Issuu

Sponsored Sections Health and Wellness ►►PAGE 33 Summer Camps ►►PAGE 43

Spring at Avalon Special pullout section ►►PAGE 25

Council member arrested Cross charged with violence ►►PAGE 4

Are you ready for school? Gwinnett Tech N.F. breaks ground ►►PAGE 48

Alpharetta-Roswell

REVUE NEWS

March 12, 2015 | revueandnews.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 33, No. 11

Alpharetta man guilty in heroin-induced death of friend Ben-Hanania refused to call for help, watched victim die

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

The Paxton family – from left, James, Pryor and Luke – each shave their heads to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An Alpharetta man standing trial for the heroin-induced murder of a friend has entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Cory Ben-Hanania, 21, pleaded guilty March 6 to charges of involuntary manslaughter and distribution of heroin for his role in the 2014 death of Chelsea Ivanna Bennett, 20, of Johns Creek. Bennett died on March 3, 2014 following a heroin overdose at Ben-Hanania’s Ridge Oak Place home in Alpharet-

Johns Creek resident Chelsea Bennett, 20, overdosed on heroin. Her friend, Cory Ben-Hanania pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. See HEROIN, Page 50

Making bald heads for St. Baldrick’s Shaving for childhood cancer support By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – The Harp Irish Pub was full Sunday, March 8. While that may not be much of a surprise, what is a surprise is the reason – to shave heads. The Roswell pub was hosting its annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. Since 2007, the

Harp has hosted the event to raise funds for research into childhood cancer. The Harp event alone has raised more than $387,000 for childhood cancer research, and raised over $80,000 last year, said Tanya Connolly-Walsh. It hopes to recreate that effort this year. Connolly-Walsh, whose family owns the Harp, is per-

sonally affected by childhood cancer. Her son was just 6 weeks old when he was diagnosed with cancer. “I’ll never forget that date – March 17,” said ConnollyWalsh. Her son, Keelin, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma 10 years ago. He has been cancer-free for seven years. Since then, the need for childhood research and support has been on Connolly-

See BALD, Page 53

Alpharetta veterans memorial needs help See story page 50 WWW.KEVINCHAMBERSART.COM

Pre-Screened Local Tree services. We do all the homework, so you don’t have to. You’re never more than 2 clicks away on your smart phone, tablet or desktop. Every time you use 770Tree.com to request an estimate, Appen-Rated makes a donation to North Fulton Community Charities or The Drake House. Do good & get great tree work too!

PUBLIC SAFETY

2 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com

Alara named ‘crime free housing’ partner

Partners with Alpharetta for crime deterrence

770-442-3278 319 North Main Street Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 SUBMIT YOUR: News/releases, sports and team photos, school events, community events and more to news@appenmediagroup.com NEWSROOM Revue & News • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@appenmediagroup.com Forsyth Herald • Kathleen Sturgeon kathleen@appenmediagroup.com Johns Creek Herald • Hatcher Hurd hatcher@appenmediagroup.com Milton Herald • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ADVERTISING General Info, ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com CLASSIFIEDS ext. 136 or ext. 100 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com CIRCULATION for delivery questions, ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com PUBLISHER Ray Appen, ext. 101 appen@appenmediagroup.com DELIVERY POLICY Newspapers are published weekly and delivered by carriers to subdivisions at no charge. Stop delivery requests are always honored and can be accomplished by calling 770-442-3278 ext. 100. Publisher may exercise right to not publish any item for any reason. We connect you to your customers better than any other media. Local newspapers are still the best way to reach a local audience.

28,000 Circulation 10,000 Circulation

Graphic & design services

20,000 Circulation

17,000 Circulation

20,000 Circulation

18,000 Circulation

NorthAtlantaBusinessPost.com

NORTHFULTON.com

NorthsideWoman.com

CALL US NOW FOR info, advice and marketing. We’re easy to work with, professional and commited. 770-442-3278

appenmediagroup.com TWITTER

@appenmediagroup

YOUTUBE

FACEBOOK

/appenmediagroup

/appennewspapers

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alara Apartments is now a certified partner with Alpharetta Public Safety’s crime free housing program. Alara Apartments maintains two apartment properties in the city of Alpharetta as Alara at North Point and Alara at Park Bridge. Both properties combined have a total of 616 apartments. The common goal for the crime free housing program is to keep apartment communities safe by deterring crime and enhancing community standards. Officer David Tobias, the agency’s crime free housing coordinator, works with the apartment managers throughout the city one-on-one to schedule community meetings, educate staff and assist with any issues that may be law enforcement related. The program is a pledge-based partnership.

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.

Dogsitter accused of stabbing dog ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An Alpharetta man is suspected of repeatedly stabbing a dog he was watching for a friend. Police were called Feb. 28 to the Roswell Animal Hospital after a report came in of an animal being stabbed. The owner of the bulldog mutt in question said her friend, Philemon Lee DeLouise, 27, of Village Green Way, Alpharetta, was watching her dog for her. She said she visits the dog a few times a week.

CORRECTION In the Feb. 26 Revue & News article, “4 local wrestlers capture state titles,” Cambridge wrestler and three-time state champion J.R. Salemi’s career record was reported incorrectly. Salemi’s career record is 227-14.

From left are Officer David Tobias, Area Vice President Rebecca Welch, Alara North Point Property Manager Melissa Scott, Alara Park Bridge Manager Nicole Maybin, Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle and Alpharetta Councilmember D.C. Aiken. Apartment complexes adhere to recommended security and safety standards and institute a process designed to ensure high quality of life standards for their communities. In return, Alpharetta Public Safety becomes full partners

with these communities and develops relationships with staffs and residents in order to meet their community needs. More information may be found at www.crime-free-association.org/ multi-housing.htm.

That morning when she visited, DeLouise allegedly denied her entry. The owner said she noticed blood on the floor and asked about the dog. DeLouise said there was an accident and the dog was dead. He still refused access. The owner returned with her son and managed to get inside, where they found blood everywhere. DeLouise’s roommate said DeLouise had stabbed the animal repeatedly. The dog was in the backyard, severely injured. DeLouise was covered in blood, and a bloody knife was found. He claimed he “blacked out” and woke up with the dog injured. His roommates told police after he hurt the dog, he reportedly played video games. DeLouise was arrested for felony animal cruelty.

he was ready to move in to a home. He said they packed four truckloads of goods. When the victim was ready to move in, he said the company only shipped two-and-a-half trucks’ worth of property. He asked the company, which allegedly demanded $9,000 more in moving costs to deliver the rest of the man’s property. When it arrived, the victim said it was heavily damaged.

Movers lose truckload of goods MILTON, Ga. – A resident had problems Feb. 24 with a moving company that may have lost a truckload of his property. The victim told police he moved to the Milton area a few months ago from California. He hired a moving company to pack up and store his property until

ARE YOUR GUTTERS READY FOR THE RAIN?

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

NAT-32537-0

Celebrating 20 years of service in Atlanta

LeafGuardGutters.com

404-410-1093

Intruder moves furniture, bike MILTON, Ga. – A Pembrooke Circle resident returned home Feb. 22 to find his home broken into and his mattress and motorcycle moved, but not taken. The resident told police he came home about 1:30 p.m. and found his front door broken. Someone had tried to pry it open but only succeeded in making the door inaccessible. The rear door, however was successfully opened. The victim said he found the home rummaged through and a mattress moved from upstairs to the ground floor. A motorcycle that did not run, which was kept in the garage, was moved to a parking lot nearby. Other than the front door, there was no damage and nothing reported missing.

SLAM DUNK SALE!

LIMITED TIME ONLY

E E R F DOWNSPOUTS

CALL BEFORE 3/31/15 AND RECEIVE FOR TWO GIFT CARD FOR 2 A DINNER WITH IN-HOME ESTIMATE

DINNER

$0 PAYMENTS, 0% INTEREST FOR 1 YEAR Ne orders only. Minimum purchase required. Dinner for two with in-home estimate to homeowner(s). New Limit one card per household. Dinner gift card valued at $25. Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E. Lim Brickyard Rd. Suite 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms Bri vary from 24 to 132 months. Interest waived if repaid in 365 days. 16.55% fixed APR, effective as of February var 2015, subject to change. Other restrictions may apply. *Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. Exp. 03/31/15

PUBLIC SAFETY

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

DUI arrests ►► Michael James Rives, 44,

of Timberstone Road, Johns Creek, was arrested Feb. 21 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Oyenmwen Uzebu, 41, of Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 13 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and open container. ►► Kathe Gorder Nale, 43, of Creekstone Path, Cumming, was arrested Feb. 12 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Bradley William Hudson,

27, of Dacula was arrested Feb. 10 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Ashley Rae Rankin, 23, of Pebble Trace, Alpharetta, was arrested Feb. 12 on Old Roswell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Mario Anthony Perez, 41, of Buford was arrested Feb. 7 on Walnut Creek Crossing in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Nicole Renee Kendrick, 23, of Woodstock was arrested Feb. 6 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, following too closely and possession of marijuana. ►► Woubayhw Tamrat Bekele, 27, of Commonwealth Way, Milton, was arrested Feb. 14 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and violation of license restrictions. ►► Jeannette Rose Blake, 50, of Belleterre Drive, Milton, was

Other Services: Tires for: • Brakes • Cars • Alignments • Trucks • Wheel Bearings • Bobcats • CV Axles • Trailers • Alternators • Mowers • Batteries 770-751-9811 502 N. Main St., Alpharetta | www.campbelltirecompany.com

NORTHSIDE CHAPEL

FUNERAL DIRECTORS and CREMATORY

Rex T. Grizzle, Owner Locally Owned and Operated 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075

info@northsidechapel.com 770-645-1414 • www.northsidechapel.com

North Fulton’s Only On-Site Crematory A small list of really good tree services.

Screened and vetted local services From

Every time you use 770Tree.com to request an estimate, Appen-Rated makes a donation to North Fulton Community Charities or The Drake House. Do good & get great tree work too!

arrested Feb. 4 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Sandra L. Molineaux, 50, of Acworth was arrested Feb. 6 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Christopher Brent Black, 45, of Stevens Creek Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Feb. 7 on Highway 9 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Thomas Matthew Hinkson, 28, of Atlanta was arrested Jan. 5 on Alpharetta Street in Roswell for DUI, aggressive driving and improper use of horn. ►► Tyler Louis Poole, 22, of

Marietta was arrested Jan. 31 on Mansell Road in Roswell for DUI. ►► Cesar Rojas, 37, of Jonesboro was arrested Feb. 1 on Warsaw Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Steven Michael Morse, 57, of Woodstock Road, Roswell, was arrested Feb. 1 on Atlanta Street in Roswell for DUI and headlight requirements. ►► Kathrina Beth Howerton, 26, of Lawrenceville was arrested Feb. 1 on Ga. 400 in Roswell for DUI, suspended license and attempting to elude a police officer. ►► Douglas E. Blankenbeker, 56, of Fernandina Beach,

Revue & News | March 12, 2015 | 3

Florida, was arrested Feb. 2 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, failure to maintain lane and taillight violation. ►► David Alexander Harden, 23, of Worthington Hills Court, Roswell, was arrested Feb. 3 on Creekside Way in Roswell for DUI. ►► Alex Nowlan Glenn, 34, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was arrested Feb. 5 on Old Dogwood Road in Roswell for DUI. ►► James Michael Reilly, 57, of Mountain Creek Drive, Roswell, was arrested Feb. 5 on Pine Grove Road in Roswell for DUI, speeding and open container.

4 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com

CITY NEWS

March 9, 2015

Orlans

Price

Igleheart

Wynn

Dippolito

Diamond

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com

Approval of a resolution to reallocate the Housing Authority of the city of Roswell’s program year 2013 Community Development Block Grant funds for $278,000.

Deferral of consideration of development at 9050 Fouts Road until April 13.

Approval of 68 new homes at 9600 Nesbit Ferry Road.

Approval of text amendment to the Unified Development Code for outdoor amenity space.

Approval of a final plat for Alstead, Phase 1.

Approval of right of way options for the Hardscrabble Road Greenloop Project for $400,000.

Approval to submit the Historic Gateway and Ga. 9/ Chattahoochee River pedestrian bridge projects to the Atlanta Regional Commission for federal funding.

Approval of restriping Elizabeth Way to a two-way street.

Approval of a license of land use for trees at Roswell North Elementary School.

Approval of amendment to Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System defined benefit retirement plan.

ROSWELL, Ga. – A new 68-lot neighborhood was unanimously approved by the Roswell City Council at its March 9 meeting, after residents voiced concerns over the development. The new development, at 9600 Nesbit Ferry Road, would continue the Nesbit Lakes subdivision further into the woods between Nesbit Ferry and Holcomb Bridge Road. In addition to the homes – which developer The Providence Group said would price in the $800,000s – either a traffic light or a new road would have to be added to mitigate traffic concerns. The new road would connect the middle of the neighborhood to Scott Road, near Centennial High School. When the neighborhood was initially planned, a portion of land was set aside with just this in mind. This end is the result of the developer and the Nesbit Lakes Homeowners’ Association working together to join the

FAILED

Roswell City Council Recap

PASSED

68 new homes to be built

Wood

Nesbit Lakes neighborhood approved

VOTE KEY: Y = yes; N = no; A = abstain; R = recused; * = absent two developments, rather than create a new neighborhood. “They will join the Nesbit Lakes subdivision and pay HOA fees,” said Don Rolader, attorney for The Providence Group. The portion of the original

plan devoted to a new pool and tennis courts will be turned into public greenspace for the residents. Working with the homeowners’ association and residents, the plan was modified to its current state.

“It’s always great when we have a developer who is willing to work with the community, and the community working with developer. In the end, you end up with a better product,” said Councilmember Rich Dippolito.

Alpharetta councilmember arrested for domestic violence Allegedly threw trash can at wife By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta City Councilmember Michael Cross, 40, turned himself in Feb. 27 to police after he was charged with domestic violence. Cross, elected to his post in 2011, is accused of throwing a trash can at his wife during an

argument that left her with a bruised and bleeding face. Police responded Feb. 22 to a domestic dispute call at 10:30 p.m. from a CROSS Greenmont Circle address. According to police, Cross and his wife were arguing over chores. Cross allegedly picked up a plastic trash can and threw it at her, striking her in

the face. She received a bloody lip and bruises. The victim called police. When police arrived, Cross had left the home. Police note that the wife admitted to drinking that night, while Cross did not drink. The following day, Feb. 23, police interviewed Cross for his side of the story. He said his wife threw something at him in anger. When he defended himself, he threw the trash can at her. The victim did not wish to prosecute, and she told police she is not in fear of Cross.

However in cases of domestic violence, the state can press charges on behalf of the victim. Detectives determined there was enough evidence to press charges. Cross turned himself in to police Feb. 27. Cross said they have been happily married for 11 years. “Nothing like this has ever happened before,” Cross said. “We had a bad night.” Cross, an attorney, was pulled over in 2013 and charged with driving drunk. He was acquitted of the charges.

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 54

ALPHARETTA, Jennifer Oaks Subdivision: 1105 Jennifer Oaks Drive 30004. Friday 3/13 & Saturday 3/14. 10:00am-3:00pm. Moving! Furniture, china, crystal, art, and more!!!!!!! ROSWELL, Willow Springs Neighborhood Sale: 2500 Old Alabama Road. Friday 3/13 and Saturday 3/14, 8am-2pm. Large 700+ home community. For more info, call 404- 502-7006. SUWANEE, Weston Subdivision!, Multi-family. Off McGinnis Ferry next to St. Marlo. Saturday 3/14, 8am-2pm.

DEADLINE

To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

NEWS

revueandnews.com | Revue & News | March 12, 2015 | 5

Anderson ready to take on Fulton’s top job Has plan to move county forward By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – As expected, Richard Anderson, the former BellSouth executive, vice chairman of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and chief operating officer of the Federal Reserve, was unanimously appointed Fulton County manager Wednesday, March 4. He had been named the single finalist for the job, and commissioners were almost giddy he agreed to “interview” for it. Anderson comes with a sterling resume as a corporate executive and government management as well. It couldn’t come at a better time. He is the fifth county manager or interim county manager since 2012. “One of the most important decisions that Fulton County makes is the selection of the county manager, who leads and manages the day-to-day operations of the county,” said District 2 County Commissioner Bob Ellis of Roswell.

“Fulton County has had a tremendous amount of instability at this position the past few years,” he said. “But I think we have ANDERSON a high-quality individual here.” Ellis said his managerial experience in both the public and private sectors appealed to the Board of Commissioners. As vice chairman of BellSouth and later group president of AT&T, Anderson was responsible for guiding a $30 billion corporation with global clients, Ellis noted. Anderson says he will focus on three areas to concentrate his and the county’s efforts: Impact Efficiency Customer service For Anderson, impact means ordering what the county does by scale. “In other words, you take your resources and look what are the things that are most important to a million residents,” Anderson said. “So if the water doesn’t turn on, that

is a real problem. If we have to cancel a concert, that is bad too, but it doesn’t impact a million people.” That pushes people to make priorities and make strategic choices to accomplish those priorities. Efficiency for Anderson is marrying public motives with private sector practices. “It simply means we have a deeper motive than just the bottom line,” he said. “In fact, it is broader motive. But there are plenty of private sector practices we can employ. “They include good planning, metrics, resource allocation, discipline, performance management, succession planning – all of those sorts of things that make for a highperformance organization from my experience,” he said. But it does not mean running government like a business. Government does not provide a “bottom line,” he said. What government provides is value. “I have run a business and it cannot be applied to government,” Anderson said. “They don’t have the same goals.” Efficiency is one of those transferrable practices, how-

ever. It is part of keeping the plan on track. “With efficiency, you want to establish metrics. Where will you be in two years, then three years,” Anderson said. He creates a roadmap for getting to where he wants his people to be. Efficiency also creates accountability. “I’ve learned that what gets measured gets managed,” Anderson said. In the short term, Anderson’s No. 1 priority will be reorganizing staff and structure and focusing the organization. “There is a new organizational design that I have laid out. Now I have to populate that organization with leaders who will be selected in the next 30 to 45 days – both internal and external,” he said. Anderson will use town hall meetings, the FGTV and field visits to explain his new focus of impact, efficiency and customer service to the public and what these aspirational goals will mean. But perhaps his toughest challenge will be to create buyin from his seven bosses on the County Commission. For that, he is planning an off-site meeting April 15 with the commissioners.

“There, we will reach an agreement with the commissioners on the [county] priorities. Coming from that will be the real strategies and the associated resources [funding] them,” Anderson said. These strategies will be accomplished by prioritizing the greatest impacts using best efficiencies and the best customer service. That is what Anderson says the retreat he is planning with the Board of Commissioners should accomplish. “Not only will it tell us where our priorities are, but give us an idea of how well we are performing in those areas,” he said. Under Anderson’s plan, the priorities will have measureable outcomes and the resources allocated to attain them. That should tell the commissioners how effective service delivery is and the impact it is having. “The essence of all this will be an engaged citizenry. To do that, I will need an engaged employee force with the right structure and the right priorities given to us by the board,” he said. “That’s the first thing to tackle.”

Quality Service, From the Moment You Walk In North Fulton Smiles, located in the heart of Crabapple in the Silos Shopping Center provides full-service general and cosmetic dentistry for our valued patients and measure our success in our ability to always exceed your expectations.

Where patients become friends.

www.northfultonsmiles.com • Reviews online • 770 569-0613

6 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News

Residents win cruise with Expedia Part of Appen Media Adstravaganza Event By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – For two Milton residents, they won the vacation of a lifetime simply by reading their newspaper. Each week for six weeks, the papers of Appen Media Group – The Alpharetta-Roswell Revue and News, Milton Herald, Johns Creek Herald and Forsyth Herald – featured the Expedia Cruise Ship logo hidden somewhere inside. Readers had to find the logo and enter to win on NorthFulton.com, telling exactly where it was found that week. Fifteen people won small prizes each week as part of the event campaign. The Grand Prize winner received a free cruise, courtesy of Expedia Cruise Ship Center in Alpharetta. The Grand Prize winners were Jenny and Anthony Lopresti, of Milton. Jenny is a Real Estate agent with the Harry Norman, REALTORS North Fulton Office. Jenny was flipping through

COMMUNITY

the paper one day and saw the special ship logo. She entered to win on northfulton.com with the logo location and it was her name that was drawn as the winner on March 2. There were more than 700 entries. “It made my day. I’m so excited,” she said. “We’re going on a cruise!” The Lopresti’s 24th anniversary is in August, a few days before they have scheduled to leave for their cruise. They booked to go to Cozumel, Belize and Roatan in Central America. “We are going to celebrate,” Anthony said. The Alpharetta location of Expedia Cruise Ship Centers offered the cruise. They are celebrating being open in their new retail location near Kroger off State Bridge Road for just over one year. “We wanted to celebrate and make somebody happy. That’s why we are here,” said Vince Bonfanti, the franchise owner. He said the choice to advertise with his community newspaper was a good one. “We have had a good

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

JONATHAN COPSEY/ STAFF

The Loprestis – Jenny and Anthony, center and right – are the winners of the Expedia Cruise Ship Centers contest for a free cruise. With them is Vince Bonfanti, franchise owner of the Johns Creek location. response from the ads,” he said. “Community papers are our primary ad vehicle and it works.” Expedia Cruise Ship Centers is a sister company of Expedia.com. They offer cruises and vacations all around the world.

With 4,000 consultants, the company has existed since 1988. The Alpharetta location is the first and so far only Georgia location. “We offer a variety of vacation products,” Bonfanti said. This can be cruises, coach trips or any other vacations.

“We give trustworthy advice and the best choice and prices as part of Expedia,” he said. Expedia Cruise Ship Centers is located at 10945 State Bridge Road, Suite 105, Alpharetta, Ga. 30022. They can be found online at www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Alpharetta.

In 2015, I resolve to do something about my ADHD QUIZ

Never

Some

Often

Always

I lose things necessary for tasks or activities.

I have trouble waiting in line/following slow traffic.

I have trouble keeping attention/focused.

I feel restless inside even when sitting still.

I can’t get things done unless there is a deadline.

If your total is 6 or more, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study of an investigational medication for adult ADHD.

TOTAL SCORE

QUALIFIED PATIENTS RECEIVE AT NO COST: Medical Evaluation • Study Medication Study Related Care • Travel Stipend

Call today for a confidential, no obligation appointment:

770-817-9200

5895 Windward Parkway, Suite 150 | Alpharetta, GA 30005

www.IAmResearch.org

Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

revueandnews.com | Revue & News | March 12, 2015 | 7

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2015 2015Appen Appen Awesome Awesome

Adstravaganza! Grand Prize Winners From left are Vince Bonfanti, franchise owner of the Johns Creek Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, and winners Jenny Lopresti and Anthony Lopresti.

Weekly Drawing Winners Lianisari Taharuddin Rajiv Goel Whitney Cummings Maureen Lucas Jeff Brooks Renee Koster Fred Dreyer Lauren Kahn Mary Lou Lanaux Tricia Thompson Susan Fannin Carolyn Lauterbach Marian Macleod Patricia Hunnicutt Jon Delaney Cathy Clayton Chesley Simoneaux Lynn Hundley

Martha Caceres Kathleen Javaheri Laurie Uribe Ken Bauer Nancy Fallon Deborah Coleman Shannon Reichardt Lynne Hedgepeth Todd Watermolen Joseph Huseman Geraldine Zwerling Sharon Chapman Lillian McCaughan Doug Clayton Jon Delaney Lisa Sabula Traci Allison Mary London

Kevin Swindall Marina Kotegova Ruthanne Warnick Julie Hurst-Anaya Jeanette Lasky Karina P. Vesagas Curtis C. Williams III Laura Moore Karen Powell Carolyn Lauterbach Laura Tyree Blake Swayne JoAnn Toole Shannon Reichardt Ellen Froede Lillian McCaughan Cathy Clayton Carole Cato

Tam Lu Mary London Nancy Fallon Paul Strickland Megan Beaver Linda Wallace Chesley Simoneaux JoAnn Toole Ken Garrison Traci Allison Jackie Kass Lillian McCaughan Cindy Welsch Donna Augustine Martha Caceres Xiaoli He Joseph Huseman Judy Buffa

Jim Porter Corrine Chesimard Janyce O’Keeffe Sharon Miller Ruth Siegel Kate Boccia Dora Rice Krishna Mistry Bert Silverman Donna Mary O’Shea Layne Bessho Julie Hurst-Anaya Carol Mahler Melinda Quinn Susan Felderman Lois Ruhnke Tanner Swayne Laura Moore

Weekly winners received certificates to: Andretti • Alpharetta Family YMCA • Mammoth Car Wash & Detail Salon • Art & Beyond • Cactus Car Wash • Rosati’s Sports Pub • Mangia Ristorante • TJ’s Sports Bar • Café Intermezzo • Hooligans • Black Diamond Grill • Sophia’s • Chattahoochee Nature Center • The Original Pancake House

Sponsored by

We offer a small business resource program, and part of that is providing meeting space for these small businesses DEBORAH LANHAM, chamber vice president for business development

JOIN TODAY: 770-993-8806 • WWW.GNFCC.COM

GNFCC free meeting space popular feature Members’ perk provides space to pitch customers, train staff By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – You say you would love to invite select prospective clients to tell them how your business can uniquely help them be successful? You want a truly business-like setting and the Waffle House is definitely not it? Well if you are a Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce member, problem solved. Chamber members can use meeting space at the GNFCC offices. It is one of the benefits of membership, said Deborah Lanham, chamber vice president for business development. “We offer a small business resource program, and part of that is providing meeting space for these small businesses,” Lanham said. “We help with business consulting through the Small Business Development Center and the Small Business Administration. But we also allow our small businesses to come in and use conference rooms at the chamber, whether it is a small one or large, based on their needs.” There, they can have their own workshop seminars and invite target consumers or businesses to come in and listen to a presentation of the services they provide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Deborah Lanham, vice president/business development at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, at dlanham@gnfcc.com.

“They usually combine those presentations with some education about their field. So they teach prospects about what’s out there, say databreach information. Then they show how their company can help,” she said. Lanham has had Microsoft come in to present in partnership with chamber member Land Systems and provided personal laptops to see how certain programs would help their businesses. “It kind of flies under the radar. But it is something I talk about each month when I host Chamber 101,” she said. “I share with the members how we can provide space to host their seminars, their workshops and even their own events like a like a network lunch.” It’s all about helping chamber members accomplish their

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

From left, Carmichael Consulting Solutions’ Neil May, Leah Fairman of Fairman the Connector and Mike Bartoli with Schooley Mitchell co-host a successful seminar at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s offices. goals and reaching their target market or consumer/potential partner. These services are part of what the chamber offers small businesses – 50 employees or less. Even the larger companies can reserve space for interviewing new employees. These are fully equipped with flat screens and the technology to integrate their presentations. Lanham said the chamber can accommodate small groups or an audience of up to 100 people. Members can bring in their own catered food and speakers. Sometimes two or three companies with similar, but not identical services will pitch to the same group that the companies have recruited. “The room is free to them as a value and a benefit of their chamber membership. You must be a member. There are many ways to take ad-

vantage of the space. We’ve had nonprofits use space for their board meetings. We have had training where the small businesses are the experts,” Lanham said. “Companies will bring in their sales force to find out how to effectively use social media for sales. The bottom line is we want to make our members successful,” she said. If the hosts need a caterer or some other service provider, the chamber provides choices from their member list. Companies of all sizes can use the perk, even when they could do it in-house, as a way to change the environment and think outside the box. Recently three companies combined for a luncheon where each company explained how their business could help other businesses. Leah Fairman is an entre preneur who has been suc-

cessful in marketing to Fortune 500 companies and shows other small companies how they can market themselves using the Web and social media to create an “online presence.” Fairman calls herself a serial entrepreneur and social media strategist who founded her first business in 2007. She uses Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Instagram to leverage her Web presence. Job No. 1 to having an online presence is knowing how to be found on search engines. She says having people follow you is optimal. “You can build a company using social media. You don’t need a website. Customers search using key words. You want search engines to find you,” Fairman said. Neil May is director of service delivery for Carmichael

See NFCC, Page 21

BusinessPosts

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

Revue & News | March 12, 2015 | 17

New generation of leaders must step forward Editor’s note: This is the seventh in a series of excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.” The report, which reflects and synthesizes the views from more than 500 individuals surveyed and economic vital signs recorded, has been used to chart the North Georgia economy and real estate for more than 25 years. Bold ideas need strong leaders to execute them. It’s time to recognize and fill the impending voids created when the current generation of leaders moves on. The tales of the poultry industry leadership have been told over and over around the campfires of North Georgia. Names like Jewell, Cromartie, Arrendale, Hatfield, Otwell, Wilson and Bagwell are legend-

It was the best of times, it FRANK was the worst NORTON JR. CEO and Chairman of times, it The Norton Agency was the age of wisdom, it ary leaders, pioneering leadership in an emerging time was the age of pulling us out of hard scrabble Appalachia into a 20th century foolishness. economy. The Stewart family of Habersham County, recognizing the emerging need for telephone service, blueprinted and built Standard Telephone into a major network serving tens of thousands. John Jacob heard of an emerging broadcast system called cable and ran lines everywhere years

before there was adequate content to go through those lines. Stalwart Ray McRae took the foundation of a small crossroads bank, First National, and morphed it into First Bancorp with 20 affiliate banks and $13 billion in collective assets.

Managing risks in your small business Are you managing risks in your small business? Have you done a thorough assessment of the potential risks your small business has? Do you have a risk management process in place to help you mitigate your risks? Small business owners typically do not understand or protect their business from the potential risks they have, and subsequently, suffer the consequences. The first step in risk management is to identify the risks that you have. In small businesses, some risks are common; while at the same time, there are unique risks for a specific business. Assessing risks, such as business interruption, operations, personnel and liability losses, will help a small business owner understand their risks. Evaluating the probability that a specific risk will materialize will help you prioritize your time and focus to put together a mitigation plan for all of your top risks. Having contingency

W o m e n

Bold leadership takes bold risks…financial, personal and political capital to ensure that something will be successful. In these times as the recessionary water has calmed, leadership is needed more than ever. We are overdue for rekindling those new ideas that were set aside in time of strife. We are overdue for collective visioning. From Jasper to Pendergrass, we have licked our wounds and missed numerous opportunities in the interim, but it’s time... no, it is past time... to move forward. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.” It’s time to pick ourselves up, dust off our britches and make something happen. Lead…for the next generation.

NewBusinessSpotlight

DICK JONES

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales

plans in place in case a risk emerges will help you to better manage the situation. Having insurance to mitigate certain risks, like theft, fires or accidents, is always a prudent step to managing risks. Adopting an enterprise-wide risk management program will also help ensure that you have plans in place for the top risks in your small business. Continuously monitoring risks and the impact they may have to your small business will help you better manage risks in your small business.

W h o

Beyond Their Comfort Z Zon Zone ne Mar. 25, 2015 • 11:30am – 1:00pm The Metropolitan Club

5895 Windward Pkwy • Alpharetta, GA 30005

Additional Sponsors:

Business: Art & Beyond Opened: October 2014 Owners: Andy Schwartz, David McKay What: We provide a place for children and adults to create a journey with art and beyond. Girls’ nights out, afterschool programs, school break camps, birthday parties for all ages or just some time to play with your art are some of the things we offer.

Hours: Monday through Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; private parties by appointment. Location: 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 102, Roswell Phone: 770-954-6102 Web: artandbeyondstudio.com

Whether you’ve attained your professional goals or are well on your way, Spend a fantastic afternoon with other professional women and Susan Nethero, CEO of Intimacy as she shares her wisdom for creating strategies for balancing a robust professional life with a meaningful personal life.

WALK the WA K

Presenting Sponsor:

But while these community businesses created thriving private enterprise, they pulled up the communities around them. Yes, they made money… lots of money, but they also created generational wealth for employees, stockholders, vendors, suppliers and subcontractors around them. This is American entrepreneurship, the trickle-down economy at its finest, and we freely admit our own business prospered selling homes to a growing population, insuring poultry farms and selling investment property to help diversify our investors’ financial portfolios. There is no guilt or shame when a new industrial park is created through the private investment of locals…quite frankly there should be more of that.

In thanks for your contribution, every guest will receive a special gift bag valued at over $100 and much more!

Guest Speaker: Susan Nethero, CEO of Intimacy

Pre registration: Contact Ciara Rubin, Director of Communications and Member Services, email to ciara@alpharettachamber.com, or call (404) 277-4930. Register before 11:30am on March 11, 2015 to receive a $5 discount. Host:

18 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News

AWARDS »

BusinessBriefs Berkshire Hathaway awards top performers

GAMING INTELLIGENCE AWARDS

Scientific Games’ Chief Executive of Lottery Jim Kennedy, (center) receives the “2015 Lottery Supplier of the Year Award” from Gaming Intelligence Awards hosts Steve Hoare (left) and Bobby Mamudi (right) during ICE Totally Gaming in London February 3-4.

Scientific Games receives 2 international awards LAS VEGAS — Scientific Games of Alpharetta recently received two awards at ICE Totally Gaming 2015, the world’s largest business-to-business gaming event. The company received the 2015 Lottery Operator of the Year Award at the eighth International Gaming Awards and the 2015 Lottery Supplier of the Year Award at the Gaming Intelligence Awards. The company’s lottery center, which employs approximately 1,200 professionals, is located in Alpharetta. The company develops technology-based products and services and associated content for worldwide gaming and lottery markets.

ATLANTA — Berkshire Hathaway’s Top 50 agents celebrated with an awards luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead. The “20 Year Legend” award was presented to John Willnow of the Alpharetta-North Fulton office. The No. 1 Top Team honors were given to Jill and Dan Petersen, leaders of Petersen Properties of the Smyrna-Vinings office, and the No. 1 Top Individual Agent award was presented to Susan Fitzgerald of the Peachtree City office. Recognized as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Legends were the Butler Swayne Team, led by Melissa Swayne, Stephanie Butler and Laura Falk; Stephen Walker of the Peachtree City office; Susan Fitzgerald of the Peachtree City office; and Brent Hoffman of the Gainesville office.

EVENTS »

SEMCO makes preparations for annual home show ROSWELL, Ga. – Roswell-based SEMCO Productions will again present the Spring Atlanta Home Show, Georgia’s largest home show, at the Cobb Galleria Centre March 20 – 22. The annual event will bring together more than 350 experts in the home remodeling and landscaping industries to showcase the latest products and services designed to remodel, repair and refresh homes of all sizes and styles. The event includes three days of expert speakers on a variety of home remodeling subjects including gardening, home repair, decorating and aesthetic enhancements. New this year will be a presentation by Danna Cain of Home & Garden Design on how to create a dog-friendly landscape. See www.AtlantaHomeShow.com for days and times of each presentation.

FINANCE » Email with pictures to:

BusinessNews@AppenMediaGroup.com

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

Call today for your free IT assesment.

– Tyler Jones, Principal

678-224-8000 • www.CarmichaelConsulting.net

Tellermate expands in North America ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Cash accounted for 72 per-

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com cent of the transaction value for general merchandise retailers in the United States, according to a late 2014 report from Richmond Federal Reserve Bank. That has meant good business for Tellermate. Following a record of 132 percent year-over-year growth in North America, Tellermate is expanding both its sales and service organizations at its Alpharetta headquarters. “The report is consistent with other studies that we have seen,” said Jim Stone, Tellermate vice president of marketing for North America. “Tellermate invented weight-based cash counting over 34 years ago and we understand the importance of providing retailers with technology that enables fast and accurate cash counts.”

HEALTH »

Pharmaceutical company begins clinical trial ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Clearside Biomedical, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing drug therapies to treat blinding eye diseases, has announced the first patient’s enrollment in a Phase 2 clinical trial for treating macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion. Approximately 40 patients will be enrolled at 10 sites in the United States. Retinal vein occlusion is a sight-threatening disorder that affects approximately 2.2 million people in the United States.

Biota Pharmaceuticals acquires Anaconda Pharma ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Biota Pharmaceuticals has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Anaconda Pharma, a privately held biotechnology company based in Paris, France. Anaconda Pharma has completed a Phase 2a clinical trial of a patented antiviral for the treatment of anogenital warts, as well as the orphan disease recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Both are caused by human papillomavirus. Under the terms of the agreement, at closing, all of Anaconda Pharma’s outstanding shares will be acquired for 3.5 million shares of Biota common stock and $8 million in cash. Biota will fund the cash portion of the purchase price with cash on-hand.

NewBusinessSpotlight

Pollo Tropical opens in Johns Creek JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – For those who want to get something with a kick to warm their hearts while the snow falls outside, Johns Creek residents are in luck. The newest Pollo Tropical location has opened near the intersection of Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road. The grand opening was Friday, Feb. 27, featuring a ribbon cutting and day-long activities for the family. During the festivities, 100 people won free family meal coupons and a grand prize winner got free chicken for a year. Johns Creek’s Pollo Tropical is located at 5815 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. For more on the company and its menu, visit www.pollotropical.com.

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

The newest Georgia location of Pollo Tropical, a Caribbean-themed fastcasual restaurant, opened on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

CALENDAR

EDITOR’S PICKS

28 15,event 2013online | Forsyth Herald | forsytherald.com | May Submit your at revueandnews.com

Submit your event online at forsythherald.com Revue & News | March 12, 2015 | 19

Send

me your event...

SHANNON WEAVER

Calendar Editor THE DROWSY CHAPERONE calendar@ appenmediagroup.com Alpharetta High School Chorus

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.

MUSIC:

and Alpha Theatre present “The Drowsy Chaperone” - A musical within a comedy at AHS Auditorium, 3595 Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta. Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Contact Director David Gay, gayd@fultonschools.org for more info.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS CONCERT

Who: Alpharetta City Band Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1015 Old Roswell Road in Roswell When: Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. Cost: Free and open to the public Contact: Don Nahser, 770-475-9684 or donnahser@aol.com

THEATER:

QUEBE SISTERS

Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe perform swing, vintage country, bluegrass, jazz & swing standards, and Texas style fiddling at the Cumming Playhouse, 101 School Street in Cumming. Saturday March 14, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $25. Visit playhousecumming.com for more info.

What: Fellowship Christian School presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Where: Fellowship Christian School, 10965 Woodstock Road in Roswell When: Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 Contact: 770-993-1650 Web: fcspaladins.org/news_resources

BLOOD DRIVE AT PINECREST

What: These two Grammy winning artists team up for a special evening of jazz excellence. Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta When: Friday, March 13 Times: 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Cost: $39 Web: thevelvetnote.com

THE WINTER’S TALE

What: In this mellowest and least cynical of the mature Shakespearean masterpieces, love, Arcadian innocence and magic are triumphant in the end. Where: The New American Shakespeare Tavern, 499 Peachtree St NE in Atlanta When: Satuday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 to $39 Web: shakespearetavern.com

Lads and lassies, come celebrate Luck of Avalon by enjoying Irish music, dancing and—of course— green beer at Avalon, 2200 Avalon Boulevard in Alpharetta. Tuesday, March 17, 2 p.m. 10 p.m. Visit experienceavalon.com for more info.

AMAZING TECHICOLOR DREAMCOAT

EVENTS:

SAUNDERS SERMONS AND NICHOLAS PAYTON

LUCK OF AVALON

Where: Pinecrest Academy Lower School gym, 955 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming When: Thursday, March 12 Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact: cettmueller@ pinecrestacademy.org Web: redcrossblood.org Info: Donors are asked to eat iron rich foods, drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids and get a good night’s rest before donating blood. Photo ID required.

GLITTER: BACK TO THE FUTURE

Guests will enjoy dinner by Talk of the Town, entertainment by 80’s cover band Mighty McFly, as well as live and silent auctions at The Cottage School, 700 Grimes Bridge Road in Roswell. Saturday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Visit cottageschool. org for more info. Hours: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $10 Web: autreymill.org Info: Registration required. Ages 6 to 11.

SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE GARDENING

What: Master Gardeners explain how to utilize environmentally sound sustainable practices in your vegetable garden. Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza in Alpharetta When: Thursday, Mar 19 in Alpharetta Hours: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Web: nfmg.net Info: Registration info on website

SHAMROCK AND PEACH

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT AT

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT

What: West Forsyth High School Productions present the Georgia premiere of “Nice Work if You Can Get It.” Where: WFHS Auditorium, 4155 Drew Road in Cumming When: Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 students, $12 adults Info: tickets at www.showtix4u.com

What: St. Patrick’s Day authentic cooking demonstration class featuring delicious Irish food with Chef Judith McLoughlin. Where: Publix Alpharetta Commons, 4305 State Bridge Road in Alpharetta When: Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. Cost: $45 Contact: 770-751-8560

DOLL TEA PARTY

What: Doll tea parties in the Summerour House will include a variety of activities like making doll accessories, dress-up and games. Where: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road in Johns Creek When: Sunday, March 15

TEE OFF FORE KIDS

What: This Tournament Style Golf event allows teams to compete against other golfers for a chance to win prizes while supporting Supporting Adoption and Foster Families Together. Where: Top Golf, 10900 Westside Parkway in Alpharetta When: Wednesday, March 18 at 1 p.m. Cost: $100 individual tickets Web: safft.org

20 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com

To test or not to test? Parents take stand against statemandated assessments by ‘opting out’ By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The system-wide testing schedule for the Fulton County School System (FCSS) this year takes an entire page to list the myriad of assessments given to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Included are writing assessments, checkpoints, end of grade tests, remedial tests, re-tests for tests and enough alphabet soup acronyms – GAA, GMAP, GKIDS, ACCESS for ELLs, PSAT – to make your head spin. Many are state assessments; some are local, but all require time out of the regular school day to administer. Add regular tests, quizzes and projects for each class and one can understand why there is increasing pushback to limit excessive testing. In January, Fulton Superintendent Robert Avossa sent an open letter to state legislators outlining the burden placed on schools with standardized tests. “Teachers are spending more time proving they’re

doing their jobs than being allowed to do them, and students are spending more time proving they can pass a standardized test than being given time to truly master the content,” he wrote. “Students need to be tested, but our heavy reliance on testing leaves little room for teachers to plan, educate and improve outcomes for students.” The assessment triggering the most outrage is the national assessment – PARCC – tied to the Common Core Curriculum standards. Federal law mandates an annual assessment of the state curriculum. Most Common Core states are using the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) to meet the federal requirement. Last year, Georgia – a Common Core state – opted out of PARCC. The state will begin administering its own state assessment, the Georgia Milestones Assessment, in grades 3 through 12 this spring. This test replaces the CRCT in grades 3-8 and the End of Course Tests in high school.

SCHOOLS

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

What the state says about mandated assessments ATLANTA – A spokesman for the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) said state law sets the “expectation” that all students be tested, aiming for 100 percent but allowing for 95 percent. State and national laws do not contain an “opt out” policy, and school districts do not have the power to waive the Milestones requirement completely. “Local districts will need to decide, as a matter of local policy, what to do with a student whose parents refuse testing and who reports to school during testing. Such matters are, by necessity, a local decision,” said Matt Cardoza of the GDOE.

But a growing “opt out” movement is being seen across the country as parents fight back over national testing. The Chicago School System recently tried to opt out completely from the PARCC, only to reverse course when federal funding was threatened. Last week, students in Albuquerque, New Mexico, staged a walkout during PARCC test days, adding to a long list of student protests in other states. Here in Georgia, the opt-out movement is quieter, but growing. Kay Hutchinson, a parent of three children in the Fulton School System and a former elementary school counselor, questions the data being gathered with the Milestones,

Under federal law, a school district could potentially lose funding for their Title I schools, however no other sanctions are in place for non-Title I schools. In Fulton County, federal dollars make up a very small part of the overall district budget. Cardoza said while the state can only mandate the “opportunity” for testing, parents still need to be aware of outcomes. “We encourage schools to discuss the parents’ concerns and [discuss] what Georgia Milestones is and isn’t,” he said. “It is important to inform parents of any potential unintended consequences of their decision.” — Candy Waylock

noting it takes time away from instruction and is used mainly to satisfy federal requirements, not to move achievement forward. “Data is powerful and valuable, but I don’t trust [the Milestones] are going to give me valuable information that I can’t get from other [classroom-based] assessments,” said Hutchinson, who serves on the Governance Council for Northwestern Middle School. This year, scores from Milestones will be used only for benchmarking, since results are not expected back till late fall; but the pressure is still on to do well. This creates a high level of stress on students and teachers and takes away time from meaningful instruction in

the classroom, said Hutchinson. “The testing companies have converged with government interests and it’s simply not working for the children,” said Hutchinson, who has started an organization, PACT with TACT, to provide information to parents. “I have plenty of information on my children’s performance from their teachers and what they do in the classroom.” She has sent a letter to the FCSS opting out her children from the Milestones, joining several others parents who have sent similar requests. Hutchinson believes that once parents know their rights,

See TEST, Page 21

State votes to allow traditional math in local schools Years of lobbying for choice is big win for Fulton Schools By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – It appears the decades-long Math Wars between the Fulton County School System and the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) may finally have ended. Last month, the State Board of Education adopted the Georgia Performance Standards for Foundations of Algebra, Algebra I and Geometry courses, giving school districts the option of teaching integrated or traditional math in high school. The change also allows state-mandated assessments to align with either approach selected by school systems. Previously, the state only offered an integrated assessment for math, creating headaches for systems like Fulton Schools, which taught primarily traditional math. For Fulton School Board member Katie Reeves, the decision ends a battle started more than a decade ago. “I was thrilled to see the Georgia Board of Education vote to include traditional (or

discrete) math as an option with an appropriate assessment for high school,” said Reeves. “Our community and our board have long advocated for the opportunity to return to traditional math.” The current ninth grade algebra and 10th grade geometry curriculums have also been realigned to ensure proper sequencing of the courses, noted state officials, ensuring the right standards are in the right courses. The addition of the Foundations of Algebra course as a ninth grade option will fill a huge gap for students who need additional math support after middle school. Math scores have plummeted across the state among ninthand 10th-graders for the past several years since there were no options for students whose math skills were weak. According to GDOE officials, Foundations of Algebra is a ninth grade math for students who have completed math in middle school, but still need support to succeed in high school math. The course is aimed at students who have low standardized test

performance and/or have had difficulties in previous math classes. State School Superintendent Richard Woods, who took office just two months ago, said he was keenly aware of the challenges math has posed for school systems across the state. He applauded the decision by the State Board of Education to adopt the new math proposals. “One of the keys to moving education forward is to ensure we remain child focused and classroom centered,” said Woods. “We can never look past the daily challenges facing our students and teaching professionals.” During the one-month comment period on the proposed changes, more than 600 provided input, leaning heavily toward options for school systems in the math curriculum. Fulton Schools has been teaching traditional math for years under a waiver from the state, but having the end of year assessments match the curriculum is a huge win as well. “Just the increased choice in textbooks alone will have a significant impact on our students and teachers,” said Reeves. “The board has set

A brief history of the ‘Math Wars’ ATLANTA – The math shot heard ‘round the world was fired by the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) in 2004 when the curriculum made a sharp turn away from traditional math toward integrated math. Instead of a “discrete” approach to math, like algebra, geometry and trigonometry, students would now receive a blended, or integrated, curriculum that incorporates all concepts into the standards each year. The approach also encouraged an emphasis on “why?” instead of simply solving problems, adding a language arts component that frustrated students and parents alike. Four years later, after three years of falling test scores and increasingly irate parents, the Fulton School System officially fired back. In one of her first duties as the newly hired superintendent in spring 2008, Cindy Loe announced a return to a more traditional approach to math for the 2008-09 school year. The Math Wars had officially begun, pitting the Fulton County School Board against the Georgia Board of Education. But Fulton was on the losing side for years. Although Fulton had received permission to teach traditional math in 2009, the state-mandated assessments would remain integrated, forcing schools to teach enough integrated concepts to allow students to pass the state math tests. For the past few years, Fulton officials have lobbied the state to support local math choices. It was the election of new School Superintendent Richard Woods that appears to have shifted the tide in Fulton’s favor. Fulton School officials note they will be working on a “transition plan” in the coming months, along with the purchase of textbooks, to allow full implementation in the fall. – Candy Waylock aside funds [to purchase] math textbooks that align with a more traditional approach to math [and] we expect to purchase the textbooks this spring for use in the fall.”

She noted the option to teach integrated math only for the past several years was a Georgia decision, since Common Core standards always had both paths.

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Test:

Continued from Page 20 more opt outs will follow. The testing coordinator for the FCSS, Connie Maggert, did not respond to a request for comment on Fulton’s opt-out procedure, or the number of parent requests received. However, letters sent back to parents initially indicated an opt-out process was not available and all students present on the test day would be tested. More recently, after apparent prodding from the Fulton Board of Education, Maggert’s responses have informed parents a response will be forthcoming as a policy is formulated. Hutchinson said her letter for opt out requested her children be allowed to participate in “in age appropriate, self-directed activities” while others are testing. Some districts are making children who are opting out place their heads on their desks for the duration of the testing, she said. School Board member Katie Reeves

of Alpharetta said she has always championed parents’ rights when it comes to their children’s education. She noted state law only mandates the “opportunity” for testing be provided, not the actual taking of the test. “Our board has a legislative position that supports a more limited approach to high stakes testing. I believe that the pendulum is now swinging back in this direction. How much change and how quickly that change will affect the testing landscape is still an unknown,” said Reeves. She did say that parents need to be aware the Milestones, like the CRCTs, will ultimately be used for advancement at certain grade levels. “As far as opting out, I believe it is very important for all parents to know and understand how the tests will be used, which grade level tests are used to determine grade advancement and what impact may be imposed on the local district for participation falling below certain state or federally determined levels,” said Reeves.

SCHOOLS

revueandnews.com | Revue & News | March 12, 2015 | 21

PHOTO BY SHELBY BOSE

Back, from left to right: Ethan Nalwasky, Dylan Bose, Justin Harrell, Steven Gildersleeve, Nick Borkovich, Parth Kumar. Front, left to right: Seth Leigh, Victoria Shrote, Hailey Farbman, Alison Burgess, Blake Hyman, Daniel Kang, Jason Yang. Not Pictured: J.J. Yonkers

12 Cambridge students selected for District Honor Band MILTON, Ga. - Cambridge High School was well represented at the District Honor Band event held at North Atlanta High School. Students were selected

based on their Georgia Music Educators Association (GEMA) All State Band audition score. “We are extremely proud to have 12 Cambridge Band students selected to participate

1 S H 5,00 OW 0 s R O q ft OM

NFCC: Continued from Page 16 Consulting Solutions. His company consults on a variety of computer network issues, including how to protect your data from being hijacked and held for ransom. “Once you have lost your data, who would want to target you after a breach? Once is too many. Cyber-attacks are ever evolving. There are malware, phishing, proxies, botnets, spyware and spam,” said May. “Some solutions are password protection, wiping and encryption. But never allow just a password to give access to data.” Mike Bartoli is a strategic partner for Schooley Mitchell. In the world of telecommunications, bandwidth, card processing and the Internet, there is often redundancy and overbilling. “If we don’t save you time, increase your profits and make your business more efficient, then you don’t get a bill from us,” Bartoli said. They all agreed the chamber’s program to offer its space and address was a great way to reach out to potential new customers. “We all sent out invitations and e-blasts. We only had to share the expense for lunch. And we not only pitched the people we contacted, we got in front of the other guests as well,” May said. Fairman and Bartoli agreed it was an effective way to meet new people and talk to them face to face.

in the event. It’s been a great experience watching our program grow,” said Ryan Borger, Cambridge Band Director. —Joe Parker

Lifestyle Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home

PLUS 10% 10% additional discount OFF any in store posted sale 20% = 30%... and so on. JUST SAY “PLUS 10” TO REDEEM thru MARCH

Showroom Hours Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5

1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell tuscanyfinefurnishings.com • 770-993-0640 “Click

Brick”

SPORTS

22 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: ST. FRANCIS 47, SACA 45

Dodson’s late goal lifts Knights to title St. Francis girls win on basket at buzzer By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com MACON, Ga. – Things were not looking good for the St. Francis girls as they battled Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy on even terms into the final minute of their state championship game last Saturday. The Lady Knights lost their top player – sophomore center

Golden Key Education

International Language School

410 Prospect Place Alpharetta, GA 30005

Chinese & Spanish Immersion Program For Ages 2 and Up Arts and Cra�s Math Enrichment For All Ages

(770) - 296-5438

info@ goldenkeyeduca�on.com www.goldenkeyeduca�on.com

Kasiyahna Kushkituah – on fouls, and also gave up the lead when SACA’s Brooke Carthon made one of two free throws. The Knights quickly turned the ball over, providing the Lady Warriors the opportunity to hold for the last shot. The Lady Warriors ran off most of the final minute, but the Knights’ Maya Dodson stepped in front of a SACA pass and quickly got the ball to guard Nichel Tampa, who headed for the St. Francis goal in a hurry. Tampa was cut off before she could reach the basket and had the ball slapped away, but Dodson happened to be in the right spot to scoop up the loose ball. She scored just as the final buzzer sounded. The basket gave the Knights a 47-45 victory and a second Class A private school championship in three years. It was the third straight year the two teams have squared off in the state tournament, with the Warriors winning last year in the semifinals en route to a state title. The Knights started four sophomores and a freshman

NDNG A I h GR EN 11t l OPpri A

PLEASE HELP US

STOCK

St. Francis Knight Nichel Tampa. for most of the season, and for a lengthy stretch in the championship game had four sophomores and a freshman on the floor. “They don’t play like sophomores,” said St. Francis coach Aisha Kennedy, who guided the Knights to a state title two years ago. “This is a special group.” Kennedy prepared the Knights with a demanding

schedule of out-of-state games, with the team’s in-state schedule including a regular season win at Southwest Atlanta Christian. St. Francis finished with a 28-3 record and went undefeated in games against Georgia opponents, losing once to a team from Little Rock, and twice to teams from Alabama, one of them coming in overtime. SACA ended up 28-4. The Knights jumped out to a 12-6 lead in the opening period. That six-point margin matched their largest advantage of the night, and the quarter ended in a tie at 14. Dodson and Tampa keyed the Knights’ quick start, but St. Francis struggled offensively in the second quarter, managing just eight points, to trail 28-22 at the half. Kushkituah picked up her third foul in the final minute of the half and spent a good portion of the second half on the bench in foul trouble. Kushkituah made the most of her time on the floor in the third quarter, scoring two of the Knights’ three goals in the first 90 seconds of the period to quickly tie the game. Dodson and Tampa sparked another surge, and freshman reserve

WHY PAY MORE TO PRINT?® UP TO

30% SAVINGS 100% GUARANTEE FREE DELIVERY*

Portraits Of Hope

THE STORE

The new Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Roswell is a non profit home improvement and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home décor and building materials to the public at a fraction of the retail price. The Habitat ReStore proceeds help build homes and hope.

We need your couch! We also need your gently used furniture, appliances, home décor and building materials.

Please call our donation hotline at 770-962-4200 and schedule your FREE PICKUP.

THE RESTORE BUILDS HOMES AND HOPE www.suburbanatlantarestores.org

Roswell Shopping Center, 11060 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, Georgia 30076 (corner of Hwy. 9 & Sun Valley)

Jala Jordan hit a key basket as the Knights stretched their lead back to five. St. Francis led 40-35 heading to the fourth quarter, but suffered through another offensive lull and scored only two points the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. SACA pulled even before Kushkituah put the Knights back on top with a basket from close range. After the Warriors tied the game at 42, Taja Cumming hit one of two free throws before the Warriors regained the lead at 44-43. The Knights went back on top with under a minute to play before the Warriors tied the game at the free throw line. After a St. Francis turnover, SACA had the chance for a last shot before Dodson’s steal led to the game-winning play. Dodson and Tampa led the Knights with 15 points each and Kushkituah added 10. Dodson led the team with seven rebounds and helped lead the defensive effort against Nicole Martin, Southwest’s leading scorer, who finished with 11 points. St. Francis could have won in a less stressful fashion, but missed 10 of their 12 free throw attempts.

How much will you save?

Find out at your local Cartidge World: Johns Creek • 10475 Medlock Bridge Rd., Ste. 104 770-232-9990 • www.cartridgeworldusa.com/store405

$3 OFF INK or $10 OFF TONER Good on any one Cartridge World brand product. Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Limit one per customer, household or business, with minimum purchase*. Valid on first purchase only and at participating stores. Expires 3/31/2015 ALU Coupon Code: Appen RN * See your local Cartridge World store for details. ©2012 Cartridge World North America LLC. All rights reserved. Cartridge World and Why pay more to print? are registered trademarks of Cartridge World North America LLC.

Free professional portraits for families and individuals coping with cancer. Call

770.883.3305 to schedule an appointment.

Clayton CameraCraft Photography 352 Pebble Trail Alpharetta, GA 30009 AtlantaPhotographer.com

SPORTS

revueandnews.com | Revue & News | March 12, 2015 | 23

BOYS’ BASKETBALL: ST. FRANCIS 96, GREENFOREST 81

$100 OFF

Knights repeat title with convincing win St. Francis 43 of 48 at foul line in finals By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com MACON, Ga. – The Class A boys’ private school state championship game was expected to be one of the most hotly contested of the 14 title games played last week, but one brief spurt midway through the opening period effectively decided the outcome. A 10-1 run by St. Francis broke a 7-7 tie, and Greenforest Christian never was able to

seriously threaten the Knights. St. Francis went on to a 96-81 victory and a second consecutive state title. It was the third straight state championship game for the St. Francis boys, who lost to Greenforest in the 2013 title game. The Eagles made frequent attempts at cutting into the St. Francis lead, but every time they came close, the Knights responded. Greenforest came within five points in the third period and cut the deficit to three in the fourth quarter, but that was as close as the Eagles got before St. Francis quickly went back ahead by 10.

PARKING LOT SEAL COATING Striping – Seal Coating – Resurface Work at Discount Price! $100 OFF - mention this ad

Drew Catlett, in his first season as the Knights’ head coach, had a few anxious moments as his team got a little sloppy at times and continued to play at a non-stop pace, despite maintaining a lead that hovered around 10 points for most of contest. “That’s how we play,” Catlett said after the game. “We kept attacking and kept scoring points.” The Knights went to the basket hard and often against the Eagles, who kept trying to stop the St. Francis trio of Kobi Simmons-Jordan, Malik

678-506-0008

Why Do We Need Smart Phones? Android or Apple SarahCare® Malcolm Wills, Blue Hair Technology

Helping seniors choose or use the right smart phone for them. Stay in touch with family and stay safe. FREE Lunch and Learn.

See KNIGHTS, Page 52

Young St. Francis girls played like veterans By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com MACON, Ga. – St. Francis girls’ basketball coach Aisha Kennedy already had a talented young team assembled for the 2014-15 season when she received an unexpected gift just as the school year was beginning. Maya Dodson, who played as a freshman last season at Alpharetta, transferred to St. Francis, adding to a very talented, but very young team that had won a state title in 2013 before losing in the semifinals last year. “I had never seen her play before she came here,” said Kennedy, but Dodson meshed nicely with her new teammates and is a good academic fit at the Alpharetta prep school. Dodson was part of a well-balanced, but inexperienced squad that started four sophomores and a freshman. For key parts of the state championship game, they had four freshmen and a sophomore on the floor. Kennedy said leadership was a concern for such a young team, but that was not evident to those saw St. Francis play. The team played with poise in tense situations in the Class A private school championship game, with Dodson in the right place to make the game-winning play at the buzzer in a 47-45 victory over Southwest Atlanta Christian.

“These kids are very special,” Kennedy said. “They may be sophomores, but they play like upperclassmen.” The team’s lone senior starter was sharpshooter Abby Grant, who will play in college at Syracuse. Even though Grant was not a major factor offensively in the playoffs, opponents still had to keep close watch on her and she wound up leading the team in scoring for the season. Nichel Tampa and Taja Cumming were the starting guards, with both capable of leading the Knights’ fast-paced offense. The Knights’ guards were also a quick and pesky defensive duo, with Tampa stepping up offensively late in the season when Cumming was sidelined with an injury. Dodson and Kasiyahna Kushkituah gave the Knights a pair of 6-footers who can run the floor, rebound and defend on the interior, with both displaying agility rare for girls of their height. Freshman Jala Jordan and junior Yasmine Ratliff were the two main backups and gave the Knights two more 6-footers, with Ratliff providing interior defense and Jordan an energetic, all-court player. Dodson said she came to St. Francis intent on working hard and improving as a player, with the hope of being part of a championship team. She succeeded on all counts, and along with her teammates will be looking for a repeat title next year.

Johns Creek WHEN: Tues., March. 24, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. WHERE: North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 11605 Haynes Bridge Rd, Ste 100 Alpharetta, GA 30009

Cumming WHEN: Thurs., March. 26, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. WHERE: Marie’s Italian Deli, Tri County Plaza 580 Atlanta Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 RSVP: Reservations Required (404) 900-6950 marketing@sarahcaregsc.com

Beth O’Donoghue, LPN SarahCare® Day Center at Johns Creek 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B Johns Creek, GA 30024 (770) 476-8400 www.sarahcare.com/johnscreek SarahCare at Home (404) 410-1510 SarahCare® Day Center at Powers Ferry 120 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 420 Atlanta, GA 30339 (678) 741-3900 www.sarahcare.com/powersferry THIS CENTER IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

WE HELP SENIORS LIVE WELL AND KEEP FAMILIES TOGETHER. Since 1985

Share your opinions AppenMediaGroup.com

Fortitude Farm

“Where we set our goals high and jump over them!”

A premier hunter/jumper facility specializing in lessons, training, sales and horse showing.

13835 Hopewell Rd, Alpharetta GA 30004 fortitudefarm@gmail.com • fortitudefarm.com 770-289-7350

24 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com

SPORTS

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

McClain, Gridley earn SEC baseball honors Local athletes off to fast start in college By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – A number of local athletes playing college baseball are off to strong starts this season, with two North Fulton players recently earning weekly Southeastern Conference awards. Former Northview pitcher Reggie McClain was selected SEC Pitcher of the Week in consecutive weeks to open the 2015 season. McClain, a transfer to Missouri from Manatee Community College in Florida, pitched a three-hit shutout over eight innings, walked none and struck out 10 in the Tigers’ season-opening 1-0 victory over Iona. He was selected SEC Pitcher of the Week and repeated that honor when he tossed a

complete game four-hit shutout in his next start against Sam Houston State, which won 43 games last year. McClain again did not walk a batter and struck out four, getting the win when one of his teammates hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to break a scoreless tie. McClain pitched another outstanding game in his third start, allowing three hits and one earned run over seven innings in a 3-2 victory over Illinois-Chicago. Missouri again won the game in the bottom of the ninth, leaving McClain with a no-decision. He walked three and struck out 10. In his first three starts, McClain worked 24 innings, allowing 10 hits, three walks and one earned run with 24 strikeouts. Ryan Gridley, who helped lead the Milton Eagles to the AAAAAA state championship series in both 2013 and ’14, was named SEC Freshman of the Week for his play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Adapted from the Bible’s account of Joseph and the coat of many colors, this show written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber is one of the most popular modern musicals of our time. Weber uses all of our favorite musical styles to give the age-old story a fresh approach and broad appeal. @paladinsports @fellowshipCS

FELLOWSHIP

FellowshipChristianSchool.org

COLOSSIANS 1: 9-12 Est. 1986

10965 Woodstock Road • Roswell, GA 30075 • 770-993-1650

Gridley, who starts on the infield, played a big role in Mississippi State’s recent 4-0 week, scoring or driving in the tying or go-ahead run in three of the four games. Gridley batted .455 for the week, scoring six runs and driving in seven with four walks, three extra base hits and two stolen bases. In his first 12 starts this season, Gridley batted .410 with 13 runs, 10 RBI, nine walks and a .538 on base percentage. After starting at shortstop for the Eagles, who won a state title in 2013, Gridley has started at both second and third base for the Bulldogs. Also starting on the infield for Mississippi State is former Northview player John Holland, who played at Florida State as a freshman before being injured his sophomore season and transferring to a junior college prior to coming to Mississippi State. Holland is batting .250 in 12 starts, splitting time between first base and second base. Former Milton pitcher Jason Richman is off to a terrific start this season at Georgia Southern. In eight relief appearances covering 18 innings, Richman allowed just seven hits, six walks and no earned runs while striking out 22 batters. Richman, a junior, was 3-0 coming off a sophomore season in which he went 5-1 with a 1.20 ERA and three saves, leading the NCAA and setting a school record with 47 games in relief. He worked 90 innings last season with 78 strikeouts. Former Chattahoochee player Hunter Thomas is starting in the outfield for Georgia Southern and has three homers, seven RBI and eight walks in his first 11 starts as a senior.

Mercer’s pitching staff features two seniors from Alpharetta who combined for 22 scoreless innings without allowing an earned run to open the 2015 season. In four relief appearances, Dmitri Kouris was 2-0 in 15 innings of work, allowing five hits and four walks with 15 strikeouts. Kouris was 16-6 in his first three seasons, with his ERA dropping from 3.90 as a freshman to 2.94 as a sophomore to 1.15 last season. He has 14 saves the last two seasons, even though he missed part of his junior year with an injury. Eric Nyquist won his first start of 2015 for the Bears and had not allowed a run in seven innings, yielding just three hits and three walks with seven strikeouts. In 13 starts last season, Nyquist won eight games with a 3.12 ERA. Former Roswell player Matt Meeder starts at shortstop as a sophomore for Mercer, and in his first 12 starts was batting .310 with a .556 OBP, drawing 13 walks. Former Northview player Jason Delay is off to a strong start at Vanderbilt after sharing catching duties as a freshman last season for the Commodores, who won in the NCAA Championship series. In his first seven games of 2015, Delay was batting .412 with six RBI. He made 38 starts as a freshman and hit .246 with 13 RBI. Sean McLaughlin, Delay’s teammate at Northview, is in Georgia’s starting rotation, and was 1-1 in his first four games, including two starts. McLaughlin, a junior, struck out 13 in 13 innings and had an ERA of 2.70. Former Johns Creek pitcher Connor Jones was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA and a save in his first four relief appearances as a sophomore.

Former Centennial pitcher Dustin Beggs is starting for Kentucky after transferring from Georgia Perimeter. Beggs was one of the top pitchers in junior college in the country last year, going 11-4 with a 1.65 ERA and 125 strikeouts. This season, he is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in three starts, striking out 12 and walking two in 17 innings. Beggs was a 17th round draft choice last year by St. Louis. Former Northview infielder Tyler Krieger is off to a torrid start as the DH for Clemson, batting .465 in the first 11 starts of his junior season with 10 runs scored and eight RBI. Alex Schnell, a freshman from Milton, is 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA, working 12 innings in five relief appearances. Georgia Tech has a number of North Fulton players filling key roles. Former Johns Creek player Brandon Gold is batting .379 in eight starts at third base with seven RBI, and is 1-0 with a 1.26 ERA in three pitching appearances, including one start. Gold made 50 starts at third base last season as a freshman. Matt Gorst, Gold’s teammate at Johns Creek, has made five relief appearances and struck out 10 in nine innings. Roswell’s Daniel Spingola, who played at Marist, and former Blessed Trinity player Innis Keenan both start in the outfield, with Keenan batting. 409 with 10 runs and five RBI in his first 10 games. Other BT players playing regularly in college include South Carolina reliever Reed Scott; first baseman Nathaniel Maggio and pitcher Bret Marks of Tennessee (three starts, 15 innings, 15 strikeouts, 0.60 ERA); and senior outfielder Matthew Pelt of Wofford (.343, two home runs, four RBI, nine runs in 10 starts).

Front row, left to right: Payton Aussin, Kayla Ruiz, Skylar Bertram, Nicole Aussin. Back row, left to right: Coach Tony Aussin, Katelyn Smith, Emma Wood, Mollie Belisle, Alex Melnyk, Stat Coach Alvaro Ruiz.

Rox wins U16 indoor championship ALPHARETTA, Ga. - The Rox girl’s U16 soccer team won the 2014-15 indoor girls soccer championship Feb. 15. The team beat the Rush

Soccer Team by a score of 3-2. The ‘Rox’ Girls ended with another undefeated season. —Joe Parker

Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2015 | 25

Pu ll

thi to s sect ref ere ion o nce ut all Sp

rin

PHOTO BY RAFTERMEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Spring at Avalon is beautiful, fresh and fun Spring is on it’s way and with it brings fresh excitement to the streets of Avalon. Weather it’s strolling the sidewalks taking in all the new Spring fashion, playing cornhole on the lawn or enjoying dinner on one of the beautiful outdoor patios, there is something for everyone this season at Avalon. Inside is your sneak peak! Plus, Lindsay Marie winner of Avalon’s Perfect Year, gives us an update of what she’s been up to.

26 | March 12, 2015

AVALON

#AvalonPerfectYear:

Avalon resident living ‘perfect year’ By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Lindsay Marie is living the good life. She has an apartment in Avalon and spends her days shopping in all the stores and eating in all the restaurants. Lindsay is Avalon’s Perfect Year winner. She was picked from hundreds of hopefuls to live rent-free for a year at one of Avalon’s luxury apartments, and spend her days living life to the fullest, all while blogging, vlogging, Tweeting and shooting pictures of one of North Atlanta’s hottest properties. “I try to show what my life at Avalon is like,” Lindsay said. “I make sure I show it off and showcase all the great things here.” She first heard about Avalon on the radio in her hometown of Clarkesville, Georgia, a small town in North Georgia. “I didn’t know anything about Alpharetta,” she said. “But I knew I had to do this.” She made a video showing Avalon and community voters why she should win the contest. As a 21-year-old millennial, she is well-versed in social media and has her own YouTube channel for fashion videos. She said this probably helped her chances. It also helps that she is an aspiring photographer, currently taking classes to work (hopefully) in the fashion industry. In December 2014, she was in the top three contestants. Then they named the winner. “They said my name and I hit the floor,” she said. Her days are spent living in the lap of luxury. She lives in a one-bedroom apartment overlooking downtown Avalon. When she wakes up, she hits one of the exercise spots – Exhale or Flywheel, which in itself shows just how much the experience is already changing her lifestyle. “I didn’t do much with fitness until I came here,” she said. When a gym is just down the stairs, it’s hard to pass it up, she said. After exercising, she gets breakfast She said she often goes to Goldberg’s café for hot chocolate, which she says is the best she has ever had. For the rest of the day, her schedule is fairly open – she can get a facial at the Cosmetic Market or get her hair done at DryBar. She can visit the Regal Cinemas movie theater before getting lunch at Bantu or Marlow’s Tavern. Shopping at the many retailers can take up the afternoon until dinner. She can eat out at Kona Grill or Oak Steakhouse or eat in after visiting Whole Foods. During all this, Lindsay is keeping an eye on what would make good blog material – pictures, video and people. The biggest amenity of living at Avalon is how close everything is. “Pinkberry is right out my window,” she said. “Everything is at my fingertips. I can experience everything and never have to leave.” She walks everywhere, and all locations are just a few steps away from her front door. In the evenings, she spends her time relaxing with the residents of Avalon. There are often events or simple meet-ups with her neighbors, all of whom share the same experience of living in Avalon. “Anybody of any age will enjoy living here,” she said. “It has everything for everyone.” To follow her adventures in Avalon, as well as to learn more about the venue itself, visit www.experienceavalon.com.

Lindsay Marie is living the perfect year – she lives in Avalon and blogs about her experiences in the new “live, work, play” development in Alpharetta.

AVALON

March 12, 2015 | 27

ORVIS:

Get outdoors this Spring with Orvis We’re looking forward to seeing you at Orvis Alpharetta, our newest retail location! Now’s the time to prepare for the warmer weather ahead with our latest spring styles. It’s also the perfect time to sign up for our FREE Fly Fishing 101 and 201 classes. You’ll learn the basics in 101 and then get out on local waters for a chance to catch your first fish in our 201 class. And of course, at Orvis Alpharetta, you’ll find the finest in outdoor-inspired apparel for men and women along with the world’s finest fly-fishing rods, reels, and gear. Orvis, Avalon As America’s oldest mail-order outfitter and continually-operating fly fishing business, Orvis offers a wide assortment of men’s and women’s sportswear, fine gifts, home furnishing, travel accessories, and pet items. Services include fishing and shooting schools, international sporting and eco-travel agency, and the Orvis-endorsed network of lodges, outfitters, and guides. Orvis commits 5% of pre-tax profit to protecting and sustaining the natural world. 678-367-4767 www.orvis.com

OFF YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE

AVALON

Spring Fashion Another Day in Paradiso Tommy Bahama went to Italy to enjoy some il dolce far niente – “the sweetness of doing nothing.” They came back with their spring collection to help you relax in style. The collection moves from the business to boardwalk with understated men’s polos to women’s fantastic ﬂoral bikinis, dresses, and an array of luxurious linens, bold colors and stripes. Each piece turns classic style into something fresh and fun and everything created is designed to be a favorite. Tommy Bahama, Avalon Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of coastal living, Tommy Bahama is dedicated to the good life. Stylish, upscale offerings include apparel for men and women, footwear, jewelry, accessories and home décor, all designed to help you relax in style. 678-248-5161 www.tommybahama.com

Refresh Your Look

28 | March 12, 2015

March 12, 2015 | 29

Van Michael Salon Founded in Buckhead in 1984 by brothers Van and Michael Council, Van Michael Salons are fullservice, Aveda-concept salons featuring top stylists from around the world and offering the latest in haircuts, color and styling. With existing locations in Buckhead, VirginiaHighlands, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Norcross and East Cobb, Van Michael Salon at Avalon is the seventh Atlanta location and the ﬁrst in Alpharetta. Van Michael Salons’ complete dedication to client satisfaction has earned frequent “Best Of” honors from notable publications including ELLE, Allure, Atlanta Magazine, The Atlantan, and Jezebel and a loyal client base of more than 100,000 Atlantans. All Van Michael Salon locations use and sell Aveda products and offer tiered pricing based on service level. Appointments can be made by calling 678-987-3678.

Florals and TieDye; This Spring it’s all about COLOR There are so many new trends to fall in love with every season, right now fab’rik is currently obsessing over modern ﬂorals and new age TieDye. We love a ﬂoral in vibrant colors cut into a unique dress, top, shorts or even vests (as shown). It’s also hard not to fall in love with the effortless yet somewhat reckless feelings of TieDye. With everything under $100 and new inventory arriving daily, why not try more than one spring must have! Fab’rik, Avalon Fab’rik is an Atlanta native women’s boutique and a shop-o-holic’s dream, delivering high style fashion (clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.) without attitude or sticker shock. Fab’rik hosts Rockstar Parties where you can invite a group of girlfriends to come to the store after-hours for a private shopping party complete with refreshments and everything in the store 20 percent off, including sale items.

Marlow’s is located next the Regal Cinema Hours of Operation Sun-Thu: 11:30am to 11pm Fri-Sat: 11:30am to 1am (678) 248-5230

678.248.5562 fabrikstyle.com

CRÚ Avalon brings Napa-style winery feel to Atlanta Craving a wine trip? CRÚ is an urban restaurant and wine bar in Atlanta’s new Avalon shopping center. CRÚ is known for their cheese and wine flights which change daily. Sexy Reds, Backpacking Through Europe, and Wine Spectator Top 100 are just a few of their popular flights, which perfectly complement their eclectic Napa-style cuisine and wood burning pizzas. Their unique wines are offered three different ways: by the bottle; the glass; or the flight. “Flights, are CRÚ’s most popular offering because it allows guest a variety of wines in a laid back manner.” says Patrick Colombo, owner. CRÚ’s flights are presented to each guest in a unique stainless steel carrier serving three - 2 ounces wine pours. Fights are paired by region, varietal, or style, and presented with carefully researched “Tasting Note Cards” allowing patrons insight into each wine in their flight. CRU, Avalon 678-248-5181 www.cruawinebar.com

Kinnucan’s caters to a little bit of everyone; 4 trends to suit every taste this Spring Bare Necessities We’re seeing more and more basic tees and denim on people of all ages. Basic pieces like V-neck Tees and Flowy tanks in ﬂattering shapes and various colors, pair perfectly with denim- destroyed is back in for spring, as are boyfriend jeans. Gypsy Soul to Blame Gypsy Soul to Blame is all about embracing the ultra-bohemian look with fringe, crochet, and feathers. This look was widely popularized by celebrities and festival-goers at places like Coachella. Dazed and Confused Dazed and Confused is a trend all about being Groovy, Baby. This look is best completed with oversized ﬂoppy hats, round “Lennon” sunglasses, and vintage-looking jewelry. Life is a Picnic This Spring/Summer, the biggest trend is the gingham print a classic pattern that can be worn a variety of ways. Utilize the brighter color spectrum of gingham, and style with classic

pieces- think: pearls, chino shorts, ﬁtted shape, pastel tones. Or focus more on the neutral/ darker ginghams, and style with pieces like denim cutoff shorts, Converse sneakers, layered necklaces, for a loose ﬁtted shape. Kinnucan’s Specialty Outfitter Kinnucan’s has been serving the Southeast for over 25 years andcaters to the idea of a premier

lifestyle, carrying trend-setting, innovative styles while maintaining tradition with trusted core brands. As the go-to store for the best and most sought after products, Kinnucan’s fulﬁlls guests’ needs for top brands in specialty apparel, everyday casualwear and outdoorinspired retail. 678-389-4240 www.kinnucans.com

The Vintage Wine and Tapas Bar at Whole Foods Market Avalon The Vintage, upstairs at Whole Foods Market Avalon, puts a unique spin on dining in awesome Alpharetta. Treat your taste buds to a bottle of wine and seasonal tapas with friends. Sample an array of ﬁne wines available for purchase in-store from our Enomatic machine. Discover the new concept of wine-on-tap, or delight in our homemade sangria. We welcome you to “wine down” with us every Wednesday from 4-6PM with live music and follow us on social media for other upcoming events. The Vintage is also available for private parties. For booking information please contact our concierge. Whole Foods Market Avalon, 2800 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009; 770-664-6300 www. wholefoodsmarket.com/Avalon

Ted’s Montana Grill Inspired by the pioneer spirit of the American West, Ted’s Montana Grill is committed to delivering honest food served with genuine hospitality. Our food is a reflection of the great American ideal: bold and unapologetic. Where the burgers are hand-packed, the lemonade fresh-squeezed and our signature halfsour pickles are always on the house. A modern interpretation of classic comfort food, Ted’s offers a variety of timeless dishes, from steak to chicken, seafood to salads. We are proud to serve the largest selection of bison dishes you’ll find anywhere, hand-cut in house every day in our on-premise butcher shop. And true to our roots as a fresh food restaurant, every item is sourced locally when possible and prepared from scratch using the finest ingredients. No compromises, no short-cuts, no matter what. 6100 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA 30009. 13 locations across Atlanta including Cumming and Norcross. www.tedsmontanagrill.com

Delightful Delicacies

Meet me at Marlow’s! Marlow’s Tavern features the “Best of the Best” in American tavern fare served in a modern atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse combination of classic dishes that are updated and elevated to gourmet level. Marlow’s has a warm neighborhood yet contemporary feel that is the perfect complement to John Metz’s moderntavern menu. “We wanted to create an approachable neighborhood spot with Marlow’s Tavern and allow our guests to enjoy great tasting food in a casual and warm environment” say Metz.

Drybar Drybar is a refreshingly simple concept: No Cuts. No Color. Just Blowouts, for only $40. One of the best parts about Drybar, besides the awesome blowouts, is the experience. Unlike a traditional salon, at Drybar you sit at a beautifully appointed bar while watching chick ﬂicks and being served complimentary beverages. They’re known for their top-of-the line customer service and relentless focus on making every client they see look and feel like a million bucks. With over 40 locations, two here in Atlanta, Drybar Alpharetta-Avalon,4155 Avalon Blvd and Drybar Buckhead, 102 West Paces Ferry Rd NW. Drybar Alpharetta offers a private VIP Room with 4 styling chairs - perfect for small parties! Drybar also has their own product line crafted for the perfect blowout at home; it’s available for purchase in their shops, online, Sephora and QVC.

AVALON

Breath New Life Into Your Routine

30 | March 12, 2015 Road Runner Sports Your Alpharetta Road Runner Sports is hands-down the destination for people who run, walk, train, and enjoy fitness at any level. At the heart of the World’s Largest Running and Walking Store is Shoe Dog, a fun, fast, and totally free fitting analysis. You’ll watch your feet in action and learn what type of shoe and support will amaze your feet! You’ll also shop 100% confident with your unbeatable 90 Day Test Run Promise. Test your shoes for up to 90 days – if you don’t like them for any reason, bring ‘em back for full store credit. Never settle for shoes you don’t LOVE! Friendly Fit Experts provide top brands and expertise; Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, Saucony and way more! Get into gear with awesome apparel, electronics, nutrition, and fun in-store events! Run in to your hometown store today and feel like family! Roadrunner Sports, Avalon 678-248-5205 www.roadrunnersports.com

Columbia PFG: Spring Apparel Launch Visit Columbia Sportswear’s first Performance Fishing Gear [PFG] store at Avalon, dedicated to all things fishing. The store features the most technical and comfortable fishing gear for anglers around the world. Each aspect of a PFG product is thoughtfully designed with the perfect fabrics, construction and industry leading technologies to enhance every fishing experience. In addition to apparel and footwear, the store offers a full line of innovative accessories with an attention to detail that is appreciated by all types of anglers. Columbia, Avalon 678-713-7977 www.columbia.com

Urban Casual Experience

Artisan Cheese Flight

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Named Coziest Bar by ZAGAT

Gift Cards

Stone Fired Pizzas

Wine Flights

Wine Country Bistro Menu

CRU Food & Wine Bar 300 Avalon Boulevard Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 CRUAWINEBAR.com 678-248-5181

AVALON

March 12, 2015 | 31

Timeless Art of Living Well Multi-family Residences Come home to a community unlike any other—a Haven of one-and two-bedroom apartment homes in a selection of three rich interior ﬁnishes. Take advantage of every amenity you can imagine along with Concierge service that delivers the best of the Avalon lifestyle— timesaving, lifeenhancing, resort-level luxuries— right to your doorstep. Finally, open the door to walkability; simply stroll down the boulevard for the best of shopping, dining and fun at the center of it all. Currently leasing a variety of distinctive one- and two-bedroom apartment options, all with access to the best Avalon has to offer, Haven is more than modern luxury living. It’s a place to call home. 855-912-8154 leasinginfo@havenatavalon.com

Pediatric • A Adult • Orthodontics

www.johnscreekdentaltown.com www.johnsc Welcome to Your Dental Home Michael Hansen, D.D.S. Pediatrics

Ryan Schwendiman, D.M.D. Adult Dentistry

Troy Davidson, D.D.S. Pediatrics

Michael Crosby, D.D.S. Orthodontics

THE COLLECTION AT FORSYTH

ALPHARETTA DENTAL TOWN

JOHNS CREEK DENTAL TOWN

770.887.8807 410 Peachtree Pkwy. Bldg. 400, Ste 4250 Cumming, GA 30041

770.622.1515 5260 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 30009

770.662.1515 4330 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste 100 Suwanee, GA 30024

32 | March 12, 2015 | Revue & News | revueandnews.com

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper

Luck of Avalon

Easter Bunny

Little Acorns

MARCH 17TH

MAR. 21ST - APR. 4TH

APR. 7TH – SEPT. 29TH

3PM – 10PM

Mon–Sat 11AM–7PM

Every Tuesday

Sun. 12PM–7PM April 3rd & 4th 10AM – 7PM

10AM – NOON

Hop on down for a visit and photos with the Easter Bunny in the Living Room.

Hop-a-long MARCH 28TH Scavenger hunt, pub crawl, Irish Dancers, family activities, and MORE!

AvalOM APR. 9TH – OCT. 1ST Every Thursday 6PM –7PM

Focus on your health and well-being with free wellness classes in The Plaza, including yoga, barre, adventure runs and cycling.

10AM (promptly) Celebrate the coming of spring with our first Easter egg hunt. Register with concierge.

Tot playtime in the Plaza every Tuesday with our ExperienceMakers!

Spring Fling Festival

Kentucky Derby Party

APRIL 18TH

MAY 2ND

NOON – 7PM

Live music, family fun , seasonal shopping and dining offerings!

Derby in the Plaza with mint juleps & fancy hats, spring fashion, music & more!

ExperienceAvalon.com #AvalonInsider

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

revueandnews.com | Revue & News

Oral Health – Good For Life – Between Your Family and Our Office We have you covered There are more bacteria in your child’s mouth (and yours) right this minute than there are people on Earth – bacteria WOODS that can be passed between you with a simple kiss. Poor oral health is connected to diabetes, heart

disease and stroke, respiratory illness, and high-risk pregnancy. There’s no doubt about it – daily brushing and flossing and regular dental appointments will keep you and your family healthier. There are other impacts of poor oral hygiene: • Pain, missing teeth, & infections • Ability to speak & smile confidently • Ability to chew & enjoy a wide variety of food. A neglected smile also im-

pacts social life, so don’t mistreat that grin. Dingy or cracked teeth and puffy gums can lower self-confidence and negatively impact performance at school, work, and in our personal lives. There’s no need to be embarrassed by your smile, covering up your laugh or standing in the wings. We can help… • Ensure your home care is effective. • Whiten & make improvements to help you smile more.

Regular dental visits are an important part of a healthy routine. Together we can ensure you’re on a path for lifelong good health! Call our practice for your appointment.

678 293 9965. Robert D. Woods, DDS, SmileScapes Dentistry 4190 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 2G Alpharetta, GA 30005

Without Good Periodontal Health, You Can’t Have Good General Health. Let Dr. Woods take care of your health where it Starts! Periodontal disease (gum disease) can affect your general health... and it can be affected by your general health. Here are a few examples:

STROKE

• Those with adult periodontitis may have increased risk of stroke

RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

• Inhaling bacteria from the mouth and throat can lead to pneumonia • Dental plaque buildup creates a dangerous source of bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs

SEVERE OSTEOPENIA

• Reduction in bone mass (osteopenia) is associated with gum disease and related tooth loss • Severity has been connected to tooth loss in postmenopausal women

PRETERM OR LOW BIRTHWEIGHT BABIES • Women with advanced gum disease may be more likely to give birth to an underweight or preterm baby • Oral microbes can cross the placental barrier, exposing the fetus to infection

Cosmetic and Implant Consultations Always Welcome at No Cost.

HEART DISEASE

• Those with adult periodontitis may have increased risk of fatal heart attack . . . • And are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease • Bacteria from the mouth may cause clotting problems in the cardiovascular system

UNCONTROLLED DIABETES

• Chronic periodontal disease can disrupt diabetic control • Diabetes can alter the pocket environment, contributing to bacterial overgrowth • Smokers with diabetes increase their risk of tooth loss by 20 times • Peaople with type II diabetes are 3 times as likely to develop periodontal disease than are nondiabetics Poor oral health is connected to diabetes, heart disease and stroke, respiratory illness, and high-risk pregnancy. There’s no doubt about it-daily brushing and flossing and regular dental appointments will keep you and your family healthier.

Robert D. Woods, DDS 4190 Old Milton Pkwy., Suite 2G • Alpharetta, GA 30005 • www.smilescapes.net • 770.551.0808

Experts say vaccines are the best way to ensure that disabling and fatal diseases of the past don’t make a comeback in our country.

Vaccines Can Help To Keep Diseases From Returning

(NAPSI)—Vaccines help to protect the health of a child who is vaccinated—and those around the child, as well. That’s the word from experts who say the outbreak of measles that began in California and spread to many other states drives home the basic fact that vaccines are the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases. They also believe that vaccines are the best way to ensure that disabling and fatal diseases of the past don’t make a comeback in our country. Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, but an outbreak that began in Disneyland® in December 2014, and that has sickened more than 100 people, has shone a spotlight on the importance of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases. Most of those infected were unvaccinated. “All children should receive vaccines to protect their own health and so they don’t spread infections to others, especially the most vulnerable, such as pregnant women and babies,” says Edward R.B. McCabe, M.D., MPH, March of Dimes chief medical officer. “The more children who are fully immunized, the less the risk of exposure to vaccinepreventable diseases.” He contends that parents should ensure their children get all their vaccinations on schedule, including an annual

flu shot. Parents and caregivers should also get a booster for pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease in babies, so they won’t unknowingly infect the children in their lives—especially newborns, who are too young to get their own immunizations. A History Of Support The March of Dimes has a long history of supporting vaccines. It funded the development of the first safe and effective polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955, followed by the oral vaccine developed by Dr. Albert Sabin in 1962. In 1969−1970, the March of Dimes led a nationwide immunization campaign against rubella (German measles). The campaign was so successful that there has not been a case of congenital rubella syndrome in the U.S. in more than 30 years. Since 2009, the March of Dimes has partnered with Sanofi Pasteur to help inform the public about the burden of infectious disease and the value of vaccines through two unique campaigns: Sounds of Pertussis® and Word of Mom: Celebrating Generations of Healthy Advice. For more information, visit www. marchofdimes.org/partners/ sanofi-pasteur.aspx. For more information on childhood vaccines, visit www. marchofdimes.org/baby/yourbabys-vaccinations.aspx.

Revue & News | revueandnews.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS â€˘ Sponsored Section

March 12, 2015 35

36 March 12, 2015

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

revueandnews.com | Revue & News

OMG! Hunching over smart devices stresses neck Poor posture causing ‘text neck’ By John J. Moss, M.D., medical director, Northside Hospital Spine Center Here’s a “text” to save you a lot of neck pain. When using your smartphone or tablet, avoid tilting your head for prolonged periods of time. As people around the world use their smartphone and tablet more and more, spine experts are seeing an increase in neck pain complaints.

But how bad is it? Well, in the upright or neutral position, the human head weighs about a dozen pounds. As the neck bends forward and down, the weight on the cervical spine begins to increase. At a 15-degree angle, this weight is about 27 pounds, or the equivalent of two bowling balls. At 30 degrees, it’s 40 pounds, at 45 degrees, it’s 49 pounds and at 60 degrees it’s 60 pounds, or the weight of four bowling balls or a sevenyear-old child, according to data published by Dr. Kenneth Hansraj in the National Library

of Medicine. The average smartphone and tablet users spends twoto-four hours per day hunched over, reading e-mails, surfing the internet, playing games, sending texts or checking social media sites. That’s 700-to1,400 hours per year putting stress on the spine. It›s no secret that correct posture is better for your back. But this poor habit, sometimes called “text neck,” can lead to early wear-and-tear on the spine, degeneration and may even lead to surgery. Your spine is your body’s natural shock absorber. When

you scrunch it up (or over, as the case may be), you force the muscles and ligaments in your neck, back, shoulders and legs to compensate. Making them work out of their natural position makes you more prone to injury. Be a smarter user of your smart device by pulling your device up more and look down with your eyes instead of tilting your head. Also pay attention to your posture Dr. John J. Moss is the medical director at the Northside Spine and Pain Treatment

Center in Cherokee County. Dr. Moss has experience treating chronic neck pain, chronic back pain, neuropathic pain and a variety of other conditions. Northside Hospital Spine and Pain Treatment Center is located at 120 Oakside Court, Suite A, in Canton. For more information about conditions of the spine and available treatment options, visit www.northside.com/ spinecenter or call 404-4591809 to schedule an appointment.

Ten Fundamental Health Tips By Dr. Cathy M.D. Breathe Take the time to slowly inhale through your nose, expanding your stomach muscles and allowing the lungs to increase in size more efficiently. Exhale through your mouth or pursed lips slowly counting to ten. Do that at least three times to turn off stress hormones and increase oxygenation of your body. Meditate While breathing think of what a good day you are going to have pushing away all negative thoughts. This will help direct good energy. It is important to do that as much as possible so that the vibration that you create will attract positive experiences. De-Stress When you get upset with stressful situations you are increasing inflammation of your brain, switching on toxic neurotransmitters and chemicals that hurt your brain, heart and your body. We need to protect the brain and body by not allowing outside factors to destroy them. Have Sex (Safe) Having two orgasms a week will prolong your life span. Sex has such a powerful effect on our life. The connection is through increasing circulation to the heart and brain thereby improving the function of our cells and producing healthier

hormones that makes us feel and function much better in the long run. Juicing Juicing helps heal the bowls CATHY by giving it nutrients. We are referring to blending raw vegetables and fruits preferably organic in a blender or a juice extractor. Blending mixes the fiber with the juice and our bowls have to separate the juice from the fiber. A juice extractor separates the pulp from the juice. The juice is absorbed by the intestines without having to separate the pulp. The intention is for the bowls to immediately absorb nutrients. Exercise The focus should be on increasing your heart rate to {220-age= maximum heart rate}. It is hard to get the principle of focusing on heartrate right but that is how one burns fat and opens up the circulation to parts of the body. This will aid in detoxification and improve sweating which is important to removing impurities and increasing metabolism. Take a multi-vitamin with minerals If you measure the amount of grass a cow eats it is so

See HEALTH, Page 41

Revue & News | revueandnews.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

March 12, 2015 37

Alpharetta Welcomes Dr. Cathy M.D.

When you feel your best, everything is better! Alternative Holistic Medicine • Wellness • Herbs & Supplements Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy • Medical Weight Loss IV Vitamin Therapy • Chelation • Male & Female Sexual Disorders ...and more

GRAND OPENING OPEN HOUSE EVENT

Thursday May 14th from Noon – 5pm

Dr. Cathy Emeruwa, MD

Thomas Geckler, Marcia Williams, Physician Assistant Naturopath, MA, CTN, CHNP

Board Certified Family Medicine Accept Most Insurances

1-844-DRCATHY CathyMD.com

ALPHARETTA: 3580 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30005 BUCKHEAD: 3115 Piedmont Road Ste F101 Atlanta, GA 30305 FAIRBURN: 7794 Ella Lane Suite G Fairburn, GA 30213

38 March 12, 2015

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

revueandnews.com | Revue & News

Hearing with your brain? By Steve Woodward Johns Creek Audiology

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

more time together. This time allows patients the ability to talk with their doctor about health concerns without feeling rushed. They are able to take the time to listen, to develop a personal relationship with their patients and to offer more than just an additional prescription. This caliber of care is delivered within the concierge or subscription model of primary care. In this type of medical practice, patients pay an annual fee that guarantees them more time with their physician. This fee, about the cost of a daily Starbucks coffee, allows the physician to have a smaller patient pool for their practice, giving them the ability to see fewer patients in the day and

spend more time with those patients. Joining a concierge medical practice restores the strong doctor-patient relationship that many of us can still remember. Becoming a patient of Bianco Primary Care means same day or next day appointments that start on-time, having access to your doctor by phone or email 24/7, and developing a personal relationship with your doctor. Additionally, Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco offer nutrition counseling, coordination with specialists and house-calls. Bianco Primary Care is accepting new patients, call for a 30 day no cost trial with Bianco Primary Care.

Hearing affects EVERYTHING between your ears. If you’re like most people, you’re used to thinking of hearing as something that happens in your ears. What people often don’t think about is what happens between their ears, in the hearing part of their brain. That’s where sound becomes information that has meaning. Your brain has to work hard to make this happen. When the sound signals from your ears are compromised, your brain has to work even harder to fill in the gaps. This extra effort can take its toll. In fact, studies have shown that, over time, hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression. That’s why it makes sense to take care of your hearing health the same way you care about the rest of your health: There’s a lot more riding on it than just your hearing. What happens when you have a hearing challenge? The natural relationship between your ears and brain is disrupted. This is why it takes so much more effort to follow

what is being said and why you may feel so much more tired at the end of a busy day. It’s your brain that hears Not your ears. Your ears and your brain work together as a system, with your brain doing most of the heavy lifting. Your brain is what uses

See BRAIN, Page 42

General Practice – Customized Healthcare. “We focus on individualized care and personal relationships with 24/7 access to physicians.” Now offering a 30 day no cost trial period! Call today, 678-254-2333. Dr. Michael Bianco D.O.

• Same or next day appointments • Extended, unhurried visits • Annual executive physical, advanced lab work & 12 lead EKG • 24/7 access to online medical records

Dr. Shelley Bianco D.O.

• Quick response from physician or support staff • Nutrition counseling • Internal Medicine practice, disease prevention/management

12315 Crabapple Road, Suite 108 • Alpharetta GA 30004 (in the Silos Plaza next to Alpine Bakery & Atlanta Fitness)

BIANCO PRIMARY CARE

We are accepting new patients. Call us today to see how personal healthcare can be.

Phone: 678-254-2333 www.BiancoPrimaryCare.com

*Affordable annual membership fee keeps volume low so doctors have time to listen. Limited volume practice so patients get the time they need (10 times less patients than a normal primary care practice)

Revue & News | revueandnews.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

March 12, 2015 39

Alpha Family Medicine Are you having a hard time finding a primary care doctor? According to a recent report by the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce, the state ranked 39th in the ratio of doctors per 100,000 population. The doctor shortage continues to limit patients’ access to care and is most critical in primary care. Some doctors have stopped taking new patients altogether. If you do find a doctor that will accept you as a new patient, you may still have to wait if you want to schedule a routine visit. If you are on Medicare or Medicaid you might not be able to find a doctor and may have to visit the emergency room. In which case, you will have to wait and may not see the same doctor again. There is a solution – the best time to find a new primary care doctor is when a new practice opens. You need to sign up early on, even if it’s for a routine physical. Most insurances pay for a physical once a year without requiring any co-pay. If you sign up early on, the doctor will be familiar with your medical history and it will be easier to get an appointment later on when you have a medical condition. You need to sign up before the doctor stops accepting new patients! Fortunately, for residents of North Atlanta, signing up with an experienced primary care doctor just got easier with the opening of a new clinic in Alpharetta. Alpha Family Medicine

is a primary care clinic that specializes in Family and Geriatric Medicine for all ages – children, adults and elders. The clinic is centrally located on North Main Street (Highway 9), close to City Hall. Currently, the clinic is accepting new patients. You can walk-in or schedule a same day appointment with the Doctor. Or if you cannot make it during office hours, you can schedule an appointment for early mornings late evenings, or weekends. The clinic is operated by Shyla Reddy, MD and her medical staff. Dr. Reddy has more than 15 years of primary care experience in Family & Geriatric Medicine. She is board certified in Family and Geriatric Medicine. She taught/supervised medical students and resident doctors in an university setting. She also obtained a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology from Emory University. To sign up as a new patient or to schedule an appointment, contact 678-619-1974 or visit www.alphafammed.com

Doctor Dee Nutrition Children who participate in sports have increased nutritional needs. In today’s world, kids specialize in sports at an early age, often practicing up to 15-20 hours per week. When they hit teenage years, puberty affects female athletes far differently than it does male athletes. To illustrate how this affects nutrition, consider a 14 yr old boy who is just starting puberty. He trains daily and is serious about his sport. His needs are to gain muscle specific for his sport, grow normally for his age, reduce inflammation from overtraining, do well in school and get adequate

sleep. Fine tuning what he eats can address all of these needs and help him to build the kind of body he needs for his sport while preventing injury. Ever wonder why 12 and 13 yr old athletes seem to get injured so often? One reason is those unpredictable growth spurts which require attention to diet. In my practice I take into consideration each family’s unique eating habits while helping to fine tune what the athlete eats. With kids, focusing on strength relative to size helps to take the focus off of weight or “fat”. It is all about performance and food matters!

It’s a new year... No insurance? No Problem

Walk-ins Welcome Same Day Appointments

Services include:

Shyla Reddy, MD Founder/President

• • • • •

Comprehensive physical with $250 $150 Free memory testing Free blood pressure testing Biometrics screening And more!

954.309.5366

ALPHA FAMILY MEDICINE INC.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY!

480 N. Main Steet, Suite 202 • Alpharetta, GA 30009

Convenient location in downtown Roswell. Visit our website for directions.

ENHANCING LIFE & EXCELLING IN CARE

www.alphafammed.com • 678-619-1974

40 March 12, 2015

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

Early Detection of Oral Cancer Reduces Mortality Rate The dental community is the one of the first lines of defense in early detection of oral cancer. Including both generalists and specialists, there are over 100,000 dentists in the US, each one seeing between 8 and 15 patients per day. The American Dental Association states that 60% of the US population sees a dentist every year. Performing oral cancer screenings during routine biannual dental visits, yields tens of thousands of opportunities to catch oral cancer in its early stages. Oral cancer is an ideal cancer to identify early by screening. Besides a routine visit to the dental office for regular examinations, it is the patient's responsibility to be aware of changes in their oral environment. When these changes occur, they need to be brought to the attention of a qualified dental professional for examination. It is important that both private individuals, and members of the dental community, realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer only about a filling, a crown, or a routine cleaning, but can be a matter of life and death. Dental examinations, when properly done include a screening for oral cancer and ultimately will save lives. Oral cancers are commonly referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck

cancers they comprise about 85% of that category. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because in its early stages it may not be noticed by the patient, as it can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms they might readily recognize, and because it has a high risk of producing second, primary tumors. There are several types of oral cancers, but around 90% are squamous cell carcinomas. New diagnostic aids, including lights, dyes, and other techniques are beginning to appear on the marketplace. Some of these have more value than others and stronger scientific efficacy. While potentially making the discovery process more effective, it is still possible to do a comprehensive examination through a proper visual and tactile white light process alone. Early detection of oral cancers by your professional examiner or yourself is the key to survival of this disease. Give Roswell Dental Care a call at 470.375.9244 to schedule a complimentary dental consultation and cancer screening.

revueandnews.com | Revue & News

So Big Deal, a Little Inflammation By Leslie Gaskill, M.D. Exactly,….. BIG DEAL! Inflammation is not something to take lightly. Let’s put it this way, if you came across a smoldering fire in your house, you wouldn’t just walk away...would you? I suspect that you would consider this an important matter to tend to, because you know that even a small smoldering fire could quickly become a big rip roaring fire that could burn your house down. Your thought process might be something like, “don’t panic, just put the fire out; and put the fire out fast.!” You might even say “Whew, I am glad I caught that fire while it was small, and thank God that I just happened to walk in here and see this.” Yeh, it would be an emotional and financial disaster to lose your home. So what if we were talking about your life? All it takes is ONE fire to cause an event i.e heart attack and stroke. There are many causes of inflammation that can ultimately cause your arteries to be fragile. The arteries can suddenly rupture as plaque pushes through the wall like a volcano. A clot is formed, blocking the flow and BOOM. You have a heart attack or stroke. What causes inflammation? Great question. Stress, bad diet, migraines, autoimmune diseases( like lupus and psoriasis), smoking, cholesterol, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, liver disease, sleep disorders, and, periodontal disease to just name a few. Don’t get a false sense of security if you are a marathon runner, passed your stress test, calcium score, and even have a phenomenal cholesterol profile. Stay tuned to hear more from us and Plaque Busters in the

Do You DREAD Going to the DENTIST? OUR Patients Do Not!

national arena. If you are serious about your life, and your life is a priority, we can help you before it is too late. We are very experienced in a prevention strategy that works! It is tailored to YOU, your body and your genetics! Right now as spring apGASKILL proaches, most of you are wanting to “get the weight off”. We are excited about our new weight loss program and we will personally coach you. If you want to find out your genetic dietary pattern needs (we are all one of six patterns), we can help you learn how to eat for minimizing your risk of developing plaque and to help you lose weight most effectively for a lifetime. Yes, it’s true: we are not all genetically programmed to eat the same way! Out of all of Dr. Gaskill’s patients that have followed & complied with her cardiovascular prevention method for the past 7 1/2 years, none have had a heart attack or stroke! We also utilize functional/ naturopathic medicine in addition to traditional Western medicine to successfully treat a large number of illnesses, including chronic fatigue, pulmonary disorders, food and chemical sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome, ADD, obesity, migraines, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, digestive disorders, skin disorders, anxiety, depression & insomnia. www.drlesliegaskill.com www.plaquebusters.net Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., LLC 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Ste 201 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 770-495-9995

LESLIE S. GASKILL, M.D. For All Your Primary Care and Family Medicine Needs

“If I could make a trophy like they do in show biz, it would be for the first Dentist I not only have not dreaded to come see, but furthermore the First Dentist I actually look forward to my visits with! You are a true diamond and your work is far above and unmatched by anyone. You are not just a dentist doing dentures, but a true artist with your skills. I am so happy that You are MY DENTIST!” ~Sarah Stroud

Why Our Patients Love Our Office:

• Anxiety-FREE Dentistry (nitrous oxide) • Affordable Dentistry For The Entire Family • FREE Cosmetic Consultations and Second Opinions • Caring, Knowledgeable Doctor and Staff • Digital X-Rays- Less Radiation • Convenient Payment Options We have been dedicated to treating patients like family for over 25 years... your comfort and satisfaction is our main concern. Dr. R. David Remaley

• Naturopathic/Functional • Laser Acupuncture Medicine • Cutting Edge Prevention • Family Medicine of Heart Attacks, Strokes and Diabetes • Internal Medicine • Rejuvederm and Botox • Gynecological Care • Integrative Medicine BRAND NEW WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM!

★

See article at www.drlesliegaskill.com on “In the News” tab.

Excellence in Dentistry Call now for a FREE Consultation!

470.375.9244

1570 Old Alabama Road • Suite 102 Roswell, GA 30076 www.roswelldentalcare.com

Welcoming New Patients... Exceeding Expectations

Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., L.L.C. 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 200, Suite 201 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-495-9995 Drlesliegaskill.com Plaquebusters.net

Revue & News | revueandnews.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

March 12, 2015 41

Health: Continued from Page 36 much smaller than what we would eat because of our bigger brain. In order to feed our larger brain we eat the cow. Beef is difficult to digest and it does not have all the nutrients we need. We add vegetables, carbs and fruit that are not enough for our brains. Taking a multivitamin with minerals insures that we are supplementing our food.

March is Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month More than 20,000 workplace eye injuries occur each year that require time off of work according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To help reduce this number, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has declared March as Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month. Thomas Eye Group in Roswell is also helping to spread the word. “Many workplace eye injuries can be prevented by wearing adequate eye protection,” said Larry Heit, M.D. at Thomas Eye Group. “Protective eyewear can significantly reduce the incidence of eye injury and protect your vision.” The most common workplace eye injuries are caused by flying objects, tools, particles,

chemicals or harmful radiation. Office workers may also experience other work related eye problems including computer vision syndrome and dry eye syndrome. “If you suffer an eye injury, it’s important to have the injury examined as soon as possible, even if it seems minor.” says Heit. The highly experienced ophthalmologists at Thomas Eye Group identify and treat eye injuries, and provide a full range of eye care services to patients ranging in age from infants to seniors. For more information on Thomas Eye Group, visit www.thomaseye.com or call 770-475-5515. Thomas Eye Group is located at 11690 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, GA 30076.

A diﬀerence you can see.

Socialize Balancing life includes spending time with people you love. It is important to know those that lift you, those that do not contribute to your progress and those that pull you down in life whether intentional or not. If you encounter problems with any social relationship please seek help from the appropri-

ate healthcare source. Enjoy Your Job How you feel about your job can impact your health. It is important to control your emotions as they relate to your job. Working a job that you enjoy improves your overall quality of life. Get a physical How do you prove that you are fine? By having no documented chronic illness. Chronic illnesses can be subtle. It is imperative to see a doctor that looks at the whole you. Lab tests for vitamin D, B12, hormones, rectal exam and colonoscopy should be taken by everyone if age appropriate. Update your vaccinations! To learn about more health tips visit www. cathymd.com or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cathy at (770) 6326093.

YOUR NEWS! YOUR PHOTOS!

appenmediagroup.com

Trouble Hearing?

North Fulton’s source for exceptional eyecare: • Comprehensive Ophthalmology • Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus • Cataract Surgery • LASIK and Refractive Surgery • Oculoplastic Surgery and Cosmetic Services • Eyewear and Contact Lenses for all ages • Retina, Glaucoma, and Cornea Services • Optometric Services Larry Heit, M.D. I Stuart Newman, M.D. Stephen Lipsky, M.D. I Nhora Abril, O.D.

Roswell

Hear More. Anywhere. Anytime. Hearing begins with YOU See how easy it is to transform your quality of life! Schedule an appointment today and let us empower you with a hearing solution as individual as you are. Dr. Deborah Woodward Doctor of Audiology

11690 Alpharetta Hwy. | Roswell, GA 30076

770.475.5515

www.thomaseyegroup.com

770-814-1260

4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B • Johns Creek, GA 30024 www.YourHearingLink.com

42 March 12, 2015

Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

revueandnews.com | Revue & News

The Trainer Will See You Now: Twelve Benefits of Strength Training By Luis Quiles Owner SuperSlow Zone Milton and IACET Certified Trainer Evidence is mounting that physical inactivity is bad for our health and is leading to excessive weight gain. But if this bad news has not inspired you to make a change, consider these twelve benefits of strength training. Following is an integrated list of the benefits extolled in the book, Body by Science, (McGuff/Little) and in an article by Wayne Westcott, PhD, professor of exercise science.

Increase lean muscle and strength. Activities you do every day take less effort and you can continue doing things you enjoy that QUILES add to quality of life—e.g., active vacations, gardening, hobbies. Increase resting metabolism. Lean muscle can burn more calories all day long and reduce the risk of slow weight gain as you age.

Increase insulin sensitivity. Intense strength training depletes muscle glycogen (storage form of glucose). As a necessity, muscle cells become more sensitive to insulin and shuttle blood glucose in to replace the depleted glycogen stores. Improve cardiovascular fitness. Intense strength training provides a tremendous stimulus to the CV system. Reduce body fat. Lower body fat is related to increased resting metabolism and reduced levels of circulating insulin.

Total body workout in just 20 minutes 1-2 times a week • Improve bone health • Greater muscle strength • Improve cardiovascular ﬁtness • Highten metabolism

• Increase energy • Increase endurance • Improve tone

Effective and safe for all ages and body types including injury recovery “I have been a client of SSZ since July and love it. The facility is great and I like that you have one on one sessions. I had back surgery a year ago and this has helped strengthen my back and my core. I like that it is just twice a week for 25 minutes. You can fit it into your busy schedule. I love that you have no distractions and the facility is cold so you can come anytime to exercise. I am very happy with my workout routine at SuperSlow Zone and would highly recommend it.” -Judy “I can truly say that after 3 months, my back and hip are pain free. I can play 18 holes of golf again. I can run up stairs, and the pain in my hands are much better. My overall strength is far better than I thought I could ever have achieved. Thanks SuperSlow Zone.” -Ron

Start reaping the benefits now. Schedule a complimentary consultation and sample workout!

CALL 678-691-2969

12540 BROADWELL RD., SUITE 2103, MILTON, GA 30004 WWW.SSZMILTON.COM

Improve blood cholesterol. Improvements to blood cholesterol levels can be seen after only a few weeks of high intensity strength training. Improve blood pressure. Strength training can help reduce blood pressure for those who are mildly hypertensive. Increase bone mineral density. Numerous studies have shown that performing strength training at an adequate intensity can stimulate the body to add more bone. Reduce arthritis pain.

Brain: Continued from Page 38 the information from your two ears to orient you by figuring out which direction sound is coming from. It’s in the brain that sound waves become sounds that you recognize. And your brain is what helps you focus in on a conversation and separate out unwanted noise. Right now, all four of these tasks are happening simultaneously and continuously inside your brain. Give your brain exactly what it needs to hear. Your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint. And because no two are quite the same, no one else’s hearing profile is quite like yours. The right devices professionally selected and fit to your individual needs can: • Be virtually invisible • Allow you to hear in “3D” so you can follow conversations that come from different directions in a room. • Automatically select the

Research has shown that strength training can help ease joint pain and strengthen the muscles and connective tissues that support/protect the joints. Reduce lower back pain. Stronger muscles result in lower risk of injury. Improve flexibility. Build strength through the whole range of motion and provide protection for joints. Improved gastrointestinal transit time. Strength training has been shown to increase transit time by 56 percent. best directional mode giving you clearer more natural sound - even in difficult hearing situations. • Wirelessly connect to your Cell phone, tablet, TV, and car Along with award-winning service, the Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center offers revolutionary pricing with initial costs often 30% to 40% less than other places because patients can choose to pay only for hearing aids and not the 3-5 years of services “bundled” into the price. “We let our patients ‘unbundle’ services. “This method allows you the ability to afford a more premium product than traditionally offered.” says Steve Woodward, Director and CEO. Complete diagnostic testing is provided along with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, and ear wax management. All major insurance plans are accepted, and no-interest finance plans are available. Contact Johns Creek Audiology at 770-814-1260 to schedule your life changing appointment. www.YourHearingLink.com