Milton Herald – December 27, 2018

D e c e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 8 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 1 3 , N o . 5 2

City gives nod to rezoning case

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Tree ordinance option extended

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Store to close after 142 years

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A look back at 2018

It’s that time of year again. The Herald hits the rewind button and looks back at most talked about and impactful stories of 2018 with our annual “Year in Review.” Read more, Pages 12-18.

1. Popular Alpharetta music venue “Matilda’s Under the Pines” relocated to Milton this fall.

2. Mayor Joe Lockwood gave his “State of the City” address in January.

3. Milton head football coach Adam Clack and the Eagles won the program’s first state championship on Dec. 12.

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Judge Campbell bids farewell

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Public Safety

2 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Thief fails in attempt to cash stolen check 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 122 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 123 Milton Herald: ex. 139 Northside Woman: ex. 102 Calendar: ex. 122

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman reported that someone had forged her signature in an effort to cash a check that had been stolen from her mailbox.

The victim said she found some of her mail scattered around her mailbox on Dec. 8 and confirmed through the U.S. Postal Service that bank checks had been part of the delivery on that date.

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.

TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ex. 101 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ex. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ex. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com Our Publications

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Company loses $2,300 to utility bill scam

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police are investigating a Dec. 13 incident in which the Amy’s Natural Foods Warehouse on Old Alabama Connector Road was conned out of $2,300.

The manager said the previous day he received a call from someone claiming to represent Georgia Power. The caller said the company’s power would be cut off by noon if the store did not pay $2,300.

The manager was told to go to the nearby Valero Gas Station and pay the bill with a Bitcoin machine, which he did.

The next day, the manager called Georgia Power to ask about the bill and was told the transaction had been a scam.

Thief steals package weighing 200 pounds

Honored as a newspaper of General Excellence

2018

The Herald Newspapers are published by Appen Media Group, 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta Ga. 30009.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta man called police Dec. 15 after he realized a package that had been delivered to his front porch on Lantern Ridge Court was missing.

The man said the package was delivered between Dec. 11-12 while he was out of town. His wife was home during that time, but because the package

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Later that day, the woman received a call from a Wells Fargo branch in Dekalb County stating that a person had forged her signature in an attempt to cash one of the checks.

The bank denied the transaction.

An officer advised her to notify Dekalb Police, freeze her credit and contact the USPS of the missing checks.

waeighed 200 pounds, she was unable to move it into the house.

The last time the package was seen was at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. It contained an entertainment center with a built-in fireplace and TV stand.

No surveillance footage was available.

Man sustains leg injury while unholstering gun

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta man was hospitalized Dec. 11 after accidentally shooting himself in the leg while removing his gun from its holster.

The man said that while he was at home he, as usual, took his gun out of the holster on his right hip. As he was moving it, the gun discharged.

A nearby woman heard the shott and called police. The man was taken to North Fulton Hospital.

No one else was injured.

Thief takes laptop, gun from parked vehicle

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police are investigating a Dec. 13 incident in which several items were stolen from a man’s car parked at Pappadeaux on Davis Drive.

The man had parked at the restaurant at 6 p.m. and returned three hours later, only to see that his rear passenger side window had been smashed.

A leather backpack stored behind the front passenger seat was missing. The backpack contained a $1,500 laptop, a gun valued at $500, $300 in

cash and a bottle of cologne valued at $120.

The glove box was also opened, but nothing was missing.

Knobs, handles stolen from construction site

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The construction manager for a homebuilding project on Canton Street called police Dec. 14 after employees noticed several knobs and handles had been stolen overnight.

The building had been secured and locked at 5 p.m. the previous night.

When workers arrived the next morning, they noticed $500 in handles and knobs were missing.

The door was still locked, but the construction manager said that because the door did not have a bolt lock, it could have easily been bypassed.

There were no cameras in the area.

Police investigate theft of necklace from home

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police are investigating a Dec. 14 incident in which a woman reported a missing $400 necklace after an acquaintance visited her home on Cotton Patch Lane.

The acquaintance visited the house on Dec. 10 and eventually took a nap around noon.

The woman said at this point, she went to the nearby grocery store to grab some food.

When the woman returned, the acquaintance was on his way out.

The woman was unable to find the necklace after the acquaintance left.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 3

4 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Planning Commission recommends approval for 54-unit development The applicant, Bajun American Properties, is requesting a rezoning and three concurrent variances

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Planning Commission sided with city staff’s recommendation to approve with conditions a rezoning for a proposed townhome development along Bethany Bend at its Dec. 19 meeting.

The applicant, Bajun American Properties, is requesting a rezoning and three concurrent variances to develop 54 townhomes on Bethany Bend north of Morris road and adjacent to the Forsyth County border.

The 8.46-acre site is currently designated for townhomes and AG-1. The developer is seeking townhome designation for the entire property.

Much of the board’s discussions concerned the three concurrent variances the applicant has requested. One includes deleting a 75-foot undisturbed buffer and 10-foot improvement setback with a 20-foot landscape buffer or 50-foot undisturbed stream buffer along property lines zoned for townhomes. City staff and the commission recommend approval of the variance.

Rob Gilbert, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said Bajun had not established a need for the removal of the buffer.

Bajun is also requesting variances under the Ga. 9 overlay which requires a certain percentage of the exterior be constructed with masonry products. Under the code, 75 percent of any vertical walls and 25 percent of the accent materials used must be brick or natural stone.

Bajun American Properties is requesting a rezoning for 54 townhomes along Bethany Bend along the Forsyth County border. The Milton Planning Commission and city staff recommended approval with conditions for the request at the board’s Dec. 19 meeting.

The 8.46-acre site is currently designated for townhomes and AG-1. The developer is seeking townhome designation for the entire property.

Bajun representatives said the deletion of these requirements would allow them more flexibility in design and would alleviate the “heavy” aesthetic of masonry.

Renderings presented by Bajun showed a mix of shiplap, board and batten siding and masonry on the exterior of the townhomes.

The commission sided with city staff’s recommendation to deny the construction material variances.

City staff has included conditions for approval for the City Council to consider with its recommendation to approve the rezoning. The conditions include that all common lots be maintained by a homeowner’s association

and that a fence be constructed between the property and the adjacent Hidden Forest subdivision.

The commission also added recommendations that Bajun further consult with the city architect on the exterior design of the townhomes and to identify parking areas that could be used for non-residents.

As proposed, 17 townhomes would front Bethany Bend with the remaining homes accessible from two entrances along Bethany Bend. Ten landscaped common areas separate the 14 home clusters and an approximate 0.5-mile trail would run through a floodplain on the western portion of the property.

Milton extends time frame for tree ordinance

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — The Milton City Council finished the year’s business in short order Dec. 17, but in those 40 minutes, officials passed measures that will have long-term implications.

The council voted to extend the time period for developers to choose between the city’s prior and more recently adopted tree ordinance.

Under the prior ordinance, the city defined tree coverage density by trunk size. The updated regulations measure

trees by their canopy at the tree’s full maturity. It also requires a higher density than the previous guidelines.

The city’s new tree ordinance, passed in February, has drawn criticism from developers who claim the new requirements are too stringent and make building all but impossible in some cases.

Within two months, the city passed a measure, set to expire this month, allowing builders freedom to choose between provisions of the new ordinance or the one it replaced. During the intervening time, city officials said they hoped to adjust the tree ordinance to address

builders’ concerns.

The latest action by the City Council extends the option period for developers to July 2019.

Principal Planner Michele McIntoshRoss said updates to the tree ordinance have been drafted, but the extension is necessary to allow the city’s new Community Development director, Parag Agrawal, and a yet-to-be-hired city arborist time to review the proposed changes.

Also at the Dec. 17 meeting, the City Council voted to dedicate its future arboretum to Mark Law, who served as city arborist since Milton incorporated

in 2006. He retired earlier this month.

The arboretum, a botanical tree garden planned for Bell Memorial Park, will be named the “Mark Law Arboretum” in honor of “the work [Law] has done to bring this vision to fruition.”

The site will allow park visitors to learn about tree identification, maintenance and care. Law had previously designed a multi-phased tree-planting program for the site, and the first trees were recently planted.

The arboretum will be dedicated to Law and officially open during a ceremony on Arbor Day, April 26, 2019.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 5

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NEWS

6 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Fulton commissioners clash with Board of Equalization

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Tensions flared Dec. 19 between the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Equalization Dec. 19 as county leaders sparred with the group that hears property tax appeals.

Commissioners Liz Hausmann and Bob Ellis criticized the Board of Equalization members for rejecting the commissioners’ request to use satellite meeting spaces and for poor customer service.

At the commissioners’ meeting Oct. 17 a motion was made by Ellis and seconded by Hausmann urging the Clerk of the Superior Court, which oversees the Board of Equalizations, to establish multiple meeting locations for the board in North and South Fulton. The measure passed unanimously.

The Board of Equalizations hears property tax appeals related to property values and homestead exemptions. Its board members weigh appeals from the taxpayer and the Board of Assessors to make a ruling.

The board holds regular meetings at the Fulton County Administrative Building at 141 Prior Street in Atlanta, but the commissioners pushed for members to start meeting in satellite locations around the county for the convenience of residents.

Prior to Dec. 19’s meeting, the Board of Equalizations members filed a letter opposing the satellite locations. Five members of the board spoke during public comment saying that moving the meetings to satellite locations would be costly and inefficient. They also cited concerns about safety, parking and public transportation accessibility at possible satellite locations.

Commissioner Ellis said that if the equalization members would not voluntarily agree to use satellite locations to make the tax appeal process easier for citizens, commissioners would pursue legislation to force their compliance.

“It was very disappointing to hear that the needs of the citizens aren’t very important to the members of the Board of Equalization that we heard today,” Hausmann said. “The concerns about the time and the distance and the inconvenience of coming downtown from a county that’s 80 miles long didn’t seem to matter very much to those we heard today, and if I was a citizen I would be offended by that.”

Ellis said his office frequently re-

It was very disappointing to hear that the needs of the citizens aren’t very important to the members of the Board of Equalization that we heard today.”

Liz Hausmann Fulton County commissioner ceives phone calls from his constituents who have gone through the Board of Equalization process and were frustrated or upset by the process. Citizens feel like the board members are uncaring and uninterested, he said.

“I’m very disturbed by what I heard today and by the attitude that was displayed by the [Board of Equalization] members because it tracks with the citizens’ comments that they feel like they’re not being respected,” Ellis said.

“There’s a credibility issue that we’ve got bubbling and the feedback that we got today enhances that.”

Commission Chairman Robb Pitts pointed out that serving on the Board of Equalizations is voluntary and if members do not wish to use satellite locations they can quit.

Pitts also raised the issue that the only requirements for serving on the Board of Equalization are owning property and having a high school diploma. He said the commissioners would look into strengthening those requirements.

Roland Lane, a representative of the Clerk of the Superior Court, said the clerk shared the commissioners’ concerns about improving customer service.

Along with the satellite meeting suggestion, the clerk’s office has been working to establish video conferencing at the meetings.

Lane said he hopes the commissioners will continue to partner with the clerk’s office to come up with a solution.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 7

8 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

Deciding on the right car for your teen I recently had a discussion with a friend regarding his 16-year-old daughter and her newly pressed driver’s license. He was wrought with anxiety over her traversing the roads alone, JOE PARKER anguished that she Reporter joe@appenmediagroup.com now has newfound freedom away from home and has taken a major step toward womanhood.

While he lay forth his bevy of emotions, I tried to console him with the fact that yes, the march of time is relentless and how poignant the situation must be as a father. I also confirmed that he and his daughter did in fact live in another county, thank God. That’s because giving a teen a license is the equivalent of handing a caffeinated chimpanzee a blowtorch, hammer and bottle of kerosene. The primate will likely but not assuredly hurt itself, but many things will be destroyed either way.

With absolute confidence I will say that every single teenager will crash within two years of driving solo. There

... giving a teen a license is the equivalent of handing a caffeinated chimpanzee a blowtorch, hammer and bottle of kerosene. was the instance of a friend of mine who totaled her car less than 24 hours after receiving a passing mark on her driving exam. I had an acquaintance in high school who pulled out of the DMV and caused a four-car pileup before the ink had dried on the card permitting him to drive alone.

Yes, even I, trusted by over a dozen car manufacturers to drive their newest top-of-the-line offerings each week, crashed my first car three months after receiving my license.

With this knowledge and experience, I was taken aback with my friend asking my advice on what kind of car he should look to purchase for his newly licensed daughter.

It’s a tough question.

After all, you want something reliable for your teen. There’s no hope they will be able to do minor repairs or everyday maintenance when many don’t have the knowledge base to operate a toaster without help.

You also want it to have plenty of built-in safety features for their inevitable first crash. And because you know they will crash it, you want something that is both reliable, safe, filled to the brim with active safety features but also cheap.

My first car, a 1994 Chevrolet Lumina was certainly inexpensive when I took possession of it 12 years after it rolled off the assembly line. So naturally my parents weren’t out of too much cash when I hydroplaned it into a telephone pole at the ripe age of 16.

That said, if the car had come with traction control, all-wheel drive or stability control, I might have never lost control.

As a parent, you could opt for a car with more safety features, but of course, it will mean more of a hit to your wallet when your teen’s car hits what will likely be a stationary object 30 feet off the road.

Cars these days are filled with ways to keep drivers out of bushes and bridge abutments, including lane-departure

warnings, lane-keep assist, blind-zone monitoring, rearview cameras and intelligent cruise control.

But is it worth it to spend the dough for a relatively new car for a brand new driver?

I fear I was no help to my friend because I said, ideally, the perfect car for a teen would be made of pillows, have a top speed of 9 mph and have more builtin monitoring systems and safety features than the Space Shuttle. And since even a teenager would find out how to wreck a car like that, it should cost no more than $1,000.

Unfortunately, no such vehicle exists, so my friend will have to decide whether an affordable car with plenty of standard safety features or an older beater is best for his sanity. Either way, it will be crashed. Ultimately, it’s just up to the car how soon and at what severity the wreck occurs.

And for any teens out there reading this, don’t get angry of offended by the statements I’ve made. It’s not that you are bad drivers — you’re terrible drivers.

But it’s not your fault. You simply do not have the experience that your parents have on the road. Which, of course, is a few decades of being a terrible driver.

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Deadline for submitting your photo is December 31st. Send your photo to staff@lovinghands.com and include your pet’s name, your name, phone number and email address. Photos will be posted on our Facebook page and the winners will be chosen based on the number of “Likes / Loves” a photo receives. Please limit your entries to one photo per pet.

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A Christmas story 2018 My Christmas column arrived in the mail yesterday in the form of a Christmas card and note from a woman from Massachusetts who I met on my Appalachian Trail hike — Jacey Shumaker. She was Ray appen hiking with her two Publisher ray@appenmediagroup.com daughters, ages approximately 7 and 10, and a great big golden lab. We met because a giant storm rolled in just before dusk and she quickly struck down her tent and, along with her girls and Rufus (the pup), relocated into the shelter where I had already set up.

So it was me, my hiking bud Stan, Jacey and her two daughters and the pup hunkered down in that shelter while the heavens poured down into the night.

My Christmas story is about simple things.

--Dinner was, as it always is, wonderful. She cooked salmon briquettes, pasta, broccoli and served something sweet for desert. Dining with them is something my wife and I treasure when we are on Dog

OPINION

Island. They are in their 80s and have been living on the island for about 30 years now. I think of him as the “patriarch,” the only one I have known outside of my grandfather, H.V. Appen.

My island patriarch is a retired physician who has operated on his kitchen counter countless times. He has saved people from dying and he has pronounced others dead on the island. They are the couple who people turn to when they need to know something, when they need advice, when they need help of any kind. They lead a life that Christina and I watch closely because it is how we want to live. There is a “giving” in their house — a caring, and a curiosity that for decades has been the mother of knowledge, of learning and of continuous renewal of their wonder of who we are and why.

After dinner we move over to the living room, to the comfortable leather couches worn well by so many who have passed time in their island home. He tells me stories and begins with the story about his entering the University of Chicago at 16 or 17, about the great Nobel laureates who were doing research as well as teaching there at the time. He talks about the “great books” — Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles — that formed the core of his and his

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 9

classmates’ pre-med education and their path toward mastery of medicine.

His grasp for the detail is stunning and his recall near total. He remembers all the names, the years, the dates, the course syllabi, and the conversation reaches long strides and the hours flow as I listen with acute focus even though I’ve heard some of it before.

I listen because I want to hear his story. His life has been a long one. Sharing it with me is part of his story and I will be part of his story because I have heard it.

--The HVAC guy is a stranger. He is relatively young — I say in his early 30s. I bring him out to the island in my boat. Mine is not a regular service call. He has to drive. He has to get on a boat and go out into the Gulf almost five miles. He has heard things about this place. He doesn’t know me from Adam. We arrive and he fixes the system. It was the best small, broken thing outcome. Hallelujah, I think. Finally, in this time when everything seems to be going to heck I get a break.

The return boat ride back is slow. The wind is strong and cold. Waves punish the boat and the people inside — us.

He talks. I listen.

His wife is an addict. Actually it is his ex-wife. His two kids are doing so well. He has raised them by himself. She never sees them, has never shown any

interest. Grandmother keeps them when he is in Alaska doing contract refrigeration work for three months each year.

One year, his oldest daughter told him for her birthday she only wanted one thing — to talk to her mom on the phone. “I just want to hear her voice.” He tells me, “she calls her mom and finally, finally she actually answers her phone and she recognizes who she is talking to — her daughter. “Let me call you right back, I‘m in the middle of something she says.”

His face is still. His eyes do not focus for an instant. The boat crashes hard after an unusually large swell.

Then he starts talking about his father. I remember quickly that I heard the doctor — for the first time ever — also talk about his father, briefly. And I think that all fathers are alike — like bridges that tower high over our heads, spanning terrifying currents below, currents of threatening water covered with whitecaps blown by bitter north winds. They are bridges over fear, offering safety and strength.

Fathers are always like that aren’t they? When everything is said and done, their shadow is what lingers on, never fading, never absent, filling all the space around us.

The boat finally pulls along the pier and Justin my HVAC guy gets out. I thank him and tell him that he is family now. Out on the island, he is family.

See CHRISTMAS, Page 10

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10 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Start a trend; Be nice Good afternoon good people of North Fulton. In the midst of the holiday season and with the recent passing of former President George Bush, I would like to remind all of us for his call for a kinder and gentler nation.

This has to start locally. Too many elected officials at the national and state levels are too caught up in an “us versus them” mentality to set an example of civility for anyone.

So be kind to your neighbors, (not just the people living next door), donate your time and/or money to charity and help someone less fortunate than yourself. Be kind to the store clerks, generous to your servers and grateful to all of the civil servants and others who contribute to the quality of life here.

And take a few deep breaths, slow down and appreciate all of the blessings that you have. So enjoy the holidays however you choose to celebrate them.

And to paraphrase a well-known slogan, “just do nice.”

— Ms. Rogers

Christmas: Continued from Page 9 Later the next day he texts me simply, “Thank you Ray.” --On the front of Jacey’s Christmas card are pictures of her family in Iceland, out hiking, soaking in hot springs and sharing time. On the back of the card (and I am sure Jacey would not mind if I share) she wrote: “Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays. May you continue to find new and marvelous traditions to celebrate throughout the year. Look… listen… and be present, build something with your own hands, sing a song out loud, try something new, watch the sunset and take a picture with your mind, tell someone you love them every day, persist, put your feet in the river remember everyone has a story, be thankful all year, cook an old family recipe, and be sure to find time in the daily routine to remember what is most important.

“May the holiday spirit follow you and your families through the upcoming year. Love, The Shumakers.”

I will try my best Jacey. I promise. I will listen with all my heart and I will try to remember what is important. Merry, Happy, Jolly 2019, and please listen.

SPORTS

Cambridge junior Mike Hudson.

Cambridge boxer ranked No. 1 in nation MILTON, Ga. — Cambridge junior Mike Hudson captured the USA Boxing Eastern Trials Championship earlier this year and is now ranked as the top 201-pound youth male boxer in the nation.

Hudson jumped to the top ranking after his championship win in the eastern trials in Chattanooga, Tenn. Hudson earned a technical knockout in the first round of the title bout.

Hudson boxes out of Chandler Academy in Milton. He has captured a world title, four national titles, four regional title and 22 state titles.

Hudson also competes in football, wrestling, and track and field at Cambridge.

WANT MORE? FOLLOW US ON facebook.com/MiltonHerald

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12 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

YEAR IN REVIEW

Election 2018: Blue wave crosses North Fulton shores

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. — In November’s midterm elections, Democrats claimed Georgia’s 6th U.S. Congressional District and made gains in the Legislature in the once staunchly Republican North Atlanta suburbs.

From 2000 to 2016, Republicans won every race for the 6th district by double digits, but this year Democrat Lucy McBath narrowly edged out incumbent Republican Karen Handel.

Several races were too close to call on election night, and the Secretary of State race was sent into an early December runoff.

The Republican Brad Raffensperger won the runoff, but his open seat in the state House was claimed by a Democrat when Angelika Kausche edged out Republican Kelly Stewart. Kausche said

her victory is a sign the district has become more moderate and that voters want compromise.

“The times where Republicans could rely on 60, 70, 80 percent wins are really, really over, and so that means that there is a mandate from the Georgia people to say ‘You know what? We want you to work together,’” she said.

In other open races, Democrat Zahra Karinshak won Georgia Senate District 47, and Democrat Josh McLaurin captured State House District 51. Incumbent Republicans state Sen. Brandon Beach (District 21), Sen. John Albers (District 56) and Rep. Chuck Martin (District 49) held on to their seats.

Democrats Mary Robichaux in House District 48 and Beth Moore in House District 95 managed upsets of Republican incumbents. In Roswell’s District 48, Robichaux’s race against Betty Price was decided by fewer than 200 votes.

Carson Cook/Herald

Election signs for candidates line the sidewalk near Messiah Lutheran Church in Johns Creek Nov. 6.

Land purchases, new representation dominate 2018 Milton residents voted in new representation on its City Council this year

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com Milton residents voted in new representation on its City Council this year with three new council members replacing longstanding members.

In January, Peyton Jamison and Laura Bentley were sworn-in to replace Karen Thurman and Bill Lusk who had served on the board since Milton’s 2006 incorporation.

Jamison ran unopposed for Thurman’s seat, District 1, Post 1, after Thurman announced she would not be seeking another term in the November 2017 general election. Bentley ousted Lusk for the District 2, Post 1 with 71 percent of the vote in the election.

Another seat was filled in the November 2018 general election.

Burt Hewitt announced his resignation from the council in April because he planned to move outside of Milton.

At that time, he was the city’s longest tenured council member.

Carol Cookerly ran unopposed to fill the District 1, Post 2 seat and was sworn-in during the Nov. 19 City Council meeting.

Milton made its first purchase with Greenspace Bond funds in January, acquiring 139 acres that comprised the former Milton Country Club property.

Milton finalizes two major greenspace purchases

Laura Bentley (right) is sworn-in to begin her tenure on the Milton City Council in January. Bentley, Peyton Jamison and Carol Cookerly replaced long-standing council members this year.

Two significant land purchases through the city’s Greenspace Bond served as bookends for Milton in 2018.

In January, the city made its first purchase with bond funds to acquire 139 acres of the former Milton Country Club property. The purchase price was $5 million, or about $36,000 per acre.

The acquisition presented the city with unique challenges which were mostly addressed by the end of year.

Under the bond requirements used to fund the purchase, only passive park space could be purchased. This forced Milton to dig into other funds to buy the club’s swim and tennis facilities. The city also had to decide to either shut down or continue operations of the site’s pool and popular tennis program. The

YEAR IN REVIEW

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 13

city also approved measures to abandon golf course easements on the properties of nearby homeowners after residents voiced their concerns regarding safety.

As the city began the planning process for the future of the park, it dipped into bond funds for the second greenspace purchase in December, acquiring 106 acres of land near and along Lackey Road.

While the former Milton Country Club is set to be an established park, there are currently no plans to develop the 106acre tract. Instead, the purchase was made to retain undeveloped land.

School silences Cambridge students during walkout

Fulton County Schools issued an apology to Cambridge High School students following outcry that it worked to silence students during a national walkout event in March. The walkout was conducted in response to the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Fla. Students were told they would not be permitted to give a speech advocating for gun control prior to the event. After presenting a school-approved speech, two students delivered their own statements, arguing the original event had concluded.

While the students recited their words, however, an administrator took the speeches from the students and said they were not permitted to give their statement.

Video of the incident quickly circulated on social media outlets and stirred controversy regarding the event among students, parents and residents.

Fulton County Schools later apologized for the incident, stating the students were within their right to give the speech.

City continues Milton Country Club programs

Following the city’s purchase of the Milton Country Club for greenspace, officials had to consider whether to continue the club’s athletic programs and whether to continue operation of the facility’s pool.

After deliberation, the council opted to continue operating the pool and place the tennis program under the city’s umbrella. The move was heralded by the program’s patrons and later by residents in the initial stages of the site’s master planning process.

The city made repairs to the pool and

Cambridge students attempted to give a speech at the national walkout event in March, but their speech was disallowed by school officials. Fulton County Schools later apologized for silencing the students. opened it to the public in the summer with a daily-use fee.

Long-term park plans take shape

Milton turned its eye to the future this year in drafting master plans that will guide future development of two parks.

The city adopted the Providence Park Master Plan in June following 10 months of public input and design. The plan serves as a blueprint for the park’s future amenities and updates.

The plan includes a 6,500-square foot nature center, a woodland camping area, a restroom building near the entrance, a fishing deck on the lake, a half-acre lawn area and a 1-acre performance area within the quarry.

Design consultants said the project will be phased over the coming years, and city staff said that work could begin next summer.

Milton is also in the initial stages of drafting a master plan for the former Milton Country Club the city acquired in January.

The city gathered public input through an online survey and in-person meetings in October and November.

Design consultants will use the input to draft a potential master plan.

Old Milton High School demolished After serving as a four-year home to North Fulton students for over eight decades, the old Milton High School building was torn down earlier this year.

Demolition began on the school in January and only the stadium remains standing.

The school first opened in 1921 for grades 1-11 and was later converted to a high school in the 1950s. The school

had undergone over a dozen renovations before its doors were closed following the completion of the current Milton High.

Two structures from the school were saved from the wrecking ball, including a log cabin constructed by FFA students in the 1930s and a greenhouse.

The old Milton High was demolished to make way for a STEM school set to open in 2020.

Popular music venue relocates to Milton

The Milton City Council approved in June the relocation of popular Alpharetta music venue Matilda’s Under the Pines, a highly polarizing issue for residents of Milton and neighboring cities.

Many nearby residents balked at the proposal to bring a music venue to the rural and relatively quiet Birmingham Crossroads area, while those in support lauded the move as an ideal venue for the city and area.

The two sides clashed at the June 18 City Council meeting in front of standingroom only crowd. After hours of deliberation and public comment, the council decided to approve the relocation with a list of requirements, including a review process and a limit on decibel levels.

The “hen house,” which serves as the stage for artists, was moved in September and the first concert in the Milton location is set for spring.

Events debut in city Two new events benefitting local causes kicked off their first year in Milton this spring.

The city put on its inaugural Rock for Rescues event in April, a community festival and concert which raised

over $30,000 for local non-profit animal organizations. The event featured live music, adoptable pets and food and drink vendors.

Also in April, beer lovers rejoiced at the Big South Beer Competition & Festival held at City Hall. The event, which raised funds for the Children’s Charities all-inclusive playground, featured offerings from over 30 brewers with live music and food vendors.

Professional judges also awarded the best brews with Alpharetta-based Jekyll Brewing earning the “Grand Champion” designation.

Major road projects in the works Orange traffic cones and barrels lined city thoroughfares throughout 2018 as the city and GDOT began or completed road projects throughout the city.

Many of the major intersection improvements concentrated in the downtown Crabapple area. Construction of roundabouts along Birmingham Highway and Crabapple Road were completed in October. Heritage Walk construction was also completed in the fall.

The city also made its final preparations this year to begin construction on the northeast Crabapple connector which will connect Charlotte Drive with Birmingham Highway.

The city released a proposal for intersection improvement at Hopewell Road at Bethany Bend and Bethany Way in October.

Milton also began the design phase on updates to Hopewell Road at Hamby Road, Hopewell Road at Thompson Road this year.

GDOT also approved a “Florida-T” intersection at Green Road and Crabapple Road and approved a measure to construct a roundabout at Birmingham Road, Birmingham Highway and Hickory Flat Road.

14 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

sports year in review :

YEAR IN REVIEW

Eagles football completes dream season state title

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com Milton football accomplished in 2018 what no other team in its 69 years of play had ever done before — earned state championship trophy.

The Eagles compiled a 13-2 overall record, reached the semifinals and finals for the first time in program history and completed their championship run by downing top-ranked Colquitt County 1413 on Dec. 12.

Through their historic run, the Eagles beat 13 playoff teams, won the Region 5-AAAAAAA title, beat eventual Florida state champion Cardinal Gibbons in the inaugural Freedom Bowl hosted by Milton and earned a win in Corky Kell Classic against Archer.

Milton volleyball finished its 2018 season as the Class 7A state runner-up.

Milton girls lacrosse wins 12th state title

Cambridge girls cross-country repeats

Cambridge girls cross-country earned their second straight Class 6A championship in November, placing six runners in the top-30. The Bears placed 50 points ahead of Harrison in second.

The Cambridge boys team placed third in team scores with top-performer Jack Filan finishing second and just two seconds off the pace for an individual state championship.

The Milton boys team, the defending state champs, finished sixth in team scores at the state meet. The girls team also earned a podium finish with two runners in the top-10.

Cambridge, Milton soccer reach state finals

The Milton girls and Cambridge boys soccer teams earned state runner up finishes in their respective classes in May. The Milton girls earned their second trip to the state finals in six years with a dramatic playoff run that included a win over rivals Roswell on penalty kicks and a last-minute goal over region foes Walton in the semifinals. The Eagles fell to perennial powerhouse Parkview, 2-0, in the Class 7A finals.

The Cambridge boys reached the finals in just their sixth season of play.

The Bears ended Chattahoochee’s 33game win streak against region opponents to earn the 7-AAAAAA title. A month later, the two region rivals were back in action with the state championship at stake. The Bears used a dramatic, last-minute goal to force overtime, but a Cougars’ goal in the first extra period downed the Bears, 2-1.

Cambridge boys soccer won the Region 7-AAAAAA title and reached the state finals in just the sixth year of the program in 2018.

Local basketball teams have successful seasons Cambridge and St. Francis’ boys teams had memorable 2017-18 seasons.

The Cambridge boys had their most successful season in the program’s short history, compiling a 23-1 overall record in the regular season and going 16-0 against its Region 7-AAAAAA opponents. The Bears fell short in their bid to earn their their first region title, falling to North Atlanta in the finals, and were ousted from the playoffs in the first round.

Powerhouse St. Francis boys went 27-4 overall this season and earned their third trip to the state finals in five years. Knights’ graduates Kobi Simmons signed with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers this season, and Malik Beasley has continued his play with the Denver Nuggets in 2018.

Lambert and South Forsyth to capture the region title.

Milton defeated South Gwinnett, Mill Creek and Etowah in the state tournament to earn a berth in the semifinals against region foes West Forsyth. The Eagles took the match 3-1 to punch their ticket to the finals against perennial powerhouse Walton. Walton won the championship match, 3-0.

Milton continued its lacrosse dynasty with the program’s 12th state championship in May. The Eagles went undefeated against in-state opponents and compiled an 18-5 overall record.

Milton soared through the first four rounds of the playoffs, winning by an average of 12 goals per game to continue their streak of reaching the championship every year since the GHSA recognized lacrosse as a state championship sport in 2005.

The Eagles prevailed in a thrilling matchup over Lassiter in the finals, 1110, for their 12th state championship.

Milton volleyball reaches state finals

Milton volleyball had a breakout 2018 campaign culminating with a trip to the Class 7A state finals.

The Eagles went 25-13 in the regular season. Milton entered the Region 5-AAAAAAA tournament as the No. 3 seed and took down Forsyth Central,

Milton girls lacrosse won the program's 12th state championship in May.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 15

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Let Us Connect You Alpharetta-Roswell Herald Delivers to 28,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076. Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Est. 1983.

Alpharetta’s paper of record.

Johns Creek Herald Delivers to 20,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997. Johns Creek’s paper of record.

Northside Woman 18,000 copies distributed monthly to subdivisions and business in North Fulton and South Forsyth with home delivery to 40+ of the most exclusive gated and estate communities in North Atlanta.

Forsyth Herald Delivers to 17,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30040, 30041.

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YEAR IN REVIEW

16 | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018

Emory Johns Creek Hospital sets sights on expansion

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com

Business story of the year:

City Center rollout ushers in new downtown Alpharetta

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — After eight years in the making, Alpharetta’s City Center began rolling out its attractions in 2018.

For close to a year, the six-block area along Main Street remained mostly hidden behind a blue tarp while construction on the $85 million private phase went on. The public portion, which included a new City Hall, a fourlevel parking deck and a new library branch, was completed in 2014 and was part of a $29 million bond project passed by local voters in 2011.

Through late November, 13 shops and three restaurants were open with more to follow in the weeks ahead.

The six blocks now contain 10 freestanding restaurant buildings in 2.5 acres of parks and greenspace along Main Street, a 36,000 foot office building, now the headquarters of DataScan, 45,000 square feet of ground floor retail shops, 168 luxury apartments by a partnership of South City Partners and Morris & Fellows and 40 single family homes by Hedgewood Homes.

Halcyon sets opening date for March 2019 FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In May, it was announced that by the spring of 2019, Forsyth County will be home to one of the most anticipated mixed-use villages in its history.

Halcyon, a $370 million development, sits on 135 acres along McFarland Parkway off exit 12 on Ga. 400 and is planned to open March 23, 2019.

There is a growing list of restaurants and retailers that will be at Halcyon, including three distinct eateries from renowned chef Marc Taft: CO-OP Community Table + Bar, FEED Fried Chicken + Such and a burger restaurant. In

The project was named recipient of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Development of Excellence Award for Context-Sensitive Town Center Development. The award, announced in November, recognizes the project for its attention to historic detail in its design.

Cheri Morris, president of Morris & Fellows, which headed the retail portion of the development, said City Center has had a huge and immediate impact on the development patterns of the entire area. Up until now, she said, area development has followed along Ga. 400, observing the usual pattern of classic urban sprawl.

Two-thirds of all the homes being built in Alpharetta are within a halfmile walk of downtown, she added.

“There were no development or redevelopment projects in downtown [Alpharetta] in the two decades before City Center,” Morris said. “There are now 31 active downtown projects. The sprawl projects that might have happened along a highway are now happening in the urban core. It’s a much healthier, much more human-centric way to live.” addition, Hog Island, MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza, Cocina & Taqueria, Butcher & Brew, Never Enough Thyme and Cherry Street Brewpub have all announced they will be part of the development.

A Market Hall concept similar to Ponce City and Krog Street markets, will feature Kilwins ice cream, TOCAYO, Sweet Tuna, Gu’s Dumplings, Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee and Pita Mediterranean Street Food. All tenants have been secured.

CMX Theater will open a 10-screen, 38,000-square-foot cinema. Two hotels will open, including an Embassy Suites

by Hilton at Halcyon with 152-rooms and a conference room.

The development will also include

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Emory Johns Creek Hospital made improvements to its emergency care and announced plans for a two-story expansion in 2018.

The hospital is planning an estimated $61 million expansion that would add two stories to the main hospital building. The expansion will be 84,000 square feet and add a fifth and sixth floor to the facility.

The sixth floor will provide additional clinical space, including 21 inpatient medical beds and 19 observation beds.

The fifth floor will primarily provide nonclinical space, such as offices, conference rooms, physician sleep rooms and storage space.

A two-chair inpatient dialysis room will also be constructed on the fifth floor to treat patients with kidney disease.

Emory Johns Creek has received state approval for expansion of the hospital, including adding two new floors, and gone through the rezoning process in Johns Creek to allow for additional patient beds.

Since it opened more than 10 years ago, Emory Johns Creek Hospital has seen significant growth. In 2007, it saw 2,793 patients, this year the number was 7,945. When it opened Emory Johns Creek hosted 13,000 emergency visits; now, it sees 29,000 per year.

“We are greater than 92 percent full,” Emory Johns Creek CEO Marilyn Margolis said in a Nov. 26 Johns Creek City Council meeting. “We have deployed ev690 residential units.

Halcyon is also developing an extension to the Big Creek Greenway with a paved and lit parking lot, restrooms and a trailhead.

Parking woes persist in downtown Roswell ROSWELL, Ga. — Canton Street parking, an issue plaguing the city for decades, has seen some headway under Roswell’s new mayor and city council.

Several businesses have met with the city over the past year to ask for help, stating that lack of parking has been driving customers away from downtown Roswell.

ery bit of space in each of our 110 beds and these are not enough to accommodate our growth.”

To meet this increased demand for care, Margolis has announced several upcoming improvements Margolis beyond the facility expansion. The hospital will hire new specialists and other physicians, expand labor and delivery care, purchase a third surgical robot and other technology, renovate the pharmacy and build a parking garage.

“Now, in order to really bring the total picture into the hospital, we need to add 40 beds within the next two years to match the services of the patients that we’re seeing,” Margolis said in a city zoning meeting. “These 40 beds are mostly oncology patients, cardiology patients and pulmonary patients. That’s what the City of Johns Creek is showing us is their need, and that’s what we want to add on the sixth and fifth floor.”

To improve care in the meantime, in September the hospital opened a new fast track program in its emergency department to reduce waiting room times.

The seven fast track beds are staffed by a mid-level practitioner and nurse at all times. The area provides medical care for patients with minor illnesses and injuries such as ear aches, cough symptoms, sore throat, back pain, minor lacerations, bites, stings and allergic reactions, rashes and prescription refills.

Parking ultimately was cited as one of the main reasons for one of Canton Street’s oldest residents, Ann Jackson Gallery, pulling up stakes and relocating to Alpharetta Street after 47 years at its old location.

The city is in the process of exploring long-term options. In the meantime, several lots have been opened. The Hagan Property lot, in the heart of Canton Street, agreed to open 84 of its parking spots for public use outside of business hours. And the new East Alley, opened this spring, brought 18 new spots.

The city has also floated several ideas to open up more parking, including linking the parking lot at City hall with a bridge or underpass.

BUSINESSPOSTS

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 17

People are better than ideas “People are better than thoughts, they are just harder to control.”

I heard someone say something like that about 15 years ago. I didn’t really know what he meant. I was a Geoff smith contractor rebuilding Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com a bay window that had decayed from years of wood-rot. We found that the rot had spread into the interior walls in his dining room and I was trying to explain how if we didn’t replace it while we were working on the bay window, it was just going to keep getting worse.

I wasn’t very good at reading people back then. In my mind it all made perfect sense that he should have us pull off sheetrock in the dining room, build a temporary support for the second story, and start replacing studs until we got past the rot.

But he kept telling me different reasons why he didn’t want me to do it.

It would take too long and they had family coming in town the following week.

And besides, they might only stay in the house another year or so. In my mind, there was no good reason to not do the work. But we fixed the bay window and I left there stupefied.

Looking back on that deal, I think the issue actually was that he didn’t have the money to pay for it – which I think he was trying to indirectly tell me in the way that he expressed his other excuses. But I didn’t notice it because I was focused on what he said, not how he said it.

When settling up with him after fixing the bay window, I took one last run at defending my thoughts about the dining room wall. I went through the whole diatribe. When I was done, he handed me a check and before shutting the door said, “Yeah, well I like people better than thoughts.”

NSW NORTHSIDE WOMAN

As a businessman, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of looking at my clients merely as next month’s paychecks.

I remember thinking that it was such an odd thing to say. It stuck with me. And as I am now 15 years wiser, operating in the world we live in and welling with excitement about Christmas with my wonderful wife and two boys, I look out at my brothers and sisters in this world and that man’s comments ring true.

As a businessman, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of looking at my clients merely as next month’s paychecks. I need to constantly remind myself to look at each one on a personal level and really try to find them the mortgage that makes the most sense for them. Or tell them that maybe it’s best to wait if that’s the best course.

As someone with political leanings, it’s too easy to see everyone as simply a Republican or Democrat. It’s too easy to stick them in a category and assume they are nothing more than a list of political philosophies instead of a mother, a father, a husband or a wife.

Or what about those people born sometime between 1980 and the mid1990s? You know, the ones who want everything done for them, while sitting on their pillows in their tiny homes getting fanned while staring into their smartphones? Those millennials get a bad rap. I do a lot of mortgages for them and really, I’ve found the ones I’ve worked with to be relatively frugal.

And despite experts constantly telling me they want to do everything online, I’ve found that more than any other age group, millennials prefer to come into the office to meet with me

personally.

It’s too easy to categorize every person you meet. But I will tell you, it is liberating to talk to someone without caring about their opinion regarding the wall. Or talk to them without the responsibility of trying to craft an argument as to why I feel that Kavanaugh should or should not have been put on the Supreme Court.

I’m reminded of another phrase my father used to say to me when I was young: “Smarty, smarty had a party and no one came but smarty.” Well I will tell you folks, especially this time of year, I’m looking for the parties. If we can’t celebrate with one another and enjoy each other, then what are we really working toward? If you don’t know how to enjoy the things that make life wonderful, then I’m not trusting that you know where to lead me.

So please have the happiest of holidays everyone. Let’s look for each other around town and let’s be together in 2019. Cheers!

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

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

Identify your strengths and weaknesses Have you taken some time to consider what you do best in running your small business? How about things that you know aren’t your strengths?

Small business owners have to manage a lot of different things dick jones when running their Founder & President Jones Simply Sales small business, and with so many things to do, you can’t always do them yourself.

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you focus on things you know how to do, while at the same time rely on others to do the things you don’t know.

Many small businesses start with the business owner coming up with an idea for a new product or service. Maybe you’re good at developing new products, but aren’t that good in figuring out how to sell them. Knowing this will help you develop plans to either hire sales resources, or figure out how to outsource your marketing and sales function.

No one, including me, has said that you can’t learn new things, but anyone knows that you can’t know everything.

Creating a list of your strengths and weaknesses is a starting point for accessing what you can do and also where you might need help. There are a long list of companies that cater to this reality, providing services such as payroll, accounting, information technology, logistics and other services.

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you to make better decisions on what you should focus on, and what you should allow other internal or external resources to do. Doing this will help you to better run your small business.

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18 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

Parsons to close doors after 142 years

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — For the past 142 years, Parsons Gifts has been a staple in the local community, but come next year, it will shutter its doors.

The business is made up of a main store, Christmas Shoppe and adjoining Thomas Kinkade Gallery, all located at 525 Lakeland Plaza in Cumming.

The stores are family owned and operated by Gary Willis and his wife Cris who own the main store and Christmas Shoppe. His sister Kay Montgomery and her husband Mike own the gallery.

On Dec. 11, the business announced it will be closing in early February. A going out of business sale began last week and will include the liquidation of every item in the store, including clothes, jewelry, home decor, candles, fixtures, furniture and equipment.

Kay started working at Parsons the day after she graduated from college and never left. She is now one of the fourth generation owners.

“I’m part of the family,” she said. “We’ve worked it together throughout the years. The challenge of online retail has made it harder for us to be successful. Through the years, it’s gotten harder and harder.

Our children didn’t want to come into this. They’re doing their own thing in professional occupations. They saw how hard we were working and I’m not sure they wanted to do all this.”

When Gary and Cris moved to Cumming in the early 1990s, they realized the store may have to go out of business or computerize everything. They joined on to help the business connect to the future, and stayed working.

“Unfortunately, the numbers are not there anymore,” Cris said. “We had to make that gut-wrenching decision that wasn’t our plan. We planned to hold on longer. The sad part was there was no next generation that’s coming into the business. We were already facing the sad conclusion that this would be the last generation, but we weren’t planning on it being now.”

Originally, Parsons opened in Lawrenceville as a trading post. It moved to Duluth in 1925 and the Cumming store opened in 1948.

The business has moved around the city and burned to the ground in 1982. In 1991, the current location on Lakeland Plaza opened.

“We have been, at one time or another, the only big place to shop until the big stores came in,” Kay said.

“We were the community department store. The one thing we’ve done through the years is change. When we needed to create a new retail environment, we’d bring new things in. We had a full grocery store at one time.”

With its closure pending, the business has seen a massive influx of people wishing the employees well, recalling fond memories and trying to get the store to stay open.

“Everybody wants to come in and speak to us and tell us how sorry they are,” Kay said. “Some customers have cried and are really upset. They’re asking us what they’ll do now. We’ve been very touched with the way people have felt about us closing. It’s been very encouraging and nice to understand they loved us that much.

A lot of these customers are just like friends and our employees are like family. We certainly will miss them.”

Kay and Mike plan to retire, and haven’t made any solid plans for their free time.

“We have a lot of energy and ambition, so I’m sure

KATHLEEN STURGEON/Herald

Cris Willis, left, and Kay Montgomery are sisters-inlaw but also run the Parsons main store, Christmas Shoppe and adjoining Thomas Kinkade Gallery.

we’ll get into something, but I’m not too sure what that is yet,” Kay said.

While the closure has been emotional for Cris, she said it has given the staff a chance to realize what an impact they have made in the community.

“The customers have poured in sharing their love and memories,” she said. “My passion is bringing people together and I’ll be doing something. I don’t know what yet, but we will keep raising funds and awareness.”

BUSINESSBRIEFS McKesson move to bring over 500 jobs to Roswell ROSWELL, Ga. — McKesson Corporation, a global supplier of healthcare management solutions, retail pharmacy and healthcare information technology, plans to move to Roswell in 2019.

This move will relocate existing employees from the company’s current office in Alpharetta, bringing more than 500 high-quality jobs to the city. The anticipated move-in date is scheduled for summer of 2019.

With the move, McKesson will become a Top 5 company in Roswell based on the number of employees. The company has signed a 10-year lease for 104,000 square feet in the Stonebridge I building of Sanctuary Park, 1110 Sanctuary Parkway, which is the portion of the office park within Roswell city limits.

The company said major factors in the decision to relocate include location, availability of space and quality of life. The new location is also in Roswell’s opportunity zone, an area of the city designated as part of the state incentive

program that provides tax credits for net new jobs created within the state.

Dr. Tamakuwala joins Emory Women’s Center JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Emory Women’s Center at Emory Johns Creek Hospital recently announced that Dr. Sejal Tamakuwala has joined their team.

She sees patients throughout most of their adolescent and adult lives, beginning with the start of menstruation to contra-

ception counseling, pregnancy and delivery, and menopause and beyond.

Tamakuwala also specializes in providing OB/ GYN care for those who have a history of anxiety or sexual trauma.

She provides minimally invasive surgery, Tamakuwala which uses special technologies to limit the size of surgical incisions and reduce the need for opioid pain medications.

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 19

20 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

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FEATURED:

HOLIDAY EVENTS:

RACE RELATIONS DIALOGUE

What: The forum helps generate constructive analysis of issues, develop positive positions and implement programs that would result in more inclusive and peace-loving neighborhoods.

When: Thursday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: 770-545-9675

VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY JOHNS CREEK

What: Winter and spring volleyball academy for ages 8-15.

The sessions are very fundamentals focused and the session will be divided up by age and skill level.

When: Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan.7-30; Elementaryaged players practice 6:30-7:30 p.m., 11-15 year olds practice 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Where: Endurance Center, 7340 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 200, Johns Creek Cost: $150 More info and registration: intensityvolleyball.com

What: Sawnee Association of the Arts is displaying Nativities from Around the World at its new Art Center in downtown Cumming.

Admission and parking is free.

When: Through Jan. 6, 2019, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Sawnee Association of the Arts, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming More info: sawneeart.org

AVALON ON ICE

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

Enjoy special events and themed nights throughout the season.

Lessons available.

When: Nov. 19- Jan. 21, 2018; times vary Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta Cost: General Admission starts at $18 More info: experienceavalon.com

EVENTS: WARM WINTER STORIES

What: Head to a toasty theater and catch a story reading. New story each day. For ages 3-5. Included with general admission.

When: Friday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m.1 p.m.

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell More info: chattnaturecenter.org

ENCHANTED WOODLAND TRAIL ATLANTA POPS NEW YEARS

What: Usher in the new Year with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, established in 1945 by French immigrant Albert Coleman.

When: Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

Where: Playhouse Cumming, 101 School St., Cumming Cost: Tickets start at $30 More info and tickets: playhousecumming.com

SANTA’S VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

What: A collection of lights, animated characters, trains and Christmas characters for parents and children to enjoy.

Train rides also offered.

When: Fridays-Sundays, 6-9 p.m. weather permitting, through New Year’s Eve Where: 405 Waverly Hall Drive, Roswell More info: northfulton.com

What: Fairies and gnomes have been busy building all new homes for the Enchanted Woodland Trail opening this winter.

Included with general admission.

When: Through Feb. 28, all day Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell More info: chattnaturecenter.org

JOHNS CREEK TOASTMASTERS

What: Join the weekly meeting to learn how to become a better speaker and better leader.

When: Saturdays, 9:45 a.m.

Where: Johns Creek Christian Church, 10800 Bell Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreek.toastmastersclubs.org or 404-513-3188

SMART RECOVERY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

What: This program uses science based tools to provide support for those who are affected by the addictive behavior of someone close to them. Not a twelve step program.

When: Mondays, 7-8 p.m.

Where: DecisionPoint Wellness Center, 1070 State Bridge Road, Suite 6, Johns Creek More info: smartrecovery.org

NAVIGATORS TOASTMASTERS PATHWAYS What: Reach your personal and professional goals through Pathways, Toastmasters’ new education program.

When: Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Where: Club House, 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming More info: navigators.toastmastersclubs.org

ALL RECOVERY MEETING

What: Join an open discussion for those in recovery from addiction or those affected by people with addiction. Not a twelve step program.

When: Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Emory Johns Creek Hospital, 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek More info: navigaterecoverygwinnett.org or 678-743-1808 x101

WEDNESDAY MORNING NETWORKING

What: Join for networking every Wednesday morning.

When: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $5 for members, $10 for guests More info: johnscreekga.gov or 770-495-0545

HEALTH AND FITNESS: NEW YEARS DAY 5K

What: Start the New Year with a race. The race is along a flat course and will include music.

Awards will be given to top overall, top masters, top grand master and top senior grand master.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 9-11 a.m.

Where: North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming Cost: registration is $20 More info and registration: fivestarntp.com

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: YOGA

What: Bring peace to the mind and body through yoga and get a great stretch as well. Neniffer Gruher is the yoga instructor.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 7 p.m.

Where: Congregation Dor Tamid, 11165 Parsons Road, Johns Creek Cost: $10 More info: congregationdortamid. com

ZUMBA GOLD (FLEX)

What: Combines the international rhythms of the Zumba Gold program with the strength training techniques, creating an easy-tofollow dance fitness program.

When: Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov/ parkplace

ENERGY YOGA

What: Physical exercises to open and clear energy. Utilizes Qi Gong and meditation techniques.

When: Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: afpls.org

RELIGIOUS EVENTS: MEN’S MINISTRY: FRIDAY MORNINGS

What: The First Baptist Roswell men’s group meets every Friday morning for friendship and to help each other grow spiritually.

All are welcome to attend.

When: Fridays, 7 a.m.

Where: Panera Bread, 1195 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: fbroswell.org

THERAPEUTIC YOGA

What: Gain health benefits from relaxing yoga that emphasizes strength and flexibility. No experience necessary. Taught by an advanced certified yoga instructor.

When: Wednesdays, 9:45-11 a.m.

Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell More info: rumc.com or 770261-1705

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS OUT

What: Join for weekly dinner and fellowship. Volunteers needed for serving and cleaning.

When: Wednesday nights, 4:456:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Cost: $7 per adult More info: rumc.com/wno

CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS

What: Make and grow faith-based friendships for all ages. Enjoy a hot meal and/or volunteer.

When: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 North Main St., Alpharetta More info: afumc.org

ACTING UP AUDITIONS

What: RUMC’s adult drama ministry will be holding open group auditions for the murder mystery comedy, “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

When: Thursday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m.

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

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CIRCLES

What: The four different circles offer women opportunities to spend time together, support each other in happy and sad times, learn from each other and grow in faith. Child care options available.

When: Esther Circle, each first Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.; Ruth Circle, each first Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Lydia Circle, each first Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; Martha Circle, each first Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta More info: alpharettapres.com/ adults/small-groups/

CHARIS GALLERY

What: Enjoy the variety of interpretations of the new exhibit theme, “Gratitude.” There will be a silent auction to benefit RUMC’s mission partners.

When: Through Sunday, Jan. 13 Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell More info: rumc.com

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: “MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”

What: See the Tony Awardwinning musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

When: Dec. 14-Jan. 12, 2019, 8 p.m.

Where: Conant Performing Arts Center, 4484 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta Cost: Tickets start at $40 More info and tickets: get.org

CHIELI MINUCCI & SPECIAL EFX

What: See the Grammy-nominated Chieli Minucci perform live with ensemble Special EFX. When: Friday, Dec. 28, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta Cost: Individual tickets start at $129 per person More info and tickets: thevelvetnote.com

VELVET NOTE NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA

What: Go all out for New Year’s Eve with live music by The Toni Byrd Quintet, all-you-can-eat cuisine, Champaign toast and festive spirits.

When: Monday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta Cost: $49 More info and tickets: thevelvetnote.com

BLACK HERITAGE: THE UNSUNG HEROES OF ROSWELL

What: This exhibit focuses on the story of the everyday heroes of the black community and their labors from the days of slavery and Reconstruction and through the trials of segregation.

When: Mondays-Fridays, Jan. 2-Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

“STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD”

What: Emmy-nominated Atlanta puppeteer Lee Bryan will put on two special holiday productions, with demonstrations after each show.

When: Thursday, Jan. 3, 11:15 a.m.-noon and 1:15-2 p.m.

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

JAZZ AT FIREFLY

What: Free, live music each week.

When: Saturdays, 8:30-11 p.m.

Where: Firefly Restaurant & Bar, 3070 Windward Plaza, Alpharetta More info: fireflyalpharetta.com

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS

What: Join every Sunday afternoon for live music on the patio along with food trucks and cold beer.

When: Saturdays, 4-7 p.m.

Where: Truck & Tap, 30 Milton Ave., Alpharetta More info: awesomealpharetta. com

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 21

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: JANE TURNER HASSELER

What: Jane Turner Haesller returns with her “People on Canton” exhibit. Her acrylic and ink renderings depict the people and businesses on Roswell’s Canton Street.

When: Nov.1- Dec. 29, all day Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

AVALON NIGHTS LIVE

What: Unwind after a long week with live music in The Plaza.

When: Fridays, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta More info: awesomealpharettta. com

LIBRARY EVENTS: “RISE OF THE GUARDIANS”

What: Bring sleeping bags, pillows and a picnic lunch or popcorn and watch “Rise of the Guardians” on the big screen.

All ages.

When: Friday, Dec. 28, 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

MAH JONG MEET UP

What: Drop in and meet other Mah Jong players. If you have a set, bring one in case the group needs another.

When: Friday, Dec. 28, 1-3 p.m.

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

FREE ENGLISH CLASS

What: This class does not require registration or a textbook and is taught by a trained ESL instructor. High beginner to advanced levels.

When: Monday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES COUNTDOWN

What: Celebrate the end of 2018 in style and listen to hits from the past decades. After dancing, join the balloon drop at noon.

Decade costumes encouraged.

When: Monday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming More info: forsythpl.org

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: SPECIAL EVENT

KID CHESS

What: Club members will learn strategies, game variations and can participate in a tournament. No registration required.

Ages 5 and above.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 770-3608897

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

What: Help save others by donating blood. The need is constanat.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2-7 p.m.

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

GETTING A’S IN COLLEGE

What: Author Bob Raus will cover tips, tools and habits to achieve the most in college. This program is for college students, high schoolers thinking about college, and their parents.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

MAKERSPACE THURSDAY

What: Students may bring components or items that they would like to include in their design.

Ages 5-10 years old with parent.

When: Thursday, Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m.-noon Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-6134402

THURSDAY MORNING ESL CLASS

What: Conversation class, high beginner through advanced levels. Classes are free, don’t require registration, don’t use a textbook and accept students at all times.

When: Thursday, Jan. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-6136735

What: Come join new allies in traveling the world and exploring unknown dangers. Premade characters are available. Ages 10 and up. At least one prior attendance is required.

When: Thursday, Jan. 3, 1:305:30 p.m.

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

NEEDLECRAFTS GROUP

What: Join a community of needlecraft artists once a week to practice skills, and learn or teach new techniques. Adult.

Registration is not required.

When: Thursday, Jan. 3, 1-3 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info: afpls.org or 404-6134050

PET ADOPTIONS: FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

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

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

FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

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

Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: MondayFriday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

What: The Latin American Association and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta will provide qualified legal representatives to aid in filling out the U.S. Citizenship Application Form N-400.

When: Friday, Jan. 4, 10 a.m.1 p.m.

Where: Gwinnett County Public Library, 4817 Church St., Lilburn More info: gwinnettpl.org/n400 or 770-978-5154

22 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

22 | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018

Sponsored Section

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Empty Nest • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 23

Warning signs your aging parents need more help (NAPSI)—Home care agencies often see a surge in calls in late December and early January. Why? Many grown children head home for the holidays and notice their aging parents need some help.

“We usually see a surge in demand for care around the holidays as families get together and adult children notice changes in their parents’ well-being and realize they need more support to remain safe and independent in their homes,” said Austin Harkness, head of care for Honor, one of the fastest-growing home care companies in the country.

Here are ways to tell: Take The Sniff Test Breathe in that holiday hug. If you notice unclean clothes or an uncharacteristic body odor, that could signal that a parent is having trouble bathing, maintaining personal hygiene or keeping up with household chores such as laundry.

Next, follow your nose to the kitchen. Open the fridge. You’ll notice pretty quickly if there’s spoiled food—but your parents may not. The sense of smell diminishes with age, expecially after 70. Many seniors can’t detect unpleasant odors that would normally tell them it’s time to toss last week’s meat loaf.

If the sniff test reveals some olfactory oddities, it might not just be “normal aging.” Diminished sense of smell can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

If you sense something isn’t quite right, help Mom or Dad to set up a doctor’s visit to see if there’s something else going on.

Have A Look Around Your childhood home may look the same as ever— but it may not work as well for older adults. As people age, their environment typically needs simple upgrades to keep them safe. You can significantly reduce fall risks by taping down throw rugs, removing extra furniture, securing electrical cords out of pathways and adding grab bars in the bathroom.

Pay attention to clutter as well. Stacks of unopened mail, broken appliances or drooping houseplants may also signal a need for help. Being unable to manage everyday activities can be a symptom of depression or of cognitive impairment, which often presents like depression.

If you see any of the above warning signs, you may want to arrange for your parent to see a doctor and for family members or professional caregivers to stop by and help with projects and chores. Just knowing your parents have help and resources can relieve worry, both yours and theirs.

Listen Up Is the TV or radio volume blaring? Are conversations repeated? Does Mom keep asking “what?” or just smiling and nodding instead of participating? Don’t brush it off. Difficulty following conversations may be a sign of hearing loss, cognitive impairment or both.

Seniors who begin losing their hearing are at greater risk of developing dementia over time since hearing is a brain function. Sometimes, hearing aids stimulate the sounds needed for the brain to restore organization and correctly process sounds.

Making Sense Of Your Senses Talking to parents about warning signs you’ve noticed isn’t fun. But do it anyway. Let them know you want to be involved to help them stay independent for as long as possible. Even if you live far away there’s a lot you can do, such as scheduling appointments and finding help with transportation, chores and projects.

Talk to nearby family members about how they can help out or set up a visit with a home care agency that can provide ongoing support.

Fear of losing independence keeps a lot of seniors tight lipped. If your parents are open and honest about their changing needs, consider it a generous holiday gift. They trust you’ll know what to do with it.

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24 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Empty Nest • Sponsored Section

It is fall and time for falls prevention Falls can be a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in persons over the age of 65 years.

That is why it is recommend that all adults older than 65 years of age be screened annually for a history of falls or balance impairment. Fall injuries result in millions of emergency department visits annually.

Approximately 25% of all falls can cause serious injuries, such as fractures or traumatic brain injury. The risk of falls that can result in serious injury increases with age. Injuries, such as hip fracture, and falls are can be risk factors for placement in a nursing home, where the fall risk is nearly three times that of persons living at home.

Assessment: All persons older than 65 years should be assessed by their physician annually about whether they have fallen. Documenting the number of falls they have had and if they caused injury, and whether they have difficulty with walking or balance. Non-injury falls are an indication of potentially life-threaten-

ing events and are an opportunity for your physician to intervene.

Potential Risk Factors for Falls: • Balance impairment • Gait impairment • Muscle weakness • Medication use Interventions to Help Eliminate Falls: • Exercise or Physical Therapy • Vitamin D • Medication Review • Home Safety Evaluation • Vision Correction • Foot Care With early intervention listed above you and your doctor can effectively decrease the potential for falls. Fall prevention is reimbursed as part of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.

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Empty Nest • Sponsored Section

How Doctors Think

Insights into Differential Diagnosis

By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta How does a doctor make a diagnosis? How does he or she choose which information is important? On televiDr. Brent sion, it often seems Taylor likes the right diagnosis almost magically comes to a doctor. On the tv show House, the main character watches as the less experienced physicians struggle and make missteps. Then, like Sherlock Holmes, the gifted doctor notices a key point or seems to summon up a brilliant insight out of thin air.

For me, one of the more interesting topics in medicine is the process by which physicians arrive at a diagnosis.

Surprisingly, multiple approaches to making a diagnosis exist, and there is considerable variation across specialties within medicine. Each approach has its pros and cons, and most physicians are likely using a hybrid approach that takes the best from each model. And thank goodness, arriving at the right diagnosis doesn’t require magic.

When I was a medical student, I remember being quite impressed at one emergency medicine doctor’s emphatic insistence that all physicians should memorize the emergencies and “can’t miss” diseases that would match up with any complaint that they see. His name is Dr. Corey Slovis. He is a phenomenal teacher, and he shared with his students that there are approximately five “can’t miss” diagnoses for every “chief complaint.” For example, if a patient presents with chest pain, Dr. Slovis said that every doctor should immediately think of heart attacks, cardiac tamponade, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, tension pneumothorax and Boerhaave syndrome (sometimes five adds up to six). He had five emergencies or can’t miss diagnoses for almost every complaint a patient could have. He said that you couldn’t rely on consults or reading textbooks to make these diagnoses. Time was of the essence. Dr. Slovis’s approach to differential diagnosis seemed to be to rule out the emergencies, which you had to memorize in advance, then move on to the less time-sensitive diagnoses.

On another rotation, a fantastic internal medicine resident shared with me his approach to differential diagnosis, summed up by the mnemonic “VINDICATE,” which stands for vascular

disease, infections, neoplasms, drugs, iatrogenic, congenital, autoimmune, trauma and endocrine disease. This resident told me that when making a diagnosis, I should consider all the options and try to run through possibilities. For example, for the smoker with a cough, could the cough be from a vascular disease such as heart attacks leading to heart failure, or an infection like pneumonia, or a neoplasm such as lung cancer, or a reaction to a drug such as an ace inhibitor, etc.,?

My resident friend suggested running through the possibilities systematically and thinking of every category of disease first so as to avoid missing something important, such as lung cancer presenting as a cough. Another physician suggested thinking through each organ system (cardiovascular, pulmonary, etc.,) instead of thinking through VINDICATE when creating a list of diagnoses.

Finally, a family medicine physician advised me that I should be patient and let my list of possible diseases build with time and experience. He said that the common diseases are almost always the correct ones and that with time the number of diseases that I could think of would grow.

I believe that all these approaches have their merit. And each approach seemed to fit the field of the physician who espoused it. In medical school, my synthesis was that I should first try to memorize the emergencies and “can’t miss” diagnoses for as many complaints as possible. In dermatology, a “can’t miss” list for someone with a scaly rash might include cutaneous t-cell lymphoma and syphilis, for example. Second, I should let my list of common diagnoses grow with experience, and if a presentation matches perfectly, there’s rarely reason to go further. However, if someone’s presentation is atypical or doesn’t seem to add up to one of the diseases on the “can’t miss’ list or the common list, then it’s useful to think of VINDICATE or organ systems systematically and generate a list of diseases to work through before turning to textbooks, consultations or medical journals.

Obviously, there is a lot more to say on this subject, but I hope that this brief synopsis of methods of differential diagnosis is interesting and though-provoking.

If you or a loved one has a history of skin cancer, vein disease or any cosmetic or dermatologic complaint, please consider entrusting your skin care to board-certified and fellowship-trained Dr. Brent Taylor of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta.

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 25

26 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

Empty Nest • Sponsored Section

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 27

What to do when you become a caregiver (NAPSI)—What would you do if you were suddenly faced with a caregiving challenge? Helping a friend or loved one navigate life and health care can be complicated and frustrating.

Here are some words of wisdom from Blue Cross: • Talk about the tough stuff BEFORE the going gets tough. Nobody likes to think about the possibility that he or she might someday need to rely on a loved one to communicate his or her wishes and make decisions. So ask the difficult questions before it’s an issue.

Do you have a living will? Who will have the power of attorney? Having these

The Memory Center Atlanta offers all inclusive care The Memory Center Atlanta is the Southeast Region’s most unique, allinclusive, residential memory care community for people living with Alzheimer’s and any other form of dementia. A diagnosis of dementia does not mean that you cannot keep many aspects of your current lifestyle. It simply means you may need assistance maintaining that lifestyle. At The Memory Center Atlanta, we strive to ensure you truly live with us.

Daily activities include Music, Dancing, Local Entertainment, Outings, Art Therapy, Pet Therapy, Religious Services and more. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the Fox Theater or enjoy an ice cream cone at the Bull Dog Café. All residents experience socialization and activities and those who need 24/7 medical care will benefit from the care provided at The Memory Center Atlanta. We are

proud to have Dr. Gary Figiel, M.D., a locally and nationally renowned expert in the field of geriatric healthcare, as the Medical Director. Dr. Figiel works with our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants to provide 24/7 care within the comfort of your loved one’s new home.

Don’t let a crisis determine where your loved one can receive care. Deciding on memory care early enough, will allow your loved one the opportunity to have the best quality of life and that decision is priceless. Schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta and learn more about how our entire team works together to provide a seamless transition for your loved one into their new home. Located at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile in from Medlock Bridge Rd. and directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call Today – (770) 476-3678.

issues sorted out can reduce confusion during stressful situations.

• Put it in writing. Having a health care directive will give you a sense of loving clarity to know the decisions to make.

• Find support. Caregiving can start out with small tasks, building over time, or it can happen overnight.

It’s important to know you aren’t alone.

• Get help. Quite often, siblings will split caregiving tasks among themselves. For example, a sibling who lives out of town might feel most useful managing finances while another who lives closer can help run errands.

28 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

After 14 years, judge steps down from ‘dream job’ Campbell to end tenure in Fulton Superior Court

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — It took two quick decisions and a political miracle for Thomas Campbell to achieve his longtime goal of serving on the superior court bench.

The first quick decision happened while a junior at the University of Georgia in the early 1960s.He was summoned to the administrative office and told he had completed all his core classes and electives, and it was time to declare a major.

“I went to the university catalog, and there was everything from agriculture to zoology,” he said. “Nothing appealed to me except for the law and law school.”

Within a day, Campbell made his choice to pursue a career that would

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span more than 50 years and lead him to three judgeships and a seat in the Georgia House.

Campbell retires Dec. 31 as judge of Fulton County Superior Court, a seat he has held for 14 years.

Reflecting back from his home in Alpharetta, Campbell recalled one incident that changed his life.

While at UGA Law School, he attended a lecture given by Griffin Bell, a Georgia attorney and future U.S. Attorney General.

“I can’t remember what he said in his remarks, but from that day forward, I always thought that to be a superior court judge would be my dream — not an appellate court judge,” Campbell recalled.

“I wanted to be there, face to face with the people who were involved.”

Campbell, an Atlanta native, began his practice in 1965, setting up in Atlanta’s Five Points.

“I did something most law graduates won’t try today, which is to hang up your shingle,” he said. “What I wanted to do was have a small-town private law practice where I would identify with representing individuals, small businesses.”

That yearning spurred him to relocate to Roswell six years later where he opened an office on Canton Street.

“There were only five or six lawyers in town at that time,” he said.

Then something strange happened.

He saw an ad in the local paper advertising for a municipal judge in the tiny town of Mountain Park, just west of Roswell. Campbell talked it over with his wife, Martha, and applied.

Setting up his first court After an interview with the mayor

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PATRICK FOX/Herald

Superior Court Judge Tom Campbell reflects on a career that took him from private practice to the Legislature and to the courtroom. and a city council member, he was offered the post.

He recalled turning to the city leaders and asking, “By the way, where is your courtroom? They said, ‘That’s why we have you — to start a courtroom.’”

Campbell spent the first few weeks assembling a court. He used the community building for the space and commissioned the city clerk as clerk of the court and the city attorney as solicitor.

He even found a local volunteer to serve as bailiff. Neighbors in the community built him a bench, and all was set.

“We had a real court. It was a lot of fun,” Campbell recalled. “We met once a month on a Saturday. One of the first cases was a water meter violation, someone had messed with their water meter to get free service.”

Word got out about the new Mountain Park court, and a few years later, the small town of Ball Ground in Cherokee County tapped Campbell to work his magic there.

He jumped at the chance.

“It occurred to me when I was forming these municipal courts, this is ground zero, and I have an opportunity to be exposed to citizens and be able to explain to them every little thing that goes on in that courtroom,” he said.

“That was a real opportunity for me, being in that small setting.”

Tragedy prompts another quick decision In 1989, Roswell’s area representative to the Georgia House, Luther Colbert, died tragically in an auto accident.

Two days before the qualifying deadline to elect a replacement, several members of the Roswell Rotary Club, of which Campbell was a member, suggested he run.

“It wasn’t something I had aspired to do,” he said. “I’d never even thought

about it, but I was encouraged by a lot of people in the community.”

There were eight contestants — seven who identified as Republican and one Democrat — in the non-partisan election.

Campbell and the Democrat challenger finished at the top, forcing a runoff.

After a tough campaign, Campbell came out on top and took a seat under the Gold Dome later in the year. By law, he was forced to resign his seats as municipal court judge.

“After winning, I wondered “Now what am I going to do?’” he said.

A good question, because in 1989 state government was dominated by Democrats. There was little a freshman Republican House member could hope to accomplish.

Nevertheless, within the first few years, Campbell had authored and sponsored a crime victims’ bill that was signed into law. It called for victims of crimes to be notified when the person convicted is released or is granted parole.

Campbell said he proposed the legislation after hearing horror stories from crime victims.

An unexpected turn of events After 15 years in the Legislature, a political miracle happened that would define Campbell’s later career.

In 2002, Georgia elected its first Republican governor since Reconstruction.

That same year, the Georgia Senate went Republican, and the House followed two years later.

Campbell retired from the House before the 2004 election.

That same year, though, a door opened that Campbell never anticipated.

Elizabeth Long, who had served as judge for Fulton County Superior Court, retired after 10 years on the bench.

COMMUNITY

There are two ways to get on to the superior court bench. One is to run for election. The other is to be appointed by the governor in cases where a judge retires mid-term.

“About the time I was thinking about retiring, bingo the first Republican governor in over 100 years is elected,” Campbell said. “Then, Judge Elizabeth Long announced she was retiring early.

I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, the stars are lining up,’ so I put in my name for consideration.”

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue named Campbell to the seat, fulfilling a dream he says he never thought would happen.

He took his seat in May 2004.

“It was everything I’d hoped it would be,” he said. “To serve in that way was my lifetime dream.”

Campbell said he valued the fact

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 29

that, in this country, judges have enormous powers — the power to take life, the power to take property, the power to grant custody of children. Being able to exercise that power with fairness and consideration to the people involved, he said, was the greatest reward.

Now, on the cusp of retirement, Campbell reflected on what he left behind.

“The lawyers who practiced before me and the members of the staff at the courthouse — I’ve been approached by them lately — and they say they were most impressed by the fact I was always fair to both sides,” he said.

As for the future, Campbell said he has no big plans.

“I want to continue with public service, possibly volunteer work,” he said.

“The next phase in my life is a story yet to be told. I look forward to it.”

In Memoriam

Herman A. Hampel Herman A. Hampel age 88 of Milton, GA. passed away on December 14, 2018. Mr. Hampel was born on December 21, 1929 in St. Louis MO and served in the Marine Corps. during the Korean War. He attended Washington University in St. Louis and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Engineering in 1957. He had a successful career in Structural Engineering with several large firms until his retirement in 1991 from Equitable Real Estate in their Development and Construction Dept. with the title of Regional Manager Construction.

Herman was an active member of the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church in recent years,

serving on the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Retired Men’s Group who worked on projects within the church. He along with his wife, Joyce were members of the Open Door Sunday School Class for many years. Herman is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce E. Hampel; sons and daughters-inlaw, James A. and Debra Hampel, John E. and Martha Hampel and Robert C. and Patricia Hampel and eight grandchildren. A reception will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 10:00am at The Alpharetta First United Methodist Church with a memorial service to follow at 11:00am. Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Roswell, 770-645-1414. www.northsidechapel.com

DEATH NOTICES Cheryl Rae Baker, 74, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2018.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Ida Banigan, 94, of Milton, passed away December 9, 2018. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Dorothy Naslund Bruce, 86, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Melissa Simpson Cahill, 61, of Johns Creek, passed away on December 10, 2018. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Walter Thomas Carry, 88, of Cumming, passed away, December 7, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Billie J. Cooper, 65, of Cumming, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements

by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Betty Zuidema Darden, 92, of Cumming, passed away December 06, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Robert Edward Eaton, 84, of Cumming, passed away December 4, 2018.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mary Giddes, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away December 10, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jimmy Gossett, 78, of Cumming, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Edward Carl Heil Sr., 90, of Cumming, passed away December 5, 2018.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mary Jones, 102, of Alpharetta, passed away December 8, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jeanne C. Laramee, passed away December 8, 2018. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Crematory.

Alexander Micklos, 86, of Roswell, passed away December 5, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &

Juliet Mowrey, 49, of Alpharetta, passed away December 5, 2018. Arrangements

by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Jamey Curry Simmons, 47, of Cumming, passed away December 6, 2018.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Crematory.

Melvin Stewart, 76, of Alpharetta, passed away December 5, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &

Anthony Joseph Volingavage, 71, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2018. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

30 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

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

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NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | December 27, 2018 | 31

CADNET ADS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home.

Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license identification or credit card numbers.

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32 | December 27, 2018 | Milton Herald | NorthFulton.com

w ishi ng you a l l t he b est in t he

15320 TREYBURN MANOR VIEW

1 3 175 OW E N S WAY

OFFERED FOR $671,500

OFFERED FOR $1,434,900

24 67 H O P E W E L L R OA D

385 CREEK POINT

915 TREYBURN RUN

OFFERED FOR $1,250,000

OFFERED FOR $875,000

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JULIE MARTIN CONTACT ME TODAY FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! c. 770.668.4680 o. 770.442.7300 JULIEMARTIN@ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM | SIR.COM ©MMXIX Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.