FBI investigates mayor in Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt on the hot seat ►►PAGE 6
Compensation reform NF teachers to receive merit-based pay ►►PAGE 7
Georgia getaways
Hidden gems around the state ►►PAGE 28
A look ahead
JC Mayor Mike Bodker previews 2015 ►►PAGE 12
January 15, 2015 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 19, No. 3
Council vetoes early elections Will fill Posts 2, 5 in November By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
In front, from left, are Mount Pisgah Christian School Project Manager Sonya Tablada, City Councilwoman Cori Davenport, Mayor Mike Bodker, MPCS Trustee Larry Payne, MPCS Head of School John Marshall, MPCS Board Chairman Doug Williams, City Councilman Bob Gray, City Councilman Steve Broadbent and Alpharetta City Councilman Jim Gilvin. In the second row are City Councilman Lenny Zaprowski, MPCS benefactor Diane Geier, MPCS benefactor Jay Geier, MPCS Trustee Jim Brady, MPCS Upper School Head Mary Ann Morris and MPCS benefactor Lori Payne. In the third row are Mount Pisgah UMC senior pastor Steve Wood and MPCS benefactor Dianne Williams.
Mount Pisgah School dedicates $20M building Geier Hall adds classrooms, labs and cafeteria as Pisgah School families open pocketbooks
By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The families that are the backbone of Mount Pisgah Christian School gathered Jan. 11 to celebrate the dedication of the spanking new Geier Hall, a 48,000-square-foot multipurpose building that will house the upper school (ninth
through 12th grades). The original campaign was to raise $15 million over three years. Once it got started, school parents raised $20 million in something like 20 months, said fundraising cochairman Larry Payne. The student population is now at 1,050, but the goal is to have 1,200 students in K-12 grades. Head of School John D.
Marshall welcomed parents and supporters and thanked them for making this latest addition possible. “It has been an almost unbelievable journey. This follows a three-year, $11 million sports complex campaign. So this is just tremendous,” Marshall said.
See DEDICATION, Page 26
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – In a 4-1 vote, the Johns Creek City Council decided Jan. 12 it was more prudent to leave two seats on the City Council vacant for 300 days and wait until the November elections, which are already on the docket. Former state Rep. Lynne Riley’s resignation from the Legislature triggered the resignations in early Novem-
ber of two members of the Johns Creek City Council, who left to seek her seat. The City Council could have immediZAPROWSKI ately called for a March special election with qualifications in February, but Mayor Mike Bodker
See ELECTION, Page 4
State House seat enters Round 2 Stewart, Raffensperger vie in Feb. 3 runoff By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Despite five candidates on the ballot for Ga. House District 50, it was a two-person race between former Councilmembers Kelly Stewart and Brad Raffensperger in the Jan. 6 special election. It was a virtual dead heat as Stewart garnered 1,079
RAFFENSPERGER
votes (44 percent), just 53 votes ahead of Raffensperger’s total of 1,026 (41.84 percent). Since no one obtained the necessary 50 percentplus 1 margin needed for
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The wrong place at the wrong time JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Three men in the wrong place at the wrong time were arrested Dec. 21 for drug possession after allegedly fleeing from police. Police came out in force to Morton’s Crossing after reports of a robbery in progress with the suspects running away on foot. One officer, setting up a blockade, spotted two vehicles parked nearby. He pointed his searchlight on them and
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.
Missing car just misplaced ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A car went missing Dec. 28 while the owner was shopping. It turns out it was simply misplaced rather than stolen. The victim called police about to say she parked her Lexus car at pole 22 in the parking lot of North Point Mall. She went shopping and returned to where the car was left about 5:40 p.m. to find it missing. The victim said the vehicle was locked and she still had the keys. The car was found the next day parked near pole 12. The owner said she apparently had forgotten where she parked it.
one vehicle started up and sped off quickly. The officer pursued. The vehicle fled along Morton’s Crossing until more police cars blocked it in. The three men inside were questioned. While it was determined the men were not involved in the robbery, there was a strong smell of marijuana coming from the car. A small amount of the drug was al-
Dine and dash times two ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An Atlanta man not only tried to dine and dash from one restaurant Dec. 28, he then went next door and tried it again. According to police, Eric Dangelo Goodrum, 32, of Atlanta, was at the Buffalo Wild Wings on Mansell Road about 6 p.m., eating and drinking like any other patron. The manager said Goodrum stopped him as he was passing and asked for a Long Island iced tea, which he was served. He took a few sips and then allegedly left the business without paying his $70 tab. As employees were realizing what happened, Goodrum was spotted next door, at the Atlantic Seafood Company, where he sat at the bar ordering more food and another Long Island iced tea. Police were called and they questioned Goodrum. He initially denied eating at Buffalo Wild Wings, however when the manager confronted him, Goodrum allegedly admitted to the theft
because he had no money. When asked how he planned to pay for the second meal and drinks valued at $60, he allegedly told police he planned to run out on that tab also. He was arrested for theft of service.
Man attacked with hammer JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A man was attacked in his car Dec. 22 with a hammer, injuring him. The attacker escaped. The victim told police he and his girlfriend were driving near Morton’s Crossing to find a friend when they came across an unknown man. Before the couple realized they did not know the man, he got into the car, brandished a hammer and said, “You know what this is. Give it to me.” The victim and the suspect began fighting in the car, during which the
See BLOTTER, Page 33
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legedly found in the car. According to the police report, the men said they were smoking in the car and became scared when they saw police. The three men ages 18 to 19 were all charged with possession of marijuana. The driver was also charged with four counts of disobeying traffic devices, driving on the wrong side of the road, fleeing police and littering.
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 3
►► Trina Nicole Brown, 32,
of Highland Colony Drive, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 22 on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Cumming for DUI and possession of drugrelated items.
2015 2015Appen Appen Awesome Awesome
DUI arrests
Drug arrests
Atlanta was arrested Dec. 16 on Barnwell Road in Johns Creek for DUI, failure to maintain lane and driving on the wrong side of the road. ►► Carroll Vernon Gaillard, 65, of Calibre Creek Parkway, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 19 on Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek for DUI. ►► Timothy P. Dixon, 40, of Suwanee was arrested Dec. 20 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Taylor Matthew Moore, 21, of Suwanee was arrested Dec. 20 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and no headlights. ►► Daniel Joseph O’Dwyer, 64, of Cralyn Court, Johns Creek, was arrested Dec. 20 on Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Allen Michael Gross, 47, of Dawsonville was arrested Dec. 20 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI.
Rockvale Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 26 on Freedom Parkway in Cumming for possession of marijuana, too fast for conditions and violation of mirror requirements on motor vehicle. ►► Paul James Anglin, 32, of Frix Road, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 25 on Spring Creek Lane in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, no headlights, failure to obey a stop sign, attempting to elude police and failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle. ►► Brandon Anthony Schneider, 22, of Fairfax Drive, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 24 on Pilgrim Mill Road in Cumming for possession of a schedule II and III controlled substance. ►► David Louis Vogel, 28, of Marlow Drive, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 26 on Trammel Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana and expired tag.
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4 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
Election: Continued from Page 1 presented the cost of those elections as $205,000. After much confusion from information coming from the Fulton Board of Elections, that number was found to be not far off. After some debate over the merits of holding a special election or waiting until November for an election that would be held anyway, the council voted to delay the decision until the Jan. 12 meeting, which was the last possible date to call an election in March. In the meantime, the mayor posted a poll question on the city’s website asking citizens if they would support spending $205,000 for the election or wanted to save that expense. The poll results showed 582 supported waiting and 71 against. Councilmembers also raised the issue of “voter fatigue” (see chart) and pointed to the low turnout of less than 2,500 voters in the Jan. 6 special election for Riley’s seat in the General Assembly – which will require a Feb. 3 runoff (see Page 1 article). The city charter calls for a six-member council and mayor, but does not specifically say a vacancy must be filled as soon as possible. Most of council seized on that as a way to avoid having the seventh election in 14 months – an average of one every two months. However, Councilman Lenny Zaprowski said leaving two seats vacant for nearly a year was not what the charter intended. While regrettable that circumstances have created the situation, the city should not leave almost a third of the council seats vacant. “I believe the charter wants full representation, even if it does not specifically spell it out. I don’t feel like it is the intention to leave these seats unfilled for 300 days. We are going to have a lot of important decisions to make, and we should
Seat: Continued from Page 1 victory, there will be a runoff Tuesday, Feb. 3. The gloves are coming off in the next round, as the campaign literature has shown. Stewart is aiming at Raffensperger’s failed business enterprise as dodging his debts and his taxes. Raffensperger says her campaign has been based on lies and distortions about his past. She says court documents show he has 21 lawsuits, liens and judgments against him. Raffensperger says the majority of the voters “rejected her false negative advertising” and looks forward to a win in the runoff. Meanwhile, he has branded Stewart as having voted for a tax increase in the city’s last budget. “That is the clear difference between my opponent and myself. She voted for a tax increase and I voted against it. It’s clear that that happened, and she continues to deny it,” Raffensperger said. In the vote in question, the
have full representation,” Zaprowski said. Councilman Steve Broadbent pointed out that a city online poll had 82 percent (582 votes) opt to wait for November elections. He said he felt a duty to represent those 582 voters who did not want to go to the polls. After the vote, Johns Creek Community Association Chairman David Kornbluh said the wishes of his board, which represents around 60 subdivision communities and thousands of residents, apparently don’t count for much, because the JCCA board had recommended having the elections. “It sets a bad precedent. We have the utmost confidence in this council to make good decisions. But it still sets a precedent for future councils, perhaps with their own agenda, to leave seats vacant,” Kornbluh said. One issue is that of the mayor’s veto. With a 7-member board, the mayor’s veto can be overridden with a supermajority of 5 votes. With only five members under the charter, the mayor’s veto cannot be overridden without the mayor's own vote. Bodker has used the veto only once, when the City Council voted to waive attorney-client confidentiality during the mayoral investigation. He could not say whether he would invoke a veto again if he deemed it necessary. “Democracy is not free. And if there are long absences – and no one can see into the future – it would be have a profound effect if council could not field a quorum,” Kornbluh said. “And in my mind, the will of the charter is clear. Vacant seats should be filled as soon as possible.” Other residents rose to question the lack of experience on the board. Other than the mayor, none have so much as a year’s experience in government. Resident David Nurringer pointed out one difficult zoning meeting in 2014 when Bodker was out of town. “The room was packed and clearly the councilmembers were not up to handling the situation,” said Nurringer. “Now today, we have an even younger and inexperi-
Voter fatigue? Election timeline Since the general elections on Nov. 5, 2013, Johns Creek voters have been to the polls six times. Now, a runoff election for Georgia’s House District 50, scheduled for Feb. 3, will mark a seventh trip to vote in 15 months. If there is such a thing as voter fatigue, then Johns Creek could make a case for having it. • Nov. 5, 2013 – General election • Dec. 3, 2013 – Runoff Post 3 – Davenport wins • Jan. 9, 2014 – Councilman Ivan Figueroa resigns • May 20, 2014 – Special election, Posts 4 and 6 • July 22, 2014 – Runoff election – Broadbent (Post 4) and Gray (Post 6) win • Nov. 4, 2014 – General election • Nov. 7, 2014 – Rep. Lynne Riley resigns House District 50 seat • Nov. 9, 2014 – Councilmembers Kelly Stewart and Brad Raffensperger resign • Jan 6, 2015 – Special election for District 50 seat • Feb. 3, 2015 – House seat runoff
enced council. We need a full and functioning council.” Councilman Bob Gray said there should be more time to assemble a field of quality candidates, and waiting would allow them acquire the resources. He said in the six months he has been on council he feels he and the other new members have acquired the experience to handle the job. But Zaprowski said while that may be true, there are higher concerns. “What is the intent of the charter? Clearly, it was to limit the power of the veto, and that can’t be done as it stands,” he said. Zaprowski also noted the uncertainty of the future. He asked what would be the make-up of the council if two seats had been vacant – especially Kelly Stewart’s – when the mayoral investigation was begun? “None of us here now might not have been – including the mayor – had she not been there to speak up,” Zaprowski said. The final vote was 4-1, with Zaprowski’s the only dissenting vote.
The votes are in (13 precincts reporting of 13) State House 50; 2,452 total votes; 100% reporting Candidate
Number of Votes
K. STEWART (R) 1,079 B. RAFFENSPERGER (R) 1,026 R. REINECKE (R) 123 C. AUSTIN (L) 113 P. TROOP 108 Write-in 3
Percentage 44.00% 41.84% 5.02% 4.61% 4.40% 0.12%
Source: Fulton County Board of Elections
Johns Creek City Council had a vote of 6-1 to pass its last city budget, which had no millage increase. However under a law passed by the General Assembly, if property valuations show an overall increase, cities and counties must advertise a tax increase – even though there is no millage increase. The view is that such a budget is not revenue neutral. The law does not take into account that in the previous five years, the tax digest had taken hits due to the recession and that the recovery of property values are retracing lost ground. Stewart said Raffensperger’s vote against the budget was just political gamesmanship. She said she voted for a budget to fund needed pro-
grams and actions by the city. “The council takes up the millage rate discussions in June and July and then considers the budget in September. Out of nowhere, [Raffensperger] brings up this proposal in January. He did not talk to the CFO or the council about this,” she said. If Raffensperger had a problem with the millage rate, Stewart said he should have brought it up during budget talks. “If you vote against the millage rate, you have to compare it to the budget. The millage rate is set only to pay for what is in the budget,” Stewart said. “I am all for cutting taxes, but you have to show me what is coming out of the budget to allow us to do that. He never did
anything of the sort. There was never any plan.” Stewart pointed out Johns Creek has the lowest tax rate of any of the new cities in North Fulton. That was just a political stunt, she said. On most of the issues, there is little daylight separating their positions in the Legislature. Raffensperger has said he is committed to eliminating the state income tax and replacing it with the Fair Tax (that is a state sales tax). He wants to repeal the current 17 percent Fulton millage increase – which is under appeal in court. He further wants to see a new Milton County created out of North Fulton. And he supports “transportation solutions” to improve traffic congestion. He supports a strong educational system for Georgia to provide trained workers for the economy. Stewart said she also supports a new Milton County and would work to reduce the traffic gridlock in metro Atlanta and Johns Creek. “I want to keep taxes low and make Georgia the best place to do business,” she said.
NEWS
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 5
Hausmann named Fulton Commission vice chair ATLANTA – During the Jan. 7 Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ meeting, Commissioner Liz Hausmann was unanimously selected by her peers to serve as vice chairwoman for 2015. Hausmann has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2011, and was re-elected without opposition in November 2014. She was administered the oath of office for her second term last week. “I am honored by the support of my colleagues in selecting me to serve as vice chair,” said Hausmann. “I look forward to working with the entire Board of Commissioners in making Fulton County the best it can be.” Hausmann represents District 1, which is located in northeast Fulton and includes Johns Creek and portions of the cities of Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs east of Ga. 400. Prior to her service with the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Hausmann served as a founding mem-
ber of the Johns Creek City Council and the Fulton County Board of Education. She has served as chairwoman of the Atlanta Fulton County Water Resources Commission, as a member of the Fulton County HAUSMANN Defined Contribution Board and as a Fulton County Pension Board trustee. She received the 2012 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Award and the 2012 RBC Friend of Business Award. She is a 2011 graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute. In 2013, Hausmann was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. She also chairs the General County Governance Committee for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.
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Someone set the playground equipment of Northwoods Elementary School on fire Dec. 31. Police are seeking suspects.
Elementary school equipment burned Police seek arsonist ROSWELL, Ga. – Someone set playground equipment at a local elementary school alight Dec. 31, melting a slide and other play items. Witnesses who called in the fire said they were driving by 10200 Wooten
Road about 2:30 a.m. when they saw the playground of Northwoods Elementary School on fire. Roswell fire engines were able to put out the flames, but not before the plastic slide was melted. Police are asking anyone who has information on the act of arson to call Roswell Police at 770-640-4100.
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6 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
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FBI investigating Cumming insurance controversy Mayor’s girlfriend’s addition to city insurance raises questions By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — The Cumming City Administrator has confirmed the FBI is looking into whether Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt’s girlfriend, Angie Mullinax, has been receiving health insurance illegally through the city. City Administrator Gerald Blackburn confirmed the FBI “stopped by” Jan. 7. “They did come by,” said Blackburn. “They spent about 10 minutes talking to me. They asked me about Angie Mullinax and [City Attorney] Dana Miles and about their insurance with the city of Cumming.” Blackburn told the FBI that both were on the city’s insurance coverage plan. FBI agents also spoke with Human Resources Manager Phil Higgins. Blackburn has said in the past that Mullinax works part-time for the city, while Cumming Councilman Rupert Sexton said she doesn’t.
document on social media disclosing personal financial and health insurance information for the city of Cumming employees, specifically Mullinax. The document caused many to question why Mullinax was listed as receiving health insurance paid for by the city of Cumming, and whether she GRAVITT MILES SEXTON qualified as a city employee. Earlier in the week, Sexton said The city has paid out some $75,000 he received an email from someone he in insurance benefits for Mullinax since didn’t know saying the FBI was inves2005. tigating Cumming and that FBI repreWhen asked why his girlfriend is on sentatives had visited City Hall. the list, Gravitt admitted to putting her Asked if he would comment on the on the list. investigation, Sexton said, “I’m not “She does a lot of work for the city going to get involved with the FBI on of Cumming,” said Gravitt. “I put her anything.” on [the list]. I think the city pays $663 This all started on Dec. 23, 2014, a month for her insurance – that’s it. I when the Cumming City Council voted think we got a good bargain.” 4-1 [Sexton opposed] to start an imA three-member panel composed peachment investigation for longtime of Cumming City Attorney Dana Miles, Councilman Sexton. former Forsyth County Commissioner Sexton is accused of releasing a Patrick Bell and Steve Page, a local
businessman, is currently conducting an investigation into the alleged release of documents by Sexton. Miles, who also does work for the city but isn’t a full-time employee, was also on the leaked list. He said that other city attorneys in the state receive health insurance as a form of payment, so he believes it’s not a conflict of interest. The city uses the Georgia Municipal Association for insurance coverage, and its policy says in order to receive health insurance benefits, the employee must be full-time. The city is being investigated by Assistant Attorney General Kelly Campanella for an improperly held executive session by the City Council to discuss revising how spouses receive health benefits. The investigation was sparked by a letter from Councilman Sexton to Campanella in which Sexton alleges the Cumming City Council held an illegal held meeting on or about Dec. 16, 2014.
See FBI, Page 33
‘Right to Try’ bill would give hope to the dying Dudgeon bill gives terminal patients access to experimental treatments By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA — State Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R-Johns Creek) has pre-filed Jan. 5 a bill that would allow some terminal patients access to drugs or treatments that are still in trials. House Bill 34, also known as the “Right to Try” bill. This legislation would grant some terminally ill patients faster access to investigational drugs that have passed the safety phase in the three-phase Food and Drug Administration drug approval process. “A terminally ill patient, who has no other option, should have the right to try
these investigational, cutting edge treatments,” said Dudgeon. “Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri and Arizona have all passed similar legislation, and Georgia should follow in their footsteps to help our citizens. With the FDA approval process taking up to 10 years to come on the market, Dudgeon says people who will certainly die without intervention should be allowed access to drugs that are indeed their only hope to live. Dudgeon has worked with the ALS Foundation (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and his grandmother died of ALS. He also has been involved with a fellow church member who started
an ALS charity 5k run. At the Legislature, Dudgeon said he has found a surprising amount of support for the bill. DUDGEON “I have talked to both sides of the aisle and so far I have not found any organized opposition so far. I am also having the medical community to look at it. It is important they buy into it too,” he said. In the states where the bill has passed the medical community has been “neutral” he said. Dudgeon does not think it will be a partisan issue. Similar bills have passed in Red
and Blue States. He said this legislation not similar to bills such as the medical marijuana bill. “I see that very differently. While I support [Republican state Rep.] Allen Peake’s cannabis oil bill, I think this is a very different subject. We’re talking about terminally ill patients who have no other options. “And we are authorizing treatments that are already on track for use. It is related in that we are giving people medical choices,” he said. The bill does not replace the trials and it does not provide any drugs for free. “This is a purely volunteer program, so while some people may get it free for trials, this does not provide for that. Nor is any insurance forced to pay for it, although some insurance
companies may opt to pay for it,” he said. H.B. 34 will be formally introduced during the 2015 General Assembly session. The bill would only grant access to investigational treatments, medicines and devices for terminal patients who have no other options. The process would require strong and complete written consent, as well as full voluntary cooperation from all parties. Under H.B. 34, manufacturers would not be required to offer the treatment, and health insurance companies would not be required to pay for the treatment. Doctors, as well as other involved participants, would be indemnified. Dudgeon represents District 25, which includes portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties.
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SCHOOLS
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 7
Fulton Schools phasing in compensation reforms Will institute merit-based pay By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – In a multi-pronged reform process, Fulton County educators will no longer receive pay increases based on years in the classroom and the degrees they earn, but rather on their effectiveness as educators. The Fulton County School System (FCSS) is moving toward a model that rewards top teachers with higher pay, provides incentives for motivated teachers to reach the next plateau and supports underperforming teachers through professional development and resources. The new pay for performance model is common in private industry, but not in the education field where experience and degrees are generally the rule of thumb in determining pay. “As part of our [strategic plan], we are working on ways to provide opportunities for our best teachers, our most effective teachers, who impact what happens in our classrooms every day,” said Kenneth Zeff, chief of innovation and strategy for the FCSS. Fulton Schools is three years into an ambitious fiveyear strategic plan to increase graduation rates and academic performance, and having the best teachers in front of the classroom is a critical piece in the equation, said Zeff. Two years ago, the system pulled together a committee of top teachers, principals and administrators to create a tiered compensation model. The new process will phase in this summer at the start of the 2015 fiscal year, with four
components: • Competitive pay with effectiveness increases • Tuition reimbursement • Strategic staffing • Career ladders and roles Competitive pay/tuition reimbursement Once fully implemented, pay increases will range from zero for teachers deemed “ineffective” based on evaluations to a 4.5 percent increase for those considered “exemplary.” Teachers in the “needs development” range could see a 1.5 percent increase, and those evaluated as “proficient” would see a 3 percent increase. Categories for teachers will be determined based on the state’s teacher evaluation model – TKES – which has been in place for two years and is mandatory for all public school systems. Zeff said support will be provided for teachers in the lower rungs to help them move to a higher tier. Current compensation for teachers in Fulton County begins at $40,308 annually for a new teacher with a bachelor’s degree, to $86,196 for a teacher with more than 25 years of experience and a doctorate degree. The FCSS will also offer tuition reimbursement for teachers seeking advanced degrees, in lieu of pay increases as has been the practice. Strategic staffing Beginning next year, top teachers can earn a $20,000 bonus for moving to a low performing school for at least two years. Two elementary schools and one middle school will be selected as the pilot schools for next year, and the funding will initially come from the Fulton Schools Foundation. Zeff said a group of teachers has been invited to apply for the openings, and were
... We are working on ways to provide opportunities for our best teachers, our most effective teachers, who impact what happens in our classrooms every day.” KENNETH ZEFF Chief of innovation and strategy for the FCSS selected as applicants based on high marks on the Student Growth Percentiles. “We want to reward our most successful teachers for taking on some of our toughest assignments,” said Zeff, who noted the teachers will be selected in April. “So far, about 100 of our most accomplished teachers have expressed interest in exploring this opportunity and ultimately competing for the handful of spots in this first cohort.” Career ladder and roles Teachers who take on additional roles will see increases in pay as they take advantage of opportunities to move from an “emerging” teacher to a “master” teacher. Fulton’s conversion to a charter system three years ago allows it to reform teacher compensation; an option not possible in non-charter systems. Zeff noted the Fulton plan could serve as a model for compensation reform statewide, since the state is considering linking pay to performance.
Cambridge Theatre will perform “Honk!” Jan. 29 – 31 and Feb. 1.
Cambridge presents ‘Honk!’ New performance Jan. 29-31, Feb. 1 MILTON, Ga. – Based on the story of the Ugly Duckling, Cambridge High School Theatre will perform “Honk!” at the end of January. This adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fable is a quackingly good time. Since it first hatched in 1993, “Honk!” has winged its way around the world in over 8,000 productions and many different languages. The winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heart-warming celebration of being different delights audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score. Lots of singing, dancing and creative costumes are sure to make this show perfect for all ages and a popular field trip or family-friendly outing. This show will be Cam-
If you go What: Cambridge High presents “Honk!” When: Jan. 29 – 31 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Where: Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton, Ga. 30004 Tickets: $10 Info: cambridgetheatre@ gmail.com bridge High School’s submission for the Georgia High School Musical Theater Shuler Hensley Awards. “Honk!” will be on stage Jan. 29 – 31 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. at Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton. For more information, email cambridgetheatre@ gmail.com. —Jonathan Copsey
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A BETTER WAY FORWARD
8 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
OPINION
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‘Je Suis Charlie’ Recent scandal not the first for Cumming Terrorists only APPEN MEDIA EDITORIAL:
stiffen our resolve to remain free
Even before the shock of the terror shootings in the Paris offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo had begun to fade, “Je Suis Charlie” began to go viral as a rallying cry to remain unafraid in the face of such violence. Just when we think the terror thugs cannot think of any acts more malicious than the ones they have already perpetrated, they attack one of our most hallowed rights – that of free speech. I have to admit I had never heard of Charlie Hebdo before the attack last week. Now, I will never forget it. It was more than an attack on a magazine or the press in general. It was an attack on thought, on ideas. And if you can take away the right to think for yourself and to express those thoughts, then they have taken away everything. That means they tell you not only what you can say but what you can believe. Right there goes freedom of religion. Granted, these terrorists say their religion gives them that right, but that is nothing new. Christians used that very same line of thought 1,200 years ago and styled themselves as “crusaders” to free the Holy Land – and to make themselves rich doing it. More blood has been shed in the name of God than all the pestilences on Earth. The terror thugs of today are no different. They cloak themselves in the robes of the righteous to excuse their barbarism. But in this technologically connected world, it does not take long for freedom-loving people to draw a line in the sand. Within hours, Parisians were mourning the attack by holding up their “Je Suis Charlie” signs. Others simply would hold a pen aloft as mute support for the slain. Around and around the
HATCHER HURD
Executive Editor hatcher@northfulton.com
world again went the images of people in all countries showing their support of free speech and the right to selfexpression. “Je Suis Charlie.” Now this outrage is a galvanizing event. The writers, cartoonists and editors of Charlie Hebdo were and are far left-wing. Their pens struck at complacent society, the church, the state and many things we may hold dear. But their weapons were thoughts and ideas wrapped in satirical review. If your values cannot stand the slings and arrows of outrageous satire, then perhaps it is time to re-examine those long-held truths. In all really good satire is the element of truth. Charlie Hebdo may have been over the top – I don’t read French satirical magazines – in its criticisms. But it’s an essential element of satire to shock the senses and make you look at things with a new cast of the eye. In the terrorists’ upping of the ante – going from shocking the mind to insulting flesh and blood – we see the difference. One asks that you question yourself. The other demands you ask no questions at all, just obey. So the stakes are these. Do we stand with the Charlies of the world who question our values and expose them to ridicule? Do we allow them a stall in the free market of ideas or do we just close up shop and accept the rule of bullets and IEDs? For me, the answer is plain. If we do not stand with the Charlies now, we will only have the terrorists who will tell us where to stand.
I have to admit I had never heard of Charlie Hebdo before the attack last week. Now, I will never forget it. It was more than an attack on a magazine or the press in general. It was an attack on thought, on ideas.
The city of Cumming has had its share of scandals in recent years. It notably gained attention when Mayor H. Ford Gravitt kicked out citizen blogger Nydia Tisdale for trying to video record a Cumming City Council meeting on April 17, 2012. This just happened to be the same day that Georgia’s updated Sunshine Laws became effective, which describe in detail what the laws are for open meetings and recording these meetings. The updated law clearly states Tisdale had every right to record the meeting. Despite the law, the mayor and with him, the city, stood firm in the decision to remove Tisdale and her video camera from the room. In the end, the city had to pay $12,000 in penalties,
which is the highest amount possible under the law, as well as attorneys’ fees for both sides. Sadly, the Tisdale issue is not the most recent case of the city coming under fire. And it may not be the last time a city controversy ends up costing taxpayers thousands of dollars. Last month, the council called a meeting to open an investigation to potentially impeach Councilman Rupert Sexton. Council claimed Sexton leaked a document on social media that included city employees’ health insurance information, including that of Gravitt’s own girlfriend, Angela Mullinax. This has spiraled from a potential impeachment into an investigation into whether Mullinax is illegally receiving city
health insurance. And it’s no longer simply a city matter. Now, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are involved. Both investigations are still in the early phases, and an end date is not in sight for either of them. If city wrongdoing is proved in the investigation or in court, taxpayers may once again be on the hook for legal fees and penalties. That’s not to mention the fact that taxpayers have wrongly paid up to $75,000 for Mullinax’s health insur ance over the years if it is shown to be improper to give her benefits in the first place. It’s unknown where the city goes from here, but it is likely taxpayers will have to foot the bill.
Atlantic Institute deplores Paris shootings ATLANTA – The Atlantic Institute strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. Such horrific actions represent an assault on democratic values and can never be justified no matter the underlying reason. Even against insults, the befitting response must be legal and civil. These attacks, in no way, represent Islam or any other religion and we hope that France and the rest of the world may come together in peace instead of hatred. Our thoughts are with the people of France and our prayers with the families of the victims and injured. We stand with our French friends
in solidarity against the unjust and, as President Hollande states, “cowardly assassination” of innocent people. We must all honor the victims by strengthening our commitment to spreading peace, tolerance and mutual respect. The Atlantic Institute is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta that works to facilitate dialogue and bridge cultures from both sides of the Atlantic by fostering awareness for differing beliefs, traditions and opinions. For more information, visit www.theatlantic institute.org.
Understanding the free press and public comment In an interesting case of “what, really?” a Frederick, Maryland city councilmember picked a fight with his local newspaper. Kirby Delauter was mentioned in an article covering parking at a council meeting. He was not quoted, simply mentioned. This allegedly follows an earlier disagreement between Delauter and the reporter. He called her out on social media, saying she was never to use his name without permission, nor was she to contact him again. The newspaper, The Frederick News-Post, responded with a lengthy tongue-in-cheek editorial titled, “Kirby Delauter, Kirby Delauter, Kirby Delauter”
JONATHAN COPSEY
Revue & News Editor jonathan@northfulton.com
that mentioned him by name no less than 26 times. They pointed out the need for public officials to be public and the need for reporters to be able to speak to them. This is one of the basic principles of free press. Delauter has since apologized for his remarks. This case highlights what the press has to deal with on a
regular basis. Not just belligerent people who don’t know how a free press works, but also that writing something someone disagrees with immediately launches partisan accusations (left-wing, right-wing and so on). I have been accused of this occasionally, and I can tell you that partisan politics have no place in local politics – nor in the reporting of local politics. That aside, public figures, especially those new to the role, often seem surprised that something they say will be written down. Sometimes, I think the first time they think about what they are saying is when they read it in the paper.
See PRESS, Page 31
COMMUNITY
High school junior embarks on unique way of giving back FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Motivate and Inspire Educational Academy, which opened a few months ago in Forsyth County, is already helping students attain their academic goals in part because its middle school students relate well to their high school instructors. Owner and founder Anirudh Bikmal is only a high school junior, but he works to be an exemplary role model for his peers. Bikmal, an insightful visionary and entrepreneur who has proactively turned his dreams into a reality, has always felt his greatest reward comes from knowing he has given back to others and believes in building a karma-free society. “Throughout my sophomore and junior year, I realized the number of students excelling in Georgia was exceedingly low,” Bikmal said. “Bringing together friends and fellow students who are accomplished in multiple activities, I created the Motivate and Inspire Educational Academy. The academy is founded on the principle that collective experience of successful high school students in key areas will empower students with the drive to succeed. “We are committed to offering a standard of excellence, and I was determined to make this academy happen — despite any challenges we had to face,” he said. “Since my staff is comprised of overachievers, it is a priority that my instructors manage their time wisely to avoid compromising their own grades.” Marketing his idea proved to be a challenge as well, but Bikmal was not easily discouraged. “If I had to cite my strongest marketing strategy, I would have to say it was brainstorming,” Bikmal said. “I first decided what would greatly appeal to young students and their parents. I also recalled how I myself had always wanted to receive tutoring services while attending middle school, but
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Anirudh Bikmal there were not any viable options available at the time. Basically, my academy serves as a starting point for students and provides them with a chance to springboard their goals onto the next level. “Middle school is a critical time because high school course expectations are significantly more demanding and students need to be well-prepared for the drastic transition,” he said. Bikmal’s nonprofit business model was based on recruiting enthusiastic high school students who are top academic performers. Tutors demonstrate a willingness to share their experience and expertise for which they receive service hours and provide an informal and personalized learning platform for middle school students. Instruction is offered in all subject areas including competitive math and sciences, tailored prep tutoring for the academic bowl and science bowl. Tutors also share Bikmal’s vision of giving back to the community, positively impacting society and donating all funds to charity — more specifically, Food for Life, http://ffl.org/en.
Coke CEO to speak at Eggs and Enterprise breakfast JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – John Brock, chairman and chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Enterprises, will be the keynote speaker for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Eggs and EnBROCK terprise breakfast. Scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, the meeting is being sponsored by the North Fulton Community Improvement District and Progress Partners of North Fulton Atlanta. Registration is open to the general public. Fees are $30 for North Fulton
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 9
Chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. Online reservations can be made at www.GNFCC.com/events. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call 770-993-8806, ext. 306. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a business organization representing Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. Consisting of more than 1,400 members, the GNFCC is the leading business voice on quality growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton. For more on the chamber and its events, visit www.GNFCC.com. —Jonathan Copsey
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COMMUNITY
10 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
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Rotary, students helping end hunger Milton-Windward makes meals with Stop Hunger Now By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – The Earth produces more than four pounds of food per person. That should be plenty to feed everyone and eliminate hunger worldwide. Unfortunately, it does not. More than 25,000 people die each day from starvation. The people of Stop Hunger Now hope to end that problem. Joining with the Milton-
Windward Rotary Club and students of Cambridge High School, the group held a meal packaging event Jan. 9 at the high school, drawing nearly 50 students and adults. “How many of you have used the term ‘I’m starving?’” Karen Smaha of Stop Hunger Now asked the group of teens. “We get to use those words as an exaggeration. For 8 million people, it’s not an exaggeration.” There is a cure for starva-
tion, she said. It’s food. “We know the cure for something, but it still claims the lives of 25,000 people a day,” she said. “Nobody needs to go hungry.” The volunteers spent a few hours in the school’s cafeteria in an assembly line. Groups would combine rice, dehydrated vegetables, soy beans and a vitamin packet into a small plastic bag. This bag is then weighed and sealed to be distributed to
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Cambridge High students and staff joined with Milton officials, staff and members of the Milton-Windward Rotary Club to make meals for the needy. They made 10,000 meals Jan. 9. needy families. Each bag feeds six people by adding 1.5 liters of boiling water. “It’s good served by itself, but the locals can add their own flavor,” Smaha said. For instance, in the Philippines, the locals enjoy sweet things, so they like to add sugar. In the short time the Cambridge group worked, they created 10,000 meals. This and events like it make Georgia one of the top producers of the meals in the country, said Smaha. “We did an event with [Stop
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Hunger Now] at the Rotary District Conference in Destin, Florida,” said Cindy Ringwall, president of the Milton-Windward Rotary. “It involved team building and all ages. It’s fun and perfect to engage high schoolers.” Ringwall said she hoped to make the event a signature one for her group. For more information on the Milton-Windward Rotary Club, visit them online at miltonwindwardrotary.org. For more on Stop Hunger Now, visit them at www.stophungernow.org.
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A LOOK AHEAD
12 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
Growth, changes to Johns Creek in 2015 Central business district kickoff heads list that includes road paving, bridge repairs The beginning of a new year is always filled with anticipation, and 2015 will definitely be filled with positive things for Johns Creek. Shortly before last year ended, the City Council adopted a new “Be the Exception” brand to use in our joint economic development efforts with the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Johns Creek Advantage, our economic development corporation. The goal is to create a unified, competitive identity for the entire Johns Creek community that enhances many efforts, all geared toward building a strong financial future and improved quality of life. One of our biggest efforts in creating this strong financial future is “The District,” a central business area of 728 acres surrounding Johns Creek Technology Park. We’ve
MIKE BODKER Mayor of Johns Creek
hired Urban Design Associates and a multi-disciplined team of consultants to study how this sub-market can accommodate new development that: better balances our tax digest, creates a public gathering space, and offers an interesting, mixed-use space that also attracts early evening and weekend visitors. “The District” would serve as a magnet to attract new and expansions of existing businesses that will help create millions in revenue that the city can invest to improve quality of life in other
parts of Johns Creek. Our continued success lies in better balancing our residential to commercial mix within our tax digest, and “The District” represents the most real opportunity to do that. It will also help us attract a work force that appeals to innovative businesses to come here or expand here. Since we incorporated, there’s been a lot of discussion about Johns Creek needing some kind of City Center – or central focus – one place we can point to and say “that’s Johns Creek.” Well, “The District” is an instrumental step in that direction as well. “The District” is not all that we have going on in our city. I’m calling 2015 “The Year of Public Works” in Johns Creek. Many of you have heard about the serious problems many U.S. cities are facing with their “neglected infrastructure.” If you missed a segment 60 Minutes did on it last November, you can check it out online. It is eye opening. As I watched it, I was more than grateful that as a new city we do not have the massive challenges many older cities have. Still, our infrastructure
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Since we incorporated, there’s been a lot of discussion about Johns Creek needing some kind of City Center – or central focus – one place we can point to and say “that’s Johns Creek.” Well, “The District” is an instrumental step in that direction as well. is something that our Public Works staff monitors very carefully. To that end: We are replacing two bridges this year (over Cauley Creek and over Johns Creek). Jones Bridge Road, Old Alabama Road and Medlock Bridge Road will all see major improvements, from widening, to additional lanes and sidewalks and trails. Roundabouts at Bell and Boles roads and Crossington and Sargent roads are also in the works this coming year. And this spring, we begin the first phase of our neighborhood repaving project,
which over a multiple year period of time will bring the conditions of our subdivision streets up to an appropriate condition. This is something many of our citizens have wanted since we became a city, and we’re very pleased to see it get started with a $5.5 million injection investment this year. 2015 is going to be a great year for the city of Johns Creek, an exceptional city leading the way in North Fulton and Greater Atlanta. We invite you to join us and continue to “be the exception” here in Johns Creek.
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Senior Services N. Fulton celebrates lives of seniors
COMMUNITY
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Gala to honor service, raise funds ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Senior Services North Fulton and a group of dedicated volunteers are bringing the community together this year to “Celebrate the Lives of Seniors” in an evening to raise awareness and support for the programs and services seniors need. SSNF is the only nonprofit in North Fulton dedicated to serving older adults. Kaiser Permanente, the presenting sponsor for the event, will host the evening Feb. 7 at the Atlanta Athletic Club, in Johns Creek from 6:30 to 11 p.m. This is their second year as the presenting sponsor. The Bank of North Georgia, Country Club of the South Charity Guild and Bonnie Sammons, a former Board chair and volunteer for Senior Services, will also be honored at the event. “Each of our honorees exemplifies how individuals,
corporations and charitable organizations support the health and wellbeing of our community. Together, they have made a significant impact on the lives of seniors living in North Fulton and have assisted us in carrying out our mission to serve those most in need, ” said Carrie Bellware, Senior Services North Fulton’s executive director. Event attendees will be treated to a champagne reception, formal dinner and dancing to the live music of the band Platinum (www.platinumbandatlanta.com). Individual admission is $135. A reserved table for 10 guests is $1,200. To purchase tickets or a table, please go online www. ssnorthfulton.org. For additional information about sponsorships, contact Bellware at 770-993-1906 or cbellware@ ssnorthfulton.org. —Jonathan Copsey
Lion’s Heart wraps presents for children in need JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Lion’s Heart, a youth community service organization, wrapped presents for underprivileged children Sunday, Dec. 21. Students from Taylor Road
Middle School and Chattahoochee High School worked with Children’s Restoration Network to help homeless children in the metro Atlanta area.
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Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 15 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
Ice carving festival comes to Roswell Raises money for Children’s Charities ROSWELL, Ga. – Located at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, the third annual Ice Carving Festival includes live ice carving demonstrations from the world-class Ice Marvels team, and classes in single-block ice forms. Visitors are invited to watch the veteran ice carvers as they chisel and shape blocks of ice into masterpieces and wild creations. The Atlanta Ice Marvels are currently ranked No. 1 in the world. The team captured the gold medal in the World Ice Art Championships in Alaska in 2014. Their multiblock entry “Maiden and the Birch Tree” wowed judges with its realism, artistry and overall beauty. The Atlanta Ice Marvels have partnered with Children’s Charities Inc., a volunteer organization based in Milton. The organization was founded by Amanda White and Lauren Holmes in order to help fund the greatest needs at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Forsyth location from equipment to programs and services. Children’s Charities focuses on funding one project per
If you go What: Children’s Charities Ice Fest 2015 When: Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jan. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, Ga. 30075 Tickets: $10 Info: www. childrenscharitiesga.org
year based on the needs of the Urgent Care Center. The current project is the Early Autism Detection Unit now in house. 2014 provided funds for the unit itself and 2015 will provide for its ever-evolving technology and staffing. The fundraising goal for 2015 is $100,000. One out of 65 children born in the state of Georgia will be diagnosed with some form of autism. The autism spectrum is almost five times more common among boys (one in 42) than among girls (one in 189). Through this device developed in conjunction with the Marcus Center, autism can be detected in children as young as 2 months old.
Ice Fest 2015 also has activities for all ages including ice slides, inflatables and snow ball forts. Family fun will be in the pavilion and the Reliable Heating and Air Comfort Zone with food trucks, live music, bonfires and s’mores. The Chattahoochee Nature Center staff will also provide animal encounters with some of the center’s most famous residents, the Sky Lab planetarium and more. Tickets are $10. Charge by phone at 770-992-2055 or visit www.chattnaturecenter. org. For more about Children’s Charities, visit www.childrenscharitiesga.org or call 404217-4643. —Jonathan Copsey
Thank you
Barrington Hall offers cooking classes ROSWELL, Ga. – Barrington Hall and Roswell’s Chef John • Jan. 27: A Salute to Julia Child: Wilson will host 12 Classic French Cooking cooking classes that will • Feb. 10: Couples Cooking for take place from January Valentine’s Day ($75/person) to June. • Feb. 24: Winter in Italy The cost for each • March 10: Pizza Workshop class will be $50 per • March 24: Growing and Cookperson, unless othering with Fresh Herbs wise noted, and will • April 7: Couples Grilling include all materials • April 21: It’s Greek to Me and food. • May 5: Cinco de Mayo Students will sample • May 19: Southern Supper their creations and will • June 2: Basic Italian Workshop, be treated to complePart 1 mentary wine. A “mini” • June 16: Basic Italian Worktour of Barrington Hall shop, Part 2 will also be included. • June 30: Basic Italian WorkWilson is the owner of shop, Part 3 Culinary Vacations Inc. and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. more information, call 770Reservations are required. 640-3855. To make a reservation or for – Joe Parker
Class schedule
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Halyard Health opens Alpharetta headquarters 200 new jobs expected in the next two years By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Halyard Health, a medical technology company formed from KimberlyClark, officially opened its ABERNATHY new headquarters in Alpharetta, at 5405 Windward Parkway, on Jan. 5. Halyard CEO Robert Abernathy cut the ribbon with Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle and state Sen. Brandon Beach. “We love ribbon cuttings because it means more jobs, and we’re glad to have 200 more jobs in North Fulton,” Beach said at the ceremony. From the transition that started in October, Halyard brought 400 employees from what was originally KimberlyClark’s health care business in Roswell, and the move is expected to create about 200 jobs in the next two years. “As 2015 comes, with Alpharetta being the Technology City of the South, there’s no better way to start out the year than with a homerun like having Halyard,” said Belle Isle. “Halyard’s going to be a great asset and a great add to
From left: CEO Robert Abernathy, Chris Isenberg and Chris Lowery of Halyard, along with Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle and state Sen. Brandon Beach, cut the ribbon for the new Halyard Health headquarters. Alpharetta.” The 240,872-square-foot location at the corner of Windward Parkway and Westside Parkway was chosen to stay close to Kimberly-Clark’s Roswell campus. “We had a very strong talent base here, so we wanted a
location that was reasonably close to our former location on Holcomb Bridge Road.” Abernathy said. “And we like the support we’ve been given by the city of Alpharetta as well as North Fulton in both the site selection and in making sure we had a smooth transition.”
The company has 12 manufacturing plants and markets to over 100 countries worldwide. Halyard has been public since November and trades on the New York Stock Exchange
as HYH. The spin-off as an independent company was effective in late October. “It allows us to really focus on our strong health care brands,” Abernathy said. “It’s been very exciting.”
BusinessPosts
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Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 17
Spending too much time on your smartphone? Do you spend a lot of time checking your smartphone? Does this continual behavior have an impact on your productivity? While a smartphone provides you instant access to email, text messages, social media and other information, managing the time you spend on your smartphone can help improve productivity. Statistics indicate that 70 percent of smartphone own-
DICK JONES
Founder & President Jones Simply Sales
ers check their smartphone within an hour of getting up,
and 56 percent check their phone within an hour of going to sleep. Even more astounding, close to half of smartphone owners said they would experience “a great deal of anxiety” if they lost their smartphone for a week. With so much access to information, it can almost be a full-time job making sure you don’t miss anything on your
smartphone. And while you’re checking your smartphone all the time, other important things probably aren’t getting done. So what do you do about this? Get off your smartphone! In addition to avoiding the physical implications of creating a “text neck” by continually looking at your phone and straining your neck by doing so, your mind is also impacted. Limit your smartphone usage
to times where it can help your productivity, like looking up information on the Internet for a project you are working on. The smartphone will go down in history as a device that has helped us communicate more efficiently, but also may have the distinction of downgrading our productivity and creativity. Spending too much time on your smartphone? Stop it!
property. When you sell an investment property, IRS rules will allow you to purchase a “like” property, of equal or greater value, and defer the capital gains into the new property. A third party company, known as an exchange intermediary, that’s approved by the IRS will hold your funds from the sale of the first property until you are able to close on the second property. If done properly, this “exchange” will allow you to defer the capital gains until the sale,
or another exchange, of this second property. It is possible, upon your death, to bequeath the property, and your heirs will not have to pay capital gains either. Through the use of the 1031 exchange, it is possible never to pay capital gains in your lifetime. Keeping your money moving is an important way to build wealth. Continue to use these strategies to keep money working for you, and you will find the new year full of possibilities and continued prosperity.
Keep that money moving this year Most folks are always looking for ways to save money and raise money, especially when it comes to considering a new year and all the possibilities it holds. After all, we work hard for our money and it’s painful to give it up to taxes. Likewise, it’s difficult to let your money sit there and not produce a return. When it comes to keeping your money moving and not sitting around as equity, sometimes you have to explore some out-of-the-box remedies. One of those solutions is the sale/ leaseback. If you are a business owner with some equity in a building you own, this is a wonderful way to raise capital for business expansion. The simple solution involves looking for an investor to buy your building and then you lease the building back from them. The advantages are many. You are able to structure the lease as you like. Want to stay another 10 years or 20 years? No problem. Many investors are looking for longterm, solid tenants to stay in their buildings. This creates a win for the investor too. The investor gets a tenant who is stable and committed to staying in the space. Want to spice the deal up a little bit too? You can ask
BRIAN PATTON
Capitol Realty Advisors www.capitallistings.com
to keep an equity stake in the deal too. So, in exchange for a higher rent, you might request to maintain a partial ownership in the real estate. An additional way to keep your money moving is through the 1031 exchange. A 1031 exchange helps to defer capital gains, which is the tax owed on selling income-producing property. A common misconception is that this strategy is for big business only. But, the average exchange is less than $500,000, indicating that it is primarily a benefit to middle class taxpayers. Most people that use this are selling a rental house or property they received from an inheritance. Presently, capital gains, plus the Georgia state income tax, is hitting investors in the pocket book at almost 30 percent. But don’t despair, the 1031 exchange will help you get around this tax. The 1031 comes from the section of the
When it comes to keeping your money moving and not sitting around as equity, sometimes you have to explore some out-of-thebox remedies. One of those solutions is the sale/leaseback.
IRS code that allows you to defer capital gains. In 1970, a family named Starker challenged the IRS’s ruling on capital gains and eventually won the court case against the IRS. A 1031 exchange merely allows you to swap properties without actually swapping the
There has never been a better time to become a member of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce.
BRING IT ON! Start the new year right by considering a membership to the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce. It is a great way to network, learn, and grow your business. For more information, visit alpharettachamber.com or contact Ciara Rubin at ciara@alpharettachamber.com or 404-277-4930. A L P H A R E T TA C H A M B E R
AFTER
H URS URS
ALPHARETTA CHAMBER’S
BUSINESS ACADEMY
Gala 2015
January 24
www.AlpharettaChamber.com
18 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
BusinessBriefs
Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com
Mercedes to move HQ to Atlanta Will locate near Perimeter Mall BY JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Luxury auto maker Mercedes-Benz announced Jan. 6 plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Atlanta. The news comes after weeks of speculation the company would leave its current home in Montvale, New Jersey, where it has operated for the past 50 years. The new location is expected to be near Perimeter Mall and construction should finish in early 2017. About 1,000 employees will be “affected” by the plans, the company said in
a release, but it is unclear how many jobs will be relocated or created in Atlanta. About 800 workers are expected to be employed at the new headquarters. “New Jersey has been a wonderful home to our U.S. operations for our first 50 years, and still is today,” said MBUSA President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cannon. “The state has worked tirelessly with us as we evaluated our options. Ultimately, though, it became apparent that to achieve the sustained, profitable growth and efficiencies we require for the decades ahead, our headquarters would have to be located elsewhere. That brought us to Atlanta. “Atlanta is a premier city which places us closer to
Atlanta is a premier city which places us closer to our ever-growing Southeast customer base, our port in Brunswick, Georgia, and to MercedesBenz U.S. International.” STEPHEN CANNON Mercedes-Benz USA President and CEO
our ever-growing Southeast customer base, our port in Brunswick, Georgia, and to Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, our Alabama manufacturing facility, which accounts for half of the vehicles we sell here in the U.S. For our employees, Atlanta offers a strong
quality of life, terrific schools and wonderful cultural and recreational opportunities.” Locations in Alpharetta and Cobb County were also considered. Georgia was competing with fellow southern states of Texas and North Carolina for the
headquarters. Mercedes already has a large plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The company will retain some facilities in New Jersey. The company says the move is “to better serve its growing customer base and strengthen the company’s position for long-term, sustainable growth.” The move follows several other moves in recent years from major auto makers to the Southeast, especially Georgia.
BusinessBriefs AWARDS »
Neill receives award from Atlanta Board of Realtors JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Atlanta Board of Realtors President Todd Emerson presented Dec. 10, 2014, Johns Creek Realtor Maura Neill with the President’s Award at the annual business meeting and awards breakfast. “Selecting Maura Neill to receive this year’s Atlanta Board of Realtors President’s Award was quite NEILL easy, due to all of her tremendous contributions to the Board this year,” Emerson said. “Maura exemplifies the definition of what it means to be a true real estate professional through her commitment to excellence, community involvement
BUSINESS COMPUTER PROBLEMS? “Carmichael manages our IT. I have never worked with a more client-centric business before – ever. They return calls fast. They listen exceedingly well. They know what they are doing. They are honest, professional, and local. They are partners with Appen Newspapers / Appen Media Group in the truest sense of the word.” – Ray Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group Appen Newspapers
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and overall Realtor spirit.” In addition to being a top-producing Realtor with Re/Max Around Atlanta, Neill is an active volunteer with the Atlanta Board of Realtors. She served as chair of the Professional Development Committee for 2014, was sworn in as a member of the Board of Directors for 2015-2017 and serves on various committees with the Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). She also serves as a national real estate instructor for NAR and the Real Estate Buyer Agent Council (REBAC) and was awarded the Five Star Circle of Service Award.
LexisNexis to buy BAIR Analytics ALPHARETTA, Ga. — LexisNexis Risk Solutions, based in Alpharetta, plans to buy public safety analytics firm BAIR Analytics for an undisclosed amount. BAIR Analytics is based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. LexisNexis said the acquisition bolsters its ability to provide the public safety community with investigative services and technology. According to LexisNexis, nearly half of the largest public safety agencies in the United States use BAIR Analytics’ services to fight crime. “The acquisition will be unique in the industry and help public safety officers make better decisions to close cases faster and improve community safety,” said Haywood Talcove, LexisNexis special services chief executive officer, in a statement.
Innotrac selected as Julep Beauty partner JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Innotrac Corporation announced that Julep Beauty has selected Innotrac as its fulfillment provider. The fast-growing beauty brand takes an endto-end approach to product development, testing, and distribution, creating and launching on average more than 300 exclusive, Julep-branded beauty products per year. Innotrac will provide e-commerce direct-to-consumer fulfillment as well as fulfillment for Julep’s Maven subscription program.
AmTrust Financial buys TMI Solutions ROSWELL, Ga. — Insurance holding company AmTrust Financial Services announced it has acquired
Roswell-based TMI Solutions. The company noted that the acquisition will expand its opportunities to market fee-based warranty products and services. TMI Solutions (TMIS) offers monthly billed warranty solutions for a variety of consumer electronics as well as consumer protection services. TMIS’s warranties are primarily distributed in conjunction with large telecommunication monthly customer billing services. In a separate statement, AmTrust Financial also said it has acquired privately held Oryx Insurance Brokerage.
Agilysys receives ‘Gold’ status from Microsoft program ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Agilysys, a leading provider of innovative hospitality software solutions and services, announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program, with a competency in the independent software vendor (ISV)/software solutions category. Gold partners demonstrate AYINALA best-in-class capabilities within specific Microsoft solution areas and receive a number of benefits, including access, training and support. “Gold Certified Partner status allows us to help customers bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” said Larry Steinberg, Agilysys chief technology officer.
HEALTH »
Clearside Biomedical starts phase 2 clinical trial ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Clearside Biomedical announced the enrollment of the first patient in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of macular edema associated with non-infectious uveitis. Uveitis is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which can be serious and lead to permanent vision loss. The clinical trial is designed to explore the safety and efficacy of injections of Clearside’s formulation of triamcinolone acetonide over a twomonth observation period. Clearside is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing drug therapies to treat blinding diseases of the eye.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Submit your event online at johnscreekherald.com
CALENDAR
Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 19
Send
me your event...
ERICA O’NEAL
LES MISERABLES
Calendar Editor erica@northfulton.com
Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
EVENTS:
THE ROSWELL TAP OPEN MIC NIGHT
An opportunity for local singers and musicians to perform at The Roswell Tap, 1090 Alpharetta St., Roswell. Tuesday nights starts at 7:30 p.m. Free. Visit theroswelltap.com for more info
a certificate of completion. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Rd., Johns Creek When: Saturday, Jan. 17 Hours: 1-5 p.m. Cost: Free Online: afpls.org
A theater play based off of Victor Hugo’s tale about a man condemned as a criminal for stealing a loaf of bread. Aurora Theatre, 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. Thursday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, March 1, showtimes vary. Ticket costs vary between $20 up to $45. Visit auroratheatre.com for more info.
JOHNS CREEK OPENING RECEPTION
An opening reception featuring exhibits from 21 female artists from the permanent collection of the Hammonds House Museum. Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Building #700, Johns Creek. Saturday, Jan. 17, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Visit johnscreekarts.org for more info
MUSIC:
VEGAN COOKING CLASS & HEALTH SEMINAR
A way to learn how to make quick healthy snacks Mediterranean style at Loving Hut Restaurant, 6385 Spalding Dr., Suite E, Norcross. Saturday, Jan. 17, 3-5 p.m. $10 per person. Contact Neeta Sanders, 770-650-4690 for more info
APRON CRAFT & COOKIE DECORATION
What: A celebration of the next Girl of the Year at American Girl Doll. Get crafts to decorate treats inspired by the new year’s character. Where: American Girl Doll at the North Point Mall, 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta When: Saturday, Jan. 17 Hours: Begins at 9:15 a.m. Cost: $10 Online: americangirl.com Info: Reservations required.
FIRST AID FOR TEENS
What: First aid training for teens provided by the Johns Creek Fire Department. Each student will receive
THE VELVET NOTE: LEX LIEBERMAN CIVIL WAR IN SANDY SPRINGS
What: An exhibit displaying diaries, letters, artifacts and more from the Civil War. Where: Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs When: Wednesdays and Saturdays Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: Admission for adults is $3, children $1, and seniors $1 Online: heritagesandysprings.org
What: A music performance by singer Lex Lieberman Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta When: Sunday, Jan. 11 Hours: SHOW BEGINS AT 7:30 P.M. Cost: $22 at the door Online: thevelvetnote.com
When: Thursday, Jan. 8 through Sunday, Jan. 25 Hours: Showtimes vary Cost: Ticket costs range from $22 to $35 Online: get.org
RACES & BENEFITS:
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PEOPLE ON CANTON ART GALLERY
What: An art exhibit from local artist Jane Haessler titled “People on Canton Street.” Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell When: Daily Wednesday, Dec. 31 through Thursday, Jan. 29 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Free Contact: 770-594-6232
What: A 7.0/3.5 mile trail run which is the first in a series of eight Dirty Spokes races. Where: Central Park, 2300 Keith Bridge Rd., Cumming When: Saturday, Jan. 17 Hours: Race begins at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $30 for 3.5 mile race; $35 for 7.0 mile race Online: active.com
THEATER: ONE SLIGHT HITCH
What: A theatre play about a wedding plan gone wrong by the Georgia Ensemble Theatre. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Rd., Roswell
AN EVENING WITH MARK TWAIN
What: A play that looks at the man and the myth with Mark Twain and Samuel L. Clemens on stage at the same time. Presented by New Dawn Theater. Where: New Dawn Theater, 3087 Main St., Duluth When: Saturday, Jan. 17 Hours: 8-9 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $15 Online: newdawntheatercompany.com
SPORTS
20 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
Carlberg out as Centennial coach
Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – After enjoying his most successful year in three seasons as Centennial’s head football coach, Jeff Carlberg will not be back next season for the Knights. Carlberg is being replaced after the Knights went 5-5 this past season following a 1-9 record in 2013. Centennial was 9-21 in three seasons with Carlberg as head coach. It has had just one winning season since 2003, going 6-4 in ’07. After coaching in Kentucky, Carlberg moved to the Atlanta area and was defensive coordinator for successful programs at Lassiter and Alpharetta before being named Centennial’s head coach prior to the 2012 season. Other than a three-year stretch from 2001-03 under Mike Cloy, who recently lost his position as Johns Creek’s head coach, the Knights have enjoyed little success in football since Cloy started the Knights’ program in 1997. The Knights went 8-4 in 2001. They won their first playoff game and enjoyed an
unbeaten regular season in ’02 before again reaching the second round of the playoffs. Centennial was 8-2 in 2003, but did not make the playoffs. Following a 4-6 season in ’04, Cloy was replaced as head coach. The Knights have had just one winning season since, twice making the playoffs with 5-5 records under Jeff Measor, who was replaced by Carlberg after a third straight 5-5 season in 2011. Measor was 24-28 in five seasons at the school. All five of Centennial’s losses this season came against teams that either competed in the state AAAAAA playoffs or tied for a playoff spot but lost out in a tiebreaker. The highlight of the Knights’ season was a 28-21 victory over Lambert, which placed second in Region 6-AAAAAA.
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In back, from left, are Northview’s women’s lacrosse coach Kristin Wakely, Athletic Director Chad Davenport, Josselson’s grandparents, Jerry and Harriet Josselson, her sister Emily, middle school coach Patrick O’Connell and Northview Principal Brian Downey.
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 21
Raiders remain unbeaten in region Eagles move into tie for second place By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – With less than a month remaining in the regular season, region basketball standings are taking shape and local teams are competing for favorable seeds in region tournaments, which begin the week of Feb. 9. The Alpharetta boys remain unbeaten in 6-AAAAAA after a second straight Saturday overtime victory. The latest one came last week at Johns
Creek. The Raiders (13-3 overall) defeated the Gladiators 78-72 to improve to 10-0 in the region. The previous Saturday, Alpharetta needed an extra period to defeat Centennial 62-56. Johns Creek (9-8) is third in the region at 7-3 after losses last week to Alpharetta and Lambert, which is second at 8-2. Centennial (9-7) went 3-0 in the region last week and is fourth at 6-4. Chattahoochee (9-6) is tied for fifth at 4-5, and Northview (2-15) is 2-8 in the region.
Basketball Scoreboard: Jan. 15 Boys Tuesday • Milton 57, Roswell 48 • Alpharetta 89, Northview 52 • Chattahoochee 58, West Forsyth 53 • Centennial 54, Habersham Central 50 • Lambert 81, Johns Creek 70 • Cambridge 76, North Springs 46 • Blessed Trinity 54, Therrell 39 • St. Francis 76, King’s Ridge 36 • Walker 38, Fellowship 32 • White County 64, Mount Pisgah 48 Friday • Milton 54, Walton 52 • Roswell 54, Pope 51 • Alpharetta 76, West Forsyth 42 • Centennial 78, Northview 45 • Johns Creek 72, Habersham Central 67 • North Forsyth 75, Chattahoochee 64 • Cambridge 60, Forsyth Central 53 • Blessed Trinity 50, Westminster 35 • King’s Ridge 54, Walker 40 • Whitefield 72, Mount Pisgah 57 • South Gwinnett 60, Fellowship 42 Saturday • Centennial 44, Roswell 37 • Alpharetta 78, Johns Creek 72, OT • Cedar Shoals 62, Cambridge 51 • Blessed Trinity 53, Douglass 44 • Mount Pisgah 56, Paideia 53
Girls Tuesday • Roswell 36, Milton 35 • Northview 47, Alpharetta 44 • Centennial 59, Habersham Central 29 • West Forsyth 55, Chattahoochee 33 • Lambert 54, Johns Creek 31 • Cambridge 34, North Springs 31 • Therrell 48, Blessed Trinity 46 • St. Francis 99, King’s Ridge 17 • Fellowship 40, Walker 24 • White County 40, Mount Pisgah 32 Friday • Northview 43, Centennial 38 • Habersham Central 55, Johns Creek 45 • North Forsyth 53, Chattahoochee 36 • West Forsyth 52, Alpharetta 20 • Walton 36, Milton 20 • Pope 62, Roswell 33 • Forsyth Central 46, Cambridge 33 • Westminster 58, Blessed Trinity 52 • Whitefield 39, Mount Pisgah 35 • Walker 57, King’s Ridge 28 Saturday • Centennial 48, Roswell 23 • Cedar Shoals 48, Cambridge 44 • Douglass 69, Blessed Trinity 67 • St. Francis 51, SW Atlanta Christian 42 • Mount Pisgah 43, Paideia 40 • Mount Paran 40, Fellowship Christian 32
Senior Jordan Sloter scored his 1,000th career point for Cambridge in the Bears’ victory over Forsyth Central last week. Athletic Director Matt Lawless and head coach Chip Flemmer honored Sloter at the next home game, calling a timeout and making a presentation after his first made basket. As a tribute to his accomplishment, Sloter was presented the game ball from the Forsyth Central game. Sloter averaged 14.5 points per game his sophomore year, 16.5 points per game his junior year and is averaging 17.4 per game this year. In 6-AAAAAA girls, Centennial and Chattahoochee are fourth and fifth and are on pace for a showdown in the region tournament. The winner will advance to state. Coming into Tuesday’s game at Chattahoochee, Centennial (10-7) was fourth in the region at 6-4, just ahead of the Lady Cougars (10-5) at 5-4. South Forsyth (9-0), North Forsyth (9-1) and West Forsyth (8-2) are 1-2-3 in the region standings. Johns Creek (8-9) is tied for sixth at 3-7, with Northview (611) scoring its first two region wins of the season last week, including a victory Saturday at Centennial. The Lady Titans trailed 18-5 after one period, but outscored Centennial 22-4 in the third quarter and held on for a 43-38 victory. Alpharetta (4-12) is 1-9 in region play. The Milton boys moved into a tie for second in 5-AAAAAA with wins last week over Roswell and Walton. The Eagles defeated Roswell 57-48 with Alex O’Connell and Chris Lewis scoring 14 points each and Jordan Burrows and Quarte Sapp scoring 12. Lewis had 20 points and Sapp scored on a late tie-breaking tip-in as the Eagles edged Walton 54-52 last Friday. Milton (9-7) is 7-2 in the region and tied with Pope behind state No. 1 Wheeler. The Eagles moved into a tie for second when Roswell (7-10) defeated Pope 54-51 Friday.
The Hornets are seventh in the region at 3-5. Milton hosts Pope Friday night. The Milton girls (3-11) are sixth in the region at 3-6, with Roswell (3-14) seventh at 2-6. Roswell won 36-35 last week at Milton. The Cambridge boys (7-10) defeated North Springs and Forsyth Central last week to tie Riverwood for first in 7-AAAAA South at 4-1. Jordan Sloter scored 19 points in a 60-53 victory Friday over Forsyth Central, and Emerson McClung contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Sloter had 17 points in a 76-46 victory over North Springs, with the Bears outscoring the Spartans 25-4 in the second quarter. The Cambridge girls (6-11) are in the middle of the pack in the region at 2-3. The Blessed Trinity boys went 3-0 last week, including a key 50-35 win Friday at Westminster, and lead their 4-AAA sub-region at 5-0.The Titans (14-2) have a big nonregion game at home Saturday against St. Pius. The BT girls (3-12) are 1-5 in region play. Region play does not directly impact state qualifiers in Class A, with the tournament field determined by power rankings. Both St. Francis teams are 4-0 in their 6-A sub-region with the boys 14-3 overall and the girls 12-1 after a 51-42 win Saturday
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at defending state champion Southwest Atlanta Christian. Both St. Francis teams are ranked No. 1 in the state. The King’s Ridge boys (810) are third in the sub-region at 3-3, and Mount Pisgah (7-7) is tied for fourth at 2-3. Fellowship Christian (4-12) is 0-4 in region play. The Mount Pisgah girls (10-4) suffered their first sub-region loss last Friday at Whitefield Academy, and are second behind St. Francis at 4-1. Fellowship Christian’s girls’ team (9-5) is 2-2 in the sub-region and King’s Ridge is still looking for its first win in its first varsity season.
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22 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
WRESTLING:
’Hooch, St. Francis qualify for state meets By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Chattahoochee and St. Francis were the only North Fulton teams to qualify for the state dual wrestling meets, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday this week in Macon. Chattahoochee placed second in the Area 6-AAAAAA meet, which was hosted by the Cougars. St. Francis placed second in its Class A area meet in Athens. Roswell came close to advancing to state from the Area 5-AAAAAA meet, and Cambridge also fell short in the Area 7-AAAAA meet, which the Bears hosted. Chattahoochee lost 30-29 in the area finals to North Forsyth for a third straight season, with Saturday’s loss coming down to the final match. Ethan Pitt won on a pin at 113 pounds and Jordan Pitt scored an 11-3 decision at 120, but the Cougars fell behind 27-14 before staging a late rally in the heavier weights. The Cougars, who also won at 152 pounds, got decisions at 170 (Daniel Amram) and 182 and a pin at 195 to
close within 27-26, but lost in the closing seconds at 225. A win in the heavyweight match by Alan Barton was not enough to erase North Forsyth’s lead. Chattahoochee will face Rockdale County in the first round of state. St. Francis faces Mt. ZionCarrollton in the first round in Class A. The Knights reached the finals in their area meet before losing to Commerce. Roswell reached the finals of its area meet at Pope, losing 37-34 to Etowah. The Hornets trailed 22-4 at one point in the match, losing once on injury default and once on a flagrant misconduct that cost the team two points. The Hornets rallied to tie the match 28-28 with three matches to go, but lost two of the three. Roswell then wrestled Pope for the second area berth at state and lost 4019. Cambridge finished fourth in its area meet, losing to area champion Woodland in the semifinals and Creekview in the third place match. Blessed Trinity placed third in its AAA area meet behind area champion Westminster and host McNair.
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Chattahoochee placed second in the Area 6-AAAAAA meet, which was hosted by the Cougars. St. Francis placed second in its Class A area meet in Athens.
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Knights winning with new head coach Win 3 last week to move up in region By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Lorenzo Withrite’s first season as head boys’ basketball coach at Centennial has had its ups and downs, but the Knights are entering the home stretch in a positive direction after sweeping three games last week. The Knights came into this week fourth in the Region 6-AAAAAA standings at 6-4, with all four losses potential victories. Two of Centennial’s defeats came by one and two points, with a third in overtime. The fourth loss came on a forfeit when Withrite inadvertently substituted a junior varsity player in a game the Knights were winning, exceeding the player’s number of allowed quarters of participation for the week. Centennial has played most of the season without its full complement of players, beginning with the transfer prior to the start of the season of Tre Hansbrough, one of the top returning players from last year’s team. Hansbrough is playing at Buford this season for former Centennial coach Allen Whitehart. While the Knights were missing several key players early in the season, that’s no longer the case and the recent results reflect that. “This was the first time we’ve had all the guys,” Withrite said Friday after the Knights defeated Northview. “All” did not include senior Paul Bryant, who scored 19 points in an early one-point loss to Chattahoochee, but has been sidelined with an Achilles heel injury. Unlike several other top local teams, the Knights lack an obvious individual standout. Junior post player Adam Saeed, one of the returning starters, is the team’s key
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performer, but the 6-foot-5 post player is not a 20-pointsa-night scorer or a physically dominant inside presence. The Knights rely on aggressive defense and balanced scoring. Despite the number of games missed by front line players, they have a winning record that could be a lot better. Among the team’s most notable near-misses was a recent overtime loss to region leader Alpharetta. The Knights had a two-point lead in the closing seconds, but the Raiders tied the game after Centennial deflected a pass intended for the Raiders’ top player. Alpharetta won after Saeed fouled out in overtime. “We played so well, but came up short,” Withrite said. The Centennial coach said losses like that can be tough to take, but he hopes the Knights “will take that as a confidence boost. We’ve shown we can play with all of the best teams in the region.” Centennial’s two-point loss came against Lambert, the No. 2 team in the region. One of the team’s best wins was a 20-point victory over Johns Creek, which is third in the region standings. The Knights limited the Gladiators to 34 points that night, well below Withrite’s defensive goal of keeping opponents in the low 50s. Centennial exceeded those numbers twice last weekend, defeating Northview 78-45 Friday and non-region rival Roswell 44-37 Saturday. The Knights trailed 10-8 after one period against Northview, then almost shut the Titans out in the second quarter. They allowed just five points after holding them scoreless for 6:45. Centennial enjoyed its biggest offensive explosion of the season in the second half,
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Zach Carey is one of the inside players for the Knights.
scoring 31 points in the third period and 25 in the fourth. Saeed, senior Terrell Dirton and junior Sherrod White combined for 25 points in the third quarter, with Saaed finishing with 19 and Dirton 16. The Knights connected on seven three-pointers in the second half by five different players. Withrite said the Knights “have some pretty good outside shooters, but I don’t like to rely too much on the three-point shot.” Saeed and senior backup post player Zach Carey represent the Knights’ inside game, with several of the perimeter players able to get to the basket. Juniors Darrian Brown and Steven Thompson have also contributed offensively, with sophomore Stefan DeLaGuardia contributing some outside shooting off the bench. “I’m a new coach,” said Withrite, an assistant the past few seasons at Chattahoochee. “I have to learn the kids, and they have to learn how to play with each other. Every day, we’re getting better as a team, and if we keep doing that, the sky’s the limit.”
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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 23
Georgia signs top Roswell golfer Rinko Mitsunaga joins top flight class of 2015 ATHENS, Ga. – The future of University of Georgia women’s golf got a whole lot brighter when three of the nation’s Top 12 golfers in the class of 2015 inked letters of intent the first day of the NCAA’s weeklong early signing period. Among them is Roswell’s Rinko Mitsunaga whose extensive junior career is headlined by an appearance in the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open as a 15-year-old. The Roswell native earned the spot by placing third at a qualifier. Mitsunaga’s 2013 season featured four victories – at the Golfweek Junior Invitational, the Big I National Championship, the AJGA Arrowhead Junior and the Georgia Girls Championship – as well as three more Top 5 finishes. She also finished third at the 2014 Kathy Whitworth Invitational. Jillian Hollis and Bailey Tardy also signed with Georgia and will join the Bulldogs next fall. Hollis and Tardy were recently named first-team Rolex Junior All-Americans by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) for 2014. Mitsunaga was a secondteam choice. Hollis is currently listed at No. 3 and No. 4 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Index and AJGA/Polo rankings, respectively. Tardy is ranked No. 6 by the AJGA and No. 7 by Golfweek, while Mitsunaga is No. 12 by both. “When we started here almost three years ago, it’s the class we focused on,” said
Seated with Liesl Engelbrecht are her parents, Corene and Andries Engelbrecht. Standing from left are Northview Athletic Director Chad Davenport, her sisters Alexis and Melissa Engelbrect and Northview Principal Brian Downey.
Rinko Mitsunaga signs her letter of intent to play golf for the University of Georgia. third-year head coach Josh Brewer. “It was when we had the most scholarship money and spaces available. “It’s obviously great for us for it to fall into place where we get two first-team All-Americans and a second-team AllAmerican. I think it’s the best class in the country,” he said. “I’m a little biased, but going by the rankings – signing three out of the Top 12 – no other school can say that. “Rinko was the No. 1 player for her class when I took the job at Georgia,” Brewer said. “She had just played the U.S. Open and competed on a high, high level nationally. I followed her for about three straight months, watching her and trying to get her to come to Georgia. “She’s continued that suc-
cess,” he said. “She’s been an All-American three of the past four years now and brought a very valuable big-name splash for us when we were putting this class together. We expect her to continue her success here at Georgia.” With only one senior – Rocio Sanchez Lobato – on this year’s roster, the Bulldogs should be among the deepest teams in the nation in 2015-16. “We have a great nucleus in place right now and players who we know are going to continue to contribute next year with the seniors, juniors and sophomore we will have back next season,” Brewer said. “You add the three signees and we’re going to have a lot of depth. It’s exciting and will be fun to see how they adapt to college golf.”
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Engelbrecht to play volleyball at Kennesaw State JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Liesl Engelbrecht, a Northview High School senior, has signed with Kennesaw State University to play volleyball. Engelbrecht has been a member of the Northview varsity team since her freshman year. In 2014, she was named the Area 6-AAAAAA Offensive Player of the Year.
24 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
Regional all-star cheer team named
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The inaugural Region 6-AAAAAA all-star cheer team has been announced. The team includes student-athletes from eight high schools in Forsyth and Fulton counties. The all-star team is comprised of members of their school’s respective competitive cheer squads. The team was created by Shayla Brawner, South Forsyth High School’s varsity cheer coach. – Joe Parker
2014 6-AAAAAA All-Region Team • Autumn Ashley (10), Lambert High School • Madison Baskette (12), West Forsyth High School • Madi Brock (9), South Forsyth High School • Camryn Fetzer (9), Alpharetta High School • MacKenzie Hudson (12), Johns Creek High School • Taylor Jenkins (12), Chattahoochee High School • Megan Koenigs (11), South Forsyth High School • Cassie Koes (12), South
Forsyth High School • Jeanine Lombard (12), Centennial High School • Katie Murray (12), Habersham Central High School • Ellie Pond (11), Johns Creek High School • Sydney Rhodes (11), Lambert High School • Dani Spera (9), Lambert High School • Kelley Swanson (11), Alpharetta High School • Anali Vitulli (12), North Forsyth High School • Alex Willis (12), Lambert High School
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Seated, Johns Creek High School senior Olivia Durrence signs her letter of intent as parents Gene and Susan Durrence look on. In back, from left, are Principal Gail Johnson, coach Deb Pia, grandfather Merrill Durrence, sister Alison Durrence, grandmother JoAnn Durrence, coach Beth Stephens, coach Pete Goggins and Athletic Director Mike Cloy.
Durrence to play volleyball for Air Force Academy JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek High School senior Olivia Durrence will be attending the United States Air Force Academy on a volleyball scholarship. Durrence has played volleyball since seventh grade and has been with the JCHS varsity team for two years, helping lead the team to the Final Four. During the 2014 volleyball season, Durrence was honored
as the Best Offensive Player and named to the 6-AAAAAA All-Area team and to the 2014 Under Armor Watch List for high school volleyball players. Durrence is a year-round, multi-sport athlete and is a captain on the JCHS swim and dive team. She is completing her fourth year as a member of that team. Durrence has been a member of the state team every season and was awarded the Gladiator Award in 2013.
She was a member of the JCHS varsity softball team both freshman and sophomore years, as well as a swing player for the junior varsity team where she served as a captain and received the MVP award both seasons. Durrence has also been a member of the JCHS varsity track team, a member of the region team for three years earning a spot on the sectional team last year.
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Johns Creek High School senior Madison Harty signs her letter of intent to play volleyball at Jacksonville State University as her parents Jenny and Scott Harty look on. In back, from left, are Principal Gail Johnson, coaches Deb Pia, Beth Stephens and Pete Goggin, athletic trainer Kim Winn, Assistant Athletic Director Steve Hall and Athletic Director Mike Cloy.
JCHS’s Harty to play volleyball at Jacksonville State JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek High School senior Madison Harty has committed to Jacksonville State University to play volleyball in the fall. Harty has played volleyball for six years, four of them at Johns Creek High School. Other accomplishments for Harty include: • 2014 Region 6-AAAAAA Setter of the Year
• 2014 Under Armor Senior Watch List • 2013 Max Prep Player of the Week for the state of Georgia • 2013 All-Area Second Team Harty was a team leader who helped lead her team to the 2014 Region 6-AAAAAA title and state Final Four appearances in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
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From left: Melissa Muench won her second all-region award, while Makenzie Flynt and Lexa Muench won their first awards.
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 25
Northview Titans have 3 All-Region players JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Northview Lady Titans (14-11) had three all-region winners for the Region 6-AAAAAA 2014 softball season. Makenzie Flynt, Melissa Muench and Lexa Muench led the team to a state playoff berth – the school’s third since its opening in 2002. Flynt led the Lady Titans as
the top pitcher with nine wins, a 2.47 earned run average and a batting average of .412. Melissa Muench batted .416 and had a team-leading three homeruns and 25 RBI. Lexa Muench batted .416 and led the team with 37 hits. Combined, the three players set or tied 13 single-season/career team records.
Pisgah’s Winchester, Miller 1st-team All-State
Ga. Sportswriters Association vote QB-receiver duo top honors
Northview cheerleaders ‘got that spirit’ JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Northview High School’s cheerleaders led the way for the Titans in the 2014 football season and provide enthusiasm for all school teams. In front, from left, are Kayla Mitchell, Lauren Bell, Kyla Lins, Najah Boyd, Mikah Umana and Maddie LoScalzo. In the middle row are Jeesoo Chon, Josette LoScalzo,
Tikyla Richard, Emily Nadel, Tucker Bolhous, Tiffane Bell and Sarah Kull. In back are Amanda Mills, Taylor Boezi, Rachel Hill, Nicole Washington, Ansley Zachocki, Jessica Ginsburg, Shae Spinda, Caleigh McDaniel and coach Tori Hedden. Not pictured are Lindsay Goldring and Lauren Palefsky.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Mount Pisgah Christian School football players Aaron Winchester and Ben Miller were named first team All-State by the Georgia Sports Writers Association. The seniors helped lead the Patriots to an 8-4 record and into the second round of the GHSA playoffs. Winchester was the first team quarterback after throwing for 1,955 yards and 25 touchdowns on the season. The Georgia State University commitment also rushed for another 1,210 yards and 14 scores.
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Miller was used as both a running back and wide receiver for Pisgah, but was named first team as a receiver. He rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns, while catching 51 passes for 807 yards and nine touchdowns.
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Dedication: Mounth Pisgah unviels Geier Hall Jan. 11 Continued from Page 1 There are still four more buildings on Pisgah School’s strategic master plan, which includes expanding the lower school class space. But for now, the school is basking in its latest accomplishment. A future building campaign will expand the lower school. The school also plans a second gymnasium and a fine arts building to expand current music and choral programs. It will also contain a black box theater for the drama program. The Geier (pronounced GUY-yer) Hall expansion will allow the Pisgah middle school to occupy the former upper school space and will give upper school students 20 percent more space. Geier Hall will feature 48,000 square feet of academic space with more than 10,000 square feet of common area and collaborative spaces. A full dining room seating more than 400 and the Patriot Café will serve the students as well. The student commons has 5,200 square feet of multifunctional space including a 16-foot wall of glass. The space is easily transformed into assembly seating for 400 or a performance stage of 800 square feet. “We may not have made it to the Promised Land,” Marshall told parents at the dedication. “But to quote George Jefferson, we are movin’ on up.” School Board Chairman Doug Williams called it a “glorious day,” that many wondered whether it would ever come. “But it is a tremendous day for this school and its journey,” Williams said. If it was any one family’s day, it was that of Jay and Diane Geier. It was Jay Geier’s energy and drive that started the process in motion to get the drawing, then the architectural plans and the zoning. Through each step, the Geiers also wrote the checks, totaling $1 million. But Jay Geier said he and his wife were hesitant to let their name go on the building. “It took a lot of giving from a lot of people to make this all happen. But someone came to me several years ago, and told me I needed to give $1 million for this school,” Geier said. He said he was taken aback. Not the least of these reasons was he didn’t have $1 million. But a seed was planted. As time went on and the project seemed to stall, Geier stepped up to get the next phase going. “So someone else out there will come forward with a $1 million gift to the school. They don’t know it yet, but they will.
Geier Hall by the numbers Geier Hall has state-of-the-art technology capabilities and spaces where faculty, students and technology can come together. The expansion will also include: • Flexible spaces where • An 800-square-foot persmall groups can collaboformance stage for music rate on projects. and theater. • A chapel for the upper • An outdoor patio for eatand middle school stuing and green space for dents where they will be socializing and study. groomed to be the next • A media/learning center generation of Christian of 3,500 square feet. leaders. • 15 classrooms • A 5,000-square-foot din• 3 science labs ing hall with expanded • Total cost: $20 million in space, natural light and funds raised, plus $2 milmultiple food options. lion in foundation grants.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
PISGAH JUST GETTING STARTED: Less than a year ago, Geier Hall was just coming out of the ground, now it’s completed.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
The Geier family talks with a friend before the ceremonies.
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Headmaster John Marshall welcomes everyone.
Food looks good, too. And our name on this building could inspire them to come forward to have their name on the next one,” he said. The Geiers will have had children in the school for 18 years when their time is done. “That’s 48 tuition payments in parent years,” he said. “But it has been the best money we have ever spent.” Pisgah School senior Caroline Norman spoke at the ceremony to say what the
Senior Caroline Norman tells visitors what her years at Pisgah School have meant to her.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
school has meant to her. In the eighth grade, she applied to another private school but was not accepted. “I thought then that bigger was better,” Norman said. “So I stayed at Mount Pisgah. And then I learned that this is where I belonged and to take the opportunities here at Pisgah. “I saw it was God’s place for me, and that every student here has a place. That’s why I love it here.”
Hey, check out the new media/learning center.
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Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 27 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com
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The tri-level building is 48,000 square feet with 15 classrooms, a dining hall, labs and media/learning center.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Everyone likes the modular desks that can be rearranged for single or group study.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
The breakfast nook.
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Everyone tried out the new cafeteria.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
The building will have three state-of-the-art laboratories.
Some people have been waiting a long time for Geier Hall to open.
28 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
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GEORGIA GETAWAYS:
See what Georgia has just a gas tank away Georgia Getaways is a new column introducing Jemille Williams highlighting the beauty and sights of Georgia that most of us just don’t know about – but would enjoy if we did. You can find new adventures and see things you’ve never done before without crossing the state line. That is Georgia for you – if you know where to look. Did you know that Georgia is the sixth most biologically diverse state in the country? We are so fortunate to be able to hit the balmy seashore or climb a mountain with the same climate as Maine. We can ramble through a miniature Grand Canyon in the southwestern part of the state, and in the northwestern corner hike to a waterfall that is a dead ringer for the one in Fantasy Island. And all are within a few hours of metro Atlanta. You can soak up the healing atmosphere at Warm Springs that enabled Franklin Delano Roosevelt to be all he could be, or stroll the streets of one of America’s oldest colonial towns. You can paddle through the murky shallows of the Oke-
JEMILLE WILLIAMS
Senior contributor on TripAdvisor jemille@bellsouth.net fenokee Swamp with a thousand unseen eyes on you, or ferry out to become one of the few who have beheld equine survivors of Spanish galleons wrecked along our coastline centuries ago. You are invited to look at Georgia as Hollywood does through its lens. We have become a serious rival to the West Coast film industry with our generally mild climate and panoply of locations that can stand in for any number of cinematic locales. This biodiversity also makes Georgia a favorite of birders and naturalists throughout the country – and beyond. The robber barons of the Golden Age once colonized Jekyll Island for its remote beauty and serenity. They’ve moved on to tonier pastures, but millions of migratory birds find our barrier islands to be a sweet spot
Providence Canyon State Park, thought to be a miniature Grand Canyon, is just south of Columbus, Ga. on the Atlantic flyway. And their beaches play a key role in sea turtle conservation by providing safe havens for the turtle mothers to lumber ashore, deposit their eggs, then return to the sea. I am an inveterate traveler (and penny pincher) who believes that every budget, no matter how tight, should include a little R&R. Clark Howard is a notori-
ous skinflint, but he knows that it’s an integral part of life. It feeds the soul and broadens the mind. The media tell us that the Great Recession is over. It may be over for the 1 percent, but the rest of us may find there’s still a little too much month left at the end of the money. I’ve compiled some of the mini-breaks you can enjoy on less than a tank of gas. And
current prices make road trips more affordable than they have been in many years. Some may be pining for the European or Caribbean trips they enjoyed when their accounts were more flush, but I know you can enjoy any number of sights and thrills right here in the Peach State. So check this space for great ideas for exotic getaways that won’t break a budget.
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VARSITY BRIEFS Send us your news! Email to news@appenmediagroup.com More Info: 770-442-3278
Flagler College ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Ashley Jennings of Cumming and Brittany Martin of Roswell were each awarded bachelor’s degrees from Flagler College in St. Augustine following the spring 2014 semester.
Young Harris College YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Erin A. Holst, a junior at Young Harris College, made the Dean’s List for spring 2014 semester at Young Harris College. A math major, she is a 2012 graduate of Chattahoochee High School in Johns Creek.
Georgia College MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Caroline Waller of Cumming was named a valedictorian for the class of 2014. Valedictorians earned perfect 4.0 grade point averages during all of their undergraduate coursework. In addition, the following local students received degrees after the spring semester as part of Georgia College’s graduating class of 2014. Alpharetta: Shirain Banner, Molly Brennan, Courtney Campbell, William Cann, Anthony Cardamuro, Emily Chatlen, Patrick Choi, Lauren Darrow, Claudia Delbasso, Jesse Durham, Kathleen Fadler, Alexis Farmer, Victoria Ferree, Colleen Greathouse, Mary Grissom, Laura Hamley, Robert Hudgens, Thomas Hughey, Caylie Love, Cody Maas, Brian Malantis, Ann Marie Mascolo, Blake Mayo, John McMullan, Rachel Moldovan, Ashton Passino, Meghan Proctor, Ariane Robinson, Connor Sadowski, Victoria Ulich, Tamra Voll and Savannah Wiley. Cumming: Kaitlin Alvin, Madison Bitzer, Matthew Chamlee, Alicia Estabrook, Antonio Guimaraes, Evea Kaldas, Kristin Karschner, Savannah Lyle, Amanda Martin, Dailey Mosher, Lauren Vitucci, Caroline Waller and Elizabeth Welty. Duluth: Mary Bickes, Mark Lichtenwalner, Lauren Mathews, Megan Mays, Juan Mostajo and Timothy Ryan. Johns Creek: Ariel Alibey, Courtney Baloh, Zachary Monaco, Melissa Rankin, Kevin Schink, Mary Sockwell and Corey Sussman. Milton: Erica Eubanks and Phil-
lip Speer. Roswell: Benjamin Bartlett, Edward Bartlett, Tyler Beggs, Ashley-Aziel Bradley, Chelsea Deprimo, Haley Dillman, Austin Ehlinger, Melissa Haghighat, Hanna Haines, Lindsey Johnson, Michael King, Ryan Lamoree, Christopher Lewis, Morgan Martina, Angelica Martinez, Brendan McCaulley, Dylan Penick, Victoria Rookes, Kristopher Schock, Jami Terracino, Chelsea Werner and Karen Wood. Suwanee: Jason Barnwell, Amanda Brown, Rachel Harwell, Paola Hinojosa, Ryan Lenahan, Xin Liu, Kelsea Luce, Steven Scudder, Kathryn Tapp, Linwood Thompson, Kimberly Vitale and Mallory Wilson.
Tulane University NEW ORLEANS – Tulane University awarded degrees to more than 2,700 graduates on May 17 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Adam Weisberg of Alpharetta graduated from the School of Science and Engineering with a bachelor’s degree. Gregory Jones of Cumming graduated from the A. B. Freeman School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in management and a master’s degree in accounting. Meredith Bateman of Alpharetta graduated from the School of Law with a juris doctor and a certificate degree. Demis Leon of Alpharetta graduated from the A. B. Freeman School of Business with a master’s degree in global management. Ericka Tummings of Alpharetta graduated from the School of Science and Engineering with a master’s degree.
University of the South SEWANEE, Tenn. – Kathryn Chandler Harman of Alpharetta was awarded a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, cum laude, at the University of the South’s 2014 commencement ceremonies held in All Saints’ Chapel on the Sewanee campus on May 11. Harman is the child of Suzanne and Samuel S. Harman of Alpharetta. In addition, Katherine Elizabeth Ochs of Alpharetta has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of the South for the Easter 2014 term. To earn a place on Sewanee’s Dean’s List, a student must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.625 on a 4.0 scale. Ochs is the child of Gloria and Robert P. Ochs.
Bates College LEWISTON, Maine – Nabil Sal-
SCHOOLS eem of Alpharetta was named to the Dean’s list at Bates College for the winter 2014 semester, a distinction earned by students whose cumulative grade point average is 3.71 or higher. Saleem, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Sohail Saleem and a 2011 graduate of Alpharetta High School, is majoring in biological chemistry at Bates.
Berry College MOUNT BERRY, Ga. – The following local students have been named to Berry College’s spring 2014 Dean’s List for posting an academic average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 29 while carrying a class load of at least 12 hours during the semester. Alpharetta: Nick Vernon, Kayla Palmer, Meaghan Hughes, Braham Berman, Eric Latimer, Reagan Hahn, Cori Wagner, Jordan Moore, Bekah Ingram, Marcella Putri, Robert Stonaker, Meghan Dooling, Abby Maiwald, Alexander Mitropoulos and Abbey Smyth. Cumming: Sophia Brommet, Megan Reed, Kseniya Shakhova, Connor Wright, Autumn Clarke, Michael Forde, Jake Kennedy, Brynn Barber,
Alyson Childers, Meagan Hunter, Josh Halliday, Matthew Williams, Greg Robbins and Logan Stone. Duluth: Rachel Blair, Rebecca Treadaway and Christie Pierce. Roswell: Rhoxie Ellard, Kellie Soafer, Callie McDonough, Emily Bruder-Mattson, Rachel Smythe, Richie Keezer and Meredith Kagy. Suwanee: Michaela Grass, Hannah Ausband, Austin Marlow and Kaitlyn Long.
See VARSITY, Page 30
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, February 5, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza (new City Hall), Alpharetta, Georgia. A workshop will also be held by the Planning Commission at 6:30p.m. This item will also be considered by the City Council on Monday February 23, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza (new City Hall), Alpharetta, Georgia. a. CLUP-14-09/Z-14-14/V-14-31 Atwater Retail and Restaurant Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 2 acres from O-P and O-I to C2 as well as site plan approval on a C2 portion. A change to the Future Land Use Plan from Corporate Office Campus to Commercial as well as a parking variance. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 801, 802 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. PH-14-22 Tribble Alley Abandonment Consideration of abandonment of a portion of the Tribble Alley Right of Way. The alley is located between Old Milton Parkway and Westside Parkway within Land Lots 801,802,803 and 804 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia c. Z-14-13 Spruell Subdivision Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 5 acres from AG to R-8D in order to develop 21 single family detached homes. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 7, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. MP-14-10 Regency Park/iFly Consideration of a request to amend the Regency Park Masterplan in order to permit Commercial Recreation/Entertainment as a permitted use in POD 1. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 637,638,655 and 656, 1st District, Second Section, Fulton County, Georgia. e. PH-14-13 Downtown Master Plan Consideration of approval of the Downtown Master Plan. The area boundaries generally include Mayfield Road and Canton Street to the North; South Main Street and Allyson Circle to the South; Wills Road to the West; Westside Parkway to the East. f. PH-14-14 UDC Changes – MU & For Rent Housing Regulations Consideration of a change to the Unified Development Code in order to revise MU zoning district regulations and Dwelling, For-Rent Housing Regulations. g. PH-14-20 UDC Changes – Climate Storage as a CU for OI Zoning Consideration of a change to the Unified Development Code in order to add the definition for climate controlled storage and add permitted zoning designations for the use. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.
30 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com
Varsity: Continued from Page 29
University of North Georgia DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Three local students were among the members of the University of North Georgia’s Corps of Cadets who were presented military awards and scholarships at the annual Boar’s Head Brigade Military Awards Review. Cadet Sgt. 1st Class David Hutto of Cumming received the Lt. Col. (Ret) and Mrs. Joseph C. Barto Scholarship during the annual review. Hutto is studying criminal justice at UNG and is the son of Terry and Dennis Hutto of Macclenny, Florida. Cadet Sgt. 1st Class Grace Middleton of Alpharetta received the 1st Lt. Noah Harris Memorial Scholarship during the annual review. Middleton is studying exercise science at UNG and is the daughter of Gayle and David Middleton of Alpharetta. Cadet Col. Blake Schaper of Duluth received the Alumni Association Saber and the Gen.
Douglas MacArthur Award during the annual review. Schaper is studying biology at UNG. He is the son of Walter Schaper of Lawrenceville and Barbara Schaper of Monroe. Upon graduation, he will commission in the Georgia Army National Guard and attend medical school.
University at Montgomery MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Mary Katherine Holland of Roswell graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery’s College of Business with a bachelor’s of business administration degree in management at the university’s spring commencement.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester Polytechnic Institute announced that Erik Nadel of Alpharetta, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the spring 2014 semester. Nadel is a freshman majoring in computer science and electrical
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Belmont University NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The following local students achieved the Dean’s List at Belmont University for the spring 2014 semester. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a grade point average of 3.5. Nathan Childers of Cumming, Madison Kent of Milton, Anna Lackey of Johns Creek, Colby Lapolla of Milton, Megan Pigott of Roswell, Matthew Proctor of Alpharetta, Carolina Rodriguez of Alpharetta, Haley Smith of Roswell, Sarah Terning of Johns Creek, Shannon Thomas of Roswell and Chandler Thornhill of Milton.
Iowa State University AMES, Iowa – Emma Waites of Milton graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Iowa State University following the spring 2014 term.
Messiah College GRANTHAM, Pa. – Alpharetta resident Meghan Boyle was named to the Dean’s List for
student athlete of the week
Rachael Rice
CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE AMENDMENT TO CITY CHARTER Please be advised that the City of Alpharetta intends to adopt an amendment to the City’s Charter. The amendment involves revising the current term limits provision applicable to the Mayor and Council and closing the term limit loophole. The amendment limits the term of the Mayor and Council to four consecutive four year terms. The amendment also prohibits a termed out official from seeking reelection for eight consecutive years. The City Council proposes to accomplish the amendment through the adoption of an ordinance which will be read at two City Council meetings scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at City Hall on January 5, 2015 and January 26,2015. A copy of the proposed amendment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and the Clerk of the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia
the 2014 spring semester at Messiah College. Boyle is a senior majoring in mathematics. Dean’s List is earned by receiving a 3.6 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Emory University ATLANTA – Kyle Winchester of Roswell graduated with honors from the Emory University School of Law on May 7. He is employed with the United States District Court, Northern District, in Atlanta. Winchester attended Mount Pisgah Christian School and graduated from Centennial High School in Roswell.
Samford University SAMFORD, Ala. – Andy Winchester of Roswell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Samford University on May 11. He is employed with Piedmont Office REIT in Johns Creek. Winchester attended Mount Pisgah Christian School and graduated from Centennial High School in Roswell.
Maryville College MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Andrew Mabini of Alpharetta completed requirements for a bachelor’s degree and gradu-
ated from Maryville College following the spring 2014 term. Mabini majored in design.
St. Olaf College NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Kelly Heissel of Suwanee graduated from St. Olaf College. Heissel is an exercise science major. She is the daughter of Kirk and Lee Heissel.
Dickinson State University DICKINSON, N.D. – Umesh Gautam of Johns Creek graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Dickinson State University’s 94th annual commencement on May 17.
Auburn University at Montgomery MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Danielle N. Carucci of Milton and Brooke Elizabeth Landers of Duluth have been named to the Dean’s List at Auburn University at Montgomery for maintaining a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the spring 2014 semester. Carucci and Landers are both nursing majors in the School of Nursing.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB #15-047-3
Chattahoochee High School Name: Rachael Rice Age: 17 GPA: 3.2 Athletic Team: Cross Country School and/or Community Activities: Confirmation Teen Leader at St. Brigid Athletic Awards: Hustle Award Academic Awards:Surdna Scholar, Scholastics Honorable Mention, Scholastics Silver Key Future Plans: Attend an art school up north and get a degree in either art education or art therapy
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NEIGHBORHOOD PAVING-AREA 3 The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Neighborhood Paving Project-Area 3. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 11:00AM. on February 16, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of questions is February 1, 2015. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. ITB packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 5123233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager
Mike Bodker Mayor
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Press: Continued from Page 8 It causes you to stop and think about what you say and how you say it. Still, I am thankful we don’t have elected officials like Mr. Delauter. I like to think I have a good working relationship with our public officials. All this being said, let me spell out a few common misconceptions about being in the public eye. If you are an elected official, or work for a public entity, expect to be contacted and quoted for articles. If you are a member of the public and speak in a public forum (such as a council meeting), expect to be quoted. It’s public and on the record. You cannot refuse to be quoted.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-15-AB-02 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers January 22, 2015 3:00 P.M. PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer & Wine Sunday Sales APPLICANT Colletta, LLC d/b/a Colletta 900 3rd Street Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Owner Colletta, LLC Registered Agent Kevin T. Krapp
If you contact the press about an issue and don’t want to give any information on the record, expect to have your information taken with a grain of salt. It’s easy to hide behind the press with false accusations. Similarly, if you say something “off the record,” expect it to stay that way. If you say something “on the record” – such as the public meeting – expect it to be used in an article. While there is a reasonable right to privacy, if you are in the public eye – either by choice or circumstance – expect me to at least ask for a comment. You don’t have to give one, but I have to ask. It’s my job and my duty.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on January 7, 2015 for Consumption on the Premises of Malt Beverages, Wine & Distilled Spirits. BUSINESS NAME ER Concepts, INC Dba Mirchi Virchi 9700 Medlock Bridge Rd Ste #100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 OWNER/OFFICERS ER Concepts, INC Dba Mirchi Virchi 9700 Medlock Bridge Rd Ste #100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Owners Irum Anwar
johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 15, 2015 | 31
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB NUMBER #15-020 SHAKERAG PARK PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Shakerag Park Parking Lot Improvements. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 2:00 P.M. on January 20, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for questions is January 15, 2015 at 5:00PM. ITB packages and plans are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. THREE (3) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager
Mike Bodker Mayor
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB #15-047-1 NEIGHBORHOOD PAVING-AREA 1 The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Neighborhood Paving Project-Area 1. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 11:00AM. on February 16, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of questions is February 1, 2015. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. ITB packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 5123233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager
Mike Bodker Mayor
COMMUNITY
32 | January 15, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald
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Red Cross seeks blood donations for Jan. By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – January is National Blood Donor Month, a month in which the Red Cross seeks to show the importance of giving blood and to thank all those who have donated. Kristen Stancil of the Metropolitan Atlanta chapter of the Red Cross says January is an especially crucial month for donations. “With people traveling and holiday obligations, we typically see a decline in donations in winter, but the need for blood never takes a vacation. It’s always needed,” she said. Georgia’s unpredictable weather, such as the icy roads that crippled metro Atlanta a year ago, also adds to the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply throughout the winter months. “Whether the roads are icy or there is some kind of disaster, there are people who are going to need blood. Therefore, it is crucial to have a sufficient supply. Donations can only come from volunteers. You cannot manufac-
Upcoming blood drives • Jan. 15 – VersionOne, 6220 Shiloh Road, Alpharetta, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Jan. 16 – Otwell Middle School, 605 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Jan. 23 – Johns Creek Office Park, 11460 Johns Creek Park, Duluth, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Jan. 25 – Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ture blood.” Stancil said the most needed blood types are O, A and B-negative, but she also stressed the importance of platelet donations. “Platelets are the clotting factor in the blood,” she said. “The process of a platelet donation is about the same as a blood donation, but they are only able to be kept for five days, so platelet donations are always needed.” Elena Mazur of the Alpharetta Blood Donation Center said that in her eight years at the center, there has been a steady decline in the levels of donated blood. “We are not necessarily in a shortage, but there is always a need for more,” Mazur said. While all donations gathered at the Alpharetta center
are shipped to Douglasville for distribution, much of that blood will end up in local hospitals such as North Fulton Hospital. Donating blood involves a four-step process that includes registrations, a medical history evaluation and “miniphysical,” the blood donation and refreshments. The entire process takes just over an hour. The Alpharetta Blood Donation Center, located at 3000 Old Alabama Road, is open seven days a week for blood donation appointments. There are many blood drives occurring during National Blood Donor Month in the North Fulton and Forsyth areas. For a full list, please visit www.redcrossblood.org or download the Red Cross app.
The new bishop of the Roswell Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Richard Reed, center. His two counselors are Dave Murray and Aaron Tady.
Roswell welcomes new LDS bishop ROSWELL, Ga. – After five years of service as the bishop of the Roswell Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rick Riggers was released with a big thank you from members of the congregation. The new bishop is Richard Reed, and his two counselors are Dave Murray and Aaron Tady.
The bishop of the ward is comparable to a pastor or minister in other denominations. However, as with all callings and service positions within the ward, the bishop’s calling is volunteer/unpaid. It is also the most demanding and involves giving 20-25 hours a week while maintaining a fulltime job, family responsibilities and more.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB #15-047-2 NEIGHBORHOOD PAVING-AREA 2 The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitations to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for the Neighborhood Paving Project-Area 2. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 11:00AM. on February 16, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of questions is February 1, 2015. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. ITB packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 5123233. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. TWO (2) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE ITB ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek. Warren Hutmacher City Manager
Mike Bodker Mayor
Medlock Bridge Elementary School hosts heritage night JOHNS CREEK, Ga. —Medlock Bridge Elementary School recently held an evening to present and celebrate the diverse heritages of the students who attend the school. Students from pre-K through fifth grade proudly dressed in traditional attire from their various cultures and presented songs, dances and entertainment native to their countries. France, India, the United Kingdom, Korea, and Palestine were celebrated by student performances. A parade of flags represented Australia, Canada, Cuba, France, Guinea, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Palestine, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. In addition to the Heritage Night celebration, students from the Medlock Bridge Chorus and Steel Drum band gave performances.
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Blotter: victim was struck in the head with the hammer. The suspect jumped out of the car. The suspect was described as black, about 5-feet-10-inches tall with short hair, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, thick red gloves and earring that looked like seashells.
homebuilder D.R. Horton told deputies these thefts occurred sometime between 4 p.m. Dec. 27 and 8 a.m. Dec. 29. He said a total of 331 bundles of “Oakridge” dimensional shingles were missing from three sites in the 5000 block of Velkova Drive. He also said 118 bundles were missing from a home off Chestnut Drive and another 101 bundles from a home off Formosa Lane.
Thieves targeting roof shingles
Driver popped seeking popcorn
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Thieves are apparently targeting construction sites to steal pallets of shingles in North Fulton and Forsyth counties. Someone made off with two pallets of roof shingles Between Dec. 24 and Dec. 26, someone stole the shingle pallets from two different homes under construction on Dearborne Lane in Alpharetta. Each bundle of shingles was valued at over $500. Another $13,200 were reported stolen in Forsyth County after being left unattended at construction sites. The general manager for
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Dunwoody man allegedly drove drunk Dec. 29 in search for popcorn. Police received a call around 8 p.m. about a vehicle driving on Haynes Bridge Road that kept hitting the median and was now parked at the Haynes Bridge QuikTrip gas station. When an officer arrived, the driver, James Caston Ford, 22, of Dunwoody, was allegedly slow to respond and seemed confused by the officer’s presence. Ford told the officer he had left his home in Dunwoody for a trip to get
Continued from Page 2
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FBI: Continued from Page 6 Sexton’s letter goes on to say a quorum of the City Council conducted an improper meeting in the mayor’s office that had not been advertised as required by state law. The purpose of the meeting was allegedly to discuss the city business of whether to award insurance and other benefits to spouses of the councilmembers. Miles explained what happened during the alleged illegal executive session. “On Dec. 16, Councilman Sexton made a motion to go into executive session to
discuss employee benefits,” said Miles. “At that executive session, Councilman Sexton requested a proposal for councilmembers’ wives as employees with no designated job duties, but for the purpose of getting paid city health benefits. That was not a proper purpose for an executive session and the executive session was immediately adjourned.” According to Miles, the improper meeting was called by Sexton himself. Campanella said in her letter to Miles about the meeting that the attorney general’s office is not aware of all the circumstances surrounding the allegations and they’re not assuming the city violated the law. When contacted, Cam-
panella said she could not comment on the issue due to other investigations taking place with the city. Campanella asked in her letter that “the city provide a response to Sexton’s allegations within the next 10 days.” Also, if the city maintains that the discussion was done in proper format, then Campanella asked for copies of all statuary notice requirements, including an agenda, notice of meeting and minutes. Miles’ city investigation was set to begin in early January. The state and FBI investigations are ongoing; therefore no end date is set. The next meeting of the Cumming City Council will be Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. in City Hall.
DEATH NOTICES Joseph Cerniglia, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away December 17, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Bobbie Elrod Cobb, 95, of Cumming, passed away January 1, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Victor Collier, 40, of Cumming, passed away December 30, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Jeffrey Christopher Davis, 49, of Cumming, passed away. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Patsy A. Echols, 64,of Cumming, passed away December 29, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Maria Fraser, 82, of Roswell, passed away December 25, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Sylvia Friendship, 94, of Roswell, passed away December 19, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Thomas Hubeny, 48, of Roswell, passed away December 27, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Kevin Fredrick Kiser, 44, of Cumming passed away December 29, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Osvaldo Lopez, 83, of Cumming, passed away December 23, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Alwyn Mayers, 73, of Alpharetta, passed away December 22, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Janice Mitchell, 64, of Alpharetta, passed away December 25, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Edward Moszczenski, 96 of Alpharetta, passed away December 27, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Rev. William Mullinax, 69, of Cumming, passed away January 1, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Ricky Arthur Otwell, 55, of Cumming, passed away January 4, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Richard Rosen, 87, of Alpharetta, passed away December 14, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Mastoureh Palali Savaheli, 78, of Johns Creek, passed away December 22, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Sylvia Silett, 100, of Johns Creek, passed away December 27, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Mary Tokarz, 81, of Alpharetta, passed away December 20, 2014. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society.
Gwyn A. Watkins, 75, of Cumming, passed away January 5, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Jo Ann White, 62, of Cumming, passed away December 29, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Marian Jeanette Whitley, 86, of Forsyth County, passed away December 30, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
Harriet Marva Reineke, 92, of Cumming, passed away January 5, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
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The City of Suwanee is accepting applications for Full-Time EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I. This is semi-skilled work in the operation of moderately complex construction and maintenance of streets, utilities and the City’s grounds and buildings. H.S. diploma or GED equivalent, valid GA Driver’s License and 2 years experience in maintenance & construction required. CDL, water operator license, further technical or vocational training in HVAC, plumbing, masonry or electrical wiring are desired. For additional information go to www.suwanee. com. Position open until filled. Drug Free Workplace. Equal Opportunity Employer
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