar, but their ultimate goal for COTA is to raise $50,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting there,â&#x20AC;? Service said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to raise money to help with our

COURTESY OF LISA SERVICE

Kate Service, a 5-year-old from Cumming, was on a transplant list for four months before receiving a new liver on Oct. 2.

expenses right now, but part of our fundraising efforts is to prepare for when Kate becomes an adult, so that she can have the funds to pay her medical bills that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have her entire life.â&#x20AC;? And through this long journey, Kate has remained in good spirits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been amazing through this,â&#x20AC;? William said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because she just had the transplant, she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come to any of the events â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but she understands that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing this for her.â&#x20AC;? Both William and Lisa said the overwhelming support theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve received from the community, from people they know and strangers, has been incredible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They genuinely want to help us, without any strings attached, in our time of need,â&#x20AC;? William said. Lisa added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes you remember that people really are good.â&#x20AC;? All proceeds from the event benefit COTA in honor of Kate. For ticket or vendor information, visit www.cotaforkates. com or www.facebook.com/ cotaforkates.

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MARTA GM driving force in system’s turnaround Troubled transit agency getting new life under Parker By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Since MARTA General Manager Keith Parker took the reins of the ninth largest transit system 10 months ago, he has been able to engineer a remarkable turnaround in MARTA’s debt, its employee morale and its mission. Makes you wonder what the next 10 months will be like. Parker brought his message of the “new MARTA” to the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Oct. 22 Eggs and Enterprise Breakfast at Country Club of the South. Parker made everyone sit up when the first thing he announced was his intention “to transform MARTA into the premier transit system in the United States.” Was he talking about the MARTA that was the red-headed step-child of the aborted regional transportation special purpose local option sales tax? The MARTA that is persona non grata in two of the most populous counties (Gwinnett and Cobb) in the metro region? He was. When Parker took the reins at MARTA, it was in a tailspin: • The transit authority had cut 30 percent of its bus routes. • It had increased the time intervals between stops. • It was constantly on the re-

ceiving end of “bad press.” • Employee morale was in the dumps with no raises in six years. • It hadn’t balanced its budget in 13 of the last 15 years. • It projected a $33 million loss for the coming year. • It was projected to be fiscally insolvent in three years. That was when the turnaround began, he said. It began with his management style. “Assume the people you’ve hired can do their job,” he said. People tend to rise to the expectations of others. Seven months later, the projected deficit was transformed into a $9 million profit. That was done by trimming the deadweight – 40 percent of the senior leadership was eliminated for a start. “We looked at information technology and other ways to increase our efficiency, and brought in KMG to do an operational audit,” he said. MARTA is aggressively looking for new funding in advertising opportunities, leasing nearby MARTA property as well as the food courts. Today, MARTA carries twice the passengers of the Dallas and Houston transit systems combined for half the cost. MARTA’s $100 million reserves were dwindling. That leakage has been stopped and is now being restored. And he was able to get employees much needed raises. There are lots of shops and restaurants at the airport, why not at MARTA stations? Parker is brokering deals that will do

RISING STAR

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

North Fulton Chamber President Brandon Beach, left, and MARTA GM Keith Parker share a common goal to have MARTA reach up Ga. 400 to bring transit to the suburban Fulton County. just that. It is all part of his plan to put riders first again. This means reopening a lot of closed restrooms and keeping them clean. “We are re-investing in our riders. We are bringing our customers stability in our product – a clean, safe, efficient ride,” he said. Declining ridership – one of MARTA’s most alarming problems – is the top goal. Since 2009, MARTA ridership is down 29 million customers. “People with options stopped using MARTA. People with none rode at a reduced rate,” Parker said. As GM of the San Antonio, Texas, transit system, he raised ridership an incredible 41 percent from 2006-08. A big component of winning back riders will be increased safety, Parker said. MARTA is increasing video surveillance, which increases passengers’

feelings of safety. His “No Knuckleheads” policies are part of the Ride with Respect program. “MARTA is statistically one of the safest transit systems in the country, but we do have incivility. Horseplay, loud music and panhandling are not going to be tolerated,” he said. Policies will correct bad behavior or force riders to be banished from the transit system. A new MARTA app will give real-time alerts as to just how soon the next bus or train will be at the stop you are. And its cost to MARTA is not the $1 million that was first estimated, but less than $100,000. The much anticipated march of MARTA up Ga.400 suffers from a lack of funding. But that just means Parker is searching for private partners to pool resources to get MARTA to the suburbs.

Keith T. Parker, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, has worked in the private and public sectors literally from coast to coast. He is considered one of the rising stars in his field. In December 2012, Parker accepted the job of running MARTA’s heavy rail and bus system, which transports 420,000 passengers each day. He previously served as chief executive officer for transit systems in San Antonio, Texas (the nation’s seventh largest city), and Charlotte, N.C. In both cities, the transit systems used public involvement and technological innovations to dramatically improve the overall public transit experience. Under Parker’s leadership, San Antonio and Charlotte transit systems enjoyed some of the highest ridership increases in the country, while maintaining some of the lowest costs. On Parker’s watch, the transit agencies won numerous local, state and national awards in safety, maintenance, environmental innovations and overall excellence. Parker was named Texas CEO of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

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HEALTH »

BusinessPosts

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 31, 2013 | 17

FINANCE »

Scott Coleman joins Quantum National’s SBA team

From left, Dr. Sharon DeSouza, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker and Dr. Pushpa Sundareswaran.

Smiles encouraged at ‘Magic Dentistry’ JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A dental care business that focuses on children and teens has opened in Alpharetta. In June, Smile Magic Dentistry opened at 2880 Old Alabama Road, Suite 400 in Alpharetta. The business is run by Dr. Pushpa Sundareswaran and Dr. Sharon DeSouza. Their hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday. For more information, call 678-2402777 or visit www.smilemagicga.com.

HOLISTIC »

Center for Energetic Healing opens in Roswell ROSWELL, Ga. – The Center for Energetic Healing, which uses an integrative approach to healing the mind, body and soul by balancing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy opened earlier this year in Roswell. Joanne Newell opened her business in March to work with clients in aligning their energy and NEWELL enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself physically and bring a change in the mental and emotional states — establishing good health and well-being. Located at 700 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway, Suite 210, Roswell, the business is open by appointments. Call 678-744-3257 or visit www.cfeh.org.

DESIGN »

Interior design business launches in Roswell ROSWELL, Ga. — A full-service lifestyle and interior design business has opened in historic Roswell. Anna Braund Interior Design opened this month and offers interior design, renovation and remodeling services. The business is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. BRAUND Call 404-944-0473 or visit www.annabraund.com for more information or follow her blog, www.bespokenandrooted.tumblr.com.

SUWANEE, Ga. — Quantum National Bank announced that it hired Scott Coleman as vice president/business development officer of the bank’s small business lending division. The division focuses on the SBA 7a and SBA 504 loan programs as well as small business conventional loans. “We are thrilled to have hired COLEMAN one of the very best in the business,” said Amy Amorose, group vice president, SBA Lending. “Scott is one of the most experienced and respected individuals in the industry. His 15-plus years of experience in the financial services sector means that he thoroughly knows this industry. He is a valuable addition to our growing and experienced team.” Coleman will be responsible for business development throughout Georgia. He can be reached directly at 770-883-2258 or via email at scoleman@quantumbank.com. Quantum National Bank is headquartered in Suwanee with an office in Milton.

through a number of different enhancements, like the incredibly comfortable power recliners, a full bar, improved concession areas and, of course, premiere sight and sound experiences like IMAX,” said Mark McDonald, executive vice president of development at AMC. “As our first new building in more than two years, we took all of those things that guests are raving about at other AMCs and specifically design the theatre to include them at AMC North Point Mall 12. This theatre will not only be one of our signature locations in the AMC circuit, but one of the best in the entire country.” Guests will be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at MacGuffins, a full-service bar and lounge area inside the theater. The theatre will eventually feature two largescreen format options. Beginning immediately, guests can experience blockbusters with a brand new IMAX theater. In addition to the IMAX theatre, AMC’s own large-screen format will be installed at AMC North Point 12 in early 2014.

INSURANCE »

Colonial Life names Deehan senior VP of sales MILTON, Ga. — Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company has named a Milton resident as senior vice president of sales. Bill Deehan is responsible for leading sales and recruiting activities for the company’s 10,000-member national sales organization. His office is based in Atlanta. DEEHAN Deehan has more than 28 years of sales and management experience in the employee benefits industry. He most recently served as vice president and managing director for Unum U.S.’s South region based in Atlanta and as field liaison to Unum’s voluntary benefits practice. Colonial Life is headquartered out of Columbia, S.C. For more information, visit www.coloniallife.com.

OPENINGS »

AMC opens Oct. 31 at North Point ALPHARETTA, Ga. – AMC Theatres will open its new location at North Point Mall Oct. 31, its first new building in more than two years. AMC North Point Mall 12 features approximately 1,100 seats in 12 auditoriums. Nearly every seat in the theatre is a plush, power recliner, which allows guests to lay back and put their feet up at the push of a button. This means guests can enjoy maximum comfort, with ample space to recline or stretch their legs, and plenty of armrest room for everyone. While AMC has retrofitted several of its locations throughout the country to accommodate power recliners, AMC North Point Mall 12 is the first AMC in the circuit specifically designed and built with recliners in mind. And with stadium seating, every seat has a perfect sightline to the screen. “We’ve been aggressively improving the quality of moviegoing in our locations across the country

Sedgwick Gallery to open in downtown Alpharetta ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A fine art gallery is going to be celebrating its grand opening Nov. 15 – 17. The Sedgwick Gallery, a fine art gallery located in historic downtown Alpharetta, is opening at 61 Roswell Street. Located in one of the city’s oldest homes, built in 1856, the Skelton-Teasly House provides a backdrop to showcase exquisite works of art and adds to the cultural experience of downtown Alpharetta. “We think it signifies the perfect time and place for fine art,” said Ryan Sedgwick, gallery manager. Sedgwick Gallery will highlight the works of 20th century Masters including Peter Max, whose pop art has inspired Americans for decades; early French modernist Marc Chagall, whose work can be found on the ceiling of the Paris Opera House; American expressionist painter LeRoy Neiman, renowned for his brilliantly colored paintings and inspired screen prints of musicians and athletes; and Salvador Dalí, the world famous Spanish surrealist. The gallery also includes distinctly American works by Thomas Kinkade; Tarkay, the Austrianborn Israeli painter and watercolorist; and fellow Israeli master printer Amram Ebgi. The gallery features custom commissioned and framed oil paintings perfect for decorating any home as well as rotating features with established local artists. “I have conducted hundreds of charitable art auctions nationally, and believe it is an opportune time to bring that kind of excitement to my hometown,” said Scott Sedgwick, gallery owner. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, as well as from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more information, call 404-281-9998 or visit sedgwickgallery.com.

18 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

BusinessBriefs

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

Corner Bakery Cafe opens in Alpharetta ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Corner Bakery Cafe is ready to “feed the day” with a new cafe that opened Monday, Oct. 28 in Alpharetta. Residents are invited to check out the brand new location at 10920 Haynes Bridge Road, near the North Point Mall. This is the first Corner Bakery Cafe in Alpharetta and the ninth in the Atlanta metropolitan area, including three that just opened at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “Alpharetta presents the perfect type of neighborhood for our growth in the Atlanta region,” said Corner Bakery Cafe Regional Director Bruce Kaiser. “It’s a family-friendly town that also has a strong local business community, providing us a great opportunity to introduce our warm atmosphere and great-tasting, freshly made food.” Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant serving

breakfast, lunch and dinner. The made-to-order food is delivered fresh to the table. Founded on a philosophy of creating a place to relax and gather with family and friends, Corner Bakery Cafe offers a casual atmosphere featuring innovative, seasonal menu options ranging from hot breakfasts and signature panini to handcrafted salads, sandwiches and mouthwatering sweets. Corner Bakery Cafe delivers a premier bakery cafe experience in the hearts of neighborhoods across the country. “Atlanta is a prime area for the development of our brand, and Alpharetta is the perfect community to continue that growth,” said Chief Executive Officer Mike Hislop. “We are sure our inviting ambiance and made-to-order food will be well-received by our new neighbors.” For more about Corner Bakery Cafe in Atlanta, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com.

The chicken pomodori combo from Corner Bakery.

BusinessPosts

Using content marketing Potential pitfalls of new construction to attract new customers If you haven’t noticed, builders have aggressively moved back into the market. There are new developments going up everywhere you turn. But that isn’t the only way builders have been getting aggressive. Many home builders have reworked their sales contracts, and make no mistake, they are very one-sided agreements. If you’re planning to purchase a new home, read that contract inside and out. Don’t rely on the sales agent to point out the critical terms – they work for the builder. Here are some of the more important potential pitfalls: 1. Appraisals: There are no contingencies in the standard builder contract for an appraisal. You have to add this contingency. It usually won’t apply to upgrades. If you overbuild and it doesn’t appraise—it’s on you. 2. Financing contingency: Not allowed unless you use the builder’s lender. This does affect your ability to shop rates and closing costs. 3. Build time: Ensure the builder owns the lot you’re writing a contract on. Banks will often release lots in blocks but that doesn’t prevent a builder from writing a contract for

ROBERT STRADER

Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty

a lot he doesn’t own yet. Ask if the permit has already been applied for. The builder could have up to 120 days before they have to begin construction. 4. Cost increases: I know of one builder that will write amendments increasing the contract price due to material cost increases, even though the sales price has been agreed upon. You can choose not to go through with the purchase, but you will in all likelihood lose your earnest money and any upgrade fees you have paid. 5. Final walk through: Some builders are not allowing the buyer’s agent to attend the final walk-through with their clients. I can only assume why they don’t want the buyers to have their representation there.

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Submit your event online at northfulton.com

RYAN PIERONI

Calendar Editor ryan@northfulton.com Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@ northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC » LUDWIG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SEASON OPENER

The LSO opens its 17th season with Ludwig’s newly revised violin concerto and soloist Janet Sung. Johns Creek resident Joshua Shue will also be a soloist. 4 p.m. Nov. 3. Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Please visit ludwigsymphony.org.

destruction. 7 p.m Oct. 31. 520 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming. Please visit forsythcentralstage.com.

THE DRAGON KING

Performed by the Tanglewood Marionettes of Ware, Mass., for the Center for Puppetry Arts, “The Dragon King” is a story of a drought that strikes China and the fearless grandmother who resolves to find out why the Dragon King is withholding the rain – even if she must go to the bottom of the sea. Times vary. Oct. 22 – Nov. 3. 1404 Spring St. Northwest, Atlanta. Please visit puppet.org.

READER'S THEATRE: THE LIBRARY COMES ALIVE

Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents staged readings of scenes from Beverly Cleary’s “Ramona Quimby” novel series. A book discussion follows. Snacks provided. 4 – 5 p.m. Nov. 6. Roswell Branch of the AtlantaFulton Public Library System, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. Please call 770640-3075 or visit afpls.org.

ART » ROSWELL FINE ARTS ALLIANCE MEMBERS ART SHOW

WIRE AND WOOD SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

The Wire and Wood Songwriters Festival makes its debut in downtown Alpharetta. The free festival features local and nationally touring songwriters. Talented artists perform their songs with soulful melodies, magnificent vocals and expressive lyrics while interacting with the audience. Local gourmet food trucks, beer and wine. 4 – 9 p.m. Nov. 9. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-6000 or visit awesomealpharetta.com.

THEATER » SHAKESPEARE’S “MACBETH”

Forsyth Central High School presents “Macbeth.” The play is set in 10thcentury Scotland and tells the tale of a good man who slowly yields himself to the tempting voice of his murderous wife, his own ambition and three supernatural witches. Through each bloody deed he becomes a butcher, leaving his wife and his kingdom in his wake of

The Roswell Fine Arts Alliance will hold its premier annual members’ juried show Oct. 11-Nov. 13 with 60 works of art available for purchase. Hosted by the Bank of North Georgia, 10446 Alpharetta St., Roswell. Open during regular banking hours. Please call 770-594-6462 or visit rfaa.org.

EVENTS » HAUNTED ROOFTOP HALLOWEEN PARTY

Fright and delight at Whiskey Blue’s Haunted Rooftop on Halloween. Partygoers will dress to impress in costumes as DJ Rimby spins the hottest tunes in town. 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Oct. 31. 3377 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. Please call 678-500-3190 or visit atlantanightlife.com/ whiskeyblue.

NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE

Netherworld brings back old-school animatronics, thrilling special effects and Atlanta’s most treasured monsters with two new haunts: the Dead Ones and Boogeyman. Come see what all the talk is about…if you dare. 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. through Nov. 3. 6624 Dawson Blvd., Norcross. Please call 404-577-8686 or visit fearworld.com.

CALENDAR FALL COLORS CANOEING ON THE CHATTAHOOCHEE

Take in the bright yellows, reds and oranges as they begin to spread themselves across a larger-than-life canvas. Quietly paddle along the Chattahoochee River and find relaxation in the echoes of the river residents (including belted kingfishers, great blue herons and mallards), the feel of a cool, crisp breeze, the reflections of the trees exploding with color, and the smell of fresh air and fragrant blooms. 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Nov. 2. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Please call 770-992-2055 ext.237, or visit chattnature center.org.

ALPHARETTA CHILI COOK-OFF

Police officers, firefighters and other public safety staff don their chef’s aprons to create competing pots of homemade chili at this cook-off, featuring the Georgia versus Florida game. Try 20 different types of chili, from mild to extra spicy. Hotdogs, hamburgers, soft drinks and beer also available. Inflatables and face painting for kids. 2:30 p.m. Nov. 2. Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-6000 or visit awesomealpharetta.com.

14TH ANNUAL BUFORD ACE CLASSIC CRUISE-IN AND SHOW

Come see modified cars, vintage cars, street rods, muscle cars, motorcycles, racecars and rare rides of all kinds. Also featuring door prizes, a silent auction and fun for the whole family. All benefits go to the North Gwinnett Food Bank Co-op. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Nov. 2. S&S ACE Hardware and Mower, 4300 Buford Drive, Buford. Please call 770-9321458.

CHASTAIN PARK ARTS FESTIVAL

Visitors will enjoy fine arts and crafts, a children’s area and local food and beverage concessions including food trucks. Also featuring a VIP tent and local acoustic musicians to enliven the atmosphere. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Nov. 3. 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta. Please call 404-873-1222 or visit chastainpark artsfestival.com.

BESTSELLING AUTHOR LISA SCOTTOLINE

Gwinnett County Public Library and Fall Into the Arts present bestselling author Lisa Scottoline. Scottoline will visit Gwinnett to promote and autograph her latest novel, "Accused." Light

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 31, 2013 | 19

refreshments available. Music performance by Joyce Parks. 7 p.m. Nov. 4. 10 College St. Northwest, Norcross. Please call 770-978-5154 or visit fallintothearts.org.

TOP FIVE FRIGHTS

ART AND SOUL

This year's annual Art and Soul Event to benefit the Georgia Transplant Foundation will be held at the Gardens of Great Oaks in Roswell. An evening of magnificent artwork with musical entertainment by Danny O'Dea and Escape Plan. 7:30 – 11 p.m. Nov. 8. 786 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. Please call 770-640-0059 or visit gatransplant.org.

HOWLPHARETTA GHOST TOUR

A ghost tour in historic downtown Alpharetta including stories of historical events combined with recent actual spooky encounters. 8-9:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. Please call 800-979-3370 or visit alpharettatours.com.

BENEFITS & RACES » WELLSTAR STEPUP 5K RACE TO EMBRACE TOLERANCE

Proceeds from this race support Embracing Tolerance, a local education and awareness program with a vision to create a generation of educated and socially responsible youth. Embracing Tolerance seeks to arm teens and preteens with knowledge, empathy and responsiveness to combat bullying, racism and prejudice. 7 a.m. Nov. 3. North Point Village, 7300 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. Please visit active.com.

PARANOIA HAUNTED HOUSE

One of the highest-ranking haunted houses in Georgia is in Roswell. Come and experience the fright of your life. 7:30 – 11 p.m. Oct. 31 – Nov. 3. 608 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. Please call 678-793-1544 or visit paranoiahauntedhouse.com.

THE BIG SCREAM

The nonprofit ScreamFree Institute holds its annual Big Scream gala at the Wimbish House. ScreamFree helps U.S. military families around the world. 7 p.m. Nov. 1. 1150 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Please call 678672-6410 or visit screamfree.com.

HALLOWEEN TREATS FOR TROOPS

O'Rourke Family Dentistry will buy your Halloween candy for $1 per pound. All candy will be sent overseas to our troops. Help us support our military. Costumes encouraged. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nov. 4. 757 Peachtree Parkway Suite 1, Cumming. Please call 770-888-6285 or visit orourkefamilydentistry.com.

HOUSE ON HORROR HILL

The longest-running haunted house in Georgia, now in its 33rd year. Everything built and done by volunteers, this house is sure to be quite the fright. 7:15 – 10 p.m. Oct. 30. – Nov. 2. 1650 Alpharetta St., Alpharetta. Please call 404-786-2665 or visit gahouseonhorrorhill.com.

WILLIEZ CHILI COOK-OFF

The annual Williez Chili Cook-Off raises money for Roswell charities. This year’s proceeds go toward Keep Roswell Beautiful and the Drake House. Since 2010, the cook-off has provided an outlet for local Chili Chefs while generating thousands of dollars for local charities. 2 - 6 p.m. Nov. 2. Willow Springs Neighborhood Park, 10579 Roxburgh Lane, Roswell. Please call 650-898-7372 or visit williezchili.com.

THE HAYES HAUNT

This annual haunted house benefits a different charity each year. This year’s proceeds go to the Place of Forsyth. 7 – 10 p.m. Oct. 31 – Nov. 1. 7435 Cavaletti Circle, Cumming. Please visit hayeshaunt.com.

20 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

OPINION

Submit your opinions to news@northfulton.com

Johns Creek summer of unrest leaves house divided It has been one long and bitter summer as the city has been divided as it has never been before. Johns Creek had been busy constructing a “brand,” for itself. That is, leaders sought an identity, that certain element that captures what it means to live and work in Johns Creek and marketing this city to the state and to the nation. Yes, it is about eight parts Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce boosterism. But it’s also PTA pride and homeowner pride of place. It’s turning to

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someone in a convention or on the golf course and saying, “I am from Johns Creek,” and seeing the light that goes on in the other person’s face. Today, that light goes on but not for reasons that make residents happy. It is a most unusual step for a City Council to denounce its mayor and order an investigation of him. It is even more unusual to denounce that mayor but then politely decline to reveal the specific actions that are behind the call for this investigation. It is certainly the talk of North Fulton in particular and all of metro Atlanta in general. What is going on in Johns Creek? And whatever degree of success that the city may have made in creating a Johns Creek brand, that has now been eclipsed by the events that this city has had to suffer through. If, as the five members of the City Council who initiated the investigation say, this investigation was occasioned by a long history of abuses by the mayor, then it begs the question, why wait so long? These accusations have in some cases long histories, almost as long as the city itself. Yet they were not brought to light then. Most of the charges outlined in the thin report submitted for public inspection are rather petty in nature, and reflect early mistakes the

mayor made. Is it that the sum of theses transgressions has grown so large and the mayor so unrepentant in their commission that this ugly business had to be exposed? We were told in the beginning, yes, these actions have shown a pattern of abuse of power. And that in the interests of transparency, an independent investigation was the only solution. But where was the transparency? No formal charges were made, only a whisper campaign just two months before qualifying for a re-election the mayor had announced he would seek. The timing was terrible, but the assurances were that it would be conducted as quickly as possible. Then a challenger arose from the midst of the City Council to formally challenge the mayor for that post. The mayor’s supporters cried foul, and said this investigation was only to besmirch the character of the mayor in a way that was timed to do him the most political harm. But would it have been better to sweep all this under the carpet? Let the skeletons remain secured in the closet? Members of the council (save one dissenter) said no, it was time to act. The public must be made to know. The timing was unfortunate, but so be it. And now we do know what the furor was all about. Two weeks before the election, the report surfaced at the Oct. 22 City Council meeting. Apparently no one on council or staff knew was being released, but someone knew enough to reserve space for the television cameras at the meeting. The resulting report was a series of vignettes pointing out some of the excesses of the

mayor over the preceding seven years in which he made mistakes of judgment, certainly. Were there any of character? That is still being debated. Indeed, it will be debated right up until the election. Certainly, there is no “smoking gun” that point to criminal or even ethics charges. The evidence is simply lacking of anything concrete. And it is probably of little note that the “conclusions,” as the report styled them, amount to very much. And despite protestations that the report may be sent to the district attorney, the attorney general or the FBI, nothing will come of that. But it does leave open the question of whether the report did the job for which it was intended all along? That would be the purpose that the mayor’s supporters have said from the beginning – that it was a simple character assassination released to do maximum damage just before the campaign. The timing of events all along has played into the mayor’s supporters’ hands to the extent that they can claim it was all politically motivated. But like just about everything in this sorry summer, it is open to liberal interpretation by those who are disposed to believe one way or the other. Those who see the mayor as “the face of Johns Creek” and as a mayor who was worked tirelessly to put the city on the map say he should be vindicated. Through the virtue of the many associations he has volunteered to serve such as the Georgia Municipal Association, the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Mayors of Metropolitan Atlanta and others, he has worked hard to bring this

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new city to the attention of its peers. To those who see the mayor as dictatorial, egotistical and self-serving by participating on all of those said organizations, he has not served the city. Instead, he has sought to exceed his authority time and again. It was either put a stop to him now or perhaps never. Certainly, there is a huge disagreement between the majority of the council and mayor on what the role of the mayor should be. That has been the cause of much friction and it is at the heart of the conflict. What is the role of the mayor for this city? Council changed the charter to not only curtail the authority of the mayor but to make it so that the mayor may only serve “The Will of Council.” His continued disobedience to that dictum of the charter is the main source of their displeasure with his actions and has culminated in this investigation. He continues to “sabotage” the decisions of council. He confers with other elected officials without direction from the council, and often leaving the council in ignorance of his consultations. The mayor says he does not read the charter as a “gag order,” nor does he intend to give up advocating for what he thinks is best for the city. He does not see the role of mayor is merely to serve the majority of council. I see it as a question of whether the council should act with one voice or with many. That is the question voters ultimate will decide. As for this investigation that has plagued the city these four months, in the end, I think all will agree the game was not worth the candle.

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OPINION

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR »

Mayor’s investigation report unimpressive To councilmen Brad Raffensperger and Randall Johnson: I deliberately refrained from responding to the interim investigative report that each of you so thoughtfully provided after it was released earlier in the week. I wanted time to study the document and to read and hear what others had to say. I had already determined my position after studying the report but before making a final declaration as to how I will vote, I waited to read the weekly Johns Creek Herald before advising either of you of my final decision. The Herald was delivered today and they covered the issue in a fair and unbiased manner. After reading the report by Hatcher Hurd and the editorial analysis by Ray Appen, who expressed

my thoughts exactly, I will continue to support Mayor Bodker. You have yet to produce the smoking gun against the mayor and, until you do, he gets the benefit of the doubt. I fully concur with the thoughts expressed by Mr. Appen in the last paragraph of his column. In addition, my own thoughts are that everyone involved in this fiasco seems hell-bent on negating all of the great work that has been done since Johns Creek became a city. Why? My sincere appreciation for your reaching out and providing me with a copy of the interim report. However, my sense of fair play requires that I support the man who has so effectively led our fine city, Mayor Mike Bodker. CHARLIE KELLY Johns Creek

Johns Creek the big loser in these elections Just a note of thanks for [the Herald’s] good work concerning the mayor and City Council’s investigation. I probably would not have voted in the upcoming election if not for the last two issues of the Johns Creek Herald. As a taxpayer, I’m disappointed that our money has been spent on an investigation where there was no real evidence of a crime. What is evident, however, is a need for adult supervision at City Hall. Although there was no serious crime, the good name of our city has been compromised and that is plenty serious for me. Johns Creek is my home. The mayor should realize that he has lost the ability to work with the council. He deserves our appreciation for his seven years of public service, but it’s time to let someone else have a shot. There will always be plenty of opportunity elsewhere for good public servants. The City Council should be replaced by folks who understand the

public trust and wise use of taxpayer dollars. Surely we can find representatives with the competence and good will necessary to keep their names out of the newspaper unless it’s for doing something good on behalf of the city. Most certainly, the city manager should be let go, but according to the procedures established to protect privacy, decency requires that protection for anyone. Mr. Wilson [Robert Wilson, the attorney hired to do the investigation], if he were community minded, should have protected the City Council from themselves. He knew the council was dysfunctional and should not have accepted an assignment that wasn’t in the public’s interest. He might still stand tall and protect the integrity of our city and of the legal profession from which he has earned a good living, by returning the city’s money. JOHN PEIRCE Johns Creek

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Notes from the return of a Fortunate Son There was something oddly comforting seeing this old man – a guy just this side of 70 – looking somewhat frail, tentative and at times confused proceed to take the stage and set it on fire for more than two-and-a-half hours. To watch him near the end of the show when you thought he was done – expended and surely exhausted – close his eyes, tilt his head back and crank it up even higher, you knew you were sharing a fleeting slice of time that you probably wouldn’t experience again. And the audience knew it too. All you had to do was look around at everyone dancing in their seats and in the aisles – especially the guys you knew who suffered through days in suits and meetings and drank too much at night and who probably long ago gave in and gave up fighting it all. To see them sucked into the stage and transported somewhere inside a swirling funnel cloud so far away that they almost seemed to be floating was not something I had expected. I am guessing they didn’t expect it either. While I know that time travel is not real, I feel like we all came close for a few hours when John Fogerty took the Verizon Amphitheatre stage. So, yes, we had a memorable time. In the back of my mind, I always wonder about the performances – how “inspired” they actually are after years on the road and hundreds of performances. I remember attending the premiere concert at Verizon, the Eagles,

RAY APPEN

Publisher ray@northfulton.com

and waiting with anticipation for the band to crank up “Hotel California.” It was great and it is an emotional and inspiring song, but in hindsight, I realize that the band may actually have been bored playing it. That was probably the reason that it came at the beginning of the night instead of at the end for the encore. They probably just wanted to get that one over with and behind them. Fogerty seemed different though. The longer he played, the more involved he seemed to become in the performance and the more comfortable he seemed to get with the audience. He talked about some of the songs, about what inspired him and how he wrote the lyrics. I especially enjoyed his story about his band’s performance at Woodstock 44 years ago. He made fun of having to follow the Grateful Dead. Fogerty and his Creedence Clearwater Revival bandmates did not get on stage

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SOUTH FORSYTH 52, JOHNS CREEK 20 »

SPORTS

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NORTH FORSYTH 28, CENTENNIAL 24 »

Gladiators suffer eighth loss Knights lose on late touchdown CUMMING, Ga. – Chase Solomon rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough for the Johns Creek Gladiators, who lost 52-20 at South Forsyth last Friday night. Solomon, who has been forced to move from tailback to quarterback after a series of injuries to Johns Creek’s quarterbacks, scored one of his touchdowns on a 74-yard run. Enoch Webb rushed for 77 yards for the Gladiators, who scored their other touchdown on a blocked punt by Grey Overton. Johns Creek is 0-5 in Region 6-AAAAAA and 0-8 overall. South Forsyth is 3-1 and 7-1. The Gladiators play their final home game Friday night against North Forsyth (2-3,

despite 3 TD passes by Holland

5-3) before closing out their season next week at Alpharetta. – Mike Blum

CANTON, Ga. – For the third time in four games, the Centennial Knights were unable to preserve a lead, losing 28-24 last Friday night, Oct. 25, at North Forsyth when the Raiders scored the winning touchdown with less than 2:30 to play. The Knights (1-4 in Region 6-AAAAA, 1-7 overall) were driving for a clinching touchdown in the final period, but fumbled inside the Raiders’ 25. North Forsyth (2-3, 5-3) hit a 53-yard pass on the next play and went on to score the winning touchdown. Centennial quarterback Tee Holland completed 22 of 33 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns, with his lone interception coming in the

final seconds near the North Forsyth goal line. The two late turnovers were the only ones for the Knights, who have been plagued by turnovers in their recent losses. Caden Herring caught eight passes from Holland for 128 yards, including a 92-yarder for a touchdown. Christian Robinson had eight receptions for

118 yards and two TDs, one going for 62 yards. The Knights led 7-0 after one quarter, 10-6 at the half and 17-14 after three periods. Centennial is at home Friday against region leader Alpharetta, and closes out its season next week at Chattahoochee. – Mike Blum

SEQUOYAH 31, NORTHVIEW 21 »

Titans’ comeback attempt falls short against Chiefs CANTON, Ga. – Northview fell behind 17-0 in the first half against Sequoyah last Friday night, Oct. 25, and was unable to catch up, falling to the

Chiefs 31-21 in a 7-AAAAA sub-region game. The loss drops the Titans to 2-2 in the sub-region and 4-4 overall, and likely sets up a

rematch with Riverwood in one of four region crossover games next week that will determine the four playoff qualifiers from 7-AAAAA.

The Chiefs (3-1, 6-2) scored on a 70-yard run and a 66-yard pass to build their early lead, but the Titans twice closed within three points in

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the second half. Northview scored late in the second period to make it 17-7 at the half, and started the third quarter with a scoring drive capped by an 11-yard pass from D.J. Pearson to Matt Biondich. After a Sequoyah touchdown, the Titans’ Devan Johnson scored his second TD to again get Northview within three of the Chiefs early in the fourth quarter, but Sequoyah responded with a clinching drive for the game’s final score. Pearson was limited to 167 yards passing in the game, and rushed for 93 yards. The Titans are at home Friday against Forsyth Central (1-3, 1-7), and will also be at home for their region crossover game next week. – Mike Blum

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MT. PISGAH 28 – MT. PARAN 24 »

Patriots beat Mt. Paran in last-minute thriller JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – An Aaron Winchester 19-yard touchdown pass to Ben Miller with 29 seconds left proved to be the winner as the Mount Pisgah Patriots came from behind to defeat Mount Paran 28-24 Friday night. The No. 7 Patriots improved to 8-0 overall and 4-0 in region play. With Mount Paran leading 24-21 in the closing minutes, the Eagles faced a third and two from the Pisgah 44 yard line. The Patriot defense held Mount Paran to 1 yard and then, led by Blake Smith, stuffed the offense on fourth and one to get the ball back with 1:30 left on the clock. Winchester led the Patriots on a seven-play drive as the clock wound down capped by his 19-yard screen pass to Miller that went for a touchdown. Pisgah had trailed until that point as Mount Paran scored the only points in the first quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run. Later, the Eagles kicked a 37-yard field goal early in the second quarter to lead 10-0. The Patriots went into the break down 10-7 after an Aaron Winchester 10-yard touchdown pass to Oz Dixon. Mount Paran extended its lead in the third quarter to 17-7 after a 40yard touchdown run, but the Patriots answered with a 49-yard screen pass to Browning Dunn at the end of the third to cut the lead to 17-14. The Eagles appeared to have the

game sealed when they scored a 77yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter to lead 24-14. But the comeback Pats were not done. On the ensuing drive, Pisgah was closing in on the end zone, but an intentional grounding call left the Patriots with a third and long situation. Fortunately, three Mount Paran offside penalties gave Pisgah a first down. Pisgah capitalized on the Eagles’ miscues when Winchester found Miller for an 8-yard touchdown pass to cut the Mount Paran lead to 24-21 with a little over four minutes to play. This set up the defensive stand and the gamewinning touchdown drive. Winchester once again led the offense, finishing 20-for-42 for 247 yards and four touchdowns and 93 rushing yards. Miller had 66 yards on five catches, including two touchdowns. Dunn had 121 all-purpose yards and a touchdown, while Dixon had 89 receiving yards with a touchdown. Dixon also blocked an Eagle field goal attempt in the first quarter. The defense finished with numerous players with multiple tackles, but Jacob Delk led the team with 14 tackles and his fifth interception of the year. Smith, Dixon and Nicky Piccapietra each added another nine tackles. The win gives the Patriots the subregion championship. – Mike Blum

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COMMUNITY

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Life Teammates Day aims to inspire Will to Live Will to Live fights teen suicide with event in Newtown Park By RYAN PIERONI ryan@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — There are few tragedies sadder or harder to bear than the suicide of a child. But for some who experience that grief, it becomes a calling. So it was with somber John Trautwein, founder of the Will to Live Foundation. “The foundation started after the suicide death of my son,” said Trautwein. “His death shocked everybody, because nobody knew he was struggling in any way shape or form. “So we decided to come up with a foundation that worked with kids to get them to talk.”

The idea is to get troubled youngsters to express themselves and express their feelings and communicate with each other. “And we did this by showing them that they’ve already made really good friends in their lives,” Trautwein said. The Life Teammates event was held to communicate this message and the “I love you man” message, a mantra found on the bracelets that high school mentors were giving to the younger kids playing their rec games. The event had some 90 high school mentors giving speeches to the kids after each of the 46 games. The speeches focused on the “I love you

RYAN PIERONI/STAFF

John Trautwein, founder of the Will to Live Foundation.

man” message, teaching the kids the importance of looking out for their teammates on and off the field. After each speech, the kids were encouraged to turn to a member of the opposing team and say simply, “I love you man.” Along with the younger kids in the program, the involvement of the high school mentors is one of the goals of the

RYAN PIERONI/STAFF

Two of the high school mentors give the “I love you man” speech after a girls’ lacrosse game.

Will to Live Foundation. “It’s done by the kids, but it’s also done for the kids,” said Trautwein. “It’s really fun to see these kids embrace it.” So while it’s certainly benefitting the kids receiving the lessons to take care of their teammates, the program is also

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there to help the mentors. “Our goal is if these kids start to recognize that they have great friends and great love in their lives, that will increase their will to live,” he said. “And that will then hopefully reduce this epidemic of teen suicide.”

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26 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

ELECTIONS 2013

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Johns Creek City Council candidates square off Posts 1 and 3 up for grabs By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – All of the candidates for City Council Posts 1 and 3 were under one roof Oct. 23 as the Johns Creek High School PTSA hosted all five candidates on the slate. They all volunteered their answers to questions posed by the PTSA and the audience under moderator Russ Spencer, Fox 5 News anchor. Post 1 candidates are:

JOHNSON

Randall Johnson: The incumbent, he was elected after working for cityhood as a member of the Citizens for Newtown and the Committee for Johns Creek. He was nominated to and completed the Coverdell Leadership Institute in 2009. He also serves on the Milton County Legislative Advisory Committee assisting Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones and Rep. Lynne Riley. He is a businessman with a master’s degree in agricultural economics and has lived in Johns Creek 15 years with his wife and family.

ZAPROWSKI

Dr. Leonard Zaprowski: He owns and operates his own chiropractic practice on Old Milton Parkway. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech and Life University. Zaprowski has served in the community for many years coaching youth athletics including service as children’s athletic director at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church. He served on the LSAT Committee at Creekview Elementary School and now serves on the Johns Creek Zoning Board of Appeals. He and his wife and family live in the Newtown community.

Post 3 candidates are: Cori Davenport: She has been a community leader serving on the Medlock Bridge Elementary School and Autrey Mill Middle School PTAs as well as the Local School Advisory Committee for Medlock Bridge. She has served on her homeowners’ association board for seven of her 16 years in the community. She and her husband own a business and have four children. DAVENPORT

Nancy Reinecke: She has been a substitute teacher and school volunteer for special school programs. She has been a community activist appearing before the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to present zoning cases before the board and participated in the North Fulton land use planning with the county. After cityhood, she participated in the development of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Transportation Plan and proposed changes to the city REINECKE charter. She and her husband have lived in the Johns Creek area since 1979 raising two daughters. Karen Richardson: She has served as an original City Councilmember since incorporation in 2006 and now serves as mayor pro tem. Prior to her election, she cut her teeth representing the community in Fulton County zoning cases. She was a member of the Windermere Park Homeowners’ Association and was an active member of the grassroots movement for the city’s incorporation. She continues to be active in the PTAs at her RICHARDSON children’s schools. A college graduate, she works as a human resources specialist at Northside Hospital. She and her husband have lived in Johns Creek since 1998 and are raising three children.

Each candidate was asked to respond to moderator Spencer’s questions. The first one went directly to the issue of the investigation of Mayor Mike Bodker’s alleged indiscretions that asserted he was guilty of a blatant disregard of the city charter and eroded the authority of council. Each responded with his or her position on the investigation:

Post 3 DAVENPORT: I think what is going on is an embarrassment to the city. A house divided will not stand. We can’t have people who indulge in petty politics running the city. It’s time for change. REINECKE: The report does not reflect the $95,000 that has been spent and the five months of investigation. It lacks citations. It is really more of a status report. It is not clear the report proves or disproves anything. What it does show is the need for term limits. No councilmember should serve more than two terms. RICHARDSON: I have never served any interests but the city. When I was presented with information that the mayor may have blurred the lines of his authority, I had to go forward. This was looking for the truth. This is just an interim report. We have not gotten to the bottom of this yet. It is totally the fault of the mayor’s behavior. Post 1 ZAPROWSKI: I do not approve of spending tax dollars for something that appears to be politically motivated. We have a City Council that can’t play nice together and get along with our sister cities. I am sickened personally by the timing of this report. JOHNSON: I have said time and again we had two choices. We could sweep everything under the rug or get to the truth. Being whistleblowers is not easy. The liability to the city would be far greater. The cost is squarely at the feet of the mayor who has not cooperated by not turning over the records demanded of him.

The city manager injected himself into the campaign when he was involved in an altercation with citizens after a meeting. He has offered no apology and dismissed the affair as politically motivated by two of the mayor’s supporters. The City Council has taken no action to discipline him and appears slow to do anything. How do the candidates react to that?

JOHNSON: How you handle it is as a human resource issue. The Police Department is investigating and will be finished shortly. Certainly his actions were wrong. He should have walked away. Something will be done but I can’t say until all the information is in. He knows he made a mistake. To debate in a public forum is the wrong place. ZAPROWSKI: I am totally disgusted with council. They should have taken immediate action. I know one of the individuals involved and I have the utmost respect for his integrity. If they would just look at their charter, they would see they have the authority to act immediately. In the corporate world, such action would result in at least an immediate suspension. This sets the city back. Our job is to take care of the citizens first and foremost. Post 3 RICHARDSON: I agree we have to respond, but not just for retribution and reacting, but for following procedures. We have a process for an employee who steps over the line. But we have to be sure we don’t cause a climate of litigation. REINECKE: This goes to the quality of life we want for the city. In my seven years as a teacher, I never heard a teacher use profanity to a student. This attack demands a response. For the city manager to intimidate a woman, it at least requires a reprimand. DAVENPORT: I do not agree with Councilwoman Richardson. I can’t imagine under what circumstances it is appropriate for the top man to use vile and vulgar language to taxpayers. Turning a blind eye is unacceptable. I do not understand why the man is still in office.

The challengers were asked to speak on the City Council decision they disagreed with most. ZAPROWSKI: For me it is the issue of the Brumbelow Road traffic light. It is the 11th most dangerous intersection. The City Council allocated funding for it, then decided they could not work with Roswell and walked away from it. It is personal to me. My daughter had an accident at that intersection. She wasn’t hurt, but what about the next time? The residents had a forum on this very issue and none of these candidates chose to come. That showed a lack of concern for the citizens. REINECKE: I have disagreed with any number of zoning decisions and the densities allowed. Brumbelow Road is another. Citizens wonder why they deserted it. I wonder why they open an investigation with no [monetary] limit and no time limit. The reasons for the investigation needed to be discussed before not after. DAVENPORT: The mayor’s investigation operated under a cloak of secrecy. The $100,000 was spent to find out what might have happened. It could have been investigated at the time. That didn’t happen here. I’m very disappointed how this was handled. We need to remove this black eye from the city.

The incumbents were asked about the accomplishments of the city of which they were most proud. JOHNSON: First, we established our public safety and created Chattcom to improve our response times. We experienced 12 traffic fatalities in Johns Creek in the 18 months prior to incorporation. Since that time, there have been none. As for the Brumbelow Road light, the reason that fell apart was the mayor got involved and it became political. We have held property taxes to the current rate. I have never been in favor of raising taxes. Nor should we with the $19 million in additional sales tax the city will receive. RICHARDSON: I never voted for a property tax increase. The proposed false alarm fees will fall on those whose alarm systems cost the taxpayers money. It is not a simple issue – recovering the costs of rolling out to respond to false alarms rather than simply passing those costs on to the general population.

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ELECTIONS 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 31, 2013 | 27

Two familiar faces vie for office of mayor Bodker, Miller promise different management styles By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – At the Oct. 23 Johns Creek High School PTSA forum, Mayor Mike Bodker and former Mayor Pro Tem Bev Miller were featured in a separate question-and-answer session. Bodker has been the only mayor the city has known and Miller has served as council’s mayor pro tem since the first council session where she was elected by fellow councilmembers. BODKER: A native New Yorker, he earned a BBA in accounting at the University of Georgia. He co-founded the Johns Creek-based nexDimension Technology Solutions with his partner. He has lived in Johns Creek since 1998. He began his career in public affairs when he became president of his homeowner association, The Communities of Wellington. He later became a board member of the Johns Creek Communities Association, a group which became the BODKER leading voice for community affairs with Fulton County. In 2005, he was nominated by thenCounty Commissioner Lynne Riley to serve on Fulton County’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Better Governance. In 2006, he was the JCCA Citizen of the Year for his public service. As chairman of the Committee for Johns Creek, he led the committee’s efforts to educate local citizens on the advantages cityhood would bring. In 2008, he was one of eight people to be named by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution “A Hero of Open Government.” He is a founding board member and chairman of the Johns Creek Foundation. In 2007, he was instrumental in founding the North Fulton Mayors Association for the cities north of the Chattahoochee. He served two terms as chairman of the Mayors of Metropolitan Atlanta (MOMA). He has two children and serves on the local PTA. MILLER: Before her election to the original City Council, she was a founding board member of the Committee for Johns Creek, which led the grassroots campaign for cityhood. She personally lobbied legislators for passage of the enabling bill House Bill 1321 to get it through the House and Senate. Once elected, she was chosen mayor pro tem and held that office until she resigned to run for mayor. She now serves as chairwoman of the MILLER Johns Creek Visitors and Convention Bureau. She is a board member and past-president of the Johns Creek Business Association. She is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Johns Creek – North Fulton and the Johns Creek Civitans. She began her public service by getting involved with her children’s PTAs. She served two terms as Shakerag Elementary PTA president. In 2005, she chaired the Chattahoochee/Northview Cluster of schools. She and her husband have lived in the Shakerag community for 19 years and raised three daughters. Miller is director of community relations for Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

On reducing tension amoung council: MILLER: I value openness, honesty and good government. There is a complete lack of trust now on the City Council. BODKER: Every day in office I worked hard. But I led with my heart first and my brain second. I will try to work harder with whoever I can.

Moderator Russ Spencer alternated questions for the two mayoral candidates and began as he did with the council candidates by referencing the mayoral investigation report:

The report stated that the investigation was stymied by the mayor’s unwillingness to release phone records and personal lease documents. These delays came despite assurances that they would be redacted to protect sensitive phone numbers and eliminate any information that was not relevant. Why were the records never released?

BODKER: I am the mayor and 100 percent of what I do in public is open to the public. But I have a private life, and what is private is private. People call me with an expectation of privacy, and my and their privacy rights should be private. The City Council gave the investigator the right to subpoena those documents, and my attorney asked for the subpoena to be served and let a judge decide if it was lawful. But the investigator never did. MILLER: The rules change when you are elected. The Georgia Municipal Association clearly separates personal cellphone use from public business. The reason is the taxpayers have a right to know what citizen business is being conducted. The taxpayers have a right to know.

The shouting match the city manager was involved in has been a sore point in this election. Under what circumstances should that type of behavior be condoned?

MILLER: Under no circumstance. But once it occurred, if the mayor had called a special called meeting it would not have played out in the press. Instead of issuing a press release, as mayor he should have done that. BODKER: I was waiting for the councilmembers to come to me. It needed to be addressed immediately. I waited a week for some reaction, but they said nothing. That’s when I called for his resignation. MILLER: As an employee, he has a right to due process. An executive session could have handled it quickly.

The mayor did accept a week at a developer’s beach house, and he did negotiate a favorable lease for a townhouse from him. Why would he not recuse himself from a vote when the developer had a zoning request before council? BODKER: I did so once when Mr. Aaronson came before the council concerning the Standard Club, of which I am a member. His request could have favorably affected me as a member of the Standard Club through the dues I pay, so I recused myself. The other two votes were minor changes on another property that had favorable recommendations for approval from staff and Planning Commission. Since there was no benefit to me, I voted along with council. MILLER: On a city council you have to be very careful. It’s about perception. There was a gratuity involved. You received a free vacation from him. BODKER: Rich Aaronson has been a friend of mine for 20 years. My family and I stayed at his house with another family. I paid the cleaning bill and that is all there was to it.

Illicit massage parlors have been a community problem. What can the city do to relieve this social problem?

MILLER: There was a forum at Perimeter Church recently about this. I have three daughters, and the thought of prostitution in this city is revolting. We need stronger zoning laws and stronger police enforcement. The City Council needs to stay out of their way. This is an enforcement issue. But we should support the police with any resources they need. There are things we can do. Kelly [Stewart] and Brad [Raffensperger] have suggested we become a model city – Champions for Safe Children – that requires our support of tools to remove illicit massage parlors. BODKER: I would support legislation at the state level. We also need to work cooperatively with other cities so we’re not just pushing the problem down the street.

Redevelopment in the city is an issue. What types of redevelopment do you support? And what about assessing impact fees?

MILLER: There is not enough undeveloped land to make impact fees practical. We need to concentrate on attracting new businesses and retaining our existing ones. Progressive zoning laws with incentives for new businesses would help. BODKER: One of the new things is to have mixed development with walkable communities. Rental properties realize leases of 112 percent over market, and owner-occupied homes are valued at 160 percent of market value in these types of communities.

There is so much tension on the council right now. What vision will you bring, what will you do to bring the council together?

MILLER: I think my history of working collaboratively proves I can lead even if there are differing opinions. I value openness, honesty and good government. There is a complete lack of trust now on the City Council. It is like in business when you have the chairman undermining what the board of directors is trying to do. BODKER: When we started off, we played a role. We were all in this. But every day in office I worked hard. But I led with my heart first and my brain second. I will try to work harder with whoever I can.

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28 | October 31, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

COMMUNITY

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Autrey Mill Nature Preserve gets early visit from Santa Fundraiser photo op for public JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center and Real Life Photography have joined forces to bring a Santa experience to Johns Creek this year. Santa will be visiting the historic Summerour House at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8, 9 and 10.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Autrey Mill to improve its facilities and programming provided to the Johns Creek community. Real Life Photography has been photographing Santa in the Johns Creek, North Fulton and Gwinnett areas for 21 years. Unlike the traditional

mall Santa, young children are gradually introduced to Santa, helping to reduce the fear many children have at the malls. Children can bring their lists and spend quality time talking while professional photographs are being taken. Families are also invited to step in for a holiday photograph with or without Santa. Families can contact Real Life Photography to schedule appointments at 770-457-4598.

Willow Springs to host chili cook-off Benefits Drake House, KRB ROSWELL, Ga. – On Saturday, Nov. 2, enjoy 20 variations of chili and support local nonprofit organizations at the fourth annual Williez Chili Cook-off. Come out and enjoy the fall weather at 2 p.m. in the Willow Springs Neighborhood Park, located at 10579 Roxburgh Lane in Roswell. Tickets are $3 per sample, or $20 for a value pack. There will be 20 teams competing for the top. Celebrity judges include Sen. John Albers, Randy Switts, Kathy Swahn, Janet Lieberman and Eric “Freight Train” Vail. Proceeds will benefit the Drake House and Keep Roswell Beautiful. In addition to the chili, the event will feature live music by the Free Byrds and Common Valor, a playground for children to enjoy and photo opportunities with the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders.

The chili cook-off started in 2010 when Willie Springz gathered a few of his friends for a chili cooking competition. The chili was so good that people paid just to have a taste of it, and Springz decided to donate the money to his favorite charities in Roswell. To date, this cook-off has raised thousands of dollars for the two nonprofits and served about 5,000 cups of the finest chili ever tasted. For more details, visit www.williezchili. com. The Drake House offers emergency housing and education to local families headed by single mothers with minor children. For more information, visit www.thedrakehouse. org. Keep Roswell Beautiful works to educate, motivate and empower the citizens and businesses of Roswell in the beautification, conservation and preservation of our environment. For more information, visit www.keeproswellbeautiful.org. —Jonathan Copsey

COMMUNITY

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 31, 2013 | 29

JCHS students build podium for Northwood ES JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Two students in an advanced engineering class at Johns Creek High School presented Northwood Elementary School with a handcrafted wooden podium for the front entrance of the school. Katie Babiarz and Chandler Collier of JCHS designed and built the desk, which includes a laser-cut Northwood motto and a painted logo of the school’s stylized “N.” Fourth-grade students

Daniel Sorungbe, Kristen Obijeski, Arjan Upadhyay, Imani Perryman and Hannah Collerette greeted the guests, which included Johns Creek High School Principal Buck Greene and engineering teacher Steve Sweigart, and presented them with thank you gifts including a large banner signed by Northwood students and staff. There is a plaque inside the desk acknowledging the designers and date.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on October 22, 2013 for Consumption on the Premises of Malt Beverages, Wine & Distilled Spirits. Back row from left are designers from JCHS Chandler Collier and Katie Babiarz, JCHS Principal Buck Greene, Northwood Principal Ritu Ahuja, Northwood Assistant Principal Nikol Boyd and engineering teacher Steve Sweigart. In front are Northwood fourth-graders Daniel Sorungbe, Kristen Obijeski, Arjan Upadhyay, Imani Perryman and Hannah Collerette.

Ludwig Symphony Orchestra to perform season opener Johns Creek teen to perform alongside international soloists By RYAN PIERONI ryan@northfulton.com DULUTH, Ga. —The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Thomas Ludwig, will be opening their 17th season with their “International Festival Concert.” This concert will feature the premier of Ludwig’s newly revised violin concerto with internationally acclaimed soloist Janet Sung. Additionally, the concert will feature several other pieces and soloists Jose Sacin, a baritone with the Washington Opera, and Joshua Shue, a 17-year-old pianist from Johns Creek. The concert will be held on Nov. 3, at 4 p.m. Ludwig, an Atlanta resident himself, founded the LSO in

1998 and has conducted the orchestra since that date. He says that one of the goals of the LSO is to bring in local talent to play alongside these high profile performers. There are 85 musicians in the orchestra, and Ludwig says they’re “the finest musicians in the area,” with musicians from Johns Creek, Forsyth County and all around Georgia. “It always stuns me the amount of talent in Atlanta that people sometimes don’t know about, and they have to go other places to perform, and that’s just not quite right,” said Ludwig. And one of these local talents is Shue, currently a junior at Northview High School. Shue has been playing the piano since he was 5 years old, when his mother began teach-

If you go What: 17th season opener for the Ludwig Symphony Orchestra, featuring soloists Joshua Shue, Janet Sung and Jose Sacin. Where: Gwinnett Center – Performing Arts Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth Cost: $12 – $22 per ticket. More Info: ludwigsymphony.webs.com ing him. Since then, he has won multiple scholarships, competitions and participated in the Governor’s Honors Program for violin, as well as going to AllState for both piano and violin – all by the age of 17. With such talent performing, down to each individual musician, the concert promises to be a joy for anyone with an interest in modern classical music.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK COUNCIL CHAMBER 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300 JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097 The following Land Use Petition proposal located within the City of Johns Creek is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

OWNER/OFFICERS White Bros, LLC Dba 37 Main- A Rock Cafe 6000 Medlock Bridge Pkwy Ste F100 Johns Creek, GA 30022 David White & Joe White, Owners

When: 4 p.m. Nov. 3.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 AT 7:00 P.M.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING:

BUSINESS NAME White Bros, LLC Dba 37 Main- A Rock Cafe 6000 Medlock Bridge Pkwy Ste F100 Johns Creek, GA 30022

RZ-13-014 & VC-13-014-1 (Deferred by Applicant) Yoon Ho Choi 10400 Block of Medlock Bridge Road C – 1 (Community Business District) and AG – 1 (Agricultural District) C – 2 (Commercial District) Develop a carwash. Concurrent variance to delete 25-foot side buffers and 10-foot improvement setbacks, and replace with 10-foot landscape strips adjacent to AG-1 properties.

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Notes: Continued from Page 21 until 2 a.m., after the audience had all fallen asleep from the Dead’s music and libation. After a futile attempt to rouse the audience with some classic Creedence hard driving rockn-roll, he said that from out of the darkness about a quarter mile away in the audience, he heard a lone voice call out, “It’s OK John, we’re listening.” Fogerty smiled and then told us that “we played the rest the night for that guy.”

That story to me says it all and explains why his show was so real and alive. He is still playing for “that guy.” He wrote all the songs for CCR and they sold over 140 million copies worldwide. At one time, they were arguably as popular as the Beatles. But the band broke up – like a very bad divorce. For more than a decade, Fogerty refused to perform any of the band’s songs, which really were his songs. I know that there were contract disputes with the record companies and such, but my guess is that the music he wrote was too personal – too much part of

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com | Recycled paper his soul – that when everything went south it was a place that he couldn’t return to until a lot of healing had occurred. The John Fogerty we saw on stage was there because he was having fun and had reconciled the life that his songs portrayed – his songs about the war, about growing up in small towns and the chaos of the 60s. He still believes in the songs he wrote and they still feed him. He has come back to them but in a healthy way. His son Shane was there as part of the band playing rhythm and sometimes lead guitar – father and son. Late in the show,

Shane took the lead. You could tell it was supposed to be just for a short while, but when it was time to give the lead back, his dad wouldn’t take it. Fogerty smiled, and he might as well have shouted into the microphone, “Run with it son. Keep going. You’re doing great. You make me so proud.” Shane ripped it and probably played better than he had ever played while proud papa just watched him beaming, the happiness and pride as palpable as the music in our ears that moved our hearts and souls. John Fogerty and the night were magic. Out in the audi-

ence, it was understood by the end of the show that “carpe diem” was not optional. It was happening in that very moment and everyone knew it. I couldn’t help but think of the dialogue in a scene from “Apocalypse Now,” which incidentally used several Creedence songs in the soundtrack. “But one look at you (Captain), and I know it’s going to be hot.” (Willard) “I’m going 75 clicks above the Do Lung bridge.” And it was hot. And I was surprised that night that the stage didn’t melt when John Fogerty led us way past that bridge and just kept going.

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CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, November 7, 2013 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.

FOR FY 2014 ON-CALL SURVEY SERVICES RFQ # 14-1003 The City of Alpharetta (City) is accepting Statements of Qualifications for the FY 2014 On-Call Survey Services from qualified land surveying consultants to provide services to the City on a task-order basis. The RFQ will be available online Thursday, October 24, 2013, under the tab “Bids Online” on our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us. Statements of Qualifications will be due on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 2:00 PM, at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department, 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department at 678-297-6052 or via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR HAYNES BRIDGE ROAD AND WINDWARD PARKWAY SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS BID #14-012 The City of Alpharetta is accepting bids for HAYNES BRIDGE ROAD AND WINDWARD PARKWAY SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS including, but not limited to, the fabrication, delivery and installation of sidewalk, curb, and gutter, retaining wall, excavation/trenching, backfilling for utilities, landscaping, and work related to constructing sidewalk. The location of the work is along Haynes Bridge Road from Blackwatch Lane to Haynes Valley Court and along Windward Parkway from S.R.9 to Cogburn Road/ Webb Road --- within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. The Plans and Project Manual will be available online Thursday, October 17, 2013, at our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us choose the Bids Online tab. The bid opening will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department, 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department at 678-297-6052 or via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us.

Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, November 18, 2013 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. Z-13-13/CLUP-13-14/V-13-17 Peachtree Residential Townhomes Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 3 acres from R-15 to R-8A (forsale attached) in order to develop 24 single family homes. A request to change the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from “Low Density Residential” to “High Density Residential” was also requested. The property is located west side of Milton Avenue and legally described as being located in Land Lot 1270 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. Z-13-14 Olmstead Park Townhomes Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 8.65 acres from R-15 to R-10M HD (for-sale detached, Historic District) in order to develop 21 for-sale single family attached homes. The property is located at the northeast corner of Canton Street and Church Street and legally described as being located in Land Lot 1252, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. PH-13-11 The Georgian (KM Homes) Consideration of a request to change a previous condition of zoning in order to develop 54 attached for-sale homes. The previous condition required attachment with a garden gate and now a common wall is requested. Approval of a new site plan previously approved is also requested. The property is located at the northwest corner of School Drive and Canton Street and legally described as being located in Land Lot 1252 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. MP-13-01/CLUP-13-05/Z-13-03 Preston Ridge/Greenstone Properties Consideration of a request to change the Preston Ridge Master Plan by adding “for-sale” residential use (attached and detached)to Pod G. A request to rezone from O-I to CUP is requested as well as a change to the Future Land Use Plan from “Corporate Campus Office” to “High Density Residential”. The property is located at the northwest corner of Webb Bridge and Morris Road adjacent to Georgia 400. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1259, 1262, 1263, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. e. Z-13-08/CLUP-13-07/V-13-05 Vaughan Drive Townhomes (City Council Only) Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 4.45 acres from C-2 to CUP in order to allow 40 “for-sale” single family attached homes. A change to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from “Professional Business Office” to “High Density Residential” is also requested. The property is located on Vaughan Drive and legally described as being located in Land Lots 1109, 1124, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. f. PH-13-01 Unified Development Code Consideration of amendments to the Unified Development Code in order to add R-4D detached residential zoning designation (for-sale housing). g. PH-13-14 Murlie Drive Right of Way Abandonment (City Council Only) Consideration of abandonment of the Murlie Drive Right-of-Way. The property is located in Land Lot 801, 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 South Main Street.

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 31, 2013 | 31

17-year-old Chase Elliott chases NASCAR dream King’s Ridge senior wins NASCAR Truck Series race By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Like most 17-year-olds, Chase Elliott is anxious to get the car keys on the weekends, but the keys he wants start up a NASCAR engine. Elliott just won his first NASCAR Truck Series race Sept. 1 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario, Canada in just his sixth series start. Driving the No. 94 Dream Machine, he also became the youngest winner in the NASCAR Truck Series history. The King’s Ridge Christian School student signed a development deal with Hendrick Motorsports to run in NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East. If he keeps winning, he will certainly earn a ride at the big tracks one day. So how does a teenager break into the NASCAR business the way Chase has? Well, you could say it is in his DNA. He is the son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott so when Chase went to see his dad at work, it was at a race track. But Chase realizes names don’t win races. “People say it should be easier because of who my dad is. But it is not his career. It is still up to me to learn from him and improve. Ultimately though, I have to make it on my own,” Chase said. Racing has changed a lot in the last five or six years as technology has revolutionized the sport. Just think of how the smartphone has changed in that time. The same is true of racing technology. It has added to the racing team as well. You have to have people who can monitor the sensors and computers and an engineer to keep the engine purring. None of that fazes Chase,

however. This is going to be his career if he can make the grade. “I’ve never really wanted to do anything else,” he said. He started racing go-karts at the age of 8. He graduated to quarter-midgets, and then got into Legends racing when he was older still. This is racing in 5/8 scale cars that look like racers from the 1930s and ’40s. It keeps the costs and the speed down but teaches young drivers the ins and outs of winning races. By the time he was 13,

Chase Elliott wants to pursue his dream to be a full-time NASCAR driver when he graduates from high school. he was racing full-sized cars. Now he is racing in the Truck Series, which is analogous to baseball’s minor leagues. It’s exciting because the next step is racing with the big-name drivers, big-time sponsors and the big-time tracks. As the years have gone by, Chase realizes what it will take to pursue his dream. “And you come to understand the commitment level it takes to it,” Chase said. “There is so much time away from home. It’s a lot of travel and hotels every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But I enjoy being there.” There is no question he wants to make racing his career. He hopes to find a sponsor because this is an expensive sport. A racing weekend will cost $70,000 to $100,000 now. There are a limited number of rides at the top, so only the best of the best make it. “Your parents can only help so far. I know it is hard to break in, but racing is always what I wanted to do. If I don’t get picked up, I’ll apply to

Chase Elliott celebrates his first NASCAR win taking first at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario, Canada. He won in his Chevy Silverado in the last turn of the last lap. some colleges. But that is for later,” he said. In his first win at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, it was a two-truck duel going into the last lap with Ty Dillon. He pulled even with Dillon, but Dillon had the inside track and Chase had to go wide in the next turn. Drafting behind Dillon, in the final turn he shot around

to the inside. There’s a saying in NASCAR – “if you’re not rubbin’, you’re not racin’.” That means to win you have to be willing to let some paint fly and hold your position. Dillon moved to cut off Chase and Chase did not hesitate. He hit Dillon’s rear end and spun him into the tires and held on the capture the checkered flag. After the race,

he told the ESPN announcer: “That’s not how I race, and that’s never been how I’ve raced before. I had a shot. I was up next to Ty and I knew he was going to try and chop me off. I tried to make up the difference. Sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to get to Victory Lane.” Spoken like an Elliott.

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Spooky:

Continued from Page 1 bats, zombies of all sizes, skeletons and dioramas of gore. “I go along with it. But I won’t let her start putting things out until Oct. 1,” said her husband Greg. “Otherwise there would be two months of this.” He gestures around the living room that has a skeleton sitting at the piano, bats on the wall and other bloodcurdling little vignettes tucked in corners and on tables. Every room in the house (except upstairs) is decorated with ghoulish delight. “I just think it is a fun thing to do,” said Laura, who makes a lot of the horrific stuff herself. “I have my own prop shop where I can experiment.” Fortunately, she only experiments with plaster of paris, plastic and vegetable dyes. She is also a bargain hunter, so she picked up her lifesize $300 Hannibal Lecter for $75 because it was damaged. Honestly, who would know? Her two daughters Sarah, 9, and Greta, 13, are remarkably undamaged by all of this, saying, “Oh, that’s just Mom.”

Of course none of Sarah’s friends are comfortable coming over to her house in the month of October and Greta had to move her girls’ sleepover to a hotel. Sarah said she doesn’t mind. “I’m fine with it so long as there is nothing in my room,” Sarah said. But for the kids who are brave enough, she has given two tours inside the house. “It only really got extreme the last six years,” Laura said. “I got started when I was about 13 when I would decorate our basement for Halloween and charge a quarter to go through it. I raised $22 that I donated to the Buffalo, [N.Y.] Children’s Hospital.” She still has a letter of thanks from the hospital. And gradually her decorating of the basement of her Johns Creek home crept upstairs. It is acknowledged that hers is the best Halloween party in the neighborhood. Every year, she adds another scene, such as the zombie nursery, with some little tykes you definitely don’t want for play dates with your kids. To date, her zombie head count is around 20 – that’s just counting the heads.

Where do zombie babies come from? The vulture brings them.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Sarah Stalemark doesn’t think much of her playmate.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

This Piano Man evidently didn’t make much in tips.

The true American Gothic.

It is always helpful to have an extra hand around the kitchen.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

COMMUNITY

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 31, 2013 | 33

Classics in Jazz concert at Musik21 Geoffrey Haydon to perform on piano JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Geoffrey J. Haydon, Ph.D., professor of music at Georgia State University, will bring a unique concert to Musik21 featuring an evening of classical jazz, wine, snacks and the company of fellow jazz enthusiasts. Haydon has successfully bridged both the classical and jazz styles of performance. He currently coordinates the piano faculty at GSU where he also teaches piano, piano literature,

Blotter:

Continued from Page 2

attempting to buy nine iPhone 5c phones using a fake Florida license and fake business account. The employee said he noticed Meadows the previous day at another Apple Store doing the same thing. Police determined the license was indeed fake and that Meadows had warrants for his arrest for forgery, probation violation and failure to appear from metro agencies. A search of his car turned up another fake Florida license. Meadows had $1,135 in cash on him.

DUI driver runs home JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – An alleged DUI driver fled the scene of an accident Oct. 12 after failing to get his Taco Bell food order and hitting another vehicle. The victim told police he was in the drive-thru of the Taco Bell/ KFC restaurant on State Bridge Road at 4:45 p.m. when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. The drivers exchanged insurance information, however, when the victim said he was calling the police, the suspect, Daniel Lee Von Lauer, 48, of Harvest Ridge Lane, Alpharetta, put his car in park, got out and walked into the restaurant. He then fled on foot. According to the registration of Von Lauer’s vehicle, he lives a

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jazz history and jazz theory. “It is really a unique music experience. We are so pleased to have Dr. Haydon to play for us. It will be a most enjoyable afternoon,” said Dorota Lato of Musik21. “The piano is such a versatile instrument. It is challenging to the artist to play. But the piano offers such a wide range of expression.” For information or to RSVP, go to info@musik21.com half-mile from the store. When police arrived, they spoke with Von Lauer’s mother. When she called for him to speak with police, he allegedly called from a bedroom, “tell them I’m not here.” Von Lauer was put through sobriety tests and failed them. He was arrested for hit and run and DUI.

Joy ride on a stolen golf cart? MILTON, Ga. – If anyone has a golf cart bearing the number “6” on it, the Trophy Club of Milton would like to speak with them. Such a cart went missing Oct. 15. Employees told police the cart was used the prior day in a golf tournament, however went missing afterward. A total of 150 golfers took part in the outing. By 7:30 p.m., the cart was noticed missing. The cart is described as a white, hard-top cart with the number “6” emblazoned on the side.

Building equipment stolen from home MILTON, Ga. – Someone made off with nearly $1,500 worth of construction equipment Oct. 14 from a home being built. The victim told police the Providence Road home had two extendable ladders, valued at $300 and $400, as well as a $600 aluminum walkboard and an $80 stepladder that were all locked up and secured overnight but found missing the following morning.

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DEATH NOTICES William John Allen, 65, of Dacula, passed away October 15, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Susan Held, 76, of Atlanta, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Douglas H. Moore, 61, of Alpharetta, passed away October 15, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Mildred Bailey, 79, of Cumming, passed away October 17, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Fredrick Henry, 83, of Doraville, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Mark Mulkey, 59, of Cumming, passed away October 14, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Katherine Blanos, 91, of Johns Creek, passed away October 19, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

James Hollifield, 88 of Roswell, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Ada Virginia Nuzum, 96, of Alpharetta, passed away October 15, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Treva Bridge, 86, of Sandy Springs, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

June Bea Brown, 46, of Atlanta, passed away October 21, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Peter Q. Cagle, Jr., 67, of Talking Rock, passed away October 15, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Daneen Irving, 70, of Roswell, passed away October 17, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Robert Johnson, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away October 18, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Beverly Green Kates, 68, of Cumming, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Richard Donald Crossley, 68, of Roswell, passed away October 21, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Albert Davis, 93, of Alpharetta, passed away October 21, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Katie Glover Emerson, 39, of Cumming, passed away October 18, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Marilyn Gunkel, 74, of Roswell, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Larry Harper, 74, of Flowery Branch, passed away October 18, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Sofia Kiseledich, 86, of Atlanta, passed away October 22, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Ivy Lorch, 95, of Marietta, passed away October 17, 2013. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Dorothy Lukens, 88, of Roswell, passed away October 18, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Bob Mason, 57, of Cumming, passed away October 18, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Diane Payne, 66, of Woodstock, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Joseph Elie Pierre, 87, of Alpharetta, passed away October 19, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. James Joel Poss, 82, of Cumming, passed away October 17, 2013. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Calvin Starr, 21, of Roswell, passed away October 18, 2013. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Dolores Liss Weinbender, 86, of Cumming, passed away October 19, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Dorothy Winstead, 92 of Roswell, passed away October 16, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

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