D e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 | 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 2 , N o . 5 1
Council deadlocks on Jones Bridge project
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Johns Creek Chamber shows off its talent
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Blessed Trinity defends state championship
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City Council studies State Bridge intersection Public Works Director Lynette Baker explains potential improvements to the Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road intersection to the Johns Creek City Council at a work session Dec. 10. Read more, Page 4.
Japanese delegation speaks to Rotary
CARSON COOK/Herald
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2 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
Public Safety
Shopper loses $500 in Ebay transaction 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man called police Dec. 6 after he spent $500 for a parka from Ebay but never received the item. The man had ordered the item in early November and received an empty package on Nov. 7 that had the correct track-
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Hospitalized woman has bank account raided
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police are investigating an incident in which a woman noticed two unauthorized transactions on her mother’s account while the mother was hospitalized from Sept. 27-Nov. 2. In December, the daughter checked her mother’s bank account and noticed two $800 withdrawals that her mother had not made. The withdrawals were made on Oct. 19 and 23 using different deposit slips at an unknown Chase Bank location. The woman said someone would have had to have taken the deposit slips from her mother’s room.
Woman’s identity stolen in fake police scam
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police are investigating a Dec. 5 incident in which a woman provided her information to someone posing as a police officer who had threatened her with arrest. The woman had received a phone call at 8 a.m. from a person claiming to be a Chase Bank representative. The caller said someone had opened an account using her name and that they needed to verify her information so they could transfer her to the Shanghai Police Department. Someone claiming to be with the Shanghai Police then told the woman she would be arrested if she did not give them her personal information. The woman
ing number. He also noted that the package was too small to contain a parka. The man tried contacting the Ebay seller, but the seller said the parka had already been shipped. When the man tried contacting a representative from Ebay, he was told to file a police report.
complied before she realized it was a scam and called Johns Creek Police.
Two drones stolen from local business
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Walgreens employee from the store on Kimball Bridge Road called police Dec. 9 after noticing that two drones had been stolen. The manager told police that employees saw a man enter at 9 p.m. and take two drones, worth $100 each, without paying. Security footage recorded the incident. The man was seen fleeing in a red Nissan car.
Burglars out of luck in residential break-in
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man called police Dec. 7 after he noticed his house on Barwick Lane had been burglarized. The man had been away from his house since Nov. 18, and when he returned he noticed that the back door had been pried open. The man said nothing of value was taken from the house because he was in the process of moving and all of the valuables had already been removed.
Alarm alerts family to house burglary
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police are investigating a Dec. 8 incident in which a house in Johns Creek was burglarized while the family was away for the evening. The family had left the home at 2:30 p.m., but returned at 9 p.m. when they were alerted by their alarm company that someone had entered the house. Police walked with the family through
the house and saw that several doors and drawers were opened. The back glass door was shattered. About $1,000 worth of jewelry was missing.
Burglars remove wallet from woman’s vehicle
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Snellville woman called Johns Creek police Dec. 9 after she noticed her car, which was parked on Bannergate Drive, had been burglarized. Sometime between noon-5:30 p.m., someone went through the woman’s car and took her wallet. The woman said she was not certain whether the car had been locked. There was no cash in the wallet and no other valuables in the car. The woman had already canceled her cards before police arrived. Police said there no were no signs of forced entry.
Police investigate thief who hawks stolen goods JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police are investigating a Dec. 3 incident in which a man was seen shoplifting several jackets from the Target on State Bridge Road. According to the loss prevention officer, this is not the first time the man was seen making off with goods. The loss prevention officer said the man came in that morning, put on three new jackets, and ran out the door without paying. The incident was captured on security footage. The store officer also said that he discovered the man had been selling the jackets at a nearby business.
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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 3
NEWS
4 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
Johns Creek considers long-term improvements to its busiest intersection By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek is facing at least five alternatives for improvements to the intersection at Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road. At its Dec. 10 work session, the Johns Creek City Council heard a presentation from the Public Works Department on the city’s busiest intersection, which sees 100,000 cars per day. The department studied at least 35 alternatives for the project, then used factors like projected travel time, average delay and the number of cars moving through to narrow the focus to five recommendations. All five share two traits: widening the roads to six lanes all directions and eliminating left turns at the main intersection. Today, Medlock Bridge Road is six lanes south of the intersection and State Bridge Road is six lanes to the east. North Medlock Bridge could be restriped to be six lanes, while West State Bridge would need additional paving. The second element within each of the alternatives calls for changing accommodations for left turns. If through traffic and drivers turning left could travel at the same time, the signal cycles could be simplified and cars could pass through the intersection more quickly. “Really what we’re doing with all of these alternatives is we are trying to find time,” Public Works Director Lynette Baker said. “That’s the best way I can explain it because right now you’ve got one signal. You’ve got left hand turns going both ways, you’ve got through traffic and all of that is built into your one signal.” The Dec. 10 work session was an opportunity for the City Council to ask questions about the traffic study and potential projects. The council will not be choosing which path to pursue in the immediate future. Instead, the Public Works Department recommended moving ahead with
the six-lane widening, because that is a building block of all the potential solutions and will relieve congestion in the interim. In January, the council will consider authorizing the department to move the widening plan to the engineering phase, which involves community feedback and more detailed designs. Bridge The alternative with the best longterm improvement to travel time would be a bridge that would allow traffic on Medlock Bridge to pass over State Bridge Road. The intersection would be similar to that at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. At $54 million, including the cost of construction and acquiring property, a bridge is also the most expensive alternative. Baker said the department looked into tunneling under one of the roads as an alternative, but rejected the idea because of the utilities.
cars moving at once. Quadrants Some council members questioned if Thru-U turns were a good fit for the intersection, based on a previous recommendation that Thru-U works best at intersections with one main road and one smaller road. Baker said her staff consulted with the Michigan Department of Transportation and found several intersections in Michigan of a similar size and capacity to Medlock Bridge and State Bridge implemented Thru-U.
Really what we’re doing with all of Thru U these alternatives is we are trying to find time.” Lynette Baker Public Works Director
CFI
Quadrants
Thru U
Thru-U The alternative most highly recommended is a Thru-U design, also known as Median U-Turns or Michigan Lefts. In this model, travelers turning left move straight through the main intersection, Quadrants make a U-turn at a smaller light and then take a right back at the main intersection. The lanes are designed to hold cars waiting to turn left, and the signals are timed to maximize the number of
Continuous Flow Intersection Another alternative under consideration is what staff reports refer to as the hybrid approach, which combines Thru-U with a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI). In this configuration, left-turning traffic crosses opposing traffic at a light before the intersection. At the main intersection through traffic moves in center lanes while left-turning traffic moves in outside lanes. This allows cars going straight and turning left in both directions to move at the same time. A nearby example of a CFI is in Dawsonville at Ga. 400 and Ga. 43, which opened in 2017.
Quadrants A quadrant design redirects turning traffic to side roads. Medlock Crossing Parkway is an existing quadrant road that could be widened while a new road would need to be built on the northeast side of the intersection. A new road would impact several properties in that shopping center. CFI Combination The final proposal combines the quadrant design at Medlock Crossing and the CFI and Thru-U designs on the northeast side. The staff acknowledged this alternative complicates the intersection as it presents a different alternative for each direction.
Impacts of Potential Intersection Improvements Six Lane/ Interim
Current Intersection
Travel time* Estimated cost (millions) Property takes Years to complete
2017
2024
2044
2024
5:45
10:41 N/A N/A N/A
19:49
5:35 13:35 $2.3 0 1.5
* Includes projected traffic patterns
CFI
2044
Bridge 2024
2044
1:35 2:58 $53.6 7 10
Thru-U 2024
2044
1:49 4:41 $9.4 0 4
CFI 2024
Quadrants
Combination
2044
2024
2044
2024
2:08 5:30 $16.2 2 5
1:47
4:11
1:59 4:11 $17.9 2 6
$25 2 7
2044
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 5
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6 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
NEWS
Johns Creek City Council deadlocks on Jones Bridge Road project By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council came one vote shy of overturning Mayor Mike Bodker’s veto of a decision to pursue multiple design options for widening Jones Bridge Road. At its Dec. 10 meeting, the council fell short of a two-thirds majority, or five votes, to overturn the veto, which Bodker announced Dec. 7. Although the original vote Nov. 26 was 5-2, Councilman Jay Lin changed his position and voted with Bodker and Councilman Steve Broadbent to uphold the veto. In November, the council voted to study multiple options for improving Jones Bridge Road between State Bridge Road and Waters Road. Those options included widening the road from two to four lanes — the recommendation of the Public Works Department — a three-lane road with a continuous center turn lane or adding turn lanes at neighborhood entrances. Council members John Bradberry, Chris Coughlin, Stephanie Endres and Lenny Zaprowski voted to pursue alternative plans at an additional cost of $100,000. Bodker argued that because the
project was specified for four lanes in the transportation sales tax referendum — or TSPLOST — the city could not deviate, and there was no point to study other options. “I think we all are sincerely debating at its very core a very simple question,” Bodker said. “How bound are we by the descriptions that were brought into TSPLOST? If we were released from that, then I’m not sure that there is any more controversy amongst us, because at that point we would simply explore the options and let the best result rise to the top.” Assistant City Attorney Ronald Bennet’s recommendation has been that the council could study other options with TSPLOST funds, but could not build anything other than four lanes unless the project proved unfeasible. Before enacting his veto power, the mayor received a courtesy review from the Georgia Attorney General Office Dec. 3. In line with the city attorney, the Attorney General concluded that if there is a general referendum question with supporting documentation describing a specific project, as is the case with Jones Bridge Road, the city must complete the specific project. Lin cited this legal advice as justifica-
tion for his change in vote. “We focused a lot of the discussion on what the solutions are or what the solution should be, but to me this is really a legal issue,” Lin said. “I think none of us like what the process for this was, and I certainly don’t want us to fix this right problem with the wrong solution. I don’t feel comfortable overriding the veto without a second opinion, without legal counsel outside our city attorney.” Some council members challenged the mayor’s interpretation of the law. “The letter to the Attorney General’s office argued the side of why the council has no discretion and seems to have left out relevant law and facts,” Bradberry said. “Of course, of course the Attorney General agreed. Only the mayor and his point of view has been represented. This is why at our last retreat we had consensus that we wanted an independent, second legal opinion. This never happened.” For now, the Jones Bridge project is tabled until the council votes to move forward with the four lanes or tries to find another way to pursue the project. With council members split on the proper approach to TSPLOST projects, other initiatives funded by the tax could face a similar stalemate.
“The broader issue is if we don’t have discretion in this TSPLOST project, then we do not have discretion in the other TSPLOST widening projects like State Bridge, Old Alabama, 141, etc.,” Bradberry said. The council discussed seeking a third legal opinion or trying to call for declaratory judgement, a kind of legally binding court ruling. However, Bennet said that this issue did not meet the requirements for calling for declaratory judgement. “If we can settle the legal question, then obviously we can all get back on the same page for how we’re operating going forward,” Bodker said. “Doesn’t mean we’ll agree on the solution but at least we’ll have a common basis for dealing with it. Because if I turn around right now and try to bring up Jones Bridge or any other project, we’re still going to get back to the same central issue.” Sixteen residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. About a quarter wanted to see the veto upheld, either because they supported the four-lane widening or because they agreed with the legal reasoning. The majority spoke in opposition to the widening.
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SCHOOLS
Ivy Bridge Academy students compete at the Fall 2018 Georgetown University Debate Tournament.
Ivy Bridge place in national debate tournament JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Ivy Bridge Academy Debate Team students and coaches recently attended the 2018 Georgetown University Debate Tournament. The students finished in the top 5 percent overall. Ivy Bridge Academy had three Champions for three different divisions: Individual Speaker Award for Novice, Individual Speaker Award for JV as well as the Individual Speaker Award for Middle School. To learn more about the debate, visit ivydebate.com.
Woodward North media specialist receives national recognition JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Woodward North Media Specialist Mary Brown is one of more than 4,000 teachers across the U.S. to renew their certification as a National Board Certified Teacher. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards celebrates the teachers who have proven they teach to the highest standards and have put in the work to show their commitment to their practice and their students. BROWN Nationally Board Certified teachers represent the profession’s mark of accomplished teaching. The National Board works with teachers across the country, helping set the expectation that all teachers should demonstrate accomplished teaching via National Board certification and become leaders in their schools and communities.
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 7
8 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
NEWS
GDOT unveils early plans for Ga. 400 express lane work in Alpharetta Public meetings set for early next year By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. — Alpharetta and Roswell are weighing plans by the Georgia Department of Transportation to create access points along Ga. 400 that will feed into new express lanes that will run from I-285 north to McFarland Parkway. In some cases, the new express lanes, a $1.8 billion project, will require widening existing overpasses and reconfiguring ramps along the corridor. GDOT is shopping its early plans to alert the two cities what to expect when construction on the express lane project begins in a couple of years. GDOT is scheduling public information meetings on the proposals in February and March of 2019. Officials in both cities have so far expressed trepidation. Roswell has already balked at a proposal to place an express lane access point at Big Creek Parkway. Tim Matthews, program manager for GDOT’s Major Mobility Investment Pro-
A GDOT rendering of the proposed “Webb+” interchange north of Webb Bridge Road shows how express lane traffic can access and exit from Ga. 400. gram, said his department is continuing discussions with Roswell to come up with a plan both sides can agree on. “None of these decisions are final until we move through the environmental process and we get public feedback on all these decisions we’re making on the corridor,” Matthews said. In a presentation Dec. 10 before the Alpharetta City Council, Matthews said
the public information sessions early next year will include representatives from GDOT and from MARTA, which plans to implement rapid transit bus service within the new express lanes. GDOT’s initial plans for Alpharetta call for several initiatives that will require construction at existing Ga. 400 interchanges and overpasses. The department is proposing two ac-
cess points to the Ga. 400 express lanes within the City of Alpharetta. The first is what the department calls “Webb+,” a special overpass designed for express lane vehicles only. The Webb+ interchange will be located just north of Webb Bridge Road. The second access point to the express lanes will be along Ga. 400 just south of Haynes Bridge Road. This access point would be located on the highway itself, allowing traffic in the general purpose lanes to cross into the express lanes. The design would be akin to the dotted lines along I-85 that allow traffic in the general purpose lanes to cross into the express lanes. Insofar as bus rapid transit access is concerned, GDOT is working with MARTA to finalize proposals for transit stations. As it stands now, though, Matthews said there is a proposed station at North Point Mall and one just south of Old Milton Parkway. There is also a direct connection (or bridge flyover) to the existing MARTA Park and Ride facility on Windward Parkway. Alpharetta city officials stressed they want more coordination with MARTA.
See GA 400, Page 9
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GA 400: Continued from Page 8 “This council has stated more than once that North Point Mall is our preferred transit hub because of who it could potentially affect outside of the residents of Alpharetta,” Councilman Ben Burnett said. “We would really like to see that as the concentrated point, regardless of the other projects that you guys have.” As it currently stands, GDOT is proposing several points of construction to accommodate the wider footprint Ga. 400 will require to add the express lanes. The projects include: • Widening the bridge over Mansell Road at Ga. 400 and partial reconstruction of ramps. • Haynes Bridge Road bridge over Ga. 400 will be retained with partial ramp reconstruction. • Kimball Bridge Road over Ga. 400 bridge replacement will probably be necessary to accommodate a bus station south of Old Milton Parkway. • Old Milton Parkway over Ga. 400 bridge will be retained, with partial reconstruction of ramps. • Webb Bridge Road bridge over Ga. 400 will likely need to be replaced to accommodate the highway widening.
NEWS • Webb+ will require a new bridge to provide an access point for express lane entrance and exit. • Ga. 400 over Windward Parkway, where the bridge will require widening and partial reconstruction of the ramps. Matthews noted that the McGinnis Ferry Road interchange at Ga. 400 is a separate GDOT project being coordinated with Forsyth County. The project is in the design and right-of-way phase now. While no one on the Alpharetta City Council spoke against any of the GDOT proposals, Mayor Pro Tem Donald Mitchell said he is concerned about participation from other cities, citing the snag in plans at Roswell. “The last thing we want to have is more traffic coming into Alpharetta to get onto the BRT lanes just because they won’t participate at this point,” Mitchell said. Matthews said GDOT is actively working with Roswell and MARTA to come up with access points in the city. “We’ve gone back and forth with different options and scenarios presented to them that work,” he said. Right now, Matthews said, the department is in the final stages of developing an alternative it thinks will be a good option and hopes to present it to the city in the coming weeks.
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 9
Johns Creek updates phone tower regulations
By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHN CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council passed an update to its small cell ordinance Dec. 10, the day before its moratorium on permit requests was set to expire. The council imposed a 120 day moratorium on small cell technology permits in August. At the time, Mayor Mike Bodker called the move “drastic and draconian” but necessary in a highly residential city in order to preserve aesthetics. In heavily populated areas, mobile providers often add small cell technology to existing cell tower networks to expand 5G coverage. Mobilite, AT&T and Verizon had submitted applications or discussed expanding their network in Johns Creek, suggesting a need to improve coverage. The city regulates these small cell technology improvements through right-of-way encroachment permits. However, the previous regulations were designed with traditional cell towers
and telephone lines in mind, not newer small cell technology. Several cities, including Alpharetta, have recently reconsidered their small cell technology regulations in light of new rules set by the Federal Communication Commission that went into effect Oct. 15. To write the new ordinance, the Johns Creek Public Works department consulted with cell providers, industry experts and legal counsel and reviewed ordinances from other jurisdictions. “For what it’s worth, I would like to commend all of those that have been involved at the city who have worked on this ordinance and [right of way] agreement,” Verizon Wireless representative Mathew Hartley stated. “I have been a part of several work sessions relating to new or needed revisions for small cell ordinances and this is one of the best I have seen to date.” The new ordinance sets spacing, size and design standards for small cell technology, and it encourages cell providers to co-locate their technology equipment, reducing the number of poles needed.
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10 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
OPINION
If only it were a silent night Tis the season to fa la la I am completely in support of radio stations banning the tune, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Not because I feel the song is inappropriate, rather it is because I can’t stand Christmas music of JOE PARKER any sort. Reporter For this stance, I joe@appenmediagroup.com have often been accused of being a Grinch or a Scrooge. I do love Christmas, but not the inescapable soundtrack that accompanies the holiday. I blame a job I had for a few years in a bakery. From the moment the Thanksgiving turkey was put away until the last vestiges of the New Year’s Day hangover were felt, I had to work under a speaker blasting out infernal Christmas music.
Some may think they would enjoy being subjected to this soundtrack for 12 hours a day, but six days a week for over a month? That’s hundreds of times hearing Mariah Carey sound like a dolphin searching for a mate, enough crooning to make you want to beat the baritone out of Frank Sinatra and makes you long for a night that is actually silent. And it’s not like there is an endless amount of Christmas songs, just hundreds of different renditions of about 20 tracks. Some will argue that fact, but go ahead, name 30 Christmas songs off the top of your head. And let us not forget, some Christmas music is downright depressing. Take “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Blue Christmas” or “Christmas Shoes.” Yes, there’s nothing like hearing music you hate that also happens to invoke despair. You can call me a Grinch or Scrooge, but Christmas will be a silent night in my home.
Regardless of your personal favorite holiday, regardless even of if you celebrate it, there is no denying that Christmas is a league above the rest for its impact on American society. Every industry Carson Cook from travel to retail is Reporter affected by the holicarson@appenmediagroup.com day season. Everywhere you turn there are lights, wreaths and trees. Every time you turn on the TV there is another Christmas classic. (Remind me, Joe, how many Thanksgiving movies are there?) For fans of Christmas, including myself, it all combines to create the feeling we’ve entered a kinder, more magical world. For the month of December, we live in an alternate reality where childlike wonder, selfless giving and quality time with loved ones are valued above
Religious Services
all else. This spirit of Christmas would not be possible without holiday music. We may think of sight as our primary tether to the world, but our other senses have a powerful connection to our memory. The taste of a family recipe, the smell of a pine tree and the sweet notes of carols, all take me back to Christmases past. Joe’s woes about working in a Christmas-loving bakery, for me, fall on deaf ears. I spent a summer working in EPCOT listening to “Frozen” songs on repeat, but I don’t turn into a sourpuss when someone wants to “Let It Go!” I understand what Disney World understands, what the bakery and countless other shops understand, that music is essential to creating atmosphere. Whether you prefer the sleek and sultry style of Sinatra, or the unmatched range of Mariah Carey, without Christmas music, the holiday season would simply be incomplete.
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 11
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We are so joyous for being here, being a part of the chamber and seeing all the people who serve the city. Marilyn Margolis, Chamber chair 12 | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018
Johns Creek Chamber hosts holiday luncheon By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce brought business leaders together for a holiday luncheon Dec. 13 at St. Ives Country Club. Referred to as “the talent of the chamber,” the annual event gave the more musically inclined chamber members an opportunity to show their skills. Some performed traditional Christmas carols, while others offered a comedic twist, such as “God Rest Ye Merry Working Moms.” The event also featured a perfor-
mance by the Johns Creek High School chamber chorus led by Shannan O’Dowd. “We are so joyous for being here, being a part of the chamber and seeing all the people who serve the city,” Chamber Chair Marilyn Margolis said. The title sponsor for the event was Gwinnett Medical Center, which shared some of this year’s accomplishments, such as purchasing exoskeleton technology. Chamber CEO and President Kent Davies recognized leaders in the medical industry, arts community and Johns Creek city staff for their achievements.
BUSINESSBRIEF Photos by CARSON COOK/Herald
From left, Rich Tatgenhorst, Peggy Titus-Hall and John Hightower lead the chamber in “Jingle Bells” Dec. 13 at St. Ives Country Club.
COUNTRY FINANCIAL ROSWELL/Special
Country Financial Roswell employees volunteer with HomeStretch, a nonprofit helping homeless families find stability.
Financial group aids local nonprofit ROSWELL, Ga. — Country Financial Roswell employees helped prepare units for new HomeStretch families on Dec. 6 at 113 Millbrook Circle. HomeStretch guides homeless families toward permanent housing and lasting stability. The Country Financial
Roswell employees helped with painting, spackling, doing handy work and outdoor maintenance. For more information about HomeStretch volunteering opportunities, visit homestretch.org/volunteer or call 770-642-9185.
The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce brought business leaders together at its annual holiday luncheon at St. Ives Country Club.
BUSINESSPOSTS
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 13
Experts have a shaky record predicting year ahead Draw up a plan For the first nine years growing out of the disaster of 2008, we had weak economies but ended each year with experts predicting wild success in the year ahead. We ended last year and started this year with Geoff smith an economy hitting Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com full stride, and yet we are heading into 2019 with investors freaking out. Our economy grew slowly and steadily out of the near-full economic collapse in 2008. Each time we started running and fueling hope that the pre2008 days of wildness were right around the corner, we’d be scared back into our bunkers by instability around the world. In 2014 it was bad weather, then ISIS, then Russia invading Crimea. We got low oil prices and reports of slower growth in China in 2015. In 2016 we were held captive by a presidential election — oh, and then Great Britain decided to leave the EU. Then finally, last year, we started getting used to our new bold and unpredictable president and the economy was humming. We started this year in what economists said was a “full-stride,” meaning, we were operating at full productivecapacity. We had almost everyone employed, and we were getting nearmaximum productivity from them. Our economy ran strong all year. The Federal Reserve promised more rate-increases. Then, all of a sudden, investors freaked out and the stock market started convulsing. The reasons for the volatility are not totally clear. If they were, there probably wouldn’t be so much volatility. Investors are certainly concerned about our trade war with China. When good news comes out about it, the market does well. When unclear or bad news comes out, it doesn’t. But the most consistent theme I’m hearing is that investors are concerned
ANNOUNCING
We ended last year and started this year with an economy hitting full stride, and yet we are heading into 2019 with investors freaking out. that we are simply due for a recession. Things have been too good for too long. That theme has been in the back of investors’ minds for most of the year. And they have been playing musical chairs with their money: investing with one hand, while having the other hand ready to yank it out as soon as the music stops. Increased tariffs both here and abroad have started to show their effects in the way of increased raw materials to build the goods we produce and decreased profits from the sale of some of those goods overseas. The housing industry is certainly showing weakness. It’s burned out from years of overstimulation where the Federal Reserve helped drive down interest rates to encourage people to buy the houses. The real estate industry makes up over 15 percent of the U.S. economy and it carried the responsibility of keeping our economy alive after the recession. Demand for housing has been far ahead of supply, so naturally prices have risen in most markets at least 5 percent per year for the last eight years. It’s well known that people on average buy a new house once every 7 to 10 years. If you bought a house 7 to 10 years ago, the more expensive houses you and your family will look to move up to don’t look all that much different than the house you are in. So maybe you are staying put and remodeling. If you finally got rid of your children and want to downsize, you’re likely to pay a lot more for a lot less than what you have. So many buyers have been sitting on the sidelines. As a result, home values are finally starting to stagnate and
TWO
NEW
houses are sitting on the market longer. Homeowner’s are finally taking less than asking price. The market has been so very hot the last eight years, maybe it is just in need of a cooling down period. It’s always hard to tell where things are headed. It’s too big of a world and there are too many players. The good news is that our growth has been slow and steady. Companies are having trouble hiring people right now because of a historic low unemployment. So one would think they are operating lean and mean. Home values went up because the solid market principles of supply and demand, as opposed to people just paying whatever banks would give them a loan for. It just seems like we don’t have a long way to fall if things do get bad. It’s easier to imagine a stall, than a fall. And maybe, just maybe, whereas in year’s past we’ve started the new year predicting wild success only to see something pop up and rain on the parade, this year, with everyone feigning caution, we’ll see things take off. Geoff Smith is a mortgage banker with Assurance Financial focusing on residential home loans for refinances and home purchases. Geoff Smith gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433 Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group
PODCASTS
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FROM
APPEN
when recruiting sales professionals Do your plans for next year involve recruiting and hiring new sales professionals to help you grow sales in your small business? Do you have a defined process to identify the best candidates dick jones and ensure you are Founder & President Jones Simply Sales getting the talent you want? Growing your sales team is often required to grow sales, and it starts with recruiting and hiring the best talent possible. Before you can identify potential sales candidates, you need a business development plan that includes your objectives, strategies, tactics and activities that this sales resource will be responsible for. Once this is created, it will help you develop a job description that outlines not only job responsibilities, but also the skills and experience you are looking for from candidates. You can forward the documented job description to recruiters who earn their money identifying candidates based on what you are looking for. As recruiters surface candidates, you can begin conducting phone interviews to screen and select those you’d like to interview in person. In person interviews should be used to not only learn more about the candidate’s background and experience, but also their skills, qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to what you are looking for. Once the best candidate is hired, you should quickly provide them with an orientation and onboard them so they can get off to a fast start. While the process is time consuming, selecting the right candidates who will be the most successful in generating sales, will help you grow your small business.
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14 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
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Crabapple Cottage home décor opens in Milton Business name: Crabapple Cottage Owners: Cindy “Rodeo” Steedle About: Inspired by her love of farmhouse style, shabby chic and vintage decor, Cindy Rodeo presents her collection, a distinctive line of stylish products that will add some country charm to any home. Crabapple Cottage
provides home decor, florals, antiques, interior design and events curated by Cindy Rodeo. Opened: Sept. 7, 2018 Address: 765 Mid-Broadwell Road Milton, Ga. 30004 Phone: 470-387-0705 Website: www.CrabappleCottage.com
BUSINESSBRIEFS Family-owned business to close after 142 years
Northside honored with employees’ choice award
CUMMING, Ga. — Parsons and Parsons Gallery in Cumming announced Dec. 12 that they are permanently closing their doors. The family-owned and operated main store Christmas Shoppe and adjoining Thomas Kinkade Gallery will shut down after 142 years of business. The final day is expected to be in mid-February. Originally a general store with groceries, hardware, farming supplies, and dry goods, Parsons has evolved, expanded, changed locations, remodeled and totally rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire. A wall-to-wall store closing sale began Dec. 13 to liquidate every single item of merchandise in the store. The items include all jewelry, handbags, clothing, home decor, art, florals, lamps, seasonal decor, candles, gifts and more. Store fixtures, furniture and equipment will also be sold.
ATLANTA —Northside Hospital has recently been honored with the Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, recognizing the best places to work in 2019. The hospital ranks number 52 out of 100 employers in the United States and is the only hospital from Georgia to make the list. Northside Hospital is one of the fastest growing health care organizations in the Southeast and currently employs more than 16,000 employees, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative and support services personnel throughout the Atlanta Region and many parts of Georgia.
Ann Jackson Gallery opens in new location ROSWELL, Ga. — Ann Jackson Gallery has officially opened its new location on 1101 Alpharetta St. in Roswell after a ribbon cutting held Dec. 10. The business, which provides custom framing and fine art, was previously one of the oldest residents on Canton Street. It also has one the largest collections of Dr. Seuss art, spanning more than 50 years of art by Ted “Dr. Seuss” Geisel. Everyone is invited to the grand opening celebration on Jan. 19, 2019. For more information about the gallery and to RSVP to the grand opening, visit annjacksongallery.com.
Andrew Walker promoted to manager ATLANTA — Brady Ware & Company recently announced that Andrew Walker, CPA, MBA, has been promoted to manager. Brady Ware & Company is one of the largest certified public accounting and busiWalker ness consulting firms in the Midwest. Walker specializes in audit, review and business advisory services for international and domestic private enterprises in the manufacturing, professional services, and technology sectors, as well as for a broad range of nonprofits, including public charities and membership associations.
Sponsored Section
December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | 15
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American Commerce Bank wishes you a safe and prosperous holiday season: Karen Chavarria, Personal Banker, Carlos Laverde, Market President and Branch Manager Soraya Kenney.
Twelve cyber-security tips for Christmas It’s a festive time of year. Parties, shopping and bustling crowds provide a variety of occasions for holiday joy… and for getting into holiday trouble. As we enter this season of fun and festivity, American Commerce Bank offers you these friendly tips for how to stay safe and secure in the days ahead. We present for you: THE TWELVE CYBER SECURITY TIPS OF CHRISTMAS #12 - Watch out for public Wi-Fi: Public connections are not secure. Never perform banking transactions on a public network. When online shopping, disable public WiFi and switch to your mobile network. #11- Be aware of shoulder surfers: The most basic form of theft is by observation. Shield your device when disclosing confidential information. #10- Wipe your devices before donating: remove memory cards and hard drives from computers, tablets and phones before sale or donation to a worthy cause. #9- Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or social security numbers on a mobile device. #8- Protect your phone from viruses and malware just like a computer by
installing security software. Not all carriers provide it with an account. #7- Log out completely when finishing a mobile banking session. #6- Set strong passwords with a minimum of 12 characters. Both upper and lower case plus symbols are best. #5- Before shopping online, be sure the website uses secure technology. Look for https: and that tiny locked padlock in the url. #4- Be careful about phishing scams: spoof sites, urgent requests and sophisticated email schemes abound on the web. Look carefully for mis-spellings and unidentified links. #3- Avoid positing personal info like home address, birthdays or your mother’s maiden name on social media. #2- Write or sticker contact info on your mobile devices. No, it doesn’t look cool, but it could just get your device returned to you. #1 – And report suspected fraud to your bank immediately. Always. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season! For more information about American Commerce Bank, visit us at 10690 Medlock Bridge Road or at www.AmericanCommerceBank.com.
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16 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
CALENDAR
SOUNDS OF SAWNEE CONCERT BAND
What: The band will present holiday favorites such as “A Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride” during its show “An American Christmas.” When: Friday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Where: Playhouse Cumming, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $15 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com
CLASSIC NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS
“THE POLAR EXPRESS”
See a showing of “The Polar Express” on the big screen, with proceeds going toward Be THE Voice, a nonprofit helping local schools end bullying. The fundraising event will include a special challenge, with prizes to students who can answer the most questions correctly. The screening will be held Sunday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at Aurora Cineplex, 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information and tickets, visit be-the-voice.org.
What: Jason Petty and Katie Deal bring the greatest collection of country Christmas songs and the stories behind them, with artists like Grandpa Jones, Alan Jackson, Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley and more. When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 8 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $30 for adults; $25 for seniors, students and military More info and tickets: roswellpresents.com
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FEATURED: RACE RELATIONS DIALOGUE
What: The forum helps generate constructive analysis of issues, develop positive positions and implement programs that would result in more inclusive and peace-loving neighborhoods. When: Thursday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m. Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: 770-545-9675
VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY JOHNS CREEK
What: Winter and spring volleyball academy for ages 8-15. The sessions are very fundamentals focused and the session will be divided up by age and skill level. When: Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan.7-30; Elementary-aged players practice 6:30-7:30 p.m., 11-15 year olds practice 7:30-8:45 p.m. Where: Endurance Center, 7340 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 200, Johns Creek Cost: $150 More info and registration: intensityvolleyball.com
“THE NUTCRACKER” PERFORMANCES: ATLANTA BALLET
When: Dec. 8- 24, times vary Where: The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $35 More info and tickets: foxtheatre. org
HOLIDAY EVENTS: “TROUBLE IN TOYLAND”
What: It’s Christmas Eve – but the toys aren’t finished, the elves are on strike, Santa has lost his laugh and Rudolph has a runny nose. Presented by Lee Bryan “That Puppet Guy” as part of the Roswell Winter Puppets series. When: Dec. 20 through Dec. 22, times vary. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: Tickets are $5 More info and tickets: roswellpuppets.com
What: Hear the Forsyth Philharmonic play holiday favorites live at “The Most Wonderful Time” concert. When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Where: Playhouse Cumming, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $15 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
What: In this holiday favorite, Charles Dickens shows Ebenezer Scrooge as he falls asleep in his dingy, cold quarters on Christmas Eve and is later visited by three ghosts. When: Dec. 7-9, 13-16, 18 and 2023, times vary Where: Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell Cost: Tickets are $20 More info and tickets: roswellgov. com
JOHNS CREEK ARTS CENTER HOLIDAY SALE
What: Johns Creek Arts Center’s annual holiday sale features original, hand-crafted fine art gifts made by instructors as well as youth and adult students. When: Nov. 17-Dec. 22 Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org
SANTA’S TOY FACTORY
What: Experience the magic of the holidays by entering Santa’s workshop and becoming an official toy tester. When: Through Dec. 24, times vary Where: North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta More info: northpointmall.com/ en.html
ATLANTA POPS NEW YEARS
What: Usher in the new Year with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, established in 1945 by French immigrant Albert Coleman. When: Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Where: Playhouse Cumming, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $30 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com
SANTA’S VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
What: A collection of lights, animated characters, trains and Christmas characters for parents and children to enjoy. Train rides also offered. When: Fridays-Sundays, 6-9 p.m. weather permitting, through New Year’s Eve Where: 405 Waverly Hall Drive, Roswell More info: northfulton.com
NATIVITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
What: Sawnee Association of the Arts is displaying Nativities from Around the World at its new Art Center in downtown Cumming. Admission and parking is free. When: Through Jan. 6, 2019, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Sawnee Association of the Arts, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming More info: sawneeart.org
AVALON ON ICE
What: Ice skate at Avalon on the Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink in the plaza. Enjoy special events and themed nights throughout the season. Lessons available. When: Nov. 19- Jan. 21, 2018; times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta Cost: General Admission starts at $18 More info: experienceavalon.com
SANTA AT AVALON
What: Jolly Old Saint Nick will be in his cottage at Avalon to spread Christmas cheer, take photos, story time and breakfast with Santa. When: Nov. 19- Dec. 24 Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta More info: experienceavalon.com
EVENTS: MY BEST FRIEND/DOLL CLUB
What: Bring a doll to join in on a variety of activities like making dollhouses, doll accessories, a doll journal, dressing up in period costumes and tea parties. Ages 6-11. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 4:30-6 p.m. Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers More info and registration: autreymill.org
OPEN-HEARTH COOKING AND LIVING HISTORY
What: Living history interpreter and open-hearth cooking expert, Clarissa Clifton, will demonstrate making traditional Southern food. When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com
TREATS AND TRINKETS
What: Treats and Trinkets participants will make nature-themed crafts and gifts, treats for the birds, and trinkets for friends or family. When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2-4 p.m. Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek Cost: $10 Registration and info: autreymill.org
MORNING MEDITATION AND HEARTFULNESS
What: Learn how to effectively integrate heartfulness meditation into your daily life. This class used to meet at the Roswell Library. When: Wednesday, Dec. 26, 10-11 a.m. Where: Roswell Senior Center, 1250 Warsaw Road, Roswell More info: afpls.org or 770-640-1583
ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY OUTREACH
What: Help pet friends in need by donating used towels and blankets at the Ocee Library, which will take them along with newspapers to the Atlanta Humane Society on Mansell Road. When: Thursday, Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m. Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: afpls.org or 770-360-8897
ENCHANTED WOODLAND TRAIL What: Fairies and gnomes have been busy building all new homes for the Enchanted Woodland Trail opening this winter. Included with general admission. When: Through Dec. 22, all day Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell More info: chattnaturecenter.org
SMART RECOVERY FAMILY AND FRIENDS
What: This program uses science based tools to provide support for those who are affected by the addictive behavior of someone close to them. Not a twelve step program. When: Mondays, 7-8 p.m. Where: DecisionPoint Wellness Center, 1070 State Bridge Road, Suite 6, Johns Creek More info: smartrecovery.org
NAVIGATORS TOASTMASTERS PATHWAYS
What: Reach your personal and professional goals through Pathways, Toastmasters’ new education program. When: Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Where: Club House, 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming More info: navigators.toastmastersclubs.org
ALL RECOVERY MEETING
What: Join an open discussion for those in recovery from addiction or those affected by people with addiction. Not a twelve step program. When: Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Where: Emory Johns Creek Hospital, 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek More info: navigaterecoverygwinnett.org or 678-743-1808 x101
WEDNESDAY MORNING NETWORKING
What: Join for networking every Wednesday morning. When: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Where: Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $5 for members, $10 for guests More info: johnscreekga.gov or 770-495-0545
HEALTH AND FITNESS:
RELIGIOUS EVENTS:
MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER:
RYEX UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY
“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”
What: Join for an ugly Christmas sweater party for middle school students. The best sweaters win prizes. Cost includes pizza dinner. Bring $10 or less white elephant gift. When: Thursday, Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. Where: Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755, Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Cost: $5 More info: roswellpres.org What: Enjoy Christmas Eve with the family, family and North Point Community Church. Includes Waumba Land and UpStreet. When: Dec. 22-23 Where: North Point Community Church, 4350 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta More info: northpoint.org
ZUMBA GOLD (FLEX)
What: Combines the international rhythms of the Zumba Gold program with the strength training techniques, creating an easy-to-follow, health-boosting dance fitness program. When: Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov/parkplace
ENERGY YOGA
What: Physical exercises to open and clear energy. Utilizes Qi Gong and meditation techniques. When: Sundays, 10:15 a.m. Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: afpls.org
JAZZ AT FIREFLY
What: Free, live music each week. When: Saturdays, 8:30-11 p.m. Where: Firefly Restaurant & Bar, 3070 Windward Plaza, Alpharetta More info: fireflyalpharetta.com
SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: JANE TURNER HASSELER
What: Join for carols and a special communion service. Celebrations include the Chancel choir and solos When: Monday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m.midnight Where: First Baptist Roswell, 710 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell
What: Jane Turner Haesller returns with her “People on Canton” exhibit. Her acrylic and ink renderings depict the people and businesses on Roswell’s Canton Street. When: Nov.1- Dec. 29, all day Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com
THERAPEUDIC YOGA
AVALON NIGHTS LIVE
What: Gain health benefits from relaxing yoga that emphasizes strength and flexibility. No experience necessary. Taught by an advanced certified yoga instructor. When: Wednesdays, 9:45-11 a.m. Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell More info: rumc.com or 770-261-1705
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS OUT
What: Join for weekly dinner and fellowship. Volunteers needed for serving and cleaning. When: Wednesday nights, 4:45-6:30 p.m. Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Cost: $7 per adult More info: rumc.com/wno
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS What: Make and grow faith-based friendships for all ages. Enjoy a hot meal and/or volunteer. When: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m. Where: Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 North Main St., Alpharetta More info: afumc.org
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 17
NEEDLECRAFTS GROUP
What: Join a community of needlecraft artists once a week to practice skills, learn or teach new techniques. For adults. When: Thursday, Dec. 27, 1-3 p.m. Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info: afpls.org or 404-6134050
NEW MOM’S SUPPORT GROUP
What: Join other new moms and babies in an empathetic forum for sharing the joys and challenges of motherhood. Topics will vary from week to week. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m.noon Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-4402
GIFT CRAFTING FOR TEENS
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION
What: Bring peace to the mind and body through yoga and get a great stretch as well. Neniffer Gruher is the yoga instructor. When: Tuesday, Dec. 25, 7 p.m. Where: Congregation Dor Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek Cost: $10 More info: congregationdortamid. com
What: See the Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. When: Dec. 14-Jan. 12, 2019, 8 p.m. Where: Conant Performing Arts Center, 4484 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $40 More info and tickets: get.org
CHRISTMAS EVE EVENTS
What: Children’s and youth Sunday School classes will gather together in APC’s Theater for a special viewing of the movie “The Star.” Wear casual Christmas clothes. When: Sunday, Dec. 23, 9:30-11 a.m. Where: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta More info: alpharettapres.com
GIRLS NIGHT OUT: YOGA
CALENDAR
What: Unwind after a long week with live music in The Plaza. When: Fridays, 6-8 p.m. Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta More info: awesomealpharettta.com
LIBRARY EVENTS: “THE SANTA CLAUSE MOVIE” MARATHON
What: Bring sleeping bags, pillows and a picnic lunch or popcorn and watch The Santa Clause Trilogy. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 11:15 a.m.4:30 p.m. Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org
BABY STORY TIME
What: Join for a special themed story time for babies. Ages 0 to 2 with caregiver. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 10-10:30 a.m. Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 770-3608897x230
What: Join for an afternoon of creating gifts for family and friends. For teenagers in grades 6-12. Supplies are limited. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 1-2:30 p.m. Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org
MAH JONG MEET UP
“RISE OF THE GUARDIANS”
What: Bring sleeping bags, pillows and a picnic lunch or popcorn and watch “Rise of the Guardians” on the big screen. All ages. When: Friday, Dec. 28, 11:15 a.m.1 p.m. Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.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
What: Drop in and meet other Mah Jong players. If you have a set, bring one in case the group needs another. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 1-3 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: apfls.org or 404-6134402
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HOLIDAY EDITION
What: Come join new allies in traveling the world and exploring unknown dangers. Premade characters are available. Ages 10 and up. When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-6134402
FREE ENGLISH CLASS
What: This class does not require registration or a textbook and is taught by a trained ESL instructor. High beginner to advanced levels. When: Monday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org
SLOW FLOW AND STRETCH YOGA
What: In a partnership with the Alpharetta based Lift Yoga Studio, certified instructors lead a weekly morning class. All levels are welcome to attend. When: Tuesday, Dec. 25, 10:3011:30 a.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-6735
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: CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
What: The Latin American Association and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta will provide qualified legal representatives to aid in filling out the U.S. Citizenship Application Form N-400. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Gwinnett County Public Library, 4817 Church St., Lilburn More info: gwinnettpl.org/n400 or 770-978-5154
18 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
OPINION
The great toilet invention I was going to try to write a nice Christmas column but decided to write about toilets instead. I know that right here — at this point in this column — my wife Christina, who has veto power over Ray appen what material I write Publisher ray@appenmediagroup.com actually runs in the papers (which is why the last two columns remain unpublished) has stopped reading and moved on to something else, something important and more worth her time. But that is another column. I told a friend the other day that we are living in “the time of broke,” as in everything is breaking — our beach from a hurricane, California from fires, the eastern seaboard and much of middle America from floods, The EPA, and “truth” just about anywhere it used to be found. And, oh yes, I almost forgot, my toilet. We’ve been fixing a lot these days. I really can’t remember a time when “fixing stuff” was more the order of the day. Let me tell you about my toilet. At our newspaper office, we started getting leaks in the ceiling — in the kitchen/ break room, one of the bathrooms, and in the conference room. We’ve always tried to keep the roof maintained and it’s really not very old. But it started leaking and then it really started leaking. So I started getting quotes to patch the couple small areas in the roof right over where I was seeing water inside. What could a couple patches cost
We’ve been fixing a lot these days. I really can’t remember a time when “fixing stuff” was more the order of the day. anyway? We ended up deciding that patching didn’t make sense (it still made sense to me). We were quoted somewhere close to $15,000 for a brand new roof. Hummmm, I thought, that’s a lot of fixing. But we now have this amazing awesome looking architectural shingled roof, right? “Come on, loosen up”” I said to myself. “Be happy. “ With the roof fixed, we could paint all those wet spots and stains in the inside ceilings. But, the problem with that is now the new painted areas will stand out from the old painted areas. So, we thought, maybe it’s time to paint the interior, you know, freshen it up. Yes, we decided we’ll paint too. Just before we called our favorite painter, Harry, (see the end of the column for his contact information because he is the best I’ve ever seen but not the cheapest), we noticed that the floors were starting to look long in the tooth, and if we painted the interior and the floors looked not so good, it would
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make the nice newly painted insides look bad. What could a simple flooring replacement cost anyway — added to the interior paint job? Did you know that putting laminate on top of old hardwood floors can be a challenge when one side of the room is 2-3 inches higher than the opposite side — in almost every room? And did you know that if you don’t seal an old hardwood floor before you put leveler on it to compensate for the unevenness, the floor will absorb the leveling material so that what you thought was level is not, the next morning — when you then have to go out and buy more leveling material and hope that it is not absorbed into the floor — which it is? And have you ever heard the foreman of your flooring company say that “We’ve never done a job where so much leveling was required?” If you ever hear that, be scared. So we arrived at a new beautiful roof; new beautiful freshly painted interior walls and ceilings and doors; a stunningly beautiful, modern, and trendy sort of gray laminated floor, which, by the way, cost let’s guess $12,000 more in overage than the original estimate because, of course, you know that when the crew installing the floor spends an unbudgeted week pouring leveling compound on the old hardwood floors that keeps being absorbed into the floors that it is going to cost more. But, of course, it is the “time of broke,” and we know there are always unanticipated things in life and we all just need to deal with it. Right? So as Ricky-Bobby used to say, “Shake and bake” baby. Our new office has everyone smiling. It feels, well, so digital now… just like the smell of 1’s and 0’s in the morning. Then I feel something — a drop. Then another. Drip, drop. Drip. Drop. “Did the flooring guys re-install the toilets” my bride asks me “or “did you?” “Well I did and we saved a bucket of cash,” I reply. “Really?” she says. “I installed all four,” I say.
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I’m one hell of a toilet installer now, I think to myself. “Shake it and bake it, baby.” Why doesn’t she smile? I thought I was pretty funny at this point. My office is directly beneath one of the upstairs bathrooms. My ceiling is dripping — slow, single resolute drops. A water ring is slowly spreading on the ceiling above my head — on our brand sparkling new, white, crisp, digital ceiling and onto our new suave gray laminate floor. Drip, shake it and bake it baby, drop. I know when to cut my losses. I find a plumber. Wes, Wes the plumber. He kills it. Out, out, damned (water) spot! The leak is no more — gone. And Wes refuses my offer of a bucket to drain the water from the toilet so he can lift it up and reset the seal. Instead he pours a magic powder* into the toilet and, in an instant, the water turns to gel — before my eyes. And he lifts the toilet up; replaces the seal; puts the toilet down on the wax; and bolts it down. Then he turns the water back on into the toilet. The gel converts back to water. He flushes it before my disbelieving eyes. I just wish Ricky-Bobby could have been there to see it. Shake it and bake it, baby. _ _ _ “The story is true. Wes does exist and is wonderful. Finally I found a plumber — Wes Temples, 404-557-2332. Harry the painter is real and walks on water — 678-468-8827. Tell him I sent you. Maybe he’ll take it easy on me next time. The flooring guys I will not give you their names. They use too much leveler. Nor will I mention the new gutters installed or the installer or the gutter guard company. After all, if you have a new roof, new floors and paint, new toilets, and the leak is fixed, how much could new gutters cost anyway? And finally, yes, that magic powder is real — “LiquiLock” by a company called Oatey. Costs about $3 bucks. Never drain a toilet again by hand. Turns the water to gel and back again. Promise. Its magic.
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 19
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20 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
OPINION
Rise of the modern Grinch We’ve been living through a Grinch Renaissance. Each year, the commercialized holiday season creeps up closer and closer, threatening to wipe Thanksgiving off the Julia Grochowski calendar completely. Halloween, thankReporter julia@appenmediagroup.com fully, seems to be holding the line for now, if only because it’s frequently cited as people’s favorite holiday. But lately, I’ve been noticing some of Christmas creeping into Halloween. (Or maybe its Halloween bleeding into Christmas?) I’m talking about figures like the Grinch. As anyone with a TV, radio, or computer could probably tell you, we’ve recently had a new Grinch remake come out. Again. I’m weirdly fond of grumpy characters like the Grinch or even Ebenezer Scrooge. As a fan of redemption stories, it’s hard not to be. But was this latest Grinch (a cute, sanitized version of the classic song) really necessary? Maybe, maybe not. What I’m really interested in is how this latest Grinch is
the latest sign of a larger Grinch epidemic. It’s inevitable around this time of year. Someone is going to complain about the holidays and how annoying they’ve become, how commercialized, and how sick they are of Christmas songs. The more people push for the holiday spirit to seep into every crack and corner, the stronger the anti-holiday forces grow. In honor of the holidays, the latest episode of my podcast Myth Roast covers
Krampus. He’s an anti-Santa of sorts from Europe that either accompanies St. Nicholas on his rounds and doles out punishments on naughty children where St. Nicholas hands out treats. Or he just goes solo and acts as a more sinister Santa. Krampus is serious about his punishments, though — none of that lump of coal nonsense. He’s said to kidnap and eat children. If you’re into myths, folklore and such similar subjects like I am, Kram-
pus is pretty well known. But what I wasn’t expecting while looking into it is how many evil Santa figures there are with some pretty intense punishments for misbehaving children — Frau Perchta, Belsnickel, Pere Fouettard, Gryla, to name a few. These figures, especially Krampus, have been enjoying a revival in the recent years around the same time that more people are getting sick of commercialized winter holidays. Krampus used to be pretty popular in Europe’s pre-Christian days, but fell out of favor in the early 1900s. But no worries, this underdog (undergoat?) has made a modern comeback. With a vengeance. I haven’t been to one personally, but, if the internet is to be believed, parades dedicated to Krampus have been becoming increasingly common in Europe and even in America. He’s even got his own Krampusnaucht. The costumes are creepy, scary even. If I showed you some of the photos without any context, you might even think they came from some Halloween party. As a huge fan of both Christmas and Halloween, I love it. I’ve never been able to choose between the two when asked about my favorite holiday. But if there’s anything Krampus has taught me, maybe I don’t have to. I can just stick to inevitable blend of Hallowthankmas.
GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA
OPINION
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 21
Coming up: Another chance to stock the Hooch
Ahh, weather. We’ve sure had all kinds lately, haven’t we? One day it’s balmy and in the 70s, while the day before (or maybe the day after) it’s down below freezing. A couple of days ago STEVE HUDSON I was wearing short Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net sleeves, but today is a sweater-and-jacket day. And now they’re talking about more rain with snow and ice up in the mountains. Meterological uncertainty has made it a bit of a challenge to plan outdoor activities, and (to the disappointment of many) one event that was impacted by the weather was the volunteer-assisted Thanksgiving week “Bucket Brigade” trout stocking event on the Chattahoochee River at the Whitewater Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The plan had been for volunteers (that’s you and me) to help stock the river in an area that the stocking truck cannot reach directly. These stocking events are a huge amount of fun, and lots of folks (including Yours Truly) were looking forward to it. However, as you’ll recall, the weather gods had other ideas. Those torrential rains that drenched us so thoroughly right before Thanksgiving meant that water had to be released from Buford Dam pretty much 24/7 for several days on end. As a result, the river downstream (including the area where the stocking was to take place) was running high and fast — much too much so for safe trout stocking — and Georgia DNR wisely cancelled the Thanksgiving Bucket Brigade. It was the right call to make. Safety always is. Alas, that meant that I had to stay home and keep cleaning up the house. I
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made some progress, but (truth be told) stocking trout into the Hooch would have been a lot more fun. Still, I did find those binoculars…and that box of trout flies I’d lost years ago…and that hiking stick…and – But wait – here’s some late-breaking news! Volunteer trout stocking is on again for right after Christmas! Yes, trout fans, Georgia Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Hunter Roop has put the word out that there will be another Bucket Brigade volunteer-assisted stocking of the Chattahoochee River on Thursday, Dec. 27. The location? CRNRA’s Whitewater Unit, located just inside the perimeter off US 41 via Mount Paran Road, Harris Trail and Whitewater Creek Road. “We need all the assistance of our Christmas volunteers to help stock Delayed Harvest trout in the Chattahoochee River just in time for the new year,” Hunter says. Bravo! The Bucket Brigade is back on the books, with plenty of time to plan ahead! What happens on Bucket Brigade Day? “The stocking truck should be arriving between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.,” Hunter says, and when it does it’s greeted by a cadre of volunteers wearing waders and toting 5-gallon buckets. Everybody lines up, the buckets are loaded with trout, and the volunteers then carry ‘em to the river and (with great pomp and circumstance) release the trout into the river. It really is a brigade of buckets, and when all is said and done, several thousand trout will have a new home in the Hooch. There are lots of reasons for being part of a Bucket Brigade. For one thing, it’s a great way to “give back” to the resource. For another, it’s just plain fun — especially if you have a kid or two in tow. Believe it: Kids absolutely love this kind
of thing. Cold water and splashy trout are a sure recipe for fun that’s not soon forgotten. What’s not to love? “These events are great for kids to have a chance to help get trout in the water and even catch a few once all the fish are stocked,” Hunter adds. Yes, after the stocking is completed, it’s fine to stay and fish. Delayed Harvest regulations (artificials only, single hook lures only, and strict catch-and-release) apply, and you can be sure that there will be plenty of eager fish waiting for you. As Hunter puts it, “What better way to try out that new fishing pole that Santa brought you, right?” Want to participate? All you have to do is show up, or you can sign up at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (though the site gets a little confusing to navigate). In either case, you’ll need to bring that 5-gallon bucket and some waders and sign a waiver. Waiver forms should be available at the site. Also available will be hot coffee and donuts. I understand that the folks from Alpharetta Outfitters will have those on
hand, and that hot coffee will be welcome in case the thermostat gets set low! The only real complication is parking space, which is limited at the Whitewater Unit. Once the lot at the end of the road fills up, folks park along the side of the road. It can get crowded — very crowded — as lots of cars try to squeeze into limited space while still leaving room for the hatchery truck to navigate the road and get close to the river. The best idea is to plan on arriving early. That’s what I’m going to do. “We look forward to seeing you all on Dec. 27, and we welcome all to attend, especially any volunteers that were planning to attend our cancelled Thanksgiving event,” Hunter says. I’m planning to be there, possibly with the grandkids in tow, and I’ll look forward to seeing you there. Now — start thinking good weather thoughts…! For further info about the Dec. 27 Bucket Brigade, contact the Wildlife Resources Division’s Gainesville region office at (770) 535-5498.
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22 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
COMMUNITY
Northern Ridge District announces November Eagle Scouts NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District — which includes the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton — recently its newest Eagle Scouts, who passed their Board of Review on Nov. 29 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. The new Eagle Scouts are: Richard Aidan Piper, of Troop 1134, who was sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. His project was constructing and weaving 30 sleeping mats for the homeless using plastic grocery bags. These mats were given to Central Night Shelter. Eugene Kim, of Troop 143, sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church, who designed and constructed a GaGa pit at Johns Creek United Methodist Church. James Barker III, of Troop 2143, sponsored by Johns Creek United Methodist Church, who cleared and beautified Silver Springs Church’s cemetery (a pre-Civil War cemetery). Part of this beautification/revitalization included building two benches. Vibhu Mocherla, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and construction of a puppet theater for Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. Kevin McGregor, of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of permanent shelving and storage at Young Life North Fulton (a Christian Club for high schoolers). Wesley Lucciola, of Troop 985, sponsored by Northbrook United Methodist Church, whose project was the restoration of the sitting area at Roswell United Methodist Church. This included cleaning up the area, adding a paver walkway, planting trees and bushes, and constructing two benches. Foster Michaelis, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and construction of improvements for the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church preschool indoor paly area by installing several modular activities and an outdoor art wall on a fence covering the AC unit. Zachary Pedowitz of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was the design, construction and installation of wooden trail signs at Providence Park. Spencer Kelly, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of four wooden benches at Birmingham Park. He also cleaned
NORTHERN RIDGE DISTRICT/Special
In the top row, from left, stand new Eagle Scouts Richard Aidan Piper, Eugene Kim and James Barker III. In the bottom row are Vibhu Mocherla, Kevin McGregor, Wesley Lucciola and Foster Michaelis.
In the top row, from left, stand new Eagle Scouts Zachary Pedowitz, Spencer Kelly and William Holt. In the bottom row are Jackson Webb, Brayden Moraes, Mario Machado and Steven Gould. up debris for the trails. William Holt, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church, whose project was the design and construction of a play structure for Bridge to Grace Church’s playground. This structure included a slide, rock wall, rope ladder and ladder. Jackson Webb, of Troop 87, sponsored by Roswell Presbyterian Church, whose project was the cleaning up and revitalization of the Cambridge High School Wildlife Area. This elevated it to a National Wildlife Habitat. Brayden Moraes, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Meth-
odist Church, whose project was the design and construction of two picnic tables for St. Andrews Catholic Church Rowing Club Area. Mario Machado, of Troop 1717, sponsored by Cross of Life Lutheran Church, whose project was the design and construction a new storage shelving for the storage shed at Cross of Life Lutheran Church. Steven Gould, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church, whose project was the design and construction of an outdoor goat exercise play area for the goats of High Meadows, a non-profit school and camp.
Perimeter Church volunteers help the community during the holidays.
Perimeter Church rallying volunteers to serve the community JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Perimeter Church held its annual Holiday Serve Day on Dec. 8 when volunteers worked on projects to serve struggling families this Holiday season. The church partnered with over 15 non-profits in order to meet critical needs within the community. Among the projects, volunteers assembled essential needs kits, including food packages, household cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. They also made blankets, art kits and goodie bags. “The emergency food kits and Blessings in a Backpack are so vital to the families we serve,” Dir Perimeter’s Director of Community Outreach Debra Potter said. “Many children rely on the breakfast and lunch provided by their schools. Going into Christmas break knowing that they will have access to food is an incredible blessing to them.”
SPORTS
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 23
TITLE REPEAT
Blessed Trinity downs Cartersville for second straight 4A title Blessed Trinity 23, Cartersville 9 By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA — Blessed Trinity capped its 2018 campaign by defending its Class 4A state championship over previously unbeaten Cartersville Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Titans retained the crown with a 23-9 victory over the Canes. “These kids had 10 games in front of them to start the season, five in the playoffs, and there are a lot of beatup, banged-up, tired kids in the locker room,” head coach Tim McFarlin said. “What they accomplished is incredible.” Blessed Trinity’s run to last year’s state title included a dramatic win over Cartersville in the second round, ending the Canes’ 41-game win streak and its bid for a third straight state title. And much like that contest, Wednesday’s state final featured a stellar defensive performance from BT. The Titans’ defense held Cartersville, which averaged 38 points per game, out of the end zone and forced three turnovers with senior standout linebacker JD Bertrand on the sidelines. “Those guys were just amazing, and it was even more impressive that we were without our captain JD Bertrand,” McFarlin said. “And I cannot say enough about our defensive coordinator John Thompson. The opportunity to work with him for these past two seasons is more than I could ever describe. He’s the finest defensive coach I’ve ever seen.” While Cartersville led BT in total offensive yards, the Canes were held to three field goals on three trips to the red zone. The Canes struck first with a 37-yard field goal with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. On the ensuing possession, BT missed a sure touchdown when a pass from Titans quarterback Jake Smith sailed over the hands of a receiver. The Titans hit pay dirt on their next possession, though, when Smith hit fullback Ryan DuPont on a 9-yard score into the end zone. Cartersville’s offense moved the ball effectively in the first half, but the drives were hindered by turnovers and costly penalties. Blessed Trinity’s JR Bivens intercepted the Canes’ first pass of the game. Looking to take the lead before the half, Cartersville incurred an ineligible receiver penalty and was called for illegal touching which negated a pass play inside BT’s 5-yard line. Canes’
Blessed Trinity won its second straight Class 4A state championship Wednesday against Cartersville. quarterback Tee Webb was then intercepted by Alex Poma. Later in the second quarter, Titan quarterback Smith fumbled while scrambling. That set up the Canes at midfield with under a minute remaining, but BT’s defense held to retain their 7-3 lead at the half. Cartersville looked poised to take its first lead of the game by driving inside Milton’s 5-yard line midway through the third quarter, but Steele Chambers came up with a pivotal tackle for loss on thirdand-goal to force a field goal. Special teams play allowed BT to put the margin at 9-6 early in the fourth. A high snap on a Canes punt bounced around the end zone and eventually out of bounds for a safety. BT’s offense struggled to move the ball consistently against the Canes, the top team in Class 4A for points allowed. That changed in the third quarter. Smith found receiver Ryan Davis for a 54-yard touchdown pass to put BT up 16-7. The Titans found the end zone again on their next possession, a 1-yard run from Smith to cap off a nine-play, 28-yard drive. Smith was 10-18 passing for 156 yards with two total touchdowns. Cham-
bers, making an incredible 58th straight start for the Titans, rushed for 100 yards. Davis hauled in seven receptions for 135 yards. BT’s defense was led by Quinton Reese and Poma who combined for 11 total tackles. The Canes added a field goal with three minutes remaining, but the Titans put the game away by recovering the onside kick to seal their spot atop the championship podium. “It’s amazing,” said Bertrand. “I’ve been playing with these guys since the fourth grade. It was incredible to have another chance to play with them again.” Defensive coordinator John Thompson praised his defense and said “everyone stepped up.” “They are good players, but they are better guys,” he said. “I’m blessed to be a part of this.” Blessed Trinity completed an undefeated season and has won 20 straight games dating back to 2017. The Titans are the third team to win consecutive state titles in Class 4A. The last team to accomplish that feat was Cartersville in 2015-16. BT is 2-1 all time in state finals appearances.
PHOTOS BY JOE PARKER/HERALD
Blessed Trinity fullback Ryan DuPont scores for the Titans in the second quarter of the Class 4A state championship game on Dec. 12. The Titans downed previously unbeaten Cartersville, 23-9, to earn their second straight 4A title.
24 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
COMMUNITY
Johns Creek Rotary welcome Japanese delegates By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — At its Dec. 12 meeting, Johns Creek Rotary Club welcomed Takashi Shinozuka, the Japanese Consul General in Atlanta. Shinozuka presented a panel of speakers on various aspects of Japanese culture, part of the Japanese government’s “Walk in the U.S., Talk on Japan” program. The panel was moderated by Tom Taniguchi, a professor of foreign affairs and speechwriter for Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other national leaders. Also on hand were Kazutomo Irie, president of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre; Koji Uenoyama, a sake sommelier and Xiaojing Zhao, a PhD candidate in labor economics and East Asian studies. Each of the panelists spoke about their area of expertise and answered questions. “Sometimes it’s important for you to see Japanese faces,” Taniguchi said. “I think the most representative word for Japanese people is humbleness,” Uenoyama said. “We have this belief that that other people go first.” Zhao, who is Chinese but studied in Japan, spoke about her first impressions
CARSON COOK/Herald
From left, Xiaojing Zhao, Tom Taniguchi, Takashi Shinozuka, Mary Trapp, Kazutomo Irie and Koji Uenoyama present talks on Japan at the Atlanta Athletic Club Dec. 12. of the other country. She explained how many Chinese people have negative stereotypes about Japan, but she enjoyed the country for its food, friendliness and safety.
Irie spoke on efforts by Japan and the U.S. to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy and natural gas. “One thing that’s sure is that CO2, carbon dioxide, is not good for climate change,” he said. “It causes greenhouse
CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-18-AB-63 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers December 27, 2018 3:00 P.M. PURPOSE Beer, Wine, Sunday Sales APPLICANT Hill Top Food Mart d/b/a Hill Top Food Mart 280 S. Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30004 Owner Mehulkumar Patel Registered Agent Mehulkumar Patel
effect, so one thing we can do is reduce CO2.” Uenoyama spoke about the history and brewing process of sake, Japanese rice wine. “To know Japanese people, I think drinking sake is one way,” he said. “You can feel the history, culture and people when you drink sake.”
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on December 10, 2018, for Consumption on Premises of Beer and Wine. BUSINESS NAME Lam Restaurant Inc. Dba Hong Kong Cafe 10820 Abbotts Bridge Rd Suite 110 Johns Creek, GA 30097 OWNER/OFFICERS Lam Restaurant Inc. Dba Hong Kong Cafe 10820 Abbotts Bridge Rd Suite 110 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Owner, Sze Lui Lam
NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 25
26 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
NEWS
Roswell Police Chief announces retirement His final day with the city will be Dec. 30. By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police Chief Rusty Grant announced his retirement Dec. 12 after more than 30 years of working in law enforcement. His final day with the city will be Dec. 30. Grant had worked with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for three decades before joining the City of Roswell in 2012 as the City’s Deputy Police Chief. He was promoted to chief in March of 2013. “The Roswell Police Department consists of the best men and women, sworn and civilian, in the business,” Grant said. “It has been my pleasure to work with each of you over the past six years.”
Rusty Grant
Grant also said in his retirement letter to the department that his decision was “based upon career opportunities.” Grant did not provide any other comment about his retirement. Captain Helen Dunkin has been selected to serve as the Interim Deputy Chief of Police, effective immediately, while the city searches for a new Chief of Police. Once Grant steps down Jan. 1, 2019, Dunkin will serve as the Interim Chief of Police. Dunkin has been with the department since 2014 after 26 years of working with the Los Angeles police and fire departments. She has held several assignments during her career, including Commanding Officer of the Office of Professional Standards, Field Training Officer, Media Relations, Detective, Patrol Supervisor and Internal Affairs Investigator. Grant said in his letter that he anticipates the process for finding a new Chief
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018 AT 8:00 P.M.
of Police will take several months. Grant’s retirement announcement follows several controversies that hit the department earlier this year. Videos surfaced showing incidents involving on-duty officers violating or stretching standard practices. The first incident — and by far the most widely circulated — involved a video showing two officers using a coin flip app to decide the fate of a woman pulled over for speeding. A few days after the video was released in July, the two officers were placed on leave and eventually fired. The incident led Grant to call for an independent analysis of his department. A few days later, more videos surfaced showing a K-9 ignoring his handler and repeatedly biting a teenager, a 13-year-old boy intentionally being kept in an open car during a biting cold evening, and muted body camera footage showing an off-duty officer pulled over for DUI but eventually released. The City of Roswell hired the Center for Public Safety Management in September to provide a comprehensive, top-down gap analysis of the department.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MUNICIPAL COURT 11445 JOHNS CREEK PKWY JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097
CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-18-AB-62
The following Land Use Petitions located within the City of Johns Creek are scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.
PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers December 27, 2018 3:00 P.M.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-002 (Deferred from August 2018) ASHTON WOODS HOMES 0, 10505, 10555, 10655 EMBRY FARM ROAD AG-1 (AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT) CUP (COMMUNITY UNIT PLAN DISTRICT) A 280-UNIT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION AT A DENSITY OF 1.36 UNITE/ACRE, WITH 143 DETACHED UNITS AND 137 TOWNHOMES
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-009 (Rescheduled from December 2018) JEFF KIM 11300 LAKEFIELD DRIVE M-1A (INDUSTRIAL PARK DISTRICT) C-1 (COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT) REZONE TO ALLOW A FENCING STUDIO IN AN EXISTING OFFICE BUILDING.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-19-003; VC-19-003-01 RACETRAC PETROLEUM, INC. 5805 STATE BRIDGE ROAD, #S C-1 (COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT) C-1 (COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT) DEVELOP A RACETRAC CONVENIAENCE STORE OF 5,411 SQUARE FEET WITH FUEL SALES, ALONG WITH ONE CONCURRENT VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR A FLAT ROOF
PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Beer, Wine, Liquor Sunday Sales Wine by the Bottle APPLICANT LaPeer d/b/a LaPeer 12 North Broad St. Alpharetta GA 30009 Owner Louis Soon Registered Agent Scott Florence
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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 27
Santa raises funds to end childhood cancer By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com NORTH ATLANTA — Children love to see Santa Clause once Christmas rolls around, but not every child has the opportunity to get out to the local shopping center. Those children battling cancer often don’t get to see Santa at all. So, area resident Tom Vooris brings Santa to them, all while shining a light on his cause. “I want to end childhood cancer,” Vooris said. “I would give my own life in a heartbeat if that meant the cancer would go away.” Vooris, a Gwinnett County native and owner of Choices to You, primarily visits foster children and children with childhood cancer throughout the North Atlanta area. He refuses to collect a dime. Instead, he asks people to make donations to charities like Amanda Riley Foundation to support children battling cancer and help find an end to the affliction. Vooris first got started in 2012 with the Foster Children’s Foundation, when they asked him to play Santa and later the Easter Bunny to bring some joy to the children. But his mission really picked up when, about two years later, Vooris met a woman named Barbara Riley at a cancer survivor meeting. “She got up and started talking about her daughter Amanda, who had lost her
TOM VOORIS/Special
Tom Vooris, dressed as Santa, pays a special visit to the grave of Kylie Myers to help raise attention and funds to beat childhood cancer. battle with cancer,” Vooris said. “But as she spoke more and more, it became clear to me that Amanda is still alive, right there in her heart. And she keeps her alive.” Barbara then asked Vooris if he would dress up as Santa for a Breakfast with Santa event for children with cancer. He said it was an incredible honor to
do so. It’s a tradition he has kept up for the past four years. “I get the pleasure of seeing these kids one year with no hair and next year being cancer-free,” Vooris said. “But I’ve also had the heartbreak of some of them not being with us next year, because they didn’t make it.” One death in particular, a 16-year-
old girl who had lost a leg because of cancer, spurred Vooris to action. “We all thought everything was great for her, and then she passed away in November last year,” Vooris said. “It tore my heart out. I cried like a baby… “I said right then and there, ‘I have to think of something that’s going to grab people’s heartstrings and get them to realize that we need to raise money to find a cure for this thing, so kids will stop dying.’” Vooris coordinated with parents affected by similar situations to visit the children’s graves while dressed as Santa. “Just because they’re no longer walking on this Earth, they’re still children,” Vooris said. “The parents love it, that Santa still wants to go see them. They’re not forgotten by Santa… Even though it’s sad, it also puts a smile on their face.” Several people have since requested that Vooris visit their children’s graves. It’s become his calling, Vooris said. Although Vooris dresses as Santa in December, he works to help advocate for the cause year round. In the spring, for example, he dresses as the Easter Bunny to help raise funds for children battling cancer. “I don’t do this for recognition,” Vooris said. “I do this to help people smile.” For more information about the Amanda Riley Foundation or to make a donation, visit amandarileyfoundation. org.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR ALPHA LOOP GAP – THOMPSON STREET ITB 19-009 The City of Alpharetta (City) is accepting bids for construction of the ALPHA LOOP GAP –THOMPSON STREET. The project includes, but is not limited to, the following items: installation of concrete multi-use trail, installation of pedestrian bridges, installation of pedestrian lighting, and construction of retaining walls. The location of the work is along Thompson Street - within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. The ITB will be available online Thursday, December 20, 2018 at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the ITB documents. The bid opening will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.
28 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 29
TrustDALE founder covers safe holiday giving By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The holiday season is often a time of generosity and charity donation drives. But some people use the holidays to take advantage of those good intentions, making it hard for the average person to figure out if their donations are going to a credible organization. Consumer investigator and TrustDALE Founder Dale Cardwell met with Roswell Rotary Club Dec. 13 to explain how to spot legitimate charities and identify common scams. “This time of the year, we all feel a warm spot in our heart,” Cardwell said. “We really want to feel that community cheer and reach out to our fellow man, and that’s a wonderful thing. But here’s the problem. There are people who operate with the intent of stealing your money.” TrustDALE works to expose such tactics and help people guard against scams. During the holidays, the most common way questionable charities try to trick people is by playing off of a legitimate charity’s name, Cardwell said. Kid’s Wish Network and Cancer Fund of America, for example, sound like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and American Cancer Society. The similarity in names can sometimes confuse donors. This is bad news for people’s pocketbooks, Cardwell said, as money donated to Kid’s Wish Network and Cancer Fund
of America rarely ever make it to terminally-ill children or cancer patients. Other common words these fake charities tend to employ include “poor,” “hungry,” “veterans” and “law enforcement,” Cardwell said. To test out how easy it could be to scam someone with a fake charity, Cardwell a few years ago asked his coworker to dress up like Santa and sit at an intersection with a red bucket. “In four hours, we raised hundreds of dollars, because people with big hearts wanted to believe that a person dressed up in a Santa suit with a red bucket is there for a good purpose,” Cardwell said. “We turned around and gave that money to a qualified charity, but we wanted to make a point: You can’t be too careful when trying to vet a company or organization before you give them money.” The number one way to find out the legitimacy of a company is through research, Cardwell said. He identified several online tools to help people with that research. Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, GuideStar and the Better Business Bureau can all track where the money goes. Specifically, the tools make sure that at least 65 percent of the money raised goes to program services and no more than 35 percent of money goes to managers, consultants and paid solicitors. Cardwell also warned against scams, usually conducted by door-to-door
solicitors who ask for a sum of money upfront and never deliver. He said they can often get away with it because while the general populace might see it as theft, the legal and justice community sees it as a business dispute, making it hard for police to help. Cardwell ended his talk with three words to remember to help guard against most kinds of scams: Fast, Funds, and Found. Crooks will typically pressure victims into making fast decisions, offer too-good-to-be-true results for little funds and make sure they can’t be found easily after they finish the scam. For more information and help from Cardwell, visit trustdale.com.
Billie J. Cooper, 65, of Cumming, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Edward Carl Heil Sr., 90, of Cumming, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.
JULIA GROCHOWSKI/Herald
Consumer Investigator and TrustDALE Founder Dale Cardwell speaks to the Roswell Rotary Club Dec. 13 about how to spot common scam tactics during the holiday season.
DEATH NOTICES Cheryl Rae Baker, 74, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2018. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory. Ida Banigan, 94, of Milton, passed away December 9, 2018. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery. Dorothy Naslund Bruce, 86, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory. Melissa Simpson Cahill, 61, of Johns Creek, passed away on December 10, 2018. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory. Walter Thomas Carry, 88, of Cumming, passed away, December 7, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Betty Zuidema Darden, 92, of Cumming, passed away December 06, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory. Robert Edward Eaton, 84, of Cumming, passed away December 4, 2018. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory. Mary Giddes, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away December 10, 2018. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory. Jimmy Gossett, 78, of Cumming, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Mary Jones, 102, of Alpharetta, passed away December 8, 2018. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory. Jeanne C. Laramee, passed away December 8, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Crematory.
Alexander Micklos, 86, of Roswell, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &
Juliet Mowrey, 49, of Alpharetta, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery. Jamey Curry Simmons, 47, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.
Crematory.
Melvin Stewart, 76, of Alpharetta, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &
Anthony Joseph Volingavage, 71, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2018. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
30 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 20, 2018 | 31
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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license identification or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.
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32 | December 20, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com
LOCAL HOME SERVICES GUIDE TREE SERVICE
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CONCRETE
How to identify a sick tree It’s easy to miss when a tree is growing sick. Most tree health problems grow slowly, with little visible difference from one day to the next, until leaves change colors or the canopy begins to thin. The longer it takes to spot problems, the more likely the tree’s illness will become serious enough that it needs to be
TREE SERVICE
removed. However, if you can catch the signs early and call for an arborist, it may be possible to treat the sickness or damage and save the tree. Keep an eye out for these common signs of trouble: • Look for wilting or oddly-colored leaves, either along one or two limbs or all over the tree. • Check for cracks appearing in primary limbs or even in the trunk of the tree. • Examine dead branches, which may simply need pruning, but which can also indicate that a tree is in poor health. • Watch for decaying or hollow spots, especially along the trunk and around the joints of the limbs. • Look for insect damage, such as chewed leaves, holes made by burrowing bugs, silk webs and nests, and dripping sap or honeydew. Bob Delbridge, President 404-CUT-TREE and finestmulch.com
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Let Us Connect You Alpharetta-Roswell Herald Delivers to 28,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076. Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Est. 1983. Alpharetta’s paper of record.
Johns Creek Herald Delivers to 20,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997. Johns Creek’s paper of record.
Northside Woman 18,000 copies distributed monthly to subdivisions and business in North Fulton and South Forsyth with home delivery to 40+ of the most exclusive gated and estate communities in North Atlanta.
Forsyth Herald Delivers to 17,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30040, 30041. Forsyth County’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998
Milton Herald Delivers to 10,000 households every Thursday Zip Code: 30004. Community news for and about the City of Milton. Est. 2006. Milton’s paper of record.
Answer Books 40,000 copies distributed quarterly to local real estate agents, doctors, chambers of commerce, visitor’s bureaus as well as personal homes. Each quarter has a different focus including education, relocation, medical and seniors
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