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November 5, 2014 | northfulton.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 9, No. 44
Brian Jones new MHS principal Keeps ‘familiar face’ in principal’s office By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com
Avalon opens!
See story and pictures, pages 16 and 17. JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF
NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Fulton County School System officials reached just down the hallway at Milton High School to tap current Assistant Principal Brian Jones to lead the school through the remainder of the school year. Jones, who has been the assistant principal at Milton since July 2013, was approved by the Fulton School Board on Oct. 23 as interim principal. He replaces current interim principal Ron Tesch, who came in at the start of the year, but
whose tenure ends on Oct. 31. Milton parent leaders commended the choice of Jones as the interim principal, noting JONES he is a familiar face to students, parents and staff. “We trust that Mr. Jones’ familiarity of the MHS students, staff and community will provide Milton with the
See JONES, Page 37
Kids carve up smiles Carvin’ in Crabapple a spooky treat By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – Spooky, super or just fun pumpkins were made Oct. 26 at the annual Carvin’ in Crabapple pumpkin carving event. Held at art studio Just for Giggles in Crabapple, children brought pumpkins of all sizes to be carved or painted in the studio. A dozen children of all ages gathered in smocks at Just for Giggles to create superheroes, movie characters, ghosts and plenty of “Boos.” For five years running, the event has gathered children and their families in Crabapple to celebrate spookiness and creativity within Milton’s historic community. The winner of the pumpkin carving contest went to Abby Haigh with her blue-and-glittered pumpkin made to look like Elsa from “Frozen.”
Little Aaliyah paints her pumpkin.
Contestants line up, presenting their carved or painted pumpkins for judging.
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Mom arrested for DUI with kids in car MILTON, Ga. – A Milton mother was arrested Oct. 21 at 3:49 p.m. and charged with DUI after she was involved in an accident with another vehicle. Her two children were in the car with her at the time. She told police that she was a newly divorced mother and that she had been celebrating her new marital status. According to police, Jacqueline Y.
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.
Suspect arrested hours after jail release ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A young man allegedly attempted to steal hundreds of dollars in food from a local store only hours after he was released from jail. According to police, an officer was in the parking lot of Sam’s Club off Windward Parkway Oct. 24 when he saw employees chasing and shouting at another man with a shopping cart. The employees told the officer the man had just stolen the goods in the cart. The officer drove through the parking lot and cut off the suspect and arrested him. He was Elijah Alfafara, 22, a homeless man, who said he was hungry and had no money. Police recognized Alfafara, who had been arrested in Sandy Springs for shoplifting and released earlier that day. He was arrested this time also on shoplifting charges for the $277 worth of merchandise he allegedly took.
‘Here officer, hold my drugs’ MILTON, Ga. – An accident victim allegedly kept hold of his drugs as he tried to get out of his damaged car, Oct. 23. An officer on patrol arrived at the accident scene on Arnold Mill Road near Sweet Apple Road and saw Jeremy Ferguson, 27, attempting to get out of his car. It was so damaged, he had to exit through the passenger side door. The officer noted Ferguson was having trouble, in part because he was holding something in his hands.
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Luciana, 46, was driving on Redd Road when she came upon the intersection of Hopewell Road. She allegedly pulled out in front of another vehicle, striking it. The other driver was taken to North Fulton Hospital to be treated for his injuries. The man told police Luciana did not stop at the intersection. According to police, Luciana told them she “was a good mother and that
she only had three or four glasses of wine to celebrate her divorce.” Luciana was put through sobriety tests. She allegedly failed them and was placed under arrest. The children in the car with Luciana were unharmed. Luciana was charged with DUI, endangering the life of a child, failure to stop at a stop sign and failure to carry a license.
When the officer went to help, Ferguson handed the officer a water bottle filled with an unknown substance, a baggie containing suspected heroin and another bag containing a Brillo pad, cotton swab and syringe. Ferguson was arrested for possession of schedule I drugs, DUI-drugs and failure to maintain lane.
food from shelves, eat it and then replace the empty package back on the shelves. When the woman tried to leave the store without paying for her meal, store employees stopped her. She allegedly told them she was in the area, hungry and did not have any money for food. She was barred from the store.
Alleged theft ‘family affair’
Pay for some, steal others?
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Duluth family was arrested Oct. 25 after they allegedly tried to steal dozens of clothing items from a local store. According to employees of the Macy’s store at North Point Mall, Omar Morales, 31, Lidia Morales, 41, and their 14-year-old daughter, all of Duluth, were seen on surveillance cameras selecting items from the store and placing them in a stroller. The women then entered the fitting rooms and, when they left, had no clothing with them. A search of the rooms also turned up no merchandise. While the women were changing, Omar was allegedly keeping watch outside the fitting rooms. The family then tried to leave the store. They were stopped by employees and the missing merchandise – valued at $667 in clothing – was found hidden in the stroller in a bag. All three were arrested for shoplifting.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Roswell woman was arrested Oct. 21 after allegedly trying to steal $50 in groceries. The suspect allegedly walked through the Publix supermarket on Haynes Bridge Road, placing items in her basket, but allegedly placed other items in her handbag. When it came time to check out, she paid for many of the items, nearly $100 worth. However the items in the handbag were worth a further $50. She then allegedly walked out of the store without paying for the extra items. She was stopped at the door and charged with shoplifting.
Supermarkets are not snack bars ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A mother and her young daughter were asked to leave a local supermarket Oct. 24 after allegedly eating food in the store. Employees of the Publix supermarket on Haynes Bridge Road told police they saw the suspect take packaged
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$6K in windows missing FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Someone stole $6,000 in windows that were delivered to a home under construction, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee working on homes in the Bridleton subdivision told deputies 35 windows were delivered at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 to a site in the 5000 block of Pasture Court. At 8 a.m. the next morning, the employee said he saw someone had taken all 35 windows.
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Blotter: Continued from Page 2 The employee said he has no idea who could have taken them.
Machines stolen from gym FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Someone broke into a gym and stole $3,000 in equipment, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. The owner of PPF Crossfit, 4415 Front Nine Drive, told deputies she came into work on Oct. 24 and saw three row machines missing. She said the last employee left the gym at about 7 p.m. the night before. Deputies said they saw no sign of forced entry, but the owner said the back door can be easily opened even when locked. Deputies are checking a neighboring business’s video surveillance for suspects.
Burglar enters through ‘doggy’ door CUMMING, Ga. — Someone broke into a vacant home for sale and played a game of pool before leaving, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A real estate agent for a home in the 3000 block of Chattahoochee Road told deputies he got a call Oct. 15 from an interested buyer who said the garage door was left open. The agent said he stopped by the home to check for suspicious activity and saw it had been broken into. The agent said the suspects had used the pool table in the basement but did not disturb any other part of the home. Deputies said they saw a few windows punched out, but they gained entry by using the doggy door hole on the side of the home. Deputies also found drugrelated evidence left behind by the trespassers.
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 ►► Justin Gabriel Monroe,
21, of Summer Breeze Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Oct. 8 on Executive Drive in Alpharetta for DUI, stop sign violation and brake light requirements. ►► Michael D. Rucker, 53, of Fairburn, Georgia, was arrested Oct. 7 on North
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 3
Point Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI. ►► Ashley Brooke Bearden, 28, of Sweetwater Trace, Roswell, was arrested Oct. 18 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Erin Nichole Ramsdell, 34, of Hiram was arrested Oct. 18 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and improper left turn. ►► Antoinette Ginieve Hutt, 51, of Smyrna was arrested Oct. 12 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, open container, no license, failure to maintain lane, possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related items.
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NEWS
4 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
Milton’s first Veterans Day Ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Ceremony to say ‘thank you’ to all veterans MILTON, Ga. – “Thank you.” It is a simple phrase used by millions to show appreciation for the many sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who served their country valiantly throughout this nation’s history. It is also the theme of the city of Milton’s first Veterans Day Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Freedom Park, 13200 Deerfield
Parkway. The ceremony features a “thank you” to local veterans by Debbie Davidoff, founder of the Milton Veterans Project, and much more. Friends and families are then invited to reflect upon the markers created to remember the legacy of fallen veterans and placed along Deerfield Parkway and in Crabapple by Councilman Bill Lusk. Residents can start Veterans Day by joining the city of Milton in thanking those who have served the cause of freedom for all. —Jonathan Copsey
Election coverage at Northfulton.com GEORGIA – The general elections were Nov. 4, after this paper went to print. For results and updates on the many races and ballot questions, please visit www.northfulton.com.
Roswell officer attacked, slashed by assailants Pistol went off in struggle
ROSWELL, Ga. – A Roswell Police officer was attacked Oct. 29 after investigating two suspicious men. According to police, at 10:40 a.m., Officer John Lathem, a 15-year veteran with RPD, was patrolling the parking lot of Champions Green Apartments, located off of Holcomb Bridge Road. This area was the site of a shooting earlier in the month, and police have stepped up their patrols there. Lathem noticed two men acting suspiciously near the 600 building of Belmont Drive. He exited his patrol car and attempted to speak with the men when a struggle ensued. Lathem was attacked and
Sketches of the suspects that attacked Officer John Lathem of the Roswell Police on Oct. 29.
Officer John Lathem cut on his face and forearm with a knife as the men attempted to grab his gun. Lathem continued to fight with the men for the weapon and it discharged. Both men then fled on foot. A perimeter was quickly established around the apartment complex. Alpharetta
and Johns Creek police departments responded with their K9 units, and officers from Milton and Dunwoody Police also assisted in a search of the area. However, the suspects were not found. “We have exhausted all leads in the search of the area, but the investigation still continues,” said Roswell Police Spokeswoman Officer Lisa Holland.
The only descriptions of the suspects are they are two black men wearing black hooded sweatshirts. One man had a question mark graphic on the front of his sweatshirt. The other male is heavy-set with dreadlocks. Lathem was taken to hospital where he received numerous stitches on his face and forearm. He is doing well and will make a full recovery.
GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 38
ALPHARETTA/JOHNS CREEK,Haynes Manor Subdivision, 3023 Haynes Cove 30022, off Haynes Bridge. Estate sale. Friday 11/7 and Saturday 11/8, 9am-1pm. Upscale furniture, and household items CUMMING/S. FORSYTH, Creekstone Estates; Highway 141/Peachtree Parkway (Exit 13 off GA 400). at South Clement Road. Friday 11/7, 8am-2pm and Saturday 11/8, 8am-1pm. 25+ homes! Lots of something for everyone. JOHNS CREEK, Cambridge Holiday Shopping Craft Show, 5650 Millwick Drive 30005. Sunday 11/16, 12pm-6pm. FREE! Jewelry, Home decor , womens’ & childrens’ clothing, soaps, Holiday shopping , food & live music.. JOHNS CREEK, Exciting Estate Sale! Farmbrook Subdivision, 10005 Farmbrook Lane 30022. Friday 11/7- Sunday 11/9, 9am5pm. Beautiful furniture, lots of custom pottery, much more. For more info. visit: http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/ GA/Alpharetta/30022/752442. MILTON, Entire neighborhood yard sale; The Court at Windward Village. Cogburn near Webb Road, across from Hopewell Middle School. Saturday 11/8, 8am till everything is gone! ROSWELL, Multi family. Wildwood Springs Subdivision, 11970 Wildwood Springs Drive 30075. Friday 11/7, Saturday 11/8, 8am-4pm.
DEADLINE
To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week • Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@northfulton.com
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6 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
NEWS
Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com
Alpharetta approves Avalon Phase II Hotel, conference center, apartments included By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – With a 6-1 vote, Avalon’s second phase was approved by the Alpharetta City Council Oct. 27, paving the way for a hotel and conference center, along with hundreds of new apartments. Mark Toro, of North American Properties, Avalon’s developer, asked council to approve 276 more for-rent apartments as well as increase building heights for a parking deck, Class A office building and hotel. Phase II for Avalon will also feature a proposed conference center. There are already 250 forrent apartments in the first phase of Avalon, along with 101 single-family homes. Rather than add more park space, Toro pitched in $1 million to the city to put toward any public spaces within 3 miles of Avalon. That covers much of downtown Alpharetta.
Our future is inextricably linked to Avalon. We need Avalon to be a home run.” DAVID BELLE ISLE Alpharetta mayor
The project was approved by council with 54 conditions of approval. These included, among other things, traffic studies, public trails and landscaping requirements. As well as the office space and hotel, the plan will include plenty of apartments above retail space. “There is an overwhelming demand for all three aspects [of Avalon] – convention, retail and office,” said Peter Tokar, Alpharetta’s economic development director. “There is also an absolute need for Class A office space. Alpharetta has 10 percent vacancy now, which is the lowest in metro Atlanta.” Councilmember Jim Gilvin, the lone opposition to the
project, said he was concerned over the convention center. “What is presented to us is not a complete plan,” he said. “The convention center is not resolved.” The city and Avalon are still discussing details of a public-private partnership on the convention center. As such, Gilvin suggested it was premature to come to council with plans for one if the deal could never materialize. Toro said the Avalon plan had to be amended to accommodate any convention center since it was not on the original plans. “There is no promise of a hotel, conference center and standing office center,” Gilvin said. “The only thing I can promise will be built is apartments and retail. Nothing is guaranteed here of benefit to the community.” His fellow members of council disagreed. “It’s very different from what we have done in Alpharetta,” said Councilmember Mike Kennedy. “This is a great project for Alpharetta and is exciting.” Kennedy said Avalon has
met the city’s requirements for public spaces, which do not have to be green spaces – plazas, fountains and other gathering spaces count. Councilmember D.C. Aiken said homeownership across the nation is falling continuously, as baby boomers and millennials are shifting priorities away from owning homes. “I don’t like the idea [of apartments],” he said, “but
perhaps we have found a mix where it makes sense.” Mayor David Belle Isle, in his comment of approval, said Avalon and Alpharetta are in a close partnership. “Our future is inextricably linked to Avalon,” Belle Isle said. “Whether you like it or not, it just is. We need Avalon to be a home run.” Phase I of Avalon opened Oct. 30.
GRAND OPENING November 6–8
Family Day (Saturday Nov. 8) – Activities for the Kids, Refreshments and Giveaways!
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northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 7
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8 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
COMMUNITY
Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com
Forsyth inmate walks off during work detail Adds ‘escape’ to list of charges By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — A Forsyth County Detention Center inmate who was working at the Cumming Police Department Friday, Oct. 24 went missing around 1:50 p.m., sending local and state law enforcement officials on a search for two days until he turned himself in. Koby Blanchard, 39, of Cumming was doing daily tasks, including taking out the trash, when he walked off his work detail and was allegedly picked up by his mother-inlaw in the back parking lot.
His mother-in-law, Margaret Cheryl Broome, 57, is now facing charges of aiding escape, hindering apprehension and possession of schedule III controlled substances, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Blanchard had originally been charged with theft, burglary, arson, tampering with evidence and filing false statements. He was awaiting his trial and now has an additional charge of escape. At no time during the escape or investigation was Blanchard considered a threat, said Robin Regan, Forsyth
BLANCHARD
BROOME
County Sheriff’s public information officer. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office did, however, notify the public through multiple social media websites, Regan said. Schools nearby were one concern, but Regan said this wasn’t an issue. “We notified everybody
through our Facebook page and we also had Cumming Police Department send out a press release to notify media outlets,” Regan said. “We contacted the school safety departments so they could coordinate with the school system to make sure the schools were also aware. The schools had closed around the time that we had begun our investigation and search, so there wasn’t any immediate threat to our schools.” Forsyth County deputies conducted the two-day investigation into Blanchard’s whereabouts with assistance from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol. Just before noon on Sunday, Oct. 26, Blanchard turned
himself in to the Forsyth County Detention Center. This was due to continuous pressure and the officers investigating people who were suspected of having contact with him, said Regan. “Over the weekend, we continued to investigate his whereabouts and we were putting a lot of emphasis on anyone that we believed may have contact with him or knew about his whereabouts,” Regan said. “It seems that due to the pressure, he had nowhere else to turn and at that point he turned himself in.” Blanchard will face additional charges and deputies will also be investigating any additional people who helped Blanchard.
Forsyth deputy struck directing school traffic By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — At 7:30 a.m. Oct. 27, Anthony Hodgkins, a Forsyth County deputy, was directing traffic at Coal Mountain Elementary School, 3455 Coal Mountain Drive, when he was hit by a vehicle. Hodgkins was transported to an area hospital and later released. “The deputy had surgery and has been released from the hospital,” said Robin Regan, public information officer. “He does have serious injuries, but they are not life-threatening. He’s definitely going to have a long recovery.” Jeffrey Herb, the 39-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck Hodgkins, was on his way to work when his car collided with Hodgkins in the highway’s travel lane, said Georgia State Patrol Sgt. Tim Meyer, who worked the ac-
cident. “He just didn’t see the officer for whatever reason,” Meyer said. “Herb was not impaired, but possibly was distracted. I don’t think he used the caution that he should have in a school zone, and he could have and should have seen the officer.” Meyer said that Hodgkins was wearing his reflective gear at the time of the accident. “We have witnesses that said they saw the officer flagging westbound traffic to stop,” Meyer said. “So the officer assumed he had been seen and when he turned his back to let the left turn go, that’s when he was struck.” No student actually witnessed the accident, even though they were inside cars entering the school, said Doug Rainwater, Forsyth County public information officer. “It was still dark so you couldn’t
Tips for approaching a deputy who is directing traffic • If you see a patrol vehicle in the road, please remember that a deputy is nearby, possibly in the roadway. • If you do see a deputy directing traffic, drive at a speed slow enough that you can come to a complete stop if you need to. • If you are having trouble seeing a deputy due to sunlight glare or darkness, drive slower so you can come to a complete stop if needed when you do see them. • A deputy will generally point at you or make eye contact with you when he is ready for your line of cars to move. • If you are confused about whether it is your turn to go, wait for further direction.
see much, even if you were in the area,” Rainwater said. “We also shut down the road.” The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, and the accident is being in-
vestigated by the Georgia State Patrol. As for Regan and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, he said, “We’re very thankful for the support, thoughts and prayers from the community.”
Alpharetta hosts child safety seat check
Fulton County Animal Services Pet of the Week: Davina
Nov. 8 at Fire Station No. 1
ATLANTA – Meet Davina, a 10-month-old Lab mix who came to the shelter in June after being dumped on the side of the road with her sister. Despite being mistreated, she is a happy girl who is extremely affectionate and playful. Davina still has lots of puppy energy and loves to play with other dogs. She would make a great exercise buddy for her owner or playmate for another dog, and she would add some sunshine with her cheerful demeanor. Davina has grown up at the shelter and deserves to get out. During November, she is free, including $200 worth of services (spay, vaccinations, microchip and more). All adopters will be screened to ensure Davina is going to a great home. To meet Davina, please drop
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety will host a child safety seat checkup event Nov. 8. The event is free to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alpharetta’s Fire Station No. 1, located at 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta. National statistics indicate that four out of five child safety seats are misused every day in the United States. Alpharetta police officers and firefighters who are state certified child safety technicians will be on-hand to install, evaluate, adjust and demonstrate the proper methods of using a child restraint seat. Additional safety information will be made available at the event. Parents are encouraged to bring their infants or children and the car seat intended to be used to the event. It just might save a child’s life.
Davina, a Lab mix, wants a good home. by the shelter, call 404-6130357 or email adoptions@fultonanimalservices.com. To view dogs or cats available for adoption, please visit the shelter at 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30318 or go to www.fultonanimalservices.com/adopt.
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10 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
SCHOOLS
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Bright student honored by Johns Hopkins
Dolvin Elementary students raise money to donate to cure childhood cancer by holding a lemonade stand.
Dolvin Elementary raises $3,500 in lemonade wars JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Lemonade Wars, an activity led by Dolvin’s Kids Care organization, helped raise over $3,500 for CURE Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit research foundation in Atlanta dedicated to finding the cure to childhood cancer. Fourth and fifth grade students from Dolvin Elementary school sold lemonade for several hours on Oct. 5 to aid the cause. Dolvin’s philanthropic group does various projects throughout the year that are meant to instill the love of helping others. —Vallari Bhave
NON PAI
MILTON, Ga. – Katherine Rojales was honored Oct. 19 as one of the brightest middle school students in the world at a national awards ceremony sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). The Center awarded Rojales, a homeschooled seventh grade student, for her exceptional performance as a middle school student on the college SAT, ACT or similar test as part of the 2013-2014 CTY Talent Search. CTY uses above-grade-level tests (such as the college ACT for middle school students) because they provide a clear picture of advanced students’ academic abilities. This year there were more than 33,470 eligible participants in the CTY Talent Search, which identifies and recognizes the academic capabilities of advanced students around the world. Students from 50 states and 67 countries participated in the 2013-2014 Talent Search. Of the 16,459 seventh and eighth grade participants, only 960 U.S. and international middle school students scored high enough on their above-grade-level tests to be invited to the ceremony on the Johns Hopkins University campus; only six of these were from Georgia. Of the invited students, Katherine was one of the 85 students who achieved a perfect score on the reading section of the ACT. She also scored in the top 3 percent globally for college bound students. “Academic talent knows no geographic, cultural, or socioeconomic boundaries,” said Elaine Tuttle Hansen, executive director of CTY. “We are so pleased to take a moment to recognize these academically talented students for their remarkable achievements, and to honor the parents and educators who have
Home-schooled, middle school student Katherine Rojales, wearing her medal, awarded to her for outstanding achievement on standardized testing. guided them along the way.” Students honored at the 2014 Grand Ceremony qualified for CTY’s residential summer programs, online classes, and family programs. At CTY, academically advanced students meet others like them and form a community of learners. —Vallari Bhave
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SPORTS
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 11
N. Fulton’s UGA Bulldog connection Seniors Bennett, Andrews lead team with championship goals By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com
to talk about their careers and plans for after college.
NORTH FULTON, Ga. – As usual, the University of Georgia Bulldogs began the season with designs on championships – the much ballyhooed Southeastern Conference and the ever elusive National Championship. Two senior leaders on that Bulldog team not named Gurley who are playing major roles in that quest have deep North Fulton connections. Michael Bennett (Alpharetta High School) and David Andrews (Wesleyan School) are four-year lettermen who still have their eyes on the National Championship despite their current No. 8 ranking in the polls. They point out their future is still in their hands. Four of the teams ranked ahead of the Dawgs are in the SEC. If the Bulldogs keep winning, they will come out of the SEC championship with one of the four coveted bids for this new NCAA playoff system. Meanwhile, Andrews and Bennett still have their eyes on the prize, and are working to stay focused on those University of Florida Gators in their annual set-to in Jacksonville. The two players took time out from their books and practice
David Andrews – Dream season at dream school Among the prep school rating services, center David Andrews was highly touted coming out of Wesleyan School in 2010. He was the No. 6 or the No. 9 player in the country at his position, depending which recruiting service you looked at. And he was the 2010 Gwinnett County Offensive Lineman of the Year. After a redshirt year, he has played a key part in the Bulldog offense, anchoring as the starter the last two years. As he looks back in his final season, he says it has been a good decision to come to UGA. “Georgia was my dream school. It’s where I always wanted to go. It felt like home to me,” Andrews said. “There was no thinking when it came to me to decide. Georgia was the place for me.” Looking back at playing in the SEC in nationally important games with the likes of Aaron Murray (last year) and Todd Gurley, Andrews says he’s “been blessed.” “I’ve got to experience a lot, and done a lot in my career,” he said. “I’ve played a lot on some highly touted teams with a lot of talent. These are good
UGA SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS
Michael Bennett has been a go-to-guy for Georgia QBs, with steady hands and a knack for getting open.
ANDREWS
BENNETT
teammates I’ve shared a lot with and will never forget.” Teams lose players to injuries and sometimes when they neglect their grades, but the
See BULLDOG, Page 28
UGA SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS
David Andrews surveys the defense against Troy State before calling the blocking signals.
12 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
SCHOOLS
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Board extends school superintendent contract through 2017 Compensation nearly $400K annually from pay, benefits By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com ATLANTA – Fulton School Superintendent Robert Avossa will head the state’s fourth largest school system until at least 2017, following action by the Fulton School Board to extend his contract an AVOSSA additional year. Avossa’s annual base salary of $275,000 remains unchanged, but the board did increase its annual contribution to his 401(a) retirement fund from 10 to 15 percent of the base salary. This bump will increase the annual contribution to $41,250. “I came to Fulton County Schools because I saw great opportunity to make a real difference in the way we reach and teach students. We have made incredible strides over the past three years, and we have a lot of data and individual success stories that tell the story of how we’ve improved opportunities for many children,” said Avossa.
“I came to Fulton County Schools because I saw great opportunity to make a real difference in the way we reach and teach students. We have made incredible strides over the past three years, and we have a lot of data ... of how we’ve improved opportunities for many children.” ROBERT AVOSSA Fulton School Superintendent The one-year extension for Avossa has become the norm for the Fulton School Board, allowing the superintendent to remain under contract for the maximum time allowed under Georgia law. “By state law, the Board of Education can only offer a three-year contract,” explained Samantha Evans, communications director for Fulton Schools. “It is 2014, so the superintendent’s contract can only run to 2017. The Board extended the contract as long as they could.”
She added the Fulton School Board first offered a three-year contract to Avossa in 2011 when he came to work for Fulton; then have added one year to the end of the contract as the years expire. Should Avossa choose to end the contract before the end date, he will be subject to an early termination penalty of $100,000. “Dr. Avossa’s contract is one of few in Georgia that has a penalty clause for prematurely leaving the school district, showing his commitment
Breakdown of Superintendent Robert Avossa’s compensation: Base salary Auto allowance Expense allowance Medical coverage TRS contribution Sick leave Vacation leave Total annual compensation
$275,000 9,600 15,000 7,235 13,750 11,703 11,703 $343,990
In addition to the annual compensation, the school system pays for a term life insurance policy ($500 annually), and contributes 10 percent of his salary to a 401(a) account (currently $27,500 annually). Under the new contract, the 401(a) contribution will rise to 15 percent of the base salary, which will increase the contribution to $41,250 each year.
to staying in Fulton and getting the job done,” said Evans. If Avossa remains on board through 2017, he will become the longest serving Fulton superintendent in more than two decades and the second most tenured school chief in metro Atlanta. On the pay scale, his base salary ranks below only Gwinnett County Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks ($500K) and Atlanta Public Schools Chief Meria Carstarphen ($375K). His leadership style over the past three years has focused heavily on ensuring the best leaders are in place at the central office, but most importantly at the local school level.
More than half of the principals in place at the start of his tenure are no longer in those same positions. While there may be staff grumblings about his strict accountability expectations, Avossa retains unprecedented support among the sevenmember Board of Education. “Dr. Avossa’s work as superintendent has infused new energy and focus into our district,” said School Board President Linda Schultz. “Dr. Avossa is leading a highly effective team that is focused on the right things, and as a governance board, we’re extremely pleased with the results we’re seeing.”
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Blessed Trinity High School Main & Aux Gym 11320 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075
Saturday, November 15th - 9:00am – 4:00pm Sunday, November 16th - 10:00am – 3:00pm Free Admission!
Over 100 vendors with a large variety of unique and beautiful gift items - Jewelry, Wreaths, Pottery, Origami, Fine Art, Holiday and Home Décor, Monogramming, Accessories, Knits, Children’s Items, Huge Bake Sale and much more! - Tons of parking and all booths are indoors - Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes - Concessions will be available
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Cambridge Pink Out MILTON, Ga. – The Cambridge High School Cheer Club raised $200 at their Pink Out Game on Friday, Oct. 24. The cheerleaders wore pink bows and socks, cheered with pink poms and decorated the field with pink balloons. They sold pink out tattoos for donations and went into the stands collecting from the Cambridge Bears Fans.“We are so proud of our cheerleaders and fans,” said Coach Allison Chambless, head cheerleading coach. “They were able to make a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation and continue to raise breast cancer awareness.” Pink Out is an annual event held in October during a Cambridge High School home football game. —Rachael Dier
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14 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
COMMUNITY
Chili cook-off showcases local artists By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Originally started as a way to get people interested in the Roswell Arts Center West, the Roswell Chili Cook-Off has been spicing up the community for four years now, and not just with chili. A.J. Argentina, the facility supervisor for Roswell Arts Center West, said the chili cook-off, which takes place this year on Nov. 8, began with a movement within the ceramics community called Empty Bowls. “Empty Bowls is a simple, grassroots concept of potters making bowls and donating the work to a host group that offers a meal to patrons for a donation,” Argentina said. “The patrons are then allowed to keep the bowl as a memory of their experience, and the donations are used to help feed the hungry.” Argentina said the cookoff was also built around the idea of getting a group of locals involved in outdoor cooking and family-friendly activities that would create a buzz about the bowls, the clay programs offered on the property and the competitive spirit of the cook-off. The Empty Bowls concept
The Roswell Arts Center West is housed at 1355 Woodstock Road. was a great fit for their cookoff, he said, because Leita Thompson Park houses the Arts Center West, a facility dedicated entirely to the ceramic arts and managed by the city of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department. “We love the idea of donating the proceeds to the hungry, but in the past have chosen to donate to North Fulton Charities and to the city of Roswell’s Play It Forward program to keep our humble donation more local,” Argentina said. Making people aware of all that goes on in Arts Center West is one of the major reasons for having the cook-off, said Allison Comer, a student at the arts center. “People don’t realize what goes on in that white house on the hill, and we want people to
know there is a great art center here that is actually part of the Roswell Parks and Recreation Department,” she said. Comer said that the bowls at the event are made by a variety of people. “The bowls are made by students, apprentices and teachers at Arts Center West,” Comer said. “We need many bowls for the cook-off so we welcome anyone in our studio who is willing to make a bowl, or multiple bowls, for this event. Usually the bowls for this event are left unsigned, and it’s fun if you have favorite artists to guess which bowl they might have made.” After taking a year off, Argentina said they hope to have more of the same competitive community spirit at this year’s event.
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If you go What: 4th annual Roswell Chili Cook-Off When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Leita Thompson Memorial Park Cost: Tickets are $20; Includes: A beautiful handmade ceramic bowl of your choice made by the Clay Collective group All the chili you care to taste A ballot to vote for your favorite chili $5 worth of tickets that can be used to purchase additional items such as drinks, ice cream, games and clay activities. Additional $5 tickets are available for additional “family members” once the initial $20 donation is made. That entitles the holder to sample all the chili. The lesser fee will not include the bowl or tickets for additional items.
Empty Bowls is a simple, grassroots concept of potters making bowls and donating the work to a host group that offers a meal to patrons for a donation.” A.J. ARGENTINA Facility supervisor for Roswell Arts Center West “We have an incredible variety of talented people, in many aspects of life and art, who participate in our programs at Arts Center West,” Argentina said. “We love the opportunity to
share those talents with those who know little about what we do here and to have a good time doing so.” For more information, visit http://roswellgov.com/forms. aspx?fid=59.
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COMMUNITY
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Christmas heritage on display Community event honors holidays By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – With the holiday season fast approaching, Vesta Smith is filled to the brim with a generous spirit. In fact, she has so much spirit, she wants to share it with the entire community. Smith heads the American Heritage Society of Georgia, a group that dedicates itself to preserving the spirit of the country’s founding fathers while educating the communities of North Fulton, Forsyth and beyond about the nation’s melting pot of Christmas traditions that built the country. For the Christmas season, Smith and her group are hosting a Christmas Traditions Bazaar and Fair and a singing Christmas tree Nov. 15 and 16 at the historic Old Milton High School in downtown Alpharetta. “This all evolved from the mission of the American Heritage Society of Georgia,” Smith said. She said the bazaar and singing tree are an opportunity to bring the community togeth-
er to enjoy each other’s company and make new memories. “We anticipate it being an annual event where families and the community can come together and get more people involved,” she said. The vendors in the bazaar will be arranged in “villages.” Santa’s Village will have artisans and craftsmen; Frosty’s Snow Village will feature nonprofits; Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Bakery and Candy Shoppe; and North Pole Village with commercial retail vendors. So far, Smith said there are more than 45 vendors offering hundreds of unique items for sale. Along with the sales, live Christmas music provided by local dulcimer bands the Hilltop Stummers of Canton and an Alpharetta group will fill the air, adding to the Christmas spirit. Christmas movie
matinees are both days, as well as a visit from the characters from the movie “Frozen” and Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Toy Shoppe A Christmas petting farm from Little Red Barn will provide animals for children’s entertainment, as well as for the live animal Nativity. Pony rides and a Polar Express trackless train will run through the event. Children’s art s and crafts will be provided by Scoop-Itz. Bring an appetite for German food, funnel cake, chick-
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northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 15
If you go
If you go
What: Christmas Traditions Bazaar and Fair
What: Live Singing Christmas Tree
When: Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
When: Nov. 15 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.; Nov. 16 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Milton Center, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta
Where: Milton Center, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta
en, fish, candy and cakes, coasted corn and potatoes. Hot chocolate, apple cider and coffee are also available. For the singing Christmas tree, Smith said families can bring lawn chairs, blankets and flashlights to sit in the school stadium to hear choruses perform yuletide hymns and carols under the stars. Families can also take part. “It’s going to be a singalong,” Smith said. This Annual Celebration is one of America’s Melting Pot of “Christmas Traditions” that contributed in building communities and strengthening American families. The Christmas story will be told between songs. “This will be Christmas under the stars,” Smith said. “I hope this will be an inspiration to other people. “This is an opportunity to get away from the cares of the world for a few hours,” she
Cost: Suggested $5 donation or a gift
said. “We want to make it a lot of fun for everyone.” Harvesting Hope Ministries, Inc. will join the American Heritage Society of Georgia, Inc. this year with such sponsors as the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Appen Media Group and St. Nicholas Anglican Church for this foot-stomping, crowd-pleasing, historical educational celebration reminiscent of the way life used to be when communities came together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company sharing & exchanging wisdom, ideas and knowledge. In lieu of a $5 donation at the door, families and communities are asked to consider as an option to bring a new unwrapped toy, game,
See CHRISTMAS, Page 36
16 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
AVALON
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HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Avalon opens on time Oct. 30 with the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle and NAP Managing Partner Mark Toro wielding the scissors.
EFFORTLESS, MEANINGFUL, MEMORABLE:
Avalon celebrates opening – with further ado Much-ballyhooed ‘Next Big Thing’ debuts with live concerts, chef tastings, fashion shows in four-day event blitz By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga – The wait is over. The buzz is over. It is here. Avalon, the “Next Big Thing,” has flung open its doors, and within are the beckoning calls of its 54 Aladdinlike stores, restaurants, upscale houses and apartments, entertainment and more. And just in time for Christmas, too. Another 18 stores will open after the first of the year for a full complement of 72. The Oct. 30 VIP breakfast kicked off the grand opening of the $300 million Phase I of the 86-acre mixed-use development from North American Properties at Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. There were smiles all around as the grand opening went off as scheduled and on a bright sunny morning for good measure. From the time residents and visitors drive onto the property, they can expect an experience unlike any other shopping and dining foray, said North American Properties Managing Partner Mark Toro. “Their experience will be effortless, meaningful and memorable,” Toro told the
gathered dignitaries. “When people come here, they will find that there are stores here, but it is not a shopping mall,” he said. “They will find apartments here, but it is not an apartment complex. They will find homes here, but it not a subdivision.” Avalon, Toro said, “is an experience.” When the property was first assembled by its former owners, it was called Prospect Park. In terms of design, Prospect Park would have looked much like what had come before it – retail here, Class A office there and some residential attached. When that project was swallowed up in the Great Recession, the property sat for several years while the banks dithered about what to do with it. Then, the property came under the scrutiny of North American Properties. NAP had recently acquired the troubled Atlantic Station mixed-use development and was in the midst of turning it around, when the company became aware that Wells Fargo owned Prospect Park and would listen to a serious offer for it. NAP President and Chief
Executive Officer Tom Williams saw the potential it had as the economy emerged from the doldrums of 2008-11. “We came here and saw the opportunity the property presented. We saw how strong the demographics were,” Williams said. “We had become involved with Atlantic Station, so we were here; we had learned a lot about the Atlanta market. We saw it was a very unique property. So we decided to take on the challenge.” Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce President Brandon Beach said when NAP first presented the Avalon plan that it was “iconic, transformational and a game-changer” for the entire region. At the grand opening, he said he sees nothing that would make him change that statement. “I mean how many $600 million projects [with Phase II] are getting built in the United States today?” Beach said. “Not only will this be the first gigabyte community in Georgia – streaming data 100 times faster than anything today – it offers company CEOs and regional directors a place to
See AVALON, Page 17
ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
Children enjoy the festivities at Avalon’s grand opening.
AVALON
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Shoppers take a stroll around Avalon.
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 17
ABBY BREAUX/STAFF ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
A visitor at Avalon’s grand opening stops by concierge for more information.
JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF
JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Shoppers eagerly await stores to open at Avalon.
Avalon: Continued from Page 16 live and enjoy the lifestyle they want to have.” Beach has returned from a recent tour of Google headquarters. He said they interviewed all of their employees under 30. The survey showed: 100 percent of them no longer owned a landline phone. 80 percent did not want to own a home. 50 percent didn’t own a car. “They don’t want the hassles of insurance and maintenance of car. They bike or take local transit. They don’t want to be tied down by a mortgage, and they live, breathe and sleep with their mobile phone in their hand,” Beach said. Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle said Avalon is a perfect fit for Alpharetta. With its
ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle.
North American Properties President & CEO Tom Williams.
600 technology companies encamped in greater Alpharetta, the new $25 million Gwinnett Technical College campus going up across the street, the lifestyle and the great public and private schools in the city, it is easy to see why Avalon wanted to be here as well, the
mayor said. “This will be a springboard for future development as well,” Belle Isle said. He pointed to the Alpharetta City Center already under construction downtown with the new City Hall rising as just one example of more things on
ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerace CEO Brandon Beach .
the way. There is one technology company in Alpharetta for every 100 residents, the densest ratio in the country. There are also new residential developments going up downtown and the city has a shortlist of three developers for
ABBY BREAUX/STAFF
Mark Toro of North America Properties.
the City Center project. On opening day, no one was happier than Toro, who has nurtured the project from the neighborhood meetings through rezoning and construction. “I’m elated,” Toro said. “Avalon has exceeded all of my expectations. Now, I will start
COMMUNITY
18 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
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‘Girls night out’ for a cause Event helps ailing child By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. – Kate Service, 6, is a soft-spoken first-grader at Kelly Mill Elementary School. You wouldn’t know it to look at her, but she battled with liver failure almost a year ago. Last November, family and friends launched a holiday bazaar to keep up with the costs of a liver transplant that saved her life. On Nov. 7, the second annual Team Kate Holiday Bazaar will be held at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 13560 Cogburn Road in Alpharetta from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. “We hold a kickoff to the holiday season,” said Kate’s mother, Lisa Service. “At the same time, we get to raise money for Kate.” With admission at $10, the event will have raffles and other prizes, and all of the proceeds go to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). “It’s a ‘girls’ night out,’ so we’re making it a night out party with hors d’oeuvres and mocktails,” said Michelle Hall, a family friend and volunteer
If you go What: Team Kate Holiday Bazaar When: Nov. 7 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Where: St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 13560 Cogburn Road in Alpharetta Cost: $10 admission at COTA for Kate S., Kate’s fundraising organization. Last month, Kate celebrated a second birthday, the anniversary of her liver transplant, with her class at Kelly Mill Elementary and with her family in Cumming. “If you didn’t know Kate got sick, you wouldn’t know anything about it,” said Owen, 9, her brother. In the beginning of 2013, her parents noticed unusual symptoms in Kate and took her to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta at Egleston. “A couple of times she got sick with normal viruses, and her liver just shut down,” Lisa said. “The doctors told us that for whatever reason, her liver was working as hard as it could regularly, and when she
Kate Service with her father, William, mother, Lisa, and brother, Owen.
got sick there was nothing left for it to give. He said, ‘You’re dodging bullets at this point.’” It was recommended that she get a new liver. “Most people aren’t aware,” said William Service, Kate’s father. “They don’t associate transplants with children. It’s something that happens to older people, not to kids.” Kate’s parents waited for a donor. It was four months and a few more hospital visits later before they received one. She was in the hospital preparing to be discharged when they got the news she would receive a new liver. She had her transplant about 24 hours later. “It felt like it was a long time between getting Alpharetta the call and actually getting the surgery,”
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It’s still a big change in our lives ... You put on a good front and a strong front, but it’s still there. The scariness is still there.” LISA SERVICE Kate’s mother
William said. The immediate need for a new liver is over, but Kate will have extensive medical bills for the rest of her life. “We still get bloodwork at the hospital,” Kate said. Anticipating more blood tests, anti-rejection medicine, steroids and other expenses, the family has created a fund for Kate to use throughout her life with COTA. The family set an ambitious goal in the first year of $50,000, which they exceeded, and reached $54,761 (as of Oct. 30). They haven’t stopped since the liver transplant, and donations continue to arrive. “We don’t want her to have to struggle if she doesn’t have to just to pay her medical bills,” Lisa said. Lisa and Kate’s grandmother have an ongoing craft project, which will be featured at the bazaar. William said that their efforts have brought out support from family and friends, and even strangers. One woman
saw their Team Kate sticker on the car in a parking lot and reached out to them. “She looked at [Kate], and – this was someone we didn’t know – and she said, ‘Is that Kate that I follow on Facebook?’ And she sat and talked to us for a couple of minutes,” he said. “We must be having some kind of an impact if other people know about her.” “It restores your faith in humanity,” Lisa said. “There really are good people in the world.” In the meantime, the family is still adjusting to what Lisa called “a new normal.” “It’s still a big change in our lives,” Lisa said. “You put on a good front and a strong front, but it’s still there. The scariness is still there.” “We feel very blessed to have come through it,” William said. For more information, visit www.cotaforkates.com. To follow Kate’s story on Facebook, visit www.facebook. com/COTAforKateS.
19 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
Sponsored by
It provides local merchants the opportunity to enter into a world-class retail environment and sell products alongside national and international brands. VANESSA SCHEPIS, owner of The Red Hound Gifts
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Small businesses find home among giant retailers By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Along the avenues of Avalon, amid the stately, chic retail shops, Vanessa Schepis surveys the passing crowds. The giant fountain in front of her small outdoor kiosk reflects the morning sunlight, forcing her to squint sometimes. But she never misses a chance to greet a customer. Schepis’ store, The Red Hound Gifts, is one of eight kiosks sprinkled strategically on the upscale sidewalks of Avalon. “We knew Avalon would bring a lot of people to the area, and we just wanted to say we’re a local store that supports the community,” Schepis said. “We’re a ‘mom-and-pop’ operation.” Schepis’ main store on Jones Bridge Road in Alpharetta carries an array of home and personal items, from dinnerware to body lotions to clothing. No way could she represent everything from her large store within the confines of the Avalon unit, but she does make use of every inch. Seven other businesses are doing the same thing. North American Properties, which operates Avalon, decided to add the kiosks to its upscale development as a gesture to the community that it supports local businesses, spokeswoman Suong Nguyen said. “It provides local merchants the opportunity to enter into a world-class retail environment and sell products alongside national and international brands,” she said. Larger tenants appear to have accepted the idea, Nguyen said, because the small shops offer merchandise that supplements the retail mix and further enhances guests’ shopping experience. While large tenants pay from the high $20s-$60 per square foot for their retail space, each kiosk, or “merchandise unit,” rents for between $2,000-$4,000 per month. Tenants may not duplicate products or services offered at other kiosks, and they must adhere to guide-
Nancy McMinn cuts the ribbon at her new Avalon merchandising unit. lines to ensure their display is consistent with the surrounding environment. There are also guidelines in place regarding dress code and employee conduct to maintain a professional environment. Avalon has a “visual merchandiser” available to guide the process, Nguyen said. The restrictions are no problem for Holly Jones, studio director for New York-based Exhale Spa, which operates a facility in Midtown Atlanta. Jones said Avalon management has assisted every step of the way in the set-up leading to the opening. “I think it’s a great opportunity to experience the growth here,” she said. “We’re having a good time.”
Vanessa Schepis, owner of The Red Hound Gifts.
20 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
BusinessPosts
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@northfulton.com
Coaching Becoming an accidental landlord your sales ROBERT STRADER team DICK JONES
Founder & President Jones Simply Sales
How much time are you spending coaching your sales team? Has your coaching been effective in helping them generate more business? Are you facilitating this process by telling your sales professionals what to do, and also showing and demonstrating how to do it? Coaching your sales team the right way can help them help you by generating more sales. Coaching your sales team starts with motivating them. Let them know that what you are telling, showing and demonstrating will actually help them to increase their sales. In other words, if they listen to you and follow your guidance, they will actually close more business. Once you have them motivated, you have to engage
...if they listen to you and follow your guidance, they will actually close more business. them in a conversation about the current approach they are using to identify opportunities, build relationships and close business. Understanding their current process will allow you to make improvement suggestions, or recommend something they aren’t doing that will be helpful. Coaching your sales team to be more effective is important. Equally important is getting them to be more efficient. Join your sales reps during client meetings so you can observe their behavior and offer feedback right after the meeting. Help them to develop a business development plan and teach them how to use the technology you’ve provided them more effectively.Spending time coaching your sales team will help you to do more business, and your sales team will like that because they will make more money!
Home prices have slowed the dramatic rise we’ve seen over the past 18 months, but the good news is that they are still going up, just at a more reasonable pace. We have seen a drop in buyer demand this year due to the rise in prices and low inventory, but the good news is that inventory is rising as well. While this is all basically good news, there are still homeowners who purchased at the peak of the market and aren’t quite where they need to be in order to sell comfortably. There are zip codes in
Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty
Atlanta that are still down 20 percent to 50 percent from the peak. In our area on the north side, the picture is far better, with 10 percent to 15 percent of homes under their peak value. Add to that a new trend in corporate relocation strategies where
companies are opting for shorter-term and more flexible assignments, resulting in a homeowner who may be anticipating coming back to their home. These factors are adding up to more and more homeowners becoming accidental landlords. Needing to rent their property because they either can’t sell or intend to return is putting them into this situation. But there is still a strong market for renters and a large pool of people who haven’t quite moved their credit back to a purchasing position or don’t
know where they ultimately want to be so they are opting to rent for a year or more. However, becoming a landlord – especially a long distance landlord – could be risky if you don’t cover all the bases. I recommend using a rental management company that will perform all the necessary financial and background checks. They will help you determine the most you can ask for rent, find the right and reputable tenants, collect rent for you, manage repairs and, in the worst cases, handle evictions.
Mercedes-Benz 2015 C-Class
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NewBusinessSpotlights NewBusinessSpotlights
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 21
Lift Yoga opens in Alpharetta Business: Lift Yoga Studio Opened: August 2014 Owners: Kim Saunders, Irina Burlack What: “A full-service yoga and barre studio offering a variety of empowering classes.” Where: 501 S. Main St., Alpharetta Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week Call: 470-268-4362 Web: www.liftyogastudiol.com/
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The Mansions opens in Norcross Business: The Mansions at Sandy Springs Opened: October 2014 Owner: Mansions Senior Communities What: Providing quality, independent living for senior citizens. Where: 3175 River Exchange Dr., Norcross Hours: Seven days a week Call: 678-995-0900 Web: www.mansionsseniorliving.com
NetSecure launches check deposit service
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Mobile technology company NetSecure Payments has unveiled a mobile check deposit service for iOS and Android phones and tablets. The company’s system allows merchants to deposit checks by snapping a picture of a check using a mobile phone or tablet, eliminating the need for trips to the bank. The check is processed immediately, so a merchant knows whether the check is good before the customer leaves. “For field workers, you can ensure the check is good before you leave the job site,” said NetSecure President Daniel McCann. “We want to eliminate the hassle of bounced checks.” The service can deposit checks without requiring access to a bank or other personal information, and, for a nominal fee, merchants can choose to guarantee their check deposits.
22 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
NEW HIRES »
WILSON
BusinessBriefs McIntyre will work with small businesses to tailor solutions to meet business banking needs. She uses the Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loan programs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s B&I program to equip her toolbox with the credit facilities that help small businesses advance to the next level. Wilson will be dedicated to serving businesses in the state of Georgia and beyond, concentrating on SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 lending programs for small businesses.
MCINTYRE
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@northfulton.com because they better know who they are and can speak about themselves in an intelligent way,” said Fellowship Christian School counselor Beth Buchweitz. “We are using it to teach students to see themselves in their best light and to ultimately sell themselves when applying for college or a job.”
WILLIAMS
SouthCrest Bank adds three vice presidents FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Kenneth H. Maloy, president and chief executive officer of SouthCrest Bank, announced that the bank has added three vice presidents to its staff in Georgia. Deidre (Dee Dee) McIntyre has joined the company as vice president, SBA lending. Claudia Wilson has joined as vice president, SBA lending, and Dottie Williams has joined as vice president, commercial relationship manager. Williams will work out of the bank’s Cumming loan production office, where she will be responsible for delivering banking and credit services to businesses, professionals and individuals.
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Call today for your free IT assesment.
– Tyler Jones, Principal
678-224-8000 • www.CarmichaelConsulting.net
EMPLOYMENT »
Alpharetta lawyer joins family law practice ATLANTA — Ashley Sawyer of Alpharetta has joined the family law firm of Hedgepeth, Heredia, Crumrine & Morrison as an associate. Sawyer, a Marietta native, currently serves on the board of directors for the Family Law section of the Atlanta Bar Association. in Atlanta. She is a member of the SAWYER Lawyers Club of Atlanta, the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers and the Family Law Council of Younger Lawyers and Women in the Profession sections of the Atlanta Bar Association. Before joining HHCM, she was an associate at Waggoner Hastings LLC and Levine Smith Snider & Wilson. She received her juris doctorate from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
TECHNOLOGY »
Area schools employ career-mapping service ROSWELL, Ga. — Fellowship Christian School in Roswell and Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw are partnering with ed-tech start-up YouScience to help students forge a clearer career path. The company’s College Success Profile uses research from The Ball Foundation, HumRRO and government organizations to create a scientific online profile directed to individual students’ strengths and interests. It is designed to help students graduate on time and improve career readiness. Fellowship Christian has distributed the College Success Profile to approximately 75 juniors and seniors and will require it as part of its 20142015 junior class curriculum. “In addition to helping students understand their aptitudes and interests for a potential college major, the profile offers our students a leg up – an advantage – in the competitive application process,
CHARITY »
Results Realty raises funds to benefit Easter Seals CUMMING, Ga. — Century 21 Results Realty Services raised more than $17,000 to benefit Easter Seals at a recent charity fundraiser at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College in Cumming. The Party with a Purpose was a benefit for Easter Seals North Georgia, a local charity that helps disabled children, as well as children with other challenges, and their families. The organization’s primary goal is to help them have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. The themed event was called “Denim and Diamonds,” and organizers said the fundraiser will become an annual tradition. Guests of honor included McKenzie Fishback, her parents Clint and Christina and younger sister Meadow. McKenzie was born prematurely at 24 weeks. Speaking to a crowd of more than 150 attendees, Christina applauded the assistance that her daughter and family have received from Easter Seals. Results Realty managing broker Terry Swanson said the testimonial from the Fishback family strengthened the general impression of the difference Easter Seals makes in the lives of families. “To be a part of such a wonderful organization is important to us as individuals and as a company as we strive to give back to our community,” he said.
CALENDAR
EDITOR’S PICKS
Submit your event online at northfulton.com
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 23
Send
me your event...
ERICA O’NEAL
Calendar Editor erica@northfulton.com
Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE: THE BLOCK BETWEEN HWY. 9 AND OLD ROSWELL ST. WILL BE CLOSED FROM 5:30 TO 10:00 P.M. ON SATURDAY, NOV. 8 FOR THE RACE TO RALLY HOPE 5K. EVENTS: 2ND ANNUAL TEAM KATE HOLIDAY BAZAAR
DONE TO DEATH
Johns Creek High School Theatre Department presents Done to Death at Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. Thursday, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 8. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Visit johnscreektheatre. com for more info.
Where: Lift Yoga, 501 S Main St. #101, Alpharetta When: Thursday, Nov. 6 Hours: Begins at 6 p.m. Cost: $10 Info: Bring two or more canned or non-perishable food items in support of the North Fulton Charities Food Bank. Beverages and appetizers will be provided. Must RSVP online prior to the event. Online: ww.liftyogastudio.com/
What: A fundraiser in support of six year old, Kate Service, who had a lifesaving liver transplant. Where: St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 13560 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta When: Friday, Nov. 7 Hours: 6-10 p.m. Cost: Admission is $10 Info: More than 20 vendors will be featured. Admission includes refreshments and a ticket to win door prizes. Online: facebook.com/COTAforKateS
YOGA BLOCK PARTY
What: Yoga exercises and a canned food drive for the North Fulton Charities Food Bank
FALL STUDENT SHOW & HOLIDAY SALE OPENING RECEPTION
Johns Creek Arts Center students showcase their artwork at the Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. #700, Johns Creek. Saturday, Nov. 8 from 6-8 p.m. Free. This is the opening reception for the Holiday Sale and Show which will run from Nov. 10 to Dec. 15. Visit johnscreekarts.org for more info.
4th annual Chili Cook-off hosted by the Art Center West at the Roswell Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1-3 p.m. $20 gets you a ceramic bowl, all the chili you can eat, and $5 worth of tickets for drinks, hot dogs, hay rides, inflatables and more. Visit roswellgov.com/chili for more info.
a.m. Cost: Free Info: Reservations are required. Call 770-360-8820 to make reservations. Online: afpls.org
RACES & BENEFITS: RACE TO RALLY HOPE
What: A 5k race fundraiser in support of Kiddos’ Clubhouse Foundation Where: Historic Downtown Alpharetta, corner of Academy St. and Roswell St., Alpharetta When: Saturday, Nov. 8 Hours: 6:30-10 p.m. Cost: Kid’s Fun Run is $10, 5k is $30, and phantom runner is $25 Info: Kid’s Fun Run begins at 7 p.m. and the 5k race begins at 7:30 p.m. Event includes a post-race block party with food trucks, a mobile video game truck, inflatables and more. Online: racetorallyhope.com
FRIENDS OF THE ROSWELL LIBRARY FALL BOOK SALE
Book sale at Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 2 - 5:30 p.m. Free admission, book costs vary. Visit afpls.org/ roswell-branch6 for more info. Hours: Showtimes vary. Cost: Varies from $20 to $22 per ticket Online: get.org
THEATER: CREEKSIDE UMC’S KICKIN’ CHICKEN BBQ
What: A barbecue and holiday showcase hosted by the Creekside United Methodist Church Where: Creekside campus, 673 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming When: Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. Cost: $8 per ticket Info: Over 70 vendors will be there. The event raises money for the Women’s Ministry. Online: creekside.net
GYPSY THE MUSICAL
What: A musical theatre play presented by The Cumming Playhouse loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist and focuses on her mother Rose. Where: The Cumming PLayhouse, 101 School St., Cumming When: Thursday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 9 Hours: Showtimes vary Cost: $27.50 for adult tickets, $25 for seniors, veterans and anyone 18 years old or younger Online: playhousecumming.com
MUSIC: ATLANTA FLUTE ENSEMBLE FALL CONCERT
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT AT
CHILI COOK OFF
What: A fall concert by the Atlanta Flute Ensemble directed by Kathy Farmer Where: Northeast/ Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Rd., Johns Creek When: Wednesday, Nov. 12 Hours: 10:30-11
THE ELEPHANT MAN
What: A theatre play presented by the Georgia Ensemble Theatre about the struggles of a deformed man in London during the later part of the 19th century. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell When: Wednesday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 16
100 YEARS OF BROADWAY
What: Roswell High School Chorus performing music from Broadway. Where: Roswell High School, 11595 King Rd., Roswell When: Thursday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 8 Hours: Show begins at 7 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $8 Phone: 770-552-4500
24 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
North Atlanta’s
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Sponsored Section • Milton Herald | November 5, 2014
News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.
Millennial Mortgage Myths Debunked: A New Light On Homeownership (NAPSI)—The American Dream may have looked like more of a nightmare to the millions of millennials who entered the workforce in recent years—but there could be good news. This generation, born between 1981 and the early 2000s, has a desire to pursue passion over traditional expectations. Dreams of white picket fences have been replaced by a strong desire to invest in the future. This shift, however, means many millennials pay rent instead of a mortgage. “Millennials have been swayed to believe that homeownership means a financial burden and stress,” said mortgage lender Joel Gurman. “The reality is our current housing market, paired with the financial opportunities made possible by generationally low interest rates, have opened up homeownership to many people and have actually proven renting to be an expensive and unnecessary burden.” Here are five mortgage
myths and actualities for millennials: 1. Buying a home is more expensive than renting: Unlike rent money, a mortgage payment goes toward ownership. Home prices have stabilized recently and rates remain near record lows, making payments quite affordable while gaining valuable equity. 2. I need a larger payment: Millennials often assume their limited years’ worth of savings won’t equal a large enough down payment on a home. The reality is, with standard Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-insured loans, a down payment as low as 5 percent is enough, while FHA-insured loans only require 3.5 percent. 3. My credit score is too low: With the stresses of credit card debt and student loans, millennials often struggle to maintain a desirable credit score. Fortunately, several programs, including the FHA mortgage, offer favorable credit score minimums.
4. The process is complicated and confusing: With their busy lives, millennials often assume the process of buying a home is too burdensome. Mortgage lenders today are making it as seamless as possible through technology, accessibility and mobile apps such as MyQL by Quicken Loans, the nation’s second largest retail mortgage lender, which allows clients to upload supporting documents and check the status of their loan online, anytime. 5. Homeowners must take on a 30-year payment: Thirty years can seem overwhelming for the millennial with a lifestyle fueled by the ability to be free. In reality, many lenders offer terms ranging from eight to 30 years, for as much flexibility as desired. Of the positive outlook for millennials, Gurman adds, “The future of our housing economy looks bright for millennials looking to re-evaluate their current financial hopes and dreams.”
Many millennials may be surprised to learn just how easily they can own their own homes.
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Milton Herald | northfulton.com
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
November 5, 2014 25
Remodeling Resale Value By: Pam Santoro, Harry Norman Realtor When remodeling a house, ask yourself if you are doing it solely for your enjoyment or are you doing it with a resale buyer in mind. Sometimes we upgrade a house because we love the neighborhood and the house is showing its age. Kitchen and bathroom remodels will earn you the most return on your investment provided they are done with the current design trends and a neutral pallet. Outdoor living spaces offer an opportunity to show off a spectacular yard and home by expanding the entertainment area. Fresh pine straw,
mulch and Fall flowers make a house warm and inviting. Buyers prefer wood floors over carpet. Removing dated wall paper and painting neutral colors will make a house appear more spacious and appealing SANTORO to buyers. Last but not least, location is important To learn more about purchasing a new home or the value of your current home, please feel free to contact me at 678-656-6627 or pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.
ryland.com
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In the Atlanta division, on accepted purchase agreements signed between November 1, 2014 and November 30, 2014 are eligible to receive $15,000 in Flex Cash; can be used towards MyStyle® Design Center Options and/or closing costs when using RMC Mortgage® and/or lot premiums, finished basement, etc. Incentive offer does not apply to contracts written prior to November 1, 2014. The following communities are excluded from the $15,000 incentive, Bethany Crossing, Bridleton, ManorView and Marketplace Commons. Individual promotions may vary by community. Certain included features may not be available on all plans. Value of package, and products, may vary by community and plan. Homes already under contract prior to this offer are not eligible. Plus for New to-be built homes, buyer eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Individual incentives may vary by community. Closing cost assistance available from Ryland Homes to those financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing with a closing attorney selected by Ryland. Amount of closing cost assistance may vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Buyers also eligible to receive Waived 1% Origination Fee through RMC Mortgage®; average value of $4,000 which is based on a $400,000 loan amount. The waived origination fee through RMC Mortgage® Corporation is subject to cancellation or change without notice. Buyers must make a loan application by November 30, 2014 with RMC Mortgage® Corporation (NMLS# 203897) a Georgia Residential Mortgage Lender Licensee #24225. *Buyers must also close with RMC Mortgage® Corporation. Please contact your RMC Mortgage® Corporation Representative for exact quotes. Prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Ryland reserves the right to modify or cancel these offers at any time. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or incentives. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See a Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2014 The Ryland Group, Inc.
26 November 5, 2014
Sponsored Section • REAL ESTATE REPORT
northfulton.com | Milton Herald
Selling your home quickly By Bill Rawlings Vice President/Managing Broker Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty When it comes to selling your home quickly and for its highest value, it is not just about “location, location, location” ... it is also about curb appeal. Once you get a potential buyer through the front door, the mission then turns to keeping their attention. You want to be cautious about the amount of money you put into getting your home ready to sell because not every
project ensures you will see a return on your investment. Now is not the time to start on projects that you have always wanted to tackle. You are looking to sell, so instead, think about what will be universally appealing to today’s buyer. Take some time to attend an open house in your neighborhood and look at homes similar to yours. Clean. Declutter. These cost little money and go a long way to create a positive first impression. Paint everything with neutral tones, including the walls, ceilings, front door and mailbox. New
paint will immediately freshen things up any place where your home looks tired. Do some landscaping. Update you fixtures. Gold RAWLINGS and brass are out now. It is amazing how the smallest of details can instantly modernize your home. Help buyers see the potential of each room. If you have an odd space, staging it will help a buyer visualize its best use. Remove your curtains and window treatments, unless they are modern or high-end. The more light you can let into the room, the better. Lastly, de-personalize. It is not easy, especially if you have lived there a long time and you are more attached than you would like for this process. A buyer can image themselves in the home once you remove family photos, and your magnets from the refrigerator. If you follow these suggestions, you will potentially boost your home’s selling price and decrease the amount of time it stays on the market. As always, my team and I are always available to assist you in any way we can. We are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional real estate experience.
Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com
GRAVE WORK »
COMMUNITY
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 27
Volunteers clean gravestones Wipe away dirt to clear up past By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – On the sunny morning of Saturday, Oct. 25, schoolchildren and volunteers pick their way among the gravestones at the Old Roswell Cemetery on Woodstock Road. It is a fitting activity for Halloween-time. The event was to clean and restore some of the fading inscriptions on the headstones, which, after more than 100 years, some of the stones are fading rapidly. The Old Roswell Cemetery was at one point the main cemetery for Roswell’s residents. “There are eight or nine mayors buried here and about 100 veterans,” said Janet Johnson, with the Roswell Historical Society, which leads the cleanup of the active cemetery. There are more than 2,200 people buried there. “There is a wealth of local history right here.” One burial, for someone known only as “Little Lou,” is buried in the Poudfoot family plot. The newly-revealed inscription reads “Sleep on sweet
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Old gravestones can decay and their information lost (left). Thanks to efforts from the Roswell Historical Society, the stones are getting a good cleaning (right). babe and take thy rest. God called thee home, He thought it best.” The oldest known grave stone in the cemetery is from Jan. 26, 1846, the grave of Rebecca Catherine Proudfoot, age four months, three days. Twice a year, the Society leads teams of volunteers into the cemetery to work on the stones, preserving them and recording their information. They clean the stones carefully, Johnson said. She shows volunteers how to use a mild cleaner (not bleach) to first moisten and
erode some of the dirt on the stones. Then using plastic scrapers and toothbrushes, the workers chip away at the nooks and crannies, brushing away dirt and revealing longhidden words and designs. Douse the stone in lots of water to clean away the debris. Then repeat. “You would be amazed at the difference,” Johnson said. Johnsons said the work is important, especially for some of the older stones. “They are made of limestone, so if the stones are not cleaned, the lichens will eat
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Sue Horner Steinwart slowly cleans grime from an old gravestone as part of preservation efforts by the Roswell Historical Society. into the information and inscriptions and they will become illegible,” Johnson said. “Each time you work on it, there is a little reward. Dirt comes off and rewards you with information and designs,” said Roswell Historical Society
President Johanna Harned, herself hard at work on one stone. For more information on the Roswell Historical Society and their preservation efforts, visit them online at http:// www.roswellhistoricalsociety. org.
28 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
Alpharetta Marching Raider Band wins big in Florida ALPHARETTA, Ga. – On Oct. 18, the Alpharetta Marching Raider Band won second place overall at the First Coast Marching Invitational in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. In the preliminary round, the Marching Raiders, under the direction of Band Director Mike Walsh and Assistant Band Director Ira Jenkins, placed in every category. Those scores placed the Marching Raiders in first place overall out of 19 bands. This earned the band the coveted top spot in the finals. Under the direction of T. Dean Giddens, percussion director, the Marching Raiders went on to not only take first place in the finals in percussion, but also place first in music and color guard. They narrowly missed overall first place by only eight-tenths of a point. The award-winning Alpharetta Marching Raider Band competed at their last competition of the year, the 35th Annual Old South Marching Festival at Newnan High School, on Saturday, Nov. 1. – Rachael Dier
Bulldog: Continued from Page 11 Bulldogs were blindsided when Gurley was suspended. Many sports pundits wondered if the team would fold without their star halfback. Of course in the two games that followed, the team showed they were not just the Todd Gurley show and won twice on the road against SEC opponents – never an easy task. Andrews said he was not surprised at the team’s resilience. “We’re a very close team, and we all care and love Todd,” he said. “And when we found out, we were upset about it. But it is what it is. And there’s 11 other people playing out on that football field, not just one. “We just rallied around each other and did it for him, and did it for each other,” he said. Georgia has been a great experience, said the agribusiness major. He’s found lifelong
friends here and experienced things most college students don’t have a chance to do. “I’ve been very blessed with my time here,” Andrews said. Andrews’ dad grew up on a farm, and he likes to do a lot of hunting and the outdoors. He said majoring in agribusiness would give him the chance to be outdoors a lot and be successful in the business world too. Andrews said a pro football career has always been in the back of his mind, but coming to Georgia has been everything he wanted. Running out of the tunnel into Sanford Stadium to the cheers of 90,000 fans is an indescribable feeling. “Playing at Georgia has been an unforgettable experience. Everything now is just extra,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I’ve lived out my dream.” Michael Bennett – He wants to play against the best Michael Bennett came out of Alpharetta High School with
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The Alpharetta Marching Raider Band took second place at a national competition Oct. 18. a lot of accolades – he played in the North – South All-Star Game as a senior, he made the SuperPrep All-Dixie Team and got offers to schools to play football. But Georgia was the only SEC team to offer him a scholarship. His sister had gone to Georgia so he knew a lot about the university. He also wanted to play with the best, and to Bennett, that meant playing in the SEC. He said he thought it was the right decision for him. Coach Mark Richt would tell you it was definitely the right decision for UGA. Bennett is a sure-handed receiver who always appears to make catches when the team really needs one. He’s a go-to guy who makes a play in traffic. Injured last year, Bennett is keen to make this year a great one, with or without Gurley. “I think we can go all the way. I think we can win the National Championship if we continue to play at a high level,” Bennett said. “We can
do it if we continue to play at a high level, continue to trust one another and the coaches and just play together. “I know that sounds cliché, but that’s what it is really all about,” he said. Asked if he gives any thought to professional football, Bennett says playing in the NFL has been a dream of his. “I hope I get blessed with that opportunity. I really have to just focus on what I’m doing right now. You really just have to trust in God that whatever happens, happens. I can be OK with that as long as I’m giving my best effort,” Bennett said. “Football has been rough on my body my whole career, so hopefully it can pay me down the road,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen, it’s no big deal.” Bennett is majoring in sports management, so he won’t be far from the sports world. “I just want to be around sports; it’s my passion,” he said. Looking ahead to playing
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Florida this week, Bennett said he is expecting a tough game because Florida always plays hard against the Bulldogs. “It will take a lot of focus,” he said. “Jacksonville is always an awesome stage. This is my favorite game to play in, it really is. No matter what their record is, no matter what our record is, it is always a dogfight.” If Georgia continues to win, Bennett says he doesn’t care who they play in SEC championship. He knows whatever team comes out of the West will be tough. As a senior, he looks back on his time at UGA fondly. “It’s been great experience at Georgia. There’s a great social life here, and I met my girlfriend here,” he said. “It’s awesome here. You’ve got to love it here. You have to love the community and their passion for football. “It’s been a great experience here, but I am working on my fifth year here,” he said. “It’s going to be hard to leave, but it is time for a new season in life.”
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The Cambridge Varsity Softball team reached the state semifinals Friday, Oct. 31. They played Greenbrier. For results, visit www.northfulton.com.
Cambridge softball makes it to semifinals MILTON, Ga. – The Cambridge girls varsity softball team reached the state semifinals Oct. 31 where they faced Greenbrier. The team is guaranteed to place at least third in the state.
They played a double-header Oct. 30, facing first Harris County in the afternoon, where they won 3-0. That evening, Cambridge faced Union Grove and defeated them 9-1. Kiera Napoli pitched both games. Napoli struck out 14 batters in the first game and
11 in the second. She has 260 strike outs this season. Cambridge faced Greenbrier Friday, after this paper went to print. For results, visit www.northfulton. com. —Jonathan Copsey
Dunn Right Dawgs bring home string of victories
Front row, from left, are Nicholas Turner, Jake Dwoskin, Gabe Neill, Will Guida, Bryce Turner and Obie Bowers. Second row are Kaleb Harris, Brian Orkin, Cameron Hewitt, Peter Belasick, Trey Larkin and Geoffrey Watkins. Back row are coaches Adam Orkin, Jeff Troutt and Dennis Hood.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – It was a good season for the Dunn Right Dawgs in several age groups. The 11U Dunn Right Dawgs-Red brought home the Sharon Springs Fall Classic championship Sept. 21 at Sharon Springs Park in Cumming with a 4-1 defeat over the Georgia Knights. They followed up with a second place finish Oct. 5 in the Triple Crown Georgia fall state championship at Central Park. Teammates are: Ashton Frankel, Marc Gustafson, Jim Belasick, Cole Drescher, Christopher Phillips, Jacob Mattox, Ayden Barber, Chase Hall, Ryan Dunn, Nick DiFelice, Coach Ryan Dunn, Coach Aaron Dunn and Coach Angelo DiFelice. The next weekend on September 28th, the 9U Dunn Right Dawgs took the Sharon Springs Fall Shootout Championship. Teammates are: Lucas Kniola, J. Michael Pierce, Ethan Babcock, CJ Lovett, and Luke Jenson. In the back row: Gabriel Chigwere, Parker Johnson, Hank Holmes, Michael Zito, and Christopher Bradburn. On Oct. 26, the 13U Dunn Right Dawgs won the Sharon Springs Halloween Classic
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30 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
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Ludwig Orchestra debuts 12-year-old’s music River Trail seventh-grader shows rare musical talent By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Maestro Thomas Ludwig has played with and conducted many great musical talents of all ages, but 12-year-old Andrew “Panda” Wang has won his absolute admiration. The remarkable young student was brought to Ludwig’s attention by Johns Creek piano teacher Hwee Boon Ng. “He had been a piano student since he was about 6, and then he took up the cello as well,” Ludwig said. “Next, he asked his teacher if he could learn composition and conducting.” Ludwig agreed to meet the young man and was immediately impressed. “He came with notebooks full of scored music. We sat down and looked at them, and I could see right away Panda had some really good ideas,” he said. “We began to go over pages of music and as we
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I started off by writing small themes. My first pieces were repetitive. Then I began writing larger pieces that were longer. So I went looking for someone to teach me composing and conducting.” ANDREW “PANDA” WANG
talked, I saw that he has that tenacity to learn more.” Panda’s mother Linda Wang started him taking piano lessons because in the Chinese community all children learn to play a musical instrument. Panda wasn’t so enthusiastic at first. He took lessons from two piano teachers, but it wasn’t until he was around the age of 8 or 9 that he had a change of heart about the piano. He suddenly became more interested in music. “I can’t explain why,” he said. He also wanted to learn to play the cello. Then he found these musical themes came in his head and began to write them down. “I started off by writing
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Andrew “Panda” Wang will have his music debut at the Ludwig Orchestra's fall concert. small themes. My first pieces were repetitive. Then I began writing larger pieces that were longer. So I went looking for someone to teach me composing and conducting,” Panda said. Panda is a young man who is not afraid to stretch his wings. He began to use orchestration charts that allowed him to turn sketches of his themes composed on the piano into fully orchestrated music blending each of the instruments to create a richer, more complex piece of music. Asked how he does this,
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Panda said it is about understanding how each instrument sounds. “With all instruments, some pitches are better for certain instruments, and other pitches for other instruments. So certain instruments play at a certain time,” he said. “It’s like a balancing act.” Ludwig says Panda is an amazing talent. He plans to introduce his music in his next concert at the Gwinnett Civic Center by announcing the “world premier of a new composition by an international composer.” Then he will bring Panda onstage as that composer and stand back to watch the audience’s consternation. Panda makes time for his other interests though. For instance, he likes to read the classics. He recently finished Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” but his favorite book right now
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is Dickens’ “David Copperfield.” That’s a bit steeper than a Batman comic book to be sure. “I like the classics because they make me think. The sentences aren’t so straightforward,” Panda said. Linda Wang apologizes and says she also makes him read “fun books.” He also likes to make 3-D models on his computer. He recently won a competition for modeling at a technology fair as well. “I guess he likes more creative things,” his mother said. “He also fences four times a week, and he likes to garden.” When he grows up, Panda said he thinks he might like to be a conductor – or find a job in the science field. But that’s a long way off from now. “What I want to do now is write more pieces [of music] … larger and more advanced,” he said.
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Santa makes surprise visit to Roswell’s Slope’s BBQ Top-rated Santa turns out to be Roswell-bred By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com ROSWELL, Ga. – An early sighting of Roswell’s own Santa, Thomas Tolbert, was at Slope’s Barbecue on Crossville Road Nov. 1 for free portraits with Santa to kick off the holiday season. Bob White, founder of the Slope’s franchise and chief cook and bottle washer at the Roswell location, said he wanted to say thank you to all of his loyal customers. “But I thought it would be a treat for folks here to bring their kids and see Santa and get their picture made. And I have one of the best Santas in the country. What’s more, he grew up right here in Roswell,” White said. Tolbert was happy to oblige. “This to me, this place is Old Roswell. I remember back in the day when the stores would really decorate. I miss that when I go to New York,” Tolbert said. “I like to come here for one of Mr. Bob’s cheese biscuits.” Tolbert, a fourth-generation Roswellian, has been rated by Time magazine as one of the Top 10 Santas in the United States. Judging by the number of department stores, malls and Christmas parades, that’s a big field of Santas from which to choose. But one look at his curly white beard and hair, chubby red face and soft-spoken demeanor emits an aura that is pure Santa. He doesn’t say how old he is. Instead, he steals the line from “Miracle on 34th Street.” “I’m as old as my tongue but younger than my teeth,” he likes to say. Each holiday season, he goes to Bridgewater, New Jersey, just across the river from the Big Apple, where he reigns supreme in a Santa fantasy land in a huge mall there. Of course his springboard to stardom came when he and his family visited Disney World. He is the guy who made national news when Disney security accosted him for looking Santa-ish (he was wearing a red shirt). He was creating more of a stir than Mickey
or Cinderella and drawing a larger crowd. It caused quite a news flap at the time, but Tolbert said it was really blown out of proportion by the media. (Can you imagine?) He explained he was a guest there, and would tell the children, “Hey, Santa goes on vacation too.” Disney were apologetic and invited him to come back for another visit on Walt – but without the red shirt. Tolbert didn’t start out to be a professional Santa. He had the job thrust upon him. Tolbert always had a bent toward the performing arts and attended the Northside School of Performing Arts. Among his matriculating classmates were Jasmine Guy and Ru-Paul. When he was about 16, he got a desperate call from his dad, Ben Tolbert, who with his partner Joe Mansell operated the Roswell Department Store. Their Santa was a no-show, and he was to report forthwith to don the red suit and beard. “So they wigged me, bearded me and pillowed me, and after that, it was just my job every year to be Santa,” Tolbert said. (Today, he needs none of these applications.) Tolbert took to the role hand-in-glove. He enjoyed it. Other opportunities around Roswell presented themselves, and he would ask his friends to be the elves. When he went off to college, he took his Santa accoutrements with him. And that’s where Santa the college student strayed a little from the path. He lived off campus and would invite friends to his apartment for a cocktail party. Then he got the idea of sending out invitations for cocktails with Santa, where he would host his parties in full regalia. The college authorities got wind of it and said no more Santa cocktail parties. It was some years later, and Santa was always a seasonal bit of fun and extra money, until he experienced his “Christmas miracle.” About five years ago, he was invited to visit a family as Santa, and they had a child with disabilities. The child was 21 years old, but was only the size of a 6-month-old baby. “He was in his mother’s arms and was pulled up tight as a drum. I asked if I could hold him, and the mother said,
‘He won’t let you.’ I said let me try,” Tolbert said. As Santa held the young man, he became calm and more relaxed. “Then his color changed, and relaxed some more. Then he looked up at me and smiled,” he said. The mother looked at him and said, “You’re blessed.” He went home to his family in Johns Creek that night, and they asked what was wrong, because he was so moved. “I can’t explain it, but I knew something had happened. Then I asked God if this was what he wanted,” he said. “And I believe being Santa can be a ministry.” The family he visited that night in South Carolina may think so. They make the journey to New Jersey every year so their son can once again see the man who is for them Santa Claus.
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Santa enjoys a good meal at Slope’s before heading back to the North Pole.
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SCHOOLS
Alpharetta debaters at the top
Independence High School students literally count down the days until graduation. From left are Christopher Bautista, Araceli Martinez and José Ruíz-Marquez.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The National Speech and Debate Association honored the Alpharetta High School speech team by ranking the school in the top 5 percent of schools nationwide.
Rivers Academy student recognized by national society ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) has recognized Rivers Academy student Morgan Laboda. The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. “On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Morgan has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.
Independence High School graduates 18 Students in October ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- From the very first day of each new school year, students who attend Independence High School in Alpharetta know that the clocks are ticking and there is no time to lose. The four "Countdown to Graduation" clocks hanging in the Main Lobby serve as a constant reminder that the passing of each second brings them that much closer to their goal of graduating. Independence High School operates on the Mini-Semester system, providing the opportunity for students to earn eight academic credits each year versus six in the traditional school setting. While formal commencement exercises are held twice a year, in
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Georgia Piedmont Youth Orchestra to perform Nov. 22 at Centennial High School JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Georgia Piedmont Youth Orchestra, a competitive, full orchestra for high school students, will give a concert on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 P.M. at Centennial High School in Roswell. This is the second season for this talented group who will perform under the baton of Maestro Rolando Salazar, one of the area’s most celebrated conductors. Many of the best string, woodwind, brass and percussion students from around the county will come
together to play “Night On Bald Mountain” by Mussorgsky, The Overture to Nabucco by Verdi, The Enigma Variations by Elgar (Nimrod) and The Finale to Dvorak’s 8th Symphony. It will be an appealing concert for both adults and children. All members of the public are welcome. As always students and children are free. Adult tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 33
WINDSOR, Conn. – Samir Agadi, a sophomore from Alpharetta, was recently named to the High Honor Roll for the winter term at the Loomis Chaffee School.
Geneva College BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – Ethan Joseph of Alpharetta has been named to the Dean’s List for the 2013 fall semester at Geneva College. Dean’s List status is awarded to students who earn a 3.6 grade point average or better. A senior, Joseph is majoring in biology.
Brigham Young University PROVO, Utah – Several local residents recently graduated from Brigham Young University following the spring 2014 term. Mitchell Mills, son of Bart and Joanne Mills of Milton, graduated magna cum laude. A 2008 Milton High School graduate, Mills was selected
December and May, those attending IHS may complete their studies and graduate at the end of the mini-semesters in October, December, March and May. Eighteen seniors fulfilled Fulton County requirements and are the first Independence graduates of 2014-2015: Antoine Adkins, Wendy Bailon, Jenna Borkowski, Caitlin Brown, Luís Diaz, Antione Harris, Ibeth HernandezGatica, Synclare Hill, Danica Karlik, Zachary McGee, Yurismel Molina, Ashley Mote, Raven Panuelo, Emiliano Pereira, Jordan Polekoff, Fea Raizes, Javarin Sampson and Alioune Thiam. —Jonathan Copsey
Outstanding Student for General Business in the Marriott School of Business. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Megan Hirschi, daughter of Ken and Linda Hirschi of Milton, graduated magna cum laude with University Honors. A 2007 Milton High School graduate, Hirschi received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in English and in music. She was also chosen to be the student body commencement speaker. Kathleen Smith, daughter of Michael and Julie Smith, graduated with a degree in physics and a double minor in math and ballroom dance. She performed with the BYU Ballroom Dance Company earning high honors on her International Medals Exam and placing several times at Amateur Dancesport Nationals.
California State-Fullerton FULLERTON, Calif. – Ofir Stolarski of Alpharetta was named to the fall 2013 Dean’s Honor List at California State University-Fullerton’s Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. The honor is awarded to full-time students who
achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher while taking a minimum of 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester.
American Hebrew Academy GREENSBORO, N.C. – American Hebrew Academy student Roland Rosenberg was named to the Honor Roll for the winter trimester of 2014. Rosenberg is from Cumming.
Mercersburg Academy MERCERSBURG, Pa. – Erin Pak, a ninth-grader from Duluth, was named a commended scholar (all grades of 85 or above) during the winter term at Mercersburg Academy.
University of Iowa IOWA CITY, Iowa – Steven Long of Roswell recently took part in the “Research in the Capitol” day event, held in the rotunda of the State Capitol in Des Moines.
See VARSITY, Page 37
Going Green
Making a difference in your local community Milton Herald | November 5, 2014
Where’s the Beef? When you pick up that plastic-wrapped container of beef, do you really know what’s in there? I’ve written in previous articles about knowing your farmer, and that would apply to your meat as well as your produce. Did you know you can easily get top quality, 100 percent grass-fed beef while at the same time supporting local farmers and the ethical treatment of animals? But first, let’s talk about why you would want to. One hundred percent grass-raised beef – or it may also be called grass-finished – is different than what you would normally find in the store. What it means is the cow is allowed to roam in the pasture eating grasses its entire life. It is never sent to a feed lot where it is fattened up quickly with grains and soy. This becomes an issue because cows are grazing animals by nature and cannot easily digest grains, so they tend to develop illnesses and issues. This in turn requires the use of antibiotics; this widespread use of antibiotics is creating super bacteria that may one day become untreatable – both in humans and animals. There are also the sanitation issues of thousands of cows squeezed together for an extended length of time and environmental issues with so much manure being in one place. I’ll spare you all the gory details, but if you’d like to know more about how these feed lots work, I would recommend watching the documentary “Frankensteer.”
PASCALE CHAMBERS Guest Columnist
Here in North Georgia, we are fortunate to have smaller, independently owned farms that can provide us with top quality meats at a competitive price. So when you hear, “Where’s the beef,” the answer is right here, at home, in our own wonderful state of Georgia. Go to www.eatwild.com to find farms near you that sell pastured quality meats. Q&A with Laura McCook from Indian Creek Angus Why is 100 percent grassfed better then conventionally raised beef? McCook: In the U.S., the majority of conventionally raised cattle live the last several months of their lives on feed lots and are exclusively fed grain to fatten them up faster; that is when their nutritional value plummets. Cattle are not designed to eat grain, therefore they get sick and are given antibiotics to stay alive. It completely changes the nutritional makeup of the beef, and this is why red meat has been considered unhealthy. Cattle raised on grass alone produce beef that is higher in vitamins, minerals and omegas. It is also four to six times lower in fat, and the fat that
Indian Creek Angus Farm you are getting is good, healthy fat. Our cattle at Indian Creek are never given antibiotics, hormones or steroids like feed lot cattle. What type of cattle do you raise? McCook: We started with a herd of Black Angus, but over the last several years, we have shifted to Murray Grey. They are an Australian breed that gains weight well on grass alone. That is because they are a heritage breed that hasn’t changed over the years like other breeds that are used for feed lot beef. They are still bred to live like the healthy cattle did 100 years ago. How are the cattle raised? McCook: Our cattle are raised on our farm. They are born here, and we treat them humanely their whole lives. We are very hands-on with our cattle and are out in the pastures checking them daily. They are moved from pasture to pasture daily so that they eat fresh grass and minerals
and water all the time. They eat grass that has never been treated with fertilizers or pesticides of any kind. Does 100 percent grass-fed beef taste different? McCook: Yes, it has a flavor to it unlike grocery store beef, which is very bland. It is very robust and once you taste the difference, I believe you will never be able to eat conventional beef again. Can the meat be bought in bulk? McCook: Yes, we sell wholes, halves and quarters. This gives you the biggest bang for your buck. A lot of our customers buy wholes and/ or halves and they do what’s called cow-pooling. They split a half-cow between several families, so they all get the discounted price. Where can your meat be purchased? McCook: Our beef is sold through our website at www. indiancreekangus.com and at several retail locations. You can buy individual cuts or bulk orders. Once you have placed
your order, we will contact you to arrange pick-up. You may pick up at the farm or we meet customers off Exit 14 in Cumming. You can purchase our beef through Cumming Harvest, which is a fabulous online farmers market that is located in Cumming. Please visit their website at cumming.locallygrow.net for more information. Our beef is also sold at Roswell Farmers Market, which is a GMO-free grocery store and organic café in Roswell. Their website is roswellfarmersmarket.com. Can people visit your farm? McCook: Absolutely! We love for our customers to come to the farm. You are family to us and we know that once you become a customer, you will keep coming back. We do farm tours by appointment. We also do a lot of field trips. So if you would like to see the farm or are part of a school or homeschool organization, call us at 706-384-2648 to book a tour today.
Join us Nov. 6, 5:30pm at Atlanta Nat’l Golf Club Join the Alpharetta Chamber for a can’t miss after hours at the Atlanta National Golf Club. Bring business cards, network, and have a great time!
JOIN TODAY!
LOCATION: 350 Tournament Players Drive, Milton, GA 30004 (770) 442-8801 AtlantaNationalGolfClub.com
www.AlpharettaChamber.com
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northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 35
36 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
OPINION
How are things at Appen Media? For quite a while, I have been wanting to write a periodic column about our business – sort of an update. I don’t think that my business is any more important than other businesses but I do get asked fairly frequently how things are going at the paper. Usually, the questioner is someone being polite, but they’re also asking if we are surviving, given how difficult the industry has been for newspapers lately. In short, we are doing fine; but a slightly longer version is that we are doing fine despite a very long four years of economic recovery, and things are still tough. Being in business for yourself the past few years has not been for the faint of heart. I don’t necessarily recommend it. That being said, we have a lot of new good stuff going on at Appen Media so I wanted to share some of it with you. While none of our current projects are huge breakthroughs, some are interesting and collectively, they will all help keep our business on the right path. New website: Our new website is probably the biggest of the new endeavors. With NorthFulton.com, Appen was one of the first newspapers online in Georgia – arriving in cyberspace only slightly after AJC.com. That was around 1992. My son and Appen General Manager Hans Appen initiated the development of the new site, teaming up with our Managing Editor Aldo Nahed and Production Manager A.J. McNaughton to manage the construction and launch. The site looks great and while it seems fairly simple, it has a number of features that most news sites do not have. Some of the more interesting features include “Newslink” – a press release management component that actually allows public relations agencies to subscribe and post their own content to the site; a “Shop Local” section that substantially increases the exposure of our advertisers; and individual sites for each paper
Christmas: Continued from Page 15 book, truck, doll or puzzle for “Christmas Care Packets of Hope,” for children and families of the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House who are not able to be home with their families at Christmas this year. Additionally, canned
that should help the internet find us more effectively. Look for the site to be fine-tuned as well roll out a number of additional functionalities over the next six months or so. New app: Our new (and second) app for Apple and Android went live in October so you can now download it and have easy, fast and convenient access to all our papers as well as Northside Woman and North Atlanta Business Post. If you go the app store and search for “Appen News Stand,” you can download the free app. We like the developers of the new apps and have expanded functionalities planned. Right now the app is free, but we may convert it into a subscription service at some point – so get it now if you want it free. North Atlanta Business Post: Hans launched our monthly business publication in June of this year to widespread favorable reviews and feedback. The new business publication is the only one in the market that focuses on the north Atlanta region between I-75 and I-85 and north of I-285. The coverage area includes North Fulton, Forsyth, Hall, Gwinnett, Cherokee and Cobb counties. With a 20,000 circulation, look for the Business Post to provide key coverage of important business news and business people. Northside Woman: Our very successful monthly woman’s magazine has been given a new cover upgrade and continues to deliver the most affluent female audience in the state – all with some of the lowest advertising rates of any publication of its kind. We have great plans for new features and new editorial slants. We love NSW and
while work on it is intense, it is also fun. Editor Katie VanBrackle, senior writer Candy Waylock and head designer Suzanne Pacey continue to improve the publication with each issue. Events: We have also started moving into the events business slowly. In November, we will hold our second annual “Best of the Best” Gala for local businesses, which will feature a great dance band and awards for the best businesses in the North Fulton/ South Forsyth area. We have also conducted a few healthrelated events and womenrelated ones as well. Appen-Rated: Just recently, we released the first of a number of service-related websites. The umbrella for the new sites is called “AppenRated,” which refers to the business model in which we essentially vet services – much like Angie’s List does – and offer pre-screened, vetted local services for our readers. The first site offering “AppenRated” is for tree services. The website is 770Tree.com. Look for many more of the AppenRated sites in the months to come. Of note, one very exciting aspect of Appen-Rated is that every time our readers use Appen-Rated to contact a pre-screened service provider, Appen Media Group makes a $5 donation to either the Drake House or North Fulton Community Charities. Not only that, but some vendors will commit to also donate a percentage from each job that they do that was the result of a call from the Appen-Rated directory (770Tree.com in this case). In this case, Yellow Ribbon Tree Service has committed to donate 5 percent of the cost of any job they get as a result of a call a through their phone number or their email listed on 770Tree.com. So, get a great screened tree service and help the community at the same time. We have more ideas and more projects in process. The current staff is doing great and we are so proud of everyone. That’s my story, and I am happy to report it!
goods and gently used coats, scarves, sweaters, gloves or hats may also be brought for the North Fulton Community Charities. The American Heritage Society of Georgia’s mission and motto is “United we stand to repair, rebuild, restore and preserve the foundation of America as one for all, all for one nation under god . . . living the golden rule of our american ancestors’ faith, life & family values, “do unto oth-
ers as you would have them do unto you.” Both the Heritage Christmas Bazaar and the Live Christmas Tree will be at the historic Old Milton High School, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta 30009, just off Hospitality Highway Ga. 400 where there is a “Smile in Every Mile.” For more information, visit www.americanheritagesocietyofgeorgia.com or call 770653-6821.
RAY APPEN
Publisher ray@northfulton.com
Submit your opinions to news@northfulton.com
Take time out to remember job law officers do for us In recent days I had the opportunity to edit three stories in our newspapers that involved local law enforcement officers. I think their stories dramatically point out a simple truth many people – myself included – often take for granted. That is simply that the job they do is not only difficult and dangerous but is a job that largely goes unnoticed by us in this community. We often take it for granted that our streets are patrolled night and day, that accidents get investigated promptly and should we ever have to dial 911 help is on the way. Within the space of about 12 days we learned here at the newspaper that it takes a special kind of person to “protect and serve,” as the peace officer’s motto states. Recently a Forsyth County sheriff’s deputy was struck at a school crossing at Coal Mountain Elementary School while directing traffic. The name of the officer has not been released, but according to authorities he will have to have surgery for the injuries. The accident occurred on an early morning when students are arriving in the dark. Despite wearing reflective clothing and police cruiser parked with lights flashing nearby, the driver reported he didn’t see the officer. While we pass school crossings every day and may mutter about having to slow down for the crossing guard, it is obvious by that day’s event there is an ever-present need for that officer. This one took injury instead of a child because someone has to step into the road first to signal drivers to stop. They don’t always stop. Later in the week, we saw the report of a Roswell police officer cruising an apartment area that had experienced a shooting last month. He saw two men acting suspiciously, and alone he got out of his car to question the men. They assaulted him slashing him on the arm and face while trying to wrest his gun away. He fought them off and the perpetrators fled. That is part of a day’s work when you have to wear a sidearm as a tool of your trade. The most tragic news came when it was reported Roswell officer Scott Walters died of a heart attack at 41. I do not know the details of his medical condition, but I do know that the occupation of police officer is often in the Top Ten or even Top Five of stressful jobs, and
HATCHER HURD
Executive Editor hatcher@northfulton.com
WALTERS
LATHEM
stress can be a factor in causing heart attacks. No doubt all of these officers chose the job because it is what they felt called to do. But having made that choice they see world differently because when they don that uniform, we see them differently. Now I have a reflex action no matter where I am when I see an officer, especially if the officer is behind the wheel of a cruiser. I immediately take my foot off the gas. That is a guilty conscience on my part. No doubt many have the same reaction. “Am I doing anything that might result in a ticket?” is often the knee-jerk reaction because most of us have stretched the letter of the law while driving either consciously or unconsciously. Yes, they do give out tickets, but almost certainly with due cause. Now we may have a quite valid excuse, but that is usually for the judge to decide. But in my book, anyone who has to wear a gun to work because part of the job description includes the possibility of using it has earned the right to err on the side of caution — no matter what the circumstance. There has been a lot of publicity across the country of officers abusing their authority, but those are few. That is why it is news when they do it. I think we should all give our police officers a special nod and even a thank-you when we meet one in the street. Trust me, they get plenty of extra-curricular criticism just for wearing a badge. But we should all think about how it would be if those badges weren’t there.
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Jones: Continued from Page 1 continuity in leadership that it needs,” said PTSA CoPresidents Donna Savas and Rosilyn Taylor in a joint statement. “We look forward to his continued support of the PTSA as we forge ahead supporting the students, staff and families this year.” Jones’ elevation from AP to interim principal at the same school is a rare, but not unprecedented, decision by the FCSS, which has historically brought in outside people for interim assignments. Ron Wade, director of talent for the FCSS, said the same scenario is currently in place at Westlake High, and the move made the most sense at Milton, as well. “It’s really about trying to find the best fit…and this is the best fit and what’s best for this school,” said Wade. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure we are doing right for the employees and right for
Varsity: Continued from Page 33
Washington Univ. in St. Louis ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The following students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Washington University in St. Louis: Aine Caitlin O’Connor of Roswell, enrolled in the university’s College of Arts and Sci-
northfulton.com | Milton Herald | November 5, 2014 | 37
the students and the community.” Leadership at Milton High has been in flux since early August when former principal Nathan Buhl resigned after a pair of DUI charges in late July. While his case moves through the legal system, Buhl remains an employee of the school system, assigned to the Curriculum Division. School officials note that once Buhl’s case is determined by the courts, his future with the school system will be finalized as well. A felony conviction would automatically terminate his employment with FCSS. In an earlier interview, Wade said the school system conducted a nationwide search in August to replace Buhl, but was disappointed with the lack of qualified candidates to lead a high performing, high expectations school like Milton. The timing to find the top talent was a challenge, he said. “In September, the best people are working and not likely to disrupt their current schools to make a change,” said Wade, in explaining why
so few resumes were submitted. After interviewing the final four candidates with no clear fit, the decision was made in mid-October to suspend the search. Wade said the search will likely re-open in the spring when viable candidates would consider a job change for the following school year. Jones’ status as interim principal does not preclude him from applying for permanent status, and Wade said he highly encourages Jones to “throw his hat into the ring.” The uncertainty over the leadership positions at Milton created considerable concern among Milton parents; many of whom attended Fulton School Board member Katie Reeves’ community meeting last week. Many faulted the system for not communicating better with parents, or that Tesch was only available through October, and expressed concern that students, especially seniors, would go through the year with a relative stranger as principal. Tesch, who retired as Mil-
ences; Azhar Pirani of Johns Creek, enrolled in the university’s John M. Olin School of Business; and Jared Blake Ross of Alpharetta, enrolled in the university’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.
2014 academic term.
Westminster School SIMSBURY, Conn. – Lauren Boures of Johns Creek, a junior at Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut, earned high honors for the winter
University of Findlay FINDLAY, Ohio – Elisha Snezek of Suwanee has been accepted to the University of Findlay, and plans to major in equestrian studies/English riding and training emphasis. In addition, Snezek and Jacqueline Snezek of Suwanee were awarded merit scholarships for $16,000 each for the 2014-2015 academic year.
DEATH NOTICES Randall G. Bledsoe, 81, of Cumming, passed away October 23, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Dr. Virginia Hughes, 98, of Athens, passed away October 23, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Betty Reid Martin, 80, of Cumming, passed away October 20, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Lawrence Ciulla, 79, of Cumming, passed away October 25, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Elizabeth Little Johnson, 85, of Cumming, passed away October 28, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
Juanita McGinnis, 83, of Cumming, passed away October 27, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Madeline Cox, 76, of Cumming, passed away October 22, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Almon William Garner, 82, of Cumming, passed away October 27, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Barry Andrew Harness, 58, of Dawsonville, passed away October 24, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
Mark William Johnson, 43, of Suwanee, passed away October 24, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Melvin Earl Lard, 58, of Tucker, passed away October 27, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Danny Cecil Lummus, 67, of Powder Springs, passed away October 25, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
Lou Ella Popham, 90, of Cumming, passed away October 24, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. William G. Stevens II, 67 of Alpharetta, passed away October 14, 2014. Arrangements by Southcare Cremation & Funeral Society Carl Eugene Swafford, 70, of Cumming, passed away October 28, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Willis M. Thrasher, 86, of Dawsonville, passed away, October 21, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
ton’s principal four years ago, would have risked his pension benefits had he remained longer than Oct. 31. While Reeves acknowledged communication could have been better between staff and parents, she said parents
should be pleased with Jones’ selection. “I am confident that Brian Jones has the knowledge and support of the community to lead Milton High to the continuation of a successful year,” said Reeves.
City of Milton Notice of Public Hearing Historic Preservation Commission Public Hearing:
Historic Preservation Commission Monday, November 24, 2014 6:00 P.M.
Location:
City of Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Bldg 100 Suite E Milton, Georgia 30004-6119
The following petition for a certificate of appropriateness is scheduled to be heard: •
15260 Hopewell Road, Hardeman Country Store. David Chatham, Chatham Neighborhoods, LLC o Land disturbance permit � Adding curb and gutter, parking area modifications as required by zoning conditions � Landscaping � Dumpster enclosure
Position Available Administrative Assistant For the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) www.arc-pa.org The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is a national organization responsible for the accreditation of Physician Assistant programs. Located in John’s Creek (Findley Road) the ARC-PA is looking for a full-time (37.5 hours) Administrative Assistant who is organized and competent in performing administrative support services independently and collaboratively using administrative skills to assist in programmatic accreditation. Competitive salary and benefits and a starting date as soon as possible. The individual should have 3-5 years of experience in a professional office setting. Experience working in collegiate academic medical center is helpful. A college degree is desirable. The successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be expert in Microsoft Office software – (Word®, Excel®, Access®, PowerPoint®), and be able to prioritize and multitask with limited supervision. Experience with WordPress software for web site maintenance helpful. Qualified applicants should e-mail their resume with a cover letter and salary history to: employment@arc-pa.org
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40 | November 5, 2014 | Milton Herald | northfulton.com
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Stephanie Butler Realtor® 678.296.1774
SOLD Taylor Glen: 333 Taylor Glen Drive 5 bd • 5.5 ba • master on main • pool finished basement FMLS #5339302 • $675,000
UNDER CONTRACT Crabapple Crossing: 12466 Broadwell Rd 6 bd • 5 ba • bedroom on main • 3rd floor retreat • walk to downtown Crabapple • FMLS #5339874 • $559,900
NEW LISTING Prov @ Atl Nat’l: 625 Glen National Drive 6 bd • 6.5 ba • mstr on main • outstanding kitchen w/ large island • screen porch • gated FMLS #5340751 • $965,000
Lisa Swayne Realtor® 770.241.9165
Deidre Beirne Realtor® 404.783.3372
NEW LISTING Crabapple Crossing: 12465 Danesfeld Dr 4 bd • 3.5 ba • master on main covered patio• walk to downtown Crabapple FMLS #5349823 • $539,900
UNDER CONTRACT Crabapple Woods: 625 Camber Woods Dr 5 bd • 3.5 ba • fully renovated finished basement • fenced yard cul-de-sac lot FMLS #5349670 • $389,000
SOLD Crabapple Chase: 12341 Crabapple Meadow Way 4bd • 2.5ba • master up • renovated master bath • fenced yard FMLS #5328800 • $365,000
Laura Falk
Realtor® 770.715.0325
COMING SOON Stonegate Manor: 150 Shady Grove Lane 3 bd • 2.5 ba • master on main • unfinished basement • downtown Alpharetta Garden District • $275,000
POOL Prov @ Atl Nat’l: 720 Lake Mist Cove 6bd •5 full ba • 2 half ba • master up Kitchen totally renovated FMLS #5320034 • $889,000
SOLD Pure Magic Farm: 13165 Birmingham Hwy 17 acres • dressage arena • pool/spa 17-stall barn FMLS #4281932 • $1.995M
Ramsey Flint Realtor® 404.312.2269
SOLD The Manor: 3074 Watsons Bend 5 bd • 5.5 ba • master on main perfect pool lot • 8th fairway FMLS #5265501 • $1,239,000
CUL-DE-SAC/SPORT COURT Cobblestone Farms: 105 Old Barn Court 7bd • 6 full ba • 2 half ba • pool • sport court • master on main FMLS #5258900 • $997,000
UNDER CONTRACT Six Hills: 550 Owens Farm Rd 6 bd • 5.5 ba • bdrm on main pool/spa FMLS #5290723 • $1.399M
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