Johns Creek Herald – January 5, 2017

J a n u a r y 5 , 2 0 1 7 | 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 2 1 , N o . 1

Bring on 2017

Johns Creek mayor Mike Bodker previews city’s New Year ►►page 6

Virtual reality reviews mixed

Panel of 2 get VR test drive, residents get tryout at Avalon ►►PAGES 8, 13

Restaurant megaplex planned for Alpharetta JULIA GROCHOWSKI/Herald

‘Using Our Voice’ supports marginalized groups Dozens gathered at Newtown Park Dec. 28 to participate in a peaceful event by talking about their beliefs with one another and sharing their culture. Participants work together

to paint a version of Henri Matisse’s “Dance” that was created by Chattahoochee High School students.

Read more, Page 4.

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770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 143 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102

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Employee assaulted, robbed at gunpoint MILTON, Ga. — On Dec. 27, an assailant assaulted a local Subway employee with a gun and robbed the store of its cash before locking the employee in the cooler.

An employee at the Morris Road Subway said a few minutes before 10 p.m., a man entered the kitchen with a gun.

He jabbed the gun under the employee’s ribcage and forced him to take cash out of the register. The employee complied and gave the man the $270 that was in the register.

The man then forced the employee to kneel between two safes and demanded that he open them. The employee could

Police Blotter

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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.

Verizon hit with $4K overnight theft JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Verizon store employees reported a burglary Dec. 20 when they saw that $4,000 worth of electronics was missing from the building.

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

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DUI arrests ►► Elizabeth A. Whitesides, 43, of

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Public Safety

Bramshill Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Dec. 6 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► David Todd Jones, 48, of Crown Vetch Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 12 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, following too close and no insurance. ►► Mark Jeffrey Modlin, 51, of Plano, Texas, was arrested Dec. 13 on Haynes

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only open one safe and gave the man $620 in it.

When the employee demonstrated that he could not open the second safe, the man repeatedly hit him and locked the employee in the walk-in cooler.

The employee, however, was able to escape after the suspect left and immediately called police.

The suspect was wearing dark clothes with a mask and gloves. He appeared to be 6 feet tall with a Hispanic accent.

Police were given security footage showing the encounter to aid in the investigation.

When police arrived at the store on Old Alabama Road, they found that multiple wires had been cut from the island and wall displays.

Multiple phones and tablets were taken.

The security video showed a man arriving at the store at 2 a.m. in a small, silver SUV. He appeared to tamper with the glass door before shattering it with an unknown tool.

The man, wearing a mask, attempted to kick down the storage room door, but was unsuccessful. He then took the display electronics and walked out.

Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and headlights required. ►► Sezai Bayrak, 45, of Stevens Creek Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Dec. 16 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, speeding and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Luis Ramon Cruz, 40, of Cypress Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 17 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and no license. ►► Andrew Arthur Carmichael, 51, of Hidden River Trace, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 17 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI. ►► Jazmyn Cherie Boulware, 26, of Vintage Oaks Drive, Loganville, was arrested Dec. 20 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Wesley Charles Burgner, 36, of

Potential roommate scams woman for $5K MILTON, Ga. — A woman reported a case of theft by deception Dec. 27 when a prospective roommate allegedly attempted to steal $5,000 through a fraudulent check.

The woman had posted online early in December that she was seeking a roommate and got a response from an interested 27-year-old woman in California.

They agreed that the suspect would

See BLOTTER, Page 29 Saratoga Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 20 on Timberstone Road in Johns Creek for DUI.

Drug arrests ►► Nehemiah Thomas, 46, of Crockett

Drive SE, Marietta, was arrested Dec. 12 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and wanted person. ►► Hannah Dara Rubin-Burrasca, 26, of Tamarac, Florida, was arrested Dec. 18 on Rock Mill Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related items. ►► Todd Phillips Letcher, 35, of Milford Chase SW, Marietta, was arrested Dec. 23 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Johns Creek for heroin possession.

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“Eyedentify” Diabetes Complications (part two) Diabetic patients, particularly older ones, may present with several diabetesrelated ocular complications on a daily basis. As eyecare providers, we are uniquely qualified to not only manage the disease’s ocular complications, but to also educate patients on how best to take care of themselves. Here, I discuss diabetes in the eye, the most up-to-date treatment.

Make Healthier Eyes Part of Your New Year’s Resolution

Lens

In addition to the pathological changes in the cornea epithelium caused by an increase in sorbitol, this increase also induces an escalated rate of premature cataract formation. In addition, this sorbitol increase results in refractive error shifts secondary to infusion of water into the lens matrix. Both hyperopic and myopic shifts are seen, but myopic shifts are more common.

This is a frequent finding in newly diagnosed diabetic patients.

To best manage these patients, re-refract them four to six weeks after their first exam when their blood sugar is (hopefully) better controlled, to provide the most accurate prescription.

When co-managing cataract surgery patients, keep in mind that a long duration of post-operative anti-inflammatory therapy may be necessary to prevent complications, such as cystoid macular edema. Also, make sure the antibiotic drops are used q.i.d. for nine days post-op to prevent infections.

Vitreous and retina

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy can be mild, moderate or severe. (See “Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy,” above.) Proliferative retinopathy is characterized by neovascularization in the retina and optic disc due to advanced capillary closure-caused ischemia. This occurs secondary to hypoxia in the posterior pole, causing an increased VEGF level. Neovascularization of the Iris (NVI), new vessels in the retina (NVE) or new vessels of the disc (NVD) are characteristic. These patients often present with decreased VA and/or floaters, secondary to vitreous hemorrhage.

PRP remains the mainstay treatment for proliferative retinopathy. The procedure reduces the need for oxygen in the posterior pole and subsequently decreases VEGF levels, thus preventing neovascularization. Steroid injections and implants have been shown efficacious in treating macular edema in these patients, and anti-VEGF medications injected directly into the vitreous cavity have proven successful as well.

Optic nerve

The optic nerve is acutely at risk for damage in uncontrolled diabetes, secondary to its reliance on the microvasculature of the posterior ciliary artery. Uncontrolled diabetic patients are at a great risk for anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, worsening glaucoma and diabetic papillitis. All these complications are worse with concomitant microvascular disease, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.

Our role

In our yearly comprehensive examinations, we are able to detect and closely monitor ocular complications. This not only allows us to be the “gatekeepers” to our patients’ health, but it also enables us to be influential in their education. Motivating patients to monitor their blood sugar and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen may be one of our most important duties.

One day, we may be able to influence a change from diabetes being the leading cause of blindness in the United States to a rare complication.

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4 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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JULIA GROCHOWSKI/Herald

From left, youth organizers Rand Lee, Veena Ganapathy, Janani Nathan, Selin Odman, Caroline Guan and Amanda Quirk.

Students use their voice Youth-organized gathering supports marginalized groups, promotes discussion

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Instead of remaining frustrated with current events, local college student Janani Nathan, 21, decided to act by peacefully bringing the community together. She organized “Using Our Voice” to give residents a chance to show their support for marginalized groups.

Dozens gathered at Newtown Park Dec. 28 to participate in the event by talking about their beliefs with one another and sharing their culture.

“We live in an extraordinary city with a really amazing community, and I wanted to give people a space to truly speak their mind,” Nathan said. “It’s important for people to have these discussions and to be allies for those who need it most.”

Although it was created completely by youths, “Using Our Voice” was open to adults and anyone who was interested, regardless of beliefs.

“It’s important to have a variety of opinions.” Nathan said. “It’s very easy to talk about what you believe in with other people who believe the same thing. Talking with people who don’t agree with you creates a totally different conversation, and a chance for you to really reflect on why you hold your beliefs.”

Visitors could join in multiple activities, including singing in a call-and-response Bhajan and painting, to create a sense of community. The artwork was a paint-by-numbers version of Henri

It’s very easy to talk about what you believe in with other people who believe the same thing. Talking with people who don’t agree with you creates a totally different conversation, and a chance for you to really reflect on why you hold your beliefs.”

Janani Nathan “Using Our Voice” organizer Matisse’s “Dance” that was made by Chattahoochee High School students.

“We wanted to invite people to start working on something together in a non -intimidating way,” Nathan said. “The Matisse painting in particular promotes conversation, diversity and a sense of strength in unity through collaboration.”

During the event, participants were also encouraged to donate to multiple nonprofits, including the NAACP, Save the Children, the American Civil Liberties Union, The Trevor Project and Planned Parenthood.

Nathan, who is finishing up her last

year at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, said that she became motivated to create “Using Our Voice” by the recent election.

“People in Chicago would have protests in the form of marching. But people would also protest by just getting together at a coffee shop to discuss how they could help women’s rights or LGBTQ rights. They wanted to know how they could get involved in the political sphere – who they could talk to and who they could call,” Nathan said.

When Nathan came back to Johns Creek, she had trouble finding the same resources or areas for open discussions. She wanted to help build that sense of community in her hometown through “Using Our Voice.”

“Out of curiosity, I looked up how the voting turned out here, and in Fulton County, the results were overwhelmingly for Clinton,” Nathan said.

“But I felt like no one here talks about politics or what people stand up for in terms of human rights, not just in Johns Creek, but in suburbia in general. That’s just the nature of suburbia – people don’t want to talk publicly about such things. So, I wanted to give the community the space to talk about their culture, their politics and their beliefs in a risk-free environment, where people don’t have to be afraid or uncomfortable.”

Although “Using Our Voice” has already passed, Nathan is interested in creating similar events in the future.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of articles about how this election has been tearing people apart, but these kinds of events allow people to bond together again,” Nathan said. “The support makes our voices louder.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 5

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6 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

A LOOK AHEAD

Johns Creek ‘looks ahead’ to 2017 This was an exciting and historic year for Johns Creek. It marked our 10th year as an incorporated city, and it was arguably one of the busiest years in our brief history.

MIKE BODKER As we prepare Johns Creek mayor for 2017 and all the promise a New Year holds, let’s review the highlights of what was accomplished in 2016 to better put in perspective what lies ahead for our city.

The year began with the City Council approving the city’s first Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP) (http://www.johnscreekga.gov/business/economicdevelopmentplan), which will serve as a blueprint for retaining and expanding businesses within Johns Creek.

In short, we have a vision for the long-term economic sustainability of our city that will help to guide and shape our actions as we continue to ensure our community remains business friendly and on the right economic path as we move forward.

We then followed the adoption of the SEDP with approval of the 10-year Strategic Recreation and Parks Master Plan (http://www.johnscreekga.gov/ Recreation-Parks-Strategic-Plan), which provides direction and options for planning, development and refinement of the city’s recreation and parks system through the next decade.

To that end, the city more than doubled its greenspace in 2016 to more than 300 acres with the purchases of the Cauley Creek riverfront property and a linear park in Technology Park.

Our outside consultants held public meetings to include your public feedback in designing (http://www.johnscreekga.gov/RecreationandParks/ Parks-Design-Project) both properties and our three new pocket parks (State Bridge Road, Bell-Boles Road and Morton Road), which were purchased in 2015.

This past November at the ballot box, citizens overwhelmingly approved a Parks Bond in an amount of up to $40 million that will allow the city to move forward with these and other identified park improvements at an accelerated pace. Once complete, the city will have five new parks and four refurbished parks (Shakerag, Newtown, Ocee and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve) which will look and feel brand new.

At the very top of the list of our goals is to address traffic, which is what I hear is the most pressing concern of our citizens. Following the passage of the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or TSPLOST, the city has the opportunity to collect up to approximately $82 million in TSPLOST funds over a five-year period, which will enable us to more aggressively address our growing traffic congestion challenge. The City Council has already approved a TSPLOST project list (http:// www.johnscreekga.gov/Residents/

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From being named the safest and hardest working city in Georgia to being recognized as one of the top cities to live in the U.S. - with premier municipal services and highly acclaimed schools - we have truly accomplished a great deal in a relatively short period of time.

I am respectful of the level of effort and energy that goes into making our city an exceptional place in which to live.

Our dedicated police and firefighters put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe, our city staff consistently goes above and beyond to maintain our high quality of life, and our City Council works diligently to keep us moving forward.

However, it all comes down to the quality of the people who comprise a community that ultimately determines its character, and we are truly blessed with the best. Our diverse population is but one of our strengths. Even though we come from varied backgrounds, we share a common goal and work together to make our city exceptional in every way.

You are the ones who have truly made our city exceptional over the last 10 years. So this coming year, I encourage you to really get involved, learn a little more about the history of our area, visit one of our parks or volunteer your time in service to our city.

Together, let’s capitalize on the accomplishments of 2016 to make the next 10 years even more exceptional than the last.

May you and your family have a very Happy New Year!

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While not a part of TSPLOST, repaving every road in Johns Creek has and will continue to remain a high priority to help improve curb appeal and maintain property values. The city completed its second year of the neighborhood repaving program in November. Repaving crews resurfaced 34.1 miles of streets in 26 subdivisions. The city increased funding for the repaving program from $1.5 million to $5 million in fiscal year 2016 in an effort to accelerate the repaving program timeline by a year from 2019 to 2018.

The City Council next focused on the development and approval of Johns Creek’s new mission, vision and six key focus areas or goals (http://www. johnscreekga. gov/NewsAndEvents/News-Archive/2016-News/ Johns-Creek-MayorBodker-Outlines-New-Mission,-Vis) to better meet and address the needs of the city’s residents and businesses. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Johns Creek remains one of the best cities in the U.S. in which to live, work, play and be educated, and we believe we have a framework in place to keep us moving in the right direction.

This has been an historic year

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 7

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8 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

Virtual reality: Menace or marvel?

Appen Media’s Kathleen Sturgeon and Julia Grochowski recently had the chance to experience virtual reality through Facebook’s VR tour using Samsung Gear VR. After putting on the headsets, being transported to faraway lands and taking in all that computer simulation offers, the two came out with different outlooks on virtual reality.

Kathleen’s take: I’m slightly afraid for our future.

I recently had the chance to try out virtual reality, which in essence is putting on a headset complete with headphones that “transport” you pretty much anywhere you’d want to go.

Sounds cool, right? Well, not exactly.

I had high expectations as I’d only heard good things. But I should have known that I wouldn’t have enjoyed the experience. After seeming to float weightless through space and an up-close encounter with a dinosaur, I ended the five minute journey standing in the exact same spot as I’d started, but now completely freaked out.

While I enjoyed the ability to virtually tour places and see things I would never be able to in real life, I didn’t like the somewhat claustrophobic feeling of virtual reality. Multiple times I forgot it wasn’t real and had to remind myself I could take off the headset.

Maybe that’s the thing though.

Maybe it was almost too good for me to appreciate.

If the whole point of virtual reality is to transport your mind and a few senses to other places, then it worked exceedingly well.

But if this is the way of the future, I’m not too sure I want to be involved in it.

After taking off the headset, I remembered everyone else could see and hear me, while I couldn’t see or hear anything outside of what was shown in front of me. That makes me uneasy.

We are already so completely en-

grossed by our devices and the cyber world. Do we really need one more thing that will give us an excuse to shut off from the real world?

The nice thing about smart phones, tablets or laptops is that you can power them down, put them away and stop looking at the world beyond the screen and immediately be back in the real world. Even while using them, you can look up and be aware of your surroundings.

But with virtual reality, you are completely immersed. If this is the way of the future, I’m sure we’ll be able to smell and feel things too, pretty soon.

And just imagine a movie experienced through virtual reality.

I would hate to be in “Jaws,” “The Hunger Games” or “Pearl Harbor.” However, it would be pretty cool to travel to Paris or go deep sea diving without the associated costs or potential risks.

But that’s the thing. We’d be replacing those palpable experiences with fake, intangible ones. We already seem to have enough of a problem getting people to stay off their phones and live their lives. So why add another option to avoid each other?

We live in such a fascinating, captivating world already. We don’t need to experience it virtually when

it already is our reality.

Julia’s take: I don’t know what I was expecting when I went to try on a virtual reality helmet for the first time. As a glasses-wearer, 3-D movies have never really worked out for me and came off as gimmicky at best. VR didn’t seem like it would be any better.

The bulky headgear and headphones didn’t help much either, as far as first impressions go.

When the recordings actually started to play, however, my misgivings were quickly turned on their head.

I don’t think I’m ever going to forget my first glimpse at the dinosaur that came on screen. And I’m sure the attendant laughed at my loud gasp.

It just looked so real and awe-inspiring. I couldn’t help but think back to some conversations I’ve had with older generations about their first time watching Jurassic Park. The special effects in those movies were a gamechanger, they said, the first dinosaur that walked across the screen took their breath away.

As someone who’s grown up with amazing special effects in movies all my life, I’ve always had trouble imaging their awe. The wonder sounded so overthe-top.

I think I understand now. Or at least, this is the closest I’ll get to understanding.

Yes, there are still some issues I have with virtual reality as it is now. I

Read ‘Facebook, Samsung bring virtual reality to Avalon,’ Page 13. didn’t even realize how foggy my glasses had become until they took the headgear off, and it’s concerning how closed off your senses become during the experience.

But the potential for this technology is incredible, if only because of how “in the moment” it puts you. I can already imagine its uses for teaching, communicating, record-keeping and, of course, entertainment.

You could watch recordings of a family gathering, observe surgeries, travel all over the globe or get a front row seat to a coveted Broadway show as if you were actually there. If the technology would become cheap enough, it would be a boon to people who would otherwise be unable to have those experiences.

This virtual reality, instead of replacing our reality, can enhance it.

It’s only natural though that new technology will have its kinks and growing pains. I’m sure the first cars and computers were as scary as they were thrilling. But through some changes and use, they’ve become just another piece of mundane technology.

Give VR a try, if you haven’t already.

You might be surprised.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 9

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This is a plan drawing for the new Sun Valley Road connector which will provide a northwest passage from Mansell Road on the south to Ga. 9 on the north. The roundabout at bottom right will be situated where Warsaw Road currently ends.

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ROSWELL, Ga. – After five years of planning, Roswell has placed its final funding behind a plan to open a northwest corridor through a major area of the city’s northern part.

The City Council Dec. 28 approved $4.2 million to complete Sun Valley Drive, a project that will give traffic a throughway from Mansell Road to the heavily traveled Alpharetta Street (Ga. 9).

“It’s a big deal,” said Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak.

“It’s been sitting there. We have a road (Warsaw) that goes here and ends, and another road (Mansell) that goes here and ends. It’s been sitting that way forever. This is going to connect those roads.”

Plans to connect the two roads were first proposed at a workshop five years ago, but city officials didn’t know at that time how many complications they’d face.

The city had to break the project into two phases, first clearing a path through the trees, removing the rock from valley, installing culverts and building a retention pond. All told, the first phase ran up a tab of $1.45 million.

The second phase will include the actual roadwork linking the two roads.

Officials hope that the new road will

relieve some of the congestion the city now suffers at Mansell Road and Ga. 9.

“It’s going to be huge,” Acenbrak said. “Plus the redevelopment opportunities will be great.”

To the west and northeast of the new roadway lie a number of small neighborhoods locked by cul de sacs.

Right now, these residents gain access by way of Warsaw Road to the south.

The new road will give the neighborhoods a nearby through street they can access from the north or the south. A roundabout will give them easy access into their neighborhoods.

Long before the area was developed, Sun Valley featured a small lake with a man-made beach where residents spent summer afternoons.

Planning for the road connection project goes back decades. When the area was developed for residential, the city reserved a large chunk of the land for future use, a big goose-egg-shaped swath running northwest from Warsaw Road. Because the new connector roadway runs primarily through city-owned land, costs for obtaining right of way were virtually eliminated, Acenbrak said.

As part of the project, the surrounding area will be transformed into a passive park with bike lanes, trails and sidewalks.

“That’s going to be the biggest new road in Roswell that I can recall,” Mayor Jere Wood said. “I don’t remember another road of this magnitude either during my term in office or (before)…

This is huge for the city of Roswell, and I think it’s a sign of things to come with the citizens’ approval of the TSPLOST.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 11

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12 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Plans announced for 22,000 s.f. restaurant megaplex Old Varsity site off Westside Parkway to become newest Alpharetta ‘destination’

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Developer George Banks hopes to one-up the old Varsity restaurant with his own vision of “cool” when he opens a courtyard megaplex eatery near Westside Parkway at Haynes Bridge Road later this year.

Banks plans to develop the property at 11556 Rainwater Drive, the site of the Varsity which closed its doors in February 2016.

“We’re very excited about this project,” said Kathy Cook, Alpharetta Planning director, adding that it is good to have a property picked up so quickly after a closure.

“It’s located within a mixed-use community, so there’s a big opportunity for people to walk and eat,” Cook said.

“It’s a neat concept.”

Banks was one of the people behind development of Atlanta’s Krog Street Market.

The Inman Park market, housed in an old warehouse, features two dozen small restaurants and boutique shops and has become an in-town destina-

tion.

The Alpharetta project won’t be nearly as expansive. It will include five restaurants facing an interior courtyard with plenty of outdoor seating.

The plan was introduced to an enthusiastic Alpharetta Design Review

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Each restaurant would be self-sufficient and they would range in size from 4,000 square feet down to 1,000 square feet, Banks said.

Each eatery would have inside seating for 50 to 80 people in case of

inclement weather.

Customers would enter through the courtyard and be faced with five dining options. The patio would be cooled with fans and misters during the summer.

A fireplace and fire pit would take the chill off the cooler months.

The façade facing Westside Parkway would be of painted blocks, eventually covered in vines, Banks said.

“The intent is to kind of create this idea that the passerby says, ‘I gotta find out what’s going on inside that space, it’s so green and mysterious and unusual looking,’” Banks told the board.

Banks said he hopes to close on the property sometime later in January.

He said the tenants will be announced later.

“We’ll be closing on the land in about a month and hopefully starting construction shortly thereafter,” Banks said this week. “We think it’s a good concept, and a good location in Alpharetta.”

Construction is expected to take up to 10 months. The project is being designed by architecture firm Strada LLC of Pittsburgh.

“We’re very excited about it,” Banks said, “and our tenants are excited as well.”

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 13

Facebook, Samsung bring virtual reality to Avalon Users get to test headsets

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Imagine you’re able to put on a headset and almost immediately be transported to Africa where you’re face to face with elephants, or in outer space dodging comets or on the basketball court facing LeBron James.

Visitors at Avalon the last weeks of December were able to transport to those places through Facebook’s VR, or virtual reality, tour using Samsung’s Gear VR, which are virtual reality headsets that use the smart phone and technology built by Facebook’s Oculus team, and which might soon become our future.

The Facebook VR tour was a chance to bring the immersive experience to the public, according to Facebook spokesman Alan Cooper.

“The goal is to showcase how powerful and immersive the technology is,” Cooper said. “It’s one of those types of technologies that no matter how much you talk about it or show it to people through pictures or advertisements, you really grasp it when you’re in it.”

Once placing the headset on, all sounds and sights are focused on what is playing on the screen. The experience is called “Introduction to Virtual Reality” and is a series of 360 degree vignettes of different scenes, like meeting a dinosaur face-to-face, being center stage at Cirque du Soleil or taking a ride down a river.

The headset is used to virtually transport the person to different areas of the world.

“We’ve seen a big outpouring of support,” Cooper said. “People love the technology. We’ve had people come through ranging in age from 13 to 80 years old.

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It’s one of those things when you see it, you’re blown away. You’re not tethered to what you see and experience every day.”

14 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SCHOOLS

School hardship transfers due Feb. 28 Open enrollment requests slated for late spring

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Parents seeking options for their child’s school choice have until Feb. 28 to submit an application request for a hardship transfer, or the renewal of an existing hardship, for the 2017-18 school year.

The applications cover all elementary, middle and high schools in the Fulton School System and are approved at the system level, not at individual schools.

The Feb. 28 deadline applies to students seeking a hardship transfer to a school outside their assigned home school for medical reasons, curriculum differences and/or child care situations. It also applies to the children of school system employees who want to submit or renew a hardship transfer request.

The hardship transfer is a separate process from open enrollment, which allows students to move to a school with available space. The list of schools participating in open enrollment will be announced in late spring once enroll-

Hard copy applications are not required this year, with the exception of medical transfers which require pertinent medical provider’s signatures and documentation.”

Susan Hale Fulton Schools spokesperson ment projections are determined.

To apply for a hardship transfer, parents must use the online form, available through the school system’s website (www.fultonschools.com) to enter and submit their information for curriculum and child care reasons.

Calendar & City Events 9

City Council Work Session 5:00 p.m.

City Council Meeting 8:00 p.m.

10

Johns Creek CVB 9:00 a.m.

Public Art Board 7:00 p.m.

12

Mayor & Council Quarterly Town Hall 7:00 p.m.

23

JANUARY City Council Work Session 5:00 p.m.

City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.

24

Comprehensive Plan Workshop 6:00 p.m.

25

Comprehensive Plan Workshop 9:00 a.m.

26

Comprehensive Plan Workshop 9:00 a.m.

Arts & Culture Board 6:00 p.m.

16

Martin Luther King Day City Administrative Offices Closed

17

Board of Zoning Appeals 7:00 p.m.

EVENT LOCATION IS CITY HALL UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

19

Jones Bridge Rd Widening Project Open House 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

For a complete list of events, meetings and classes please visit: www.johnscreekga.gov/calendar

“Hard copy applications are not required this year, with the exception of medical transfers which require pertinent medical provider’s signatures and documentation,” said Susan Hale, spokesperson for Fulton Schools.

Last year, 2,429 hardship applications were submitted to the Fulton School System, with 1,534 approved.

The majority of approved applications were for school system staff (1202), followed by curriculum reasons (130).

Parents are encouraged to use the online form, available on the Fulton School System website, to enter and submit their information. School sys-

tem employees who have children receiving an employee hardship transfer must also renew their request through the online application.

The deadline for submitting a transfer application is 4:30 p.m., Feb. 28, with no exceptions or extensions granted, said Hale. All requests must be received or postmarked by this date and time.

Parents with questions or who need more information about hardship transfers can contact the Fulton County Schools’ Student Assignment Office at 470-254-5550 or visit the Fulton Schools website.

SPORTS

Joshua Dobbs ends memorable football career at Tennessee Alpharetta H.S. grad shines in bowl game

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By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Joshua Dobbs, a 2012 graduate of Alpharetta, ended his collegiate career with the University of Tennessee Friday in the Music City Bowl where he was named the game’s MVP after throwing for 291 yards and rushing for 118 yards with four total touchdowns.

Dobbs, who has been the most memorable Tennessee quarterback in recent years, is also fondly remembered for his time with Alpharetta.

Dobbs transferred from Wesleyan to Alpharetta prior to his junior season, and he led the Raiders to a 16-7 record in 2012-13 under then head coach Jason Dukes. In his senior season, Dobbs threw for 3,625 yards with 25 touchdowns and rushed for 419 with 10 rushing touchdowns.

Jacob Nichols, currently the head coach for the Raiders, entered his first season as offensive coordinator during Dobbs’ senior season. Nichols said Dobbs is fondly remembered for his time at Alpharetta.

“On the field, [Dobbs] was a oncein-a-lifetime player,” Nichols said. He is a phenomenal athlete and one of those quarterbacks where you felt comfortable in any situation or calling any play.”

“He was always a hard worker. He earned the trust of his teammates by setting the example. He wasn’t always the most vocal leader, but he didn’t have to be because his performance spoke volumes and his dedication was apparent. He was one of those kids you could always count on to lead,” Nichols said.

Not only was Dobbs a leader on the field, but according to Nichols, he was an incredibly well rounded student.

“He was taking two or three collegiate level classes during his senior year, running back and forth all day between campuses, and he was also a member of the school’s band playing trumpet. He was well respected as a musician.”

Dobbs has continued his dedication to studies off the football field at Tennessee, where he majors in aerospace engineering.

On the field, Nichols has followed Dobbs’ time at Tennessee and said he has made a point to always watch Dobbs play on Saturdays. He was also

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Joshua Dobbs is fifth all-time at Tennessee in passing yards and 12th alltime in the SEC for total touchdowns. in attendance at this year’s Tennessee vs. Georgia game in which Dobbs completed a Hail Mary on the final play of the game to earn the win for the Vols.

Nichols said he has seen Dobbs’ progression as a player on the collegiate level, stating that Dobbs’ improvement in speed has been apparent since his days as a Raider.

“I’ve always said it was kind of a mistake on my part that we didn’t have a lot of designed runs for Dobbs, but that was mainly to ensure that he stayed upright and stayed healthy. But he has shown that he is certainly tough and is a great run threat with Tennessee.”

With the Vols, Dobbs threw for 7,138 yards with 53 passing touchdowns. He is fifth all-time at Tennessee for passing yards and passing touchdowns and is 12th all-time in the SEC for total touchdowns.

“Dobbs will always be very important to the history of Alpharetta football,” Nichols said. “It has been amazing to watch him compete, and I know he will be successful no matter what he does.”

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We always get it after the fact, after it happens. The neighbor sees it, an HOA gets a complaint and we respond to it and chase the property owners down.

Steve Zaring, Supervisor for Code Enforcement 16 | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017

Forsyth Commission looks into regulating home rental policy Complaints from neighbors spark examination

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The use of residential homes for rental purposes on websites such as Airbnb was recently questioned by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.

At a work session Dec. 20, Director of Planning and Community Development Tom Brown said rentals are more common in the summer and around Lake Lanier. He said he was asked to look into the county’s regulations relating to rental of residential homes and living units.

The examination was sparked after a homeowner on Lake Lanier complained about a neighbor renting out their home to rowdy house guests.

“It appeared it was happening all the time. He lives right next door and can’t call the law,” said District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills. “He said everywhere he turns it is loud, partying and there is a big crowd of people.”

Supervisor for Code Enforcement Steve Zaring said the department gets about a dozen complaints a year relating to this practice. Since the advent of websites, such as Airbnb, where users find short-term lodging in people’s homes, the issues have occurred more frequently.

“Essentially the way we are running it right now, they could be renting it out for many weeks. There are no limits on it, and they’re not paying any business license. They’re not paying any hotel or motel tax,” Mills said. “They’re escaping all of the costs, and we don’t even have a

Essentially the way we are running it right now, they could be renting it out for many weeks. There are no limits on it, and they’re not paying any business license. They’re not paying any hotel or motel tax.”

Cindy Jones Mills District 4 Commissioner way for law enforcement or anyone else to track what they’re even doing. They say they’re renting it for a weekend, but their home is really a business.”

County Attorney Ken Jarrard said the county’s code doesn’t address this issue specifically.

Currently, the county defines a dwelling unit as, “one or more rooms connected together and constituting a separate, independent housekeeping establishment for use on a basis involving owner occupancy or rental or lease on a weekly, monthly or longer basis, with provisions for cooking, eating and sleeping, and physically set apart from

Forsyth residents near Lake Lanier are upset with the amount of noise generated from people renting through Airbnb. any other rooms or dwelling units in the same structure.”

And the violations are hard to catch, Zaring said, because staff only can go by the definition in the county code.

Ultimately, the property owners are often out of town and are more interested in the money the rentals generate, Zaring said.

“We make them aware that they can’t rent it for anything less than the seven-day period,” he said. “They

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change it and it says it’s for seven days minimum. It’s time consuming and complicated for staff. We always get it after the fact, after it happens. The neighbor sees it, an HOA gets a complaint and we respond to it and chase the property owners down.”

Brown said he would look into any more complaints and come back with suggestions in the summer. He said other counties handle these issues similarly to Forsyth.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 17

Unwrench the housing cycle Starting fast in A recent story I just read has me looking at my 10- and 8-year-old boys in a whole new light. It turns out that the number of people still living with their parents between Geoff smith the ages of 18 to 34 Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com rose to its highest level in recorded history last month. The story didn’t say how many of those adult children were paying rent.

The story, published last week in the Wall Street Journal, based its numbers on census data analyzed by Trulia and said that almost 40 percent of all people between the ages of 18-34 still live with their parents. As a mortgage banker, that means there are a whole lot of potential customers that need to buy houses. As a father, that means I need as many of those customers as I can get or else I’m never going to be able to downsize out of my house and retire.

The housing industry is an incredibly reactive industry. The amount of activity in the different market segments depends on a number of cyclical factors all playing off one another. One of the biggest factors is the cyclical movement of buyers moving up the financial ladder.

As we all improve our financial lives by getting promoted at work, increasing our sales numbers or growing our small businesses, we tend to buy more expensive houses. We “move-up.”

But for us to move-up, we need buyers who are also moving up from their situations into ours. So, you might have a first-time homebuyer purchasing his starter home. That enables the couple living in that starter home to move up to their new home. This enables the family in that home to move up into its new home, which enables the

the new year

empty nesters to move back down to a smaller, lower maintenance home.

If one of those groups decides not to move up or down, you could see how it could clog the pipeline.

My friend Steve Beecham broke for me recently. He had a much more complex science of all of this and used this cycle to explain why housing inventory is so low in Atlanta right now.

He’s a long-time mortgage banker and well-known as a motivational speaker.

I don’t remember all of the particulars of his science, but he clearly put a lot of deep thought into it, and after reading the Journal report a couple months later, he was clearly onto something. If these millennials are staying in their parents’ basements, then they are not relieving the couples wanting to move up out of their starter homes. But it’s not just that these millennials are staying at home, when they do move out, they are more comfortable than previous generations in renting. So clearly, they are one wrench in the gears of Mr. Beecham’s described cycle.

But let’s not blame those poor millennials for everything. The financial collapse of 2008 also had a huge impact on this cycle. In one way, it kind of reversed it for many people who lost their jobs, or saw salary reductions

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at their current jobs and were forced backward – to move down into less expensive homes. Many of them are just getting back to where they were before the collapse but are still gun-shy about taking on a larger mortgage payment.

These theories all help to explain why home inventories are so low. But they also show how quickly the engine of activity could switch into high-gear.

Consumer confidence has jumped up and down for the last eight years. If consumers finally start to feel consistently confident in our economy, you could see millennials jump into homeownership at the same time existing homeowners are confident enough to want to move up. So far, the new administration seems to have that confidence up. It if continues, we could see a 2017 pumping heavy on all cylinders.

Of course, then we’ll have to figure out where all the new houses are going to come from. But that’s another story.

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

Are you prepared to get off to a fast start in the New Year?

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s back to work for small business owners. Have you established all dick jones of your goals and Founder & President Jones Simply Sales objectives? Getting off to a fast start is very important for most small business owners to reach their annual objectives.

So how do you start fast in the new year?

Getting off to fast start is all about what can be done now! In other words, what are your goals for January? Do you need to contact all of your existing customers?

Is it more important to schedule meetings with new prospects? Is the time right to announce new products or services you are offering?

Hopefully you’ve spent the past few months putting together your plans for next year. If not, now is the time to do that! An overall plan should outline your annual objectives and strategies for achieving them, and also allows you to define what needs to get done now and what can be done later.

Everyone, including you, should have very specific objectives for the first month of the year.

And for every objective, there should be a list of tasks and activities to make them happen. The beginning of a new year isn’t about planning, it’s about executing. It’s about getting things done and gaining momentum that will build through the first quarter and set the tone for annual success. Getting off to a fast start in the new year is key to having a great year for your small business.

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18 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSBRIEFS

The Sherry and Maria Team is growing

S.J. Gorowitz celebrates 25 years ALPHARETTA, Ga. — S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services, P.C., a CPA firm that supports expanding and emerging businesses, recently announced that November 2016 was their 25th year in business.

“A quarter of a century is a long time for a small business to remain operational,” said founding principal and CEO Stacey Gorowitz. “Not only have we had our doors open for 25 years, but we’ve enjoyed continued growth throughout that time and have become a firm-of-choice for many businesses and individuals in Alpharetta and the surrounding areas.”

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, SJG published a list of the firm’s 25 accomplishments, an outline of the firm’s 25 service offerings and a commemoration to the 25 individuals and organizations who have contributed to the firm’s overall success.

In addition, they also hosted a special ribbon cutting Nov. 3 with the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce.

Muffley & Associates Real Estate now open Business name: Muffley & Associates Real Estate Owner: Mikel Muffley About: Top Atlanta residential real estate brokerage has expanded to Alpharetta with a third office. Whether customers are in the market to buy or sell a home or custom build their

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Sherry and Maria Team of real estate sellers recently added two new members - a listing manager and a listing specialist.

April Cotney, listing specialist, is the newest member of The Sherry Klisch and Maria Team. She focuses exclusively on selling homes.

Anissa Klisch also recently joined the team as a listing manager. In her role, Anissa manages on-line listings and production of marketing materials for each home.

The Sherry and Maria Team plans to add a buyer’s agent before the end of January. As Keller Williams Realty consultants, they serve all the North Atlanta suburbs. They can be contacted at info@ sherryandmariateam.com.

Harry Norman Realtors awards Susan Lombardo FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Harry Norman Realtors Forsyth County/ Lake Lanier recently congratulated Susan Lombardo for achieving Senior Marketing Consultant status.

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Thrive co-working named national top 10 co-working space ALPHARETTA, Ga. —Thrive co-working was just named one of the top 10 co-working spaces in the United States by LiquidSpace.

“We are flattered and honored to have been recognized. It is just so fun to see the friendships and business relationships develop here, which when it comes down to it, is what people are looking for most,” said Ramon Gonzalez, co-founder and CEO of Thrive.

Co-working spaces are popping up all over the country. Unlike traditional office space or virtual offices, co-working spaces are more casual and flexible. They typically don’t require members to sign a lease to join.

Like many other co-working spaces, Thrive provides a membership based community that offers a communal working environment. Members enjoy free coffee, snacks and networking events at the space. In addition, individual office rooms can be rented out for more privacy.

“We are also so excited about the future and the opening of our next location in downtown Alpharetta early 2017,” Ramon said. “We have lots of great things in the works over there. People are really going to love it.”

NEWBUSINESSSPOtlight

dream home in North Fulton, their team of expert real estate sales professionals will get the job done. From providing top listings, up-to-date market data and expert advice, Muffley & Associates Real Estate delivers results.

Opened: Dec. 13, 2016 Address: 217 Roswell St., Alpharetta, GA 30009 Phone: 470-509-4800 Website: www.muffleyhomes.com

Odyssey Escape Game opens in Alpharetta Business name: Odyssey Escape Game Owner: Michael Cook About: Enjoy Atlanta’s premiere Escape Game experience. Odyssey Escape Game is perfect for corporate

team-building events or some family fun with big smiles and great memories. Groups of all sizes are welcome.

Opened: Nov. 21, 2016 Address: 1111 Alderman Drive, Building 200, Suite 210, Alpharetta GA 30005 Phone: 678-358-4060 Website: www.odysseyescapegame.com

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 19

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20 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CALENDAR MOM SENSE

‘FAREWELL PERFORMANCE OF MARK TWAIN AND MR. CLEMENS’

Kurt H. Sutton will portray both the man and the myth by having Mark Twain and Samuel L. Clemens on stage at the same time in an entertaining, interactive show, featuring Twain’s hilarious tall tales and witty humor as well as music from Clemens’ time period.

This one-night performance will be Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m., at the Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. Tickets are $15 and are available at playhousecumming.com Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton.com/Calendar.

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING:

EVENTS:

MILTON

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VOLUNTEERING

What: Milton Grows Green, with Casey Tree Experts and the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, are hosting a Christmas tree recycling event. Or, for a $15 fee, Boy Scout Troop 841 will pick up your tree.

When: Dec. 26-Jan. 7 Where: Scottsdale Farms, Milton High School and Home Depot, Milton More info: facebook.com/ events/1826737317602568

FORSYTH COUNTY

What: Keep Forsyth County Beautiful invites residents to recycle their Christmas trees during the annual ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ event. Wood chips from recycled trees are available first-come, first served.

When: Dec. 26-Jan. 7 Where: Six locations across Forsyth County More info: keepforsythcountybeautiful. com

ROSWELL

What: Residents dropping off trees to recycle can also get free seed packets, while supplies last. The trees will be chipped into mulch, which will be available at no charge.

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: The Home Depot parking lot, 870 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

ALPHARETTA

What: Drop off a Christmas tree to recycle and get free garden seeds in exchange, while supplies last. Free mulch is also available with a filled out request form, available online.

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: The Home Depot parking lot, 5300 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta More info and request form: alpharetta. ga.us

What: Find out how to volunteer at and support Habitat for Humanity during this 30-minute volunteer information session.

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 10:30-11 a.m.

Where: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 11060 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell More info and registration: suburbanatlantarestores.org/ volunteer

RUMC JOB NETWORKING

What: Get ahead in the job market with these free workshops at 12:30 p.m., and a 5 p.m. orientation and dinner, followed by an evening keynote speaker or Mini Job Fair. Complete agenda online.

When: Monday, Jan. 9, 12:30-9 p.m.

Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell More info: rumcjobnetworking.com

MCGINNIS FERRY ROAD WIDENING OPEN HOUSE

What: The public is invited any time to this informal open house to learn about the proposed project to widen McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek and Forsyth County.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 5-8 p.m.

Where: Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming More info: johnscreekga.gov or forsythco.com

AGING WELL WORKSHOP

What: Learn how to juggle raising a family while taking care of parents in this free workshop. Topics include finances, assisted living, insurance, downsizing, moving and more.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Renaissance on Peachtree, 3755 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta More info: gnfcc.com

What: New and seasoned mothers are invited to learn about “What Every Pediatrician Wants You to Know,” by guest speaker Dr. Margaret Boudreaux. Complementary coffee will be available.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 8 a.m.

Where: Pinecrest Academy, 951 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming More info: pinecrestacademy.org or mjboone1024@gmail.com

PRESCHOOL ADVENTURES

What: Children ages 3-6 can learn about the natural and historical environment at Autrey Mill. A brief nature hike and a hands-on activity or craft is included. Parent or guardian must accompany child.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek Cost: $7 for members, $10 for nonmembers More info: autreymill.org

DIVORCE WORKSHOP

What: Women considering divorce or in the early stages of divorce are invited to this free workshop to provide legal, emotional and financial support during the process.

When: Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: 695 Mansell Road, Suite 120, Rowell More info and registration: secondsaturday.com or 770-353-6370

AVALON ON ICE

What: Ice skate on the 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: Through Jan. 22, times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta Cost: general admission starts at $18 More info: experienceavalon.com

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: HOLIDAY SHOW

What: Get into the holiday spirit with great local artwork at this annual Holiday Show. View works in a variety of mediums, including acrylic, oil, watercolor, clay and more.

When: Through Jan. 13, times vary Where: Roswell Visual Arts Center, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: GEORGE GRAY

What: Come see the works of lifetime artist and Johns Creek resident George Gray. Gray has spent over 40 years of photo retouching by hand.

When: Jan. 2-30, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell More info: behance.net/georgegray

‘GREETINGS FRIEND YOUR KIND ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED’

What: When retired schoolteacher Rhonda Charles opens an email in her spam folder, the journey of a lifetime begins.

This is the world premiere comedy from Atlanta playwright Topher Payne.

When: Jan. 5-Jan. 22, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: tickets start at $20 More info and tickets: get.org

LIBRARY EVENTS: ALPHARETTA LIBRARY BOOK SALE

What: Come support the library and library programs by shopping at the Friends of the Alpharetta Library book sale on the library porch and in the Friends Bookstore.

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

THE ZOO LIBRARY

What: Learn about 3-4 different animals in a hands-on, one-on-one interaction and discussion. The interactive experiences are designed by a Georgia Certified Educator.

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m.-noon Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org

SPEECHCRAFT WORKSHOPS/ GAVEL CLUB

What: In a partnership with Alpharetta Toastmasters, adults and teens can learn how to improve and master the art of public speaking in this free workshop.

When: Sunday, Jan. 8, 2:30-4 p.m.

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

COLLEGE ADIMISSIONS ESSAY SEMINAR

What: Learn the ins and outs of preparing and writing for the college admissions essay portion. College Admissions Counselor Wendy Hayes will be available for help and to answer questions.

When: Monday, Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: 770-640-3075

NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS BOOK CLUB

What: Join this month’s book club for a discussion of Elizabeth Strout’s “Olive Kitteridge,” a series of interconnected short stories adapted by HBO into a miniseries. New members are welcome.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info: karen.swenson@ fultoncountyga.gov or 770-360-8820

CALENDAR

MEMOIR WRITING CLASS

What: Learn how to craft a memoir with Suzanne Rosenwasser, author of “Manhasset Stories: A Baby Boomer Looks Back.”

When: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6-7 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: milton. branch@fultoncountyga.gov

MAKING SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS WORKSHOP

What: Get a concrete plan for exploring or transitioning into a new career or lifestyle change, like having a baby, starting retirement or working with relationships. Reservations required.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.

Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info and registration: afpls.org

PET ADOPTIONS: FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way, Forsyth County More info: 678-965-7185

FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd.

NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: COFFEE, CAKE AND TRUE ISLAM

What: Drop in any time at this weekly open house to have an open and informal dialogue about Islam to demystify misconceptions and build relationships. Food and drinks will be available.

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 5 p.m.

Where: Baitul Ata Mosque, 1800 Willow Trail Parkway NW, Norcross More info: facebook.com/Ahmadiyya MuslimCommunityGAChapter

CROSS

What: For two nights only, Act3 Productions will perform CROSS, by Jesse Cramer. A young man returns to his former camp leader to question what they shared one summer seven years ago.

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 8, 3 p.m.

Where: 6285 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs Cost: $10 More info: act3productions.org

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 21

Get outside Georgia:

Big Creek Greenway offers activities for all ages

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Seniors looking to get some fresh air or exercise need look no farther than their local parks. Forsyth and Fulton county parks offer a plethora of activities for any age, especially the Big Creek Greenway located in both counties.

A greenway is a linear park with 12-foot wide paths. Visitors are welcome to walk, jog, bike or roller blade along a scenic route that meanders along the Big Creek and through woodlands. While on the trails, visitors may even catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including deer, ducks and geese.

The greenway can help people keep an active lifestyle, which is important for everyone as they age, said Laura Pate, the marketing and community relations manager for the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department.

Exercise for seniors doesn’t just help physically with weight control or combatting health conditions. It also helps mentally and improves overall well-being, including providing more energy, improved mood and better sleep.

“Staying active, staying engaged, and looking for those adventures and opportunities to be outside really keeps seniors’ attitudes great, keeps physical fitness good and keeps motivation up,” said Amy Rickman, a spokesperson for the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department. “Out on the greenway, they can be on their own to explore, or they can go out with friends for some social activity.

It’s great for fitness, because you don’t feel like you’re working out. You just

Big Creek Greenway Access Points Forsyth County • 5120 Bethelview Road • 4110 Carolene Way at Fowler Park • 1622 McFarland Parkway • 5259 Union Hill Road Fulton County • Alpharetta YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Road • Rock Mill Park, 3100 Kimball Bridge Road • Haynes Bridge Road Behind Ethan Allen, 6800 North Point Parkway • 3281 Marconi Drive

feel like you’re outside enjoying the day, enjoying nature and enjoying the weather.”

Currently, the Big Creek Greenway has two trail sections split between Forsyth and Fulton counties. Future plans will eventually connect the two portions into one long path.

The Fulton County section extends a little over eight miles, from Windward Parkway to Mansell Road.

“The whole 8.2 mile concrete trail is very easily accessed and walkable,” said Rickman. “We also have a trail system at Wills Park that’s great for walking.”

The Forsyth County Greenway additionally spans a total of 9.6 miles from McFarland Parkway and Kelly Mill Road, with future plans to extend it to approximately 15 miles.

One of the easier, flatter trials to

walk includes the one at Fowler Park, according to Pate.

Fowler Park additionally has an indoor walking track, for people who still want to exercise on a cold or rainy day. Anyone age 55 and older can enjoy a free access pass to the indoor walking trail at Fowler Park or at any of the other parks in Forsyth County.

Forsyth and Fulton counties also have multiple fitness classes and programs specifically tailored for people 55 years and older. To explore some of the available options, visit parks. forsythco.com, roswellgov.com, johnscreekga.gov, cityofmiltonga.us or alpharetta.ga.us/community/services/ senior-activities.

To learn more about the Big Creek Greenway, including maps and parking, visit bigcreekgreenway.com.

22 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

22 | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017

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Real Estate Report • Sponsored Section

Crye-Leike Continues to grow in the Atlanta market Now open in Gainesville

It’s been eleven years since Harold Crye, CEO of Crye-Leike Real Estate, expanded the company’s footprint into the Atlanta metro area. The fourth largest privately owned real estate company in the nation recently opened its eleventh office in the Atlanta Metro area at 956A Dawsonville Highway, Suite 301 in Gainesville.

Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Christy Crumbley as the new Managing Broker. Crye-Leike’s Gainesville office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs in Hall, Lumpkin, Dawson and surrounding counties. The office will host a grand opening ceremony this fall.

“The Atlanta real estate market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves,” said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. “We see a lot of potential for the local market and are very happy to be expanding in and around the Atlanta area with additional offices opening soon in Lawrenceville, Dahlonega and Marietta.”

“Being a full-service real estate brokerage firm, our goal is to make it convenient for our customers and sales associates to utilize all of our services

before, during and after a home purchase by offering reliable, efficient and convenient services for today’s busy lifestyles,” said Steve Brown, president of Crye-Leike Residential Sales.

Crye-Leike Real Estate Services had a great year in 2015 achieving $5.7 billion in sales volume.

Over a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled Crye-Leike agents sold 31,400 properties. Crye-Leike’s sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market. Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/ Roswell, Norcross, Cartersville, Cumming, McDonough, Riverdale, Smyrna/ Vinings, Johns Creek and Woodstock in addition to a Residential Property Management, Commercial and Relocation division.

As a full service real estate company, Crye-Leike offers real estate and related services, including: relocation services; commercial business and investment real estate services; property leasing and management services; insurance services; title & closing services; mortgage services; home warranty services; home services; auction services; business brokerage services; REO services for bank-owned & foreclosed properties and real estate schools.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 23

24 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Real Estate Report • Sponsored Section

Jumpstart your spring home sale

By Eve Jones Harry Norman Realtors A little-known fact: the first three weeks are the most critical when selling your home. Why is that?

Because new listings initially generate a lot of excitement among agents and buyers.

There are many buyers Jones out there waiting for the right home to magically appear on the market.

And, agents are checking the multiple listing service “hot sheets” (new listings) every day. With all this attention, you had better be ready! So, let’s talk about the “S” word.

If you’ve ever watched any program on HGTV, you know what “staging” is, but there some new thinking about how homes should be staged today.

According to Realtor® Magazine (a NAR publication), no longer are designers recommending the “stripped-down, beige-heavy stylings that are as boring as they are forgettable. Staging today is giving way to a livelier vision encom-

passing, more trendy inviting interiors and exteriors that are intended to make a listing more marketable.”

The boring has been traded in for adding back some personality in the form of bold pops of color, updated fabrics, accessories and furnishings while still appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Stayed antiques and fine oil paintings do not appeal to younger home buyers.

Often sellers ready to downsize are resistant to make many changes or updates to appeal to the new generation of buyers, but they are only hurting themselves (and their pocketbook).

Other opportunities for engaging home buyers is to focus on outdoor spaces. Outdoor living is the latest item on the buyer’s want list, so make the most out of your deck or patio space by staging a dining space, lounging space and even add a fire pit.

So, staging addresses the concept that “real estate is a beauty contest”.

But, I’d like to add that, “beauty is only skin deep”.

Yes, your home should look good but, beneath the surface are some of the most important features of a home;

Often sellers ready to downsize are resistant to make many changes or updates to appeal to the new generation of buyers, but they are only hurting themselves (and their pocketbook). Other opportunities for engaging home buyers is to focus on outdoor spaces. mechanical/HVAC systems, roof, structural integrity, siding and trim condition, hot water heaters, windows etc.

This is the non-sexy stuff that, if left to chance, can kill a deal. Many of the homes in North Fulton are advancing to 20+ years in age and require maintenance and systems replacements. Some sellers mistake replacing an 18 year old HVAC unit or replacing/painting wood rot for an “upgrade”. These are not upgrades.

They are simply maintenance. Buyers do not want to fix your problems that should have been addressed long

ago.

Here’s where a full-service Realtor can really earn his/her commission on the front-end of a sale by finding an inspector who can help you identify issues before you get all those agents and buyers excited about your home! And, that agent will have reliable contractors to do the repairs.

Both staging and addressing maintenance issues are ways to jumpstart a smooth, easy, profitable home sale and the thing that may keep the buyer “in -love” with your home from the market introduction to the closing table.

WE

Real Estate Report • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 25

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APPEN MEDIA GROUP

Tips for appealing to potential homebuyers With 2016 behind us, now is the time to take advantage of a fresh year and prepare your home for the the 2017 spring market. The key to this is making your home a space that is going to appeal to a potential homebuyer.

Boost curb appeal The first thing that a potential homebuyer will see is the front of your home.

First impressions are key -- this is what sets the standards for the home and leads the potential homebuyer to the next step of inquiring on your property. A few quick tips for boosting your curb appeal are as follows: Most importantly, the landscaping this is a great way to enhance the appearance of your home by bringing it to life.

Pressure washing or painting are both great ways to brighten and refresh the overall appearance of your home as weather and change of seasons can age its appearance.

Get your house sparkling clean With the new year, there is not a better time to declutter your home than now. This not only is great for a potential buyer but helps make the move easier when you find your new home.

Cleaning out storage closets, drawers and hidden corners is the key to preparing your home for the market along with open houses and showings.

Stage your home

With the new year, there is not a better time to declutter your home than now.

This not only is great for a potential buyer but helps make the move easier when you find your new home.

If you have already moved and your home is vacant, or feel that you need to have an updated look to keep up with the market, then home staging could be a great option for you.

This can translate to a higher sales price, fewer days on market and helps the buyer visualize their lifestyle in the space.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents deliver results.

Allow one of our dedicated professionals to assist you by visiting atlantafinehomes.com or calling our office at 770.442.7300.

26 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Alpharetta boys buying in to new system Raiders start season 15-1 under first-year head coach

By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Alpharetta Raiders boys basketball entered this season with a new head coach and a new system. Usually such changes would necessitate a transition year before winning seasons and success are to be expected. But if the Raiders’ start this year is any indication, the transition is complete and the success has started early.

The Raiders (15-1, 6-1) are leading the Region 7-AAAAAA standings and have just one loss as the 2016 portion of the season ended. The Raiders competed in the Deep South Classic in Snellville last week, winning the tournament title with a 3-0 record including wins over Mill Creek and Brookwood.

Alpharetta’s Ellis Merriweather was named the tournament MVP. First-year head coach Jason Dasinger said he is pleased with his team’s transition under his leadership.

“I can’t say enough for how well

Alpharetta won the Deep South Classic tournament in Snellville last week and has started the season with a 15-1 overall record. these kids have responded to a firstyear coach,” Dasinger said. “I may not be the easiest guy to play for at times, but we have all 14 guys buying in. I’m just steering the boat but they are making it go. I appreciate my guys and I’m glad they are seeing success.”

Dasinger said that the entirety of

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his roster is contributing and that six players are averaging over nine points per game, a feat Dasinger aptly refers to as “crazy.”

“I think the reason we’re off to such a good start is because if someone is having an off night there is someone there to pick it up,” he said. “We never

know who our lead scorer is going to be that night.”

“Carlos [Carriere] is having a great year. For someone who has started the last three years and having a brand new coach and brand new system, he has bought in. Jaycee Horn was not here last year but is playing hard. David Swillum is taking a step back from playing as much as he had in the past but he stepped up to score 20 against Chattahoochee.”

“At the end of the day we have 1012 guys that are really good,” Dasinger said.

After the holiday break, the Raiders will refocus their attention back to region play.

The Raiders have played all region opponents except Northview, who they will face when they return to the court Jan. 5. The Raiders have a one-game lead over Pope in the region standings.

Alpharetta beat the Greyhounds 59-55 on Dec. 6.

“If these kids keep playing as hard as they are playing, [the region] will take care of itself,” Dasinger said. “We are off to a great start but it is our hope that we will continue to grow and get better as the season progresses, and we hope that we have not peaked yet.”

QUESTION: How do I submit my news to the paper?

The answer is easy, NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Boost your brand, reach the right audience and get noticed!

Upload unlimited press releases using Appen Media Group’s online portal, NewsLink.

Only NewsLink submissions are reviewed by our newsroom for possible use. NorthFulton.com is one of the highest hit local/regional websites with over 44,100 unique local visitors and 80,000 + unique page views per month and rapidly increasing. Call 770-442-3278 for questions or assistence.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 27

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28 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

FCA robotics team wins champion’s award ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Fulton Science Academy Private School​‘s all-female robotics team, “Control+Alt+Delete” recently won the first place “Champion’s Award” and the “Best Overall Robot Performance Award” in the Regional First Lego League Robotics

Tournament.

All of the team members are eighth graders.

This year’s First Lego League theme, “Animal Allies,” tasked teams with choosing and solving a real-world animal problem.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION OPEN HOUSE Forsyth County A Public Information Open House for P.I. No. 0004634 From Sargent Road to Union Hill Road/Ronald Reagan Boulevard (location)On January 10, 2017, at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, Georgia 30041, Forsyth County, in cooperation with the City of Alpharetta, the City of Johns Creek, and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will hold a Public Information Open House concerning P.I. No. 0004634 in Forsyth County.

The proposed project would consist of the widening of McGinnis Ferry Road from Sargent Road to Union Hill Road/Ronald Reagan Blvd located on the Fulton County line in southern Forsyth County. This project has been identified as part of Forsyth County’s SPLOST and Transportation Bond program. The length of the proposed project is approximately 4.58 miles. The proposed design includes two lanes in each direction with a 20-foot raised median.

The design speed is 45 mph. The proposed outside shoulder would be a 16-foot urban shoulder on the north side containing curb and gutter with a 10 foot multi-use path and on the south side would be a 12-foot urban shoulder containing curb and gutter with 5-foot sidewalks. Stage construction and traffic control devices will be utilized to maintain traffic during construction.

Temporary lane closures may be required during stage construction.

The Open House will be conducted between the hours of 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The Open House will be informal and the public is invited to attend anytime during these hours. There will be no formal presentation. A court reporter will be available to allow the public an opportunity to make verbal comments about the project.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by calling Forsyth County Engineering Department, at (770) 781-2165.

Control+Alt+Delete decided to tackle this project by researching a more natural way to eliminate mosquitos than pesticides, since pesticides have been linked to adverse health effects such as brain tumors. This gave them the idea of focusing upon bats, as they can eat up to five thousand mosquitoes in one night and are somewhat easy to attract.

PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Jones Bridge Road widening project Thursday, January 19, 2017 A public meeting about the widening of Jones Bridge Road from Sargent Road to McGinnis Ferry Road will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Johns Creek City Hall (12000 Findley Road, third floor).

The Jones Bridge Road widening project includes widening the existing roadway from two to four lanes for a 1.5 mile section of roadway as well as the addition of a landscaped median and a 10-foot multiuse trail on the west side. The project also includes operational improvements to intersections such as turn lanes, revised traffic signals, and reconfiguration of the existing pavement to add two through lanes.

The public is invited to view the proposed project plans, ask questions, and provide feedback. The informal meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. and the public is invited to attend anytime during these hours. There is no formal presentation.

TOWN HALL MEETING PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Thursday, January 12, 2017

Written statements will be accepted concerning this project until January 20, 2017. Written statements may be submitted to: Mr. Tim Allen Assistant Director, Forsyth County Engineering Department 110 E. Main Street, Suite 120 Cumming, Georgia 30040 The displays at the public open house will be available for review until January 20, 2017 at the Forsyth County Engineering Department, 110 E. Main Street, Cumming, Georgia 30040. The meeting transcript, once prepared, will be available at this same location.

They also created a mosquito trap for smaller spaces, using carbon dioxide and LED lights to attract them towards a fan that sucks them into the enclosure. The project was detailed and the team presented with display boards, a prototype and the robot itself.

Control+Alt+Delete is one of more than 32,000 teams globally.

In conformance with the Georgia Open Meetings Law, please note a quorum of the City of Johns Creek Mayor and Council Members may be in attendance at a Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Johns Creek City Hall, 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300 in Johns Creek, GA 30097.

The Town Hall Meeting begins at 7:00pm and is open to the Public. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions or need assistance.

Joan Jones City Clerk

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 5, 2017 | 29

Titans team up with YMSL ROSWELL, Ga. — Nearly 100 teenage boys have recently joined the Young Men’s Service League Centennial High School chapter.

Titans Wheelchair Sports was formed in 2010, to meet the social and athletic needs of physically challenged young adults. Some of the activities include wheelchair sports, monthly social events and quarterly service projects.

The Titans Wheelchair Sports is one of the most popular volunteer opportunities.

Game day for the Titans is generally every other Saturday afternoon.

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 pay the first month’s rent, $1,200, upfront. The suspect then sent a check for $6,200 to deposit and requested that the $5,000 difference be sent to a different account.

The woman did so, but the original check bounced, while the $5,000 went through. She talked to her bank about the incident and was reimbursed for the money before filing a police report.

Man’s identity stolen, $800 taken from bank JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man reported a case of identity fraud Dec. 20 when he noticed multiple unauthorized transactions to his bank account.

The man had received a letter in the mail Sept. 22 from an orthopedics prac-

The first time a YMSL boy arrives to assist, he is typically unsure how to interact with a person with physical disabilities, said Titan Volunteer Coordinator Paul Blesse.

It is an eye-opening experience seeing the Titian athletes and their families.

During the scrimmage, some YMSL volunteers roll and play alongside the Titans on the court. Others help players who need assistance pushing their chairs. The goal is not to score a goal but to help the Titans score. While each team wants to score and win, everybody

works together to push each other’s limits toward reaching new heights.

Young Men’s Service League is a non-profit organization that initiates and encourages young men and their mothers to pursue philanthropic involvement in their community. To learn

tice saying that someone had attempted to use his personal information to open an account with them.

Three months later, Dec. 20, the man received a letter from his bank saying that his savings account had been over drafted multiple times.

When he looked into his account, the man found four suspicious transactions that he had not made. They were made Dec. 11-12, for about $200 each, and they all originated from California.

before leaving.

She did not notice anything amiss until she returned home and failed to find her purse. During her search, she found out that the driver’s side door does not lock when using the remote.

The purse included her wallet, charger, makeup and $500 cash.

Car broken into during dog walk

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man reported Dec. 24 that his motorcycle was missing.

The motorcycle was being stored at Piney Ridge Walk and went missing Dec. 15. The owner, a U.S. Air Force serviceman currently stationed in North Dakota, had left the vehicle with his friend. The friend had been storing the motorcycle in his garage, but began storing it outside when he bought a new car. A few days later, it went missing, and he immediately alerted the owner.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A woman reported Dec. 24 that someone had stolen her belongings from her car.

The woman had parked the car, her brother’s silver Acura MDX, near the playground at Ocee Park so that she could walk her dog. She had left her white Coach purse behind the driver’s seat, and locked the car using a remote

Motorcycle stolen while man stationed in N.D.

more about the Centennial chapter and to join, visit ymslcentennial.org.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-16-AB-32 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers January 5, 2017 3:00 P.M. PURPOSE Convenience Store Beer & Wine – Sunday Sales APPLICANT Abrk Mansell, LLC d/b/a B.P. Mansell 1630 Mansell Rd. Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Owner Abrk Mansell, LLC Registered Agent Makhtor Kamara

DEATH NOTICES H.D. Bagley, of Alpharetta, passed away December 22, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Frances Beagle, of Alpharetta, passed away December 21, 2016. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Joseph DeGrazia, of Alpharetta, passed away December 24, 2016. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Helen Foyle, of Roswell, passed away December 25, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Conner Hankinson, of Alpharetta, passed away December 18, 2016.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

June McCormick, 79, of Cumming, passed away December 22, 2016.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

JoAnn Rieger, of Roswell, passed away December 26, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Francis Matthew Ciszek, 69, of Cumming, passed away December 20, 2016. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Tambra Lynn Hall, 48, of Cumming, passed away December 23, 2016.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Mildred Grace Walsh, 65, of Cumming, passed away December 25, 2016.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Louise Ward, of Roswell, passed away December 27, 2016. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

30 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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32 | January 5, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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