Milton Herald, December 30, 2015 by Appen Media Group

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

Stolen Bentleys

Reward offered for pricy cars ►►page 2

CID expanding

Looks to annex businesses ►►page 4

Veterans honored Wreaths placed at gravesites ►►page 6

Looking back on 2015 The City of Milton saw a lot of action in 2015 in the form of new construction, both from the private and public sectors. A new library was finished along with a new-and-improved Bell Memorial Park. Work began on a new City Hall in the heart of Crabapple. There were also contentious issues surrounding that growth. Work began on an overlay for the Arnold Mill Road corridor. At the same time, the city also grappled with con-

trolling development through a conservation subdivision ordinance. Considerable public debate occurred, leading to the eventual denial of the law. The city was also named by several media outlets as among the best places to live in the state. Each year, the editors pick out the biggest events in the past 12 months in a “look back.” See “Year in Review,” Pages 10 -11

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2 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Reward offered for stolen Bentleys

High schoolers accused of holiday thefts

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A reward has been offered after someone stole several cars from a local dealership. Overnight, between Dec. 20 and 21, someone stole several Bentley vehicles from the Bentley Atlanta location on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta. Alpharetta police and representatives from Bentley Atlanta say they are working together in an effort to locate the stolen vehicles and bring those responsible for the thefts to justice. A $50,000 reward is being offered by the dealership for specific information that leads police to the physical location of the stolen Bentleys and for information that identifies those responsible for the thefts. Bentley cars are known for their price tag, between $200,000 and $300,000 each. No other information was released by police, including how many cars were taken and how thieves made off with them. If anyone has information relating to this theft incident, call the police tip line at 678-297-6307.

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Two Milton High School students are suspected of stealing packages from the front porches of residents in the week before Christmas. On Dec. 18, an officer was dispatched to the Knightsbridge Way neighborhood in Crabapple after reports of a suspicious vehicle at 4:20 p.m. Dec. 18. A witness said the people in a Silver Honda Pilot had taken a package from a neighbor’s front porch. They were then seen tossing a box out of their car window. The officer stopped the suspect vehicle at the Crabapple Government Center. The driver and passenger of the vehicle were both students at Milton High School and members of the varsity football team. Appen Media Group policy is to not identify suspects under 21 years old. The suspects are listed as 17 and 18 years old. A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up dozens of items that were reported stolen from residents in nearby neighborhoods.

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 ►► Lucia Susan Huie, 60, of Duluth,

was arrested Dec. 8 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and fol-

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Public Safety

Man suspected of multiple thefts ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An Alpharetta resident is accused of breaking into several vehicles in his neighborhood Dec. 18.

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Police were alerted to the activity at 7 a.m. when one victim called 911 saying she saw a man in her vehicle. When police arrived to the Homestead Trail residence, they say they saw the suspect, Darren Antonio Thomas, 23, of Cotton Patch Lane, Alpharetta, arguing with two other people. The victim was one of those arguing with Thomas. She said she had seen Thomas inside her vehicle, rummaging through it. Police note Thomas was wearing several different coats and had his pockets filled with miscellaneous items,

uled II controlled substance, giving false information to a police officer and suspended license. ►► Kimby Sue Royalty, 38, of Parkview Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 4 on Park Plaza in Alpharetta for possession of a scheduled II controlled substance. ►► Raymond Sookram, 31, of Canton, was arrested Dec. 3 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and brake light violation. including $124 in cash. He also had a backpack containing Social Security cards, electronic benefit transfer cards and medical cards all belonging to different people. While police were speaking with Thomas and the victim, two other reports came in from the same neighborhood of cars broken into. One person reported missing a long leather coat and a Mini Cooper GPS. Both items were allegedly found on Thomas. Another victim said she recognized his

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 3

What is that white spot on my eye? By Samir Vira, M.D.

Samir Vira, M.D.

Don’t Let Cataracts Keep You From Enjoying The New Year

If you wear contact lenses and you ever wake up with a painful red eye with discharge or blurred vision, you should always consider the possibility of a corneal infection. A corneal ulcer, or infectious keratitis, occurs when there is a breakdown in the cornea and microbes create an infection of the eye. The cornea is the transparent window into the eye, and it is critical for this segment to remain healthy and intact so that you can see everything clearly.

Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

A corneal ulcer is mostly commonly caused by bacteria. It can occur in anyone after sustaining direct injury to the eye. The trauma creates an entry point for bacteria or other microorganism to invade and establish an infection. Contact lens wearers have a significantly higher risk of developing a corneal ulcer. This is especially true for individuals who wear extended duration contact lenses – they are ten times more likely to develop an infection. Contact lens wearers are susceptible to microtrauma that can occur from the lens itself. With extended wear, contact lenses can develop small scratches at the edge or deposits that can lead to this microtrauma. In addition, these contact lenses can harbor bacteria on the surface over time. Lastly, these contact lenses can obstruct oxygen availability and thus make the cornea more susceptible to infection. Overnight wear of contact lenses is also associated with a higher risk of infection. Ulcers can also occur due to other microorganisms. The herpes virus, commonly associated with cold sores, can lead to recurrent corneal ulcers. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk for a fungal or parasitic infection. Acanthamoeba, a parasite found in tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and lakes, can lead to a severe corneal ulcer in contact lens wearers. Contact lens wearers must maintain good hygiene to reduce their risk for an infection. This includes washing hands regularly before handling contact lenses, disinfecting and disposing lenses in a timely fashion, and frequent cleaning of contact lens cases. Individuals should also avoid wearing contact lenses during swimming or showering. Patients with severe dry eyes, eyelid abnormalities leading to exposure of the cornea, and autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are especially prone to infection and should be aware of this possibility. Any individual, especially contact lens wearer, experiencing symptoms of eye pain or foreign body sensation, blurred vision, discharge, or light sensitivity should seek urgent care from an eyecare provider. Delay in attention and treatment can lead to vision loss and sometimes even blindness or loss of the eye. Contact lens wearers should immediately stop the use of their lenses. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will obtain a detailed history and examine the extent and location of the corneal ulcer. He or she will initiate frequent use of topical antibiotics, and in certain severe or unusual circumstances, obtain cultures to determine the specific bacteria causing the infection. You will be asked to return for re-assessment of the ulcer and its response to antibiotics every 1 to 3 days. Most patients respond well to topical antibiotics with good visual prognosis. In severe cases where the central cornea is affected, treatment may be required for a duration of several weeks to months. Patients can also develop cataracts or glaucoma concurrently. Permanent vision loss may occur despite aggressive treatment due to irreversible scarring of the cornea. In these rare cases, a corneal transplant procedure followed by long visual rehabilitation may be necessary to restore the patient’s vision.

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4 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

North Fulton CID hopes to expand Include new Roswell, Alpharetta properties in boundaries By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The North Fulton Community Improvement District is asking the cities of Milton, Roswell and Alpharetta to approve expanding its borders. The North Fulton CID is a self-taxing district that spans from Mansell Road north to McGinnis Ferry Road. A voluntary tax, paid by commercial property owners within the district’s boundaries, funds the CID’s efforts to improve the area. The cities of Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell fall within the CID’s boundaries, and all three cities partner with the CID on projects, planning and initiatives. Since its inception, the CID has invested more than $17 million in the community, leveraging these dollars to create almost $85 million in new infrastructure. Projects such as portions of Westside Parkway, on- and off-ramps along Ga. 400 and landscaping improvements have all been done through the CID. Now it wishes to expand. Parcels along Ga. 9 and Mansell Road are suggested additions to the CID, which can only annex adjacent properties. Ann Hanlon, executive director of

The North Fulton Community Improvement District hopes to expand its footprint in Alpharetta and Roswell.

the CID, said the expansion will allow for new projects to be built. “We have already identified at least one project that could be funded in part by the CID with this expansion — the extension of Davis Drive, near Topgolf and Sam’s Club off Westside Parkway,” Hanlon said. The CID can only work on projects within its boundaries. Hanlon said those properties an-

nexed into the CID will be able to benefit from having new projects created by the CID as well as the investment into the community. The expansion requires the approval of all three member cities. No properties in Milton are expected to be annexed, however the city must still give approval. For more about the North Fulton CID and their projects, visit northfultoncid.com.

Milton starts ‘Polar Plunge’ team MILTON, Ga. – Some people like punishing themselves. For Milton Police Officer Andrew Noblett, he and several of his fellow officers will take the plunge Feb. 20 into the icy waters of Lake Lanier for a good cause. The Polar Plunge is an annual event hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run of Georgia in support of the Special Olympics. Members of public safety departments throughout the state drop the uniforms and don swimwear to take a leap into the lake. Participants collect pledges from friends and family in exchange for the opportunity to jump into icy waters in the middle of winter. All proceeds collected by plungers will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Georgia. Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them

continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Their goal is to help bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected

If you go What: Polar Plunge When: Feb. 20, 2016 Where: Lake Lanier Islands, Sunset Cove in Buford, Georgia More Info: specialolympicsga.org

and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. The 2016 Special Olympics Polar Plunge will be Saturday Feb. 20, 2016 at Lake Lanier Islands, Sunset Cove in Buford, Georgia. For more information or to form a team, visit specialolympicsga.org. —Jonathan Copsey

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 5

6 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Veterans honored with wreaths ‘Wreaths Across America’ event held at Old Roswell Cemetery By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – It was a warm and sunny day Saturday, Dec. 14, and anyone passing by the Old Roswell Cemetery would have seen dozens of people working their way through the gravestones, placing wreaths on several. At the corner of Woodstock Road and Ga. 9, the Old Roswell Cemetery is one of the oldest and most prominent cemeteries in the city. It holds the remains of many of the town’s earliest families and is still in use today. The wreath laying was part of Wreaths Across America, a national event that holds annual ceremonies at cemeteries around the nation honoring servicemen and women. Wreaths are placed at the graves of those who served in the armed forces. Janet Johnson, cemetery co-chair and site coordinator of the Old Roswell Cemetery for the Roswell Historical Society, said this was the first time

Wreaths Across America placed wreaths at the Old Roswell Cemetery. The organization has hosted similar events in the past at other cemeteries in the city. The wreath laying was done prior to a ceremony at noon, Dec. 12, that was repeated at cemeteries throughout the country in honor of veterans. “This is a day for the veterans,” Johnson said. Along with Old Roswell, Johnson and her crews also were placing wreaths at Pleasant Hill Baptist and Lebanon Baptist cemeteries for the first time, for a total of five Roswell cemeteries honored. “We will continue to try and locate and honor these veterans,” Johnson said. All six branches of the military were honored. Cobb County resident Carolyn Gandy and her family were out placing wreaths in the Morris family plot. Gandy’s ancestors were the Morrises, some of the North Fulton area’s earliest families. Several of her ancestors served in the armed forces and were buried in the cemetery in the family plot. Some fought for the Confederacy, others fought in World Wars. Her father served

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

The Manlapas family places wreaths on veterans’ gravestones in the Old Roswell Cemetery Dec. 14 as part of “Wreaths Across America.” in World War II and is buried in Cumming. “This is my first time [placing wreaths] in the Roswell Cemetery,” Gandy said. “It’s very important to keep the tradition alive. This is a legacy for myself and for my children. You need to remember your ancestors and where you came from and appreciate the

sacrifice these men made to keep the country free.” For more about Wreaths Across America, visit wreathsacrossamerica. org. For more about the Roswell Historical Society and their cemetery preservation efforts, visit roswellhistoricalsociety.org.

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 7

8 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

A New Year’s challenge Every New Year’s, most of us think about what we’d like to resolve to change. The lists often include losing weight, getting in shape – either physically or financially Kathleen Sturgeon – landing a new job, getting married, Reporter kathleen@appenmediagroup.com etc. Unfortunately, whatever is wished for is often soon forgotten. But still we make our resolutions. The new year is a unique time when many of us feel we have a chance to start over. It’s as if we think we can almost be anyone or do anything we want. It’s pretty cool. There is usually a sense of recharged energy in the air. Come Jan. 1, most people are ready to kick off the year with a bang. So this year I would like to challenge our readers to put all of that energy to good use. Let’s be better. 2015 felt like a hard year. Granted, there are always tragedies in every year, but 2015 seemed to be one of the worst. While we had many, many good times, the bad often seemed to overshadow the good and take precedence. So, for 2016, I would love to see us all be better. Better friends, parents, significant others, workers and people. We need to be better in how we treat

So this year I would like to challenge our readers to put all of that energy to good use. each other, how we resolve issues and how we voice our differing opinions. We can start this new year off by really taking our lives, country, city and families by the reigns and going full force to make all of it better. In addition to being better, I also charge everyone reading this to be more positive. I write a lot on this topic because I honestly believe a positive outlook and mindset goes a long way toward ending negative issues and just making us better people as a whole. Being better and positive are behaviors we can easily incorporate into our daily lives. Smile at someone, hold the door for the person behind you and maybe put down your phone or device and listen and look at the world around you. It will amaze you what you miss when you’re tuned into your device all the time. So happy New Year, dear readers. Let’s make this year better and more positive by starting the change within ourselves. Happy 2016!

Letter to the Editor: Response to the Dec. 16 Letter to the Editor regarding reporter Kathleen Sturgeon’s Dec. 9 MARTA column – I read Kathleen Sturgeon’s Dec. 9 article, “MARTA moving up north, is that really smarter?” and winced at the title as, I’m sure, Ms. Taylor did, which prompted her to write her response on Dec. 16. The point of her response was that we indeed need to have a good, dependable and cost-effective form of transportation in Atlanta besides the autos we use that are expensive to maintain and fuel and, worst of all, clog the highways. I totally agree with this premise, especially as a native New Yorker who commuted by rail every day to and from work before heading South for a wonderful life in Atlanta. However, in re-reading Ms. Sturgeon’s article, I believe that the question she posed in her title was more an opportunity to get the reader’s attention than to object to the ultimate benefits derived from expanding the current MARTA rail system that effectively

goes nowhere, especially in the suburbs of North Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett , Forsyth, etc. What’s more, with the growing population of millennials and their desire to utilize mass transit, such expansion would entice them to think about moving away from the city, especially when they decide to raise a family. In essence, Ms. Sturgeon and Ms. Taylor agree. Congratulations! The last comment in Ms. Sturgeon’s article reads as follows: “But giving our area the chance to flourish to its fullest capability? That is something we will all miss out on if we are held back by not having public transportation. Why wouldn’t we want to better our communities?” Thanks to you both for supporting this concept. Now we need the votes and ultimately the funds to make it happen! Bruce Kellogg, Roswell

Goodbye 2015, hello spanking-new 2016 The new year is a great time for looking back, but it is also a good time to look forward. For me, it is easy to do both. I can take those shiny new 2015 resolutions I made, HATCHER HURD wipe a mote of dust Executive Editor off them and go hatcher@appenmediagroup.com with them again. There they are, still new in the box. Let’s see, begin a regimen of exercise, check. Start my new (make that my first) novel, check. Become a contestant on “Jeopardy,” check. Yes, they’re all here, so I’ll just put them back in the box and use them for 2016. That’s OK, for me. Nobody is going to care much whether I get these things done. But it is a little different for our local governments. Each year is new and calls for new, or at least continued, efforts to get these local cities down the road. City council members will have to ask themselves, “What have I done to govern?” That makes it hard for those who pledge what they won’t do. “I won’t raise taxes. I won’t spend money frivolously. I won’t vote for this or for that project.” These are commendable goals in and of themselves. But you will find you can’t build a political career on don’ts and won’ts. At some point you are going to have to say I – or better, we – did this and thus so that the city’s economy is stronger, the quality of life is better and the future is brighter. Too often the appeal is to do nothing. But that ultimately leads to dry rot for a city. It begins to decay from within. Doing nothing is much like a cancer. It kills a business here, a neighborhood there, until the blight is unmistakable. Suddenly, you’ll look around at a picture less bright than when you took office. You’ll be asked what you supported. And you had better have an answer. But this involves a certain amount of risk. Do the wrong thing and it will backfire on you. But if you do nothing, that will backfire, too. So you work with your fellow council members to do “the right thing.” It is

not always obvious what the right thing is. That is why you have consultants, experts and fellow council members. It also takes a vision. Hard thing that, vision. But if you don’t have the vision, there can be no right thing to do, because the goal is missing. One option is to treat a city like a car. Just maintain it, change the oil every so often, rotate the tires and get a tuneup. But, like a car, a city is made to go somewhere. And in the bustling suburban communities of North Fulton, it is easy to see people are going in every direction. Cities can’t do that. They have to have direction to go where they want to end up – prosperous, full of quality of life, good infrastructure and the like. And you can’t pull in a service station and say, “Fill it up with quality of life. Oh, and check the roads.” No, this is 2016 (almost). And it is all self-service. That means we have to do the work, the planning, the decision making. What we don’t have is the luxury of status quo. That’s because a city is like an organism, perhaps it is an organism. It certainly is not a car. It lives and breathes and needs care and sustenance. If you are not growing as a city, you are dying. Often, neither happens very quickly, but one or the other is inevitable. So a city council has to decide what is going to make our city grow and be well. It takes a plan and a regimen to become stronger, livelier, more robust. You will find not everyone wants to take the medicine. They won’t want to spend the money, they won’t want to make changes, in general they don’t want change. But change is inevitable, and remaining unchanged becomes a form of change itself – and almost always it is for the worse. That does not mean all change is good, of course not. It takes a lot of planning, a lot of hard work. So a council has taken on the job of leading. And leading is making decisions. You’ll find getting elected is the easy part – yes, the easy part. Making the tough decisions? Well, that’s a job I wouldn’t have the guts to do.

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10 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

YEAR IN REVIEW

Each year, the editors pick out the biggest events in the past 12 months in a “look back.”

Milton City Hall breaks ground

The members of the Milton City Council break ground for their new City Hall.

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

MILTON, Ga. – After nine years, Milton has begun work on its own City Hall. The groundbreaking was held Dec. 1, the city’s birthday, on the future site of City Hall. City officials joined county and state legislators to mark the occasion. “This is an exciting day,” said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. “This is a symbol of progress. Since it was created, Milton’s government has been in rented office space off Deerfield Parkway. It suited the need, but it was rented. By purchasing land and building its own City Hall, the city would be in a position to one day outright own it.” City officials say they hope to be moving into their new digs in 2017. It carries a price tag of $11.5 million. In conjunction with the City Hall complex, a new road will snake from McFarlin Lane to the north of the Crabapple Crossroads behind the Olde Blind Dog development to Crabapple Chase Drive. Roundabouts are planned for these intersections.

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Members of the state champion Bailey Johnson basketball team gather to celebrate 50 years since their big win. Front row, from left, are Charles Grogan, Almond Martin and David Taylor. Back row are Jimmy Taylor, Melvin Peters and James Emerson.

Bailey Johnson state champs recall victory 2015 — 50 years since championships

Bell Park expanded, rebuilt MILTON, Ga. – Over the past year, Bell Memorial Park has remained closed as it was demolished and rebuilt. “I’m thrilled for the city that this project is open,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge. “This is one more step in developing programs and facilities in the city.” The $9.9 million park expansion in-

cluded taking the park from 18 acres with four baseball fields to an over 36-acre multiuse facility with both passive and active recreation options. The park sports lacrosse and football fields as well as four dedicated baseball diamond fields. A new concession building will serve meals and snacks as well as provide meeting space. Trails around the site will be both cement and Americans with Disabilities Act-compatible as well as mulched and more natural. The park is the city’s first recreational park to be built.

NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Feb. 27, 2015, was 50 years to the day since the boys of Bailey Johnson School won the state championship in basketball. There were 12 members of that team in 1965. Six of the surviving members gathered Feb. 18 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Roswell to reminisce about their shining moment five decades earlier. Opened in 1959, Bailey Johnson was the only all-black school for North Fulton students. A grade 1-12 school, it only had about 100 students who came from all of North Fulton County as far south as Dunwoody. And winning a basketball state championship was certainly one of the school’s shining moments. “This team was a machine,” said Almond Martin. “We were all sparkplugs. If one of us sputtered, it didn’t run.” For a basketball team, they were small guys. Averaging in the upper 5-foot range, they were dwarfed by their competition. But that didn’t matter. They had speed on their side. “Coach would make us run over and over for so long,” Martin said, laughing as he called it “abuse.” The team went 14-2 for 1964-65 season, eventually beating Bruce Street [DeKalb County] in the state championship, 85-49.

City buys Providence Park

YEAR IN REVIEW

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 11

MILTON, Ga. – The city became the official owner of the 42-acre Providence Park, paying $4,200 to Fulton County for the site June 2. Since Milton was created, one piece of Fulton County has stayed with the county – Providence Park, situated in the center of Milton. The site includes a lodge, hiking trails, a rock-climbing cliff and a lake. The park will likely be developed for passive uses with trails, rather than active fields. The grounds had been closed for an environmental cleanup since 2004 when contaminants were found in the groundwater and soils after some residents had used it as a chemical dumping site. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division deemed the cleanup complete in 2014. There is still much work to be done before the park is safe and ready to open, Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cregge said at the time. “Nature has taken over,” he said. In the 11 years the park has been closed, overgrowth has caused damage to many of the structures. Trees have fallen into a large valley and created a dam for stagnant water. Parts of the site have been vandalized. The facilities that remain on the site will have to be Members of the Milton City Council and community cut open the locks on the gates to Providence Park after demolished, Cregge said. But his first priority is to upthe city officially bought the 42-acre site from the county. date the fencing and make the park safe to open.

Milton welcomes new library

Community grapples with conservation subdivisions

MILTON, Ga. — At long last, Milton has its own public library. The library held its grand opening July 16. Located at the corner of Mayfield Road and Charlotte Drive in the heart of Crabapple, the 25,000-square-foot facility features everything one would expect from a library – Internet access, meeting space, public art and, of course, plenty of books. The building itself was designed to fit in with Milton and its efforts to remain rural and “equestriancentric.” It has a barn-like design and features many aspects of barns – meeting rooms have sliding “barn doors” and two porches allow visitors to relax on warm summer days in rocking chairs. A large children’s section fills about half the reading area. Adrienne Dedicatoria said her son Elliot, 3, had been looking forward to the new library. “Every time we went by, he would say, ‘Mommy, there is a library!’ When I saw it was opening, I had to take him. He is so excited about it.” As part of the new library, the Friends of the Milton Library, a volunteer group dedicated to helping raise funds for programming, set up shop in a barn next door, where they hold book sales for the community.

MILTON, Ga. – After more than a year in the making, the city’s conservation subdivision ordinance was unanimously denied by the City Council Dec. 7. The issue split the community. The purpose of the CSO was to mitigate the perceived destruction of Milton’s “rural” character by new subdivision development clear-cutting of forests or farmland. The CSO aimed to preserve at least 50 percent of any development as permanent green space (that could include woodland and farms) while decreasing the size of home lots. The opposition, which included most of the 50 public commenters, said increased density, crowding of schools and parks, increased traffic and pollution as well as issues with septic and sewer systems were all issues they had with the proposed ordinance. Proponents said the proposed CSO gave developers options and opportunities for building as well as offering more environmentally sensitive choices. Council member Joe Longoria said the underlying principle of what the council was trying to do with the CSO is a good thing. The most important part is communicating that the proposal is intended to be a density-neutral plan, he said. “The idea of conserving open space in a meaningful way is certainly a good thing,” Longoria said. “The idea of doing this in a manner that maintains the current density standards that we were going to is a good thing. The structure of the proposal is sound. We just messed up on some of the details, including size of the development, minimum lot size, the optional nature of the proposal as opposed to being a requirement or getting a special use permit.”

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Julianna Villafane, left, and Chamille Krznarich check out books with Rocky the reading raccoon.

Sponsored by The North Fulton Alliance of Young Professionals

Since 2014, I’ve shared with our board’s executive officers that my desire was to take on a new challenge, to make the next impact while testing my skills. Tino Mantella, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia

12 | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015

Technology Association of Ga. leader stepping down TAG’s Tino Mantella to serve through 2016

Prior to joining TAG in 2004, Mantella had amassed 20 years of related experience leading the National Arthritis Foundation ATLANTA – After 12 years of leading and YMCA of Metropolthe Technology Association of Georgia, itan Chicago. Tino Mantella announced that he will “Tino has headed be stepping down as the organization’s TAG during a period of president and CEO at the end of 2016. MANTELLA dynamic and exciting The news was announced at a recent change within the tech industry,” said meeting of the TAG board of directors. TAG 2015 Board Chairman Barry Mc“Since 2014, I’ve shared with our Carthy. “Because of his expertise and board’s executive officers that my deguidance we’ve created a tremendously sire was to take on a new challenge, to effective association guided by industry make the next impact while testing my leaders second to none. skills. Simultaneously, I have outlined “Tino’s leadership has put us in a a plan in concert with our board of true position of strength that will only directors to build on TAG’s incredible continue to drive us forward,” McCalegacy,” Mantella said. rthy said. TAG will continue its drive to make Stacie Hagan, Georgia one of the top vice president of five states in America human resources for technology. at Dell Secure“I have asked the Works and TAG board to start the pro2016 board chaircess needed to conduct woman, thanked a national search for Manetella for his a leader who will take service and said TAG to the ’next level’ of she expects 2016 success.” Mantella said. will be a “capstone Under Mantella’s year” for him and leadership, TAG has TAG. become the largest state “The next sevtechnology trade associeral months will ation in North America provide many new with more than 30,000 exciting opportumembers, multiple nities as we roll chapters and societies, out TAG’s new and a prestigious board quantum growth made up of more than Tino Mantella President and CEO of the Technology strategy, and we 60 of Georgia’s leading Association of Georgia are fortunate to technology stakeholdhave the benefit of ers.

I have asked the board to start the process needed to conduct a national search for a leader who will take TAG to the ’next level’ of success.”

Tino’s experience and input as we do this,” she said. Mantella is a member of the boards of Venture Atlanta Coalition Inc., TAG Education Collaborative, the Midtown Alliance, the Tech College System of Georgia’s Foundation and the Chambers of Commerce in North Fulton and for Georgia. He also serves on the advisory board of the Atlanta Metropolitan Chamber. T:\ADS_2015\NFAYP “Over the years, with the help of the

TAG board and countless technology leaders, I’ve been honored to be part of a true transformation that has put Georgia’s technology industry on the map,” Mantella said. “This has been extremely exciting and rewarding and when I leave TAG at the end of next year, I can confidently do this knowing TAG has never been stronger.”

Join the North Fulton Alliance of Young Professionals today. Identify... Connect... Engage... Develop. Visit NFAYP.com

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BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 13

Alpharetta sees mixed development trends Homes up, stores down By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – According to numbers provided by the city of Alpharetta, the number of new construction permits in Alpharetta over the last two years contains a mixed bag of blessings, with increased residential activity, but decreased commercial activity. The number of new single-family home permits went up slightly between 2014 and 2015, from 142 permits to 166. Similarly, permits to make additions or alterations to residences went up from 130 to 194. The number of approved

permits for condos, townhomes or apartments went down from 130 to 89. There was only one permit issued for apartments. For commercial properties, the total number of new commercial construction permits issued went down from 21 in 2014 to 15 this year. These permits are for brand-new buildings, built from the ground up. For renovations of existing sites into new businesses, those numbers went down significantly, from 386 in 2014 to 283 in 2015, a decline of 103 permits. “Miscellaneous” permits, which includes pools, demolition and foundation permits, declined from 242 in 2014 to 227 in 2015. Since December’s numbers were not available for 2015, the 2014 numbers used only include January through November.

Getting off to a fast 40 under 40: start in the New Year James Carr Happy New Year! Hopefully you’ve spent the past couple of weeks celebrating your success from the previous year, and spending some quality time with your family and dick jones friends. Now that Founder & President Jones Simply Sales the new year is here, it’s time to get things in motion. Small businesses that get off to a fast start in the new year are more likely to achieve their annual goals and objectives. To get off to a fast start in the new year, you have to have a plan of action. Documenting your strategic and tactical plans will help ensure you are doing the right things early in the new

year. Whether it’s hiring new employees, rolling out new products and services, or identifying the best prospects you want to meet with, a plan of action will help you get more done. When the new year arrives each year, almost everyone has “resolutions” they make. What are yours? Based on your performance last year, what changes are you going to make to improve your results? Analyzing what was successful, and not as successful last year, will help you to identify ways to improve. Too many small-business owners waste time in the beginning of the year by not having a plan to get off to a fast start. Don’t let that happen to you. Getting off to a fast start in the new year will significantly improve the odds you’ll have a great year!

YARD SIGNS

Editor’s note: The North Atlanta Business Post, an Appen Media Group publication, recently recognized 40 individuals under the age of 40 with outstanding accomplishments in their professional or extracurricular lives. Each week for the next 40 weeks, we will publish a profile showcasing one of these individuals. Visit NorthAtlanta BusinessPost.com for more info.

Age: 26 Title/Company: Communication coordinator for Georgia Organics A sports buff, James Carr has always been interested in communications. Growing up in Australia and London, England, before settling in Alpharetta, he was editor of the Milton High School Eagle Edition and sports editor at the University of Georgia’s radio station before working for Fox Sports South. He got into the local food movement through his book, “The Jig is

Up,” which moved him to work for Georgia Organics. “Almost all of the CARR major issues faced in this country and the world can be traced back to our food system, and I am thrilled to now peruse the fight for good food in my regular waking hours,” Carr said. Curiosity and exploration are important traits, he said. “Explore your curiosity and talk to people older than yourself. Inspiration is everywhere; but you have to be open to it,” he said. Some of those older people have taught Carr important life lessons. “I am fortunate to have several mentors in my life, from writers to filmmakers to managers. All of them push me to think in different ways, more inclusive ways, more effective ways, more creative ways.”

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14 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

Sharon Springs still fights for cityhood By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The second study regarding the potential city of Sharon Springs was brought before the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Dec. 22. Originally approved Sept. 8, the study, conducted by Georgia Tech, was a contract between the BOC and GT. A more in-depth presentation will be held in January by Georgia Tech. However, before this second study was released, on Dec. 15, District 25 State Rep. Mike Dudgeon said the delegation decided House Bill 660 for creating Sharon Springs was “unconstitutional.” “The delegation has decided to withdraw House Bill 660, which would enable a referendum on the creation of Sharon Springs,” Dudgeon said. “Legal developments and opinions over 2015 have made ‘city light’ restrictions in a charter unconstitutional.” State Sen. Michael Williams said the legislature wants to regroup and find another way to go about creating Sharon Springs. The study examined the fiscal impact that the proposed city of Sharon Springs would have on Forsyth County. The report said it answers several key questions posed by the board that have not been addressed by previous studies. “This analysis was done using 2014 financial data (the last year for which complete data is available), and compares what the county actually experienced to what they would have experienced had the city of Sharon Springs existed,” the report read. “Rather than rely on simple ratios of tax digests and population, in most cases revenues and expenses were assigned to their actual geography. In the few cases

where this wasn’t possible, or in cases where the dollar amounts were relatively small, appropriate ratios were used. Further, the research staff interviewed county employees who are experts in their various service delivery areas in order to get expert knowledge related to potential cost reductions.” The proposal for Sharon Springs includes only three services — solid waste, planning and zoning, and code enforcement, deeming it a “city light.” Since the county does not currently offer curbside solid waste services, and since the existing drop-off convenience centers would continue to operate as a county enterprise fund, the study said there is no fiscal impact to the county from the city’s provision of solid waste. “However, had the city of Sharon Springs existed in 2014, the county would have saved nearly $770,000 in expenses in both code enforcement and the planning and development departments,” the study read. “These savings are primarily due to the reduction of 13-15 positions with the associated salaries, benefits and other related expenses.” With respect to operating revenue, had Sharon Springs existed in 2014, the county would have received $6.20 million less than it actually collected. The primary revenue losses would have been in alcohol licenses and excise taxes, business licenses and occupation tax, cable franchise fees, planning and zoning permits and fees and insurance premium taxes “Because the revenue loss is significantly more than the cost savings, the county would have been left with a revenue gap of approximately $5.4 million,” the study read. “Given the size of the Forsyth County net tax digest, it would have required an additional 0.623 mills to recover that amount of revenue. Given

However, had the city of Sharon Springs existed in 2014, the county would have saved nearly $770,000 in expenses in both code enforcement and the planning and development departments...These savings are primarily due to the reduction of 13-15 positions with the associated salaries, benefits and other related expenses.”

the 2014 millage rate of 4.812, that represents a 12.9 percent tax increase.” In March, a study done by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia for the Sharon Springs Alliance completed a feasibility study for the proposed city and the research released March 2 confirmed a “city light” is financially viable. To view the whole county study, visit http://bit. ly/1mgy8GW.

NEWBUSINESSSPOtlightS

Juice Bar Johns Creek opens

Sport Clips opens in Roswell

Business name: Juice Bar Johns Creek Owner(s): R.A.D Health (Retha Blackburn) Opened: November 2015 What: We are a “healthy way of life” vegetarian-style restaurant. We serve freshly made juices, smoothies and

Business: Sport Clips Opened: November 2015 Owners: Brett Gluck What: At Sport Clips, TVs everywhere are playing sports as guy-smart stylists give customers the cuts they want. No appointments needed. Address: 10779 Alpharetta Highway,

grab-and-go snack foods, which include salads, soups, muffins and more. Address: 11270 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097 Website: ilovejuicebar.com/johnscreek-2

Suite 150, Roswell Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 770-557-0733 Website: www.haircutmenmansellshopsroswellga.com

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 15

Happy New Year

from Milton’s New & Unique Market Full Retail Grocery Gifts

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Thanks for making this a wonderful year and m making our first Christmas in Milton fabulous! Wine Tasting Events at least Once a Month

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850 Hickory Flat Road • Milton, GA (877) 201-2601 • Farmtable.Milton@gmail.com • www.FarmtableMarket.com 2 t Go to our website for more information on Wilbur and Rudy’s and for a complete list of our events.

16 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 17

18 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

CALENDAR

get outside

georgia

Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s ‘Charley’s Aunt’ Kick off the New Year with a play that’s sure to be the cure for the post-holiday doldrums, the hilarious comedy, “Charley’s Aunt.” Jan. 7-24, times vary. GET, the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. $26 for Wednesdays, Thursdays and matinees; Friday nights start from $30, and Saturday nights start from $35; senior/student discounts available for select performances. Visit www.get.org, or call 770641-1260 for more info.

Events: Habitat for Humanity ReStore Volunteer Information Session

What: Volunteer information session/ open house for volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in in Roswell. When: Saturday, Jan. 2, at 10:30 a.m. Where: The ReStore 11060 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell 30076 More info: Contact Vernita Gibson, assistant store manager, at vgibson@ habitat.org or 770-415-1633.

LIBRARY EVENTS: Friends of the Alpharetta Library Book Sale

What: Shop at the Friends’ book sale. When: Saturday, Jan. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Library porch and Friends Bookstore (upper level, lobby area), Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta 30009 More info: 404-613-6735

Laughter for Wellness

What: Let laughter lighten your mood. Instructor is a certified laughter yoga leader trained by Dr. Madan Kataria. Registration required. When: Saturday, Jan. 2, 2-3 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek 30022 More info: 770-360-8820

Anime and Manga Club for Teens

What: Teens meet to discuss anime and manga, share fan art and fan fiction. This program is by teens for teens. Ages 12-18. Registration required. When: Sunday, Jan. 3, 2:30 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek 30022 More info: 770-360-8820

Monday Morning Movies

What: Watch a classic film on the big screen in our auditorium every Monday morning. All are welcome. When: Monday, Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta 30009 More info: 404-613-6735

Beginner’s Genealogy Class

What: Bob Volz will counsel others on how to begin the search for their ancestors. This class will help you gain the research skills needed to discover your own family history. Registration required. When: Tuesday, Jan. 5, 6 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton 30009 More info: 404-613-4402

Energy Yoga

What: Energy yoga is a combination of stretching, breathing and meditation. Please bring a yoga mat or towel and wear loose comfortable clothes. Open to ages 10 and up. When: Sundays, 4 p.m. Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek 30005 More info: 770-360-8897

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: Lanier Islands Magical Nights of Lights and Winter Adventure What: Drive across the Lanier Islands Bridge and into a world of lights. Also, enjoy a new adventure this year with Winter Adventure, a snow-packed winter play land perfect for building a snowman, delightful tubing and thrilling sledding. When: Opens Nov. 27 Where: Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford 770-945-8787 More info: lanierislands.com

Fernbank Rings in Noon Year’s Eve

What: Celebrate the new year a full 12 hours early as Fernbank hosts a dinosaur photo stop, a resolution station, dancing and games with DJ Willy Wow, and a balloon drop at the stroke of noon. The event caters to families with youngsters who may not be able to stay up until midnight. When: Thursday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 More info: fernbankmuseum.org

Volunteers carry trout from the stocking truck to the water during the Dec. 22 “bucket brigade” volunteer-assisted stocking on the Chattahoochee at the Whitewater access.

YOUR GUIDE TO FISHING, HIKING, CAMPING AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS:

More trout for the holidays A few days before Christmas, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and an eager crew of volunteers helped stock more than 2,000 rainbow and brown trout in the STEVE HUDSON Chattahoochee Get Outside Georgia, Chattahoochee Media Group River delayed harvest water at the Whitewater access point near Mount Paran Road. Some impressive fish were stocked, including 1,500 rainbow and 500 brown trout in the 10- to 11-inch range. Larger fish were stocked, too, among them 100 browns and 100 rainbows in the 13- to 14-inch range. Those on hand to help stock included Steve Bailey and his daughters Alex, 11, and Kate, 9. This enthusiastic trio made several trips from the stocking truck to the river, carrying trout in 5-gallon buckets and then placing the fish into the river. After the stocking was completed, I had the pleasure of helping Alex and Kate each catch their very first trout on a fly rod. In fact, each of them landed and released several nice fish. The trout were big, but the smiles were even bigger! Favorite flies for the day tended to be bright and flashy streamers (minnow imitations). Using the “countdown” technique (that is, counting to two or three after the fly hits the water to give it time to sink a bit), every angler I spoke with ended up catching fish. You don’t have to be a fly fisher to pursue Hooch DH trout, however. Spinning gear works well, too. Try a Rooster Tail, Mepps spinner, or a white curly-tailed grub-and-jig. Just

remember that, on delayed harvest water, it’s artificials only and each lure can have just one single hook. One challenge this year on the Hooch DH has been ongoing high water. Extreme flows have made the river difficult to impossible to fish on many days – and those flows may wash some trout downstream, too. To deal with this, the fisheries folks at Georgia DNR have fine-tuned their stocking pattern by stocking larger numbers of fish in the upper portion of the Chattahoochee DH water. “We know that those trout may be pushed downstream [into the rest of the DH water] by the high flows,” noted Pat Markey, manager of the state’s Buford Trout Hatchery. As those fish spread out downstream it should be good news for Chattahoochee delayed harvest trout anglers later on in the season. How many fish have been put into the Chattahoochee DH water so far this season? Since the end of October, Markey notes, about 30,000 trout have been stocked in the Hooch DH water. Another 20,000 will be stocked through the first months of 2016, so there will be plenty of fish. Once conditions improve in the river, there should be trout through most or all of the Chattahoochee DH water. Steve Hudson has written numerous books on fishing, hiking, the outdoors and more. Check them out at www. chattahoochee media.com.

SPORTS

2016 region alignments finalized Multiple teams move up to newly formed Class 7A By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga.- The Georgia High School Association has finalized the region alignments after forming Class 7A, which will feature the largest schools in the state, for the 2016 sports season beginning in the fall. Seven local teams from North Fulton and Forsyth County have been placed in Class 7A. The region alignments, which will still need to be officially ratified Jan. 13, will run from 2016-18. The introduction of the 48-school Class 7A region reduced the number of schools in all classes except for Class A, and is comprised of the largest schools in the state based on student population. Roswell, Forsyth Central, Lambert, Milton, North Forsyth, South Forsyth and West Forsyth will all compete in Class 7A beginning at the start of the 2016-17 school year. In perhaps the most intriguing region alignment, all five schools from

Forsyth County will now compete in Region 5 of Class 7A. Milton will also play in the six-team region. Five of the six teams were moved up from Class 6A, while Forsyth Central will have to make the two-class jump to 7A from 5A. According to Forsyth Central’s Athletic Director Dan Kaplan, the school is excited to make the jump to Class 7A and play county rivals. “I believe, and I think all of our coaches believe, it is exciting. We’re now able to play [other Forsyth schools], which we have not been able to do in the past in some sports, and create some rivalries and a great atmosphere at all of our games. “Our kids are excited that they will be able to play kids they that knew and that they grew up with. Some of the kids played on the same travel teams and then dispersed throughout schools in the county,” said Kaplan. “We’re coming out of Class 5A which had 14 teams in seven counties, so it’s kind of hard to develop rivalries. [The new region] gives us more of an opportunity to play teams that are in proximity to our county. We’ve traveled so far in distance with the large region. There’s so many teams that are not in

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 19

Regions for years 2016-18: Class 6A Region 7 Alpharetta Cambridge Chattahoochee Centennial Dunwoody Johns Creek North Atlanta Northview Pope Class A Region 6 Subregion B Fellowship Christian King’s Ridge Christian Mount Paran Christian Mount Pisgah Christian Pinecrest Academy St. Francis Walker Whitefield Academy

our [current] region that are closer to us in North Fulton and Gwinnett. Now we have the opportunity to go out and see if they want to play in all of our sports.” Roswell also moved into Class 7A and was placed in Region 4. Re-

Class 7A Region 5 Forsyth Central Lambert Milton North Forsyth South Forsyth West Forsyth Class 7A Region 4 Cherokee Etowah Lassiter Roswell Walton Woodstock Class 4A Region 7 Blessed Trinity Chestatee Riverside Military Academy West Hall White County

gion 4 includes six of the nine teams that comprised Region 5 of Class 6A, Roswell’s current region, including Cherokee, Etowah, Lassiter, Walton and Woodstock.

See REGIONS, Page 29

COMMUNITY

20 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

A L P H A R E T TA C H A M B E R

Gala 2016

SAVE THE DATE!

January 23

6:00pm - 10:00pm Music by

Boy Scout Cameron Webb organized the donation of 600 puzzles for sick kids at Childrens’ Healthcare of Atlanta.

Tickets $125 each Tables $1,500 each (12 seats)

Boy Scout donates puzzles to sick kids ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Cameron Webb, a junior at Alpharetta High School and a Boy Scout with Troop 69, created and completed his Eagle Project, called “Puzzles for Patients.” This project is to provide a fun diversion for children patients at Childrens’ Healthcare of Atlanta during their hospital stay. Webb collected 600 new puzzles and donations from family, friends, local schools, his church, troop and neighborhoods during his puzzle drive. He also stickered each puzzle with a quote for the kids so they could

be strong and get well, such as, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” said Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh in “Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin. Webb delivered all 600 puzzles to CHOA and presented them to Dr. Daniel Salinas, chief medical officer of CHOA. Also, he was the first one to use their new self-automated donation tablet to track and record donations. —Jonathan Copsey

New DAR chapter forms in Alpharetta Event Location:

Contact Kristen at Kristen@alpharettachamber.com for sponsorship information Sponsorship Deadline is December 31st Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce alpharettachamber.com • (404) 545-0212

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- The newest chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is created in Alpharetta. It was organized on Dec. 6, 2015, and welcomes interested parties who may be qualified for membership to visit their meetings. The first meeting is Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. at the Alpharetta Public Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. The program will discuss how to determine if you are a descendant of a Revolutionary Patriot and how to begin the process of substantiating your lineage. For more information about the meeting, questions about the new chapter, or to RSVP the meeting, e-mail PatriotsOfLibertyNSDAR@Yahoo.com. The members of the Alpharetta Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are, top row from left, Eleanor Quigley, Georgia Northwest district director; Paula Osborne, Geor-

gia Organizing Secretary; Bea Fischer, Georgia State Regent; Annelle Jones, Patriots of Liberty NSDAR, organizing regent; Bottom row are Pauline McKinny, chaplain; Lynda Bush, registrar; Susan Yatsinko, corresponding secretary; Alicia King, treasurer; and Susan Youdell, vice regent. Not present is Lyn Silverthorne, recording secretary. The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history and support better education for the nation’s children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org, —Jonathan Copsey

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 21

22 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

KRCS students give to Empty Bowl Project ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Over the past month, King’s Ridge Christian School students have been handcrafting bowls for the Empty Bowl Project. This project is dedicated to raising money and awareness to help the fight to end hunger internationally. Their mission is to “to create positive and lasting change through the arts, education and projects that build community.” Students in all grade levels participated in this project by creating bowls in their Art classes under the supervision and direction of Art teachers, Lisa LeRoux (Lower School), Patty Zeitz (Middle School) and Lisa Gould (High School). The bowls were available for a suggested donation of $5 with 100 percent of the proceeds given to Meals by Grace during the Annual KRCS Christmas at the Ridge event on Dec. 3. In total, the students were able to raise $1,912 for the project. In addition to the monetary donation, the KRCS Athletic Association also donated 40 coolers to their organization. Meals by Grace is a local non-profit organization in the Alpharetta community who partners with schools to “identify children in need and seek to feed and serve their families.” They have multiple programs in place to offer food support to these children and families.

SCHOOLS

KRCS art teacher Lisa LeRoux presents the check to Meals by Grace at the Lower School Annual Christmas Play Dec. 18. From left are Brenda Clinton, Holly Krig-Smith, LeRoux, Meals by Grace Executive Director Suellen Daniels, board member Rubye Hunsberger and Deb James.

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 23

The New Strong

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COMMUNITY

24 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Roswell celebrates Bulloch-Roosevelt wedding Christmas reenactment held one night a year By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. - Dec. 22, 1853, was an unusually cold night, with a wet and bitter chill in the air. It was on this night that the finest families of Roswell gathered in the cozy and warm Bulloch Hall for the social event of the year – the wedding of Martha “Mittie” Bulloch to Theodore “Thee” Roosevelt. Each year, on (or near) the anniversary of the event, Roswell’s Bulloch Hall hosts a reenactment of that night in 1853. With ladies and gentlemen in their finest period attire, the house is bedecked with wreaths and garlands and poinsettias aplenty. It’s a mixture of Victorian Christmastime with wedding formality. Mittie and Thee would become the parents of President Teddy Roosevelt Jr. With actors throughout the historic home, guests of this year’s event – held Dec. 21 – were able to feel almost as if they were witnessing a wedding party nearly eight years before the start of the Civil War. The women of the event held court in the parlor, chatting and gossiping about the latest fashions and the couple-to-be. “They are so in love,” said “Mrs. Margaret Roosevelt,” mother of the groom. “They are a delight-

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Roswell’s historic home celebrates the Christmas wedding of its famous daughter – Mittie Bulloch – to New York’s Theodore Roosevelt. The couple would become parents to President Theodore Roosevelt Jr. ful pair.” The wedding guests marveled at the life the new couple would have in New York City with the Roosevelts. Mittie should be happy, said Mrs. Roosevelt, since a new department store was opening near their home – Lord & Taylor. The men were gathered in the library, discussing politics and commerce – when will railroads come to Roswell for the cotton mill?

Talk also turned to another matter of great import – that new Lord & Taylor store would be selling readymade dress shirts! The bridesmaids busied themselves in the upstairs bedrooms, practicing their dances for the wedding, giggling and prancing as they did. Finally, it was time for the main event – the wedding ceremony. Everyone gathered in the parlor to watch Roswell’s Mittie join with New York’s Thee to spend the rest of their lives together. Then there was dancing, of course. Guests on the tour were treated to refreshments and a story afterward. Josie Bailey, a professional storyteller, regaled the group with the old Uncle Remus tale of Brer Rabbit. Norman Jacobs, a DeKalb County resident, said he grew up in New York City and has loved learning the history of President Teddy Roosevelt. He has visited Mittie’s New York home away from home with Thee, Teddy’s childhood home. Jacobs said he enjoyed seeing the wedding performance, an event he has tried to attend for years. “It’s the closest you can get to how it felt like back then,” he said. “This was better than anything I could have expected.” His wife, Kathy, agreed. “It was fabulous,” she said. “They did a really nice job.” The wedding of Mittie Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt is only held one night a year. For more about Bulloch Hall, its holiday events and next year’s wedding performance, visit bullochhall.org.

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 25

SCHOOLS

26 | December 30, 2015 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

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

Belmont University honor society NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Three local residents were recently inducted into the Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi Honor Society at Belmont University, the oldest and most prestigious honor society at Belmont, and induction into the society is the university’s highest academic honor awarded. The students were: Kylee Smith and Matthew Proctor, both of Alpharetta, and Nathan Childers, Cumming,

Bob Jones University player honored GREENVILLE, S.C. — Kyle Turner, Alpharetta, was named the PlanFIRST Player of the Game for the Bob Jones University Bruins in the Dec. 8, Dec. 11 and Dec. 19 basketball games. The Dec. 11 game against Piedmont International University was Turner’s 100th game with the Bruins, and he finished with 24 points and had 12 rebounds to lead the Bruins to an 80-71 win.

Berry College fall graduates, dean’s list

ROME, Ga. — Berry College welcomed a total of 62 new graduates on Dec. 18, including the following local students: Creighton Caldwell and Krista May, both from Cumming, Robby Graham, Alpharetta, and Mack Howard of Suwanee. Also, the following students have been named to Berry College’s fall 2015 dean’s list. From Alpharetta: Amy Roberts, Samantha Moquin, Hillary Albertson, Andrea Flores Reyes, Lauren Hahn, Emily Gates, Kevin Little, Phillip Szot, Kyra Clark, Alexander Dhom, Jordan Moore, Rebecca Savage, Ashley Foreman, Kassie Howard, Meghan Dooling, Abigail Maiwald, Alexander Mitropoulos, Quentin Johnson, Reagan Pifer, Jacob Delk and Giuliana Fernandez-Deza. From Cumming: Alexa Adams, Madison James, Sarah Beckwith, Hannah Clark, Megan Hicks, Elly Wagner, Connor Wright, Mitchell Crum, Samantha Tippett, Autumn Powell, Meagan Hunter and Alexandra Beato. From Duluth: Rachel Blair, Rebecca Treadaway, Matthew Dominguez and Shelby Milton. From Roswell: Nicole Harris,

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Lamelas, Katelyn Elizabeth Warren, Billy Ray Nolan From Suwanee: Malgorzata Anna Bastia, Makensie Leigh Lant, Paloma Marsella Pena and Praline E.V. Adam-Shelley.

Brenau University graduates

WALLINGFORD, Conn.— Ethan Wedge, son of Bernard and EveLyn Wedge, Alpharetta, was named to the dean’s list his first semester at Choate Rosemary Hall, a private coed boarding high school in Wallingford, Connecticut.

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The following local students graduated from Brenau University during the university’s first winter commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 12. They included: From Alpharetta: Augustina Andoh, Nonna Gerber Horton and Alyson Paige Carroll. From Cumming: Katherine Lynn Baker, Abdoul Gadiri Diallo, Morgan Danielle Zanardo, Natalee Carol Ward, Debbie Pradillo Cashion, Corrie Rebekah Samples, Chastity Grace Shanahan From Duluth: Danielle Patricia Fleck. From Johns Creek: Truptiben Hiteshkumar Patel, Damir Hecimovic and Steven Nicholas Spry. From Milton: Jill Clifton DeCusati From Roswell: Kelly Louise

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The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi BATON ROUGE, La. — The following local residents were recently inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines: Kasey Shepp, Roswell, and Carter Garrison, Alpharetta, both of whom were initiated at Auburn University; Kaylee Jacks, Johns Creek, initiated at the University of Mississippi; Brandon Soloff, Roswell, initiated at Columbus State University; and Taylor Walton, Johns Creek, initiated at Clemson University.

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 30, 2015 | 27

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