Alpharetta-Roswell Herald — December 26, 2019

D e c e m b e r 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 | 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 3 7 , N o . 5 2

Alpharetta officials OK new Tech Village plan

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Law offers guidelines for use of fireworks

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2019 Year in Review

It was a busy news year for area residents. Both Alpharetta and Roswell faced new challenges while celebrating their accomplishments. Clockwise from top left: Alpharetta’s Old Soldiers Day Parade came under threat after a group filed suit over its right to display the Confederate battle flag; Lonnie Mimms opened the Computer Museum of America in Roswell; local cities prepared to make way for deployment of new 5G technology; and Blessed Trinity football took home its third straight state championship.

Read more, Pages 8-10, 15

Scholar/athlete dashes illness’ stereotypes

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Ga. 400 continues to attract businesses

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2 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

Public Safety

Police arrest man for sexual battery, posing as an officer 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Northside Woman: ext. 128 Calendar: ext. 122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com OUR PUBLICATIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation Northside Woman: 18,000 circulation

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ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police arrested a man Dec. 17 for allegedly attempting to handcuff a masseuse, posing as a Roswell police officer and performing indecent acts.

Officers caught the suspect, 58-year-old Christopher Guetter of Jasper, on Dec. 17, five days after the incident.

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.

Bank alerts man to thousands in fraud ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta man contacted police Dec. 9 after he learned of a $12,000 fraudulent charge on his credit card.

In late October, the man’s bank contacted him asking if a $12,000 purchase from a watch company in California was valid. He said he had not made any such purchase and was told the charge would be reversed.

On Dec. 4, however, the man saw that the bank reversed the reversal, putting the $12,000 charge back on his card. A representative told the man that their investigation showed the charge was valid.

The purchase had been shipped to an unknown address in Alpharetta.

Prescription drugs stolen from employee breakroom ROSWELL, Ga. — An Alpharetta woman contacted police Dec. 12 after she noticed her prescription drugs had gone missing.

The woman had the pills in a prescription container when she started work at the Burger King on Market

On Dec. 12 at 10 p.m., police said Guetter visited Massage Angels on Woodstock Road for a massage.

During the ser vice, he said he was a Roswell police officer and tried to handcuff

GUETTER

DUI arrests Sydney Frazer, 23, of St. Louis, Mo., was arrested Dec. 8 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and improper stopping.

Jason Wayne McClelland, 38, of Pilgrim Lake Drive, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 13 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and following too closely.

Nilson De Menezes, 55, of Karen Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 12 on South Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI, hit and run, and failure to yield.

Daniel Gene Nails, 56, of Windsor Park Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Dec. 7 on Ga. 120 in Alpharetta for DUI, reckless driving, speeding and failure to yield.

Kenya Ashaunta McClinton, 39, of Hemingway Lane, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 12 on Dogwood Road in

Boulevard. She placed the container in her purse in the employee breakroom.

When the woman later returned, she noticed that 12 pills were missing.

Four cars burglarized at apartment complex ROSWELL, Ga. — Police are investigating a string of car burglaries that took place Dec. 7 and 8 at the Aspen Pointe Apartments.

the masseuse, according to police.

Guetter then performed indecent acts in the presence of the masseuse, police said.

Guetter is charged with false imprisonment, criminal attempt to commit rape, impersonating a public officer, sexual battery and battery.

— Julia Grochowski

Roswell for DUI and failure to yield.

David Peterson, 51, of Farm Hill Circle, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 9 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, too fast for conditions and following too close.

Jose Comi-Obdulio, 44, of Huntington Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 9 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Katherine Fields, 34, of Sandstone Place, Marietta, was arrested Dec. 14 on Woodstock Road in Roswell for DUI, failure to signal and following too closely.

Michael Shane Calvert, 48, of Warm Breeze Lane, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 12 on Mansell Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to signal.

Carla Longino, 36, of Long Iron Drive, Lawrenceville, was arrested Dec. 9 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI. The cars were last seen secured by the owners that evening around 8 p.m. on Dec. 7. The next morning, around 7 a.m., the owners saw that the cars had been rummaged through.

All four cars had the same method of entry, according to police: a broken front window.

Nothing was stolen from two of the cars. Cash and identification documents were stolen from the other two cars.

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 3

4 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Alpharetta approves 360 Tech Village master plan City Council also OKs downtown office building

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta City Council approved two major rezoning cases that are likely to change the look and feel of Alpharetta for decades.

At its Dec. 16 regular meeting, the council approved an amendment to the Tech Village Master Plan allowing for construction of a 62.47-acre mixed-use development on Lakeview Parkway near Ga. 400.

The newly revised plan for 360 Tech Village calls for a different mix of retail/restaurant, office and residential on about 62 acres with the city’s second largest lake as an amenity.

This is the third time this year developers for the property, TPA Group, have come before the council in hopes of getting the $250 million mixed-use development off the ground.

In January, the council denied a request to extend a May 2019 deadline for TPA to seek building permits for some 276 apartments before the site reverted to its previous zoning that allowed for-sale residential. For one thing, city officials expressed concern that the city had no shared document with the developer that specifically detailed the site plans.

TPA Group officials returned in October seeking to submit a revised proposal before the end of the year, and the request was granted. Under city policy, the developer would normally not be allowed to resubmit a new zoning proposal until late January of 2020. City code does allow for the council to shorten that frame to six months.

The new plan submitted Dec. 16 calls for 31,525 square feet of retail/restaurant, 630,080 square feet of office use — more than two-thirds of it new — 60 forsale townhome units and 255 apartments.

Crawford Arnold, TPA Group director, said in October the urgency for getting the new plan approved before January was to secure a corporation seeking 120,000 square feet for its corporate campus. The corporation, he said, plans to provide 500 jobs with an annual average salary of $70,000.

Crawford told council members Dec. 16 that the site is already home to 2,000 jobs, and he expects another 2,300 added if the modifications were approved.

The majority on the council said they were struck by the plan, pointing to its dedication of more than 30 acres — half the site — to public green space, including access to Morrison Lake.

Apartments prove a sticking point One sticking point was a condition approved by staff and members of the Alpharetta Planning Commission regarding construction and occupancy of the 255 apartments. The condition called for allowing occupancy of 140 apartments in January 2022 and the other 115 in 2023.

Arnold said the condition would be expensive and prohibitive, either requiring apartment construction to be interrupted or mandating that nearly half the total units sit unoccupied for a year.

The council’s final approval removed the lag time in occupancy for the apartments.

The final vote was 4-2, with Councilman Ben Burnett recused, citing possible future business affiliations with TPA.

Wakefield-Beasley & Associates/SPECIAL

New plans for 360 Tech Village on Lakeview Parkway call for 60 townhome units as part of the 62-acre mixeduse development. By a 4-2 vote, the Alpharetta City Council approved the plan at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Mayor Jim Gilvin and Councilwoman Karen Richard voted against the measure, saying it backtracks on the city’s goal of reducing the percentage of for-rent housing in Alpharetta.

Richard said the city set a goal five years ago of establishing a level of 68 percent owner-occupied and 32 percent for-rent housing. Back then, she said, rentals accounted for 36 percent of the local housing, much higher than surrounding cities and counties. That figure has hardly changed, she added.

“It’s been five years, and we haven’t moved the needle at all,” Richard said.

Gilvin was even more adamant in his opposition.

This is the eighth major mixed-use development approved for Alpharetta in the past several years, Gilvin said.

“Six of the people on this council have faced election over the last two years, and I don’t have to wonder what the people of Alpharetta want from us,” Gilvin said. “It’s been loud and clear: fix the traffic and restore some sense of balance to the level of development.”

Main Street office building approved The council was more in unison earlier in the meeting when it approved construction of a three-story office building at 100 North Main St. The applicant, 100 N. Main St. Alpharetta LLC, had asked to change the zoning from neighborhood commercial to downtown mixed-use for the 28,000-squarefoot building with a two-level parking deck with 90 spaces in back. The property, just shy of 1 acre, is the site of a former florist business. As proposed, the building would front Main Street just south of Cumming Street which dead ends at Main.

The city currently has plans to extend Cumming

Street west past Main to Canton Street. Funding for that project was part of the $52 million bond referendum voters passed in 2016, however those funds were reallocated when the city was unable to acquire right of way.

The proposal, advanced by Alpharetta-based venture capital firm Avego, aroused some concerns from neighbors in the West of Main residential development located behind the proposed office building.

While residents said the applicant was receptive to their concerns and they welcome the building, they still wanted assurances that the rear parking area be gated and closed off at night to guard against noise and disturbances from patrons of downtown entertainment venues.

Avego partner Thomas Vandervort said his company has been leasing space for the past several years and wants to build a permanent home in the downtown.

“We decided that Avego really has an identity here in Alpharetta, and we wanted to build more of a lasting legacy by having a permanent headquarters here on Main Street,” Vandervort said.

As part of the conditions of approval, the developer will set aside land to accommodate the future extension of Cumming Street.

The developer’s plans also accommodate Georgia Department of Transportation plans for widening Main Street into four lanes with 12-foot multi-use sidewalks on either side. That project is still in the right-of-way acquisition phase.

One resident said he was thrilled with the prospect of having an office building nearby.

Roy Roberts, who billed himself as one of the last homeowners on Main Street, told council members he is looking forward to it.

“Commercial office space has been the best neighbor I’ve ever had,” he said.

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NEWS

6 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

LOVE THE BEATLES?

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Private school teacher accused of sexual battery

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — A former teacher of High Meadows School turned himself in Dec. 8 after police issued a warrant for his arrest for sexual battery to a minor.

John Emmanuel Garcia, 39, of Atlanta is accused of repeatedly inappropriately touching a child inappropriately.

Garcia had been with the school since 2017, when he started as a substitute teacher, and later became the Spanish teacher and Seniors Summer Camp counselor.

“Consistent with our school and camp hiring processes, we performed several criminal background checks on Mr. Garcia as well as conducted reference checks,” said Interim Head of School Bud Lichtenstein. “There were no concerns that came up in these processes.”

The school was first informed of the allegations mid-November and immediately informed the Department of Family and Child Services of the situation, according to Lichtenstein. The warrant for Gardia’s arrest was issued following an investigation by the Roswell Police

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By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com GEORGIA — A few years ago, Georgia residents had to travel to a neighboring state to legally set off their own fireworks. Then in 2015, the Georgia General Assembly enacted legislation that allows consumer fireworks to be sold and used in Georgia.

In July 2018, a new state law went into effect that provided clarity for how cities and counties could regulate fireworks within their boundaries.

It is illegal to set off fireworks within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail or prison, helipad, nursing home or other health care facility.

It is also illegal to set them off within any park, recreational area, historic site or state-owned property or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if un-

Department and Department of Family and Child Services.

“The safety and security of our community is our primary concern,” Lichtenstein said. “Therefore, we immediately placed Mr. Garcia on a leave GARCIA of absence during the pendency of the initial investigation. At that time, we advised him not to communicate with any children, families or our community, and not to return to campus or school events until we had more information.”

The school is working with advisers and has compiled resources for families and students.

“This is an unfortunate reminder of the importance of talking to your child about student/adult boundaries and to remind them to let you or a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, administrator) know if there have been any uncomfortable conversations or behaviors with any adult they encounter,” Lichtenstein said.

Garcia was released from jail Dec. 10 on a $10,000 bond. der the age of 18. The governor has the power to enact temporary restrictions in areas suffering from a severe drought.

The state law allows consumer fireworks to be ignited any day beginning at 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. so long as the fireworks do not violate a local noise ordinance.

The state also allows the use of fireworks on certain holidays regardless of local rules. Those holidays are Memorial Day weekend, July 3 and 4, Labor Day, and Dec. 31 until 11:59 p.m. and New Year’s Day from midnight to 1 a.m.

Though the law prevents cities from regulating fireworks on those holidays, it was still considered a win for local control, according to the Georgia Municipal Association. The law’s sponsors included State Reps. Jan Jones (R-Milton), Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), and State Sen. John Albers, who represents parts of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell.

In Milton, fireworks are permitted any day up to 9 p.m. if they do not create “loud and unreasonable noise” defined in the city’s noise ordinance.

Decibel limits effectively prohibit fireworks throughout in Alpharetta and in residential areas in Forsyth County.

In Dunwoody and Roswell fireworks may only be used between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. except on allowable holidays or

See FIREWORKS, Page 7

NEWS

Fireworks: Continued from Page 6

with a special use permit.

The Johns Creek City Council briefly discussed creating a firework ordinance this November but considering the difficulty of enforcement, opted to focus on public education instead.

Fireworks can be particularly stressful for victims of gun violence or veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or for people with certain cognitive disorders. The loud noise and random timing of the explosions can trigger flashbacks, Crier 12/26/19 Crossword cause intrusive thoughts of traumatic memories and induce anger or paranoia.

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8 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald

ALPHARETTA YEAR IN REVIEW

City wins some, loses some in tumultuous year

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta and Milton declared an impasse in January when officials from both cities failed to hammer out an agreement for reciprocal use of parks for youth sports programs.

Those who participate in a recreation or parks program offered by the other city will now have to pay a “non-resident fee” above the regular registration fee for the program. That adds as much as 75 percent to the price, and it may put the cost out of reach for some families.

In May, both cities passed measures to preserve portions of the reciprocal agreement for youths participating in travel teams for a time. Youth sports participants from outside each city would still have to pay higher non-resident fees, but the makeup of the teams

Council blasts local legislators In late February, Alpharetta officials blasted state legislators for supporting a bill giving utilities greater latitude in deploying fifth-generation wireless equipment in public right of way.

The legislation came months after the city spent weeks and thousands of dollars in legal fees to draft an ordinance that would provide some protections against the industry’s installation of new 5G equipment. “[The legislation] basically shreds everything we did to protect our residents — and the right of way that they own,” Mayor Jim Gilvin said.

The city’s attorney on the issue, Scott Hastey, said the House bill “pretty much” overrides everything the city adopted to protect itself.

Speaker of the House Pro Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton) said it was new federal guidelines that went into effect Jan. 14 that overrode Alpharetta’s ordinance.

State Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) responded to the attack saying he had reached out twice to a City Council member to seek feedback. The council member never got back to him, he said.

Martin also said the House bill was supported by the Georgia Municipal Association, a group that represents the interests of Alpharetta and most cities in Georgia.

Later in 2019, the Alpharetta City Council dissolved their affiliation with

2019 Year in Review

can remain similar to those in the past.

Both cities require travel teams consist of at least 50 percent residents.

In 2018, Milton residents accounted for 14,300 registrations for Alpharettabased recreation programs, while 413 Alpharetta residents participated in Milton-based park programs. During that time, the City of Milton paid Alpharetta $453,100 in fees as part of the arrangement. From 2012-17, Milton paid Alpharetta $2.25 million under the memorandum of understanding. the Georgia Municipal Association.

In September, the council officially adopted a new ordinance that provides the telecoms with greater latitude to install the new equipment.

Gwinnett Health, Northside merge

Four years after plans were first announced, Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System cleared the final regulatory hurdle toward combining operations in February.

Early in February, the Federal Trade Commission completed its review of the combination and gave its approval to move forward. The combined system became operational by summer 2019.

Northside Hospital is one of Georgia’s leading health care providers with more than 240 locations across the state, including three acute care, state-of-theart hospitals in Sandy Springs, Cherokee County and Forsyth County.

Gwinnett Health System is nationally recognized, with hospitals in Lawrenceville and Duluth. Additional facilities include the Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion, the Gwinnett Extended Care Center, Glancy Rehabilitation Center, and outpatient health centers including surgical, imaging and physical, occupational and speech therapy facilities.

The merger creates a system with 1,604 in-patient beds, nearly 21,000 employees and 3,500 physicians on staff.

Cost for road projects climb In April, Alpharetta Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz presented a less-than-rosy update on several of the city’s top projects voters approved for funding in the 2016 transportation sales tax referendum.

Details show that some of the city’s big-ticket items — adding lanes to Old Milton Parkway, for example — may be years in the future.

Sewczwicz said increased cost projections have forced some projects to be modified.

Windward Parkway, for example, was originally planned for widening from Ga. 9 east to Union Hill Road.

The project was paused for a time to see how improvements along McGinnis Ferry Road to the north would affect traffic flow on Windward.

The latest information, Sewczwicz said, is that because of the work on McGinnis Ferry, the Windward widening would not have to include the portion east of North Point Parkway.

However, widening to the west is mounting in expenses.

Right of way alone, Sewczwicz said, could cost the entire portion of the TSPLOST funds allotted.

Suit threatens Old Soldiers Day event The 67th annual Old Soldiers Day Parade came off without a hitch in downtown Alpharetta Aug. 3, despite a controversy that arose days before when a lawsuit was filed against the city for its decision to ban display of the Confederate battle flag in the parade.

The day before the parade was set to begin, a federal judge denied to act on a request from two men seeking to display the Confederate battle flag in Saturday’s Old Soldiers Day Parade in Alpharetta.

The two sought an injunction against the City of Alpharetta for refusing to allow the Roswell Mills Camp Sons of Confederate Veterans from displaying the flag in the annual parade.

In his ruling, Judge William M. Ray II said weighing concerns over safety against the right to free speech requires more than a snap decision. Nevertheless, the judge refused the claim for an injunction, adding that one could be issued in the future.

Alpharetta officials took the hint and voted in December to drop the city’s partnership with the American Legion as a key sponsor for the event.

“This is a damn shame,” Mayor Jim Gilvin said.

Tag readers approved in school zones After a debate that sparked more than a little heat, the Alpharetta City Council voted 6-1 Aug. 19 to allow tag readers to be included as part of a system that photographs speeders in school zones.

At issue was whether the tag readers constitute a government overreach into the privacy of drivers.

Some civil liberty groups have argued the devices allow government to track driving patterns of all citizens and constitute an invasion of privacy unless they are strictly regulated. Law enforcement groups, on the other hand, said the technology provides a useful tool used only to alert police of vehicles associated with criminal activity.

Alpharetta is already in the process of installing license plate readers at three undisclosed sites on public right of way.

Police also have a mobile tag reader for use on patrol cars.

City loses battle over interchange Alpharetta’s campaign to move a proposed express lane interchange on Ga. 400 from Webb Bridge Road to a site farther south died in September.

Mayor Jim Gilvin dropped the bombshell at the end of the Sept. 23 City Council meeting, announcing that the city’s effort to get the Georgia DOT to alter its plan to place the interchange at Webb Bridge Road never had a chance.

The City Council formally adopted the petition in the wake of fears that the express-lane-only interchange would clog residential roadways already at capacity near Webb Bridge. The council recommended Encore Parkway, located farther south, would be more suitable and would coincide with the city’s efforts to revitalize the area near North Point Mall.

Gilvin reported at the council meeting that he had met with GDOT officials that same day and was told the Encore Parkway option is not being considered.

See ALPHARETTA, Page 9

ROSWELL YEAR IN REVIEW

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 9

Plan adopted for Big Creek Parkway; Ga. 400 interchange redesigned

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell nailed down plans for the final leg of Big Creek Parkway this fall.

The alignment, with a price tag of just over $44 million, is one of the city’s largest transportation projects to date and will create a new eastwest connector over Ga. 400. Funding comes from the transportation sales

tax passed by voters in 2016.

Big Creek Parkway was proposed nearly 10 years ago as an alternative east-west route across Ga. 400 that would relieve pressure along Holcomb Bridge Road.

Earlier this year, the city approached GDOT about a partnership to redesign and replace the interchange at Holcomb Bridge Road and Ga. 400 as part of the state’s new express lane project on Ga. 400. The interchange

Roswell Police Department undergoes major changes

►►Page 10

redesign incorporates new measures to improve traffic on Holcomb Bridge through the area.

To free up money for the partnership, Roswell devised a plan to save millions on Big Creek Parkway. Those savings were then funneled into the interchange

project with GDOT. It all hinged on a redesign of Big Creek Parkway.

The city finally settled on a plan that modifies the original design with a longer, less-direct route from Warsaw Road, east over Ga. 400, to Old Alabama Road. The route would still support about the same amount of traffic as the earlier design and is estimated to save the city $12 million. Those savings can now go to support the interchange collaboration.

The city first began buying property along Seven Branches in September 2017 to preserve some of the land. At the time, Roswell paid $2.1 million for 21 acres and received an additional 13 acres as a charitable contribution.

The final 3.5-acre purchase did not exceed $9,000.

About 47 acres of the entire Seven Branches property are subject to restrictions to promote passive land use. The remaining 6 acres can be used for future needs, such as parking lots and restrooms.

New City Council member elected

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/Herald

Roswell community leaders and elected officials celebrate the July 17 ribbon cutting of the Computer Museum of America at 5000 Commerce Parkway.

Alpharetta: Continued from Page 8

Voters increase homestead exemption

In November, voters approved two measures that will increase the property tax break for homeowners.

The measure added another $5,000 write-off on the taxable value of owneroccupied homes, increasing the exemption to $45,000, the largest in Metro Atlanta.

Voters also approved a measure eliminating income requirements for seniors to receive additional tax relief on their residential property. The city’s $10,000 senior homestead exemption now applies to all residents 65 and older, regardless of income.

The election also saw Post 6 incumbent Dan Merkel retain his seat over two challengers. Merkel received just over 62 percent of the 3,519 votes cast.

Incumbent Mayor Jim Gilvin and council members Jason Binder and John Hipes ran unopposed.

Computer Museum opens The Computer Museum of America held its grand opening July 20 for Phase I of its development.

The museum, located at the Roswell Town Center on the corner of Holcomb Bridge Road and Alpharetta Street, houses one of the largest collections of computers and artifacts from the digital revolution.

It includes prototypes, one-ofa-kind developments and original technologies preserved in Smithsonian-level quality, said founder Lonnie Mimms.

Modeled after the likes of Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Computer Museum of America is a gathering and learning space to inspire people of all ages. Currently, its exhibits include the moon landing, a timeline of modern computing, IBM and Apple technology, early video game technology, a Byte magazine archive and Cray supercomputers.

The museum centerpiece is a temporary exhibit that tells the story

of the moon landings, complete with several equipment models and an immersive moon landing scene including an Apollo Lunar Module model.

One of the crown jewels of the museum is its Cray supercomputer collection, named after the father of supercomputers Seymour Cray. It is one of the largest collections of these supercomputers, which have been used in military defense, animation and weather forecasting.

City completes park land purchase The City of Roswell purchased the last section of the Seven Branches Property for passive use and preservation this year.

The property, which sits on Holcomb Bridge Road near East Roswell Park, contains 50 acres of undeveloped land. A unanimous vote at the Oct. 15 City Council meeting added another 3.5 acres.

All incumbents for Posts 1 and 2 on the City Council as well as the municipal judge retained their positions in 2019, and voters chose a new councilwoman for Post 3, which was vacated earlier this year.

Incumbent Marcelo Zapata, who ran against Don Horton, won the Post 1 election. He will continue to serve as the liaison to the city’s Administration and Finance Department, a position he’s held since 2016.

Incumbent Mike Palermo, who has likewise held his seat since 2016, won the Post 2 race against Geoff Smith. Post 2 serves as the liaison to the Community Development Department.

Municipal Judge incumbent Brian Hansford won by a wide margin, garnering nearly three-quarters of the vote against Philip Mansell.

Earlier this fall, Sean Groer resigned from Post 3, the liaison to the Administration and Finance Department, when his family HALL moved to Chattanooga, Tenn.

The race for Post 3 fielded four candidates. The race went to a runoff and, on Dec. 3, voters chose Christine Hall as the new councilwoman. She won against Lisa Holland.

10 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

YEAR IN REVIEW

Police Department turns over new leaf

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — For all its much-publicized shortcomings over the past year, the Roswell Police Department maintains a solid record for professionalism and public safety.

That’s the finding of public safety consulting firm Center for Public Safety Management, which was hired to assess the agency after a series of incidents led to widespread media attention and criticism.

Former Police Chief Rusty Grant called for the analysis last July after videos surfaced showing incidents involving on-duty officers violating or stretching standard practices.

The first incident — and by far the most widely circulated — involved two officers using a coin flip app to decide the fate of a woman pulled over for speeding. Other videos showed a K-9 ignoring his handler and repeatedly biting a teenager, a 13-year-old boy intentionally being kept in a freezing car, and muted body camera footage when an off-duty officer was pulled over on suspicion of DUI. Representatives from the Center for Public Safety Management said the city has a very low crime rate. However, there

2019 Year in Review

are still areas for improvement, a full 83 areas the report recommends changing, including adding staff and a uniform discipline code.

New Police Chief James W. Conroy, who was sworn in this summer, said the department has already completed or is in the process of completing 60 of the 83 recommendations listed in the report.

Roswell settles lawsuit with media company After nearly a year of legal sparring, the City of Roswell settled a lawsuit filed

by Appen Media Group over alleged violations of the Georgia Open Records Act. City Council members voted unanimous Oct. 28, with no discussion, to pay $10,500 in attorney’s fees for Appen and provide the company a year’s worth of free open records requests. As a part of the settlement, the city admits no liability.

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The settlement does not bar Appen Media Group, publisher of the Herald and Crier newspapers in north Atlanta, from pursuing legal action for any future Open Records Act violations.

Appen Media Group filed suit Dec. 27, 2018 in the Fulton County Superior Court, alleging that the Roswell Police Department had consistently withheld vital information about criminal incidents from public records. Several police records obtained by the company contained large blocks of redacted material or little to no information in the officer’s incident report.

The lawsuit also alleged that the Roswell Police Department had failed to meet time requirements for supplying the reports after requests were made.

City appoints Conroy new chief of police A new police chief took the reins in Roswell over the summer.

James Conroy officially began his new role July 29 and was sworn in Aug. 2, taking over for Capt. Helen Dunkin, who served as the interim head of the department for the previous seven months. She was chosen for the position

HERALD FILE PHOTO

Roswell’s new Police Chief James W. Conroy speaks about the future of the city’s police department at his Aug. 2 swearing-in ceremony at City Hall.

following the retirement of Rusty Grant at the end of 2018.

Conroy previously served with the DeKalb County Police Department for 28 years and as the Dekalb County Chief of Police since 2013.

As Roswell chief, Conroy will oversee a 200-employee department, including 150 sworn officers. The department serves a population of almost 100,000 and 43 square miles of territory.

Conroy said he is experienced with several other types of law enforcement frameworks, including Community Policing, COMPSTAT, Broken Windows and Intelligence-led Policing models of police management.

Conroy holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Waldorf University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University. His annual salary will be $150,000.

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NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 11

Centennial student dashes cerebral palsy stereotypes Cathryn Gray excels in classroom, in track and field

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Centennial High School senior Cathryn Gray said she wants to be a role model for young girls, those with cerebral palsy and all athletes. She is certainly someone to admire and revere.

Gray is actively breaking down stereotypes of those with cerebral palsy, both in the classroom and in track and field.

Gray carries a 4.0 GPA at Centennial. She was recently chosen as a Coca-Cola Scholar semifinalist from over 93,000 applications. The foundation awards college scholarships to those who show dedication to leadership and service with a positive impact on others. In the same month, she was named the winner of the Heisman High School Scholarship for Centennial.

She is also national AP Scholar and the president of the Centennial High School Chorus.

Gray is also a standout in athletics, where she competes in track and field. In November, she was the only female athlete from Georgia to be named a 2019 U.S. Paralympics Track and Field All-American, her third time receiving the honor. She will also travel to Thailand in February to compete in the International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation World Games.

In May, she swept three events in the GHSA track and field state championships in the newly created ambulatory division, winning state titles in discus, shot put and the 100-meter race. In 2018, she earned a bronze medal in discus at the Cerebral Palsy Games in Spain.

Gray says those with cerebral palsy are not typically portrayed as being successful athletes or scholars, but she is living proof that they can be.

“Sports in general have given me a great community, and I want to be a positive role model for young girls and athletes,” Gray said. “I’m really trying to break down stereotypes. You can have cerebral palsy and you can compete, do well in school and be an athlete.”

Gray’s venture into athletics began at a young age with her parents encouraging her to participate in physically demanding activities.

“My parents were really proactive because, with cerebral palsy, kids with the disability really need to stay active in order to stay mobile and so their muscles don’t tighten up,” Gray said. “My parents encouraged different activities like ballet, kayaking or rock climbing.”

But Gray was apprehensive to join the sport in which she has had the most success, track and field.

“I was really hesitant to start because I had never seen girls compete in adaptive track and field,” Gray said. “But my mom encouraged me, told me it will be good for me and that I would probably be surprised.”

Count Gray surprised.

She has grown to love track and field over the past five years, particularly discus, and she said the sport has raised her confidence. It will take her internationally for a second time in February for the IWAS World Games where she will compete in discus, shot put and the 100-meter race.

“I’m so excited,” Gray said. “I know a lot of the people who are going to compete, I’m familiar with my teammates, and you become like family.

It is also great to meet people from different countries that have your same disability. Last summer in Spain I talked with athletes from Russia, Thailand and England, and you get to see how they compete in their countries.”

Gray is also shining a light on what those with cerebral palsy can do in the classroom.

“I feel like education is a way for me to surpass expectations about what a student with disabilities is supposed to be like,” she said. “I feel like the classroom gives me the ability to break down barriers and show people that I actually am smart, which is not often portrayed.”

As she breaks stereotypes and misconceptions, Gray has her own message for those with a disability.

“Don’t let your physical disability limit you in any way,” she said. “I feel the reason I’ve been able to do so well is I’m always reaching for the next thing. Be open to new opportunities, but also be open to ask for help. My coaches, family and my friends have led to my success, and kids in general should know it’s okay to need help.”

She also believes that anyone with a disability should consider athletics.

“Sports have been really beneficial in my life,” she said. “And there so many different pathways people can take, I’ve been very lucky.”

SPECIAL

Centennial High School senior Cathryn Gray shows off her athletics hardware at the school. Gray is showing that those born with cerebral palsy can excel in athletics and in the classroom.

YEAR IN REVIEW

1210 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 2019 | Johns Creek Herald | December 26, 26, 2019

Emory Johns Creek Hospital Ga. 400 continues to draw major development sets sights on expansion

From staff reports newsroom@appenmediagroup.com

Authority announced it had selected commercial real estate development firm S.J. Collins Enterprises to revitalize the property. The purchase and sale agreement was $5 million. ery bit of space in each North Metro Atlanta remained one of the most vibrant

By CARSON COOK business areas in the Southeast throughout 2019, with of our 110 proposal beds andenvisions a 70,700 carson@appenmediagroup.com S.J. Collins Enterprises’ square-foot mixed-use continued growth in companies, workforce and housing. these redevelopment are not enoughcomplete with a boutique store, restaurants, shops and offices.

The Ga. 400 STORY corridor OF continued to draw interest from accommodate our JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Emory Johnsgrocery to BUSINESS THE YEAR: Housing will 128 apartment units and eight Fortune 500 companies, witnessed by the December apgrowth.”

Creek Hospital made improvements to include townhomes priced between proval of 360 Tech Village, a 62-acre mixed-use developTo meet$650,000 this in- and $850,000. its emergency care and announced plans also call forcreased 6,000-8,000 square ment on Lakeview Parkway near Ga. 400 in Alpharetta. demand for feet of green spacfor a two-story expansion inPlans 2018. as pocket parks and outdoor Crawford Arnold, director for TPA Group, the develcare, Margolis has gathering points.

The hospital is planninges, ansuch estimated Founded S.J. Collins Enterprises has oper behind the project, says 360 Tech Village already announced several up$61 million expansion that would add in 2007, worked on more than 60 improvements retail, mixed-used, multifamsupports some 2,000 jobs. The new plans, approved coming two stories to the main hospital buildMARGOLIS ily and square office projects throughout the United States, inDec. 16, he predicted will bring in another 2,300 jobs. beyond the facility ing. The expansion will be 84,000 cluding Peachtree Station in Chamblee, North Decatur Alpharetta also saw some real movement on efforts expansion. The hospital will hire new The project was named recipient feet and add a fifth and sixth floor to the

By PATRICK FOX Square near Atlanta and Victory Station in Savannah. to pat@appenmediagroup.com revitalize the North Point Mall area, also along specialists and other physicians, expand of theGa. Atlanta Regional Commission’s facility.

It isadditional headquartered in Fairburn.

400. The once-buoyant retail district fell on hard times labor and delivery care, purchase a Development of Excellence Award for The sixth floor will provide following the opening of After Avalon in 2014 third surgical robot and other technolContext-Sensitive Town Center Declinical space, including 21 inpatient ALPHARETTA, Ga. — eight years and Alpharetta City in 2018.

Johnsbeds.

Creek ogy, renovate the pharmacy and build a velopment. The award, announced in medical beds and 19 observation in Center the making, Alpharetta’s City Center HERALD FILE PHOTO A major stepout in revitalizing North Point Mall won parking garage.

November, recognizes project The fifth floor will primarily provide nonbegan rolling its attractions in 2018.

Halcyon the opened in for theits fall of 2019.

City Council approval Feb. when officialsattention signed offto historic detail in its design.

“Now, in order to really bring the clinical space, such as offices, conferFor close to a year, the25, six-block onarea a plan thatMain will transform the abandoned Sears siteMorris, include everything from sweet shops to clothing the sleep rooms An age-restricted, apartment community total 140-unit picture into the hospital, we need Cheri president of Morence rooms, physician and along Street remained into a mixed-use development.

Experience Center. opened in Johns to Creek year,within filling the a gap in two housadd this 40 beds next years ris & Fellows, Mercedes-Benz which headed the retail storage space. mostly hidden behind a blue tarp while Brookfield Properties plans to transform vacant EA Homes has RocaPoint ing forroom baby boomers. to match the services of the patients that portion of the development, saidteamed City with developer A two-chair inpatient dialysis construction on the $85 million private the building and parking areaportion, into a modern complex Partners build housing options where a demand that wasMargolis being unmet foraacity zonwe’re seeing,” said in Center has had a hugeto and immediate will also McFarland be constructed on the“We fifthsaw floor phase went on. Thelot public that would includea new, freestanding retail and restaumeetspatterns Ronald Reagan Boulevard to include luxury community empty nesters who don’t want ingfor meeting.

“These 40 beds are mostly impact on theParkway development of to treat patients with101 kidney disease. which included new City Hall, a fourrants, and 300 apartments. townhouses withshe prices starting in the highJohns $300,000s. mortgage,” saidoncology Dave Dixon, a project manager with patients, cardiology patients the entire area.

Up until now, said, Emory Creek hasareceived levelgreenspace parking deck and a new library Other nearby areas areinenjoying similar growth: the works are 42 standalone housesfor that One Street Residential.

“They want the freedom and pulmonary patients.

That’sand what area developmentAlso has in followed along state approval expansion of the hosbranch, was completed 2014 and will range from the $600,000s and beyond. of leasing, notCreek readyisfor an as- us is the and City they’re of Johns showing Ga. 400, observing the usual pattern of pital, including adding two flexibility new floors, was part of a $29 million bond project The mix of townhomes and larger properties will sisted living community.”

Forsyth County their need, and that’s what we want to classic urban sprawl. and gone through theinrezoning process passed by local voters in 2011. to a being nature trail that leads to a BigtoCreek In density-skeptical Creek, to openadd onJohns the sixth andthe fifthroad floor.”

Two-thirdsclude of all access the homes in Johns Creek allow for additional Through late November, 13 shops Greenway trailhead, a link to Alpharetta. ing was uphill, but the four-floorcare community began in To improve in the meantime, built in Alpharetta are within a halfpatient beds. and three restaurants were open with The completed live, work, play space ultimately leasing in October.

Five to years after opened in Alpharetta, September the hospital opened a new mileForwalk of downtown, she added.

Since will it opened more than 10 years more follow in Avalon the weeks ahead. entail the build-outorof a Krog Street Market-type Johns 2018 Comprehensive Plan named desyth County massive mixed-use track program in its emergency “There were no development ago, Emory Johnsfood Creek Hospital hasCreek’sfast The six added blocksanow contain 10 free-development two hotels, about 700 residences and somegrowth.

50 seniorpartment housing options aswaiting a priority for times. the to standing its economic inventory. to reduce room redevelopmenthall, projects in downtown seen significant In expanding 2007, it saw restaurant buildings in 2.5 of its own greenspace. city.

About 19 percent the city’s Halcyon, which opened in the fall, provides[Alpharetta] restaurant inacres Theofseven fast population track beds is arebaby staffed the two decades before 2,793 patients, this year the number acres of parks and greenspace along those born and 1964, and retail opportunities hotels and residences. by a between mid-level1946 practitioner andthat nurse City Center,” Morris said. “There are was 7,945. When it openedboomers, Emory Johns Main Street, a 36,000alongside foot office buildnumber is expected to times. declineThe as empty nesters medical move Notnow the first type of mixed-use development in31 active Roswell at all area provides Creek hosted 13,000 emergency visits; ing, the headquarters of DataSnow downtown projects. The out of family-style homes.

Forsyth Countysquare or the feet metro Atlanta floor area, Halcyon care for patients with minor illnesses now, it sees 29,000 per year. can, 45,000 of ground sprawl projects that might have hapIf onlyfull,” 20 percent of the city’s population represents a massive economic opportunity bothalong a highway are now hapand injuries such55+ as ear aches, cough “We are greater than 92 percent retail shops, 168 luxury apartments by for pened wantedMarto downsize within the city, aboutback 3,000 more residents and businesses.

ROSWELL, — After years of sitting idle, a decisymptoms, sore throat, pain, minor Emory Johns Creek CEO Marilyn a partnership of South City Partners pening in the urban core. It’sGa. a much housing be needed overstings the next TheMorris $370 million development sits on approximately sion hashuman-centric been made regarding the Southern lacerations, bites, anddecade, allergic golis said in aSkillet Nov. 26 Johns Creek units City would and & Fellows and 40 single healthier, much more plan states.

135 acreshomes off Exit of Ga. 400.

Street and Norreactions, rashes and prescription refills.

Council meeting.

“We have the deployed evfamily by12 Hedgewood Homes. way to live.” property on the corner of Alpharetta An eclectic group of cuisines range from Chinese cross Street. and Mexican to a dine-in theater. Shopping options In February, the Roswell Downtown Development See BUSINESS, Page 13 690 residential units. addition, Hog Island, MidiCi Neapolitan Parking ultimately was cited as one Halcyon is also developing an extenPizza, Cocina & Taqueria, Butcher & of the main reasons for one of Canton sion to the Big Creek Greenway with a Brew, Never Enough Thyme and Cherry Street’s oldest residents, Ann Jackson Street Brewpub have all announced they paved and lit parking lot, restrooms and Gallery, pulling up stakes and relocating FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In May, it a trailhead. will be part of the development. to Alpharetta Street after 47 years at its was announced that by the spring of A Market Hall concept similar to old location.

2019, Forsyth County will be home to Ponce City and Krog Street markets, The city is in the process of exploring one of the most anticipated mixed-use will feature Kilwins ice cream, TOCAYO, long-term options. In the meantime, sevvillages in its history.

Sweet Tuna, Gu’s Dumplings, Land of a eral lots have been opened. The Hagan Halcyon, a $370 million developProperty lot, in the heart of Canton ment, sits on 135 acres along McFarland Thousand Hills Coffee and Pita Mediterranean Street Food. All tenants have Street, agreed to open 84 of its parking Parkway off exit 12 on Ga. 400 and is ROSWELL, Ga. — Canton Street parkbeen secured. spots for public use outside of business planned to open March 23, 2019. ing, an issue plaguing the city for CMX Theater will open a 10-screen, hours. And the new East Alley, opened There is a growing list of restaurants decades, has seen some headway under 38,000-square-foot cinema. Two hotels this spring, brought 18 new spots. and retailers that will be at Halcyon, Roswell’s new mayor and city council. will open, including an Embassy Suites The city has also floated several ideas including three distinct eateries from Several businesses have met with the

by Hilton at Halcyon with 152-rooms to open up more parking, including linkrenowned chef Marc Taft: CO-OP Comcity over the past year to ask for help, stating the parking lot at City hall with a munity Table + Bar, FEED Fried Chicken and a conference room. ing that lack of parking has been driving The development will also include bridge or underpass. + Such and a burger restaurant. In customers away from downtown Roswell.

City Center rollout ushers in new downtown Alpharetta

55+ apartment community opens

Halcyon brings Forsyth into retail fold

Southern Skillet property sold

Halcyon sets opening date for March 2019

February 22, 2020 Parking woes- persist 6 PM 11 PM in downtown Roswell

The Hotel at Avalon The MUST attend event of 2020!

Get your tickets now: www.GNFCC.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 13

Give the gift of low mortgage rates Once again, experts are surprised to see mortgage rates lower today than from where they began the year — to the point where I am actually refinancing the loans that I made last January.

Geoff smith MortgageNewsAssurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com Daily’s survey for rates for a 30-year conventional mortgage started the year at 4.55 percent and ended last week at 3.81 percent. If you bought a house for $400,000 last January, then refinanced this month, between the increased amount you’ll be paying toward principal every month, and the lower monthly payments you’ll be making, you’d save over $13,000 if you sold your house in 10 years. You’d save $32,000 if you held onto it for 30 years.

Refinances are also making sense for anyone who still has a mortgage that originated 10 years ago. If you bought a house and took out a loan for $400,000 back then, your 30-year rate is probably higher than 4.5 percent, according to MND. Today you have 20 years left on that mortgage. If you were to refinance that mortgage to a 15-year, lopping off five years of payments, you could likely get a rate closer to 3.5 percent, according to MND, and save over $11,000 over just five years, and over $50,000 in the next 15.

Your monthly payments might be $300 or so higher, but the amount of principal

you’d be paying down is exponentially higher and the savings are serious.

I’m sure for many of you, with what you just spent on presents, the idea of saving that much money right now is welcome. It has been a wild ride the last two years. One measure of where experts think our economy is headed is the Federal Reserve’s movement of its federal funds rate, which is the rate the Fed charges banks to store money with them. When they think the economy is growing too fast and inflation starts to get out of control, they raise this rate to encourage banks to store more money there. When they think the economy needs a nudge, they lower the rate to encourage banks to take money out and put it into the economy in the form of loans to businesses and homeowners.

In 2018, they increased that rate 4 times. This year they decreased it 3 times.

Now they seem to be in a holding pattern.

Throughout 2019 and most of 2018, experts increasingly predicted that we would be headed into a recession sometime in the next 12 months. In January of 2018, experts predicted a 13.11 percent chance of a coming recession. That peaked last September at 34 percent.

Since then, there has been a very sharp drop down to 25 percent this month. We are all in the midst of the longest economic expansion in this country’s history. Since the collapse in 2008, we have been growing steadily and slowly. With not a ton of hard data to show for it, more and more experts seemed to predict a looming recession

Managing budgets lays the foundation for success Are you beginning to plan out your budgets for 2020? Have you allocating enough money for the growth initiatives you have planned?

Creating a budget that helps you dick jones manage cash flow Founder & President Jones Simply Sales and achieve your business objectives is a very important component in enabling growth for all small business owners.

Budgeting is an essential process that small business owners can utilize to help them plan and forecast future revenue and expenses. Doing this allows you to make sure that enough money will be available to keep your business running, improve your competitive position in the marketplace and achieve your growth objectives.

Creating an accurate and reason-

able budget enables forward-looking planning and also allows specific financial targets to be set. Revenue budgets are an annual forecast of what will be sold, billed or collected. Every small business owner wants to grow sales, and it is not uncommon for them to arbitrarily set a revenue budget that is a certain percentage higher than the previous year. If they are not investing in sales improvement initiatives, this may be hard to come by.

Maintaining the budget throughout the year is also very important. Identifying over and under-performing areas, both on the expense and revenue side, will allow you to adjust budgets before they are “out of control.”

Creating and maintaining financial budgets is the cornerstone of managing a small business, maintaining cash flow, measuring performance and avoiding surprises. Spending the time to manage budgets will help you to more successfully grow your small business.

simply because we were due for one. But the economy keeps on chugging along despite their fears.

After muddling back and forth for almost four years, average salaries finally started rising steadily from January 2018 to today. The lowest paid workers saw the biggest pay increases, according to a recent Wall Street Journal study.

Despite historically low unemployment rates, the job market keeps growing. Forecasters interviewed by the WSJ are predicting a monthly job growth in our country of 157,000, and economic growth to continue throughout 2020. In the housing industry, new home starts were up this year.

A growing economy typically signals rising mortgage interest rates. But a growing economy also signals job stability and salary increases. One would guess that rates are going to increase throughout 2020. And they should. Just like most predicted they would earlier this year.

Geoff Smith is a mortgage banker with Assurance Financial focusing on residential home loans for refinances and home purchases.

Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

Synovus names McClure area market executive COLUMBUS, Ga. — Synovus Bank has named Matt McClure market executive for Northeast Atlanta. McClure joined Synovus in April 2010 and was previously senior vice president before his promotion. Synovus’ McClure Northeast Atlanta market includes Forsyth, Gwinnett, DeKalb and North Fulton counties.

McClure is a long-time resident of Forsyth County, where he lives with his wife, Rachel, and their three children.

He is currently on the boards of directors for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forsyth Community Clinic. He serves as a district representative for Forsyth County Parks and Recreation and is a former chairman of the United Way of Forsyth County and Leadership Forsyth.

He is a graduate of Spring Hill College.

Business: Continued from Page 12

Emory Hospital to expand This was a big year for Emory Johns Creek Hospital, the city’s biggest employer.

In November, the hospital broke ground on a $61 million expansion that will add two floors and 40 new beds to the existing hospital building.

CEO Marilyn Margolis poured thanks onto the Emory Johns Creek staff and board members, the broader Emory Healthcare system and the hospital’s partners, including the city and Johns Creek Chamber.

“One of the things I know for sure is: This facility is beautiful. It’s going to be more beautiful, but without the people who work here, without the people in this community, it would just be a lot of bricks and mortar,” Margolis said.

The hospital expansion is expected to open in April 2021. The sixth floor will provide additional clinical space, while the fifth floor will primarily provide non-clinical space. A two-chair inpatient dialysis room will also be constructed on the fifth floor.

Earlier in the year, Emory opened a new women’s center just up the road from the hospital.

Milton

City launches initiatives to boost business climate Milton began two schemes in 2019 to bolster the city’s business community and create an open line of communication between businesses and city staff.

In February, the city began its “Corridor Conversations” which allows businessowners and employees wo meet with local leaders and city staff for informal discussions.

Milton Economic Development Director Sarah LaDart said the meetings can foster relationships and allow businesses to share their issues or ideas with the city. Milton will hold quarterly meetings in each of the city’s business centers, Deerfield Parkway, downtown Crabapple and Birmingham Crossroads.

The city held its first Meet Me in Milton event Oct. 26, with the program hitting full stride next year. In the same vein as Alive in Roswell, the city will host the gatherings from 4 to 8 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month from April through September on The Green in downtown Crabapple.

Each gathering will have a different feature, with plans including a cornhole tournament, outdoor movie screening, a car show, art show and other events that will draw crowds.

14 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

‘SHE ROCKS: THE WOMEN OF ROCK’

Multi-talented musician Tara Vaughan takes the audience on a rockin’ ride through the 60s, 70s, and 80s with the hits of the world’s greatest female rockers.

Tickets are $24-$38. See the performance at Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell.

Shows run Jan. 2-19, 2020, times vary. For more information and tickets, visit get.org.

feature YOUR EVENT online and in print!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people both online and in the Herald Newspapers.

To promote your event, follow these easy steps: 1. Visit NorthFulton.com/Calendar; 2. Click the red button that reads “Go to Form” under the submit an event header; 3. Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date; 4. Click the red button that reads “Create event” 5. Select to either feature your event online only for $25 or online and in print for $40 (print submissions must be submitted at least two weeks prior to event.)

FEATURED: JOHNS CREEK VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY

What: Volleyball Skills Academy is geared towards all skill levels for ages 8-14 that want to learn the basic skills and fundamentals of volleyball.

Coaches will offer instruction in passing, setting, hitting and serving. Competitive play will be added in March and April.

When: Monday, Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m.; classes through Jan. 29 Where: South Forsyth Middle School, 2860 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming Cost: $150 More info and registration: IVCvolleyball.com

HOLIDAY: ROCKING NEW YEAR’S EVE

What: Celebrate the New Year with Banks & Shane. Banks & Shane is “Atlanta’s Entertainment Tradition,” combining exceptional talent, consummate showmanship and professionalism, and over 40 years of experience.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8-9:30 p.m.

Where: Tam’s School Street Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming Info: schoolstreetplayhouse.com

AVALON ON ICE

What: Ice skate at Avalon on their Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink in the plaza.

Watch for theme nights and enjoy warm, tasty treats rink side. Enjoy special events throughout the season and sign up for ice skating lessons.

When: Nov. 24 through Jan. 20, 2020, times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta Cost: General admission starts at $18 Info: experienceavalon.com

EVENTS: OPEN-HEARTH COOKING AND LIVING HISTORY

What: Living history interpreter and open hearth cooking expert, Clarissa Clifton, will demonstrate making traditional south-

CALENDAR ern food in the Cook House.

When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

are welcome.

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.

Where: Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming More info: fianation.com

DUELING PIANOS

RELIGIOUS EVENTS:

What: The Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos combine musical talent with side-splitting humor.

When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 9 p.m.-midnight Where: Rosati’s Pizza and Sports Pub, 415 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming More info and tickets: rosatis. ticketleap.com

DEPARTURE

What: In their 11th year together, Departure is a Journey tribute that will perform for one night in Cumming.

When: Friday, Jan. 3, 9:30 p.m.midnight Where: Rosati’s Pizza and Sports Pub, 415 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming More info and tickets: rosatis. ticketleap.com

HEALTH AND FITNESS: YOGA AT NEWTOWN PARK

What: The type of yoga and meditation students will learn is “Won” from Korea. Bring a pillow/cushion and yoga mat/towel. Free.

Limited to 15 participants.

When: Friday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m.12:15 p.m.

Where: Newtown Park, 3115 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

RUNNING CLUB

What: Join Alpharetta’s new, free social running club. Meets twice a week. Be prepared to run 2-4 miles each meeting.

When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 8 a.m.

Where: Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

FREE FITNESS FOR WOMEN

What: Join your Alpharetta Females in Action group for free, peer-led workouts each week.

Adult women of all fitness levels

MAH JONG MEET UP

What: Drop in and meet other Mah Jong players Friday afternoons. If you have a Mah Jong set, please bring it.

When: Friday, Dec. 27, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-6134402

CENTERING PRAYER GROUP

What: Explore meditation and silent prayer in a supportive group setting.

When: Fridays, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, Room 205, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta More info: alpharettapres.com

TEEN MANGA CLUB

What: Join on the fourth Friday each month to discuss the first few volumes of a selected manga. Trivia, snacks and more.

Ages 13 and up. This month’s manga is “Millennium Snow.”

When: Friday, Dec. 27, 4-5:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: SPOTLIGHT EXHIBIT: ROSWELL IN WINTER

What: This will be an inaugural exhibit showcasing photographs submitted by the people who live and work in Roswell.

When: Throughout December Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

‘AILEY REVEALED’

What: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns with six performances showcasing Ailey’s 32 dancers, including world premieres that shine a spotlight on social issues.

When: Feb. 20-23, times vary Where: The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $29 Info and tickets: alvinailey.org, foxatltix.com or 855-285-8499

LIBRARY EVENTS: FRIDAY FAMILY MOVIE PICNIC

What: Come in with your sleeping bags, pillows and snacks to watch “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” on our big screen with surround sound.

When: Friday, Dec. 27, 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

ROOF LEAKS? FREE QUOTE: 770-284-3123

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE AROUND THE WORLD

What: Celebrate the end of the year with dances from all over the world, including the limbo, salsa and more.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1:15-2 p.m.

Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

KNITTING AND CROCHETING FOR CHARITY

What: Join twice a month to knit or crochet a different project that will be donated to local Forsyth County charities. Yarn provided.

When: Thursday, Jan. 2, 10:30 a.m.-noon Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

COMMUNITY CROCHET CIRCLE What: Join to crochet, talk, laugh and share ideas in a group. Bring your own supplies.

All levels welcome.

When: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-6134402

$200 10% OFF Leak OR A New Repairs Roof Expires 10 days after publication. Cannot combine offers.

SPORTS

Alpharetta-Roswell

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 15

in the minors. He had the highest average (.401) in the Rookie Arizona League in 32 games played. Abrams had 22 RBIs, 23 extra-base hits and stole 14 bases.

Abrams also appeared in two games in the A league with the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

sports year in review

Local high schools hire new athletic directors

State titles, standout athletes highlight year’s sports roster

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

Local basketball teams capture region titles The 2018-19 basketball season was a strong year for local teams.

The Milton boys captured their second Region 5-AAAAAAA title in three years Feb. 8 by downing West Forsyth in the region tournament final. Milton compiled a 20-8 overall season record but were beaten in the first round of the state tournament.

The Roswell boys and girls teams had deep runs in the state tournament with both squads reaching the quarterfinals in March. The boys, who captured the Region 5-AAAAAAA title, went 24-6 overall and the girls compiled a 21-9 mark.

St. Francis’ boys and girls team each swept the Region 6-A tournaments.

The boys team earned its first region title after making three straight appearances in the region tournament finals.

In the state tournament, the Knights downed Pinecrest Academy and Savannah Country Day to set up their fourth matchup with region rivals Mt. Bethel, whom the Knights had beaten earlier to earn the region title. St. Francis earned another close win over its region rivals and downed Eagles Landing Christian Academy for the Class-A Private state championship.

After continuing their region title streak, the girls team reached the Final Four of the state tournament for the seventh straight year.

Centennial swim and dive earns state championship Centennial girls swim and dive captured the program’s first state championship in February, besting Alpharetta by 66 points for the title.

The Knights’ Elly Deas, Tessa Sergile, Katharine Ward and Medline Singletary

FILE PHOTO

St. Francis captured the Region 6-A championship in February before winning the program’s third state championship on March 6. teamed up for state titles in the 200and 400-yard medley relay, Deas won the 100-yard backstroke state title and Singletary was first in the 500-yard freestyle to lead Centennial.

Alpharetta also had a strong showing at the state meet with the girls placing second and the boys finishing third in team scores.

Milton girls lacrosse continues dynasty Milton girls lacrosse had another dominant season and captured the program’s third straight and 13th overall state championship in May. The Eagles went 22-1 overall in 2019 and notched wins over some of the top lacrosse programs in the country. Milton outscored their opponents by an average of 13 goals per game and downed Mill Creek 20-7 in the state finals May 18.

Milton has not lost to an in-state opponent since the 2016 state finals.

Alpharetta boys track finishes first at state A year after coming up just short of the Class 6A team state championship, Alpharetta secured its first state title in May. The Raiders’ championship was led by its 4x400 “A” team of Errol Williams, Jaden Slocum, Austin Joyner, Derek Davis, Kent Cherry and Robbie Ruppel who captured the state title in the 4x400 relay. Joshua Flynn, Dane Motley, Kylen Crosby, Jackson Frizzell, Nicholas Haven and Arat Joanico placed third as Alpharetta’s “B” team.

Jamal Ellis was third in discuss and Ruppel was state runner-up in the 400-meter to add to Alpharetta’s points total.

Blessed Trinity’s Abrams goes 6th in baseball draft Blessed Trinity graduate CJ Abrams was drafted 6th overall in the MLB Draft June 3, landing the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year with the San Diego Padres.

Draft pundits noted Abrams’ speed, which allowed him to compile 100 steals with Blessed Trinity. They also gave him high marks for his success at the plate, consistent fielding and ability to make quick throws.

Abrams compiled a .418 career average in 538 plate appearance for the Titans with 100 RBIs, 33 doubles, 15 triples and eight home runs. During his senior season, Abrams hit 23 extrabase hits in BT’s challenging schedule.

Abrams signed with the Padres organization and immediately had a significant impact

Blessed Trinity grad CJ Abrams

Alpharetta and Roswell had new athletic directors take over to begin the 2019-20 season.

Dustin Rennspies was named the new athletic director at Alpharetta after Dan Devine left to coach football at Etowah.

Rennspies came to Alpharetta after serving as an assistant coach for Milton’s baseball team. He was a former head coach at West Hall and played for the Atlanta Braves’ and Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor league affiliates.

Roswell promoted from within its school walls and named head baseball coach Ben Sutter its new athletic director over the summer break.

Sutter has worked at Roswell for 15 years, beginning as a paraprofessional and with the school’s special education department.

GHSA announces region realignments The GHSA shook up the local athletics landscape in November by announcing the new region alignments for schools beginning in the 2019-20 season. The move has significant implications for local public schools.

Alpharetta will make the jump from Class 6A to 7A and will be placed in Region 5 along with Milton and Roswell. The North Fulton teams will compete against Cherokee, Etowah and Woodstock.

While Centennial will still play in Region 7-AAAAAA, they will have some new opponents. North Atlanta, Pope, Northview and Dunwoody will be replaced by Creekview, River Ridge, Riverwood and Sequoyah.

Centennial’s fellow North Fulton schools — Cambridge, Chattahoochee and Johns Creek remain in the region.

King’s Ridge, St. Francis and Fellowship Christian will continue to play in Region 6-A, but the grouping will no longer be subdivided into subregions. The North Fulton schools will compete with Pinecrest Academy and region newcomer Lakeview Academy.

See SPORTS, Page 25

16 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019

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NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 17

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18 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

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EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 19

20 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

Celebrating the holidays at Village Park Milton The holidays are full of memories and joyful gatherings with family and friends. Homemade cookies, storytelling, and the magic of decorations transform many grandparents’ homes into a winter wonderland.

When Mr. and Mrs. Rice left their home to move to Village Park Alpharetta, they worried they would no longer be able to host their families and keep the magic alive in their downsized home. “Our house was the Christmas house for the family,” said Mrs. Rice, “There were two things we didn’t want to leave from the big house: our art collection and the Christmas.”

They found, however, that they could continue their family traditions and begin new ones in their new senior living community. Proud parents to seven children and grandparents to seven grandchildren, the Rices enjoy getting the family together to celebrate a number of occasions. The most recent celebration was for Mr. Rice’s 85th birthday with 24 guests for lunch and cake at their beautiful bungalow.

Not only did they find their new home enabled them to keep hosting holidays and family but to continue to showcase their beautiful art collection. “We have collected art for 45 years. It made us feel good to have the art on the wall. One of our sons came to visit and he said, ‘Now it looks like your place’.”

When seniors downsize and move from their “forever homes” to a senior living community, the holidays can continue to be a special time with family and friends. If you’d like to learn more about Village Park Alpharetta or our new community, Village Park Milton, visit www.villageparkseniorliving.com.

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EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

Albedo & Altitude: What you need to know for winter sun safety

By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta What is the safest time to be outdoors? It turns out that this is not as easy a question to answer as you might think, and part of the Dr. Taylor reason is something called “albedo.” The term albedo is defined as the percent of sunlight that is reflected off a surface.

Fishermen have higher rates of skin cancer than our average outdoorsmen because of sun not only reaching them from above but also because sun bounces off the water and strikes their skin from below. We often say that this gives them a “double dose” of radiation and sun damage. But is the damage really double?

Albedo, the percent of light bouncing off a surface, varies by a number of factors including the type of surface the sunlight is hitting and the angle the sun is at relative to the surface. For example, when the sun is at angles of 40 degrees or higher in the sky relative to the horizon, the albedo of water is fairly constant at around 5%, meaning that only 5% of the sun is bouncing up and potentially hitting you. As the sun drops below 40 degrees, the albedo of water increases dramatically with about 50% of sunlight bouncing off of water when the sun is at an angle of ten degrees and almost 100% of sunlight reflecting off the water when the sun is just above the horizon at an angle of zero degrees. For many latitudes in the northern hemisphere in the winter months, the sun spends all its time below 40 degrees, so a large amount

of light is reflecting off surfaces at all times. In Atlanta on Christmas, the solar elevation angle only reaches 32 degrees at noon.

Snow is a different beast all together.

We love snow because it is pretty and sparkly… but are those sparkles in fact sinister? (Cue alarming music now). If you are an avid skier who doesn’t want skin cancer, it is useful to know that ice has a higher albedo than water, and snow has an even higher albedo than ice. In fact, snow reflects as much as 90 percent of solar radiation. Some of the worst sun burns that I have ever seen have come after ski trips. We might not think about sun damage in winter months figuring that the sun is less intense. However, many ski trips are in late spring at low latitudes and high elevations, so the snow persists even though the sun is now high in the sky.

When it comes to skiing, you really can receive a double dose of UV radiation due to albedo and elevation. The general rule of thumb is that with every 3000 feet increase in elevation, UV radiation increases by 10%.

So what is the safest time to be outdoors? The dermatologist would say that it is safest to ski between 6pm and 6am.

The orthopedic surgeon might disagree.

The real answer is to protect your skin from light from above and below with proper clothing and sunscreen.

Have fun this winter! And if you or a loved one has a concerning spot or skin care need after your winter fun, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor is a fellowship-trained and board certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and varicose vein specialist. We look forward to taking care of you.

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 21

22 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

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SCHOOLS

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 23

FULTON SCHOOLS YEAR IN REVIEW

District brings new superintendent on board

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com The Fulton County School System began the 2019-20 school year in August under the direction of new superintendent Mike Looney, Ed.D., 57, who came to the district from Brentwood, Tenn.

A former “Superintendent of the Year” in Tennessee, Looney replaced former superintendent Jeff Rose who resigned at the end of 2018.

In announcing the selection, district leaders cited Looney’s record of rising test scores and LOONEY student achievement over the decade spent in the Williamson County School District. During his tenure, students were awarded more than $1 billion in National Merit Scholarship awards.

Looney will be the 9th superintendent for Fulton Schools in the past 20 years. The frequent change in leadership has created some concern in the school community, which cited stability as a key attribute in the Fulton School’s Board’s selection of a new superintendent.

A Marine veteran and recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Looney has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and previous superintendent. He has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Alabama.

In Fulton County, Looney leads a district more than twice the enrollment size of his previous district, with a much higher level of diversity of students.

STEM school opening delayed to 2021 The science/technology/engineering/ math high school originally scheduled to open in downtown Alpharetta in 2020 will open a year later, in August 2021.

Fulton School leaders cited curriculum issues and the need to build strong business partnerships as the primary reasons for the one-year delay in opening the Innovation Academy.

The STEM curriculum will place students on a career and/or academic pathway to high-demand, high-paying jobs in information technology, health care sciences and engineering, say Fulton School officials.

Construction of the school on the site of the former Milton High School will be complete in August. It will be used as

2019 Year in Review

a professional development center for staff for one year prior to its opening for students.

The $60 million school is being funded through the Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) approved by voters in 2016. The referendum included funding for two STEM schools in the district: Innovation Academy in North Fulton, and a 6 through 12 grade school in South Fulton. Both will now open in August 2021.

Innovation Academy is only new school planned for North Fulton in the 2017-2022 Capital Projects Plan for the district, although most high schools in the area are overcrowded. Innovation Academy is expected to provide relief for some of the schools. With the one-year delay for Innovation Academy district leaders have promised to look at other ways to support overcrowded high schools next school year.

FirstSTEP adds 71 student teachers An innovative program to recruit and retain top teachers in the Fulton County School System added 71 teacher interns embedded in schools across the district for the 2019-20 school year. The 71 interns nearly doubled the 41 interns in the pilot year of the program in 2018.

The goal of the district’s FirstSTEP (Student Teacher Education Program) is to eventually hire the interns as full-time teachers next year. The interns will come into the classroom with a year of classroom experience and lessons learned from mentor teachers under their belts.

The 71 interns this school year come from six local colleges and universities — Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Spelman College, the University of West Georgia and the University of Georgia.

The interns receive a $3,000 stipend for the nine-month internship, and the promise of a full-time contract upon successful completion.

This year, 35 teachers were hired from the original group of 41 interns, exceeding the program goal of 80 percent retention.

Changes to the FirstSTEP program in 2019 included expanding the number

SPECIAL

Fulton School System interns for the 2019-20 school year gathered at the New Teacher Celebration in July. They are among 71 interns participating this year in the Fulton FirstSTEP program. of participating schools, implementing periodic “lunch and learn” opportunities, and placing at least two interns together in a school so they can learn and grow together. The University of Georgia is also participating on a trial basis this year.

FirstSTEP is a staffing solution to Fulton School’s critical needs. With 17 school districts in Metro Atlanta all competing for a dwindling pool of teachers, creating a pipeline of teacher candidates is critical, district officials say.

Ron Wade, Fulton Schools’ chief talent officer, said the district had to fill nearly 600 positions for the 201920 school year to meet its goal of 6,850 teachers in place by the start of school.

Fulton Schools continues focus on safety The Fulton School System invested nearly $2.4 million in 2019 to ramp up school safety measures across the district, primarily in the areas of additional personnel and resources. Additional funding from the state added another $30,000 per school for targeted safety upgrades.

With the added funding from the district, the Fulton Schools Police Department hired 16 additional school police officers to augment the existing police force of nearly 70 sworn officers. The district’s Police Department is among the largest departments in the state, and one of the few with SWAT-trained officers.

The department also added 10 additional campus security officers and established an online mental health resource center for students with the resources.

Comprehensive audits at each of the

district’s 105 schools were also conducted in the spring to identify risks or hazards that could compromise student and staff safety. The audits were funded by the $30,000 grant provided to each school under Gov. Brian Kemp’s school safety initiatives. The results of the audit will help pinpoint issues at each school to be addressed through the grant money.

The focus on school safety and active shooter threats follows a nationwide focus on school safety which has escalated over the past several years.

Since the Sandy Hook shootings in 2012 which killed 26 students and staff, there have been 239 incidents involving guns in schools, according to Gun Violence Archive, an organization which tracks school-based incidents.

Fulton Schools has made school safety a priority for funding, in the classrooms, the buses and other areas.

In 2019, enhanced cameras — with the capability of facial recognition — were installed in area high schools and can be directly accessed by local law enforcement. The cameras will eventually be rolled out to all schools.

Most of the funding for safety programs comes from the one-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), beginning in 2012 when school entry protocols were enhanced.

Graduation rate leads among large systems Students in the Fulton County School System are graduating in record

See SCHOOLS, Page 25

24 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

SPECIAL

The Patriots of Liberty Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gather Nov. 10 at Pineview Cemetery to honor veterans.

PUBLIC NOTICE Northpoint Dental, 3710 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 101, Alpharetta, GA 30005, telephone number (678) 762-0535, will close permanently on December 31, 2019.

After this date, patient records will be transferred to Imagix Dental of Alpharetta, located at 11125 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022, telephone number (770) 569-0529. If you have any questions or wish to request copies of your records, please contact Northpoint Dental at (678) 762-0535.

DAR holds ceremony at Pineview Cemetery ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Patriots of Liberty Chapter of the Daughters of the

American Revolution in Alpharetta has dedicated its November efforts to honoring veterans.

On Nov. 10, the chapter gathered at Pineview Cemetery to place flags on 13 African-American veterans’ graves. This was a DAR Capstone Project in Leadership organized by Jennifer Boren.

The historic cemetery is the final resting place of African-American pioneers and their descendants in the Bailey Johnson community. Jon Walker, CEO of Pineview Cemetery Association, worked closely with the DAR to make sure the veterans were honored this year for Veterans Day. The special guests of honor were 98-year-old World War II veteran Roland Harding, of Milton, with his daughter Debra Kielly, a DAR member.

The Patriots of Liberty Chapter returned to Pineview Cemetery as well as Rest Haven and Old Big Creek Cemeteries in Alpharetta for Wreaths Across America, on Saturday, Dec. 14 to honor veterans by laying wreaths on their graves. The event is a coordinated effort across the nation, synchronized with Arlington National Cemetery that included a moment of silence at noon.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-19-AB-31

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-19-AB-32

PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers January 2, 2020 3:00 P.M.

PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers January 2, 2020 3:00 P.M.

PURPOSE Restaurant Consumption on Premises Beer & Wine

PURPOSE Restaurant Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT Mongkut LLC d/b/a Thai Squared 5530 Windward Pkwy Suite 140A Alpharetta, GA 30004

APPLICANT TOG Kona Macadamia, LLC d/b/a Kona Grill 5100 Avalon Blvd.

Alpharetta, GA 30009

Owner Mongkut LLC

Owner TOG Kona Macadamia, LLC

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Registered Agent Michael Sard

YEAR IN REVIEW

Schools: Continued from Page 23 numbers from the district’s 19 high schools, with every traditional high school in North Fulton exceeding the district’s goal of 90 percent graduation for the first time.

Data released by the Georgia Department of Education calculated Fulton’s overall graduation rate at 87.2 percent for the class of 2019, a 0.4 percent increase from the previous year and the highest rate among metro Atlanta systems.

Among North Fulton’s eight traditional high schools, the average graduation rate was 90.56. Top performers included Chattahoochee High School which led the pack with a graduation rate of 97.9 percent, followed by Cambridge at 97.6 percent and Northview at 90 percent.

Fulton’s five-year Strategic Plan, first passed in 2012 and renewed in 2017, sets a high bar for the district’s graduation rates. In 2012 the goal was a 90 percent graduation rate; in 2017 it went to 92 percent.

“The data shows that our district made progress on this front last year,” said Fulton Superintendent Mike Looney. “We intend to celebrate the hard work of our schools. We intend to remain laser focused on ensuring that this trend continues so that we can witness all of our students walk across the high school stage with a diploma.”

Fulton Schools hits goal with enrollment projections Planners with the Fulton County School System were nearly spot on in their projections for student enrollment this year, missing the mark by only 12 more students than the forecast of 93,527 students.

This near-perfect forecast for the 2019-20 school year is in stark contrast to last year’s enrollment which came in more than 1,000 students below expectations. It also indicates systems

DEATH NOTICES

Robert E. Butler, 73, of Roswell, passed away December 11, 2019. Arrangements

by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

J’Lin Micah Kimble, 22, of Cumming, passed away December 12, 2019. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Robert Nelson Land, 55, of Cumming, passed away December 13, 2019.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

planners are getting more adept at projecting numbers as the system gradually declines in population.

This year’s enrollment of approximately 93,500 students is the third consecutive year of decline. Once projected to hit 100,000 students, FCS saw its enrollment hit a peak in 2016 with 96,000 students.

The district remains the fourth largest in the state, behind only Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb County school systems.

Although overall numbers were aligned with projections, in North Fulton sharp variances were seen in elementary schools. Manning Oaks Elementary opened with nearly 100 fewer students than projected, while Hillside Elementary in Roswell welcomed 75 more students than expected – the equivalent of nearly three classrooms of kids.

In all, 13 of the area’s 30 elementary school saw projections miss the actual enrollment by 30 or more students.

Projections for the area’s 12 middle schools were more in line with actual enrollment, with most coming within 10 students over or under forecast. The lone outlier was Holcomb Bridge Middle which enrolled 50 more students above projections.

After defying the slowing growth trend across Fulton County for years, most high schools in North Fulton enrolled fewer students this year than last, and are nearly all within instructional capacSolution ity for the first time in years.

A F T E R J A M S R A H S

T O R S O

T R E S S

A R T E E S T S P A E K Y L L L I A L L O V A M A G E E S E T T E N T U E S I R

E D G H E I R L L O C C O K S S D D A O R T E

A E R I E M A D S E N T A

S E L D E R E R E N A D I R D E F B E S T P A R K W A Y O T O R O N O O D E T C A T T A N S E P A S P T E R U L D S E E

A O N E

B E E R

A R I L

Y A L E

G R E E D

S E N D S

Kerry Michell, 53, of Cumming, passed away December 14, 2019. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Autumn Kendra Miller, 31, of Alpharetta, passed away December 12, 2019.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Vincent A. O’Reilly, III, 75, of Cumming, passed away December 15, 2019.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 25

Sports: Continued from Page 15

Milton football travels to play in California Milton became the first Georgia high school football team to play a game in the Golden State when the Eagles took on California’s JSerra Catholic Sept. 14.

Milton transported 82 players, its entire coaching staff, support personnel and parents to take in the sights and sounds of southern California ahead of their game. The Eagles spent time on Venice Beach, toured UCLA and held a tailgate party.

Milton took a tight loss in the contest to nationally ranked JSerra, but head coach Adam Clack called the game a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience his players will remember forever.

Blessed Trinity football wins 3rd championship

The Titans entered the season with a new defensive coaching staff and loads of new starters but remained one of the top teams in the state. The Titans went 9-1 in the regular season and ran the table in Region 7-AAAA play with close wins over three ranked teams, Marist, Denmark and Flowery Branch. BT’s region title was its sixth in seven years.

The Titans won their opening three games of the playoffs in decisive fashion before taking on Woodward Academy, the only team to beat BT in 2019, in the semifinals. After another strong performance, the Titans earned a 4621 win and secured their fourth trip to the state finals in five years.

BT continued its streak of state titles Dec. 14 with an exciting, 17-14 win over Oconee County. The Titans scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the second quarter to take the lead and ran off the final nine minutes of regulation with a 17-play drive that included two fourth-down conversions.

Blessed Trinity football continued its championships way Dec. 14 with the program’s third consecutive state title.

Rex T. Grizzle, Owner Locally Owned and Operated 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075

770-645-1414

info@northsidechapel.com www.northsidechapel.com

North Fulton’s Only On-Site Crematory Jeanne M. Steinfeld, 89, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2019.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Marsha Dimple Wood Tavenier, 67, of Cumming, passed away December 16, 2019. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

John William Tynski, 60, of Cumming, passed away December 18, 2019.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Winburn Lenoe Turk, 90, of Cumming, passed away December 16, 2019.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

26 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

ONLINE INCLUDED C a l l t o d a y t o p l a c e y o u r a d 4 7 0 . 2 2 2 . 8 4 6 9 o r e m a i l c l a s s i f i e d s @ a p p e n m e d i a g r o u p . c o m • FA X : 7 7 0 - 4 7 5 - 1 2 1 6

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Part-time MANAGER Morning and evening shift; kitchen cooks, and cashiers. Apply in store. Roswell Dairy Queen 1260 Alpharetta St/770-587-2253

Part time Thrift Shop Donation Door Attendant: The Donation Door Attendant will manage the Thrift Shop donation intake process and back door volunteers. Requires heavy lifting. May include evenings and weekends. NFCC is a locally supported nonprofit organization serving the community of North Fulton. Background check, drug screen and e-Verify required. Job description and application available at 11270 Elkins Road, Roswell 30076 or submit resume to Tina Adams tadams@nfcchelp.org.

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NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 26, 2019 | 27

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y NATIONAL ADVERTISING Cleaning Services

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Alpharetta-Roswell Herald • Milton Herald • Johns Creek Herald • Forsyth Herald • NorthFulton.com

contact us at 770-442-3278

28 | December 26, 2019 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

There’s no place like

HOME

for the holidays!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT AND WE LOOK FORWARD SERVING YOU IN 2020

Alpharetta Market (December) Subscribe to Market Reports at HarryNorman.com MARKET SUMMARY

DEC 2018

DEC 2019 (LAST 30 DAYS)

%CHANGE

Properties on Market

519

707

36.2%

New on Market

127

135

6.3%

Ave. Asking Price / Sq.Ft.

$166.00

$196.25

18.2%

Ave. Sales Price

$510,124

$458,626

-10.1%

97.72%

97.25%

-0.5%

$174.00

$167.85

-3.5%

150

101

-32.3%

Ave. Sales Price as % of Asking Price Ave. Sales Price / Sq.Ft. Ave. Days on Market of Sold

Harry Norman, REALTORS® | 678-461-8700 | 7855 North Point Pkwy, Suite 1090 | Alpharetta, GA 30305 | HarryNorman.com