O c t o b e r 2 1 , 2 0 2 1 | A p p e n M e d i a . 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 5 , N o . 4 2
Supply chain delays drive up project costs for area governments By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com
Pocket full of sunshine
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
Members of the Johns Creek Recreation and Parks and Public Works departments gather at the Bell Road Pocket Park labyrinth for the park’s grand opening on Oct. 15. The park is just off the roundabout at Bell and Boles roads.
Johns Creek welcomes its newest park By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Just off the roundabout at Bell and Boles roads, the city celebrated the grand opening Oct. 15 of a new 2.5-acre pocket park. Elected officials and community leaders trekked to the tiny oasis for a ribbon cutting ceremony and a walk
through the recently completed park. The pocket park is intended to serve as a passive park for nearby residents, meaning it will primarily be used in an unstructured way, Recreation Manager Kirk Franz said. Inside, visitors can enjoy a butterfly garden, a stone labyrinth and a spacious field. The project has been roughly three
years in the making, Public Works Director Chris Haggard said. After the city acquired the land for the roundabout, they almost immediately decided to use the space for a small park, Haggard said. Just like all parks in Johns Creek, Bell Road Pocket Park will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.
This weekend: Johns Creek International Festival, “Taste of the World,” returns. Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. across from the Atlanta Athletic Club.
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — For the past year and a half, government construction projects have faced millions of dollars in added costs and delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the obvious increased strain on healthcare infrastructure, the pandemic has had measurable impact on municipal governments and their ability to complete projects for their citizens. Supplies of concrete, steel and other basic construction materials have dried up, and what can be secured comes in at higher prices. Alpharetta Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz calls it “a perfect storm.” In March and April 2020 many manufacturers closed down with the rest of the world, he said. The lack of production led to a shortage of basic materials. As buying continued, manufacturers have been chasing their tails trying to catch up to demand ever since. In Alpharetta, things like light fixtures — which used to be avail-
See PROJECTS, Page 7
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PUBLIC SAFETY curity number. After the interview, she called the Allina Hospitals and Clinics offices and a staff member told her they never use WhatsApp to conduct job interviews.
Resident reports neighbor Woman shares information for speeding past house with fake job recruiter JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police respondJOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman filed a report Oct. 7 alleging her identity was stolen by someone posing as a job recruiter. The victim went to the Johns Creek police station and told officers someone contacted her that morning to set up a job interview for Allina Hospitals and Clinics. The caller told the woman to download WhatsApp, a messaging app, so they could continue with the interview process. The victim said she began to suspect something “fishy” because the man that called her on WhatsApp for the interview sounded like a different person. She provided the purported interviewer with her address and Social Se-
ed to Medlock Bridge Road on Oct. 10 where a man reported his neighbor for driving recklessly through the neighborhood. The complainant said a 50- to 60-year-old man that he recognized as his neighbor sped through a stop sign in a Dodge Challenger at the intersection of Joybrook Road and Skyway Drive. A short time later, the man sped past his neighbor again on Skyway Drive and yelled an expletive at the complainant and his two children, according to police. The vehicle then sped out of the subdivision. Police made no arrests. The complainant said he didn’t wish to press charges.
Police cite hotel guest for creating disruption JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police were called to the Hyatt Place hotel along Medlock Bridge Road for reports of a disorderly woman being loud and belligerent in the lobby Oct. 4. Velma E. Campbell, 52, of Powder Springs, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Police were called to the hotel around 6:15 a.m. and hotel employees said Campbell left walking down the hallway yelling and may have left out of a side door. She returned and officers were called back to the hotel about 30 minutes later. Police said she was slurring her words and rambling about not wanting to be hurt or her family members to be harmed. Police and hotel staff checked the woman’s room but there was no one in the room and no signs of any peril. Police had her transported to Emory of Johns Creek for evaluation. She was later released on a copy of her charges.
Rapid transit on Ga. 400 remains state’s priority By DAVID PENDERED Saporta Report NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Georgia’s commitment to bus rapid transit operating in express lanes on Ga. 400, north of I-285, has not waned, although the state has suspended the express lane construction project because of costs, according to the state’s express lane administrator. “The project scope is not changing,” Tim Matthews, express lane administrator for the Georgia Department of Transportation, said during an Oct. 7 meeting of the board of the ATL, the state entity that oversees transit in metro Atlanta. Progress on of the project has been halted, for at least a month, while GDOT reviews the project’s scope in consultation with the private sector, Matthews said. The project was scheduled for substan-
tial completion by Aug. 6, 2027, according to a list of milestones in an executive summary. It’s too soon to predict a new schedule, according to Matthews’ presentation. The state Transportation Board had determined the project had become too expensive, Matthews said. The board opted to reject the remaining proposal, cancel the procurement process, and send the overall project back for review by GDOT planners, Matthews said. The scope of the project remains a corridor of express lanes stretching along Ga. 400 from MARTA’s North Springs Station to a site in Forsyth County located about 0.9 miles north of McFarland Road. Direct bus rapid transit access is planned at four points along this stretch of roadway, according to a map of the project. The next step is to go back to the
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market and determine other options for building the project, Matthews said. GDOT intends to ask the private sector for its input on how best to move the project forward, Matthews said. GDOT’s questions will track along the lines of: “‘What are you looking for?’ to help us re-procure this project,” Matthews said. “We want to hear from them. All options are on the table.” The private sector may come forward with a set of recommendations that are new to the project, Matthews said. “We think the scope is the right scope when it comes to BRT, But developers could say, ‘I can give you these, many more things,’ to bring more value….” Matthews said. A central purpose of the express
See TRANSIT, Page 28
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Johns Creek considers grant funding for stormwater, Cauley Creek Park By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com
ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA
The city held its 9th annual Johns Creek Arts Festival this past weekend in partnership with Splash Festivals.
Johns Creek holds annual arts festival BY ADAM DARBY adam@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The city hosted the annual Johns Creek Arts Festival in participation with Splash Festivals on Oct. 16 -17 at the Atlanta Athletic Club’s Heisman Field on Medlock Bridge Road. Like years past, the event featured booths for art vendors and exhibitors, live music and food trucks. The family-friendly festival also had children’s activities including face painting, sand art, musical instruments, and inflatable rides. Guests and residents of all ages attended. “We have been incredibly humbled by the response from citizens who love having an art festival in their own backyard,” said Frances Schube, President of Splash Festivals. “The [Heisman Field] is a great spot for the event as it is very visible and allows attendees to park directly on the site and not have to search for a parking space.” Since 2012, residents and attendees have enjoyed the annual event. In 2019, the arts festival received the Sunshine Artist Top 200 Award for being one of the top 100 art shows in the country. The festival
remains one of the city’s biggest draws in showcasing local art, talent, and business. This year, over 130 artisans from around the country were in attendance exhibiting paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, yard art, and more. “We actually were contacted by the City of Johns Creek in May of 2012 to produce a festival in five months. We didn’t have a lot of time to plan, but we were thrilled with the opportunity,” Schube said. “The Johns Creek Arts Festival has always been a true crowd-pleaser. The art is very colorful, fun, whimsical and engaging. We love having the festival directly on Peachtree Parkway because people get to watch the artists setting up as they drive by, often in traffic.” Attendees enjoyed live music performances by Julie Gribble, Cat Carter, Tullamore Road, Colt Coates, Ben Wade, Last Chance Riders, Jeff Gillman and CYT Atlanta performing numbers from their upcoming production of “Newsies.” Next, Johns Creek will host the Johns Creek International Festival in the same location on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDAR Member SWIFT Code: GMCBUS3A
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek is pursuing $15 million more in federal coronavirus relief dollars, aimed at addressing stormwater problems and developing its largest park. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in March, allocating nearly $1.9 trillion to individuals, businesses and state and local governments. Johns Creek was allocated roughly $7 million to be disbursed over two years. Half has already been received and spent on hazard pay for first responders and stormwater infrastructure repairs. At an Oct. 11 work session, the City Council directed staff to draw up proposals to pursue additional Rescue Plan grant funding through the State of Georgia. Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds, which total $875 million in Georgia, are aimed at three areas: assisting with broadband infrastructure, addressing water/sewer infrastruc-
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ture and offsetting negative economic impact. Johns Creek plans to apply for funding to augment its newly formed stormwater utility and to revive economic development through enhancements at Cauley Creek Park. Assistant City Manager Kimberly Greer estimates that the city will apply for $5 million for stormwater repairs and $10-15 million for Cauley Creek Park construction. Cauley Creek Park sits just off Bell Road. The city has already committed $17 million in its own parks bond money to developing the 195-acre site. Late last year, the city received a $3 million state grant to add to the pot. The City Council will consider two resolutions of support at the Oct. 25 council meeting which will explain the city’s grant requests. If council members approve, the applications will be filed following the meeting. Grant applications will be considered throughout November and December and according to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, awards may be announced in January.
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Cities clear way for new Rogers Bridge JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After more than a century spanning the Chattahoochee River, Rogers Bridge was taken down Oct. 11 to make way for a new pedestrian bridge connecting the cities of Johns Creek and Duluth. The 50-ton structure was suspended by crane for about an hour before being lowered onto the Johns Creek side of the river. According to the City of Johns Creek, construction of the new bridge — which will be of a similar size — is expected to be completed in the summer of 2022. The two cities will split 10 tons of salvaged steel from the original structure for public art use. On Oct. 11 Rogers Bridge was taken down, moving the much-anticipated
replacement project forward. The 50-ton structure was suspended by crane for about an hour before being lowered onto the Johns Creek side of the river. In its place will be a replica pedestrian bridge connecting the cities of Johns Creek and Duluth across the Chattahoochee River. According to the City of Johns Creek, construction of the new bridge — which will be of a similar size — is expected to be completed in the summer of 2022. Johns Creek and Duluth will split 10 tons of salvaged steel from the original structure for public art use. — Sydney Dangremond
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Guests tour newly restored FFA log cabin By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Eighty-seven years and roughly half a mile from where it began, the old Milton High School log cabin is back in business. Members of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society marked the grand re-opening of the remodeled relic in Alpharetta to a crowd of more than 50 guests Oct. 16. The renovation, which preserved as much of the original structure as possible, covered four years beginning with a half-mile journey in 2017 from the old Milton High School property to a small park down the street on Milton Avenue. Speaking at the open house Saturday, former Milton High School Principal Phil Thomas said when he first visited the campus 50 years ago for a teaching job, he was struck by the old building tucked on the corner of the property. “I wondered: ‘What was the purpose of the cabin? Was that the first school?’” Thomas recalled. The young teacher soon learned the cabin had been built by Milton High School FFA students as a project during the Great Depression. After serving time as a community
gathering spot for dances and other events, the building fell into disrepair. By the time Thomas arrived on campus in 1971, it was in bad shape. “There were no front doors on the cabin, there were no windows on the cabin, they’d all been broken out,” he said. A couple of years later, with the nation’s bicentennial looming, Thomas partnered with others in the community to secure grants to rescue the building. The work included students and their parents helping replace the windows, roof, doors and repair the ceiling. The restoration served its purpose for a while, but time continued to take a toll on the building, hastened by the relocation of the high school to what is now the City of Milton in 2005. By 2017, the structure had sunk to near junk when Fulton County Schools announced plans to level the entire site to make way for the new Innovation Academy. That’s when members of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society launched efforts to save the building. Lending a hand in the 2017 effort was George Jones, one of the last surviving members of the FFA chapter behind the cabin’s construction. “I never thought when we built it that it
would be here this long,” said Jones, who died in 2020. In all, it has taken the Historical Society $350,000 to move, restore and upgrade the cabin, according to Treasurer Jim Spruell. At the time of the relocation, the Historical Society received estimates of $400,000 just to get the project off the ground — just to move the old building to the new site. The organization had collected about $162,000 in donations, including $50,000 from the City of Alpharetta, a $15,000 contribution from the Convention and Visitors Bureau and $10,000 from the Ben Brady Estate. That’s in addition to the Historical Society’s own $100,000 it had accumulated from donations. Spruell said a lot of the cost savings came from the same sources Thomas had drawn upon 50 years earlier — volunteers and reduced rates from contractors who either were graduates of or had ties to Milton High School. Upgrades include a new porch and an addition on back for bathrooms and a kitchen. The cabin also now has a basement the Historical Society is using to store old items and records. Officials with the Historical Society say they hope to open the cabin for tours and archival work three days a week. The build-
PATRICK FOX/ APPEN MEDIA
Former Milton High School Principal Phil Thomas speaks to guests Oct. 16 for the grand reopening of the historic log cabin in Alpharetta. The cabin, built by FFA students during the Great Depression, has taken four years to restore.
ing will also be used for special events. Right now, donations are being sought to keep the operation going, but the organization may create a fee structure for special events held at the cabin. Contributions can also be sent to: Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society; 1835 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA, 30009.
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Projects: Continued from Page 1 able for next-day delivery — are now taking weeks to arrive, Sewczwicz said. “We’ve been having to re-establish expectations with the public,” Sewczwicz said. “What we used to be able to do within a couple of weeks as a quick project, it now takes us twice or three times as long just to procure the materials and make sure we can do the project.” Johns Creek has faced the same issues. Construction bids for Cauley Creek Park came in more than 42 percent higher than initially expected taking the total estimated cost from roughly $13 million to more than $19 million. The bids were presented to council members at an Oct. 11 work session. Assistant City Manager Kimberly Greer attributed the higher bids to inflation, increases in costs for labor and materials and delays along the supply chain. Additionally, Greer said, when contractors present their bids, they take on risk by setting a price that would not shift even if costs continue to rise. They must accommodate for potential changes in their bids at
the onset. Competition among cities in North Fulton County for contracts has not helped. Local municipalities are still trying to hire contractors for projects identified in the current transportation sales tax. Add state contracts for improvements on Ga. 400 and Interstate 285, and the competition doubles. Contractors, already spread thin, now must allow for work crews culled by exposure to COVID-19. “The Kimball Bridge Road corridor project is a great example,” Sewczwicz said. “It started right before the pandemic, and it got hit hard from contractors who got sick or were exposed. It got hit hard with material shortages. We wanted to put in streetlights, and that took longer to get delivered than we wanted … and it was a trickledown effect.” Alpharetta’s Public Works Department has had to be creative with projects, streamlining needs and expanding expected durations. “The last thing we want to do is tell the public ‘We’ll be done with this project in nine months,’ and then we find out three months in that we can’t get half our materials for one reason or another,” Sewczwicz said. But there’s a limit to how proactive departments can be. Sewczwicz said in Alpharetta they’re trying to keep a
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supply of some items on hand but it’s a small inventory because the department’s operating budget was not set up for stockpiling. Shortages are affecting people all over the country and the globe. In some ways, this understanding has helped the Public Works Department, Sewczwicz said. “Everyone is being upfront, collaborating, figuring out what we can do and working together through it all,” Sewczwicz said. “It’s been very, very fortunate.” Alpharetta also caught a break with the final leg of the Big Creek Greenway, which opened on Memorial Day weekend, weeks ahead of schedule. The project was already underway before the onset of the pandemic, and when the department and contractors saw the rise in concrete prices, Sewczwicz said, they rushed to expedite the project.
Local public works departments are also faced with the rising property costs in the area, Sewczwicz said. “It’s not just construction pricing that’s the challenge that we’re dealing with for municipal projects. It’s the cost of the property,” Sewczwicz said. “What was costing properties in north Fulton two years ago versus today is astonishing. … If you’re not getting hit on the back end of the supply chain aspect of the project, you’re getting hit on the front end with acquiring [property.]” Some estimates say the supply chain could return to some level of normalcy by next year, Sewczwicz said, but until then, he’s asking residents for patience with projects. “We want the projects finished as fast as possible, as well as possible, with as limited issues as possible,” Sewczwicz said. “But at the same time, we’re not going to compromise quality.”
It’s absolutely spiritually an extension of the farm without the horses. LAURA JESSEPH, director of marketing 8 | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021
Painted Horse Winery to expand in Alpharetta By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Milton’s own Painted Horse Winery is expanding into neighboring Alpharetta and opening a tasting room/wine bar on Roswell Street. The new PHW Alpharetta will occupy a 1,000-square-foot building and will provide patrons the full gamut of Painted Horse’s wine offerings. Laura Jesseph, director of marketing, called the expansion a logical and exciting next step for Painted Horse Winery. “It’s absolutely spiritually an extension of the farm without the horses,” Jesseph said with a laugh. Local fans of the woman-owned Milton winery will now be able to sip its wide array of wine offerings in downtown Alpharetta while also enjoying live music and charcuterie. “Inside, it is quaint and small, and we will have a bar and will do tastings, but there is also a nice, big lawn so that we can continue to have people sit out back, listen to the music and enjoy their afternoon or their evening,” Jesseph said. Kathi Cook, director of Alpharetta Community Development, said that while the business’ permitting process is still in the early stages, she’s optimistic about what it could offer to residents. “I think it just adds to the energy in the downtown,” Cook said. “From what I’ve seen from their business model, it’s fantastic. It’s a great addition to downtown.” The farm winery had explored expansion for a while, Jesseph said, but those plans were accelerated in recent months when the City of Milton told the winery they could not continue operations in their existing tasting room which is located on the vineyard property. Jesseph said the winery has submitted plans to the City of Milton for a new tasting room presence on the farm, but in the meantime it is operating entirely outside per the city’s request. “So that created a bit of a sense of urgency for us to get this other tasting room open,” Jesseph said. “The City of Alpharetta and several of the business leaders
HANS APPEN/APPEN MEDIA
Milton’s Painted Horse Winery is expanding operations to downtown Alpharetta. PHW Alpharetta, the winery’s new tasting room/wine bar, is expected to open at 54 Roswell Street before the end of the year. there have been absolutely fantastic to work with and helped navigate the challenge. And the reality is, for a tasting room expansion, Alpharetta was always on the list because the downtown area is so vibrant, so that it makes a lot of business sense for us.” The winery’s next step is making changes to the structure on 54 Roswell Street — which Painted Horse
employees have nicknamed “The Little White House” — so that it complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will include adding a sprinkler system and an ADA-compliant bathroom. If the permitting and modification processes go toplan, Jesseph said, PHW Alpharetta could open before the end of the year.
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The Magic of Compound Interest
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Soraya Kenney is Branch Manager at American Commerce Bank’s Johns Creek Office. Brought to you by – American Commerce Bank ‘Financial literacy’ has come to mean a lot of different things. Far from learning how to balance a checking account or apply for a credit card, “literacy” today can mean knowing how to fund a Venmo payment or deciding on a good price to buy bitcoin! Soraya Kenney, ACB’s Johns Creek Branch Manager, knows that there are still lessons that stand the test of time, and one of the all-time greats is The Magic of Compound Interest. If you’re old enough to balance a checking account, then it might be too late to learn this lesson and have the ‘magic’ to do you much good—especially with savings rates being so low these days, but maybe you can teach a young person a lesson that can serve as a foundation for their financial plans: Suzie opens an IRA at age 19. For ten consecutive years, she deposits $2,000 into an account that earns 5% per year (rates are low, but let’s be optimistic!). After ten years, she stops—and never makes another contribution. Her investment continues to grow at 5%. Johnny opens a similar IRA at age 28. He begins making $2,000 annual
contributions in the same year that Suzie stops making her contributions. Johnny contributes $2,000 each year until he reaches 65. Though Johnny will make a total of 37 contributions amounting to $74,000 compared to Suzie’s 10 contributions totaling $20,000, Suzie will end up with more money at age 65 than Johnny! Assuming the same 5% earnings rate for both accounts, Suzie’s IRA will grow to more than 8x her total deposits, while Johnny’s IRA will amount to a little less than 3x his deposits. If ever there was a lesson to learn in the first years of earning income, this is it. Time is the critical factor required to turn a small investment into a large one. The earlier you start saving, the greater your success in earning a nice return in the long run. The later you start, the more risk you’ll need to take to build a similarsized nest egg. If you’d like to discuss saving money at great rates or review a spreadsheet that proves out this example, send an e-mail to Soraya Kenney: SKenney@ AmericanCommerceBank.com. For more information about American Commerce Bank, stop by the branch located at 10690 Medlock Bridge Road, or visit www.AmericanCommerceBank.com
866-904-6383 10690 Medlock Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 400 US Highway 27 Bypass Bremen, GA 30110 536 N. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32301
AmericanCommerceBank.com
10 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
BANKING & FINANCE • Sponsored Section
Fifth Third Bank offers early pay for direct deposits Fifth Third Momentum Checking allows customers to access paychecks up to two days early Brought to you by - Fifth Third Bank Fifth Third Bank, National Association, recently launch of Early Pay1 for all Fifth Third Momentum® Checking2 customers. The new free feature gives Fifth Third Momentum Checking customers access to their paychecks up to two days early. “Fifth Third Momentum Checking’s Early Pay gives our customers access to their paycheck closer to when they earn it, giving them more time to focus more on their financial well-being,” said Randy Koporc, regional president of Fifth Third Bank Georgia. “With Early Pay and Momentum Checking’s other features, we’re giving customers the widest range of options to access their money faster and avoid fees.” Early Pay launched in certain markets
earlier this year, helping customers avoid overdraft fees and the need to turn to payday lenders or other forms of borrowing. “Customers in our pilot markets told us they loved seeing their paychecks arrive early,” Koporc said. “When our customers are financially stronger, so are we as a bank.” Fifth Third Momentum Banking combines the features and innovation of a digital-first bank with the security, reliability and local presence of a 163-year-old institution committed to the communities it serves. Fifth Third Momentum Banking2 is the industryleading solution to help customers avoid and manage cash shortfalls, get paid and pay others, and reach savings goals, all while knowing their bank helps to protect their identity and finances. In addition, customers have thousands of
professionals ready to help them achieve financial well-being. Fifth Third Momentum Banking customers have one of the broadest range of options among all banks to get fast access to their money and address liquidity issues through: • Extra Time® – Additional time to make a deposit and avoid overdraft fees.3 • MyAdvance™ – Ability to advance funds with credit limits of $50 or more against future qualified direct deposits, available now, starting the month after direct deposit is established.4 • Immediate Funds5 – Ability to receive instant availability for check deposits.5 • Early Pay – Free access to payroll up to two days early with direct deposit.1 Fifth Third Momentum Banking2 also provides a seamless digital experience and set of tools to help customers save for a vacation, a rainy-day fund or
whatever goals they set for themselves. Fifth Third Momentum Savings allows customers to set a goal and schedule money to move from checking to savings to meet their goal.6 Fifth Third Momentum Banking has $0 monthly maintenance fee2 and thousands of experienced local bankers and customer service representatives ready to help. Customers can easily reach Fifth Third by messaging, phone, scheduling an in-person or phone meeting via the app, or simply by walking into one of approximately 1,100 local banking centers. Fifth Third Momentum Banking comes in addition to all of the Fifth Third Better offerings: a newly enhanced mobile app, one of the largest U.S. bank networks of fee-free ATMs (more than 50,000),7 digital messaging, and the ability for customers to add products and features such as additional fraud protection services8 and 1.67% cash back on every purchase with our new Cash/Back rewards credit card.9
BANKING & FINANCE • Sponsored Section AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 11
12 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
NEWS
Roswell deals with fallout from Oxbo Road project investigation By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The City of Roswell has begun implementing recommendations cited in an investigation into the mismanagement of the Oxbo Road realignment project. Interim City Administrator Michael Fischer made the announcement at an Oct. 12 City Council meeting. Two days later, with no public announcement, the city suddenly unlisted director of Transportation Muhammad Rauf from its staff directory and replaced him with director of Environmental and Public Works Dan Skalsky. As of Oct. 14, Skalsky appeared on the city’s website as the interim director of Transportation. Community Relations Director Julie Brechbill declined to share any details about Rauf’s employment with the city. “The City of Roswell does not discuss personnel matters with the media or the public,” Brechbill said in an Oct. 14 email. The investigation, launched in February, came in the wake of delays associated with the Oxbo Road realignment project that has ended up costing the city millions in cost overruns. Rauf was named director of Transportation in 2019, replacing Steve Acenbrak who retired from the position after 15 years. Rauf worked as Acenbrak’s deputy director. At the Oct. 12 City Council meeting, Fischer said Jarrard & Davis, the law firm that conducted the investigation, listed about 26 recommendations in its report to improve the city’s transportation project practices, including five “minimal and key modifications.” They include identifying a project manager, tracking the project’s progression, adopting a resolution to be legally entitled to acquire property without appraisals for low-value properties, using an acquisition checklist and creating a more robust and demanding agenda approval process. Fischer said the first recommendation city staff acted on was naming the director of transportation the project manager starting Oct. 12. At the time, the director of transportation was Rauf. However, it is unclear whether Skalsky will take over the position. The report, released to the public Sept. 30, outlined several “problems” dating back to 2006 when the city began discussing the project, and it concluded that it was the mismanagement by city staff that led to delays and millions of dollars in cash settlements.
FILE PHOTO
The report stated that on many occasions the land acquisition manager was meeting with property owners and agreeing to revisions without consulting the engineering staff as to the feasibility of the changes. “In many cases,” it states, “the land acquisition manager was requesting a third-party surveyor to complete revisions related to design, right-of-way, and easement takes and then proceeding to closure without notifying the project manager/engineering manager of the changes.” “Right-of-way staff should have a knowledge of transportation projects or be accompanied by the project manager/engineering manager, or his representative from the transportation department when meeting with property owners about design issues during their negotiations,” the report states. “Design changes should be completed by the engineer of record.” Phase II of the investigation consisted of interviewing close to a dozen current and former city officials who had been directly involved in the project, some since the project’s earliest days. This was the only time Rauf was mentioned by name in the entire report. It also mentioned City Attorney David Davidson, Transportation Deputy Director Rob Dell-Ross, Engineering Manager Greg Nicolas, Land Acquisition
Coordinator Claire Bruce, former Land Development Manager Clyde Stricklin and Acenbrak. Along with Rauf, Bruce are no longer listed in the city’s staff directory. Their current employment with the city is unclear. Moving forward, Mayor Lori Henry said updates about the city’s transportation projects would be shared at each City Council meeting in the “Mayor’s Report.” “I had promised to the public we would be updating you on a regular basis on transportation processes that we’re putting into place so that Roswell will function and carry on in a much more productive manner,” Henry said at the Oct. 12 council meeting. The City Council voted unanimously at a Sept. 29 meeting to defer allocating another $616,802 for the Oxbo Road project until this month’s Transportation Committee meeting. It is slated for 8 a.m. Oct. 27, at City Hall. Once completed, officials estimate the project will cost close to $14 million. Initial estimates had put the total cost at $9 million. The project is expected to be completed next fall. Neither Henry nor Fischer responded to a request for comment.
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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 13
Join us for our 9th Annual
CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW
Blessed Trinity High School Main & Aux Gym 11320 Woodstock Road • Roswell, GA 30075
Saturday, Nov. 6th • 9am – 5pm Sunday, Nov. 7th • 10am – 3pm Over 110 vendors with a large variety of unique and beautiful gift items – Jewelry, Wreaths, Pottery, Fine Art, Holiday and Home Décor, Accessories, Knits, Children’s Items, Huge Bake Sale and much more! • Tons of parking • All booths are indoors • Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes
• Concessions will be available • No Strollers Please • $3 Admission
14 | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021
Sponsored Section
Change lives, change the world Brought to you by – Wesleyan School Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves. A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide
range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-ofthe-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts. Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,171 students in grades K-12 for the 2021-2021 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6:00 p.m. at an affordable rate. The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/
Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive
EXPLORE WESLEYAN AT WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 15
Beyond education, The Cottage School inspires life experiences Brought to you by - The Cottage School Since 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) has provided a comprehensive program for students with learning differences. TCS offers a business-based model that promotes self-advocacy and fosters selfconfidence, preparing them for life after graduation to pursue post-secondary educational paths or vocational opportunities. Our accredited college preparatory curriculum meets Georgia graduation standards and HOPE scholarship requirements to take students to graduation and beyond. Our students, in all grades, enjoy unique experiential learning with electives based on their interests and clubs including archery, drama, forensics, robotics, horticulture and amazing off-campus experiences throughout the year. The school’s beautiful 23-acre Roswell campus is a hidden gem in North Fulton, with small class sizes our students develop meaningful connections to our teaching staff. Our cottages are unique and warm learning environments that include computer and science labs,
MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF A CHANGING WORLD art studios, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, indoor and outdoor classrooms, and trails for mountain biking and cross-country. TCS encourages students of all abilities to participate in athletics by offering sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, crosscountry, tennis, and golf. The Cottage School has built a oneof-a-kind learning environment perfect for students who learn differently. TCS offers 12-month rolling admissions for all grade levels. Visit our website or call for a campus tour today. The Cottage School 700 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, Georgia 30075 770-641-8688 www.cottageschool.org
TCS’s intentional approach addresses the whole student by working with their social & emotional needs, in addition to their educational goals. SERVING GRADES 4 -12
Visit COTTAGESCHOOL.ORG for more information.
16 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
Providing an exceptional college preparatory program since 1976 Brought to you by – Saint Francis School Saint Francis School is a SACS/SAIS accredited, independent, non-profit, nonsectarian college preparatory school founded in 1976. The mission of Saint Francis School is to provide a college preparatory program to students with diverse academic ability in a structured environment that is challenging and supportive. Kindergarten – 8th grades are located on the 24-acre Roswell Campus while the High School is located on the 47-acre Alpharetta campus. The school’s commitment to small class sizes, low pupil-toteacher ratio, and a strong emphasis on structure and organization allows students to enjoy success in academic areas and develop the self-confidence necessary to be successful in college. Curriculum offerings include AP, Honors, Traditional and Support classes. With a 100% acceptance rate to college and with the majority of graduates qualifying for the Hope Scholarship, Saint Francis alumni attend a wide variety of programs ranging from Ivy League schools, to small private colleges to prestigious Art Institutes. Saint Francis is a Google Apps for Education Classroom, utilizing laptops in grades 4 – 12. Specialized reading programs offered include Fundations®, Wilson Reading System®, Just Words® and supplemental support from Cars® and Stars® Reading Comprehension. Sports are offered at both the middle and high school (GHSA) including football, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, wrestling, softball, volleyball and equestrian. For more information call 770.641.8257 Ext. 56 (Grades 1– 8) and 678.339.9989 Ext. 33 (Grades 9 – 12) or visit our website: www.saintfrancisschools.com.
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 17
SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE
2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR Full-day Kindergarten
Director of Admissions
OFFERING GRADES K-12 • Accredited - Cognia (AdvancEd, SACS), S.A.I.S • No Religious Affiliation • SB 10 Eligible • Challenging College Preparatory Curriculum • AP/Honors, Traditional, Support, and Academic Enhancement Courses • Small Class Size • Low Student/Teacher Ratio • Study and Organizational Skills • Intensive Writing Approach
• Wilson Reading System® • S.T.E.A.M., Robotics, Broadcasting, and Video • Google Apps for Education • Laptops Required Grades 4 – 12 • After School Homework Hour • GHSA Sports Program • Football and Equestrian • Bus Service Available from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, and Milton
Saint Francis Elementary and Middle Schools | 9375 Willeo Road | Roswell, GA 30075 Saint Francis High School | 13440 Cogburn Road | Milton, Georgia 30004 www.saintfrancisschools.com
18 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
Sowing the seeds of organic learning Brought to you by – Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor, invented a system of early childhood education based on her scientific observations of how the child constructs himself through interaction with his environment. Her emphasis on the importance of the “prepared” environment created by the teacher offers the child the freedom to choose his work. This freedom - which is given when the child demonstrates the responsibility to use it wisely - allows him to remain with an activity until its purpose is accomplished. Working without artificial timelines allows him to engage in the spontaneous repetition of a skill so that it is refined; this freedom also creates in him the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to feel the satisfaction of mastery. In a Montessori environment, the teacher serves as a guide rather than as a traditional instructor. She continually observes the child, using these observations to give the next lesson so that he steadily progresses. The multi-aged classroom gives every child regular opportunities to be the learner as well as the leader in the secu-
rity of a home-like environment which is cared for by everyone in it, teacher and student alike. The Montessori classroom is ordered and beautiful, filled with materials that are aesthetically pleasing, materials which capture the imagination and assist in physical, academic and social development. Montessori develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence. Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children to six years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children to develop independence, we assist them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment
grows, their brains have more energy or “bandwidth” for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus on development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline.
The JCMSOG Difference is best experienced in person. Please schedule a visit with your child to observe our “Montessori Magic” - www.JCMSOG.org 770-814-8001
Sowing the Seeds of Organic Learning Adjusting to our new global situation, JCMSOG follows all CDC and AMS safety precautions in classrooms redesigned for social distancing, increased ventilation and ongoing disinfection and sanitization, including: · Montessori-trained Lead Guides provide customized lessons for each child · Health monitoring, including temperature checks, performed daily and as needed · Social distancing during morning and afternoon carpool · All staff and students wear masks while in the classroom Currently Accepting Applications For 2022 Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia
6450 East Johns Crossing • Johns Creek, GA 30097
www.JCMSOG.org • 770-814-8001
· Designated school personnel only allowed in building · Thorough handwashing/hygiene practices consistently taught and enforced · Healthy, nutritious snack/lunch in prepackaged servings included in tuition · All JCMSOG staff are 100% fully vaccinated
American Montessori Society The Pan American Montessori Society The Georgia Accrediting Commission, Inc
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 19
Inspiring future global citizens and innovative leaders Brought to you by – High Meadows School There is no place like High Meadows School. Since 1973, High Meadows students in Pre-K through 8th grade have learned through experiential, immersive educational opportunities offered both in the school’s spacious, lightfilled classrooms and across 42 acres of grassy fields and scenic woodlands. High Meadows School’s progressive curriculum is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves. High Meadows lower years classrooms offer low student-teacher ratios in which instruction emphasizes academic excellence, love of learning, critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. As a nationally recognized and award-winning leader in progressive education, High Meadows is an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering its renowned Primary Years Program for students in preschool through fifth grade. High Meadows School’s accomplished and experienced faculty lead each student on this journey. Through interac-
tive, inquiry-based instruction, supported by of-the-moment technology and our nature-based campus, High Meadows teachers are unequaled in their intellect, passion, and compassion for these kids. Every day they inspire authentic learning opportunities that are engaging and sticky (literally and figuratively!). When children graduate from High Meadows, they are empowered with a deep respect for international perspectives, an intuitive understanding of life’s interconnectedness, and an exceedingly strong sense of self. Education is an expedition that starts from the moment we are born. When we teach children to be curious and inquiring at an early age, we create within them a love of learning that lasts an entire lifetime. What is more important than that? Come see how all this comes to life with a tour of our campus. We invite you to talk with us about how your child may find his or her sense of place with us, and speak with current and alumni parents to learn about their own experiences firsthand. Please join us for our Fall Open House on Sunday, November 14th from 2pm till 4pm. highmeadows.org 770-993-2940
Since 1973, High Meadows has inspired children to think critically, learn creatively, act globally, and live compassionately. Register online and join us. Visit our website to learn more and schedule a campus tour.
Learning should be an
Adventure!
Age 3 through Eighth Grade | Roswell, GA 770.993.2940 | www.highmeadows.org An International Baccalaureate® School
20 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
When a crisis is a catalyst Brought to you by — Alex Bragg, Teaching and Learning Specialist at Woodward Academy When the pandemic appeared, it came suddenly. One week, things were as normal. The next, our students and teachers were all remote, everyone separated to ensure safety amid the danger and uncertainty. We were fortunate at Woodward Academy in having a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, which ensured that students already were equipped technologically. We also already had in place a remote learning plan for the potential of inclement weather—we just didn’t expect this plan would need to be active for months. The biggest challenge was changing quickly while the needs of physical distancing meant that we couldn’t even gather together as faculty. This was a huge challenge for me because we were up against the clock to get our teachers properly trained on Zoom and other tools that would be necessary for engaging students remotely, and I wasn’t able to see them all at once to do this. As educators, it’s no secret that there are days things don’t always go as planned in our lessons, and that sometimes we must be flexible. This became an everyday reality for us in those early weeks. Having to teach in a fully remote environment added an additional layer for us in terms of our instructional planning. Yes, we needed to focus on the academic piece of our planning, but we also had to work even harder to identify ways to engage students and maintain our positive relationships with them in this type of setting so our students still felt connected and a part of our community. I spent much of my work this summer researching a variety of instructional methods to plan for all scenarios. One thing I focused on with both my remote and hybrid model research was assessment. We knew from the spring that assessment was one of our biggest challenges in a remote setting, and it allowed us to begin exploring alternative authentic assessments, including project-based learning. With the future pointing to a hybrid model, we and other schools
are relying on technology such as the Owl Camera. The 360-degree view (as well as other views) of the classroom it provides, has been great for allowing remote learners to feel as though they are in the classroom with their teacher and peers. Because it also picks up voices and moves with the voice speaking, it has allowed remote students to easily interact with their peers as well. This global pandemic will shape the future of education. I think if there is one thing we have learned through this, it’s that there is no replacement for a great teacher. Yes, we can use technology to facilitate learning from anywhere, but our students thrive off of connection and the relationships they build with their teachers and others in the classroom. There is greater work to be done, but I personally hope to see a push for less standardized testing in the future and more of an emphasis on real-world learning and the resources needed to build equitable schools. The pandemic has provided opportunities for us to rethink our curricula, instructional design, and assessments. Having to teach remotely or in a hybrid model requires the use of technological tools to support collaboration, and it provides a stronger need for more authentic, 21st century lesson design. Teachers have had to rethink their instructional design to include technology and innovative ways to engage students like never before. This has opened a world of possibilities for our teachers and curricula, and I only see this continuing to have a positive impact on our students. www.woodward.edu Alex Bragg is a teaching and learning specialist in the Upper School and, when the pandemic struck in the spring, that role took on a new dimension: rapidly shifting Woodward to an all-virtual educational model. We spoke to her about that experience, and about the lessons that were learned and applied to this fall semester, in which classes are conducted concurrently for in-person students and those who choose to learn virtually.
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
A DEEPLY PERSONALIZED COMMUNITY, WHERE EACH STUDENT CAN TAILOR THEIR OWN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
THE
WOODWARD WAY
PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE With the most cocurricular and athletic opportunities of any private school in Atlanta.
WOODWARD ACADEMY
woodward.edu/visit
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22 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
Creating educational solutions for a changing world Brought to you by – Eaton Academy In today’s new world a “one size fits all” approach to education is not possible. That is why Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online. The full-day K-12 school, with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, allows instructors to address students’ individual learning styles, while addressing the need for social distancing. Students achieve significant academic and personal success resulting from STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction. The curriculum is challenging and college preparatory. If the world goes virtual again, Eaton’s teachers are prepared for face-to-face online learning. For students with more significant academic and social needs, the Pace Program focuses on life skills and independent living. Pace students
“If a student can’t learn the way we teach…we should teach the way a student can learn.” Brought to you by – Mill Springs Academy
follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and assurance. The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables aspiring athletes, actors, or musicians to graduate and follow their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic work; others seek academic remediation. The Mentor Program offers a combination of the above approaches. Providing a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment, Eaton Academy is one place to which families may come for education solutions. Eaton Academy 1000 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway, Roswell GA 30076 770-645-2673 https://eatonacademy.org/
EATON ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING A Challenging Approach to Education that Features: • Socially Distant In-Person Classes • Online Sessions with Teachers Live On-Camera • Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12 • Flexibility in Scheduling • STEAM-Oriented Classrooms • Attention to Individual Needs • Supportive, Nurturing Environment • 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio
Those are the words of Mill Springs Academy’s founder, Tweetie L. Moore, and the words that Mill Springs administration, faculty, and staff continue to live by today. Founded in 1981, Mill Springs provides a valuesbased college preparatory program for students with ADHD and learning differences. Mill Springs’ school-wide Community Structure encourages students to participate in their own education by teaching self-advocacy, social problem-solving skills, and how to forge their own path. Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide each student with individualized instruction. Our highly skilled faculty and counselors provide academic rigor on all levels, from kindergarten through 12, in a supportive, nurturing environment. Mill Springs Academy also offers students a wide variety of opportunities outside the core curriculum. Mill Springs’ fine arts program encourages students to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, set design, music, performance, and more.
Our robust athletic programs allow students to play at a competitive level while building teamwork and confidence. Mill Springs’ 85-acre Alpharetta campus includes indoor and outdoor classroom space, athletic facilities, and visual and performing arts facilities. We serve students from over 50 different zip codes in the Metro Atlanta area and provide four bus routes with ten stops in the morning and afternoon. To learn more about Mill Springs Academy, visit us at www. millsprings.org/visit.
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 23
ACROSS 1. Epic 5. Fellow 9. Carpenter’s tool 12. Milky gem 13. Wallet items 14. Hawaiian gift 15. Valley 16. Minerals 17. Sun-bronzed 18. Monsters 20. Cover with cement 21. Gives 24. More achy 25. Provoke
26. 28. 30. 34. 36. 37. 40. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 50. 51. 52.
Armed conflict Gruesome Treatment Imitated a serpent Anguish Bricklayer Baby birds of prey Choir voice Artist’s stand Infant’s sound Angel’s headdress Remotely Country hotel Constant Burrowing animal
53. So-so grade 54. Joins 55. Fired DOWN 1. Lay turf 2. Act like 3. Maiden 4. Deal out 5. Entrances 6. Turmoil 7. Poor grades 8. Superhero’s chest letter SOLUTION ON PAGE 29
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SCHOOLS
Education sales tax future rests in hands of voters By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com ATLANTA, Ga. — With early voting underway, Fulton County voters are deciding whether to extend a 1-cent education sales tax to fund $1.2 billion in renovations and other needs in the school system over the next five years. On the ballot alongside the choice for mayors and council members is the question of whether to continue the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for education for a sixth, 5-year term. The education SPLOST tacks on a onepercent sales tax on all purchases in the county, with revenues divided between the Fulton County School System and Atlanta City Schools based on enrollment. Fulton County School Board President Julia Bernath said the 1-percent sales tax for education is paid by everyone who spends money in the county, and not just the residents. “The value [of SPLOST] means the burden of keeping up the school district does not fall solely on homeowners,” Bernath said. “Anyone who chooses to shop in Fulton County is supporting our schools.” Fulton County Schools is projected to
receive $1.2 billion in SPLOST funds over the five-year cycle ending in June 2027 should the measure pass. The SPLOST has been the primary source of revenue for the district’s capital program since 1997 when the General Assembly approved the local funding mechanism. Prior to that, new construction and other capital needs were paid for by bonds and borrowing. The current SPLOST “sunsets” on June 30, 2022. If approved, tax collections for the new SPLOST will begin the following day. Funds used for Capital Plan 2027 Last spring, the Fulton County School Board approved the $1.2 billion Capital Plan 2027 which provides a blueprint for the district’s most pressing needs over the next five years. The plan was built around projected SPLOST revenues. A comprehensive assessment of all facilities in the district was completed last year by the school district to establish priorities in the Capital Plan. “This project list is inclusive of every grade level, elementary, middle and high,” said Noel Maloof, chief operations officer for Fulton County Schools. “It spans the entire district.”
Category Projected eSPLOST Revenue Total Revenue Facility Master Plan Technology Long-Term Obligation Furniture & Equipment Transportation Safety and Security Reserves / Operating Expenses Total Projected Expenditures
Capital Plan 2027 $ 1,213,397,340 $ 1,213,397,340 $ 648,300,000 $ 306,807,455 $ 11,878,335 $ 25,000,000 $ 17,768,000 $ 19,900,000 $ 183,743,550 $ 1,213,397,340
Evaluators looked at everything outside and inside the schools, from the buildings to buses to “behind the scenes” functions like air conditioning and roofs that keep the buildings safe and operational, Maloof said. The bulk of the $1.2 billion Capital Plan through 2027 is focused on bringing all schools up to acceptable standards. The facility assessment showed about 29 of the district’s 100 schools are in “very poor to fair” condition. In the North Fulton region, the plan includes a hard look at Holcomb Bridge and Haynes Bridge middle schools. This could result in either replacement or reconfigurations of these older underpopulated schools, or the potential conversion to K-8 academies. If voters reject the sales tax, the district must find alternate sources of revenue,
including a millage increase, Maloof said, because the projects are critical. Only items contained in the Capital Plan 2027, and approved by voters, can be funded through SPLOST proceeds, according to state law. This prevents school districts from redirecting SPLOST funds after approved by voters. Since first approved by Fulton County voters in in 1997, the education sales tax has raised nearly $2.5 billion for the Fulton County School System. The 1-cent sales tax has allowed the system to fund capital programs, including new schools, without borrowing money. In January, the Fulton County School System paid off its last remaining bond, which was issued in 1998. In the North Fulton region, 20 schools have been built, or replaced, with SPLOST funding since 1997.
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26 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
COMMUNITY
North Fulton Feed and Seed moves to new location By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Alan Jessie, president of North Fulton Feed and Seed, set up shop along Ga. 9 in Milton in 1998. For many in the area, it became the go-to place for pet food, equine feed and hay, chicken and livestock feed as well as farm, seeds and garden supplies. But with the recent widening of Ga. 9, Jessie decided to sell his property and move elsewhere. He closed the store on Sept. 15 after doing business in Milton for over two decades. The store reopened at 5490 Atlanta Hwy. in Alpharetta – about four miles down the road – on Oct. 8. Despite the move, North Fulton Feed and Seed continues to be the only store in the Alpharetta-Milton area where folks can buy hay, feed and other supplies for horses. “We are the only game in town as far as all that,” Jessie said. So far, the community has been “thrilled to death” about the store’s new location, especially because it is more accessible and has more square footage than the other store, mean-
ing it can carry more items. However, Jessie said it was important for him to stay in the area. “We’ve always done great business with the Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell communities,” he said. “We’re a family-owned store and continue to build on the business – absolutely enjoy every minute of it. There’s nothing else like it. It is a true ag store.” Jessie’s fiancé acts as the manager of the store. His son also serves as CEO and his daughter runs all the bookkeeping. Jessie said some of their employees have been working at North Fulton Feed and Seed for over 20 years and are considered family. “We love the community,” Jessie said. “And I would like for everybody to come see us at the new location. We’re going to be bigger and better than we were.” There are two other North Fulton Feed and Seed stores in the area. One is located in Ball Ground and the other in Gainesville. Jessie said there will be a grand opening at the new location in Alpharetta soon. For more information or updates, visit northfultonfeedandseed.com or North Fulton Feed and Seed on Facebook.
Symphony SP K-tacular Saturday, October 30 at 2:30 p.m. Presented by: Emory Johns Creek Hospital Wear a booooooo-tiful costume to this spooky family matinee concert celebrating Dia de los Muertos and other Halloween traditions! Pre-concert activities provided by Johns Creek Arts Center. Concert at Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road
Tickets: $15 - $42.50; Infants 0-2 FREE www.JohnsCreekSymphony.org | (678) 748-5802
Tickets to this concert are limited due to social distancing restrictions, and tickets may sell out in advance of the day of the show. COVID-appropriate masks required inside the church
THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON SPONSORS: Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA
Alan Jessie, president of North Fulton Feed and Seed, said he is excited about his store’s new location in Alpharetta because it will be “bigger and better.”
The Legacy Center of Johns Creek Task Force (a sub-committee of the Cultural Arts Alliance at Johns Creek, Inc.) is a non-partisan, non-political group of citizens whose efforts are totally dedicated to building a much-needed comprehensive cultural arts center that will serve everyone in our community and become an iconic regional venue for a wide variety of performances, exhibits, community gatherings, festivals, educational programs and business meetings. We, as an organization, WILL NOT ENDORSE POLITICAL CANDIDATES! Our campaign to build the Legacy Center is not a political campaign.
J. Wayne Baughman, Chair Legacy Center of Johns Creek Task Force jclegacyarts.org
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 27
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Dear Reader, I am pleased to present Appen Media Group’s newest addition to your local newspaper, a free coupon page for local restaurants that we hope to update and publish every week. This is a continued effort by our company to support local restaurants through a still very trying economic period. This program costs participating restaurants nothing, other than the discount they are offering their customers in the coupon. It is a small way for us at Appen Media Group to give back to the business community that has given us so much. Our hope is that this will continue to protect the high quality of life we have come to enjoy in the north Metro area. For me, the pandemic highlighted the best in you – our readers – as you rushed to the aid of local businesses looking for new and creative ways to keep their lights on. You made donations, ordered take out, bought gift cards, took food to healthcare workers – whatever you could do to help out. Local businesses still desperately need your continued support and patronage. So, please take advantage of these great offers! While you are at it, please take a look through our newspaper and support our advertisers. They are the reason we are able to offer this program – for free – to local restaurants.
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Continued from Page 2
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was summited to City on October 13, 2021 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits. BUSINESS NAME Business Owner Innovation Social Group LLC CRU Lounge 11105 State Bridge Road Suite 200 Johns Creek, GA 30022 OWNER/OFFICERS Business Owner Innovation Social Group LLC CRU Lounge 11105 State Bridge Road Suite 200 Johns Creek, GA 30022 Owner, Terrance Jones
The Ben Burnett Show “Cadillac Jack and the Appens” Well, it all comes down to this. S Cadillac Jack, HOW Carl Appen and Hans Appen join Ben in the studio to talk podcasting and eat Chiringa. The foursome share their bets for the future of ‘pods’ and what it means to be the exclusive provider of ingress. Tune in for some reciprocation.
BUR EN
T NE T
Cadillac Jack: My Second Act “Jeff, I think you have my hinkles.” Today we investigate the great hinkle theft of Alpharetta as we welcome back rocking chair season. One thing is for certain, Donna never forgets. William Shatner went to space. But was it the real space? Scientists have yet to agree. Then we have a grim update on the case of Gabby Petito as we discuss the new autopsy report released just this week. We check in with teen habits according to a recent study before discussing a fresh new country artist that has made PT very upset. And finally, Tim McGraw and Paul McCartney are starting fights. Want to get in touch with Caddy? Call or Text 7704646024.
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lanes is to accommodate BRT in a fast-growing region of metro Atlanta. GDOT’s hope is that more commuters will leave their vehicle behind and ride BRT if the buses’ on-time reliability were improved by using the lesscongested express lanes. BRT could be operated by MARTA and other transit providers. The construction price of this project had been estimated in the range of $1.3 billion as recently as June, when GDOT sought public comment on the current executive summary of the construction project. Projects priced above $1 billion are beyond the capacity of GDOT to build and finance, Matthews said. Access to
New podcasts this week
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Transit:
private capital is among the reasons Georgia has embraced the concept of partnering with entities that can design, build and finance big road jobs. GDOT has used the public-private partnership model for at least a decade and announced in June an expansion of the concept. The private partner will be in charge of road maintenance, in exchange for a contract that could extend for 50 years. The pilot project is to be the express lanes to be built in the I-285 corridor. Details are still be assembled. The concept is to replace the planned one-lane express lane with two-lane express lanes for portions of the I-285 from I-20 to I-85 on the east and I-20 to I-75 on the west. The segment in between these areas already was programmed at two lanes in each direction, according to GDOT. This article was originally published on SaportaReport.com.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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28 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
The Georgia Politics Podcast “Your shower shoes have fungus on them.” On the podcast today, Hans fills in for Preston who has had a busy few weeks down at the Capitol. Joining him are Megan and Craig to discuss the two AJC reports – one on the Department of Labor’s potential misuse of COVID relief funds and another on lobbyist spending during this summer’s redistricting tour. First off, the panel discuss the AJC report that the Georgia Department of Labor spent more than $1 million on free meals for employees, from state and federal funds designated for unemployment benefits. Commissioner Mark Butler is already under a lot of fire for his handling of the department during the pandemic, and this certainly won’t help. Then, the crew moves on to the AJC report that found Georgia Capitol lobbyists spent at least $6,300 on food and drinks for lawmakers traveling the state to get public feedback on redistricting. Fair or foul? The panel discusses. Candidate Corner, Overhyped/Underhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much more on this week’s episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast.
Cadillac Jack: My Second Act, The Ben Burnett Show and The Georgia Politics Podcast are part of the Appen Podcast Network. Listen on appenmedia.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
How to Listen Go to appenmedia.com/podcasts
OPINION
It’s leaf-looking time I’m eating lunch with my buddy George today. We’ll go find some barbecue and sweet tea and solve a few of the world’s problems. And we’ll talk about old times. How did I get old enough to talk about STEVE HUDSON old times? It just sort Get Outside Georgia, of happened, I guess. aa4bw@comcast.net One day I’m all young and spry, bouncing from rock to rock on the trail and sprinting uphill. And then one day I’m not. It must be that “aging” thing I keep hearing about. George and I go way back, and we’ve shared a lot of trail time from the north Georgia mountains to the backcountry trails of Cumberland Island. But one adventure I’ll always remember was a day one fall at Raven Cliff Falls. We’d gone north from Atlanta to photograph fall color. I remember that. I also remember that we got sidetracked at the Raven Cliff Falls trailhead. It’s the old “If you build it, they will come” thing. Somebody had built a trail, and we had to see where it went. Where it went, of course, was to Raven Cliff Falls, a neat waterfall where the creek drops through a huge crevasse which was created when a massive piece of rock separated itself from the main mountain and moved a few feet. The creek really does fall through the crack, and it’s a neat place to see. I recommend it – especially this time of year when the leaves are starting to turn. Anyway, on our way to the falls, we kept looking at the leaf-colored hillsides around us. I looked at them. George looked at them too. Leaf-covered hillsides? Natural slides in the making! And so up the slope we went, just a few yards at first, and then we sat down and slid back to the trail. Then a few more yards and do it again. And again. It was like a waterslide made of leaves, and it was fun. Could I do that now? Maybe not. The
knees might balk at climbing the slope, and (how to put it) the rest of me might not like bouncing down the hillside. Alas, my days of leaf sliding are probably done. But I still like to check out fall color. I still love to look for fall leaves. This is the time to do it, too. Where should you go? There’s really no bad answer to that question. Sometimes I simply point the car north, drive till I spot a Forest Service dirt road, and then turn off the pavement to see where that gravel byway might take me. Pretty much every time I try that, I’m rewarded by spectacularly colorful vistas that I would otherwise never see. You’ll find great fall color all over the place this time of year, but here’s a list of 10 top state parks that are prime leafwatching destinations. Enjoy the leaf color, and say hello if you see me on the trails! Amicalola Falls State Park (Dawsonville) – Besides being the site of the Southeast’s tallest waterfall cascade, this park offers numerous hiking opportunities to help you see fall leaves. A favorite is the staircase trail that takes you to spectacular viewing spots where you can see the falls framed in fall color. The staircase trail is challenging, but it’s worth every step. Black Rock Mountain State Park (Clayton) – This park, Georgia’s highest with an elevation of 3,640 feet, offers roadside and summit overlooks which provide
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 29
grand vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also check out the Tennessee Rock Trail (a moderate 2.2-mile hike) or the James E. Edmonds Backcountry trail, an all-day hike of 7.2 miles. Cloudland Canyon (Rising Fawn) – Unforgettable canyon rim overlooks give you a bird’s-eye perspective on fall color. Favorite hikes for leaf watchers include the staircase-and-footpath Waterfalls Trail, which carries you into the canyon (strenuous but worth it) and the moderately difficult 5-mile West Rim Loop Trail. F.D. Roosevelt State Park (Pine Mountain) – Most folks think of going north to see fall leaves. But this park, located south of Atlanta, will take you into a kaleidoscope of fall color via the Wolf Den Loop trail, a 6.7-mile section of the much longer Pine Mountain Trail. The trail traverses rolling hills and hardwood forests that will soon make you forget you’re not in the mountains farther north. Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth) – One big attraction here is the mysterious rock wall which snakes along near the summit of Fort Mountain; another is the many unforgettable fall vistas which await you along the park’s trails. Hikes range from a fairly easy 1.2-mile loop around the park’s lake to the challenging Gahuti Trail, an 8-mile all-day excursion. Moccasin Creek State Park (Lake Burton) – This is Georgia’s smallest state park, but it boasts two noteworthy trails (the 2-mile-long Hemlock Falls Trail and the 1-mile Non-Game Trail) which are of interest to fans of fall foliage.
Smithgall Woods State Park (Helen) – Centered on the sparkling waters of Dukes Creek, Smithgall Woods offers a variety of great fall foliage hikes. It’s hard to pick a “best” trail in this park, for all can be spectacular. But be sure to explore the Martin’s Mine Trail, a fascinating trail which helps you understand some of the region’s gold mining history. Tallulah Gorge State Park (Tallulah Falls) – The centerpiece here is spectacular Tallulah Gorge, and trails along the rim take you to many memorable overlooks. It’s great at any time but particularly when the leaves are changing. If you’re up to it, you can also take the staircase trail down to the suspension bridge over the gorge for some fantastic canyon photos from the middle of the span. Unicoi State Park (Helen) – This popular park offers a wide range of fall hiking opportunities. A perpetual favorite is the Lake Loop Trail, an easy trail that takes you around the park’s lake and offers great opportunities for photos of fall color reflected in the mirror-like waters of the lake. For a more challenging adventure, tackle the 4.8-mile (one way) Smith Creek Trail which leads from the state park to Anna Ruby Falls. Vogel State Park (Blairsville) – Seasoned hikers will appreciate the views from the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail, while hikers looking for an easier adventure will want to check out the Lake Loop Trail. There is nothing more memorable than the sight of vivid orange and yellow and red leaves reflected by the lake’s surface.
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DEATH NOTICES Avon McClain Connelly, 84, of Cumming, passed away September 30, 2021. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Bruce Elbert Dills, 52, of Cumming, passed away October 7, 2021. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Sheila Pekrul, 56, of Cumming, passed away October 9, 2021. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Guzman Aguilar De Ancos, 96, of Alpharetta, passed away October 9, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Nancy Mitchell, 78, of Roswell, passed away October 8, 2021. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Floyd David Stewart, passed away October 3, 2021. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Gustavo Torres-Silva, 44, of Cumming, passed away October 8, 2021. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home. Kevin Ray Wallace, 52, of Cumming, passed away October 5, 2021. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
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COVERING NORTH ATLANTA – IN PRINT AND ONLINE!
Alpharetta-Roswell Herald • Milton Herald • Johns Creek Herald • Forsyth Herald • NorthFulton.com
CONTACT US AT 770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 21, 2021 | 31
SERVICE DIRECTORY Concrete/Asphalt
RETAINING WALLS Block or Wood
Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!
Haulers
Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc. Many local references-
Call Ralph Rucker
678-898-7237
678-898-7237
Driveway
Home Improvement
$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!
Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $5,000.
Flooring PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-8871868 for free estimate.
Gutters AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 770-934-2766
The Herald and Crier newspapers reach 93,000 homes and thousands more online!
Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate
Landscaping
Full Service LANDSCAPING Company Retaining walls (brick or wood), grading, sod, tree services, hauling, topsoil & more.
Ralph Rucker
678-898-7237 Painters Nailed It Gooder LLC Painting & Handyman Services Painting, wood work, pressure washing, light fixtures, & more! Guaranteed to love my work just as much as my prices! 770-865-1786
BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT.
Pinestraw PINESTRAW, mulch delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612.
Pressure Washing
PRESSURE WASHING
Residential & Commercial. Best service and most reasonable prices since 1999. Appen-Rated 99. Home: Driveways, Fences, Decks, Home exteriors, more. Commercial: Offices, Restaurants, Tennis Courts, Pools, Apt. Complexes, more. All Pro Pressurewash call 770-766-5566 for Mark. Roofing
Roofing
ROOF LEAKING? Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing
Tree Services COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment. Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch, Fully insured, Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188
YELLOW RIBBON TREE EXPERTS
24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges! Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts, 770-512-8733. www.yellowribbontree.com
ROOF
ROOF
ROOF TROUBLE? • Ceiling Spots • Blistering • Rotting • Buckling Spots Call For A
FREE Roof Analysis 770.744.5700
99 Top Rated • Appen Rated • BBB • Angie’s List
WE
ROOF REPAIR & REPLACE
LEAKS
Call for a FREE Estimate! 770-284-3123
STOP
$200 Leak Repairs or 10% OFF New Roof
$200 leak repair. Up to 8 penetrations. (1-story house, up to 7/12 pitch). Some restrictions apply
$500 OFF* New Roof Purchase
Cannot combine with any other offer or discount. Valid GA only. Present coupon AFTER getting quote.
Roof Repair and Replacement
99 Serving North Atlanta Since 1983. Affordable Quality Roofing. Based in Roswell.
*Offer expires 10 days after publication
*Offer expires 10 days after publication
CONCRETE
CONCRETE CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST
McKemey concrete
Driveways • Patios • Walls • More Call or Text to
678.648.2010
Call Us For A FREE Quote
$150 OFF
*
Any service over $1500
Competitive Pricing Many Local References
TREE SERVICE
30 Years Experience
NEW DRIVEWAYS
Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs
$250 OFF*
Mention ad for $250 Off. New Driveway. Cannot combine coupons.
BBB A+ Rating
FREE ESTIMATE Call 678-250-4546 Minimum job is $5,000
ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC.
TREE SERVICE
BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT. Tree Services
Call or Text to
770.744.2200
Call Us For A FREE Quote
99 24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges! Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com
• Highest rated by customers • Tree removal and tree trimming
• We save trees too • Certified arborist • Licensed/insured
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2011 thru 2017
770.450.8188
Call Us For A FREE Quote
98 • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding
• Full Insured • Free Mulch • Emergency 24/7
32 | October 21, 2021 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek
WE BUY ALL JEWELRY! Your estate jewelry & diamond specialists for 60 years. Schedule a private appointment.
Paying Premiums for Vintage Rolex and Omega Watches
770-751-7222 Call or Text www.iroff.com
3960 Old Milton Pkwy #300 (1.5 miles East of 400)
Restyle or Custom Make Something New! We Take Trade-Ins.
Gold is at a 7 year high!
You get the best price in town, and immediate payment! Over 75% of Our Business Comes from Satisfied Customer Referrals! Jewelry
Gold
Silver
Diamonds
Gemstones
Coins
Watches
Estate jewelry Fine Jewelry Platinum Jewelry Diamond Jewelry Gemstone Jewelry Designer Jewelry David Yurman Tiffany & Co. Cartier
Gold Jewelry Broken Jewelry Gold Watches Dental Gold Gold Coins Gold Bars Gold Nuggets
Sterling Silver Silverware Flatware Bowls Silver Jewelry Silver Bars
All Sizes All Shapes All Cuts All Qualities Loose or Set Chipped/Broken
Sapphires Rubies Emeralds All Precious Semi-Precious Loose or Set
All Gold Coins All Silver Coins All Platinum Coins Silver Dollars Collectable Coins Paper Money
Rolex Cartier Omega Patek Audemars Piguet and other brands Paying up to $150,000
2008-2021 00
FREE CASH EVALUATION
GA 4
Webb Br id g e Rd
Must Present Coupon. JC
Tuesday – Friday: 10AM – 5PM Saturday: 10AM – 2PM • Sunday & Monday: Closed *Appointments may be available outside of traditional store hours.
Old M
ilton Pkw k P y t n Kim oi P ball dge Rd th Bri Nor
GA
400
wy
WINNER
Best Of North Atlanta Presented By
Brian Iroff GIA Graduate Gemologist