Johns Creek Herald, December 25, 2014 by Appen Media Group

Empty Nest

Sponsored section ►►PAGE 20

Going his own way

Candidates sound off

Grinch says be on look out

Mick Fleetwood displays photography at the Ann Jackson Gallery ►►PAGE 11

Identify their issues in the race ►►PAGE 4

Police videos plug holiday safety ►►PAGE 12

December 25, 2014 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 51

BE THE EXCEPTION »

City adopts New brand

Remembering the Battle of the Bulge

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By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

This is the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Europe. Marti Elliott-Best, a North Fulton school teacher, remembers her father’s exploits as an OSS lieutenant hidden behind the lines. She tells the story of who drew his portrait while evading the Nazis. See Story Page 15. HATCHER HURD/STAFF

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Along with the unveiling of the much ballyhooed central business district and city center plan, the city has been new marketing tagline and logo that will be a part of the unified efforts of the city and the business community. “Be the Exception” is the city’s new tagline, and it is meant to tell others about the kind of people who move here or have businesses here. The three-color shield of ribbons are symbolic in nature and can be used as city identifiers, said Ed Barlow, director of Planning for North Star Destination Strategies, the Nashville-based com-

pany that was awarded the $82,000 contract to develop the city’s marketing brand. “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not around,” said Barlow, “And your brand is what you do about it.” North Star’s qualitative and quantitative research of the city was to study what residents thought about their city. It was begun after winning the bid from the city in 2013. Barlow said they were off-the-chart as a place to live compared to other cities. The researcher’s job is to

See COUNCIL, Page 10

Options fade to keep Sunshine Academy open Governing board refuses parents’ calls to resign By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Parents of a soon-to-shutter charter school are pinning their last hopes on becoming a Fulton County school next year, but Fulton officials note a critical deadline may have already passed, and tensions between parents at the school and its governing board are at an all-time high. Last month, the Fulton Board of

Education voted to deny charter renewals for Fulton Science Academy High School in Alpharetta and Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary in Roswell, effectively closing the sister schools on June 15, 2015. The decision for denial centered primarily on problematic governing boards at the schools and lack of cooperation with the Fulton School System (FCSS), according to FCSS documents. However, in an unprecedented

move, Fulton Superintendent Robert Avossa floated the idea of allowing the Sunshine Academy to remain open and become a Fulton School of Choice next year. The FCSS is looking to expand options for students system-wide, and Avossa is open to the idea of including the Sunshine Academy – provided certain criteria are met. “We don’t want to create false hope that this school can be transformed successfully into a school choice option,” Avossa said at the board table after the Nov. 20 vote. “But investigating the idea further is the right thing to

do for [those] who have been its diligent supporters.” The option was not extended to the high school. The one caveat to pursuing the idea is the governing board at Sunshine Academy must resign and be replaced by a parent-elected body. In addition, a plan had to be in place by the start of winter break so it could be presented to the school board in January for February action. Laura Stowell, charter schools director for FCSS, confirmed that talks be-

See SUNSHINE, Page 6

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2 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – During the holiday season, Alpharetta’s public safety professionals see an increase in a variety of preventable accidents. Alpharetta Public Safety strongly encourages the community to sign up for the free Smart 911 profile at Smart911.com. By signing up, residents can attach valuable information to their screen profile at the Alpharetta 911 center. When an emergency call comes in, the 911 dispatchers can receive additional information about the family such as the number of adults and children in the residence, pet information, disability issues, current medications, allergies, special needs, vehicles and any other pertinent information. This valuable information will help emergency responders evaluate the situation prior to arrival on scene. In order to lessen the need for emergency responders, Smart 911 offers the following holiday safety advice: • Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture. Always

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 ►► Muhammad F. Rabbani, 24, of

Raintree Drive, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 20 on Warsaw Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Mindaugas Sateika, 28, of North Fulton Industrial Boulevard, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 20 on Atlanta Street in Roswell for DUI, expired tag and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Melvin Toledo, 39, of Marietta was arrested Nov. 20 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, open container and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► James Henry Sargent, 73, of Hampton Bluff Way, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 21 on Marietta Highway in Roswell for DUI and reckless driving. ►► Walter Hugh Woliver, 59, of Fenwood Trail, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 21 on Marietta Highway in Roswell for DUI and reckless driving. ►► Rhonda Rena Kirkpatrick, 54, of Pine Grove Road, Cumming, was arrested Nov. 22 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI and improper turn. ►► Brian Clark Broadway, 51, of Clubfield Drive, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 23 on East Crossville Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Robert Lorence Rens, 29, of Crosshaven Drive, Roswell, was arrest-

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ed Nov. 23 on Atlanta Street in Roswell for DUI, failure to maintain lane and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Shawn Jesil Swinton, 28, of Broadleaf Lane, Johns Creek, was arrested Nov. 23 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, open container, hit and run, failure to maintain lane, tire requirements and windshield violation. ►► Ramona Jeanette Adams, 49, of Morris Road, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 23 on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Michael Thomas Courie, 28, of Duluth was arrested Dec. 3 on Kimball Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI. ►► Vicki Anne Clark, 59, of Stillhouse Lane, Milton, was arrested Dec. 2 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and following too closely. ►► Catharine Ford Coplin, 23, of Tatum Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 29 on North Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to yield when turning left.

Drug arrests ►► Francis Paul Cassidy, 33, of Athens

was arrested Nov. 24 on Alpharetta Street in Roswell for possession of marijuana and public intoxication. ►► Malcolm Xavier Bedford, 23, of Woodstock was arrested Nov. 25 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana, tag light violation and suspended license. ►► Brandon Carlos Sloan, 33, of Stone Mountain was arrested Nov. 25 on Old Roswell Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and theft by receiving stolen property.

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use the proper step stool or ladder. • Don’t place mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and other poisonous plants within reach of children. • Don’t use a dull blade. It requires more pressure, which increases the potential for injury. • Don’t post to social media that you are traveling or going to be away from home. • Don’t let your Christmas tree dry out and become a fire hazard. Pick a fresh tree and keep it hydrated. • Don’t throw gift wrap into the fireplace. Recycle it instead. Additionally as a public service to the community, Alpharetta Fire Services have created a holiday video starring the “Alpharetta Firefighter Elf.” While the video is humorous, it is a serious reminder of the dangers that exist in residents’ homes during the holiday season. To view the video on YouTube, go to http://youtu.be/ a45TRXJiCVc.

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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.

Wallet turns up sans cash MILTON, Ga. – A Walmart employee is suspected of taking $120 from a shopper’s wallet Dec. 7. The victim told police she dropped her wallet in the produce section of the Windward location. She did not realize it was missing until she got to the register. When she asked employees about the dropped wallet, she learned it had been turned in to lost and found by an employee. Cash in the amount of $120 was missing from the wallet when the victim recovered it. The victim said she believes an employee took the money.

Prada purse pilfered JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Someone made off with a Prada purse and $200 in cash Dec. 3 after a car was broken into. The victim told police she parked her car in her driveway overnight on Cromwell Court. On the front passenger floorboard, she put her Prada purse. When she returned to

See BLOTTER, Page 3

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Continued from Page 2 the car the following morning, she found the purse missing. Inside the purse was $200 cash. The other contents of the purse – credit cards – were found dumped on the ground nearby.

Handguns stolen MILTON, Ga. – A handgun went missing from a Milton residence between Nov. 22 and Dec. 7. The victim told police he kept a 9 mm Kahr Arms handgun in his nightstand beside his bed. He checked on it Dec. 7 and found it, a magazine and bullets were missing. He suspects that friends of his daughter’s took the weapon. He went out of town between Nov. 22 and Nov. 30. While he was away, he said his daughter had friends over. In Johns Creek, another handgun was reported stolen Dec. 3, this time from a vehicle. The victim told police he parked his car in his driveway

overnight. When he returned to it Dec. 3 at 4 a.m., the glove box was pried open and the black .40 Glock handgun he kept in the box was gone.

Milton is wanted for theft, theft of a motor vehicle, credit card theft and unauthorized credit card usage.

Liquor thief Daughter suspected caught in car theft MILTON, Ga. – A victim accused her daughter of stealing her credit card and selling her vehicle Dec. 11. The victim said her adult daughter visited her home about 5 a.m. and left about 8:30 a.m. An hour later, the victim received a call from her credit card company advising someone just charged $500 at the Deerfield Parkway Walgreens. The card was canceled. The victim found her credit card missing from her wallet along with $120 cash. She also realized her car was missing. The victim’s daughter allegedly has a history of theft from her parents. At 1 p.m., the stolen car was located in Atlanta. Four men inside fled from police and escaped. The car was recovered. Victoria Lynn Rogers, 35, of

MILTON, Ga. – An alleged thief was caught Dec. 12 after stealing liquor and hiding it in his sleeves. The victim, of the liquor store on Ga. 9, told police he saw a young man wearing a blue jacket steal a bottle of liquor from the store and then flee to the Kroger store next door. Police found the suspect, Bryce Darnell Caldwell, 37, in the store. They found on him two bottles of liquor hidden up his jacket sleeves. He denied the theft but could not explain why he had bottles hidden. When the liquor store em-

Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 3

ployee identified Caldwell as the suspect, Caldwell allegedly said to him, “you just signed your death certificate.” It turns out only one of the bottles of liquor was stolen, valued at $22. The other was paid for by Caldwell. Caldwell was arrested for shoplifting and terroristic threats.

Employee suspected in $11K theft MILTON, Ga. – An employee of a local business is suspected in stealing as much as $11,000 from the till over the past three years. A manager said she began noticing money missing from the daily log in November. She asked the employee in charge, who said it must be a mistake

and she would fix it. Over the next few weeks, more “mistakes” appeared during the employee’s shift. A search of previous financial records showed such “mistakes” going back to 2011 and totaling as much as $11,000. In one instance, the employee was given a check to cash and someone had altered the check to a higher amount than was written. The employee is suspected of pocketing the difference. When confronted, the employee allegedly admitted to the theft.

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NEWS

4 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Candidates state their case in State House race JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Five Johns Creek residents are making their bid in the Jan.6 Special Election for House seat 50.

AUSTIN

Christine A. Austin Party: Libertarian Age: 44 Occupation: Homemaker What special qualifications and experience do you bring to the table that make you the best candidate? What I have are common sense, logic, a strict moral foundation and a transparent agenda to represent the people of Johns Creek by working only to restore the power to the people. I am the only one who will work to reduce the size and scope of the state government and to protect Georgians from onerous Federal over-reach. I have a very strict and unwavering moral code that will guide all of my decisions. I bring experience from my career in finance and from my personal life achievements. I have the demonstrated and practiced ability to discover and negotiate common goals among groups with very diverse viewpoints in order to find solutions that meet the needs of everyone. I believe, as the only Libertarian under the Gold Dome, I will be able to facilitate those conversations to find workable solutions that meet our common objectives, but only for issues that fall within the Constitutional scope of delegated authority. Also, I will work to repeal laws and regulations that are not constitutional, which stifle social, economic and personal growth by depriving us of our freedom.

See AUSTIN, Page 27

Candidates include a stay-at-home mom; an engineer; a retired public relations/journalist; and two former City

RAFFENSPERGER

Bradford Jay Raffensperger Party: Republican Email: brad@ bradforgeorgia.com Age: 59 Occupation: Licensed Professional Engineer

REINECKE

Council members. Each candidate responded to a series of questions for this article.

STEWART

Royce M. Reinecke Party: Republican Age: 62 Occupation: Engineer/Retired

Kelly Leigh Stewart Party: Republican Age: 48 Occupation: Self Employed

What special qualifications and experience do you bring to the table that make you the best candidate? My track record on the City Council clearly shows that I am the strongest fiscal conservative in this race. I sponsored legislation for a fully funded property tax reduction of 1 mill. My fellow City Council Member Kelly Stewart opposed this tax cut. Council Member Stewart was also the lead sponsor of the tax increase on homeowners this year: Ordinance 2014-0725. She voted to raise taxes despite the fact that Johns Creek already has a $30 Million surplus. The Finance Director of the City of Johns Creek specifically called Stewart’s proposal “a tax increase” and confirmed that it was a 3.59 percent tax hike. I was the lone council member to vote against Stewart’s tax increase. I am a true fiscal conservative and will not vote for a tax increase. I was also the lead sponsor of the successful resolution demanding that Fulton County roll back their 17 percent tax hike. Council Member Stewart did not vote on the resolution because she was absent. I am a business owner employing over 90 employees. With

What special qualifications and experience do you bring to the table that make you the best candidate? I served for a full year as a senior legislative aide to Republican Congressman George Radanovich in the US House of Representatives in Washington DC and know the duties of a State House member. I have helped author legislation, testimony, issue summaries, correspondence, and participated extensively in legislative hearings. I know not to pander to voters with unrealistic, irrelevant, and deceptive campaign promises. I am very active in our city government to be informed of issues important to the community, to organize residents, and to speak against developments, including on the AAC property and in Shakerag, harmful to our quality of life. Unlike other candidates who secretly supported the 400 ft radio tower until the last minute, and who negotiated for the city to advertise on ugly billboards, I worked against the 400 ft radio tower and the billboards. I am running to offer the choice of representation based on facts, reasoning, and understanding. I believe that District 50 deserves better than government based on misrepresentation, manipulation, selfinterest, and secrecy.

What special qualifications and experience do you bring to the table that make you the best candidate? I was serving in my second term on the Johns Creek City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem before resigning to run for the State House. I have a track record of principled leadership, shooting straight, tackling complex challenges, being a fiscal conservative, never raising taxes, and fighting wasteful spending and gutter politics like the senseless investigation of the mayor. I have worked in all three levels of the government. At the federal level, I worked in Washington D.C. for the U.S. House of Representatives for then Congressman Nathan Deal. At the state level, I served in the University System of Georgia and, at the local level, as a County Administrator. I was appointed by Gov. Deal to serve on the Board of Directors for the Department of Juvenile Justice and also serve as a School Board member. I also served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Municipal Association. Professionally, I served as a vice president of Human Resources for a national company

See BRAD, Page 29

See ROYCE, Page 29

See KELLY, Page 14

TROOP

Paul Troop Party: Independent Age: 72 Occupation: Retired Journalist/PR Executive What special qualifications and experience do you bring to the table that make you the best candidate? My whole career since I arrived in Georgia 44 years ago as a business journalist has been about learning how our state’s economy works. I chronicled our successes when Georgia led the nation in growth. And I’ve seen – sadly – how we’ve retreated from greatness in recent years. It’s this knowledge that positions me to present concrete proposals on how to turn this state around – how to attract highpaying jobs, how to unclog our highways, and, most important, how to return education as our highest priority. Frankly, it is this knowledge that separates me from the other candidates. What are the top two issues in this race and what are your ideas to solve them? No question about it – education is priority one. You only have to talk to parents. They’re still angry about the shortened school year and teacher furloughs. They remain upset with the limited curriculum and classroom overcrowding. Now the governor and the Legislature want to cut the Quality Basic Education formula, making

See PAUL, Page 28

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6 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Fulton announces 1 Jan. 6 polling place change ATLANTA – Voters assigned to the JC09-Taylor Road Middle School polling place will have to vote in the Jan. 6 Special Election for House District 50 next door at Chattahoochee High School. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections will be required to change one 1 polling location for the 2014 Special Election to fill the vacancy for State House District 50 in North Fulton County. All affected voters will be notified of the change in location by first-class mail. Concerned residents are urged to check on-line to find out if the change would affect their poll on Election Day. “Unfortunately, we will not be able to use one school as polling locations for the upcoming run-off election,” states Richard Barron, Director of the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections. “The school will be undergoing renovations making it unusable for polling.” The polling location change is posted on the department’s website, www.fultonelections. com.

Polling location change Existing Polling Place: JC09-Taylor Road Middle School, 5150 Taylor Road, Alpharetta New Polling Location: JC09-Chattahoochee High School, 5320 Taylor Road, Alpharetta Approx. Distance Change: .5 miles “It is my hope that residents will take a moment to verify if they are affected by the changes prior to election day,” said Mr. Barron. Citizens must have been registered to vote by Monday, Dec. 8, to participate in the Jan. 6, 2015, special election. Voter registration forms can be obtained at the county registrar’s office or from the Secretary of State’s website: www. sos.ga.gov/elections. Voters with questions about the elections or their voter status are encouraged to contact the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections at 404-730-7020.

NEWS

Sunshine: Continued from Page 1

tween the school system and the Sunshine Academy cannot take place with the current governing board because of the fractured relationship; but talks must be held with a legal entity. “The reason we can’t go in and just work with parents is that there has to be a legal entity in place who can discuss in good faith the leases, contracts and all the intimate details of [continued] operation,” explained Stowell. “The legal entity is the governing board.” As of mid-December, the Sunshine Academy governing board has refused all calls to step down and be replaced with a parent-elected group, despite pleas and a petition from parents. In a letter from parent Priscilla Cody on Dec. 5, she noted “parents, teachers and students are suffering” because of [the governing board’s] actions. “As [a parent] of two students at FSA, and taxpaying residents of Fulton County, we demand your resignations immediately,” she wrote. “We would like the chance at keeping our school open, and turning it into a Fulton County School of Choice, and that can only happen when

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com you all step down.” Although three members of the board did step down during a Dec. 8 meeting, they were promptly replaced through appointment by the remaining four board members. Cody said Chairman Metin Oguzmert did not allow public comment from parents who attended the meeting. A spokesman for the Sunshine Academy confirmed there are no plans for any of the current board to step down, and downplayed how this impacts Fulton’s decisions on the school’s future. “If the school district is interested in opening a ‘school of choice’ in North Fulton, no action by this governing board is necessary. Fulton County Schools has all the authority it needs to sign a lease, hire staff and begin the process of opening a new school,” said Greg Eubanks. Fulton Schools officials maintain the system is not driving this process, but rather extending the opportunity to Sunshine Academy if it chooses to do so. “This is not something we are doing – it was brought to us by the parents,” said Stowell. “[This current governing board] has never explored this with us.” She noted the governing board did offer to resign

We would like the chance at keeping our school open, and turning it into a Fulton County School of Choice...” PRISCILLA CODY Parent prior to the school board vote on renewing the charter in November, but backed out of that plan just prior to the vote. In addition, the school’s principal cancelled a planned meeting between Stowell and parents in early December to discuss the pathway to remaining open as a Fulton School of Choice. These are the kinds of actions that make it impossible to work with the current board on the future of the school, Stowell noted. “We need to have a governing board in place that represents the parents, and reflects the parents’ desires [before] we can explore whether [the school choice option] is something [Fulton Schools] can do,” said Stowell.

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 7

Straight Talk On The Candidates For State House

Kelly Stewart

Brad Raffensperger

The Straight Talk Republican

Fulton County Politician

Experience Proven business executive; City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem; Served Gov. Deal in Congress and on the Board for the Department of Juvenile Justice.

City Councilman; Multiple failed businesses that still owe taxes and judgments. (Official State Documents)

Johns Creek Leadership The only Member of the City Council to oppose the investigation that wasted $130,000 in tax dollars.

Embarrassed Johns Creek by leading an investigation into the Mayor that cost taxpayers $130,000 and led to nothing.

Ethics Cited and ďŹ ned for violation of Georgia ethics laws. (http://media.ethics.ga.gov)

Never issued an ethics violation.

Taxes Always paid her taxes on time.

Dozens of tax liens in multiple states. (Official Court Documents)

The Facts Are Clear. Vote Kelly Stewart for State House on January 6th. Paid for by Georgians For Kelly

8 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

This is what we do An old friend from the Miami Herald emailed me a story about a Washington Post (and former Miami Herald) photojournalist who has died while covering the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. His name was Michel du Cille, and the story was written by another ex-Miami Herald reporter, author and one of du Cille’s contemporaries, Joel Achenbach. As I read what Achenbach wrote, I lost focus on my surroundings and fell face first into this story. I began to suspect that the story provided an answer to something that I have been trying to get my arms around for quite a while. That is, we – you and I – are on the verge of losing something vital because of all the changes in our traditional news reporting organizations and the environment in which it functions. The news mission, the resources dedicated to reporting the news, the standards upon which our news reporting has been based and, sadly, the demand for the news as we have known it, has changed. From this writer’s perspective, the demand for news is under siege and in great peril. I have always said that without the traditional news infrastructure, we would not have had the Watergate investigation. Nixon would not have resigned from office, and who knows what else would have (or have not) occurred with the butterfly effect. But the more I read the story about du Cille, I began to realize that his story is one about a canary in a coal mine. This canary not only plays a major role in the lives of the miners – it warns them of danger and in some cases keeps them alive – but it is also a beautiful animal with radiant colors, flight and song. Not everything about the canary is a life-and-death issue; the canary is also about beauty and small things of life. The state of journalism today is not too dissimilar to that of the canary in the mine. To a degree, both have fallen out of favor and have been replaced with alternatives. We’re not going to see many more Michel du Cilles, because in part, the organizations that support people and efforts such as his are no longer willing to pay for it. In some cases, they can’t pay for it. There is diminishing demand for what du Cille did. There is less trust, less empathy, less connection. And we are and will be so much diminished by this loss. Yes, we’re still in the same mine, but the canary is not going to be there to protect or entertain

RAY APPEN

Publisher ray@northfulton.com

Yes, we’re still in the same mine, but the canary is not going to be there to protect or entertain us much longer unless something changes. us much longer unless something changes. Michel du Cille won three Pulitzers for his photojournalism and died while reporting on Ebola in Liberia. He went where there was conflict, war, pain and human suffering and recorded that for us. We weren’t there but he was, and he brought what he saw to us because we needed to see it. His Pulitzers were for his reporting on a natural disaster, crack houses in Miami and the plight of veterans at Walter Reed Hospital. But he also shot countless stories on small things and average people too. When questioned why he constantly risked his life in the Sudan, Afghanistan, Liberia and all the other war-torn zones around the world, his response was simply, “That is what I do.” That is what he did, and we all are the better for it. What I have never been able to write or describe is what we lose when we lose people like du Cille or the organizations that support people like him. The story that Achenbach wrote successfully conveys what I could not. Please take the time to read it. It’s important. And if it changes your opinion of the “news” just a millimeter, that will be a great way to honor a man who deserves great honor – Michel du Cille. Follow this link to get to Achenbach’s story in the Washington Post: http://wapo. st/1Gu5oxH, or just Google “Achenbach Michel du Cille.” Canary in a mine. This is what we do.

OPINION

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NOTES FROM SANTA’S DESK:

Santa knows a child shall lead us If anyone had told me six weeks ago that I would be Santa Claus at the Roswell Christmas Tree Lighting, I probably would have laughed. The reservations for my work as Santa Claus in the New York area were made for my mother and I, the contracts signed, the plane tickets in hand and the airport limousine booked. But all that was scrapped when the morning of our departure, my 92-year-old mother broke one of her hips. Of course, I opted to stay in Roswell. My plans were changing as rapidly as the weather forecast, and I kept repeating Maria Von Trapp’s famous line in “The Sound of Music” –“When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” One of those windows was to be the Roswell Christmas Tree Lighting, held on the square – same place where my daddy owned and operated the Roswell Discount Store. It’s the same space where they re-opened the popular upscale restaurant The Public House on Roswell Square. Across the street is the old gazebo where I used to sit and do my homework, and play after school, waiting for my parents to close their store and take me home. I paused going up the steps of the gazebo and looked across at the row of old stores. I could still see in my mind Joe Mansell, Guy Tolbert, J.C. Smith, Doral David and my dad sitting out front. Some were in rocking chairs, some in straight back chairs leaned against the wall and some perched precariously on Coca-Cola crates turned on their ends. Occasionally they napped, but most times they talked – about any and everything. Eavesdrop for an hour or two and you would have no need for a newspaper. (And, they say women are the gossips.) This Saturday evening though, I could see there was already a line of children. Soon a steady stream of youngsters were reciting to me their Christmas wishlists, which included virtually every toy advertised on television stations in the past few weeks. Bright eyes and excited voices – can so many years have passed since I was in their places imagining what the next Christmas morning would be like? One of the volunteers whispered in my ear, “Santa, hurry up we have a long line.” I smiled and kept talking

THOMAS TOLBERT THE REAL SANTA CLAUS

to every child. I vowed long ago – actually when I started being Santa Claus – I was NEVER going to rush a child to say what they wanted or needed to say. Some are shy, others are nervous and some have trouble expressing what is in their little hearts. Unfortunately, we tend to outgrow the innocent honesty of childhood, but luckily I can remember it. Next up was a couple of “tween” girls, one blonde with sparkly eyes and the other dark-haired with an almost distant look in her dark eyes. The little blonde was not the least bit hesitant. She was a “Frozen” fan and had her heart set on a doll from that movie. Sure, she wanted other things, but “Frozen” ruled. Then, I asked the other little girl, the one with the dark hair, what she wanted for Christmas. Her smile vanished and she looked down at the plank floor of the gazebo. She said something, but it was so soft I could not hear her; so I asked her to repeat it. She said with tears in her eyes, “I want my Mama and Daddy back.” I ask the blonde “tween” to please excuse us while I spoke with her friend. I found out that they were friends, and that she was brought to the tree-lighting by neighbors. She started to cry, and tears filled my eyes. I could not help it, and I guess I did not want to help it. This young girl needed to see that someone really cared. We talked for around 10 minutes about her life and her parents. I explained to her that Santa is not granted the power by God to make all wishes come true, but I would definitely pray that her wish would be granted. She nodded. I was so touched by her simple, heartfelt wish that I sud-

denly asked her to come back. You see, I understand not only wanting your parents back, but anyone else you had loved and lost for whatever reason. We all want to recapture the feelings of love, safety and home that we, as innocent children, too often take for granted. I wanted to reassure her that I had heard her wish and would do everything in my power to make her wish come true – if not this Christmas, sometime in the near future. I told her that I wanted the same thing too. Secretly, I wished my mother could be home for Christmas, rather than in physical rehabilitation. I wished that simple wish more than anything I had ever wished for before. She nodded again, thanked me and left the gazebo smiling. Her image stayed in my mind as real as when it happened. It made me remember my own daddy and how much Christmas had meant to him and how he had passed on that special feeling to his children, grandchildren and virtually everyone he knew. I miss him and would love to have him back for one more Christmas – and in my memories and dreams, I will. That little girl taught me a very important lesson: Who is around the tree on Christmas morning will always be much more important than “what” is under the tree. Not all gifts come wrapped in bright paper with bows.

SCHOOLS

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 9

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Criteria to move schools includes curriculum, day care or employment NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Parents have until Feb. 17 to submit an application request for a hardship transfer, or to request the renewal of an existing hardship, for the 2015-2016 school year. The applications cover all elementary, middle and high schools in the Fulton School System and are approved at the system level, not at individual schools. The Feb. 17 deadline applies to students and parents seeking a hardship transfer to a school outside their assigned home school for medical reasons, curriculum differences and/ or child care situations. School system employees’ children who want to submit or renew a hardship transfer request have the same deadline. Last year, 2,023 hardship applications were submitted to the Fulton School System, with nearly 1,700 approved. The majority of approved applications were for school system staff. Parents are encouraged to use the online form, available on the Fulton School System website, to enter and submit their information. School system employees who have children receiving an employee hardship transfer must also renew their

request through the online application. “Hard copy applications are not required this year, with the exception of medical transfers, which require appropriate medical providers’ signatures and documentation,” explained Susan Hale, Fulton Schools’ spokesperson. The deadline for submitting a transfer application is Feb. 17, 2015, by 4:30 p.m., with no exceptions or extensions granted, said Hale. All requests must be received or postmarked by this date and time. Students who do not meet hardship transfer eligibility can participate in the open enrollment process, which will start later in the spring when the list of participating schools is released. “This is a separate transfer process that allows students to move to a school outside their attendance zones that has available space,” said Hale. Parents with questions or who need more information about hardship transfers can contact the Fulton County Schools’ Student Assignment Office at 404-763-5550 or visit www. fultonschools.org/studentassignment. – Candy Waylock

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10 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Council: Continued from Page 1 glean insights from the citizen responses to filter the positives that people see. The company spent a lot time conducting two community surveys and other brand research that included stakeholder perception study and competitive analysis with other cities in metro Atlanta. “Johns Creek scored high as a place to live, a place to visit and a place to do business,” he said. The strategy then is to capture the qualities that make this such a great city – its schools, its residential communities, a responsive government – and reflect those qualities in its marketing of itself. “What we have found is Johns Creek is the emerging city in greater Atlanta,” Barlow said. Next is “creating a vocabulary” for the city to tell its story. This is the creative bit that Barlow said expresses the advantages of Johns Creek. “It is much more than just the logo and the tagline,” he said. “The tagline ‘Be the Exception’ is open-ended, it’s an invitation to pursue one’s own goals, whatever they may be.” That goal may be to launch a successful business, tap into

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We want to be consistent across the board in what we say about Johns Creek. Wherever people go, you want them to hear the same things about the city.’ NEIL STEVENS Chairman, Johns Creek Advantage

a highly educated talent pool or get your child into MIT. “The brand narrative must be persistent and persuasive. And it needs to come alive,” Barlow said. Like New York’s “I (HEART) New York” the campaign needs to convey a consistent message and image. Las Vegas has built the image it wants with the “Stays in Vegas” catchphrase. It is not only safe to be naughty in Vegas, people expect it. Likewise, the message and the logo convey only begin with the city. The business community, the Realtors, the education community must all be a part of the same message, “Be the exception.” That is why the branding has been a joint effort among the city, Johns Creek Advantage, Johns Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau and Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce,

said the city’s Senior Communications Manager Rosemary Taylor. “Representatives from all four of these entities have been involved with the process since the beginning” Taylor said. “The goal of the branding initiative is to have a unified, competitive identity for the community that enhances many efforts – most importantly economic development.” City Manager Warren Hutmacher said the logo is a “conversation starter.” “It’s simple, it’s bold and has some symbolism. You hand out a business card and someone says, what’s that? Then you are starting a conversation about the city,” Hutmacher said. “Ribbons are given out to high achievers, right? This is a city of high achievers.” But the brand has to speak

the truth. If it doesn’t reflect reality in some way, it won’t work, he said. “We say we do things first class and we do it right. That can mean our quality of life, our entrepreneurship, the city’s business-friendly relationships. It’s about everyone rowing in the same direction.” After a Dec. 4 presentation by North Star to the Chamber of Commerce, Johns Creek Advantage and the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau, they adopted a narrative, a tagline and ultimately the logo. Johns Creek Advantage Board Chairman Neil Stevens, CEO and President of KeyWorth Bank, it is decisive for the city and the business community to be in lockstep on the message Johns Creek presents to the outside world. “We want to be consistent across the board in what we say about Johns Creek. Wherever people go, you want them to hear the same things about the city. We focus on that and stay consistent in what we say,” Stevens said. Johns Creek Chamber President John Bemont says the branding also has an effect on residents already here. “It gives people a sense of community. It draws the city together. It also gives people the sense that we are moving forward,” Bemont said. “It is good for the citizens to have

a positive image about what we’re doing here. We are still a young city.” Johns Creek Advantage CEO Courtney Bernardi echoed the need for a unified message to people who are interested in relocating in Johns Creek whether it is business or a homebuyer. “A unified presence should be the first thing that people see. We want people to recognize that Johns Creek has a brand and that we’re here and ready for business,” she said. “People need to recognize it. And that is from a global perspective. So it is on our website and on our literature. We want it to be the first thing they see.” Whatever the entry port into the city, whether it is on a flagpole, on a chamber business card, in their hotel room or anything else connected with the city that the message be the same,” Bernardi said. “Then people let in sink in and see the solidarity behind that brand.” Bernardi said she likes the tagline “Be the exception” because it does describe the city. “Johns Creek is unique. It’s a great place to be. It is not the status quo. And you want to be somewhere that is exceptional and a great place to be. And that is exactly what we’re saying,” she said. “This is an exceptional place to life and work.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

| Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 11

Rock legend stops in Roswell Mick Fleetwood exhibits art By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Music fans of legend Fleetwood Mac had a treat Dec. 16 when Mick Fleetwood appeared at Ann Jackson Gallery on Canton Street. Fleetwood stepped out from behind the drums to pursue his other true passion – being behind the camera’s lens. With a photo exhibit titled “Reflections,” Fleetwood showed off about 30 photographs and art he has made over the years. Fans of his music and his art had a chance to gather in Roswell to take in both his photography, art and the man himself. “This is a huge deal,” said Scott Jacobs, who is the drummer in a Fleetwood Mac cover band, “White Wing Dove.” “I would love to meet [Fleetwood] and talk drums for five hours,” he laughed. “Since I was 14, I was a Stevie [Nicks] fan,” said Jacobs’ band member Barbara Joy as she awaited Fleetwood to appear at the gallery. Fleetwood did appear and spoke about his art and moti-

Fans of Mick Fleetwood’s music and art turned out to the Ann Jackson Gallery Dec. 16. vations behind the pieces. “I’ve always been into photography,” Fleetwood told the crowd. He said he started taking photos while touring, and only recently – in the last 10 years – has been showing them publically. “As music has thus far defined my career …this collection of my work titled ‘Reflections,’ defines my thoughts through my art,” Fleetwood said. “I am quite proud of this presentation. The collection is a body of over thirty works, both original photographs as well as hand-enhanced original photographs that are startling in their complexity and in their

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conception. “Each one of the works housed in this collection have a distinct and personal story; and one that reflects my life, my roots, my journey and my passions …...who I was and who I am.” Valerie Jackson, owner of Ann Jackson Gallery, said the event was a “huge success.” “It was a huge hit,” she said. “Most people think these things only happen in urban cities. I’m happy we were able to bring this to Roswell.” Jackson said she hopes to bring similar displays to her gallery, at least two a year. She is working to get a John Lennon exhibit as well as one

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Mick Fleetwood, drummer for Fleetwood Mac, had art on display in Roswell’s Ann Jackson Gallery. by Bernie Taupin, who wrote many Elton John songs. Ann Jackson Gallery is located at 932 Canton Street,

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COMMUNITY

12 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald

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JCPD’S HOLIDAY MESSAGE:

Don’t let Grinch steal your Christmas Facebook videos remind JC residents how to protect themselves during holidays By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek Police Department wants everyone to have the happiest holidays possible. And help guarantee the best holiday ever, Sgt. Debbie Kalish, head of the JCPD Community Services Unit has even enlisted the help of The Grinch of Dr. Seuss fame. Kalish and the department have produced four public video service announcements that have been posted on the Johns Creek Facebook page. Each of the 3-minute videos are some common-sense precautions to take during the holiday season (and year round too). Each one uses The Grinch

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to show how easy it is for people to ruin their holidays if they are careless. Kalish said they are intended as a colorful reminder to be safe. “My goal is to use a creative way to get people to think about what they leave in their car and lock their doors to secure their items. Because the bad guys like to go shopping too,” said Kalish. “And it is your stuff they’re shopping for. The first video was a reminder to always lock car doors. Kalish noted the most common crime in Johns Creek is entering cars. Locking cars is the first step in deterring theft. During the holidays, it is convenient to leave packages in the car. But even a locked car with packages visible in the back seat is vulnerable. It takes about three seconds to break the window, pop the lock and scoop up what’s inside. With the proliferation of online shopping, thieves are on the lookout for packages left at the front door. So what do a lot of people do? Have them delivered to a side entrance or the back door. Thieves know this too, and they are looking, often dressed as a deliveryman. Have packages delivered where you will be. The holidays are a time of lots of celebrations and parties. No one sets out to drink too much and drive impaired. But it is a real buzz-kill when you are pulled over. “We did these public safety

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

The team that put the Grinch PSAs together are Sgt. Deborah Kalish, TV producer Jane Lanning, JCPD Capt. Chris Byers and videographer/editor Dan Landreth. announcements as a way to remind people to take these precautions. Over 50 percent our thefts from motor vehicles involves unlocked doors. But it really depends on the type of thief that’s out there,” Kalish said. “If it’s a professional, he’ll do what he needs to do to get in and he won’t care. “He’ll break your window and everything will be gone in seconds, and you’ll never know it. If the thief wants to get in, then he will do it.” Kalish said she wanted to think of something that would be fun and yet stick in people’s

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minds. That’s when she hit upon the Grinch idea. “Yeah, don’t let The Grinch steal your Christmas,” she said. Kalish wrote the scripts for the videos but there was some serendipity in putting all the pieces together. It just so happens that Johns Creek resident Jane Lanning, who is a member of the Johns Creek Citizen Patrol, is also a TV producer/director in her day job. The Citizen Patrol is under the supervision of the JCPD Community Services Unit and agreed to help Kalish with her project. Lanning then recruited another Johns Creek resident Dan Landreth who has his own production company. He videoed and edited the PSAs.

Both volunteered hours and hours of their time and their talents to make the videos happen, said Kalish. “We owe Jane and Dan a lot. They put a huge amount of their personal time into this. They made it happen,” Kalish said. And of course the star of the videos is Capt. Chris Byers, who volunteered to play the role of The Grinch. He is hilariously stealthy as he stalks his prey in each of the four videos. “Everybody had a lot of fun doing this. But we’re hoping these messages make people stop and think,” Byers said. “We want folks to escape becoming a victim, and following these little reminders will go a long way in doing that.”

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 13

BRAD RAFFENSPERGER FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE The only candidate who voted NO to higher taxes. COMPARE THE CANDIDATES ON TAXES ÂłÂŤWKH GLJHVW UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWV DQ RYHUDOO LQFUHDVH LQ UHYHQXHV DQG WKHUHIRUH WKH QRWLFH ZDV SRVWHG as a tax increaseâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Monte Vavra, Finance Director of Johns Creek 2IÂżFLDO 0HHWLQJ 0LQXWHV RI WKH -RKQV &UHHN &LW\ &RXQFLO -XO\

BRAD RAFFENSPERGER VOTED TO CUT TAXES

KELLY STEWART

VOTED TO INCREASE TAXES

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Kelly Stewart sponsored the tax increase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Council Member Stewart motioned... to approve Ordinance 2014-07-25 setting the 2014 Millage Rate...â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;During discussion, Council Member Raffensperger spoke in support of a decrease in the Millage Rate, responding to Finance Director Vavraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments that adopting the current rate is considered an increase and said he cannot support a â&#x20AC;&#x153;tax increase.â&#x20AC;?

If Stewart would raise taxes during a surplus, can you trust her not to do it again?

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14 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

SPORTS

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7 JC High School seniors sign LAX scholarships Bodes ill for other Ga. AAAAAA teams By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. -A Fulton County high school showed evidence Friday that lacrosse remains the fastest growing high school sport in Georgia, as seven seniors signed letters-of-intent to continue their careers in college. The signing ceremony took place Friday morning at Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek. Six players will play Division 2 lacrosse and one will play Division 1. Attackman McKay Sheahan will play Division 1 lacrosse at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Midfielder Sam Shusted signed with Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Midfielder Colin Fitzpatrick and LSM Grey Overton will head south to play for the University of Tampa. Two players will stay in Georgia as goalie Mason King and attacker Bruce Silk will play for Division 2 Young Harris. Defender C.J. Mucker committed

Kelly: Continued from Page 4 before starting my own small

Gladiators’ Wrecking Crew Colin Fitzpatrick: University of Tampa Colin has played lacrosse for five years, completing his one and only year at JCHS. He won All-County during his sophomore year at Greenbrier High School in Evans, GA, was team captain for 2 years, and won MVP during his junior year. Mason King: Young Harris College Mason has played lacrosse for eight years, four of them at JCHS. Other accomplishments include MVP in the Decatur Lacrosse Tournament, playing on LB3 2015 Elite Team, Three-year Varsity Lacrosse Player, Top Statistical Performing Goalie at 2014 Inside Lacrosse Recruiting Invitational. Chikcizo Mucker: Limestone College Chikcizo has played lacrosse for five year, including one year at JCHS. Other accomplishments include JV Defender of the Year, 2x Brine National Classic for Georgia, Brine National Classic All-Star, LB3 2015 National Elite Team, Ohio State All-Star, TOP 205 Delaware Participant; and the Class of 2015 “Player to Watch” Jamie Grey Overton: University of Tampa to Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina. The Gladiators led by Head Coach Barney Marchand and Assistant Coach

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student athlete of the week Chattahoochee High School

Megan Williamson

Name: Megan Williamson Age: 17 GPA: 3.68 Athletic Team: Cheerleading Position: Backspot School and/or Community Activities: Health Occupational Students of America, Inside Out, Competitive Cheerleading Squad Athletic Awards: Team MVP, Sideline & Competition Captain, 110% Award Future Plans: Attend college to pursue either a nursing or physical therapy carrer.

Grey has played lacrosse for six years, including all four years at JCHS. Other accomplishments include 2014 All State Honorable Mention; 2014 First Team All-Region, and being an Honor Roll student from Fall 2013-present. Joseph McKay Sheahan: Fairfield University Joseph has played lacrosse for eight years, including all four years at JCHS. Other accomplishments include 2nd Team All-State, 2013 Season MVP Offense, 2nd Team AllState 2014 Season, 1st Team All-Region 2014, Four-year varsity starter, and Summer Lacrosse participant with LB3. Sam Shusted: Rollins College Sam has played lacrosse for five years, including all four years at JCHS. Other accomplishments include Captain during both junior and senior years, Most Improved, junior year, and Scholar Athlete junior year. Bruce Silk: Young Harris College Bruce has played lacrosse since 5th grade and for the past five years with LB3 Club Lacrosse. He has also played Varsity Lacrosse for JCHS for three years where he was the top goal scorer for the 2013-2014 season. Bruce was also selected for the 2014 Brine National AllAmerican Team.

Jimmy Harkin qualified the state 6-A quarterfinals in the spring. The Gladiators, led by Marchand, Harkin and new Assistant Coach Mike

College. What are the top two issues in this race and what are your ideas to solve them? If you’ll allow me, I believe there are three: Traffic. We must focus on ways to reduce traffic gridlock as this affects our quality of life and stifles economic growth. There are two meaningful ways to start to reduce gridlock. One, take the fourth penny of the sales tax from motor fuel sales and dedicate it solely to transportation programs instead of putting it in the general fund in non-transportation programs. The second way is to prioritize transportation dollars to reduce gridlock rather than pave roads in other parts of the state the lead to nowhere. Stop Fulton.

Ryan, will return most of their varsity players and expect to be a strong contender in 6-A for the 2015 spring season.

Start Milton. Property taxes are out of control because Fulton County refuses to implement fiscally conservative budgeting principles. I am eager to tackle this challenge, take on this dysfunctional mess, and stop the assault on taxpayers. The only way to provide meaningful tax relief to homeowners is to stop Fulton County, keep Johns Creek tax dollars in Johns Creek and create Milton County. Tax Reform that Lowers Taxes. Meaningful tax reform that lowers taxes and spurs economic growth must be included in top priorities. I will work to cut or eliminate the state income tax and replace it with a fairer and simpler system where everyone pays. Tax reform will result in economic growth and give us

a competitive advantage over neighboring states. If elected, what will be the first thing you want to do when the General Assembly opens? As your representative, I will immediately get to work on legislation that would prevent Fulton County from levying and collecting any property taxes which would result in shutting down Arthur Ferdinand’s office and ending the assault on Johns Creek taxpayers and work to create Milton County. In addition, I will join with other conservatives in the General Assembly in passing meaningful tax reform that would cut or eliminate income taxes to keep more money in your pocket and spur economic growth.

COMMUNITY

Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 15 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Daughter makes trip to retrace father’s battle Marti Elliott-Best returns to convent In Belgium that sheltered U.S. soldier By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JJOHNS CREEK, Ga. – When Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941, like many young men, 22-year-old William Gray Miller left his new bride to join the army. His exploits would rival any of the World War II movies Hollywood releases today. He was a special agent for the U.S. Department of Labor in 1942, but by 1943, he was an investigator for the Office of the Provost Marshal General. He would also become an agent in William “Wild Bill” Donovan’s Office of Strategic Services, better known as the OSS and the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency. His daughter, Marti ElliottBest, and the family only pieced together bits and pieces of his wartime activities after the war. Like many veterans, he talked little about his experiences in Europe. But he and Elliott-Best had planned to return to Europe together to visit a special place where he spent possibly his most dangerous days in the war. It never took place, however. Miller began to feel the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s

disease so they were unable to go before he died. Today, Elliott-Best is a retired North Fulton school teacher. She spent 27 years at North Springs High School and three years at Northview High School, where she was a department chair. She said over the years, the children had pieced together bits and pieces of her father’s story. And by far, the work he did at the end of the war and being trapped behind enemy lines in the Battle of the Bulge were some of the most improbable. “He did quite a number of things in the war. But his major job in the war had been to interrogate German officers for the OSS,” Elliott-Best said. “My father and his partner were caught out in the open when the Germans overran most of Belgium. They were in the town of St. Vith, which is near Bastogne. The Germans were all around, and they knocked on the door of this convent,” said Elliott-Best. “The Mother Superior Sister Marguerithis took them in and hid them in this little basement under the altar.” There, they were hidden until the siege was broken. They had been living on potato peeling soup and black bread and were glad to get it. When they emerged from hiding, the mother superior did a sketch of

This sketch of Miller was done by the mother superior who hid him and another soldier in a St. Vith, Belgium, convent for three days. His daughter said she did not sign the sketch because had Miller been caught and her name recognized there might have been reprisals visited on the convent.

Miller. But she would not sign it. If they were captured and the signature was recognized, there could have been reprisals against the convent. Apparently, the mother superior had not told the other nuns that the men were there. “Had my father been captured, he likely would have been executed anyway. He was working with the Free French forces,” said Elliott-Best. Miller was the son of a policeman. Perhaps that was why he was identified early as someone who could do the special kind of investigations required. When Miller got to London, he was given a clothing allowance of $275 to buy civilian clothes and a London bobby’s uniform. That was at a time when a month’s pay for a private was $50. It was believed that German agents were left behind in England after war was declared in 1939. It was Miller’s job to find them. Always working in civilian clothes or those of a policeman, he reported only to 1-star generals and above. In 1943, he had a real cloak-and-dagger assignment. Miller and another agent were sent into occupied Morocco and Tangiers to capture and bring back a German and an Italian “wanted for interrogation.” Alone, they took custody of the two men and brought them back to England. The two captives reportedly gave information that materially helped the invasion of North Africa. Miller repeated the feat, bringing another foreign agent out of occupied Italy. He was part of a 10-man team that landed in Normandy on D-Day Plus-2. These were specially trained agents who, with interpreters, were assigned to Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army.

When William Gray Miller arrived in London in 1942, he was assigned to do undercover work ferreting out German agents. He worked with the British and sometimes dressed as a London “Bobby.”

“My dad thought the world of Gen. Patton,” Elliott-Best said. It was Patton’s men who broke the siege at Bastogne and freed Miller and his partner as well. Of course, the lifting of the siege was only half the battle. Miller accompanied the allies as they fought their way into Germany. Miller had one more hair-raising adventure left. Patton was ordered to stop his advance 110 kilometers outside of Berlin. Eisenhower had decided to spare American lives and let the Russians take the German capital. But word had come that an important German scientist had made it known he would

Gray Miller, driving, and his partner had an army jeep assigned to him. “Helen Mae” is his wife’s name.

prefer to surrender to the Allies. Miller and his partner were tabbed for the mission, which included faking the death of the scientist. That meant they had to slip through German and Russian lines, secure the scientist inside besieged Berlin, cover their tracks and return with their man. “Dad said the man got cold feet when they showed up. But dad just knocked him out and carried him away on his shoulders,” Elliott-Best said. Presumably, the scientist was more cooperative once they were on their way. “I never did learn his name. But dad said he saw a photo of the NASA scientists with the new astronauts and recognized his guy as one of them,” she said. Miller was just an ordinary Joe who answered the call, a part of that Greatest Generation. This June, Elliott-Best and her friend Judy Carter toured Europe and revisited places her father had been. But the highpoint of the trip was a return to St. Vith, where she met the mayor who in turn introduced her to the current mother superior of the now rebuilt convent and nursing home. There, Elliott-Best thanked the sisters for saving her father’s life. “That was closure for Dad,” she said.

16 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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December 25, 2014 23

So big deal, a little inflammation

Increased Activity Can Help Prevent Falls

By Leslie Gaskill, M.D.

(NAPSI)—The National Council on Aging reports that falls are the leading cause of injuries for those 65 years of age and over. In fact, every 14 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury— but you can protect yourself. “People have always assumed falls are inevitable with aging, but we now know many falls are preventable through simple lifestyle changes, such as increased levels of physical activity,” said Robert Flippo, CEO of MobileHelp, a company that makes mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (M-PERS). The systems give active seniors expedited emergency help in case of a fall.He acknowledged knowing how much exercise to add to your day can be a challenge. To help seniors monitor their exercise progress, the company has introduced a new activity-tracking application. The application uses the components of the company’s existing M- PERS solution. This means customers and caregivers can take advantage of the new health-focused benefits without having to invest in extra technology devices or learn how to use new software. To learn more, visit www.mobilehelp.com or call (800) 7619185.

Exactly,….. BIG DEAL! Inflammation is not something to take lightly. Let’s put it this way, if you came across a smoldering fire in your house, you wouldn’t just walk away... would you? I suspect that you would consider this an important matter to tend to, because you know that even a small smoldering fire could quickly become a big rip roaring fire that could burn your house down. Your thought process might be something like, “don’t panic, just put the fire out; and put the fire out fast.!” You might even say “Whew, I am glad I caught that fire while it was small, and thank God that I just happened to walk in here and see this.” Yeh, it would be an emotional and financial disaster to lose your home. So what if we were talking about your life? All it takes is ONE fire to cause an event i.e heart attack and stroke. There are many causes of inflammation that can ultimately cause your arteries to be fragile. The arteries can suddenly rupture as plaque pushes through the wall like a volcano. A clot is formed,

blocking the flow and BOOM. You have a heart attack or stroke. What causes inflammation? Great question. Stress, bad NAME diet, migraines, autoimmune diseases( like lupus and psoriasis), smoking, cholesterol, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, liver disease, sleep disorders, and, periodontal disease to just name a few. Don’t get a false sense of security if you are a marathon runner, passed your stress test, calcium score, and even have a phenomenal cholesterol profile. Stay tuned to hear more from us and Plaque Busters in the national arena. If you are serious about your life, and your life is a priority, we can help you before it is too late. We are very experienced in a prevention strategy that works! It is tailored to YOU, your body and your genetics! Right now as spring approaches, most of you are wanting to “get the weight off”. We are excited about our new weight loss program and we will per-

sonally coach you. If you want to find out your genetic dietary pattern needs (we are all one of six patterns), we can help you learn how to eat for minimizing your risk of developing plaque and to help you lose weight most effectively for a lifetime. Yes, it’s true: we are not all genetically programmed to eat the same way! Out of all of Dr. Gaskill’s patients that have followed & complied with her cardiovascular prevention method for the past 7 1/2 years, none have had a heart attack or stroke! We also utilize functional/ naturopathic medicine in addition to traditional Western medicine to successfully treat a large number of illnesses, including chronic fatigue, pulmonary disorders, food and chemical sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome, ADD, obesity, migraines, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, digestive disorders, skin disorders, anxiety, depression & insomnia. www.drlesliegaskill.com and www.plaquebusters.net Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., LLC 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Ste 201 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 770-495-9995

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24 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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2014 football season a tough act Eagles face heavy graduation losses; Raiders face rebuilding task on offense By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The 2014 high school football season in North Fulton was one of the most successful ever for area teams, with one school reaching the state semifinals, four others winning at least one state playoff game and two teams qualifying for the playoffs for the first time. Several of this season’s top local teams will graduate many of their best players, but there will also be some standouts returning, with both Blessed Trinity and Roswell positioned for another playoff run in 2015. Here’s a brief look back at the 2014 season for North Fulton’s 13 high school football teams, with a look ahead at what’s in store for 2015.

Public Schools ALPHARETTA The Raiders have been the dominant team in 6-AAAAAA, losing just one region game the last four seasons. The team

won its state playoff opener each of the last two years, but lost by a lopsided margin in the second round each time. They finished 2014 with a 10-2 record. The Raiders will lose their quarterback and all their other starters at the skill positions on offense, but return three starting linemen along with several returnees in the secondary, including standout cornerback Dejon Rowe, and a few linemen. Alpharetta has had a steady stream of quality quarterbacks and receivers in recent seasons, and will need to keep that river flowing to remain on top in the region in 2015. CAMBRIDGE In just its third season of varsity football, the Bears went 7-3, nearly made the state playoffs and just missed what would have been a huge upset over region champion Kell, which finished 11-1. The Bears

return 14 starters, but several of the graduating seniors will be difficult to replace, beginning with standout quarterback Brian Moore, his top two receivers and defensive leader Josh Kania. Fortunately for the Bears, Moore’s younger brother Cameron is a promising potential replacement at quarterback. He will be aided by several returning starters at the skill positions, along with almost all the offensive line and most of the defense. Despite the key losses, the Bears should suffer little or no drop off next season and could again contend for a state playoff berth. CENTENNIAL

The Knights finished 5-5 and made a run at the playoffs, defeating one of the region’s playoff teams. Centennial struggled defensively for much of the season, and will have

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to replace most of its starting lineup on that side of the ball. Offensively, Centennial should be one of the area’s most dangerous teams next season with the return of quarterback Casen Conway, leading rusher Luther Martinez and versatile Caden Herring, who could produce big numbers as a senior. The Knights also return most of their offensive line, and will need a strong showing on offense to match or exceed the team’s 2014 showing. CHATTAHOOCHEE

The Cougars suffered through a second straight losing season (3-7) after winning 32 games from 2010-12 including a 15-0 season and a state title in 2010. Chattahoochee graduates most of its top defensive players, losing multiple starters in the line, at linebacker and in the secondary. The Cougars’ hopes for 2015 lie in the return of almost all their main skill position players on offense. Chase Owens showed promise as a

sophomore after taking over at quarterback, and will be joined by leading rusher Blake Hundley and Isaac Kinsey, the area’s top returning receiver. Andrew Thomas, who started at receiver as a freshman, is also back, but the Cougars will again be looking for offensive linemen. JOHNS CREEK

After winning 17 games in 2011 and ’12, just the second and third seasons of varsity football for the Gladiators, the team went 1-19 the last two years and will have a new coach in 2015. The team’s talent level dropped precipitously after the 2012 season, but a number of the top players from this year’s team were underclassmen. The Gladiators will graduate a relatively small number of senior starters, including team MVP Gio Douyon. Johns Creek should be respectable on defense next season, with Bo Majkowksi, Kyle McGregor and Myles Meyers among the returning starters. However,

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 25

to follow for many local teams the Gladiators lose the most productive players from an offense that struggled in 2014 with the exception of a game or two. MILTON

The Eagles enjoyed their best season ever, going 11-2 and reaching the AAAAAA semifinals, losing to eventual state champion Colquitt 42-35. Milton graduates all but a handful of its starters, but the Eagles were in a similar situation two years ago and went 8-3 the following season. Milton returns just a few regulars on offense and defense, with kicker Ethan Suda among the team’s top returnees, along with linebacker Ryan Wilson and cornerback A.J. Beach. The junior varsity team went 6-1, the freshman team was undefeated and the overall program has improved to the extent that the Eagles have a strong base to build from despite the heavy graduation losses. NORTHVIEW

The Titans had a winning record (7-4) and reached the state playoffs for the first time this season. They were led by an outstanding defense that loses a number of senior starters but returns three top players off that unit, one of whom missed most of the season due to injury. The Titans graduate their quarterback, No. 1 rusher and top lineman, but return their leading receiver (Ricci Nuckles) and one of the area’s best two-way players (S/RB Josh Moran). Northview appears set at quarterback despite the loss of three-year starter D.J. Pearson, and with most of the line and several skill position players back, should be strong offensively after an inconsistent 2014. Moran, Connor Owens and Joseph Macrina will be the defensive leaders, but there are a number of big shoes to fill. ROSWELL

The Hornets bounced back after three straight losing seasons, going 8-4 with a playoff victory and a last-second win over region champion Milton.

Roswell loses its quarterback, top receiver, two key offensive lineman and two standouts in the secondary, but will not be lacking for returning talent. After rushing for over 1,900 yards as a sophomore, Sheldon Evans has two seasons left, and will be joined by lineman Cameron Whiteman and several other backs and receivers. Defensively, the Hornets return a number of their top players including linebackers Tre Lamar and Tyrone Hopper and safety Marcelino Ball.

Private Schools BLESSED TRINITY

The Titans went 13-1 and finished third in the state in AAA, losing in the semifinals after reaching the quarterfinals the previous year. Other than LB/ TE Pat Jasinski, the team’s top player, graduation losses will be relatively light; but Jasinski will be tough to replace on defense. The Titans should be even better offensively in 2015, returning its quarterback (Conor Davis), tailback (Milton Shelton), leading receiver (Matthew Higgins) and three quality offensive linemen. A sizeable number of defensive regulars also return, giving BT a realistic shot at again contending for a state title. FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN The Paladins went 4-6 this season including wins over playoff qualifiers Mount Pisgah and St. Francis, but also suffered several narrow losses. With the majority of starters returning on both offense and defense, next season is promising for FCS, although the Paladins will have to replace their quarterback. The Paladins return their top running backs (Andrew Minkert and Tyler Matthesen), leading receiver (Jake Williamson) and almost all the offensive line, led by Reed Kroeber. Linebackers Jack Hardin and Clay Buchweitz are among the defensive returnees, with Hardin also serving as backup quarterback this season. KING’S RIDGE The Tigers suffered through a difficult season, going winless until senior Penny Hart enjoyed a sensational game in a season-ending 56-40

SOL SIMS/ SOLARVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY

Top Titans receiver Ricci Nuckles (8) will be back for Northview in 2015.

Blessed Trinity went 13-1 and finished third in the state during the 2014 season. Matthew Higgins (6), who will return in 2015, was the Titans leading reciever. win over Strong Rock Christian. King’s Ridge was competitive in most of its losses, but with a few exceptions had problems stopping opposing offenses. Hart graduates along with several other key offensive performers, but the Tigers return most of what was a young offensive line, along with a number of underclassmen who saw plenty of playing time on defense. MOUNT PISGAH After going 20-5 the last two seasons with three playoff victories, the Patriots lose seven seniors who played vital roles in the team’s recent

Chattahooche will try to capture their first winning season in three years in 2015 behind running back Issac Kinsey.

success. QB Aaron Winchester and DL Shingi Chigwere, who missed most of the 2014 season due to injury, will be tough to replace, as will five other defensive starters, several of whom were also major offensive contributors. The team appears to a have a young but talented replacement for Winchester. Freshman Jacob Cendoya will be protected by an offensive line that returns all five starters and aided by several regulars at the skill positions. Lineman Max Miller and linebacker J.R. Cendoya top the list of returning defensive starters, with the Patriots having to fill some holes at linebacker and in the secondary if they are going to

again make a playoff run. ST. FRANCIS

The Knights went 7-3 with two narrow defeats in their first season playing a region schedule and qualified for the state playoffs, but were a predominantly senior team and will suffer heavy graduation losses throughout both the offense and defense. The Knights return their quarterback (Matt Davis), one of their top rushers (Avery Showell) and a key defensive starter (Jordan Ferguson). The trio are part of a sophomore class that will have to carry much of the load next year with a relatively small number of returning seniors for 2015.

26 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR FY 2015 BRIDGE MAINTENANCE BID #15-007 The City of Alpharetta is accepting bids for FY 2015 BRIDGE MAINTENANCE including, but not limited to, cleaning and sealing deck joints, constructing and extending concrete encasements, cleaning and painting piles, repairing concrete spalling, installing sway bracing, and related work. The location of the work is at multiple bridges within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. All construction shall conform to the State of Georgia Standard Specifications for the Construction of Transportation Systems, 2013 Edition. Only contractors that have been pre-qualified with the Georgia Department of Transportation to perform this class of work shall be allowed to submit bids. Please submit your Georgia Department of Transportation qualification specification letter with the package. The Plans and Project Manual will be available online Thursday, December 11, 2014, under the tab “Bids Online” on our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us. Georgia Standard Specifications for the Construction of Transportation Systems, 2013 Edition, are available from the Georgia Department of Transportation website, http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/thesource/Pages/home.aspx. The bid opening will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the City of Alpharetta Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. All bids must be delivered to the front desk at this address before the opening date and time. For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department at 678-297-6052 or via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND COUNCIL 2015 MEETING CALENDAR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK HAVE APPROVED THE FOLLOWING 2015 MEETING CALENDAR. WORK SESSIONS BEGIN AT 5:00PM AND ARE HELD IN THE TAYLOR FARMS CONFERENCE ROOM AND ARE FOLLOWED BY A 7:00PM COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS; BOTH ROOMS ARE LOCATED AT JOHNS CREEK CITY HALL, 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097. ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK AT 678-512-3212 SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. JOAN JONES, CITY CLERK JANUARY 12, 2015 JANUARY 26, 2015

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MARCH 16, 2015 MARCH 30, 2015 APRIL 13, 2015 APRIL 27, 2015 MAY 11, 2015 JUNE 01, 2015 JUNE 15, 2015

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 OCTOBER 12, 2015 OCTOBER 26, 2015 NOVEMBER 16, 2015 NOVEMBER 30, 2015 DECEMBER 14, 2015

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 2015 MEETING CALENDAR THE JOHNS CREEK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU WILL HOLD THEIR 2015 PUBLIC MEETINGS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES. MEETINGS ARE HELD AT JOHNS CREEK CITY HALL, 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097. ALL MEETINGS BEGIN AT 9:00AM AND ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK AT 678-512-3212 SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. JOAN JONES, CITY CLERK JANUARY 20, 2015 FEBRUARY 10, 2015 MARCH 10, 2015 APRIL 14, 2015 MAY 12, 2015 JUNE 9, 2015 JULY 14, 2015 AUGUST 11, 2015 SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 OCTOBER 13, 2015 NOVEMBER 10, 2015 DECEMBER 8, 2015

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ARTS AND CULTURE BOARD 2015 MEETING CALENDAR THE JOHNS CREEK ARTS AND CULTURE BOARD WILL HOLD THEIR 2015 PUBLIC MEETINGS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES. MEETINGS ARE HELD AT JOHNS CREEK CITY HALL, 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097. ALL MEETINGS BEGIN AT 6:00PM AND ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK AT 678-512-3212 SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. JOAN JONES, CITY CLERK JANUARY 15 and 29, 2015 FEBRUARY 26, 2015 MARCH 26, 2015 APRIL 23, 2015 MAY 29, 2015 JUNE 25, 2015 JULY 23, 2015 AUGUST 27, 2015 SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 OCTOBER 22, 2015 NOVEMBER 19, 2015 DECEMBER 3, 2015

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Austin: Continued from Page 4 The best solutions will come through intense debate and I will be in a position to foster that debate. My goal is to return selfgovernance to the people of Georgia. I am in this race because I feel an obligation to give the people of Johns Creek an option to vote for someone who will truly represent the needs of the people and

not sell out to special interest groups or become a career politician. What are the top two issues in this race and what are your ideas to solve them? The two top issues in this race are growth of government and government overreach. The problems with traffic, taxes, and Milton County are all a direct result of interference from a government that has simply grown too big and the unintended consequences of policies

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 27

that lack long term vision. My plan is to eliminate the interference and to shrink the size and scope of state government. I believe in people and their ability to make decisions for themselves. I believe in restoring freedom to Georgians so that we can once again invoke the self-determination that our Founding Fathers fought to preserve. If elected, what will be the first thing you want to do when the General Assembly opens?

I would begin by requesting a reading of the U.S. and state constitutions to remind everyone of the documents that they are sworn to uphold. In order to bring transparency to the process, I would introduce legislation that would require all bills to be finalized with all riders attached and made available for public comment a minimum of 48 hours before the vote.

It is unconscionable that our representatives are voting on bills they have never had the opportunity to read. The first order of business is to correct procedural issues that are contributing to the passage of bad legislation. Then I will work to repeal unconstitutional laws and regulations which stifle social, economic and personal growth by depriving us of our freedom.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB NUMBER #15-034

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CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR RUCKER ROAD AT BROADWELL ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS BID #15-008 The City of Alpharetta is accepting bids for RUCKER ROAD AT BROADWELL ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS including, but not limited to, maintenance of traffic, asphalt pavement, curb & gutter, signalization, striping and signage, erosion and sediment control, cleanup and restoration. The location of the work is at the intersection of Rucker Road and Broadwell Road --- within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia.

The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Alvin Rd. Sidewalk Project. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 10:00 A.M. on February 3, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for questions is January 22, 2015 at 5:00PM.

The Plans and Project Manual will be available online Thursday, December 11, 2014, under the tab “Bids Online” on our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us. Georgia Standard Specifications for the Construction of Transportation Systems, 2013 Edition, are available from the Georgia Department of Transportation website, http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/thesource/Pages/home.aspx.

ITB packages and plans are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. THREE (3) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein.

The bid opening will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the City of Alpharetta Department of Public Works, 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. All bids must be delivered to the front desk at this address before the opening date and time.

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

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

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

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

Mike Bodker Mayor

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PLANNING COMMISSION AND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS 2015 MEETING CALENDAR THE JOHNS CREEK PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE JOHNS CREEK BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS WILL HOLD THEIR 2015 PUBLIC HEARING MEETINGS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES. BOTH THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HOLD THEIR MEETINGS AT JOHNS CREEK CITY HALL, 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097. ALL MEETINGS BEGIN AT 7:00PM AND ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK AT 678-512-3212 SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. JOAN JONES, CITY CLERK JANUARY 6, 2015 FEBRUARY 3, 2015 MARCH 3, 2015 APRIL 14, 2015 MAY 5, 2015 JUNE 2, 2015 JULY 7, 2015 AUGUST 4, 2015 SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 OCTOBER 6, 2015 NOVEMBER 4, 2015 DECEMBER 1, 2015

PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION

JANUARY 20, 2015 FEBRUARY 17, 2015 MARCH 17, 2015 APRIL 21, 2015 MAY 19, 2015 JUNE 16, 2015 JULY 21, 2015 AUGUST 18, 2015 SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 OCTOBER 20, 2015 NOVEMBER 17, 2015 DECEMBER 15, 2015

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

28 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on December 16, 2014 for Consumption on the Premises for Distilled Spirits. BUSINESS NAME Georgia Breakfast Company, LLC Dba Another Broken Egg Café 11030 Medlock Bridge Rd, Suite 110 Johns Creek, GA 30097 OWNER/OFFICERS Georgia Breakfast Company, LLC Dba Another Broken Egg Café 11030 Medlock Bridge Rd, Suite 110 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Managing Member Bryan Fitzsimmons

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decreases in funding permanent. I find this unconscionable. You just don’t do that to children. Worse, the other major party candidates admit they must follow the governor in doing this. If the major party candidates brag how the governor and Legislature just increased school spending by 6 percent, you’d better check it out. Over the past four years enrollment increased from 1.656 million to 1.744 million-- up 5 percent. So we’re barely staying even – and that’s after years of cuts. This issue is also of concern to people who don’t have children in schools. Good schools mean higher home values. That’s important to remember. My first job, then, is to marshal the parents in Johns Creek and throughout the state to demand a return to full funding for education. The second most pressing issue? That’s a toss-up between job creation and transportation. Transportation has been much in the news lately. So I’ll focus on jobs. Here in Johns Creek we need job development commensurate with the educations and work experiences of our residents. So my proposal centers

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CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza (new City Hall), Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday January 26, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza (new City Hall), Alpharetta, Georgia. a. UDC Changes – Climate Controlled Storage Consideration of a change to the Unified Development Code in order to add the definition for climate controlled storage and add permitted zoning designations for the use. b. CLUP-14-08/Z-14-12/V-14-27 Twelve on Canton Consideration of a request to rezone 5.5 acres on the west side of Canton Street from R-15 to R-10 for the purpose of developing a twelve lot subdivision with minimum lot sizes of 10,000 sf. A change to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from “Low Density Residential” to “Medium Density Residential” is also requested as well as a variance to reduce the minimum lot width and building setbacks. A variance to allow the maximum building coverage from 25% to 50% and allowable impervious area from 50% to 75% is also requested. The property is located at 310 and 324 Canton Street and legally described as being located in Land Lot 1197 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. Z-14-10/V-14-25 Mull Estate Consideration of rezoning 1.3 acres from R-12(For-Sale Residential) to O-P (Professional Office). A variance to the 50’ undisturbed buffer adjacent residential is also requested. The property is located at 2385 Old Milton Parkway and legally described as being located in Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. PH-14-03 North Point Parkway LCI Design Standards (City Council Only) Consideration of design standards for North Point Parkway from Rock Mill Road to the East and Mansell Road to the West. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.

on our historic role in high-tech development. We need to reignite Technology Park Atlanta, its facilities both here in Johns Creek and in Peachtree Corners. Buildings need to be brought up to state-of-the art. This can be accomplished through a state-sponsored program of low-interest loans for renovation. Now comes the exciting part. We induce Georgia Tech to offer evening graduate and continuing education courses on site. Imagine how attractive that will be for technology companies looking to expand or relocate. First class facilities and the resources of a world-renowned university. That’s worth pursuing. If elected, what will be the first thing you want to do when the General Assembly opens? Have no doubt-- my election will send shock waves throughout the Capitol. The powers that be will have to confront the reality that voters will not passively sit by while they make deeper and deeper cuts in education spending. My first job, then, is to seize this initiative and rally parents, teachers, and school boards to descend on the Capitol and demand, “Put the money back!” This is the only we’ll get Georgia moving again toward quality education.

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Royce: Continued from Page 4 What are the top two issues in this race and what are your ideas to solve them? The primary issue in this race is education, which is at the top of the Governor’s and the Legislative agenda. It consumes 54% of all state spending, and is vital to why people live in Johns Creek. We

Brad: Continued from Page 4 an MBA from Georgia State, I understand budgeting and how to meet a payroll and I know how to cut a budget when times get tough. I have a Civil Engineering degree and am a Registered Professional Engineer in over 30 states. This practical experience would be invaluable with transportation solutions. I will be the taxpayer’s champion to fight against tax

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2014 | 29

cannot successfully address any other issue until we know we are funding education appropriately and cost-effectively. Reformulating the QBE funding formula will significantly affect state funding to our schools. In the funding formula, we need to incentivize the 179 public school systems in Georgia to “right-size” themselves so that they are large enough to provide and use resources cost-effectively, but not so

large that they lose touch with the interests of the community. The second issue, which is quickly emerging due to falling gasoline prices, is adequate transportation funding. The drop in gasoline prices from $3.50 to $2.50 reduces motor fuel tax revenues by $286 million. I will ensure that increased general sales taxes and income taxes due to falling gas prices are applied to transportation, but the Republican legislature

is also considering raising the motor fuel tax and/or passing a penny general sales tax to significantly increase transportation improvements. If elected, what will be the first thing you want to do when the General Assembly opens? A primary duty of a State House member is to ensure effective communications between the voters, and the legislative leaders and Gover-

nor. I will quickly use meetings, newsletters, and the media, to inform voters of the issues and choices before the State legislature, and seek their input. I will gain the attention and respect of legislative leaders by accurately representing District 50 voters’ views. I am not running out of self-interest to vote my own opinions and be invisible to voters until the next election.

hikes.

The FairTax means that those who are currently in the underground economy, as well as illegal immigrants, will finally start paying their fair share. These groups currently contribute nothing to pay for government– yet are major recipients of benefits. This is unfair to taxpayers. I will support a wavier for senior citizens so that they do not have to pay any additional consumption tax. And I will only support revenue-neutral tax reform – never a tax increase.

Second, I believe homeowners deserve property tax relief. I will work to simultaneously cut property taxes in Fulton County as well as create a new, independent Milton County. I will sponsor property tax relief by doubling the homestead exemption for homeowners. My proposal would result in thousands of dollars of annual property tax relief for homeowners, and would have no financial impact whatsoever on our schools.

first thing you want to do when the General Assembly opens? I will to help legislators understand that major changes must take place in Fulton County and Atlanta, or else the entire Metro region will suffer even more. As a civil engineer with significant experience in traffic relief, I believe I am the most qualified candidate to help Johns Creek drivers with new traffic relief efforts. It’s time to eliminate the income tax and move to a FairTax.

John Douglas Gore, 78, of Cumming, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Donna Kay McNeil, 57, of Cumming, passed away December 13, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Lavera Hagan, 88, of Duluth, passed away December 6, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Mary L. Mullinax, of Cumming, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangement by Ingram Funeral Home.

What are the top two issues in this race and what are your ideas to solve them? In this race, I have been the leader on the issue of eliminating the state income tax and replacing with the Georgia FairTax. Eliminating the income tax will result in thousands of new jobs. This will be a huge incentive to companies that are relocating south. Many neighboring states have already done so.

If elected, what will be the

DEATH NOTICES Peggy Bailey, 61, of Gainesville, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Muriel Baker, 85, of Sandy Springs, passed away November 23, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Marian S. Bengel, 88, of Duluth, passed away December 3, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Patricia Biggs, 89 of Johns Creek, passed away December 14, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Rene Bouthillier, 94 of Alpharetta, passed away December 9, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Avalon Cordell, 79, of Roswell, passed away December 11, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Sherry Lynn Craft Childers, 56, of Gainesville, passed away December 11, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Charles Cousar, 81 of Decatur, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Stanley Darnell, 72, of Forsyth County, passed away December 13, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Josephine Davis, 95 of Alpharetta, passed away December 11, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Paula Davis, 62, of Johns Creek, passed away December 1, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

William Gipson, 77 of Decatur, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ruth Glover, 84, of Cleveland, passed away November 23, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Leah Kohl, 92, of Gainesville, passed away December 1, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

George Lee, 67 of Buford, passed away December 13, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Annette Maides, 64, of Sugar Hill, passed away November 25, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Patricia Malin, 92 of Alpharetta, passed away December 9, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ralph Paradise 89, of Roswell, passed away December 7, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Paul Poe, 85 of Alpharetta, passed away December 10, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Doris Radford, 87 of Norcross, passed away November 30, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ethel Sarphie, 76, of Alpharetta, passed away December 9, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Anne Soboleski, 83, of Atlanta, passed away December 6, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ruby Mae Sorrows, 91, of Cumming passed away December 15, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. George Stroh, 70, of Woodstock, passed away December 12, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Shirley Gump Thompson, 80, of Cumming, passed away December 14, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. David Whatley, 65, of Sky Valley, passed away November 28, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Franklin Winton, 100, of Roswell, passed away December 6, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

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32 | December 25, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

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