Milton Herald, December 10, 2014

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December 10, 2014 | miltonherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 9, No. 49

Fulton radio net costs swell Rise 92% over last year

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

The Okie family found a tree they love at Hunter’s Christmas Tree Farm in Milton. From left are Janine Gordon with Aida Okie, mom Kelly, Eliza and Benjamin.

Picking the right tree »

Christmas tree farm does quick business Local farm revels in holiday spirit

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – There is nothing quite like the smell of a real Christmas tree in the house around the holidays. While fake ones may be easier to clean up at the end of the season, they just don’t have the same memorable qualities of a real fir or pine.

Milton is home to one of the few cut-yourown Christmas tree farms in the north metro area, Hunter’s Christmas Tree Farm, on Wood Road.

Kelly Okie and her three children came to the farm and found the perfect tree for their home.

“We wanted to go to a farm and cut down a tree,” said Okie. “Here, we found a tree we really liked.”

Owner Gordon Hunter and his family started the farm 24 years ago when they were looking

See TREE, Page 31

NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The cost for staying on Fulton County’s emergency radio system has gone up nearly 100 percent for next year.

In the Dec.1 Alpharetta City Council meeting, the council approved a contract for the first quarter of 2015 for $35,000.

“Hopefully this is our last approval of the Fulton County fee to use their system,” said Gary George, the public safety director.

He said North Fulton’s own replacement radio net should begin testing in January 2015 and be operational

by April.

For the first quarter of 2014, Alpharetta will pay just over $35,000 to the county for the use of their radio system, they very one North Fulton wants to leave.

This amount is a dramatic increase over previous payments – 92 percent over what the city paid previously. The rate went up from $172.58 to $330 per radio. This is, in part, to help pay for Fulton’s own replacement radio network.

“This is an across-theboard increase,” said Carl Hall, Alpharetta’s deputy public safety administrator for fire and emergency services. “This is a cost for all users, not just Alpharetta.”

“One of reasons we chose to do our own system was

One of reasons we chose to do our own system was because we couldn’t predict the cost [of Fulton County’s],” bob Regus, Alpharetta City Manager

because we couldn’t predict the cost [of Fulton County’s],” said Alpharetta City Manager Bob Regus. “We knew it was going up and had no control over that.”

The move to create a North Fulton emergency radio system stems from a need to have a reliable radio network for public safety personnel.

Established July 1, 2013, the North Fulton Regional Radio System Authority (NFRRSA) was created by state House Bill 526.

It exists to provide a reliable and locally funded public safety radio system for eight police and fire agencies serving more than 280,000 residents.

Included in the consortium are the cities of Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs.

The move to break away from the county radio system came after federal regula-

See RADIO, Page 36

public safety

2 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

Slow suspect runs from cops on walker

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Alleged thief repeat offender MILTON, Ga. – A slow speed chase erupted Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving, when a man with a walker attempted to steal dozens of items from a local store and threatened a worker with a knife.

Employees of the

Walmart on Windward Parkway said they saw Michael Edward Durkin, 57, of Decatur, enter the store on a durkin motorized shopping cart. He was recognized as a serial shoplifter at the store. They say Durkin

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

Mom in DUI accident with child in car MILTON, Ga. – A Milton mother was arrested for DUI Nov. 28 after allegedly getting into a car accident with her young child in the car.

Police arrived at the entrance to the Atlanta National neighborhood on New Providence Road about 4 p.m. and found that an SUV had struck the guard shack. The driver, Katherine Podrahansky, 46, of Milton, said she was having trouble driving and hit the guard shack post. The officer at the scene said her words were slurred and her breath smelled of alcohol. She was put through sobriety evaluations and failed them.

Podrahansky was arrested for DUI and endangering the life of a child. The child was turned over to a relative.

Speeding, no license lead to arrest ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Buford resident was arrested Nov. 23 after allegedly speeding with a suspended license and using a car with the wrong tags.

Police say an officer was on patrol at 1:30 a.m. on Ga. 400 when they spotted a BMW driving about 90 mph in the posted 65 mph speed limit. When the officer pulled the vehicle over, the driver, Sagar Rijal, 27, of Buford, said

picked out a pair of sneakers, two bottles of eggnog, a Leatherman multipurpose knife, a Drimmel power tool, several bottles of condiments and small items. He placed all the items into store shopping bags in his scooter and then tried to leave the store through the garden center.

When he was stopped, he got up out of the scooter, took up his walker and began to walk away. When

he did not have a license but he was headed to the hospital for an emergency. The officer noted Rijal’s car smelled heavily of marijuana.

When asked why he did not have a license, he said instead that he was driving to pick up his car that had been towed. Rijal said his car was impounded a few days prior when he was stopped and arrested for marijuana possession. A check of Rijal’s license showed it was suspended for DUI. A search of Rijal turned up a baggie of suspected marijuana.

When his BMW was impounded, it was discovered he had placed another tag on the car. Rijal was charged with driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana, speeding, failure to maintain lane, driving with a cracked windshield and having an improper license plate.

Employee suspected in theft MILTON, Ga. – A possibly unhappy employee is suspected in stealing about $3,000 in company electronics when he quit.

According to the owner of the business, he went out of town Nov. 1 and returned Nov. 17. During this time, an employee was left to tend to the business. This employee had been on the job for several months.

When the victim returned, he said he found a note from the employee stating simply, “I quit.” Missing along with the employee were a fold up tent, two folding tables, an Apple iPad tablet, Dell laptop, USB speed dialer and miscellaneous company items. In total, about $3,000 worth of items were missing. All

employees tried to stop him, Durkin allegedly pulled out a knife and brandished it, yelling racial slurs. He also threatened to use a Taser on the workers and attempted to “run them over” with his walker.

Police arrived and subdued Durkin. He was found to have a warrant out of Fulton County for shoplifting.

He was arrested for shoplifting and aggravated assault.

attempts to contact the employee failed – his phone was disconnected and the address he gave the employer was fake.

Shoplifters escape police MILTON, Ga. – Three young men suspected of shoplifting dozens of electronics Nov. 29 managed to outrun police in a chase at Ga. 9 and Windward Parkway.

The suspects allegedly attempted to steal hard drives from Fry’s Electronics.

As they tried to leave the store, employees stopped them. They dropped a duffle bag containing the items and fled into a gold car.

As it happens, a police officer was in the parking lot when the emergency call came in. He spotted a suspect car turn south on Ga. 9 from Webb Road, where there is an entrance to the store. When the officer turned on his lights to pull the suspects over, they sped up, driving into oncoming traffic as they fled.

The car turned westbound on Windward Parkway and the officer lost sight of them.

Fake alibi leads to arrest ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A man gave a court bailiff one story when he arrived at the courthouse, but his alibi did not get the memo. She told police a differing account, which led to the man’s arrest for DUI. A man turned up to Alpharetta court at 9 a.m. Nov. 20 after getting a

See BLOTTER, Page 3

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public safety

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

DUI arrests ►► Kenneth Norman Wacker,

54, was arrested Nov. 21 on Webb Road in Milton for DUI and speeding. ►► Jacob Lee Henderson, 23, of Tidwell Road, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 6 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, possession of marijua-

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 DUI charge. He came to the attention of the bailiff after he swayed when walking and allegedly stank of alcohol. When asked how he got to the courthouse, he claimed his wife had dropped him off. When asked where she was, the man claimed she went to get something to eat at the Kroger three-quarters of a mile away.

The man was seen wearing

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na, open container, expired tag and possession of drug-related items. ►► Lacy Nicole Ford, 32, of Churchill Downs, Cumming, was arrested Nov. 16 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Andrea Fletcher, 32, of Riverwood Lane, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 10 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, possession of marijuana and failure to maintain lane. ►► Janet Anne Drake, 59, of Old Woodland Entry, Johns Creek, was arrested Nov. 15 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Wesley Murphy, 27, of

a lanyard holding his car keys and, when prompted, it was found that car the man was arrested in prior was parked outside the court. The man contended his wife actually walked to the Kroger in the cold temperature.

The officer called the man’s wife, who said she was indeed having lunch; however, she said she had taken a separate car than her husband. He drove himself.

The man was arrested for DUI, driving without a license on him and contempt of court.

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Henderson Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 9 on Vaughn Drive in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Jill Marie Zahm, 35, of Waterside Drive, Milton, was arrested Nov. 20 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, following too closely and failure to exchange insurance information. ►► James Campbell Wharton III, 53, of Burruss Mill Road, Cumming, was arrested Nov. 19 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and failure to exchange insurance information. ►► Hirakkumar S. Amin, 42,

miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 3

of Calypso Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 22 on Old Roswell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to obey a traffic control device. ►► Jonathon Lane Miller, 24, of Fedorite Walk, Cumming, was arrested Nov. 16 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Drug arrests ►► Lakeisha Shenai Kent,

27, of Powder Springs was arrested Nov. 10 on Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta for possession of a schedule III controlled substance.

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4 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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Milton City Council Recap Approval of an alcohol beverage license for BNG Investments LLC, dba Beverage Depot, located at 3355 Highway 9 N., Milton, Ga. 30004.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

*

Y

Approval of an ordinance reaffirming and establishing Chapter 46 of the Milton Code of Ordinances governing solid waste collection services within the city of Milton.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Approval of a professional services agreement between the city of Milton and Town Planning & Design LLC to develop a conservation subdivision ordinance..

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Approval of a first amendment to the memorandum of understanding by and between Fulton County School District and the city of Milton for building plan review and inspection of Fulton County School District’s capital and facilities improvement projects..

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Approval of the purchase of a 4.69 acre parcel of property for $175,000.

The proposed acquisition is identified as 0 Bell Park Drive.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Approval of the purchase of a 2 acre parcel of property for $156,000. The proposed acquisition is identified as 690 Hickory Flat Road.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

December 1, 2014

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – The Milton City Council, in an effort to assuage fears of overbuilding and to maintain the rural quality of life in the city, voted to move forward in its effort to create rules for conservation subdivisions at the Dec. 1 council meeting.

A conservation subdivision is a development that allows the builder to condense homes on a smaller amount of property in order to preserve more green space than the law typically allows. The idea is this would keep more of the city “green” than would otherwise be possible.

In a unanimous vote, the mayor and council approved Town Planning & Design LLC to conduct a public input process and develop a conservation subdivision ordinance for the city.

This will cost the city $17,250.

At the meeting, Community Development Director Kathleen Field said the public hearing

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Milton seeks conservation subdivision ordinance

Vote Key: Y = yes; N = no; A = abstain; R = recused; * = absent process will allow local experts in the field as well as members of the community to take part in crafting the rules governing the ordinance.

The city has worked in recent months to toe the line between allowing property owners to use their land as law allows – even if that

means building hundreds of new homes on previously low density lots – and listening to worried residents who see so much new construction in Milton they worry about maintaining the quality of life that brought them to the city in the first place.

“It’s great that we are do-

ing this,” said Councilmember Matt Kunz. “This will be great when it gets done.”

He said he expects a draft ordinance to come before council in March.

The next public meeting on the issue with representatives from Town Planning & Design will be Thursday, Dec. 11.

B’ham Hwy, Providence roundabout due Feb. ‘15 Delayed months for design, weather

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – A combination of design alterations, utility relocation and bad weather have pushed the completion of the construction at Birmingham Highway and Providence Road back nearly six months – to February 2015.

As of Nov. 14, 2014 the project was 56 percent complete, according to the Georgia Department of Transporta-

tion (GDOT) project status. It was initially supposed to be finished in September of this year. Delays pushed that date back.

“We are working closely with the contractor on these matters and have approved their requests for a supplemental contract due to these issues,” said Natalie Dale, a spokeswoman for GDOT. The intersection was a troubled one for Milton. Both Birmingham Highway and Providence Road are main arteries in the city. However, they meet at a 25 degree angle with only stop signs at Provi-

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The intersection of Providence Road and Birmingham Highway/ Ga. 372 is renowned as one of the Milton’s most dangerous. To fix that, a roundabout is in the works along with road straightening. The project is expected to be finished in February of next year. dence. Birmingham drivers do not have to stop. Add to this that there is a hill on one side, blocking drivers northbound on Birmingham from drivers trying to merge or cross it.

There are no turn lanes.

To fix this, the intersection has been moved north to mitigate the hill sight distance and

See ROUNSABOUT, Page 36

‘Green’ ordinance proposal for Milton MILTON, Ga. – The city of Milton will host a meeting to discuss a possible conservation subdivision ordinance that would let subdivisions place homes in a manner that would allow more green space than zoning currently permits. The meeting will be held Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Milton City Hall, 1300 Deerfield Parkway, Milton.

Donald Broussard of Town Planning and Design will lead the meeting.

—Joe Parker

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 5

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6 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald

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Alpharetta implements local rewards program Shopping program first of its kind in the nation

By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The city of Alpharetta has implemented a rewards program for shoppers that visit shops and restaurants in the Alpharetta area.

Dubbed the “Alpharetta Visitor Rewards Program,” it will utilize a smartphone app developed in Alpharetta along with Bluetooth-enabled iBeacons to log consumers’ visits to local retailers. The retailers will then give rewards in the form of coupons, chances to win free items and free products to users.

The first of its kind in the nation, this program will utilize the Rately smartphone app developed by Digital Scientists, a digital business company based in Alpharetta.

The iBeacons, which are Bluetoothpowered devices, will be able to track when a shopper enters a participating retailer or restaurant in Alpharetta, provided the shopper has downloaded the Rately app. This will earn the shopper credit for a “visit,” which will go toward their visit total. If a shopper earns enough visits, the companies reward the shopper with free or discounted products. There is no cost to either consumer or retailer in the program, as the Rately app is free of charge for consumers and the cost of the iBeacons is covered by the city of Alpharetta.

Alpharetta is the first city in the nation to sponsor the use of iBeacons in such a program.

Elizabeth Pruett of Digital Scientists said the city of Alpharetta approached Digital Scientists to implement the technology needed for the rewards program. After three months of development, the program went live Nov. 20.

Pruett said the program stressed the importance of visiting physical retailers instead of solely shopping online and is a way to connect “e-commerce and brick and mortar stores.”

“We are really excited about the program,” she said. “It’s a way to promote local shopping and keep people shopping in Alpharetta.”

Peter Tokar, the economic development director of Alpharetta, said, “The Alpharetta Visitor Rewards program gives retailers the technology tools they need to engage with local residents and make holiday shopping in Alpharetta more rewarding than ever.”

Some of the retailers participating in the Alpharetta Visitor Rewards Program include Karen’s Fabrics, Mugs on Milton, Da Vinci’s Donuts, Endurance House, Hop Alley, Tin Roof Kitchen and Alpharetta Outfitters as well as retailers within Avalon and the North Point Mall retail district.

The program will run through the holidays and continue indefinitely.

The Rately app is available on iTunes and Google Play. To view the full list of participating retailers and their visit rewards, go to www.rately.com/ alpharetta.

The Alpharetta restaurant app – Rately – is used to give discounts and deals at local businesses.

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 7

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8 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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Driving in circles: Step-by-step instructions on how to use roundabouts NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Lately, it seems like local transportation gurus with North Fulton’s cities have caught roundabout fever. Not to be left behind on any trend, North Fulton’s cities are plowing ahead with roundabouts. Roswell finished the first one in the region several years ago, with more to come. Milton has a new one at Hopewell and Francis roads with another upcoming at Birmingham Highway and Providence Road. Alpharetta already has one near the new city hall.

There are so many new roundabouts, I get the chance to dust off my column on navigating them.

Given the novelty of the circular traffic devices, many people are not familiar with the correct way to use them.

So here’s a quick guide on the proper use of a roundabout.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a roundabout is a

jonathan copsey

Revue & News Editor jonathan@northfulton.com

circular intersection, where traffic goes in the same counter-clockwise direction around a center island.

Roundabouts can be a good alternative to traffic signals and stop signs to control traffic. In many cases, they have several advantages over traditional controls. They have fewer accidents, injuries, severe crashes and fatalities.

They increase pedestrian safety and produce less vehicle delay and pollution because traffic actually moves faster through a roundabout intersection.

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the result of traffic going at reduced – but continuous – speeds in the same direction.

Despite their relative novelty in the States, roundabouts enjoy common status in Europe, notably the British Isles, as a cheap and reliable alternative to the traditional traffic signal.

They slow down and regulate traffic without stopping it.

With all these new roundabouts popping up like mushrooms, the big question remains – how do you drive through it?

Here’s a step-by-step guide.

When approaching the roundabout, slow down and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Approach the yield line, look to the left and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way.

Enter the roundabout when there is an adequate gap in circulating traffic. If another

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about and proceed counterclockwise (to the right).

As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal.

Exit the roundabout, yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

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car is waiting at the yield line ahead of you, do not stop in the crosswalk. Keep the crosswalk clear for pedestrians.

Bicyclists are permitted to ride within the roundabout.

Please do not pass a bicycle in the roundabout.

Once you have entered the roundabout, you always have the right-of-way. Keep your speed low within the round-

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Prices good thru 12/14/2014. Total Wine & More is not responsible for typographical errors, human error or supplier price increases. Products while supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. It is illegal to sell alcohol below cost in the State of Georgia. In the event of a price error or price match, customer satisfactions cannot go below our purchase cost. Some items in limited quantities at the listed prices. Total Wine & More is a registered trademark of Retail Services & Systems, Inc. © 2014 Retail Services & Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. *Spirits available in our Kennesaw and Alpharetta locations only. Please drink responsibly. Use a designated driver.

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10 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald

American Legion collects Toys for Tots donations

community

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta Unit 201 of the American Legion will be an official drop-off spot for toy donations during the 2014 Toys for Tots campaign. Donations of new, unwrapped toys may be taken to the American Legion Post, located at 201 Wills Road, between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. every week until Christmas. A donation bin is being set up in the organization’s ballroom. “The ladies of our organization are proud to be part of this nationwide effort to help make sure that every child in our community experiences the joy of a new gift at Christmas,” said Auxiliary President Deb Swyters.

Toys for Tots is a program of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, established in 1947. In the 67 years of its existence, Toys for Tots has delivered toys and messages of hope to millions of less fortunate children in the communities in which the program is conducted. For more information, contact Swyters at 404-625-7733.

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Living Nativity at Northbrook United Methodist ROSWELL, Ga. – Northbrook United Methodist Church will host a Living Nativity on the evenings of Dec. 19, 20 and 21 between 6 and 8 p.m.

This family event for the entire community will feature live animals and unique cos-

tumes. Find the holiday spirit by celebrating the Christmas story on the church’s front lawn at 11225 Crabapple Road in Roswell.

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Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Women find they enjoy a good cigar too Cigar shops sponsor ladies’ nights; show women finer points

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Another traditionally male bastion is being challenged by women who don’t believe in stereotypes.

This time, it’s the cigar shop, where men often meet to discuss the finer points of tobacco or watch a sports event while they enjoy their cigars.

The trend is to open these male-dominated emporiums to women smokers, and it is the cigar purveyors who are leading the way.

Michelle Enter is the area representative for A.J. Fernandez Cigars. She recently sponsored a ladies’ night at Cutters Cigars on Windward Parkway, where along with wine and cigars, she was offering pointers in cutting cigars and lighting them.

Enter has been talking to women’s groups about having cigar events and learning more about it.

Some women say they took it up because their spouses or boyfriends smoke cigars, and they were intrigued by them.

Enter said she has already

established women’s cigar clubs in Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“We’re almost ready to get our website up,” she said. “In January, we will launch La Femme Cigar Society.”

Cutters has always been a women-friendly establishment and welcomes ladies there, said Lou Ann Steffens, a Cutters manager.

“We’re trying to expose women to the pleasures of a good cigar. They can come in here and join other women in a pleasant atmosphere,” said Steffens.

A number of women were at the Cutters event and were enjoying their cigars.

Gena Landstrom said she has been smoking cigars “off and on” for about a year.

“It’s a social thing. I’m usually here with my husband,” Landstrom said. “I came tonight because it was ladies’ night. I found more women smoke cigars than I thought.”

She said she doesn’t smoke cigars to be “one of the guys.”

“But it’s something we can do with friends as couples. A lot of men like to have their

Enjoying their cigars, from left, are Linda Tolbert, Cameel Ross and Karmen Sims. wives come with them [to the cigar store] whether their wives smoke or not,” Landstrom said.

Karmen Sims, Cameel Ross and Linda Tolbert came to the ladies’ night also. They said they enjoy an evening together where they can smoke.

Sims said she began like many people do, by sneaking

a cigar from her grandfather.

She doesn’t like cigarettes, she said.

“I like going to a ladies’ night. It’s my getaway spot. It’s always homey and friendly,” Sims said.

Tolbert said she started about five years ago. A male friend of hers – not a romantic

HATCHER HURD/Staff

friend – smoked, and she decided she liked the aroma and began smoking them.

The men who are regulars at Cutters come to watch sports events or sit outside.

They said they did not mind the ladies’ presence. In fact, they seemed to enjoy their presence.

12 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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Former school principal convicted of attempting to entice a minor ATLANTA – John Harold McGill, the former principal of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Douglas County, Georgia, was convicted Dec. 3 after a jury trial, of using emails and text messages to attempt to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. A Johns Creek man, Choon Hong David Tan, 52, was also caught in the sting. His case is still pending. He is out on bail.

On Saturday, March 1, 2014, McGill responded to

an Internet advertisement named “casual encounters� purportedly posted by a mother who was seeking a man to introduce her McGill 13-year-old daughter to sexual intercourse.

McGill communicated with who he thought was the girl’s mother by email and texts throughout the evening and

into early Sunday morning, March 2.

With his wife out of town at a conference, McGill put his children to bed, and then drove more than 50 miles from Douglasville to Lithonia, Georgia. He arrived at the “mother’s� house at 1:45 a.m., with a condom in his pants pocket.

However, the “mother� was a Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Force officer, and McGill was arrested.

McGill, 57, of Douglasville, was the principal of Mount

Carmel Elementary School until he was arrested. He was convicted after a two-day trial. “The idea that an elementary school principal would attempt to have sex with a 13-year-old girl is disgraceful,� said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “McGill violated a public trust and all sense of common decency, and a jury has held him criminally responsible.�

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, which was

launched by the attorney general in February 2006. Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse, is led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country and marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood. gov.

Alpharetta moves into new City Hall Dec. 16 Milton to hold banquet Warns of service interruptions during week ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The city of Alpharetta will begin moving employees into the community’s new City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The move will continue through Saturday, Dec. 20, and some changes and interruptions will impact customer service during that period.

Alpharetta citizens and those seeking to do business with the city of Alpharetta are encouraged to note the following service impacts: Wednesday, Dec.17 – City Hall will not be available to accept payments for utility bills or property taxes. Customers are encouraged to make online payments via the city website or to make face-to-face transactions at the city’s Finance Department, located at 2790 Webb

Bridge Road, behind Fire Station 1. Services provided through the city administrator’s office, the city clerk, economic development, human resources and special events will not be available. Thursday, Dec. 18 – Anticipate temporary interruptions to Finance Department services such as purchasing, accounts receivable and some tax-related processes. Friday, Dec. 19 – The Department of Community Development will be closed beginning at noon. Customers seeking business licenses or permits for land development, building construction, signs or tree removal should visit the city website for forms or information. All of these services will be available after the dates referenced above at the new Alpharetta City Hall, which is located behind the current location at 2 South Main St. in downtown Alpharetta. —Jonathan Copsey

 � �� ��

honoring firefighters

MILTON, Ga. – Milton will hold its fourth annual Firefighter Awards Ceremony and Banquet to honor Milton’s firefighters on Feb. 7, 2015.

The event will recognize Milton firefighters who have initiated innovative programs, those who have been promoted for their exemplary service and those who have ensured the safety and livelihood of those within the Milton community.

Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available.

Inquire Jamila Jones of the Milton Fire Department at Jamila. jones@cityofmiltonga.us. —Joe Parker

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14 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald

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Council says goodbye to police chief Harrell served as chief since 2009

The Milton mayor and City Council honored departing Police Chief Deborah Harrell, center, at their Dec. 1 meeting. She has served the city as chief since 2009.

MILTON, Ga. – At its Dec. 1 meeting, Milton’s City Council honored Police Chief Deborah Harrell for her nearly eight years of service to the city and 20-year police career.

Harrell recently announced she would step down from leading the department she helped launch Dec. 4. She is leaving to pursue corporate asset management in the private sector.

Harrell began her career in Milton in February 2007 and was later appointed to police chief in March 2009.

Shortly after being named police chief, Harrell successfully led the Milton Police Department in gaining state certification through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.

In 2011, the agency was selected as one of five de-

partments internationally to receive a grant through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). It gained the accreditation in 2014.

In 2012, Harrell was selected as one of 17 members to participate in the Georgia International Law Enforcement exchange to Israel. Also in 2012, she attended the Georgia Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was a guest at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Virginia for a chief executive officer seminar.

During her tenure as chief, she also implemented a community outreach officer, resulting in the development of the Milton Police and Citizens Together program (MPACT), Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes and the inaugural Milton Police Academy.

—Jonathan Copsey

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 15

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16 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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ATLANTA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FORECAST Numbers for 2014-16 are forecasted rates

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – By his own admission, Rajeev Dhawan, the economic forecaster from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, is an optimist.

In his latest forecast for the state Dhawan sees a growing economy on nearly all fronts for the state. Especially pleasing is the growth in construction jobs.

The Atlanta area is equally poised for a modest degree of prosperity, said Dhawan.

After adding 22,500 jobs in the first six months of 2014, Dhawan said the Atlanta economy gained more momentum adding an additional 22,500 jobs in the third quarter alone.

However, wage growth still lags and is a concern for the region and the nation as a whole.

This lack of wage growth works against an expanding economy, he said.

Items people need to live on, they will buy.

“They will go out to eat, but they are not about to go out and buy a $10,000 coat,” he said. “Income growth is needed for that.”

The drop in the price of gasoline has not given spending a shot in the arm either.

“A lot of people talking about the oil prices going down will give a boost to spending,” he said. “We haven’t seen that in the data. It’s not there.”

Nevertheless, metro Atlanta has plenty to brag about.

• After consistently shedding jobs since the recession, construction jobs turned the corner in 2013, gaining 7,300 jobs. Another 5,300 new jobs are expected to be added this year, Dhawan said.

• Professional and business services were also improved.

Since 2010, the sector has gained an average of 15,500 jobs each year, and the pace is expected to gain momentum. The Dhawan GSU Center estimates that by the end of the year, employment in the industry will rise by an annual 3.5 percent, resulting in 17,800 new positions. Firms in the sector are expected to expand payrolls by 4.7 percent in 2016, translating into another 20,700 jobs.

• The information and financial activities sector is expected to recoup all the jobs lost during the recession this year, while financial activities employment is likely to remain slightly below pre-recession levels.

Combined, the two sectors are expected to add 6,300 new jobs this year.

• Trade, transportation and utilities payrolls increased by 8,800 positions through September of 2014.

By the end of the year, employers are expected to add 11,400 traderelated jobs, another 6,000 in 2015 and 7,000 in 2016. Dhawan said he expects an annual growth rate of 2.3 percent, or 3,400 jobs, in transportation, with similar growth next year.

• Education and health care were two sectors lagging behind overall Atlanta area figures, with fewer than 100 jobs created this year. However, payrolls in hospitality gained 4,800 new jobs through September. Dhawan said he expects education and

2008 6.2

2009 9.7

2010 10.1

2011 9.8

2012 8.8

2013 7.9

2014 7.1

2015 6.3

2016 5.6

Source: GSU Economic Forecasting Center

health care to increase their share of jobs gains, adding close to 5,000 positions in 2015.

Dhawan spent much of his time dispelling myths about the economy that flood the daily newscasts.

“Do not, do not, do not look at the unemployment rate as an indicator of the health of the economy,” he said.

While the overall unemployment rate in Georgia rose slightly in the third quarter, Dhawan attributed the numbers to a flawed system of tracking vital economic statistics.

Georgia is doing better than the nation. The nation’s job growth is at 1.8 to 1.9 percent over last year. Georgia is at 2.1 percent.

“I never, ever put weight on the unemployment rate as a measure of looking at the health of the economy,” Dhawan said.

The unemployment rate nationally is going down. The rate in Georgia has been on the rise since April, with a slight downturn in September.

He said states that have a higher proportion of manufacturing have the highest rise in this unemployment rate.

South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina all showed slight jumps in unemployment from April through September, but Florida, with a low manufacturing economy, had a flat rate.

“Remember, your job numbers come from a different survey than the unemployment statistics,” he said.

Job numbers come from a survey called the Non-Farm Payroll Survey, but unemployment figures come from

another source called the Household Survey, where people are asked over the phone.

“And they don’t call your cellphone but your landline.” Dhawan said.

What happens, he said, is there are eight panels. Every month for four months, people on the first panel will be interviewed. Then, they are not questioned for another eight months before they are contacted again.

“What happens is that in the early part of the sample, your unemployment rate looks a little bit higher because everybody’s responding, and then they drop out, and it looks a little bit less,” he said.

The same survey is used for job creation. The Household Survey shows Georgia lost 52,000 jobs in the past five months.

“That’s a bona fide recession if you go by that number,” Dhawan said. “But the Non-Farm Survey says we have gained 43,400 jobs in that same time.”

Dhawan says a more accurate measure of the economy is in tax collections. Georgia tax collections have increased every year since 2010. This year, they’re up 5.2 percent over last year, and they’re anticipated to grow another 5 percent next year.

“The only method that never gets revised is the tax collections at the state level,” Dhawan said. “And we have seen that in good times, job growth is correlated with the high-tax growth, and in bad times, it’s the reverse. You can’t be having job losses with positive tax bills.”

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com

NewBusinessSpotlights

Roswell’s Good Friend Mortgage celebrates 10 years Business: Good Friend Mortgage Opened: 2004 Owner: Deborah Lee Switts What: Good Friend Mortgage is a mortgage consulting and financing firm celebrating 10 years in business. We built a business that gives back to my community.

As a resident of Roswell with over 15 years in the real estate industry, I’ve seen how a community becomes stronger, more vibrant and economically sound when its residents are committed to long-term growth and development.

Homeowners are invested in the well-being of their local communities.

Good Friend Mortgage has been dedi-

cated to helping our Georgia neighbors achieve their lifestyle goals through affordable real estate financing by offering a variety of loan types including conventional, FHA, VA, reverse, rural and construction loans.

It has provided significant income savings, which infused much-needed capital into our local economy and community, helping in the recovery we all benefit from.

Where: 1500 Abbey Court, Alpharetta Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call for weekend appointments.

Call: 678-762-0127 Web: www.goodfriendmortgage.biz

Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 17

Makeover charity brings ‘sunshine’ to sick children Business: Sunshine on a Ranney Day Opened: November 2014 Owner: Holly Ranney and Peter Ranney What: Sunshine on a Ranney Day is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that creates dream room and home makeovers for children with long-term illness and tragic accidents. Sunshine on a Ranney Day has quickly become a leading children’s charity in Atlanta with expertise in resi-

dential ADA modifications, therapy rooms and unique children’s room design. Our hope is that each family who receives a makeover has a renewed sense of hope knowing their child has a fun and safe environment to live in. We don’t just make rooms, we make room for hope!

Where: 42-C Oak St., Roswell Hours: Appointments preferred Call: 770-990-2434 Web: www.sunshineonaranneyday.com

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A direct approach is best when you have strong relationships, limited competition and a unique product or service.

If a potential customer needs what you have, has a strong relationship with you and not with your competitors, you’re pretty much in the driver’s seat to win their business.

Conversely, if your relationship with the customer is no better than your competitors and you are both offering something

similar, you need to change the buying criteria to reflect other factors of the decision-making process. Out-flanking your competitor will help you to win in these scenarios.

And finally, if you just want a “foot in the door” to establish your potential as a long-term product or service provider, going after just a “piece of the business” may be the best choice. Selecting the best sales strategy for each opportunity will increase the odds that you will win.

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18 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald

BusinessBriefs

DEBUTS »

WORKPLACE »

Halyard Health spins off from Kimberly-Clark

First Data earns perfect mark in workplace equality survey

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Halyard Health. a company with $1.7 billion in sales, has completed its spinoff from Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Halyard shares (HYH) now trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Halyard Heath is a global medical technology company focused on preventing infection, eliminating pain and speeding recovery.

Halyard issued one share of common stock for every eight shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock held as of the close of business Oct. 23, the record date for the distribution.

The new company reported 2013 net sales of $1.7 billion across its surgical and infection prevention products and medical devices business. Halyard has 16,500 employees and markets products in more than 100 countries worldwide.

INVESTMENT »

Newell Rubbermaid expands share repurchase program SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. – The board of directors of Newell Rubbermaid has approved an extension and expansion to the company’s ongoing share repurchase program.

The updated plan authorizes Newell Rubbermaid to repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares through the end of 2017. This $500 million is in addition to the $37 million remaining to be repurchased under its previous $300 million share repurchase program authorized earlier this year.

“We’re very pleased with the board’s decision to approve the expansion of our existing stock repurchase program, as a demonstration of its ongoing confidence in the company’s growth game plan and long-term growth outlook,” said Michael Polk, president and chief executive officer of Newell Rubbermaid.

Under the program, the company’s common shares may be purchased through a combination of a 10b5-1 automatic trading plan and discretionary purchases on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

BUSINESS COMPUTER PROBLEMS? “Carmichael manages our IT. I have never worked with a more client-centric business before – ever. They return calls fast.

They listen exceedingly well. They know what they are doing. They are honest, professional, and local. They are partners with Appen Newspapers / Appen Media Group in the truest sense of the word.”

– Ray Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group Appen Newspapers

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. – First Data has received a perfect score on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index.

The Index is a national benchmarking survey on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

“We are proud to be designated as a best place to work for LGBT equality by achieving a perfect score on the 2015 CEI, a significant increase from our score last year,” said Cindy Armine-Klein, chief control officer at First Data.In achieving the perfect score, the company took a number of actions, including extending benefits coverage to domestic partners’ children, adding supplemental life insurance for domestic partners and providing unique medical coverage for transgendered individuals.

PEOPLE »

Allconnect names consultant as new chief executive officer SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. – Allconnect has named Sam Howe as its new CEO. Howe, a corporate consultant specializing in business transformation, enhancing consumer experience and product innovation, replaces Mark Miller, who headed Allconnect for 10 years.

Miller will remain with the company during the transition.

HOWE Prior to his work as a consultant, Howe served as chief marketing officer at Time Warner Cable for six years. He has also held positions with Cox Communications and Turner Broadcasting. Howe said he intends to continue leading the company to make investments in technology, product development and people to maximize growth. Founded in 1998, Allconnect has offices in Atlanta; Houston, Texas; Lexington, Kentucky; and St. George, Utah.

Financial adviser receives Series 24 designation CUMMING, Ga. – Robin Toms Grier, founder and president of the independent financial advisory firm Wealth and Retirement Partners, has earned the General Securities Principals License.

Known within the securities industry as the “Series 24,” the designation is administered by the U.S. Financial Industry RegulaGrier tory Authority. With 15 years of financial-advisory experience, Grier, a registered financial consultant, built her career largely serving individuals with comprehensive retirement planning and insurance coverage.

The General Securities Principals License qualifies registered individuals to supervise or manage branch activities, such as corporate securities, real estate investment trusts, variable contracts and venture capital and approve communications regarding municipal securities.

REAL ESTATE » Call today for your free IT assesment.

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Providence Group launches Bellmoore Park website JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Providence Group has

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com launched a community website for its 600-home Bellmoore Park development in Johns Creek.

“Due to the size and anticipation of Bellmoore Park, we felt it necessary to build a community website that serves as a central online location for interested buyers to learn more about the home designs and lifestyle available at the Johns Creek community,” said Warren Jolly, president of The Providence Group of Georgia LLC. “Additionally, the website features an interactive site plan that will allow buyers to view home designs and available homes on specific home sites.”

Visitors can learn more about new home designs available in the Artisan, Carriage, Heritage and Vintage collection. Priced from the $400,000s to the $1 million. Visitors can also tour the interactive site plan that shows which collection will be built on which home site using a color coding system.

Pincheon joins Move Team as Realtor associate, agent JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Mitch Falkin, managing member of Move Team Real Estate LLC, a top producing residential real estate team at RE/MAX Prestige in North Fulton, announced Christy Pincheon has joined the staff as a Realtor associate and buyer’s agent.

Pincheon will work in the Old Alabama Road office where she Pincheon will focus on helping buyers in the north metro suburban Atlanta market.

Pincheon is a board member of National Charity League Inc., and received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in education from Fordham University.

Before joining Move Team Real Estate LLC, she was a sales associate at Keller Williams Realty in Alpharetta.

DATA MANAGEMENT »

Firm adds Ebix system to streamline services ATLANTA – Security Life Insurance Company of America, a leader in the ancillary benefits market, has successfully begun use of the EbixEnterprise Health Exchange and insurance administration solution.

EbixEnterprise is an on-demand insurance exchange service from Johns Creek-based Ebix, a leading international supplier of software and e-commerce services to the insurance, financial and health care industries.

The system allows Security Life to quickly deliver an integrated solution that facilitates the entire electronic sales process.

UNC Health Care renews contract with MedAssets ALPHARETTA, Ga. – MedAssets has announced that UNC Health Care, a not-for-profit health system based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has renewed its agreement with the company to build upon its long-standing relationship to drive down costs and optimize clinical, operational and financial performance.

Plans call for UNC Health Care to continue to use MedAssets Advisory Solutions, which combine best-in-class operational and clinical data with consulting expertise for margin improvement MedAssets offers guidance in strategic sourcing, clinical resource management, procure-to-pay solutions, as well as cost and operational analytics to help optimize cost management and maintain a defensible pricing strategy.

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ERICA O’NEAL

Calendar Editor erica@northfulton.com

Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com.

For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.

EVENTS:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A classic holiday play hosted by Bulloch Hall in the Osage Terrace Room, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell.

Friday, Dec. 12 through Tuesday, Dec. 23. Showtimes are 3 p.m. matinee, 8 p.m. evening. Tickets are $15. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit bullochhall.org for more info.

SL’HAY RIDE

What: A hayride around the East Roswell Park with cookie decorating and hot chocolate Where: East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell When: Friday, Dec. 12 Hours: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $12 for Roswell residents, $18 for non-residents Online: visitroswellga.com

BLUE CHRISTMAS

A holiday concert presented by the Atlanta Wind Symphony at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell.

Tuesday, Dec. 16. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit atlantawindsymphony. org for more info.

CANDY CANE HUNT

What: A treasure hunt for candy canes by the East Roswell Recreation Center Where: East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell When: Saturday, Dec. 13 Hours: 5:30-7 p.m.

Cost: $12 for residents, $18 for nonresidents Online: roswellgov.com Info: Pizza dinner will be provided.

Bring a flashlight and something to carry collected candy canes in.

Parents and children must register prior to the event.

MOVIE NIGHT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR KENYA

What: Need a break from “Frozen?”

Sonlight for Kenya is a Lambert High School club that’s hosting its fifth annual movie night featuring “Home Alone” When: Dec. 12 at 7 p.m Where: Lambert High School auditorium, 805 Nichols Road Cost: $5 at the door, all proceeds will fund relief projects in Ngaamba, Kenya

A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CONCERT

A concert presented by the Roswell United Methodist Church and conducted by Michael O’Neal. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. Friday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 14. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are free. Visit rumc.com for more info.

HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT

What: An afternoon of Holiday swing and jazz by the Reflections band Where: Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell When: Sunday, Dec. 14 Hours: 1-2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free Online: visitroswellga.com Info: No reservations needed.

THEATER:

What: A Christmas concert hosted by the Dunwoody United Methodist Church Where: Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody When: Sunday, Dec. 14 Hours: 4-5 p.m.

Cost: Free Online: dunwoodyumc.org Info: The concert features the Chancel Choir and a guest orchestra.

RACES & BENEFITS:

THE MESSIAH CONCERT

What: Christ the King Lutheran Church hosts the Gwinnett Symphony Chorus and Orchestra’s performance of The Messiah.

Where: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners When: Saturday, Dec. 13 Hours: Performance begins at 8 p.m.

Cost: Free Online: ctklutheran.org Info: Music director and conductor,

Hours: Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and race begins at 8 a.m.

Cost: Pre-registration is $25, race day registration is $30 Online: rungeorgia.com/ santasleigh5k.html

“A NEW JOY” CHRISTMAS CONCERT

MUSIC:

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Visit live reindeer while making crafts, and meeting Santa Turtle at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

Sunday, Dec. 14. 1-4 p.m. $10 for adults, $6 for children, $7 for seniors 65+ and students 13-18 Visit chattnaturecenter.org for more info.

Rick Smith will be leading the performance.

TOPGOLF UGLY SWEATER PARTY

What: Topgolf’s Ugly Sweater holiday party with a best costume contest Where: Topgolf, 10900 Westside Pkwy., Alpharetta When: Saturday, Dec. 13 Hours: 9 p.m. to close Cost: Free?

Online: topgolf.com/us/alpharetta Info: $100 in Topgolf gameplay awarded to the ‘All Around Ugliest,’ ‘Most Festive’ and ‘Best Duo costume.

REINDEER DAY

SANTA’S SLEIGH 5K

What: A 5k race to show support for the Enduring Hearts Organization Where: Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Rope Mill Rd., Woodstock When: Saturday, Dec. 13

ANNIE

What: A play production of Annie, presented by the Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Atlanta Where: The Milton Center, 86 School Dr., Alpharetta When: Thursday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 14 Hours: Evening showtimes are 7 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, and matinee showings are Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $8 to $15 Online: cytatlanta.com Info: CYT Atlanta will be collecting items on behalf of the Atlanta Humane Society.

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Milton Herald | December 10, 2014

Bianco Primary Care As medical students, husband and wife Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco saw a problem emerging in healthcare. Time after time they heard their physician preceptors tell patients that there was only time to discuss one health concern during appointments. With costs growing and reimbursements from insurance and Medicare shrinking, doctors are being forced to see more patients each day. The practice of medicine has become quantity focused rather than quality focused. Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco want to change this.

Bianco Primary Care is a new type of general practice that gives doctors and patients more time together. This time allows patients the ability to talk with their doctor about health concerns without feeling rushed. They are able to take the time to listen, to develop a personal relationship with their patients and to offer more than just an additional prescription. This caliber of care is delivered within the concierge or subscription model of primary care.

In this type of medical practice, patients pay an annual fee that guarantees them more time with their physician. This fee, about the cost of a daily Starbucks coffee, allows the physician to have a smaller patient pool for their practice, giving them the ability to see fewer patients in the day and spend more time with those patients. Joining a concierge medical practice restores the strong doctor-patient relationship that many of us can still remember.

Becoming a patient of Bianco Primary Care means same day or next day appointments that start on-time, having access to your doctor by phone or email 24/7, and developing a personal relationship with your doctor. Additionally, Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco offer nutrition counseling, coordination with specialists and house-calls. Bianco Primary Care is accepting new patients, call for a 30 day no cost trial with Bianco Primary Care.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

December 10, 2014 23

FAQ – Bladeless cataract surgery What is a cataract and what is cataract surgery?

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and today cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. At some point in our life, we will all develop a cataract.

The natural lens of the eye yellows and becomes cloudy with age as a result of biological changes of the proteins inside the lens. The function of the human lens is to focus incoming light onto the back of the eye. As your lens ages, light from the outside worlds

becomes more and more distorted as it enters your eye.

Difficulty reading, needing more light to read, experiencing glare and haloes at night and, even poor sleep patterns can be explained by cataract formation.

The treatment for cataracts involves an almost painless, 10 minute surgery to remove the “clouded lens” or “cataract” and replace it with a man made intraocular lens implant. It is the most common surgical procedure in the US and around the world and is considered to be an extremely

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Don’t Let Cataracts Hold You Back.

Milan Eye Center is excited to announce that we have been chosen to be the first practice in the United States to use the Ziemer Z6 Laser for bladeless laser cataract surgery.

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successful and safe procedure with a success rate approaching 99.5%.

What is laser cataract surgery?

With traditional cataract surgery, all the steps of the surgery are customarily performed “manually” by the surgeon using handheld tools. Laser cataract surgerythe next evolution of cataract surgery with the Ziemer Z6 laser generally offers a greater amount of precision, predictability and safety to these steps leading to potentially improve visual outcomes and more precise targets. With the Ziemer Z6 Laser System, your surgeon has the potential to offer you unmatched accuracy and a more predictable and customized cataract procedure.

Based on your medical history and pre-operative evaluation, you and your surgeon will discuss the options available for your desired visual result.

Together you can discuss a treatment plan which may include using the LDV Z6 to create the laser incisions in the cornea along with an advanced lens implant that may allow for improved near, intermediate or distance vision. This tailored treatment may reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?

In traditional cataract surgery, incisions in the cornea are made using handheld instruments including blades to access the cataract. Your surgeon will then use a surgical device to manually create a circular opening in the lens capsule of the eye that holds the cataract. The Ziemer Z6 laser can be used to make the corneal incisions precise and the opening in the lens capsule as circular as possible, in the right location, and sized to fit the replacement lens.

Your surgeon can also use the laser to break up and soften the hard cataract. Softening the lens with the laser enables your surgeon to then remove the cataract more gently and with significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery.

What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery?

• A highly customized treatment • A treatment with little or no discomfort • A potentially more precise and predictable treatment • By and large, a gentler and easier cataract removal • Generally, a more rapid

visual recovery due to reduced inflammation • The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multifocal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery Am I a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery?

Your surgeon and you will decide whether you are a suitable candidate based on your eye anatomy, type of cataract and type of lens implant that you desire. Most patients are candidates for having some of the steps of cataract surgery performed with the Ziemer Z6 laser.

How long has the procedure been performed?

Thousands of cataract procedures have been successfully performed using femtosecond laser systems, and femtosecond lasers have been used in eye procedures for decades.

The most familiar use of femtosecond laser technology is LASIK. Femtosecond lasers represent an advanced standard in precision laser cataract surgery and the Ziemer Z6 platform was FDA cleared in 2013.

What should I expect on the day of surgery?

Your day in surgery should be no different than a routine cataract case. The Ziemer Z6 laser is positioned next to the surgeon and is utilized seamlessly during the cataract surgery process. You will be given mild IV sedation that will likely keep you pleasantly unaware of the goings on in surgery. Not only is it potentially painless, there are no needles or stitches as part of the procedure.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you can generally expect your vision to be improved within 24 hours.

Generally, patients experience no pain after surgery.

Slight scratchiness of the eye is common and they prescribed eye drops will help with any of these symptoms. Many patients return to work or normal activities the next day and even drive themselves to their post-op day one appointment!

How long does the procedure take?

You can expect to be at our center for about 2 hours, and you will be in the procedure room for only 20-25 minutes.

Please call 678-688-4575 or visit our website at milaneyecenter.com for more information on how to schedule your Cataract evaluation at Milan Eye Center where compassion meets excellence in eye care.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

December 10, 2014 25

When red and green make you blue Tools to minimize depression and stress this holiday season

By Nikeisha Whatley, LPC, Manager of Behavioral Health Services, Northside Hospital Christmas cards. Tension.

Gifts. Frustration. Shopping.

Disappointment. Families.

Parties. Sadness. Travel.

Tiredness. Ho, Ho, Ho… Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, again!

The holiday season is a time of joy for many people.

However, the 30 days from Thanksgiving to Christmas also can be a winding road of self-evaluation, loneliness, overindulgence, extra financial burdens and anxiety. Coupled with demands of the holidays, these worries can lead to greater holiday stress or severe depression, otherwise known as seasonal depression or “the holiday blues.”

Although these thoughts,

feelings and responses may be unsettling, it is important to recognize them as part of being human. It’s also important to know there are steps to cope with the added stress and stay healthy and content.

Structure your time (social media, too). Keep your life as normal as possible. Holidays mean more chores – from shopping to cleaning and cooking. Delegate among family members who is going to do what. Try to do things ahead of time and don’t overbook yourself. People only show you what they want online. Don’t

waste time on Facebook and Twitter, comparing your life to others’ as they appear. Everything that glitters isn’t gold.

Learn to say “No.” The holidays bring extra demands on your time. Saying no to some things may lessen stress.

It doesn’t make you rude if you say it nicely. Protect your time and use it wisely to make funfilled memories.

Set goals. Step back and think about what is important to you, whether it’s time with your family or making a special holiday treat. Use those goals to guide you through the holidays like a compass. Don’t

overspend; set a budget and stick to it.

Be flexible. Expect change and choose humor over harm.

Cars break down, traffic is bad, some people just don’t give good gifts (ever), people get sick and stores run out of the “must-have” toy. Remember the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Replenish yourself. Taking care of yourself during a

See BLUE, Page 27

Dermatology and Family Medicine Family M F Medicine Geriatrics Diagnosis & Treatment Of Adult ADHD

In an emergency, experience matters Emergencies happen. And when they do, rest assured that you’ll get the best care close to home. Northside’s board-certified emergency medicine physicians and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified nurses are just right up the road. We hope we don’t have to see you, but if we do, you’ll be in the best possible hands.

Visit us online at www.northside.com.

Dr. Zack Charkawi

Johns Creek Family Medicine for the Extra Level of Care

• Comprehensive medical care for the entire family for pediatric adult and geriatric patients • Caring, thorough, and individualized philosophy • Well trained warm and efficient staff • Accepting new patients and sick walk in • Office welcomes most insurances including Medicare

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6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.771.6591 www.johnscreekdermatology.com

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Tonsils.. Liability or Asset?

By Bryant T. Conger, M.D. The tonsils and adenoids are the body’s first line of defense as part of the immune system. They sample bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth and nose, but they sometimes become infected and at times, DR. Conger they become more of a liability than an asset.

The two most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections of the nose and throat and significant enlargement that causes nasal obstruction and/or breathing, swallowing, and sleep problems. Chronic tonsillitis and infections within the tonsils that produce foulsmelling white deposits can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen. Cancers of the tonsil require early diagnosis and aggressive treatment.

You should see your doctor when you or your child experiences the common symptoms of infected or enlarged tonsils or adenoids, including: • Swelling of the tonsils • A white or yellow coating on the tonsils • Sore throat, sometimes accompanied by ear pain.

• Uncomfortable or painful swallowing • Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck

Don’t Miss a Beat

Take control of your hearing and your life Hearing loss and balance disorders are not just age-related. Other medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infection, and primary disorders of the ear can be the cause. If left untreated, people with hearing loss are up to five times more likely to suffer from dementia. Studies have shown that hearing amplification can drastically improve patients’ quality of life.

• Fever • Bad breath Signs of adenoid and tonsil enlargement are: • Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time • Nose sounds “blocked” when the person speaks • Chronic runny nose • Recurrent ear infections • Snoring at night • Restlessness during sleep or pauses in breathing during sleep At North Fulton Ear, Nose & Throat, our physicians are well-equipped to handle all forms of tonsil and adenoid disease. Call (770) 343-8675 for an appointment today.

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ADHD – not just in children anymore Adult ADHD is associated with multiple comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other personality disorders. Adult ADHD is a valid psychiatric disorder of adulthood distinct from these other conditions.

Adult attention deficit disorder differs from the childhood variant because the hyperactivity in adults may be replaced by other symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and inattentiveness. In fact, prior to 2002 there were no diagnostic guidelines, but there have been great advances since. Some of the symptoms that characterize Adult ADHD are:

ADHD is a relatively common psychiatric disorder among adults. The prevalence is thought to be 3.5%-5.3%, which accounts for more than 11 million cases in the United States alone. With increased public awareness, adult ADHD became a topic of great interest so clinicians should be able to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with this disorder.

Etiology is still uncertain. Genetics however is believed to play a prominent role, followed in importance by acquired injuries to the brain.

ADHD was widely thought to be strictly a disorder of childhood. Now there are numerous scientific papers and clinical trials that acknowledge the existence of an adult version of this disorder, which can be traced back to the younger years.

Before this time ADHD in adults was known as Minimal Brain Damage or Dysfunction (MBD).

1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school-work, work or other activities.

2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoke to directly.

4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand directions) 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (eg.

School assignments, pencils, keys) 7. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

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8. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, keep a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, failed relationships and traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to complete several tasks as once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

Treatment is very rewarding. The first medications to be approved by the FDA belonged to a non-stimulant group of medications: Atomoxetine. The FDA later approved stimulants such as methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts. Group delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended in some cases as a supportive treatment.

If you or someone you know may have Adult ADHD, call Johns Creek Family Medicine at 770-771-6591 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zack Charkawi.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

December 10, 2014 27

Simple Steps To Keep Kids Healthy During Cold And Flu Season (NAPSI)—Each year, cold and flu season strikes just as families are preparing to get together and celebrate the holidays. During these joyous times, stuffy noses, body aches and headaches are the last thing any child wants to experience.

Prevention is key to keeping fever and flu symptoms at bay for everyone in the family—especially children under 6 years old, who routinely experience six to eight colds per year. Keep these simple steps in mind to help prevent coughs and colds in your family: Soap is your best friend: Make sure your children regularly wash their hands. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Drink plenty of liquids: Replenish your family’s bodies with plenty of water and electrolytes to flush out toxins.

Cough courteously: Remind your family to always cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze to prevent the spreading of germs.

Get plenty of rest: A good night’s sleep, and the occasional nap, is a big help in keeping the body fully rested and healthy.

Be proactive: Use disinfectant wipes and solutions to remove germs from common areas and items such as phones, computers and toys.

However, when your little one does get sick, PediaCare® recognizes that it is often a struggle to get kids to take medicine.

The No. 1 reason most kids don’t like taking their medicine is the taste.

Children’s taste buds are noted for having higher sensitivity to often bittertasting medicines.

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Dr. David L. Hill, a father and pediatrician, has partnered with Pedia-

Blue: Continued from Page 25 stressful holiday season is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those around you. Eat healthy, avoid too much alcohol, try to get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Gift yourself with downtime so that you’re rested and able to enjoy simple holiday pleasures. Allow yourself to be distracted. Take in the scenery and enjoy the holiday festivities (lights, decorations, music, movies). This will help ease tension and feelings of helplessness.

Go look at Christmas lights, decorate your home/office, volunteer to help others, read stories to your children.

Alpha Family Medicine Children may be more inclined to take their medicine if they don’t mind the taste.

Care® to raise awareness of the need for children’s medicine that is both effective and flavorful. To see a video of Dr. Hill discussing kids’ sense of taste, visit the official PediaCare® YouTube page: youtube.com/PEDIACARE. “Kids are often fearful of taking medicine because of the taste,” says Hill. “PediaCare® Smooth Melts™ are great-tasting and effective, so there will be less resistance to getting a child to take the medicine he or she needs to receive relief.”

PediaCare® Smooth Melts™ are simple for children to take and caregivers can easily determine the proper dosage of the pre-scored tablets by reviewing the dosing chart on the package.

PediaCare® Smooth Melts™ are available at Rite Aid and on Amazon. com.

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Take part in unstructured spontaneous events.Spend time with supportive and caring people. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you and who enjoy doing the things you do.

Family togetherness is important during the holiday season, but sometimes friends are closer and healthier than family. Balance your time with both.

Choose to create new memories for yourself this holiday season by being the best you that you know how to be.

Seek help. Northside Hospital would like to wish you a happy, stress free, holiday season. If you begin to feel the holiday blues setting in, seek help from a trained professional and learn about constructive ways you can cope. For more information, call 404851-8960 or visit northside.com.

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Care is provided by Shyla Reddy, MD, and her medical team. Dr. Reddy has more than 15 years of primary care experience. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. She completed Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology fellowship from Emory University.

Our goal is to establish an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focusing on integrated care. We advocate for our patients in a complex health care system.

We provide a range of medical care services in a person centered medical home. We also provide health-risk assessments, screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a

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We manage chronic illness, often coordinating care provided by other subspecialists. From heart disease, stroke and hypertension, to diabetes, cancer, and asthma, we provide ongoing, personal care.

We specialize in helping older adults live healthy, productive lives. Whether you or a loved one is elderly and dealing with complex health care needs, dementia, frailty, falls, or simply having trouble with a new transition of life, you can turn to our Geriatrics team to provide you with the help you need.

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28 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

Fellowship Christian athlete wins cross country state championship

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ROSWELL, Ga. – Fellowship Christian School junior Emma Grace Hurley captured the Georgia High School Association’s cross country state championship Nov. 8 in single A private school competition. Winning by more than 23 seconds, Hurley defeated over 150 runners representing 34 schools to claim the championship.

The state championship culminated an undefeated season for Hurley, who had won her nine previous races this season.

“She [Hurley] really puts in the hard work necessary to be a top-flight runner. She is a motivated runner who is drawn to competition,” said co-head coach Tom Harrison.

Hurley’s state championship was the first for any Fellowship Christian athlete in any individual or team sport. The state championship meet was held at Carrollton High School.

—Jonathan Copsey

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AYFA Nittany Lions wins championship game ALPHARETTA, Ga. – On Nov. 15 at North Park, the Alpharetta Youth Football Association (AYFA) third grade tackle championship game was won by the third grade Nittany Lions, by a score of 37 – 20.

The Lions are, front row: Jack Drescher, Aman Mauze, Christian Mild, Henry Butler,

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 29

COLQUITT COUNTY 42, MILTON 35 »

Eagles fall just short against top-ranked Packers Fourth quarter comeback erases 13-point deficit

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com MOULTRIE, Ga. – The Milton Eagles gave the state’s top-ranked team all it could handle in the quarterfinals of the Class AAAAAA playoffs last Friday night, losing 42-35 to unbeaten Colquitt County. The Packers scored the winning touchdown with just over 2:30 to play.

The Eagles threatened to tie the game in the final minute, but were stopped on downs after reaching the Colquitt 20.

“I wanted our last game to be our best game, and it was,” Milton coach Howie DeCristofaro said. “We went toe-to-toe with the best team in the state – they are by far the best team we played –and had a chance to win it at the end.”

The Eagles never led, trailing 28-13 going to the fourth quarter. But Milton scored twice in less than a minute early in the fourth period to tie the game.

The two teams swapped touchdowns before the Packers (13-0) scored the game winner following their fourth scoring drive between 60 and 70 yards.

Milton (11-2) held the explosive Colquitt offense to 375 yards total offense and forced three turnovers, scoring on an interception return early in the fourth quarter. But the Eagles got only three points from the other interception and nothing off a fumble recovery in Colquitt territory.

The Eagles scored the most points of any Colquitt opponent this season, even though they did not take full advantage of all their scoring opportunities. Ethan Suda, who kicked field goals of 36 and 41 yards in the second quarter, missed from 36 yards on the

last play of the first half, and the Eagles were stopped on fourth down in Colquitt territory in the third quarter after recovering a fumble.

DeCristofaro lamented the missed opportunities, and wasn’t entirely certain that Suda’s missed field goal actually missed.

“From a coaching standpoint, there’s some disappointment because we had a chance to win,” he said. “But we’re going to look back on the game with pride. I’m so happy for the kids. They gave it everything they had.”

Colquitt scored one minute into the game, returning the opening kickoff to midfield and taking the lead on a 33-yard run by quarterback Chase Parrish.

It took the Eagles just over a minute to pull even. Chris Franklin returned the kickoff 51 yards to the Colquitt 45, and Austin McLeod connected with Obe Fortune for 35 yards and the score three plays later.

A 23-yard pass by Parrish capped a 63-yard Colquitt drive. The Colquitt quarterback completed 16 of 21 passes for 230 yards and three TDs. The Eagles drove 61 yards on 16 plays, but had to settle for a 36-yard field goal after a quarterback sack. McLeod ran three times for 30 yards on the drive, and Milton converted the first of four fourth-down attempts to extend the drive.

Lucas Nedza intercepted a Parrish pass and returned it 10 yards to the Colquitt 42, but the Eagles’ only first down came on a penalty against the Packers. Suda’s 41-yard field goal pulled the Eagles within 14-13 midway through the second quarter.

A 51-yard pass from Parrish to Marquan Greene made it 21-13, with Greene finishing with seven catches for 131 yards.

The Eagles had a scoring opportunity late in the half after forcing Colquitt to punt

for the first time. McLeod completed a 35-yard pass to Jake English, and Chris Turner ran for 20 yards to quickly move Milton to the Colquitt 20.

Micco Brisker, who carried 29 times for 72 yards, picked up his second fourth down conversion at the 10, but McLeod was sacked and Suda missed from 36 yards as the half ended.

The Eagles struggled offensively in the third quarter, but the Milton defense kept it close after the Packers took a 28-13 lead. A 70-yard drive was keyed by the running of standout tailback Sihiem King, who carried the ball eight straight times for 58 yards and also drew a face mask penalty.

King finished with 120 yards on 30 carries.

King fumbled on Colquitt’s next possession and Quarte Sapp recovered at the Milton 46, but the Eagles failed on fourth-and-4 from the Packers’ 33. The Milton defense responded with its best series of the game.

The Eagles forced a fumble that the Packers recovered, sacking Parrish on third down and tackling the Colquitt punter for a 15-yard loss to give the ball to the offense on the Packers’ 14.

McLeod gained 9 yards on third down and Brisker came through again, picking up 3 yards on fourth-and-1 from the 5. He scored on third down from the 1 and added the two-point conversion to cut Milton’s deficit to 28-21 less than a minute into the fourth quarter.

The Eagles tied the game 40 seconds later when defensive lineman Isaiah Hawkins deflected and intercepted an attempted screen pass and returned it 12 yards for a touchdown.

The Packers regained the lead on a 10-yard pass from Parrish after a 69-yard drive, but the Eagles came right back. McLeod hit Fortune

CONNIE SOUTHWELL/Moultrie Observer

Milton defenders try to corral the Packer’s elusive Marquan Greene (1).

for 16 yards on the first play after the kickoff, and the two teamed up for a game-tying 57-yard scoring strike, with Fortune breaking open down the middle of the field.

Colquitt converted two key third downs on the winning drive. The first was on a 39yard reception by Greene and the second was on an interference call against the Eagles.

King scored on a 9-yard run with 2:37 to play.

Starting from their 23, the Eagles drove to the Colquitt 20. McLeod hit Fortune, who had six receptions for 140 yards, for gains of 15 and 10 yards. The latter was on fourth-and-7. McLeod ran for a first down and Fortune drew an interference call to get the Eagles to the Packers’ 22.

DeCristofaro said Fortune made “some fantastic plays.”

He just missed catching a pass in the end zone that could have been a game-winner, but stumbled a bit after being bumped by a Colquitt defender. DeCris-

tofaro said he would have gone for two points and the win had Milton scored later.

But the third Colquitt sack put the Eagles in a fourthand-13 situation, and this time, they were unable to convert.

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30 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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AHS senior Devontae Cacock signs a letter of intent to play at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

AHS basketball player to play for UNC-Wilmington

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta High School senior Devontae Cacock signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Cacock, a 6-foot-6 power forward, averaged 21 points and 12

rebounds per game in 2013, earning him runner up for Player of the Year in region 6-AAAAAA. He was also selected to play in the North vs.

South Georgia All-Star game.

UNCW plays in the Colonial Athletics Association.

The winning team is composed of, back row, Coach Asmir Kokorovic, Coco Carleton, Naomi Moleka, Emma Armstrong, Tori Dellaperuta, Lily Johnson and Kate Liebel; the front row is Ella Zimmerman, Maddie Baker, Dani Mullins, Ella Ciardullo and Taylor Robinson.

United Futbol Academy’s U11 Premier Girls win ORLANDO, Fla. —At the Disney Junior Soccer Showcase Nov. 27-29, the United Futbol Academy’s U11 Premier girls’ team won the national tournament in Orlando.

The three-day event featured teams from

Specializing in the Detection and Treatment of Pediatric Digestive Disorders

Please join us in welcoming

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to our Pediatric and Adolescent Division • Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition, 2009-2014 • Fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Emory University School of Medicine • Residency, Emory University School of Medicine • MD, University of South Florida College of Medicine

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404.843.6320

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www.atlantagastro.com/pediatrics AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

around the country, and four teams from Georgia made it to the finals — Concorde Fire North, Concorde Fire Central, Top Hat Gold and United Futbol Academy.

—Kathleen Sturgeon

community

Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 31 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff

Teams of high school students and local kids help tend the trees at the farm and bale the trees for transport.

Tree: Continued from Page 1 for a use for the 25-acre property. The family had a debate over whether to open a horse farm or a Christmas tree farm.

“When I first moved here, I thought we would have a horse

farm,” said Hunter. “But I saw an article about Christmas tree farms. You don’t have to feed anything; they pretty much take care of themselves.”

Five acres of woods and brush were cleared and rows of trees were planted, staggered so a new batch is ready every five years.

“The first year we sold trees

was a fun experience,” Hunter said. “People came out here and were happy. I enjoy the Christmas spirit.”

The farm moves about 1,200 trees a year, with Leyland Cypress trees as well as Carolina Sapphires that can both be chopped down. Hunter’s farm imports Fraser firs from North Carolina for those

Saturdays are filled with events – from ornament crafting to pony rides and visits from Santa. And the hot chocolate is always available. who don’t feel like getting dirty.

While the farm is only open from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas, Hunter’s does brisk business.

Teams of Milton High School athletes help out as fundraising efforts. Santa frequently visits. “There is a special feeling than comes from the farm,” said Janine Hunter,

one of Gordon’s daughters who manages the farm. “It wouldn’t be Christmas without it. We love the Christmas season and connecting with people.”

Hunter’s Christmas Tree Farm is located at 14680 Wood Road in Milton. For more information, visit them online at www.hunterschristmastreefarm.com.

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32 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald

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Istanbul Cultural Center hosts international Thanksgiving Promotes greater Turkish-American understanding

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – North Fulton residents of many nationalities and faiths sat down Nov. 21 to share a Thanksgiving dinner at the Istanbul Cultural Center so that they could break bread together as they learned more about one another.

The event was sponsored by the Atlantic Institute, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to facilitate interfaith dialogue and bridge cultures around the world.

“Our organization is dedicated to education and interfaith dialogue,” said Kemal Korucu. “We will be sponsoring upcoming events in the community, including a mini-Turkish food fair.”

Among the recipes is one for ashure o ­ r “Noah’s pudding,” traditionally a dish made

by Noah to celebrate the landing of the Ark safely on Mount Ararat. Since the only food left on the Ark consisted primarily of grains and dried fruit, they were made into a pudding.

And indeed what a day of Thanksgiving that must have been.

The Rev. Loyd Allen also gave a talk on America’s Thanksgiving holiday and how it evolved from a community harvest feast in England to a religious holiday among the Puritans in New England. From thence, it became a political

Enjoying their turkey dinner are from left Elif Ebrusum, Beth and Ali Aykilinc and Ercun Cacan. holiday declared by a governor and later the president. Finally, it was President Franklin Roosevelt who declared it a national holiday.

“The meaning of Thanksgiving has evolved as immigrants to America added their own customs and traditions,” Allen said.

Thanksgiving should be a

day for all people to identify with one another in shared gratitude for the blessings each has received.

Turan Kilic, president of the Atlantic Institute, said the organization began under the auspices of the Istanbul Cul-

HATCHER HURD/Staff

tural Center but now is a fullfledged entity of its own with branches in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

The Rev. Loyd Allen gives a talk on the origins of America’s Thanksgiving holiday.

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Organizers of the event are, from left, Turan Kilic, Kemal Korucu, Loyd Allen and Gareth Young.

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 33

Religious Services

Experience

the true meaning of Christmas

at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Christmas Music Concerts – Sunday, Dec. 14 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Longest Night Service – Sunday, Dec. 21

For those with a heavy heart during the holidays.

Christmas Eve Services – Thursday, Dec. 25

3:30 p.m. Children’s Service (designed for younger children) 180 Academy Street 5 and 7 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols Alpharetta, GA 30009 (nursery provided) 770-751-0033 www.alpharettapres.com 11 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service

34 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald

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A young dancer’s dream come true Two Alpharetta girls to dance in Atlanta Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

By KATIE VANBRACKLE katie@northsidewoman.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – This year, Atlanta Ballet will raise the curtain at the Fox Theatre on its 55th production of “Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker,” and among the cast of more than 200 students that dance alongside the 23-member professional company will be two residents from Alpharetta.

Simone Harris, age 10 and a student at River Trail Middle School, will return for her third year, but in a new role. After dancing the role of “snow fairy” for the past two seasons, she will now get to experience what it’s like to be a “party child.”

Eleven-year-old Sophia Egolf, a student at Johns Creek’s Autrey Mill Middle School, will make her Atlanta Ballet debut this year, also as a “party child.” She joined Atlanta Ballet’s enrollment division this fall after training for seven years at Perimeter Ballet, where she performed in such productions as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Coppelia” and “Cinderella.”

Sophia, who has been dancing since the age of 4, has had stage experience, but nothing to compare to being on stage at the Fabulous Fox in Atlanta.

“I’m so excited!” said Sophia. “I’ve been there once before and it’s so beautiful and all of the dancers are so amazing. I can’t wait to dance at the Fox.” Sophia’s father drives her

Photo by Kim Kenney

Student dancers in this year’s “Nutcracker” include Simone Harris, third from left in top row, and Sophia Egolf, second from the left in bottom row. to Atlanta once a week for “Nutcracker” rehearsals in addition to her regular ballet classes three times per week.

For her, dancing is more than just a hobby. She takes it as seriously as she would a profession, and hopes to be dancing for as long as she can.

In their roles as party children, Simone and Sophia will step into the beautiful living room of the Petrov household in St. Petersburg, Russia, where a Christmas party is in full swing and Drosselmeyer, a mysterious toymaker, presents gifts to all the children, including a magical nutcracker doll for the Petrov’s young daughter, Marya.

Set in the elaborate Moorish décor of the historic Fox Theatre, this unique production takes 20 pounds of snow, eight tons of scenery, lighting and props and a 38-foot-tall Christmas tree to make the magic of Marya’s unbelievable story come to life.

Every year, Atlanta Ballet’s

Marya dances with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

artistic director John McFall adds a special touch to the production in an effort to keep it fresh and vibrant.

“For five decades now, Atlanta Ballet has been presenting ‘Nutcracker,’ and we’ve become a holiday tradition for many families in Atlanta,” said McFall. “It’s an honor, but also a great responsibility. Each year, we want to make sure we preserve the tradition, but also keep the magic and mystery alive. We are thoughtful about each change we make and confident that it will ultimately make for a more enchanting experience.”

Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the Fox Theatre Dec. 11 through Dec. 28 with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and the Georgia Youth Choir live for all 20 performances.

Tickets start as low as $20 and are available by phone at 855-ATL-TIXX, in person at the Fox Theatre Box Office and the Atlanta Ballet Box Office or online at www.atlantaballet.com.

Sophia Egolf of Johns Creek will make her “Nutcracker” debut this year.

Drosselmeyer with his dancing dolls.

Going Green

Making a difference in your local community Milton Herald | December 10, 2014

Green giving – Making sustainablechoices this holiday season There are many things I love about the holidays; spending time with family, homecooked feasts and the pretty holiday decorations that cheer up a dreary winter backdrop. What I don’t love about the holidays is the massive amounts of waste and excessive consumerism. The holidays have become more and more about shopping and gift giving and less about the truly important things. Depending on your spiritual beliefs, the holidays mean different things to different people. However, across the board, there is generally a meaning to this time.

There are traditions to be observed and ceremonies to be performed. Family and friends get together. We celebrate and give thanks for our blessings.

We share and give to others and help those less fortunate than us.

Wouldn’t it be great to combine all of these aspects of the holidays? Gift-giving, sharing and helping others. With this in mind, I’ve put together a list of sustainable gift ideas to help inspire you to think outside the box this year and give a gift that is thoughtful, memorable and also good for the planet.

• Give a CSA share – Local farms all over the country offer CSA programs (community sustained agriculture). By joining a CSA, you are supporting smaller farmers who are organic or certified naturally grown.

You can purchase a share for someone as a gift and they would get to enjoy healthy, fresh foods for many months to come.

Many CSAs also offer gift certificates.

• Give an animal – Heifer International is an organization that seeks to end hunger while empowering people to become self-reliant. Supporters finance the purchase of livestock for families in developing countries. These animals provide food and income. Honor someone on your shopping

Pascale Chambers Guest Columnist

list by buying an animal in their name. The animal will go to a needy family and a gift card is sent to your recipient telling them about the gift you donated for them.

• Adopt an animal – Through the National Wildlife Federation, you can symbolically adopt an animal as a gift for someone. They will receive a certificate and a plush toy of the animal adopted. This makes a great gift for kids. The NWF also sells other nature-themed gifts and holiday cards.

Proceeds from adoptions and sales go to support the protection of wildlife and connecting people to nature.

• A subscription to a magazine focusing on environmental stewardship and sustainable living. “Mother Earth News” and “Natural Home” are good choices offering earth friendly solutions and tips.

• Give the gift of a garden – Planting and saving heirloom vegetable and fruit seeds helps perpetuate a variety of foods that are diminishing, resulting in a narrowing diversity in our food systems. If you know a gardener, a gift certificate to an heirloom seed catalog where they can select seeds of their choosing would make a thoughtful and useful gift.

• For a unique gift, consider shopping on Etsy, a website that provides a marketplace for handmade and vintage items from individual artists. Etsy is also a certified B corporation, a certifica-

tion process that evaluates companies on social and environmental performance.

• Harry and David offers an organic fruit basket that also features environmentally friendly packaging.

Suggestions for reducing holiday waste: • When buying wrapping paper, look for items that are made with recycled content and are 100 percent recyclable. Also, look for soy or vegetable-based inks.

• Consider holiday e-cards.

Some sites offer yearly memberships so you can send all the cards you want for one nominal fee, which adds up to big cost savings as well as reducing waste.

• Recycle or reuse wrapping

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR USE PERMIT AND REZONING These items were deffered for the 11/19/14 Planning Commission Meeting Petition Number: Location: Applicant: Request:

U14-03/VC14-03 14250 Birmingham Hwy Lauren Dillon To operate an artist studio (Sec. 64-1843) within an existing building and to request a concurrent variance to allow outside storage (Sec. 64-1843(b)(1))

Petition Number: Location: Applicant: Request:

RZ14-15/VC14-04 3501 Bethany Bend Bajun American Properties, L.P. To rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) and TR (Townhouse) to TR (Townhouse) to develop 77 townhomes on 10.17 acres. A six part concurrent variance to: 1) Reduce the perimeter side (Sec. 64-669(h)(2)(a)); 2) Reduce the perimeter rear setbacks (Sec. 64-669(h)(3)); 3) Reduce the landscape strip along Bethany Bend (Sec. 64-1090 (a)); 4) Reduce the 75 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback (Sec. 64-1091(b)); 5) Allow alleys with only one row of townhomes (Sec. 64-1095 (h)); 6) Reduce the amount of open space required (Sec. 64-669 (j) (1)).

Public Hearings:

Design Review Board for ONLY U14-03/VC14-03 Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Heirloom seeds: www.seedsavers.org/ www.bountifulgardens.org/

Mayor and City Council Meeting Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

E-cards: www.jacquielawson.com Unique gifts: www.etsy.com National Wildlife Federation: www.nwf.org/

This year, give some extra thought to your purchases and consider more sustainable choices. Encourage others to do the same and help protect the planet we share.

CITY OF MILTON

Helpful Websites: To find CSAs: www.locallygrown.net/ Heifer international: www.heifer.org/

paper and gift bags.

Holidays are also a great time to support local charities with monetary gifts or the gift of your time by volunteering during this busiest of seasons.

Location:

Milton City Hall 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite 107E (Council Chambers) Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2500

36 | December 10, 2014 | Milton Herald | miltonherald.com

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CITY OF MILTON Public Notice PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a quorum of the Planning Commission of the City of Milton, Georgia may be present on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 beginning at 6:30 PM until 10:30 pm attending a Holiday Dinner which will be held at Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails, 800 Mayfield Road, Milton, Georgia 30004.

No official city business will be conducted.

This Public Notice is in accordance with O.C.G.A. §50-14-1.

No final action or other official business will be transacted.

Radio: Continued from Page 1 tions demanded all agencies in the country to meet certain requirements. As of 2013 the county had no concrete plans

This 4th day of December 2014.

Roundabout:

Robyn MacDonald, Zoning Manager

Continued from Page 4

NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF CITY CHARTER AMENDMENTS Re: Proposed Amendment to the Charter of the City of Milton, Georgia Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Milton, Georgia will consider amendments to Section 1.12(b)(21) and Section 6.32 of the Charter of the City of Milton, pursuant to the Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Sec. II, Par. II and O.C.G.A. § 36-35-1, et seq., at the Council’s regular meetings on December 15, 2014 and January 5, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located in Suite 107E of City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107, Milton, Georgia 30004. The proposed modification to the Charter of the City of Milton, Georgia is a modification of the authority regarding municipal property ownership and management to enable the City to lease or enter into a contract for valuable consideration for the use, operation, or management of any real, personal, or mixed property.

Copies of the proposed amendment are on file and available for the purposes of examination and inspection by the public with the City Clerk in the City of Milton City Hall and in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Fulton County.

Council of the City of Milton, Georgia

a roundabout has replaced the partial stop signs. It is expected to cost about $2.6 million.

To mitigate traffic issues during construction, the project is built in phases.

This is a project of the GDOT, the state transportation body.

Improvements to the intersection have been in the works since 2009.

There are more than 120

for upgrades while the current system was failing consistently. So the North Fulton cities chose to go it alone. Johns Creek pulled out of the deal and has since announced its intent to join Fulton County’s new system.

As part of the new system,

new radio towers had to be put up throughout the region.

Milton, Sandy Springs, Roswell and Alpharetta have all had to erect new towers.

Hall said the North Fulton net is on schedule to go live and will be installed about the middle of December.

roundabouts either proposed r being constructed in Georgia, according to GDOT numbers.

In North Fulton alone, three have been built and several more will be finished in coming years.

Residents have frequently expressed concern that roundabouts are dangerous and that drivers do not know how to navigate them safely.

GDOT maintains roundabouts are much safer than traditional signalized intersections.

Traffic must slow down to navigate the roundabout and

all traffic goes in the same directions – counter-clockwise. According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts “offer up to a 90 percent reduction in crash fatalities, a 76 percent reduction in injury crashes and a 30 to 40 percent reduction in crashes involving pedestrians.”

They also keep traffic moving, which eases congestion.

For more information on these projects, the city has set up a special website.

Visit www.miltonintersectionprojects.com for information and updates.

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miltonherald.com | Milton Herald | December 10, 2014 | 37

DEATH NOTICES Darrell Bacon, 69, of Cleveland, passed away December 2, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Louise Lona Bennett, 85, of Cumming, passed away December 2, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Hugh Howell Brannon, 77, of Cumming, passed away November 28, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Gloria Brantley, 87, of Alpharetta, passed away November 20, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Dolores Brunette, 67, of Cumming, passed away November 25, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Eva Ernestine Cline, 86, of Dunwoody, passed away November 4, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Brenda C. Cochran, 70, of Suwanee, passed away December 3, 2014.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

James Chinigo, 70, of Marietta, passed away November 3, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ronald Wayne Cowart, 63, of Johns Creek, passed away November 20, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Guy E. Davis, Jr., 72, of Sandy Springs, passed away December 1, 2014.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Michael DiGeronimo, 72, of Dunwoody, passed away November 9, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

William Dishman, 87, of Clarkston, passed away November 7, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Howard Holley, 61, of Lawrenceville, passed away November 2, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Miguel Dimayuga, 7, of Johns Creek, passed away November 13, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Ross Howe, 67, of Cumming, passed away November 20, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Donald Dorner, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away November 1, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

William Huffmaster, 76, of Sandy Springs, passed away October 30, 2014. Arrangements

by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Paul Estevez, 61, of Johns Creek, passed away November 20, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Thomas Steven Fisher, 61, of Roswell, passed away November 9, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Rita Fiumara, 81, of Alpharetta, passed away October 30, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Carroll Austin Floyd, 89, of Gainesville, passed away November 27, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Lillian Cora Morgan Henderson, 90, of Canton, passed away November 25, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Lisa Henderson, 53, of Gainesville, passed away November 4, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

JoAnn Hill, 90, of Cumming, passed away November 13, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Patsy Ann Jones, 76, of Roswell, passed away November 22, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Helen Kirby, 75, of Johns Creek, passed away November 15, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Beverly Jo Kirtley, 62, of Atlanta, passed away November 28, 2014.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Jean Koerner, 89, of Cumming, passed away November 13, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Jean C. Liao, 102, of Alpharetta, passed away November 8, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Patti Arnold Long, 78, of Roswell, passed away November 14, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Susan Yapp Marshall, 42, of Alpharetta, passed away November 24, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Sandra Matthews, 67, of Milton, passed away November 17, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

James Merrifield, 90, of Alto, passed away October 30, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Angela Denise Earley Newton, 59, of Jasper, passed away November 24, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Marie Praven, 91, of Alpharetta, passed away November 19, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

William Douglas Pugh, 88, of Commerce, passed away November 24, 2014.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

James Radford Sr., 90, of Norcross, passed away November 18, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Daniel Rado, 92, of Gainesville, passed away November 12, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Sydney Makayla Ridings, 14, of Cumming, passed away November 28, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Michael Ripma, 25, of Buckhead, passed away November 15, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Janice Mosher Rippcondi, 79, of Cumming, passed away November 25, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Oneil Robertson Jr., 65, of Alpharetta, passed away November 5, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

Francesca Pennone Ruhl, 67, of Marietta, passed away November 16, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Christopher David Smith, 39, of Atlanta, passed away November 21, 2014.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

William Cody Smith, 24, of Cumming, passed away November 29, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Lester Sobelson, 93, of Roswell, passed away November 21, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Vernice I. Sweatman, 91, of Carnesville, passed away November 24, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Marcus Dean Townsend, 65, of Cumming, passed away November 30, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Michael Trump, Jr., 26, of Atlanta, passed away November 29, 2014.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Thomas Valentine, 79, of Roswell, passed away November 17, 2014. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Kathleen Mynatt Ward, 88, of Cumming, passed away November 29, 2014.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Brandon Weaver, 37, of Dawsonville, passed away.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Rebecca Jaynes Weber, 61, of Cumming, passed away on November 10, 2014.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Peggy Weldy, 82, of Cumming, passed away November 26, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Ann Witte, 81, of Decatur, passed away November 3, 2014.

Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.

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MIKE STEVENS

770-905-7053 (cell)

Real Estate – The Right Way!

Some Current Listings

• Milton’s Home Sale Specialist • Full Time – Full Service

• Awarded Five Star Professional 2013 and 2014 Atlanta Magazine • Top 10 Agents in North Fulton, Alpharetta, Milton Milton 7 bd, 5 ba Offered at $650,000

Milton 5 bd, 5 ba Offered at $525,000

• Approved by all Corporate Relocation Companies “Mike’s full service approach made selling our Milton home a very smooth and painless experience.”

– The Wilcox Family

Milton 6 bd, 5 ba Offered at $489,900

Milton 5 bd, 4.5 ba Offered at $599,900

To view all Sold and Active Homes visit www.MoveToMilton.com As a local area expert with extensive knowledge of the community, local governments, planned future developments and even local building construction practices, Michael Stevens’ objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

Whether you are buying or selling property in today’s complex real estate market, it’s imperative to have complete confidence in your real estate professional. Michael Stevens and his North Atlanta Real Estate Team of agents are committed to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

MIKE STEVENS 770-905-7053 (cell) mike@northatlantateam.com www.movetomilton.com www.crookedcreekhomesales.com

White Columns – Milton 6 bd, 6.5 ba

Crooked Creek – Milton 6 bd, 5.5 ba

Lake Laurel – Milton 6 bd, 5.5 ba

LD SO

SO LD

SO LD

SO LD

Some Recent Sales

Crooked Creek – Milton 4 bd, 4.5 ba

NORTH FULTON OFFICE | 678-461-8700 | North Point Parkway, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | www.harrynorman.com