Johns Creek Herald - March 23, 2017

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

Girl Scouts take on Ocee Park project Girl Scouts from Troop 14454 plant a tree in Ocee Park. It is just one of many projects for the park they plan over coming years. Read more, Page 36.

Blackbox Special Report Dive into journalism under attack: Georgia ►►PAGES 12 – 13

Subdivisions paving lists announced Subdivision paving finishing 2 years ahead of schedule ►►PAGE 4

Wall That Heals arrives March 30 Vietnam Wall Memorial 4-day schedule of events ►►PAGES 14 – 15

End of an era: Norman’s Landing closes Restaurant a fixture since 1995 ►►PAGE 16

JC businessman gives vets start Veterans get priority hiring at company ►►PAGE 18

Empty Nest Sponsored section ►►PAGE 22

Summer Camps Sponsored section ►►PAGE 28

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2 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

PUBLIC SAFETY 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.

770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen

Craigslist victim says someone using his name

EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 139 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News: news@appenmediagroup.com Press Releases: NewsLink.NorthFulton.com Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Alpharetta firefighters and medics stand down after the arrest of the suspect.

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SWAT standoff ends with 2 arrests JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Two people were arrested March 9 after one man allegedly went to a house on Old Woodland Entery and fired a shot into the house where two people were inside.

The suspected shooter, identified as Brandon Jones, 23, then barricaded himself in his home nearby.

Police were called to Old Woodland Entry in Johns Creek at 10:22 a.m. on a report that someone had been shot in the head. When officers arrived, they found a woman “sitting on the steps, bleeding from the face,” but was not shot.’

After tending to the woman, it was discovered she had suffered lacerations on her face and glass in her eyes when the shot shattered glass in the door.

The woman’s son said that he and his mother knew the gunman. Investigators said that the man believed the two owed him money.

Police later confirmed that the alleged gunman was Jones, who was found in his home at Long Indian Creek Court, barricaded inside.

Alpharetta SWAT was called in to assist in the standoff because Jones’ house is in Alpharetta, while the victims’ home is in Johns Creek.

Jones was arrested that day along with another suspect, whose identity has not been released and who may be facing charges.

Jones was charged with aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, criminal attempt and armed robbery.

Police did not specify the charges of the unidentified suspect.

Jones was known to police and had evidently made threats against the victims earlier. Police officers “spoke” with Jones about the threats, but since the victims didn’t want to press charges at that time officers could not do any more.

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Serving Alpharetta, Roswell and Johns Creek Barbara Evans, Esq. 760 Old Roswell Rd. Roswell, GA bre@brevanslegal.com

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CRIMINAL LAW • DUI • Marijuana • Traffic Tickets • Misdemeanors • Felonies FAMILY LAW • Wills • Power Of Attorney • Child Custody • Legitimation PERSONAL INJURY • Car Accidents

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A real estate agent reported March 12 that someone was using his identity to lease out properties.

The agent realized that there was a problem when a woman called him in reference to a possible rental agreement they had been discussing over email.

He had never heard the woman.

The woman told the agent that the property was listed on Craigslist with his name on it.

The agent asked the woman to forward the email chain to confirm that it was not his email and filed a police report.

See BLOTTER, Page 42

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 ►► John Allan Smith, 54 of Cicero

Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 12 on Haynes Bridge Road for DUI and failure to yield at an intersection ►► Angela H Tyre, 41 of Luke Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 2 on Old Milton Parkway for DUI. ►► Scott Weeks Parker, 54 of Vestavia, Alabama, was arrested Feb. 28 on Holcomb Bridge Road for DUI. ►► Travis James Pond, 25 of Belcourt Pkwy, Roswell, was arrested March 1 on Belcourt Parkway for DUI. ►► Neil Gressette Bennett, 47 of Morseby Court, John’s Creek, was

See ARRESTS, Page 44

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 3

Cataract surgery and the newest Symfony Lens Implant

See the Blooms Clearly!

By Dr. Samir Vira

Cataract surgery has become a very safe and refined procedure with over 3 million Americans undergoing the surgery every year. With advancements in technology over the last 20 years, the surgery can now be performed with mild sedation in about 10-15 minutes. Not only has the procedure become sophisticated, but the lens technology used to correct patients’ vision has evolved also. In the past, patients were simply offered standard Samir Vira, M.D. intraocular lens implants and were instructed Cataract & Refractive to obtain new bifocal glasses after surgery.

Surgeon However, with the advent of astigmatism-correcting and multifocal lens implants, patients are now able to see clearly with independence from glasses.

Presbyopia is a natural aging process of the eye whereby an individual loses his or her ability to see things up close beginning in the mid 40s. This occurs due to the natural loss of flexibility of the lens, and you will require the need of reading or bifocal glasses or contact lenses for your near visual tasks. Presbyopia-correcting lens implants have emerged to match the needs for your near vision. Unlike bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, these lens implants are inserted into your eye and do not require any additional care.

Several presbyopia-correcting lens implants, including accommodative and multifocal implants, have been developed over the last 10-15 years.

However, both categories of implants have their limitations. Accommodative implants do not provide adequate near vision for most individuals and still require the need for reading glasses. Multifocal implants usually provide good vision for intermediate and near tasks, such as working on the computer or reading a book; however, patients may experience glare or halos while driving, especially at night. Additionally, these implants do not correct astigmatism.

The newest presbyopic-correcting lens implant that received FDA approval in July 2016 is the Tecnis Symfony lens implant. This implant, categorized as the only “Extended Depth of Focus” implant, not only will give a broad range of vision from distance to near for patients but also improve the quality of their vision. The Symfony implant has been engineered to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations of the eye. These aberrations can diminish an individual’s image quality despite a normal and good surgical outcome. By reducing these aberrations, the Symfony implant will improve the quality of a patient’s vision. Furthermore, with a reduced incidence of glare and halos with this implant, patients are more likely to be satisfied with their visual outcomes. The Symfony implant is also available for astigmatic correction, unlike the previous multifocal implants, in the United States.

With the advent of this newest Symfony lens implant, patients can now have the most customized results, based on their visual needs and desire to have freedom from glasses.

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NEWS

4 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Will bring all subdivision roads up to standard

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The City Council has approved the subdivision paving schedule for summer that will bring the last subdivision roads up to standards.

Public Works Director Tom Black all city subdivision roads will be at 65 CPI or greater by Oct. 31.

“We will have a benchmark of between 65 PQI [Pavement Quality Index] and 70 PQI. That is really phenomenal for city streets. It has been a long process, but the City Council had devoted extra funds out of the budget to get it done more quickly,” Black said.

In just the third year of its subdivision repaving program, the city will complete what was originally budgeted as a fiveyear plan.

“The big difference maker was the City Council’s decision to put $5 million to the repaving budget in each of the last two years,” said Black.

Councilman Steve Broadbent said bringing subdivision streets up to standard was a priority ever since he joined the council.

“I remember my first year campaigning and I would walk down some streets and they were just crumbling,” Broadbent said. “Now we are almost

2017 Neighborhood Paving Project Subdivision Name

PQI

Fairway Ridge

56

North Peak

56

Stratmore

58

Oxford Mill

59

Preston Oaks

60

River Farms

60

The Falls of Autrey Mill

60

The Gates

61

Cameron Forest

57

Timberlane

58

Lexington Woods

58

Devon hall

59

Randolph Hall

59

Abbotts Station

60

Crossington Road at Wellington

60

Cambridge

61

Falcon Ridge

61

done and the quality of the work has been excellent.”

Councilman Lenny Zaprowski agreed, saying getting the roads’ PQI rating up to standard was a big challenge.

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Once the roads start to deteriorate, they tend to get worse quickly. By providing continuous care, the roads will not deteriorate that much or that fast.”

LENNY ZAPROWSKI Johns Creek city councilman

“These roads had not been upgraded in 20 years. So it was important to play catch-up,” Zaprowski said. “Now that we are about to have all of our streets at PQI 65 or better, we can get on a program of maintenance.”

Zaprowski reckons if the city resurfaces 1-20th of the subdivision roads each year, all of the streets can be maintained at PQI 65 or better.

“Once the roads start to deteriorate, they tend to get worse quickly. By providing continuous care, the roads will not deteriorate that much or that fast.

“It will save us money in the long run while enhancing the quality of life for the neighborhoods,” Zaprowski said.

The 2017 repaving program is scheduled to begin in April.

Since 2015, the City has repaved 60 subdivisions.

The City Council decided to dip into reserves to speed up the project as much as possible.

The City created its paving schedule in 2014, based on the results with a specially equipped vehicle to drive each of Johns Creek’s streets to gauge its condition.

With that data as a guide, the Public Works staff developed a repaving plan.

The physical survey of city streets revealed that many of them had a substandard Pavement Quality Index.

The PQI is a 1-100 scale developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to measure cracking, potholes, rutting, weathering and other factors.

The lower the PQI number means the condition of the pavement is lower.

Thus those streets with the lowest scores received the higher priority when scheduling the repaving.

The city’s goal now is to maintain all streets at a PQI 65 rating, Broadbent said.

As of 2016, 65.43 miles of residential roads have been repaved.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 5

NEWS

6 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Charities group addresses changes to immigration law Nonprofit holds seminar with local attorneys to help assuage community fears

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Uncertainty and misconceptions about the recent changes to immigration laws have scared many across the nation, including residents in North Fulton. That’s why North Fulton Community Charities recently held an immigration seminar to add some clarity to the confusion.

“What we are hearings is that not just the undocumented folks, but even the immigrants themselves are afraid to leave their homes. They’re not going to work. They’ve quit their jobs. They’re not sending their children to school,” said Eden Purdy, NFCC director of programs. “They’re afraid to go out.

These are people that have lived in our community, paying taxes and Social Security, some of them for over 30 years.”

Purdy said some local construction companies have already had to delay projects for months because of the sudden absence of workers.

NFCC too has seen a marked decrease in people using its services ever since the immigration law began changing in January. The organiza-

tion’s programs aim to help the most vulnerable populations in North Fulton by providing everything from education and life skills training to food pantries and financial assistance. The charity serves 11,000 people each year in the education center alone.

Since January, NFCC has seen a staggering 13 percent reduction in people using these services, especially in the childcare and education programs.

Purdy said she is worried that fear is stopping people from getting vital services they need, like doctor visits or food. That’s why the group held the seminar with attorneys Joseph Rosen and Jacky Clements from the Joseph H. Rosen Immigration Law Group.

“It was so important to us to get the truth out, to help calm some fears,” Purdy said.

Rosen had one main message for attendees: don’t panic.

“We’ve talked to a lot of people that are just scared. People are scared to go to citizenship classes or go to work.

There is real reason to be scared,” Rosen said. “But if you have to go to the hospital, go to the hospital. If you’re a victim of a crime, report the crime.

Your Donations & Purchases Help Build Homes & Hope

JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD

Joseph Rosen, left, and Jacky Clements go over the new immigration laws and how to stay safe.

Don’t put yourself in a situation where you’re not going to be doing anything you normally would do. There are resources available. You have to live your

life.”

Rosen, with Clements acting as a Spanish translator, went over some of the major changes to immigration law and those affected. The biggest difference, according to Rosen, is the shift in priority of who is being removed.

Rosen said that in the previous administration, only those with criminal records faced deportation, but now, anyone without documents is subject to removal, even people with U.S. citizen children or spouses.

That’s why Rosen and Clements made it a point for immigrants to know their rights and have a safety plan.

For example, they explained that people have the right to remain silent and should not let anyone from immigration into their homes unless they have a warrant. They also warned that if someone opens the door to talk to immigration, they can come into the house.

They recommended carrying any immigration documents, except for foreign passports, and documents showing proof of U.S. residence from the past two years. Immigrants should also compile documents such as birth certifi-

See IMMIGRATION, Page 41

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 7

Boca Bargoons celebrates Spring with up to 75% off Boca Bargoons, Atlanta’s premiere decorative fabric outlet, is celebrating Spring with an up to 75% off sale starting today. Thousands of rolls of name brand fabrics lie in wait for the deal of a lifetime. These designer fabrics are what make Boca Bargoons so unique and so adored by so many.

Boca Bargoons started in Boca Raton, Florida, 35 years ago and now has grown to become the single most desirr able source for fine decorative fabric in the world. Their success is largely because they combine unique quality fabrics with in-stock availability, thus eliminating wait time.

And with thousands of rolls of incredible fabric in stock even the most discerning customer will feel satisfied with their fabric purchases.

Boca Bargoons’ showrooms are filled to the brim with skillfully coordinated fabrics and trims in hundreds of vignettes of color, pattern, and style.

These fabrics are suitable for use in adjoining rooms, thus eliminating the search time for pairing fabrics together in decorating projects.

In addition, Boca Bargoons has a workroom capable of doing any project. Just show them a picture of what you would like, and the rest is very easy. They will calculate the necessary yardage and quote you the price for labor.

Successful decorating projects start with beautiful fabrics and the beautiful fabrics at Boca Bargoons are definitely priced right, especially durr ing their up to 75% off sale this week!

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8 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

Remembering a generation tied to Vietnam HATCHER HURD

Executive Editor hatcher@appenmediagroup.com

Today, Vietnam is little more than a footnote in the history books. But that war defined a generation of Americans.

I imagine if it is taught at all in the high schools, it comes at the end of the semester and getting short shrift

from the teachers.

I bring this up for two reasons.

First, The Wall That Heals is coming to Johns Creek March 30 through April 2 at its Newtown Park. A 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., it is meant to bring the memorial to the millions of people who participated or were affected by that war.

With it is a traveling museum that sets the context of that war.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, all Vietnam Era veterans are invited to attend a special recognition ceremony at Newtown Park’s Burkhalter Amphitheater hosted by the St. Brigid’s Knights of Columbus.

It is their intent to honor all military service members who served during the Vietnam Era. They would appreciate any and all veterans who would come.

A lot of memories and emotions were stirred up last week at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Guest speaker was Barry Stinson, a member of the Johns Creek Veterans

Read “Opening ceremony for Wall set March 30,” Pages 14 – 15.

Association and a Vietnam veteran.

Now I am a Vietnam Era vet, but that’s not a patch on the pants of those who served “in country” – aka Vietnam, Republic of, in military parlance. The closest I got to Vietnam was Fort Ord, California.

What struck me about Barry’s story was it was so typical of so many young men at that time. Like me, he went to college after high school for which he received a draft deferment. And like me, he was an indifferent student and subject to the distractions that afflict many young people in college.

So in 1967, he dropped out of college and faced the dilemma of all draft-age young men in those days. Do you wait for the inevitable letter that brings greetings from the president of the United States? Or do you enlist and get the best prospects that you can.

Stinson decided he would join up, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. That at least would keep him from getting shot at in the jungles of Vietnam.

One thing Stinson did not take into account is that there are a lot of rivers in Vietnam and Admiral Elmo Zumwalt determined that there should be Navy boats in those rivers. Now unlike the jungle, when you are in a boat and get into trouble, there are only two directions you

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Vietnam veteran Barry Stinson recalls some of his experiences on a gunboat during the war.

can go – fore and aft. Likewise the enemy has reasoned that out as well.

Stinson said his boat, the USS Crockett, was a bigger than the “swift boats” like the one in “Apocalypse Now,” and a bit more armored.

For the first six months it was the Crockett’s job to interdict arms smuggling along the coast by the North Vietnamese to troops in the south. They didn’t see much of anything because the overland supply route, aka “The Ho Chi Minh Trail” was spectacularly successful.

So Admiral Zumwalt wanted a naval presence up those rivers, so thus Stinson and the Crockett went up and

down rivers the last seven months of his tour.

The boats were like floating artillery platforms to provide support fire to troops onshore. It was called “Operation Fort Apache,” which I suppose was a reference to those boats on the river.

Well, it was better than “Operation Sitting Duck,” I suppose.

Now I have the greatest respect for all of those served in Vietnam, but for my money, the guys on those gun boats going up and down rivers in hostile territory were special.

As I noted earlier, I saw a lot of similarities in my youth and Stinson’s.

I didn’t so much drop out of college as drop courses. That led to an insufficiency in college credits to maintain my student deferment, and I received my draft notice.

Here, my history diverges with Barry’s. I signed up for language training, specifically German. My thinking was if I was trained in German, they would send me to Germany. It was also 1972.

The American presence in the war was winding down and “Vietnamization” was the plan now.

What it meant was no more Americans were heading to Southeast Asia. I was safe.

But for so many of my generation, Vietnam was a defining moment. War tests you like no other experience in life. For all those who served there, they should be honored. So I will be at the Wall That Heals. I hope it does give healing for those guys – and gals – who all left a piece of themselves there.

By the time you read this, my bracket will be busted Two years ago, an Appen Media employee picked the winners in her bracket not based on win probability, head-tohead statistics, offensive prowess JOE PARKER versus lacklusReporter ter defense or joe@appenmediagroup.com anything else we really expect to decide the winner of a game. No, she picked the winners based on how much she liked their mascot. And if you’ve ever joined a March Madness pool I’m sure you know the outcome. She won in a pool of over a dozen people.

Meanwhile that year, I had spent upwards of a hundred hours watching games throughout the season, and once the brackets were released, I spent dozens of hours researching every team, matchups,

statistics, Las Vegas odds and every other bit of information I could get my hands on in order to make an informed decision.

So while this apathetic (not that I’m bitter) “fan” was celebrating her win, I was avoiding our office at all costs. When you’re the only sports writer, and should supposedly have the upper hand in sports-related matters, you catch a lot of grief when you only have one team in the Elite 8.

So this year I have decided to do something I have never done while filling out my bracket — just go with my gut.

And considering picking the winners of each game is like betting on black or red in roulette — unless it’s the third round, you didn’t pick either team to make it that far, and its suddenly like the roulette ball is lost — you have a 50 percent chance of winning each game. So going with your gut is probably the way to

go.

Going with my gut also provides me, the man with much added pressure of being the only sports writer, with a good excuse if my bracket is busted after the first round. And let’s be honest, if history is any indication, my bracket will definitely be busted after the first round.

But as I write this, an hour before tip-off of the first game, I must say I just enjoyed a nice boost of confidence. One of my fellow reporters didn’t even know how to fill out the bracket, what the “numbers by the team mean” and how teams were picked. That reporter has chosen Gonzaga to win the national championship.

Again, if history is to repeat itself, the person with the least amount of knowledge of the tournament, the person just going with their gut, will likely win the office pool. My fellow reporter’s choice of Gonzaga to take the championship gives me a great confidence boost because maybe, just maybe, this will be the first year I have ever won a bracket pool.

Because I picked Gonzaga, too.

WHAT TO DO WITH FAILING SCHOOLS?

SCHOOLS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 9

Legislation under review outlines new process

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – With only days left in the 2017 Legislative Session, a number of education bills remain to be considered, most notably how to fix the dozens of schools in Georgia considered failing.

Commonly referred to as “Plan B�, Senate Bill 338 is the latest approach to how best support the state’s lowest performing schools.

Last year, Plan A — Gov. Nathan’s Deal plan for an Opportunity School District — was shot down by voters concerned with the overreach of the state into the dealings and finances of locally-elected school boards.

After much tweaking and more stakeholder input than with Deal’s plan, SB 338 garnered bipartisan support by including more decision-making at the local level, but still providing state input and overall control.

But conflict is emerging over who is ultimately in charge. Under the current bill, a Chief Turnaround Officer (CTO) would head the program and report directly to the appointed State Board of Education.

But officials with the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) say the CTO should report to the agency, headed by the elected state superintendent of schools.

During testimony before the Senate DEAL Youth and Education Committee, Superintendent Richard Woods said the GDOE is charged with carrying out the educational directives of the state and should lead the process to improve schools.

He also urged that criteria for what is considered a failing school should align with the federal definition. In the bill, a failing school would include one that has received “an unacceptable rating and any other factors deemed appropriate� by the CTO).

Officials with the Georgia Schools Board Association as well as the state’s largest education association, PAGE, also cited concerns over the reporting structure for the CTO. Other concerns included the lack of a defined exit criteria for schools which

show improvement, the lack of funding and a provision which outlines the removal of local school board members.

Other education legislation currently under consideration in the Legislative Session include: • HB 114 – Schools must allow dual-enrolled students participating in the Move on When Ready program to be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian. • HB 224 – Children from military families can select any school within their home district to attend. • HB 273 – Mandates recess for 30 minutes a day for students in K-5. • HB 280 – The reintroduction of the guns on campus bill, vetoed by Gov. Deal last year, allows college students with a concealed carry permit to possess a firearm on college campuses. Weapons would not be allowed in campus daycare centers. • HB 425 - Prohibits a school system from taking punitive action against a student who has opted out of any federal, state, or locally mandated standardized assessment. All students must also have the option to take assessments in pencil and paper.

• HB 500 – A local board member must vacate his or her office if an immediate family member is named as a principal, assistant principal, or system administrative staff in the district in which the board member serves. • HR 319- a Constitutional amendment to allow a school board to call a referendum for a 1 percent sales tax for maintenance and operations.  • HR 608 - proposes a Joint Study Committee on the Georgia Public Schools Calendar to study the issue of early school start dates to determine “its social, growth, and economic impact.Âť  • SB 29 - requires testing for lead contamination at childcare learning centers. • SB 152 – Would limit the time a student is assigned to an alternative school and would require a student who was to be suspended or expelled for more than 10 days must be assigned to an alternative school.  • SB 211 – Allows systems flexibility in student assessments to allow other testing instruments beyond the state’s Milestones Assessments.

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North Fulton continues to add fewer new kids to schools Housing boom does not make up for declines in elementary grades

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View enrollment breakdown for all North Fulton elementary, middle and high schools on NorthFulton.com

NORTH FULTON, Ga. – In a paradox that some find difficult to decipher, nett County Schools as the only metro enrollment in North Fulton schools is districts forecast to grow next year. expected to drop in the coming years Despite a projection of 1,000 fewer despite the flood of new homes being students in the next five years, Fulbuilt on every open space across the ton will likely bypass DeKalb County region.

Schools as the state’s third largest But blame Mother Nature and the school system in the near future. economy – not Fulton School System Huff-Jones said new residential deplanners. velopment remains the single most imDuring a Fulton School Board meet- portant factor influencing enrollment, ing March 14, the system’s chief planand North Fulton and South Fulton are ner explained kindergarten enrollment experiencing robust development. is declining, primarily in North FulIn North Fulton, the current inventon, with fewer new students entering tory of available new homes sits at eight school each year than graduating. months – the amount of time needed to “In 2007, around the time of the sell all the homes based on current closeconomic crisis, people ings. Huff-Jones said stopped having babies,” seven to eight months is said Yngrid Huff-Jones, the ideal, so it appears director of planning for the region has fully Fulton Schools. “[Five bounced back from the years later] the 2012housing slump.

13 school year had one Overall, Fulton of the smallest kinderSchools is tracking garten enrollments.” about 10,300 potential The pattern is new homes in either continuing. Next year, the rezoning, future, North Fulton’s 30 pending, or active elementary schools are phase in North Fulton. projected to enroll 270 Huff-Jones said that fewer students than number represents the this year. That decline potential for developis offset by nearly 300 ment, not what will more students in high actually make it to school, and stagnant market. growth in middle In South Fulton, school, for a net growth the number is 44,500 of 31 students total. potential new developSystem-wide, about ments, indicating what 600 more students areas of the county are are expected in the most primed for explosystem’s 102 schools, sive growth. which reflects a sharp Despite the new decline from growth in housing, North Fulton’s YNGRID HUFF-JONES years past. elementary numbers Director of planning for Fulton Schools “In recent memory, will be most impacted Fulton County Schools by the continued has experienced growdecline in birth rate, ing population, with more than 12,000 as well as the higher price points for students added in the last 10 years,” homes which yield older students. said Huff-Jones. “However, in recent “Even with residential development years growth has slowed.” and student mobility, smaller incoming The overall slowing in Fulton [classes] have a shrinkage effect on the County’s enrollment growth reflects a district as a whole,” said Huff-Jones. trend seen throughout the metro school “We are facing a path we’ve not traveled systems. Fulton Schools will join Gwinbefore.”

In recent memory, Fulton County Schools has experienced growing population, with more than 12,000 students added in the last 10 years.

However, in recent years growth has slowed.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 11

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| March 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | blackboxdocs.com

BLACKBOX SPECIAL REPORT: PART II

Journalism under

Pentagon Papers to Watergate to WikiLeaks The role of anonymous sources in the public’s right to know

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com We live in the Information Age. It is a time of unprecedented access to all kinds of information through the internet. It is called the Information Highway for a reason.

Information. It is a loaded word.

We store a lot of data on the internet – insurance data, banking data, medical data and social data. It is a world of data. But data can be turned into information. That is data with a purpose.

In the wrong hands, it can do a lot of damage.

So information is a tool, and like any tool it can be used with good intent or ill.

Information as a tool has risen exponentially in the last 50 years. Likewise, its usefulness as a tool for good or ill has followed the same trajectory.

Information is often confused with the truth. And the truth, it is said, will set you free. So news media are always in search of the truth looking for information. But Information is a slippery fish.

The Pentagon Papers and Daniel Ellsberg are perhaps just a footnote in today’s history books, but it was a groundbreaking event in which the Supreme Court in 1971 upheld the public’s right to know and a free press’s right to print that knowledge.

The Supreme Court held there are limits to the president’s executive privilege. In short, the president could not count on the use of the “because I said so” excuse to limit the public’s right to know.

Ellsberg was a military analyst who had served in Vietnam and worked for the Pentagon and The RAND Corporation, one of the original “think tanks” for modeling foreign policy.

The Pentagon Papers was a mind-numbing 47-volume, 7,000-page history of decision making in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968. Among the things

Read Part I of Journalism under attack: Georgia by visiting NorthFulton. com/blackbox it disclosed was how in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson blew out of proportion (if not fabricated) an attack on U.S. warships by North Vietnam.

This resulted in the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in which Congress authorized Johnson to escalate military operations to include the use of U.S. ground troops in what then became an undeclared war.

Ironically, it was the Nixon administration at this time that was trying to squelch Ellsberg and the New York Times.

As was later borne out in his infamous White House tapes, Nixon decided to smear Ellsberg in the press.

This included an ill-advised burglary of Ellsberg’s psychiatrist’s office to get what damaging information they could.

“The plumbers,” a secret dirty tricks unit created by the White House, were found out and the presiding judge dismissed the government’s case against Ellsberg.

This is the same unit caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel building in Washington.

That set off the chain of events that led to Nixon’s resignation. What was important to remember is that the New York Times and the Washington Post (with young reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward) were able to unravel the threads of conspiracy back to the White House.

Reporters were able to use documents (leaked in some cases, others not) and unnamed sources (to protect from retribution real or imagined) to reveal not just abuses of power but a conspiracy to use the full weight of the government to bear down on individuals.

Watergate is still with us today in many ways although they may not

know the connection. For instance, adding the suffix “gate” to a word to denote scandal – Irangate, for example when the Reagan administration sold arms to Iran to finance contra rebels in Nicaragua, also called Contragate.

“Stonewall” as a verb came from the Nixon Era as did “cover-up.”

But the legacy of the Pentagon Papers and Watergate went deeper than just the end of Nixon’s presidency.

It marked the end of a longstanding policy at least since Franklin Roosevelt for the press not to not delve too deeply into the president’s methods or motives.

Roosevelt was a father figure to many Americans who guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II. Harry Truman became a war president too with Korea.

Eisenhower was the general who won the war in Europe and was thus a hero twice over. Kennedy was the fallen martyr and so the torch was passed to Johnson.

But as the public soured on the Vietnam War, Nixon could have rewoven the cloak of inviolability that was granted to the office of the presidency.

Instead, he self-destructed despite having one the largest margins of popular vote ever.

The press developed a taste for investigating presidents it hadn’t evinced before.

Ronald Regan took hits for Irangate and Bill Clinton for Whitewater.

Today, information is collected in such megabytes that it can only be stored in the Cloud.

Everyone has at least a half-dozen passwords, but the only true protection for one’s identity is that of the herd. In a world of 7.5 billion people it may be never before anyone can get around to your Cloud.

Now comes Julian Assange and his WikiLeaks. Here information is collected through informants given total anonymity.

We have learned to amass and aggregate vast amounts of information that we want held as secret. Whether it is to guard against harm from our enemies or simple embarrassment about the lengths with which we went to collect it, we need to protect it.

Yet the ease of filing and retrieval information means that even low-level minions can find and loot these information troves.

Most recently WikiLeaks has downloaded Vault 7, its name for CIA hacking tools. It was WikiLeaks’ downloads of Hilary Clinton’s emails that kept her campaign in turmoil last summer.

When you can release information by the gigabyte, it makes most investigative journalism pale in comparison.

But there is a need for true investigative journalism. When it is done well and with good intentions, it is a valuable asset for the public.

Those who deal in such information need to know the source, however. This has always been an uneasy tightrope for news media and the courts. Information that comes from confidential sources can be kept secret, but if the information is sensitive enough to land the news organization in court, it may find judges have differing views.

Certainly in places such as Washington, information is the coin of the realm.

It is bartered like tribal beads sometimes for a quid pro quo later. Information is swung like a club at other times.

Often it tells us as much about the exploiter as it does about the matter at hand.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 2017 blackboxdocs.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23,23, 2017 | 13| 13

attack: Georgia Open records remain source for informed public

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedaigroup.com

HTTP://NIXON.ARCHIVES.GOV/VIRTUALLIBRARY/GALLERY5.PHP

We have seen seismic changes in the way information is used for good or ill. The willing partners in this are the news media. Getting to the truth of the matter at hand often means dealing with sources that want or need to remain anonymous.

Sometimes it is a whistleblower who wants to right a wrong. Such was the case of Daniel Ellsberg.

But one man’s whistleblower is another’s informer – or worse.

That is why sources must be double-checked by another source whenever possible. Ground rules should be established. Usually, it is wise to establish time limits for anonymity if possible.

But named sources are much stronger than unnamed ones and must be preferred. It makes our stories more transparent. And we must make it clear why an informant must remain anonymous.

The clear problem with news today is the excess of news or opinions offered as fact. The internet has opened a huge window on the world.

All conclusions drawn from information on the web should be independently verified.

With heaps of information available, it is harder – not easier – to discern the truth.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Georgia’s Sunshine Laws provide citizens access to public records, documents that often affect their lives.

They can tell you why you pay taxes, why your road wasn’t resurfaced or where your tax dollars are going.

Whenever a city council, a planning commission, a school board or any other government agency generates a document — either on paper or electronically — the state requires the public have access to that information. State law declares “a strong presumption” in favor of public access to documents and that the information be provided “without delay.”

State law or not, some governments are less than forthcoming with information its officials use to make decisions. Many times, elected officials will peruse booklets or reports at meetings on their way to voting on a zoning change, or a major expenditure of tax dollars or a new project.

Those reports, those booklets are, by law, the citizens’ property.

Like many cities in North Fulton County, Alpharetta publishes an online “packet” of background information on the agenda three days before its City Council meets. The packet, sometimes hundreds of pages long, contains information about items officials will be discussing at the meeting.

It also gives the public an opportunity to study all the ramifications an agenda topic may have and what other residents have said about it.

Alpharetta receives about 15-20 open records requests a week, according to City Clerk Coty Thigpen. In most cities, open records requests go through the city clerk.

“A lot of them are pretty routine,” Thigpen said. “Most are funneled through Community Development or Public Safety, people wanting incident reports or building permits.”

Thigpen said city staff and elected officials are well versed on Georgia’s Open Records Law. “Our first thought is always to make documents available,” she said. “That

The open government laws matter a great deal because a better informed and knowledgeable public makes better decisions.”

HOLLY MANHEIMER Executive director of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation

comes from my office out – we try to educate everyone. All department heads and a lot of the staff take a real serious ownership in that process. If we ever err on either side, we always err on the side of transparency.”

The process to obtain a record is virtually the same throughout metro Atlanta. A person must either deliver in writing or through an online form a formal request for the specific information sought. The government has, by law, three days to respond in some form, either with the information or an estimate on how long it will take to collect the documents.

Thigpen said Alpharetta prefers simply emailing the copies to the requesting party. Delays can occur when the records contain personal information, such as a person’s Social Security number or other privileged data.

Exemptions to the law – those documents that may remain off limits – are a little trickier, she said. If there is ever a question about whether a record is open or not, she said, the staffer will either check with her or the city attorney.

State law does provide for some exemptions to the Open Records Law. These exempt documents can include: Those specifically required by the federal government to be kept confidential; • Medical or veterinary records

and similar files, the disclosure of which would be an invasion of personal privacy; • Most records compiled for law enforcement or prosecution that would disclose the identity of a confidential source, disclose confidential investigative or prosecution material which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or persons, or disclose the existence of a confidential surveillance or investigation; • Records of law enforcement, prosecution or regulatory agencies in any pending investigation or prosecution, other than initial police arrest reports and initial incident reports; • Motor vehicle accident reports, except upon the submission of a written statement of need by the requesting party, who can include damaged parties, witnesses, attorneys, verified researchers or the news media; • Real estate appraisals, engineering or feasibility estimates, or other records pertaining to the acquisition of real property until such time as the property has been acquired or the proposed transaction has been terminated or abandoned.

Even with the law in place, citizens have an obligation to be vigilant, said Holly Manheimer, executive director of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.

“While public officials generally do not intend to shut out the public, sometimes they find it easier to do business behind closed doors,” she said. “The open government laws matter a great deal because a better informed and knowledgeable public makes better decisions.”

Manheimer said Georgia’s open government laws are about average as measured against other state laws.

“Generally, we lack meaningful remedies for violations, and that is something we continue to work on,” she said.

Check back next week for Part III of Journalism under attack: Georgia.

14 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

WALL THAT HEALS:

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Opening ceremony for Wall set March 30 Medal of Honor recipient to deliver keynote address

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – When the Wall That Heals has its opening ceremony March 30, a truly special guest will deliver the keynote opening address.

Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins is a Medal of Honor recipient, and has agreed to speak at the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony marks a four-day visit by the 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with a mobile Education Center.

It will be on display near the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater in Newtown Park.

The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces during the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Adkins distinguished himself during 38 hours of close-combat fighting against enemy forces at A Shau base camp in Vietnam between March 9-12, 1966.

Despite being wounded at least twice, Adkins refused to leave the battlefield.

He continued to resist North Vietnam Army forces and helped evacuate injured soldiers when the position was overrun.

He then rallied the remaining

The Wall That Heals Experience The Wall That Heals provides a multi-day experience of reflection that includes an educational experience for local schools and organizations on the history of the Vietnam Era and The Wall.

The exhibit includes The Wall replica and a mobile Education Center with: • Digital displays of photos of service members whose names are on The Wall; • Letters and memorabilia left at The Wall by visitors; • A map of Vietnam; and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall, and the era surrounding the conflict.

The exhibits are designed to place American experiences in Vietnam in an historical and cultural context.

The Wall That Heals is available free to the public 24 hours a day throughout its stay. survivors and led the group into the jungle where they evaded the enemy for 48 hours until they were rescued by helicopter. The full transcript of Adkins’ story and Medal of Honor citation can viewed at (https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/adkins/?from=features_bar).

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The Wall That Heals parade route starts at Abbotts Bridge Road at 10 a.m.

March 29 and terminates at Newtown Park at 10:45 a.m. Read the full parade route on the facing page.

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 15

If you go: Wall That Heals Schedule Wednesday, March 29 Escort through town • 9 a.m. rally point: 10700 Abbotts Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30097 • 9:45 a.m. ride brief: Patriot Guard Ride Capt. Doug Smith, Johns Creek Police Department Sgt. Ronnie Young • 10 a.m. step off: Right on Abbotts Bridge Road, Right into Northview High School parking area drive by school (Students outside), Right onto Parsons Road, Left onto Medlock Bridge Road, Right onto Old Alabama Road, Pass Autrey Mill Middle School on Right Kids outside • 10:45 a.m. arrival Newtown Park: Left onto Brumbelow Road (pass Holy Redeemer Catholic School w/ students on sidewalk), Right into Newtown Park, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek GA 30022 • Noon - 4 p.m. assemble The Wall: Volunteers, grilled food and lots of stories. Set up tent, fire pit • 6 p.m. soft opening: Welcome: Michael Mizell, President of the Johns Creek Veterans Association (JCVA). Speakers: Philip Spackman (Distinguished Service Cross, 3 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts – U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran); Wayne Witter (U.S. Army, USMC, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy…U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran). JCVA Member closes out and moves to the Wall • 6:30 p.m. Tim T (TWTH) Expanded tour of the wall Thursday, March 30 • 8 a.m. Flags (Bugler Gary Dixon) Coffee and Bagels (tables needed) provided by Brooklyn Bagel. Chairs with VIP set…area for wheel chairs Food Truck • 10 a.m. Opening Ceremony: Welcome: Michael Mizell, President JCVA. Colors Presentation by Johns Creek Veterans Association Color Guard. National Anthem Johns Creek High School Student Erin Abely.

Keynote Speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins. Johns Creek band ensemble. Jerry Tiarsmith and Roger Wise brief Awards/Close out. Bag Piper Dennis Duncan begins to play near the wall… Move to the Wall That Heals. Soldiers Cross demonstration • 2 p.m. Wreath laying ceremony at the Johns Creek Memorial Walk.

Northview High School JROTC with Colors. USMC wreath laying • 2:15 p.m. Tour of the Johns Creek Memorial Walk JCVA Barry “Gunner” Stinson

• 4 p.m. Tour of the Johns Creek Memorial Walk JCVA Barry “Gunner” Stinson • 6 p.m. Tour of the Johns Creek Memorial Walk JCVA Barry “Gunner” Stinson • 5 p.m. Flags Bugler (Gary Dixon) Friday, March 31 • 8:00 Flags reveille (KOC and JCVA Color Guard). School tours throughout the day.

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• 2 p.m. Wreath laying ceremony at Johns Creek Memorial Walk (Program to follow). Davenport Plaza (100 Chairs set). Speakers: Roger Wise, John Blair. Tour of the Johns Creek Memorial Walk at 1400, 1600, and 1800. (JCVA Barry “Gunner” Stinson). 1700 Flags (KOC JCVA Color Guard)

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• 8 a.m. Flags (Bugler Gary Dixon) • 11 a.m. Certificate of Honor Ceremony. Welcome Message: George Yourick, Faithful Navigator, Fr. Jos. T. O’Callahan Assembly, Russ Spencer, Master of Ceremonies, Anchor, FOX 5 News. Welcome and Posting of Colors, Fr. Jos. T. O’Callahan Color Corp. National Anthem Johns Creek High School student Erin Abely. Pledge of Allegiance. Invocation (Maj) Fr. Paul-Anthony Halladay, Chaplain, U.S. Army, Speaker Colonel Richard H. White, Chm. Georgia Military Veterans. Hall of Fame U.S. Army ret. Operation Frequent Wind Speaker Man Bui. Presentation of Certificates: Steve Broadbent, Mayor Pro-Tem. Those who did not Return.

Concluding Remarks. Welcome Home. LUNCH • 2 p.m. Wreath laying ceremony at the Johns Creek Memorial Walk (KOC) • 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. Tours of the Johns Creek Memorial Walk (Barry “Gunner” Stinson) • 5 p.m. Flags (KOC and Bugler Gary Dixon)

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I couldn’t even read my notes I was crying so much ... There are a bunch of outstanding employees. They will get a job wherever they want a job.

BILL NORMAN, owner of Normans Landing 16 | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017

Norman’s Landing announces closing in June Long-time Restaurateur raised $2.3M for charities

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After being one of the first restaurants to call Forsyth County home right before its population exploded, Norman’s Landing will soon be shutting its doors and selling the property.

Owner Bill Norman announced March 13 that after 22 years the longstanding seafood restaurant at 365 Peachtree Parkway will be closing June 18.

However, debt and maintenance issues are driving him to shutter the doors.

“It would take $400,000 to get this restaurant back in the right direction,” Norman said. “I’m talking about new floors and tile. I can’t take another payment book. I owe friends, family, banks and everybody. I have to get them off me so I can sleep at night.”

He said he has “signed papers” for the property and it’s a great deal, but he wouldn’t say to who, for what and how much.

“This place has always been on fire and will continue,” Norman said. “It’s been a great ride. I was planning on leaving it open another 3-4 years, but I’ll be 64-years-old this year. The restaurant business is not an easy business. That’s why there’s a 90 percent failure rate.”

With the motto, “Let Us Spoil You,” Norman and his staff have loyally served over 3 million customers.

“I need to go forward,” Norman said. “I probably won’t call this my retirement as I’ll probably open up a barbecue dump in six months or a year. There just ain’t no telling. I love spoiling people.”

Now the entrepreneur said he’s on an emotional rollercoaster regarding the bittersweet closing.

“I don’t know what to feel,” Norman said. “It’s going to be like this for 100 days.”

Norman’s restaurant career started nearly 50 years ago when he helped found Longhorn Steak-

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Bill Norman fondly remembers the memories he’s had at Norman’s Landing over the past 22 years.

house. He eventually set out to fulfill his dream of building a restaurant on Lake Lanier and opened Norman’s Landing in 1995. The building, made from wood Norman collected, will probably be relocated rather than torn down.

“My parents had a house at Lake Lanier so we drove by this property all the time,” Norman said.

“I thought, since this is at the end of Peachtree and Ga. 400, it’ll be a great location. People told me I was crazy and this was out in the middle of nowhere. I’ve heard that my whole life. But I said we’re building it,

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Norman initially thought the restaurant would maybe take in $15,000 a month. Once word got out, nearly $50,000 a week was pouring in. Years later, the recession made the restaurant take a deep hit.

But through the ups and downs, he still stayed true to his staff.

“I could not get rid of any employees,” he said.

“I have employees who’ve been with me for 25-30 years and one who’s been with me for over 40 years. I couldn’t bundle it up and kick them out to the street.”

And when he had to tell some 60 employees the news of the closing last week, he said it was one of the worst days of his life.

“I couldn’t even read my notes I was crying so much,” Norman said. “There are a bunch of outstanding employees. They will get a job wherever they want a job.”

Along with providing his menu comprised of mostly seafood, he has made a name in the community as someone who loves to give back.

“The reason I built this restaurant is to have the best food in Forsyth County and to raise money in this community,” Norman said. “I left Longhorn and had a bunch of money and thought, ‘I’ll do something for the community.’ We will end up raising $2.3 million for this community in 22 years. Hopefully we’ve been the best restaurant in Forsyth County in 22 years. That was the goal. We take pride in what we do.”

He doesn’t plan to leave without a final ping-pong tournament and charity day on the restaurant’s last day open. But after that, Norman can’t tell you what he’ll be doing come June 19.

“Everybody knows I’m working in this restaurant Monday through Friday and I’m on the phone with the restaurant Saturday and Sunday,” Norman said.

“So the restaurant business never stops. It’s always going. We close twice a year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, needed or not. Out of the restaurants I’ve been with, this is my favorite I’ve worked at. The restaurant has never been run better than it is right now. No matter how you slice it.”

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What’s a Fed Rate?

GEOFF SMITH

Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com

I am quite certain the topic of a fed rate has the potential to bore a lot of people right into the next article.

But I also know most of you probably heard the news of the Federal Reserve raising its interest rate a couple weeks ago.

You wondered for a brief second exactly what that was, and then went on to the next subject. So, in an effort to do my part as a very part-time journalist, I’ll give everyone a brief explanation of what the Fed rate really

is and does.

The Federal Reserve as we know it was created in 1913 in reaction to the Panic of 1907. It acts as the great stabilizer of U.S. currency.

When banks run out of money, they can go to the Federal Reserve. In 1907 there was a run by people withdrawing money from banks so they could invest in the stock market.

John Pierpont Morgan convened New York’s leading bankers in his personal library and persuaded them to meet all the demands for cash. To prevent this from happening again, Congress created the Federal Reserve.

At first, the Fed didn’t consider itself as an active influencer of the economy. It simply was there to lend money to banks, paid back with interest.

It wasn’t until the late 1920s that it moved those interest rates with the intent of affecting the economic behavior of businessmen and women.

Today, all of our major U.S. banks store money at the Federal Reserve. And they all receive interest from the Fed, just as you would from a basic savings account.

This interest rate is essentially what the national news outlets are referring to when they talk about the Fed raising its interest rate. And they report this because it has a tremendous effect on each bank’s balance sheet and in turn how the bank’s charge or compensate you for accounts you hold with them.

For example, if the bank earns more interest from the Fed on money it stores there, then it can give you more interest on your savings accounts that you have with them.

Conversely, if your banks get charged more for money it borrowed from the Fed, or more accurately, from other banks who use the Fed’s rate as a benchmark, it will charge you a higher interest rate on money it lends to you in the form of a small business loan, home equity line of credit or mortgage.

The recent news was the Fed raised this rate to be-

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 17

tween 0.75 percent and 1 percent. Why is it between two numbers? What does that mean?

Well, it’s not quite that simple. While it does set a rate, that rate moves based on the Fed’s actions to increase or decrease the overall supply of money – which affects its value, as well as the interest rate.

The last part of that explanation is a little complex, but the important thing to see here is that the Fed is raising its rates.

As mentioned earlier, the Fed uses this rate to manipulate, as best it can, the economy.

After the financial crisis of 2008, banks, like everyone else, had very little faith in our economy. So they didn’t want to lend their money to businesses that may not be able to repay that loan.

They recoiled and stored their money at the Federal Reserve. In an effort to get banks lending, and money flowing in the economy, the Fed reduced its rate to near 0 percent. The Fed knows that banks want their money working, or earning more money.

Instead of earning nothing by storing their money in the fed, they would feel pressured to take a harder look at their loan applicants.

So the Fed decision to raise rates means that its governors believe our banks are confident in the economy enough to lend moneyover and above what it can earn at the Federal Reserve.

Speaking as someone who was hit hard during the 2008 crisis, this is very welcoming news. I hope it lasts.

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

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Attracting, retaining millennials Do you have plans in place to recruit millennials to your small business?

Have you thought through how you are going to attract this “Gen Y” type of talent? Baby boomers are retiring. In fact, over the next 5-10 years the United States will lose 30-40 perDICK JONES cent of its workforce due Founder & President Jones Simply Sales to the retirement of this segment. If you don’t have plans to attract millennial talent, you may have difficulty staffing your business.

Attracting millennials requires a whole new approach. Big companies like IBM and Deloitte, are spending millions of dollars recruiting this segment. Getting in the game requires you to go where the millennials are. Running ads on Career Builder simply won’t cut it. Having a presence on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and other social sites are much better places to attract millennials than traditional job search sites.

Your message to millennials also needs to be different. They value a work/life balance and enjoy spending time with family and friends. If you don’t position your company’s culture on this the right way, you won’t get many job applications. Boomers and Gen X employees wouldn’t ask for flextime until they were working for years. Today the Gen Y crowd demands this on day one.

Millennials want to be part of the action in the company, not some “gopher” that does all the menial tasks. Expressing to them that they will get plenty of face time and mentoring with management, and the opportunity to make a difference, will appeal to them.

Attracting millennials is key to ensuring your small business has a strong talent pool.

Doing it the right way requires you understand this generation, what they expect, and how you can best deliver this.

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18 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

BUSINESSPOSTS

Veteran uses company to put veterans to work Millennium Security Services gives military service priority

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Michael E. Mizell, president and CEO of his company Millennium Security Services, doesn’t just hire veterans because it is patriotic, he hires them because it makes good business sense.

Mizell retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel and returned home to Atlanta in 1994 – a most fortuitous time for him as it turned out.

His former commander, retired Gen. Michael Spiglemire, had just become deputy director for operations for the Atlanta Olympic Committee. Part of his job was to provide security for the work site and he needed a right-hand man to do the day-to-day management of securing 21 acres of Olympic property under construction.

After the Olympics, Mizell helped launch a start-up security company, Millennium Security Services, that he built up quickly to $1 million in revenues with corporate clients that included Cousins Properties.

The recent recession was hard, but

Millennium Security is bouncing back.

But always Mizell was looking to hire veterans. Being ex-military himself, he understood a veteran’s sense of duty, work ethic and dependability.

“I always made it my rule to hire a vet first. Not the least of which is it is good business. When you hire a veteran, you are getting a person who understands how to follow orders, how to fit in under a chain of command and how to take instruction,” Mizell said.

You can tell Mizell is just a guy who likes soldiers.

“Right now, I would say 72 percent of my employees are vets,” he said.

Many of them start out as $10 an hour personal entry attendants – they’ll man a gated entry. But for many, it is just the beginning of bigger things.

“I remember one guy we had who worked as a guard during the day at Coca Cola and went to school at night,” said Mizell.

“The day he got his diploma, Coca Cola had a personnel man at his graduation and presented him with a $55,000-a-year job as a data techni-

Resource Alliance places on 2017 UGA Bulldog 100 list ATLANTA — Resource Alliance, based in Alpharetta, was recently recognized as the No. 57 fastest-growing business owned or operated by a University of Georgia graduate during the 2017 Bulldog 100 Celebration at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta.

Resource Alliance, co-founded WEYENBERG by 1992 UGA graduate Andy Weyenberg, specializes in providing human resources, benefits administration and payroll solutions to all sizes of employers across the country.

Approximately 490 nominations were submitted for the 2017 Bulldog 100. The class includes companies of all sizes, providing services and products in a variety of industries. Companies as far as California and New York made the list this year. The average compounded annual growth rate for this year’s Bulldog 100 businesses was 44 percent.

To be considered for the list, each organization must have been in business for at least five years, experienced revenues in excess of $100,000 for the calendar year 2013, and be owned or operated by a former UGA student who either owns at least 50 percent of the company or is the CEO, president or managing partner.

To view the complete list of 2017 Bulldog 100

cian.”

Days like that give Mizell a lot of satisfaction in what he does.

“I get a lot of satisfaction out things like that. All of my people are aiming for something bigger. I love being the platform that launches them into a new career.”

The Georgia Department of Labor has recognized Mizell six times as Georgia’s Small Business Veteran Employer of the Year. He has been named National Veteran Employer of the year four times.

“I like getting awards, but the real thrill is seeing these vets turn their lives around,” he said.

With a down-sized military and still maintaining global commitments, Mizell says we are asking a lot from our servicemen and women.

“Sending people off for five and six tours not only creates fertile ground for PTSD and creates havoc for families trying to stay together,” he said.

“We need to do a better job of helping these vets when they come back and make sure they get any help they need.”

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Michael E. Mizell, a retired lieutenant colonel and owner of Millennium Security Services, makes a point of hiring as many veterans as he can.

BUSINESSBRIEFS businesses or nominate a business for the 2018 Bulldog 100, visit alumni.uga.edu/b100.

JC Healthcare Association elects new president

ATLANTA – Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center physician Oluseun Olufade, MD, is now serving as the new president of Johns Creek Healthcare Association, Inc. JCHA is a nonprofit committed to ensuring the highest quality of health care remains available in the community.

The association, founded in 2006, is comprised of individuals in the healthcare industry from Duluth, Johns Creek, Suwanee and South Forsyth.

Olufade is board certified in physical medicine & rehabilitation, sports medicine and interventional pain medicine. He is a team physician for Emory University, Georgia Tech and local high schools.

He specializes in non-operative treatment of sports and orthopaedics problems such as concussion and muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. He performs various treatment options including stem cells and platelet rich plasma injections.

2 locals named Super Lawyers for fifth consecutive year ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Estate Planning Attorneys Morgan and DiSalvo, P.C. announced today that

both Richard M. Morgan and Loraine M. DiSalvo were named to the Super Lawyers of Georgia 2017 List. No more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

GATN presents Tech Pitch Workshop

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Tech companies, startups and entrepreneurs need to deliver a pitch that influences and inspires. To learn how to connect with investors, customers and colleagues, it’s best to learn from the pros.

GreaterAlpharetta Technology Network will present EchelonCommunicate’s Pitch/Present program Saturday, March 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the ATC Innovation Center in Alpharetta.

This is a fast-paced roundtable workshop where participants learn to apply the basics of powerful communication by providing feedback to speakers.

The event is an opportunity to improve the messaging and delivery of your pitch in a supportive setting, facilitated by professional communication coaches.

To register go to GATN.org. This workshop is limited to 50 participants.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 19

20 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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SHAMROCKIN’ FOR A CURE

Shamrockin’ for a Cure supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation returns to Alpharetta to rock the night with food, bands and dancing. Help cure cystic fibrosis with a night filled with fun, purpose and music that will rock the stage. Shamrockin’ for a Cure will be held Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m. at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. Cost is $95 ($34 tax deductible) per individual ticket and includes food, drinks and giveaways. For more information and tickets, visit shamrockinforacure.com.

Looking to get the word out about your event? Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton.com/Calendar.

EVENTS:

ROSWELL BEER FEST

What: The annual Roswell Beer Festival in Historic Roswell returns with over 300 different types of beer, along with great food and live shows. All proceeds will benefit the Star House Foundation, a charity servicing at-risk youth in North Fulton.

When: Saturday, March 25, 2-6 p.m.

Where: Historic Roswell Cost: Tickets are $50 and include a tasting glass for sampling More info and tickets: roswellbeerfestival.com

CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE

What: The RUMC will host its semiannual children’s consignment sale with three overflowing rooms of more than 200 consignors. Donated items are given to the Foster Care Support Foundation.

When: Friday, March 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, March 25, 8 a.m.-noon.

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

FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

What: Come out for an adventure to hunt eggs in the dark with nothing but flashlights. Be sure to keep an eye out for one of the golden eggs to redeem for a basket of prizes.

When: Saturday, March 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell More info and registration: roswellgov. com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO

What: Everyone is invited to participate in this event, designed to recognize the importance of health and wellness in the community, with free demonstrations, screenings and wellness education.

When: Saturday, March 25, 9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell Cost: Free. Cholesterol and blood glucose testing are available for a $10 fee.

More info: roswellgov.com

SAVE THE HORSES EGG-STRAVAGANZA What: Join Save the Horse’s annual spring fundraiser, with activities, a pettings zoo and costumed cow. There is free parking and admission, with all funds going to the nonprofit.

When: Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Save the Horses Rescue, 1768 Newt Green Road, Cumming More info: savethehorses.org

SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE FARMING

What: Sustainable gardening is creating an environment where desirable plants and insects coexist. Learn how to do so while minimizing chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

When: Tuesday, March 28, 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Bill Johnson Community Building, Roswell Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: nfmg.net

10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S

What: Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can allow people to begin therapy and plan for the future. This free, interactive workshop features video clips of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

When: Tuesday, March 28, 6 p.m.

Where: Emory Johns Creek Hospital, 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek More info and registration: christinem@ thememorycenter.com or 678-456-4304

What: Get free tax preparation assistance by trained volunteers. See website for full list of documents to bring. Walk-ins welcome Fridays and Saturdays. Appointments available.

When: Through April 17, times vary Where: NFCC Education Center, 1125 Elkins Road, Roswell More info and registration: nfcchelp.org or vita@nfcchelp.org

FREE AARP TAX HELP

What: Trained helpers are offering free tax services in multiple AARP Tax-Aide centers throughout tax season.

When: Times vary Where: Multiple locations throughout Metro Atlanta More info and locations: aarp.org

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER:

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: GREG FERGUSON

What: “Bearing Witness” The Photography of Greg Ferguson will showcase Ferguson’s award-winning photography of the natural world.

When: Through March 31, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: gregferguson.us.com or 770594-6232

SCAD PRINTMAKING EXHIBIT

What: This exhibit showcases the innovative ways both traditional and digital printmaking processes can be utilized to express ideas and concepts in the 21st century. Presented by SCAD students, alumni and faculty When: Through April 21, times vary Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org

LIBRARY EVENTS: WINTER CONCERT SERIES

“9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL”

What: With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, this play is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. See the hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. When: March 16-25, times vary Where: Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway, Milton Cost: tickets start at $15 More info and tickets: miltontheatrecompany.com

“A TALE FOR ALL TIMES”

What: Atlanta Dance Theatre presents “A Tale for All time,” a fresh take on the classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast,” with choreography by Shelley Grames. A visual delight, the show is a must-see for all ages.

When: March 24-25, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $23.50 for adults, $15.50 for students and seniors More info and tickets: atlantadancetheatre.org

BEYOND IMPRESSIONISM

What: The Michael O’Neal Singers and Georgia Philharmonic partner again this season in a program of music by Claude Debussy and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

When: Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta More info and tickets: mosingers.com

What: Enjoy the sounds of classic guitar as guitarist Krystin O’Hara returns to the Alpharetta Library as part of the Winter Concert Series. This free show is for all ages.

When: Saturday, March 25, 1-2 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or 404-613-6735

PYSANKY: UKRANIAN EGG CRAFT

What: Decorate your own Ukranian Easter Egg with traditional folk designs using hot beeswax, dye and a stylus.

Attendees must be 13 years or older.

Space is limited.

When: Saturday, March 25, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: aflps.org or 770-360-8897

PRESERVING FAMILY RECIPES

What: Learn how to look at recipes with a historian’s eye and make old handwritten recipes, photos and artifacts last for future generations. The workshop is free, but registration is required.

When: Saturday, March 25, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 404-613-4050

AP US HISTORY PRACTICE EXAM

What: Prepare for the AP exam with this free practice test, either March 25 or 26. Students will need to schedule a three hour block of time during library hours to take the mock exam.

When: Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, March 26, 2-6 p.m.

Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: afpls.org or 770-640-3075

CALENDAR

INTERVIEW SKILLS FOR OVER 40

What: Janis Ashkin, Career Counselor of Ashkin Counseling and Training will lead this free three-part series on building interviewing skills after 40.

Registration is suggested.

When: Monday, March 27, 6:30-7:30 Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info and registration: michael. salpeter@fultoncountyga.gov or 404613-6735

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA:

Rediscovering Providence Park

NESTING AND BABY BIRDS

What: Atlanta Aubudon Society will present a free interactive program about nesting and the baby birds of spring for ages 5-12.

When: Wednesday, March 29, 4-5 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

GREAT DECISIONS: NUCLEAR SECURITY

What: Get ready to discuss nuclear nonproliferation and security with the University of North Georgia and the Forsyth County Public Library. This is part of a free series.

When: Thursday, March 30, 7-8 p.m.

Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega St., Cumming More info: bit.ly/2nBg4IS

PET ADOPTIONS: FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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

Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd.

NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

STEVE HUDSON Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net

Sometimes, when you’re going hiking, you have to drive a long way first. Simply getting there may become an expedition all by itself.

But at other times you find hiking close by – say, just a couple of miles from the

house.

That’s the kind of hiking I discovered when I rediscovered Providence Park.

Providence Park, a 42-acre site once owned by Fulton County, was closed by the county in 2004 and sat essentially abandoned for a dozen years. Located in what is now the city of Milton, the property was not initially acquired by Milton because of concerns over chemical dumping at the site. But remediation work eventually cleaned things up, and – following the all-clear from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division – the tract was purchased by the city of Milton in the summer of 2015.

Work then began to turn the site into a public park. This included fence repair, particularly around the old quarry located on the site, and removal of some old buildings and an aging dock. Other work included debris cleanup, removal of unsafe trees, trail renovation and even relocation of a honeybee nest that had become established in one of the old buildings. The community became involved, too, with Boy Scout troops and Eagle

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 21

Providence Park trails are clear and easy to follow

Providence Park bench along the red trail overlooking the lake.

Scouts contributing further to improvements to the area.

What finally emerged, and what you’ll find there today, is a patch of public green space. It’s a refreshing island of woods among the unending development that seems to be everywhere these days.

Providence Park reopened to the public November 2016, and it has a lot to offer. If you haven’t checked it out then you should.

What will you find when you do?

Most visitors go to enjoy the hiking.

The park features two main loop-type hiking trails – the half-mile Red Trail, which carries you through the western portion of the park, and the somewhat longer 0.75-mile Blue Trail which traverses the eastern portion. Both trails are clearly marked and easy to follow, and (on the Blue Trail) nice new wooden footbridges keep you dry at several stream crossings.

Neither of these trails is particularly strenuous, though the Blue Trail is a bit more rugged than the Red Trail. Along both of these loops, trailside benches provide convenient places to stop and take a break.

Between the two loops is an old and abandoned quarry. The quarry is fenced and clearly marked with “No Trespassing” signs. Pay attention to them, and don’t try to cross the fence

for a closer look at the quarry. The drops are dangerous. Believe this.

Stay on the marked trails.

And did I mention the lake? Providence Park includes a bit of frontage on a medium-sized lake. Most of the lake’s shoreline is privately owned, but part of the shoreline is in the park.

In fact, on the Red Trail, a lakeside bench provides a nice place to stop and enjoy a restful view across the water.

Providence Park is located at 13440 Providence Park Drive off Providence Road in Milton. The parking area is at the very end of Providence Park Drive on the right, and the trails begin from the back of the lot or from just across the access road.

Spring brings many great hiking opportunities. For instance, there’s excellent hiking in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Learn about hiking in CRNRA in Steve Hudson’s book “Hiking the Hooch.” It’s available on Amazon, from local outfitters or at chattahoocheemedia. com.

22 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

22 | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017

Sponsored Section

Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is the new signature in senior living For people who have reservations about moving to a senior community, seeing the beautiful and convenient lifestyle at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is eye opening and a refreshing alternative to what most people envision a senior community to look and feel like.

Arbor Terrace is the new signature in senior living and offers a vibrant, active lifestyle with luxury services for seniors.

Residents at Arbor Terrace are neighbors, volunteers, explorers and learners who have chef-prepared meals every day and access to lifestyle and wellness amenities that provide convenience and enrich their day to day life.

The 101-apartment community is situated in one of the most desirable areas in Johns Creek, the community is close to healthcare, cultural venues, fine shopping and dining.

Arbor Terrace is a one-of-a-kind community offering a luxurious lifestyle with concierge services, chef-prepared

meals, housekeeping and more, without a large investment or long-term commitment.

“We have changed the way people live,” says Beth Richardson, Executive Director at Arbor Terrace. “With a more

convenient lifestyle, our residents find they have the time and energy to actually enjoy life while receiving as little or as much support as they need.”

Try us on for size, stay for 3 weeks and get a 4th week free to experience

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For more information on Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, please call (770)-999-9577, and visit our website at www.at-johnscreek.com.

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At Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, we’re doing away with all of the traditional stereotypes of senior living. We offer a maintenance-free lifestyle with numerous amenities and luxury services to fit your every need. Our community focuses on providing active seniors a comfortable, inspiring and independent lifestyle.

Call or visit us online to set up a tour today!

3180 Karen White Drive Suwanee, GA 30024 770-999-9577 | www.at-johnscreek.com

NorthFulton.com | 770-442-3278

319 N. Main St. | Alpharetta, GA 30009

Alpharetta Roswell Herald | Forsyth Herald | Johns Creek Herald | Milton Herald

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 23

Now Accepting Patients Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology

Modern vein care

By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Vein care has advanced dramatically in the last ten years.

As recently as 2010, medical journals still boasted that the “gold standard of varicose vein treatment was surgical ligation and vein stripping.” In TAYLOR 2017, vein stripping is practically a treatment of the past.

Thankfully, modern, minimally invasive vein procedures are here and are outstanding.

For women, advances in vein care have been particularly important.

Women experience venous disease almost twice as commonly as men.

Much of this risk may be related to pregnancy. In one study, varicose veins were seen in 13% of women after their first pregnancy, 30% after their second, and 57% of women who had three or more children. For many women, it can also sometimes be difficult to find the right doctor because it is important to find a doctor who is an expert at treating both medical and cosmetic venous disease. For a woman concerned with improving both the health and the appearance of her legs, choose a physician who is skilled in endovenous laser ablation, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, phlebectomy and cosmetic sclerotherapy.

Vein disease aka “venous insufficiency” is usually caused by problems in the shallow or “superficial” system of veins in the legs. These veins can develop leaky valves and allow blood to flow in the wrong direction back towards the feet. This can cause leg heaviness, discomfort, swelling, restless leg syndrome, and even leg ulcers and other problems.

In the past, doctors sought to completely remove diseased veins surgi-

cally. This required many small (and sometimes not so small) scars and carried a higher risk of complications. For this reason, many people were hesitant to seek treatment of their veins.

Over the last fifteen years, vascular procedures have been refined to allow veins to be closed from the inside using a laser fiber to seal the interior of vein.

Surprisingly, sealing a vein from the inside with a laser actually results in better cure rates than when surgery was used to completely remove a vein.

The previously performed technique of vein ligation and stripping often resulted in vein regrowth; however, the relatively gentle procedure of closing a vein from the inside leaves the venous system resting comfortably.

New treatments are low-risk, are outpatient and are well-tolerated.

Techniques such as endovenous laser ablation are most often covered by insurance and are minimally invasive, walk-in/walk-out procedures that often allow for resumption of routine activities the next day. Vigorous exercise can usually be resumed one week after the procedure.

With so many advances in the field of vein care, how can you ensure that you are receiving the best treatment possible?

Seek out a vein specialist who is fellowship-trained and who is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM). Vein care is now a field of its own, and the board exam offered by the ABVLM establishes that a physician has the experience and knowledge to provide you with state-ofthe-art care.

Dr. Brent Taylor of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta is double-boarded, certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. For more information on Dr. Taylor or vein care treatments, visit www.PremierDermatologyAtlanta. com

Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

N. Atlanta Welcomes Dr. Brent Taylor Insist on the BEST Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care. His education and work experience include: • Marist School – Valedictorian • Harvard College – Bachelor of Arts in Biochemical Sciences Graduated in 3 years Magna Cum Laude • Vanderbilt School of Medicine – Doctorate of Medicine Attended on a Full, Merit-Based Scholarship • Medical University of South Carolina – Dermatology Residency; Chief Resident • ACGME-Accredited Fellowship in Mohs surgery, Procedural Dermatology, and Vein Care at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California.

Dr. Taylor has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and reconstructions, dermatologic surgeries and procedures while in private practice in Florida where local and even international patients have sought him out for the best care. He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables. He now brings his highly sought after expertise back home to Alpharetta with the opening of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta! Now Accepting Patients.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Taylor Today.

We accept most major insurance including Medicare.

Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 Dr. Brent Taylor

PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899

24 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

BUNGALOWS • COTTAGES INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

NEXT-LEVEL SENIOR LIVING

Village Park of Alpharetta Art stimulation & benefits of self expression What does art mean to you?

678-740-3499 villageparkseniorliving.com

12300 Morris Road, Alphare�a, GA 30005

Picasso? Van Gogh?

A dance recital for your 8 year old grandchild?

Symphony?

Your first water color of a flower?

Gazing at the ocean?

Silence?

We have all heard it before... Art is in the eye of the beholder In saying that, the benefits of art can be satisfying and yet stimulating at the same time for all ages. Art is a form of self-expression which is an effective way to boost mental health and to make you happier.

A variety of activities like painting, knitting, sewing, and coloring can calm you and lower your blood pressure. Taking 30 minutes out of a hectic schedule to get “in the zone” and rev up your creative juices can reduce stress. This stimulation will free your brain of thinking about what is your next task on your to-do list. It is an art to be in the moment and takes practice to relax with just you and your thoughts. It is a healthy distraction from your everyday routine.

Cutting yourself off from all technology for a temporary moment can make you more decisive, more aware, more appreciative and more precise on the form of art you are working on. Over time, you will see things differently and find more beauty in your surroundings that you never noticed before.

So whatever your choice of art is, whether it is painting or dancing, I leave you with this...

• Be IN the moment • Appreciate your surroundings • Try something new • Express yourself • Challenge yourself • Have fun!

Village Park of Alpharetta is a unique blend of Bungalows, Cottages, Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care on 20 acres in the heart of Alpharetta. Please call Carla Breakwell at 678-740-3499 for more information.

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 25

Eczema or atopic dermatitis POST YOUR NEWS, YOUR YOU ASKED FOR IT AND WE’RE DELIVERING:

By Dr. Bonaccorsi May River Dermatology Atopic dermatitis is Often called ECZEMA or DERMATITIS. It can appear as early as the first year of life. Most patients develop AD before age 5. AD manifests as a red, scaly itchy patches which can affect the face, the BONACCORSI creases of elbows and knees, sometimes the whole body.

If not treated, the patient can become prone to skin infections and the skin can become thick and bumpy, become darker. The itching can be very severe, interfere with sleeping and in severe cases cause emotional and social issues. We do not know what causes Atopic dermatitis but it is more common in families with history of Asthma and allergies, cold climates, urban cities.

While we cannot cure atopic dermatitis, we can do a lot to manage

the symptoms and prevent long term complications. Patients with atopic Dermatitis tend to have very dry skin.

Bathing in warm and not hot water, using small amounts of a mild soap, and using thick creams or ointments, instead of lotions to moisturize the skin is very important. Because eczema patient are prone to developing allergies we recommend using products without fragrance or preservatives, including body wash, moisturizers, shampoos, laundry detergents and fabric softener.

The dermatologist can prescribe topical anti-inflammatory medication to help control the itching, we can also teach the patient how to recognize signs of infections and what to do to prevent them.

May River Dermatology Johns Creek treats most diseases of the skin, hair and nails as well as diagnosis and management of skin cancer. The practice, located at 10160 Medlock Bridge Road is now accepting new patients. For more information please call 470-282-5729 or visit www.mayriverdermatology.com

Healthy, BeautifulSkin StartsHere - NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 470-282-5729 10680 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 204, Johns Creek, GA Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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26 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

Soleil Laurel Canyon Tucked away in the North Georgia foothills of Canton and just a short drive from exciting Atlanta, Soleil Laurel Canyon is more than a beautiful community of maintenance-free, ranchstyle homes and breathtaking views.

It’s the life you’ve worked your whole life to enjoy.

If you are 55+, we invite you to come experience Soleil’s incomparable array of recreation, culture, and entertainment for yourself. You’ll have no doubt why it was named among the Best 50 Master-Planned Communities in the U.S.

by Where to Retire Magazine in 2015.

One of the great pleasures of living at Soleil is that a low-maintenance home gives you the free time to take advantage of all that the community offers. The landscaped grounds of Soleil Laurel Canyon are always impeccably maintained, while your HOA dues cover complete lawn maintenance and an irrigation system, in-home security monitoring and maintenance, and even Comcast cable TV. Soleil Laurel Canyon offers a selec-

tion of Cottage, Traditional and Craftsman-style single-family homes from the mid $200,000s to $400,000s for adults 55+. All of Soleil’s new floor plans include elegant details and are designed for aging-in-place with stepless-entry access and wide doorways. These homes are energy efficient with HERS ratings above standard.

Soleil residents have membership

in a 28,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with an arts and crafts room, billiards room, fitness center, gourmet teaching kitchen, indoor heated saline lap pool, and library.

Outside the clubhouse, residents have a heated Lagoon-style pool, a community garden and greenhouse, a 3.5-acre fishing lake and the tennis facility with a full-time USPTA-certified

teaching professional.

The Fairways of Canton golf course is located just outside Soleil’s gate within Laurel Canyon, and offers challenging golf for a reasonable, daily-fee price.

Two Lifestyle Directors maintain a full social calendar of events including wine socials, movie nights, trips to nearby attractions, and Grandkids day.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 27

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28 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

28 | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017

Sponsored Section

POINTERS FOR PARENTS:

For kids’ sake: Make time to play every day (NAPSI)—If life for your family sometimes seems to be all work and no play, The Genius of Play wants to remind you why it is so important to make time to play every day—and how to achieve it!

Did you know there is a direct correlation between play and stress reduction?

Or that elementary students who have more than 15 minutes of recess are better behaved in school than those who have less?

According to experts at the Genius of Play, a movement whose mission is to raise awareness about the benefits of play and bring more play into kids lives, playtime is a powerful tool to help you unwind, while bringing the whole family closer together.

What’s more, through play kids build physical skills, improve cognitive abilities, learn communication and social skills, process and express emotions, and increase creativity.

How Families Can Play Every Day Here are some fun ideas from Genius of Play ambassador, parenting expert and author Meredith Sinclair, M.Ed, on how to incorporate play into your busy every day routine:

• Leave space for the spontaneous: Intentionally mark off small chunks of time on the calendar throughout the week for “spontaneous” playtime.

Sometimes, spontaneity takes planning.

• Turn everyday occasions into playful moments.

Make household chores fun by putting on some favorite music and having the kids dance as they put the toys away, make the bed or help with the dishes.

• Collect easy-to-play instruments like harmonicas, bongos or toy ukuleles for impromptu after-dinner family jam sessions.

• Keep playthings like hula hoops, crafts and playground chalk on hand for quick 10-minute play breaks during the day. It only takes a moment to create a chalk “picture frame” in the driveway and get the kids to draw something creative inside it.

• For a fun evening, try shutting down all screens after dinner once in a while and gathering the whole family around a board game.

It’s Child’s Play: Great Ideas and Resources Parents, teachers and play lovers can get expert advice, play ideas for all ages, and information on the benefits of play at www.thegeniusofplay.org. Created

with the mission to help raise happier, healthier and more successful generations through the power of play, the Genius of Play website and social media channels show how to help kids build confidence, creativity, critical thinking and other skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

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SUMMER CAMPS • Sponsored Section

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 29

30 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SUMMER CAMPS • Sponsored Section

McGinnis Woods Country Day School Have your camper join us at McGinnis Woods this summer for our Sunsational Summer Camp 2017!

An amazing summer filled with fun themes, caring counselors, engaging activities, art, music, interesting weekly field trips and guest speakers, water play and lots of smiles has been designed for campers ages 4-13.

Camp begins May 30 and runs weekly themed sessions ending August 4.

Campers may attend individual weeks or the entire summer. Camp hours are from 9am-5pm daily at a cost of $225.00 weekly. Before and/or after camp care is available at an additional fee.

We will visit exciting destination including the Tellus Museum, Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo , Stars and Strikes, and the Consolidated Gold Mines and enjoy daily activities including water slides, nature walks, STEM activities and group games in our full court, air conditioned gym.

Our Specialty and Academic Camps offer a variety of educational classes to sharpen your camper’s skills and mind. Campers wanting to learn to cook, swim, learn a sport, or act can do just that at McGinnis Woods!

Have your camper join in on the fun and plan to attend our Sunsa-

tional Summer Camp. For additional information or to register, please contact us at www.mcginniswoods.org or call 770-664-7764. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Sunsational Summer

MAY 30-AUGUST 4

4 YEAR OLDS - 13 YEAR OLDS

Have your camper camper join join the thefun funand andbe bepart partof of something special: anspecial: amazing filled with great learning something ansummer amazing summer filled with opportunities fun! Campers’ imaginations great learningand opportunities and fun!

Campers’will be sparked by the counselors, themes, imaginations willcaring be sparked by theengaging caring counselors, fiweekly eld trips, water fiplay, STEM activities, andand surprises! themes, eld trips, water activities surprises!

POINTERS FOR PARENTS:

For kids’ sake: Make time to play every day (NAPSI)—If life for your family sometimes seems to be all work and no play, The Genius of Play wants to remind you why it is so important to make time to play every day—and how to achieve it!

Did you know there is a direct correlation between play and stress reduction?

Or that elementary students who have more than 15 minutes of recess are better behaved in school than those who have less?

According to experts at the Genius of Play, a movement whose mission is to raise awareness about the benefits of play and bring more play into kids lives, playtime is a powerful tool to help you unwind, while bringing the whole family closer together.

What’s more, through play kids build physical skills, improve cognitive abilities, learn communication and social skills, process and express emotions, and increase creativity.

How Families Can Play Every Day Here are some fun ideas from Genius of Play ambassador, parenting expert and author Meredith Sinclair, M.Ed, on how to incorporate play into your busy every day routine: • Leave space for the spontaneous: Intentionally mark off small chunks of time on the calendar throughout the week for “spontaneous” playtime.

Sometimes, spontaneity takes planning.

• Turn everyday occasions into playful moments. Make household chores fun by putting on some favorite music and having the kids dance as they put the toys away, make the bed or help with the dishes.

• Collect easy-to-play instruments like harmonicas, bongos or toy ukuleles for impromptu after-dinner family jam sessions.

• Keep playthings like hula hoops, crafts and playground chalk on hand for quick 10-minute play breaks during the day. It only takes a moment to create a chalk “picture frame” in the driveway and get the kids to draw something creative inside it.

• For a fun evening, try shutting down all screens after dinner once in a while and gathering the whole family around a board game.

It’s Child’s Play: Great Ideas and Resources Parents, teachers and play lovers can get expert advice, play ideas for all ages, and information on the benefits of play at www.thegeniusofplay.org.

Created with the mission to help raise happier, healthier and more successful generations through the power of play, the Genius of Play website and social media channels show how to help kids build confidence, creativity, critical thinking and other skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

SUMMER CAMPS • Sponsored Section

Day Camps HORSE CAMPS

Willow South Riding School, Celebrating 17 years of excellence in riding! Johns Creek location with INDOOR ARENA. We offer all levels of instruction. Ages 5-12.

9am-1pm. Learn to ride in a fun, safe program with skilled instructors and experienced horses. www.willowsouth.com. $375 includes camp shirt and horse show!

Send email to willowsouth@gmail.com.

Sign up early to reserve your spot! Spring Break - April 3-7; June 5-9; June 12-16, June 19-23; June 26-30; July 10-14, July 17-21; July 24-28

PARKS AND RECREATION

Find your family’s fun this summer with Alpharetta Recreation and Parks!

Camps include Art Exploration, Sports Camps, Babysitter Boot Camp, and Specialty Camps (cheer, dance, gymnastics, LEGO, tennis). One-week or multi-day sessions offered for ages 3-17; dates/times/ costs vary. Also available: General Day Camp at Wills Park, CIT Junior Counselor Program, and Camp Happy Hearts (for children with mild disabilities). Recreation classes continue during summertime too.

Choose from cupcake decorating, harps, karate, outdoor adventure programs, teen drawing/art portfolio, tree climbing, swimming lessons, and more! Activities held at various locations in Alpharetta. For info: 678-297-6100. To browse 2017 Spring/ Summer Recreation Guide or to enroll: www.alpharetta.ga.us/recreation.

PRESCHOOL

Get ready for Kids ‘R’ Kids most interactive summer adventure ever! Now Enrolling!

Discover and explore a unique camp each week! Now Registering ages 5 through 12 years old. During our 10-week summer camp series, campers explore their hidden talents, potential passions and intriguing interests. Campers will experience art and cooking, engineering and community service, and everything in-between. This summer camp is all about the journey to discover what suits each camper’s personality - the quest to discover what they like best. Plenty of field trips and outdoor fun are included! We invite parents to join in the fun by following our weekly adventures across social media. #KRKCamp17. www.kidsrkidsatlanta.com

ROWING

Looking for a fun new sport? Come learn to row or improve your skills at Saint Andrew Rowing Club in Roswell.

Rising 6th -12th graders learn boat handling and rowing technique on the beautiful Chattahoochee River! Our smaller environment offers more time on the water and time with our excellent coaches! Intro to Rowing I: One week camps for beginners. AM and PM sessions, $150/session; $250/full day.

Intro to Rowing II: Two week AM camps for those who have completed Intro I or an intro fall/spring season, $250/ session. Dates: 6/12-6/16, 6/19-6/23*, 6/26-6/30, 7/10-7/14*, 7/17-7/21, 7/24-7/28* * Full Day option available.

Visit www.standrewrowing.com for more details or to sign up!

Learn to Row with Atlanta Junior

Rowing Association this summer! No experience is needed for students ages 12+ to get started with the ultimate team sport.

All summer camp practices will be held on the Chattahoochee River, at the AJRA boathouse, 245 Azalea Drive, Roswell.

Four two-week camp sessions are available for brand new rowers throughout June and July, with two one-week accelerated camps available for high school athletes. Check out our full summer schedule at www.ajracrew.com, or email us for more details: ajra.information@gmail.com.

SCIENCE

Club SciKidz Science and Technology Camps: Club SciKidz offers children and teen’s age’s 4-5, exciting camps in science and technology. Camps include experiments and projects in Video Game Creation, Robotics, Veterinary Science, Crime Scene Investigation, Culinary Science, Paleontology, Engineering, Space, Biology, Chemistry, Oceanography, LEGO Robotics, Medicine, Programming, 3-D Printing, and Drones.

For 17 years, Club Scikidz has been providing an opportunity for young people to see how science works in the real world.

Our 48 themed camps inspire interest in science and technology by involving children in the creation of a multitude of take-away projects in each camp. 14 Metro Atlanta locations available. www. clubscikidz.com for more information or call 678-493-5651.

SOCCER CAMPS

Soccer Camps at Emory University Boys Camps Eagle Full Day Camps – June 1923 and July 24-28 for boys ages 7-14, extended care available. Eagle Elite Residential/Commuter Camp - July 7-9 for boys ages 13-18 Info available at www.eagleboyssoccercamps​.com or contact: Camp Director, Sonny Travis, Emory Men’s Head Soccer Coach, sonny.travis@emory.edu or 404727-0597.

Eagle Day Camp each week is $335 and includes lunch. Campers will be grouped by age and ability for all camps.

Info for residential or commuter camps on the website. Camps are held on the Emory campus.

Overnight Camps FLORIDA

Waterski & Wakeboard Camp. Jack Travers’ Sunset Lakes located an hour from Orlando in the heart of Central Florida since 1973. Spring & Summer Camp includes a variety of things on the water, beginners on two skiis, learning to trick, wakeboard, wake surf and Slalom and jump. All abilities are accepted from beginner to advanced.

Other fully supervised activities by adult staff include Paddle boarding fun environment mixed in with group night time activities of bowling, ping pong, beach volley ball, camp fires, movies, canoeing the natural springs of Florida, Go-Carting, shopping, trip to Water Park, Beach day.

Open year round.

More information at www.jacktravers. com. Te;: 1-800-732-2755. Email: h2oskijacks@aol.com

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 31

GEORGIA

SPECIAL NEEDS

Strong Rock Camp is a place our campers call “home” and everyone is family. A co-ed Christian camp in the northeast Georgia mountains offering 6-day mini and 13-day main sessions for 1st-11th graders. Our mature, talented, and service-oriented staff are the role models parents, and especially campers, are looking for. Unconditional love and acceptance help every camper belong. We build confident and independent kids through a wide range of activities, including horseback riding, archery, riflery, canoeing, climbing, swimming, outdoor living skills, super science, dance, drama, arts and crafts, team sports, tumbling, fishing and rocketry.

Located in Cleveland, Georgia, 1.5hrs from Atlanta and 20 min from the end of 400.

706-348-1533. www.strongrockcamp.com.

Traditional camp for the non-traditional camper Talisman Programs provide exceptional co-ed summer camp opportunities for young people ages 6-22 with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (Aspergers), ADD/ADHD and other learning differences. Since 1980 our ACA-accredited programs have been offering unique alternatives to ordinary summer camps.

We provide a structured, nurturing environment within an exciting adventure program in which our campers can have a successful summer while increasing social skills, a sense of personal responsibility and more positive self-image.

5, 13, 16 and 19 day pro grams.

Nestled in the beautiful western North Carolina mountains, south of Asheville, we are a 3 hour drive from Atlanta. Visit our website www.talismancamps.com or 1-855-LUV-TALI

Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mtn in NW GA is a traditional, overnight camp for boys & girls ages 6–14. Just 2 hours from Atlanta, Camp Woodmont features horseback riding, high-ropes, climbing, sports, dance, crafts, canoeing, archery & more!

Founded in 1981, Camp Woodmont is the perfect place to build lifelong friendships and everlasting memories.

Our deep-seeded traditions, close family atmosphere and caring counselors make campers feel secure, welcome & reassured! Counselors are college-age and live in the cabins with the campers.

Our camp program is very well-suited to first-time campers. Come tour the camp at our Open House May 21, 2017 from 2-5 pm. 423-472-6070 or go to www.campwoodmont.com

Camp Juliette Low (CJL) provides girls with exciting, outdoor experiences that foster self-confidence, promote teamwork, and develop leadership skills.

At CJL, campers will find a place where they can be themselves, learn new skills, and have fun! CJL was founded in 1922 by Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, and maintains its rustic setting and time-honored traditions.

Today, CJL operates independently from the Girl Scouts and is open to all girls ages 7-17. Located on beautiful Lookout Mountain, CJL offers one and two week sessions June 4-July 29, 2017. Platform tents, outdoor adventure, traditional camping, fun and friendship! Preparing Girls for Confident Living and Leadership Since 1922. www.CJL.org

HORSE CAMP

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp.

Horse lovers’ paradise since 1954! Located on 600 acres a’top Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA. Enrollment is limited to 50 girls, ages 8-17, offering one and 2-week sessions.

We offer several riding programs and encourage each camper to participate in all of them: English and Hunt Seat; Western Stock Seat and Barrels (Gymkhana); Trails and Vaulting. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend 4-6 hours daily with your OWN camp horse. The Jones family are third generation horse lovers, camp administrators, and equine educators making girls dreams come true! Come tour the camp at our Open House May 21 from 1-3pm. 706-862-2231; www.valleyviewranch.com.

Camp SAY: A Summer Camp for Young People who Stutter; August 1-15, 2017.

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At ESL Summer Camp, campers spend 25 hours/week in the classroom learning English. In the afternoons and weekends, they participate in the same activities as the regular MMA campers.

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32 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Elizabeth and Mark Williams teach dance at the Alpharetta American Legion and host dances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

DANCING IN THE DARK:

Couples, singles find fun on dance floor

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – It’s Friday night, and that means the start of another weekend of dancing at Alpharetta American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night they come with their dancing shoes to “cut a rug” to live bands and recorded music.

Making it all happen are Mark and Elizabeth Williams. Elizabeth has been the Legion’s dance director for nearly nine years and its entertainment director for the past three. From 7 to 8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, they give dance lessons to the beginners and those who are just a little rusty about the latest dances. Sunday nights it is all dancing.

They teach East Coast Swing and West Coast as well as ballroom and jitterbug. With admission just $10, there is always a healthy crowd of 150 or more.

“We teach a different dance every Friday,” said Elizabeth. “It will be California mix one week, then Ballroom and Swing Invasion.”

The couple quickly puts beginning dancers at ease and keep things moving at an easy but steady pace. Students dance in a line and switch partners every few minutes.

It is not surprising they work so well as a team. Elizabeth and Mark met 34 years ago as Arthur Murray Studio teachers. Today, Mark, who has two college degrees and a full-time job, still enjoys getting people to relax and enjoy themselves on the dance floor.

“The American Legion approached us about building up a dance com-

munity. They like to see the hall being enjoyed,” Elizabeth said. “It is 100 percent non-smoking and the bar is very reasonable.”

Both their dads were World War II veterans, so they like the idea that all the proceeds go to help today’s service men and women and the veterans.

They attract people from all over.

Some come from inside the Perimeter. They like the atmosphere. It is laid back, and many who come sit at the same table and decorate it for the appropriate holiday. This week was St. Patrick’s Day weekend, so there was a lot of green going on.

“The dress code is what’s comfortable to you,” Elizabeth said. “Our biggest problem is getting the word out to the public that there’s dancing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

“I grew up at the Legion in my hometown. It was a big social center.

And my mom was president. They wouldn’t let her leave. She made it the social center of the community.”

Sharon and Michael Wingo have been coming for years. Sharon says she really enjoys it because “It’s lots of fun.”

Josephine Cole is almost legendary at the Legion. She is 87 years young and just loves to dance.

“I like to stay active so I come here to dance,” she said. “My heart doctor says I’m going to live to be 100 years old. It’s because I exercise. We have a good time because it is like families here.”

Born in Italy, she married a soldier while living in Miami. Now a widow, she just loves the Legion.

“I do a lot of country dancing. A bunch of us ladies sit together and the men ask us to dance. We have a good time,” she said.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 33

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – In the usual classroom setting the more mature individual is instructing the young people, but when it comes to high-technology devices the opposite is often true.

Sometimes learning the new technology can be tricky and a bit puzzling and that is where the tables are often turned. It is the young folks who teach the older folks.

Student Leadership Johns Creek in conjunction with AT&T facilitated a hands-on workshop working with the seniors of Johns Creek to help them learn different features on their iPhones, iPads and other tech devices.

Many came loaded with their various devices and with specific questions while others wanted to understand simpler things like how to turn the thing on and keep it from turning off.

Johns Creek High School student Sarina Parikh said “it was such a fulfilling experience.

“I’m Glad that I was able to teach community members about technology and also learn some valuable life lessons from them,” she said.

Many seniors don’t know how to fully use their phones and tablets and are afraid to explore their devices.

Teenagers, however, have grown up in the digital age and have an almost intuitive knowledge of these devices.

It was a perfect mix for this exchange of knowledge set at Park Place at Newtown Park recently.

Park Place was packed with seniors and teens working one-on-one to fix font sizes, find bible apps, change

settings and make their device more user-friendly.

One of the seniors said that her favorite part of the event was “My Christina,” referring to her student helper Christina Zhao.

Each oldster walked away with a bit more knowledge while each of the teens left with a new friend.

Many exchanged their contact information.

“It was exciting watching as the seniors and teenagers built connections through learning,” said Irene Sanders, executive director of Student Leadership Johns Creek.

Ontario Smith, AT&T Regional Director – External Affairs was a big reason for the event’s success. His support of Student Leadership Johns Creek throughout the year has been huge and his AT&T associates provided training and the iPads that were used at the event.

Created in 2015, AT&T’s Digital You is a comprehensive program that offers tools, tips, apps, guidance and community training for people of all ages and levels of online experience to learn more about how to have a safe and secure online experience.

Through Digital You, AT&T has collaborated with prominent national organizations such as Common Sense, The OASIS Institute, and AARP to increase digital literacy.

More information about Student Leadership Johns Creek can be found at: www.studentleadershipjohnscreek. com .

COMMUNITY

Family Promise addresses homeless families in North Fulton Group provides housing, financial coaching and job acquisition skills

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

Local congregations supporting Family Promise

NORTH FULTON, Ga. — Though North • Alpharetta Presbyterian Fulton is an affluent community, there • Mt. Vernon Presbyterian are those who are still burdened with • Northminster Presbyterian homelessness. Family Promise of North • Roswell Presbyterian Fulton/Dekalb provides shelter, meals • Roswell United Methodist and services for families who have • Sandy Springs United Methodist fallen on hard times.

• St. Dunstan’s Episcopal The North Fulton/Dekalb chapter • Temple Beth Tikvah of the national program, which began • Temple Sinai in New Jersey in 1986, has now been • Unitarian Universalist (Roswell) assisting families since 2013. Since then, the chapter has assisted nearly 200 individuals, over half of whom were ily members are not housed in separate children. areas.

Paige Dillard, associate director of With most shelters, once boys have the North Fulton/Dekalb chapter, says reached the age of 12, they are housed though homelessness is not seen as an in the men’s area, meaning a mother issue in the affluent region, it is a real of a teenage son would be housed in a problem, and perhaps a cause of the different location than her son. region’s well-to-do location.

“A mother doesn’t want to be apart “Because people see North Fulton from her teenage son,” she said. “Our and North Dekalb as safe and affluent, program gives them the opportunity to that drives rent up. Soon they can’t afbe housed together.” ford the apartment that was once $750 One of the success stories of the a month and is now $1,200 a month. chapter involves a woman who came That’s when they to the program in come to us,” Dillard 2015. said.

The woman’s The majority of husband had left families they assist her, leaving her do not struggle with alone with her 6, chronic homeless3 and 1-year-old. ness, but rather The woman had PAIGE DILLARD have lost a job, not worked since Associate director of could no longer afthe birth of her first the North Fulton/Dekalb chapter ford their residence child, and suddenly or are afflicted with she was homeless, another temporary struggle. jobless and had to support three chilThe Family Promise program lasts dren. between 30-90 days during which time With the support of Family Promfamilies are housed in congregations ise, she secured a full-time job and an of various denominations. The families apartment in just over 90 days. spend Sunday evening to the followAnother woman who came through ing Sunday morning at a congregation the program with her two daughters before moving to another for the next was later voted to the chapter’s board week. Dillard said the rotation provides of directors. each with an opportunity to help and Though the chapter has reveled in lessens the burden on a single congrethe success of local families, Dillard gation. said the goal is to always help more.

In addition to housing, families are “Right now we have seven congregiven meals, and assistance is provided gations housing our guests. If we could for resume building and job acquisidouble the number of congregations tion. Unemployed guests must apply that support us we could double the for a minimum of three jobs per week amount of families we could support. and volunteers assure that guests are The goal is never done, we always want actively seeking employment. to help more.”

What separates Family Promise For information about the program, from other assistance programs is famvisit http://www.familypromisenfd.org.

The goal is never done, we always want to help more.”

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 35

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36 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Girl Scouts help beautify Ocee Park Troop carries out commitment for community service

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek’s Ocee Park is just a little greener today than it was before after Girl Scout troop 14454, 11 fourth-graders strong, planted a red-flowering dogwood tree March 12 at Ocee Park to observe the 105th anniversary of the founding of Girl Scouts.

“It’s the Girl Scouts’ birthday. They were founded in 1912 [just 2 years after the boys] and they earned their badge – The Girl Scout Way for community service,” said Troop Leader Jennifer Wieland.

“It is part of the idea that Scouts should leave the world a better place than they found it,” she said.

The troop had received permission from the city to use one small “nook” of the park as a place they could beautify.

They spent time picking up trash and making the area presentable.

They also used some of their earn-

Members of Girl Scout Troop 14454 enjoy having done their community service work. From left are Meghna Baishya, Sarah Small, Jorah Mackey, Josie Endres, Risha Kohli, Brady Foil, Grace Anne Biller, Ryan Norris and Meredith Wieland.

Back row are co-leaders Stephanie Endres and Jennifer Wieland. ings selling Girl Scout Cookies for the materials for the tree planting.

But with the dogwood safely in the ground, these Scouts are not done yet.

Wieland says they plan to return with still more improvement projects for their little parcel in Ocee Park.

“We plan to make more improvements. We would like to put in a bench and plant flowers. We would like to

make it place where people could come to relax and enjoy this little nook we’ve started,” Wieland said.

And why not? These girls began together as Daisy Scouts in kindergarten and then were Juniors and Brownies together. Next year they will begin working on their Bronze Award, the first step to attaining their Silver and Gold awards.

Their troop leaders, Wieland and Stephanie Endres, want to see their girls succeed and be the best Scouts they can be, Wieland said. This project teaches them cooperation, teamwork and goal-setting skills they will keep all their lives.

“This is just their first step in their ongoing project to make this area a place for residents to come and enjoy.”

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 37

New Eagle Scouts for the Northern Ridge District NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District for the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton recently announced its newest Eagle Scouts. These are the Scouts passed their Board of Review on Feb. 23 held at the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church: Andrew Liang, of Troop 2000, was sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. His project was the design and construction of two large elevated planter boxes and five smaller planters mounted on the balcony’s railing at Sunrise Senior Living of Johns Creek Center.

Jordan Klustner, of Troop 87, sponsored by Roswell Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and creation of a 8’x12’ storage shed at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Matthew Stuver, of Troop 226 was sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church.

For his project, Stuver designed and constructed Two Walking Stick Corals for the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. Stuver then created and stocked these corals with walking sticks all branded with Autrey Mill’s name.

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From left stand the region’s newest Eagle Scouts Andrew Liang, Jordan Klustner, Matthew Stuver, Eric Wang, Davis White, Jonathan Avery and Charles Kevers.

Eric Wang, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, designed and constructed a large cabinet with swinging doors to store Band uniforms for the Chattahoochee High School Band Room.

Davis White, of Troop 1459, was sponsored by St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. His project was the design and construction of a staircase down a dirt path located on a hill at Cambridge

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High School. White also constructed a gravel pathway connecting the stairs to the student parking area.

Jonathan Avery, of Troop 10, was sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. His project was the design and construction of an outdoor fire pit and four benches for this fire pit for Three Dimensional Life, an organization that helps rescue young men from addiction, depression and destructive

behavior.

Charles Kevers, of Troop 1717, was sponsored by Cross of Life Lutheran Church. For his project, Kevers created a school club called Road to Success that would help connect students to career paths.

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38 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Front from left are Jennifer Cobb-Rivera, Kyrstyn Fisher, CJ Fisher and Aiden Rivera. Back from left are Chattahoochee athletic director JJ Hicks, head coach Jeff Aiken, Fernando Rivera, grandmother Melanie Cobb and Principal Tim Corrigan.

Midtown Atlanta Rotary honors AHS STAR Student Anav Mittal, center, and his STAR Teacher Frank Fortunato.

AHS STAR Student Anav Mittal recognized ATLANTA – The Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club recently honored Alpharetta High School STAR Student Anav Mittal and his STAR Teacher Frank Fortunato at a Feb. 21 recognition breakfast for Fulton STAR students.

“I want to compliment Anav Mittal on achieving academic excellence

and his teacher Frank Fortunato for helping Anav and other high school students reach their goals,” said Dan Ricks of Midtown Rotary.

Ricks also congratulated Alpharetta High School for helping provide an outstanding learning experience for Georgia’s future leaders.

Hooch’s Fisher signs with Birmingham-Southern JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School’s Kyrstyn Fisher has committed to play NCAA Division III softball at Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, Ala., where the BSC Panthers are currently ranked No. 13 in the country.

Fisher, a four-year varsity letterman and starter for the Cougars, was selected to the 6-AAAAAA All-Region Team in 2014 and 2015, and received honorable mention in 2013 and 2016.

She helped lead her team to state

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playoffs as senior captain in 2016, the farthest the Cougars have gone in softball to date.

During her freshman year, she broke the single-season RBI record (24).

She received the Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year award in 2014 and leaves Hooch holding four school career records; home runs (9), RBI’s (84), walks (26), and batting average (.422). Fisher plans to pursue a degree in medicine as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.

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SPORTS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 39

Chattahoochee’s Carling Deehr has committed to play tennis at Western Carolina Chattahoochee’s Molly Swiger signed to play soccer the U.S. Naval Academy.

Swiger to play soccer for Naval Academy JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School’s Molly Swiger has committed to play soccer as a goalkeeper at the United States Naval Academy.

Swiger, a three-year varsity letterman at CHS, played for Alpharetta Ambush for three seasons and served as captain of her Atlanta Fire ECNL team

from 2015-17. She is a TAG student, a member of the National Honor Society, and has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll every semester at Chattahoochee.

She is a co-founder and president of the Voices for Veterans club, a group that seeks to raise awareness of and assist veterans in the community.

Hooch tennis star commits to Western Carolina JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School’s Carling Deehr has committed to play tennis at Western Carolina.

Deehr, a four-year letterman, played No. 1 line singles for Hooch her freshman, sophomore and senior years. She has received the Athletic-Academic Award, the Cougar Award her freshman year, an Academic Excellence Award in literature her junior year, and has made honor roll every year.

A 3-star recruit according to TennisRecruiting.net, Deehr has consistently been ranked in the top 250 nationally and top 10 in Georgia. Her highest class ranking this year has been inside the top 165. In addition to regularly competing at the Sectional and National levels, she has also won several USTA sportsmanship awards.

Multisport athlete Isaac Kinsey of Chattahoochee has committed to play football at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Hooch lacrosse goaltender Gabrielle Sharman will continue her career at Purchase College.

Hooch’s Sharman to play lacrosse at Purchase College JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School’s Gabrielle Sharman has committed to play lacrosse at Division III Purchase College in White Plains, N.Y. Sharman is a two-year starting goalie for the Hooch lacrosse team and played club lacrosse for X Team 2017.

Sharman helped Chattahoochee Girls Lacrosse win the area championship in 2016 with an appearance in the state quarterfinal. A TAG student, she plans to major in psychology at Purchase.

In addition to playing lacrosse, Sharman is also an accomplished equestrian, participating in horse shows with Equestrian Reserve. She also volunteers at the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry.

Kinsey to continue football career at West Point JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chattahoochee High School’s Isaac Kinsey has committed to play football for the NCAA Division I United States Military Academy at West Point in New York.

Kinsey, a multisport athlete, was a four-year varsity letterman in basketball and three-year varsity letterman in football. As a sophomore, he was listed as a top receiver in the state. He has also received several nominations for both Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week from the North Georgia Touchdown Club. During his junior

year, Kinsey was invited to the 2015 All-American Offense-Defense Bowl in Florida, where he was a standout.

During the 2016 season, Kinsey was named the Offensive Player of the Week in week 10, earned Chattahoochee’s Distinguished Athlete Award, and was named the Chattahoochee Player of the Year and The North Georgia Touchdown Club’s Player of the Year.

His career stats include over 2,000 receiving yards, more than 30 touchdowns, five interceptions, and 74 tackles during his only year on defense.

40 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

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LACROSSE (BOYS) Friday, March 17 • Blessed Trinity 9, Greater Atlanta Christian 8 (OT) • Milton 22, Chattahoochee 4 • Fellowship Christian 11, River Ridge 5 • Pinecrest Academy 12, North Springs 1 • Roswell 10, Woodstock 9 (2OT) • South Forsyth 10, Collins Hill 9 • West Forsyth 16, North Forsyth 5 Saturday, March 18 • Cambridge 12, Alpharetta 7 • Centennial 23, Allatoona 10 • Holy Innocents’ 12, Fellowship Christian 11 • Johns Creek 11, Pope 9 • Lambert 17, Walton 3 You’re never more than 2 clicks away on your smart phone, tablet or desktop.

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SOCCER (BOYS) Friday, March 17 • Cambridge 2, Alpharetta 1 • Blessed Trinity 6, White County 0 • Centennial 7, Northview 0 • Clarkston 2, Chattahoochee 1 (PK) • Johns Creek 4, Dunwoody 0 • Pinecrest Academy 4, King’s Ridge 3 • Meadowcreek 4, North Forsyth 0 • Roswell 2, Woodstock 1 • Whitefield Academy 4, St. Francis 0 • West Forsyth 4, Lassiter 2 Saturday, March 18 • Westminster 6, Chattahoochee 2

SOCCER (GIRLS) Friday, March 17 • Alpharetta 2, Cambridge 1 (OT) • Blessed Trinity 5, White County 0 • Centennial 6, Northview 1 • Johns Creek 3, Dunwoody 0 • Pinecrest Academy 6, King’s Ridge 0 • North Forsyth 8, Meadowcreek 0 • Roswell 5, Woodstock 0 • Whitefield Academy 4, St. Francis 0 • West Forsyth 2, Lassiter 1

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 41

Immigration: Continued from Page 6 cates for children, marriage certificates, property documents, leases, tax returns and power of attorney to keep in a safe place just in case.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals was another big concern, but not much has changed in regard to DACA, according to Rosen, and he encouraged people to reapply if needed.

Likewise, those applying for citizenship or asylum should also continue to do so, Rosen added.

“When it comes to immigration, it’s a little bit like fishing,” Rosen said. “The more lines you have in the water, the better it is. If you have a potential asy-

lum case, file that. If your U.S. citizen boyfriend is going to file for you, let him file. That way you have both things proceeding and you can talk to an attorney to find out which is going to work best.”

Rosen cautioned against “notarios,” who claim to give good legal advice for little money, but have unintentionally landed people in removal proceedings.

“They’re not attorneys. They don’t know the law. They’ll take your money.

They’ll charge you a lot less than we might charge you, and they give horrible advice,” Rosen said. “If you want legal advice, go to a lawyer.”

For up-to-date information about immigration law, Rosen recommended visiting aila.org.

NFCC also offers help, in English and Spanish at nfcchelp.org or 770640-0399.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be considered by the City Council on Monday, April 17, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. PH-17-11/V-17-11 Edward Andrews Homes/Thompson Street (Council Only) Consideration of a request to change previous conditions of zoning to allow for the conversion of 17 ‘For-Sale’ townhome units to ‘For-Sale’ Detached units. The applicant requests a variance to reduce the minimum lot size. The property is located on the north side of Thompson Street, just west of Park Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 749, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. V-17-08 Shamoun/1021 Colony Drive Setback Variance (Council Only) Consideration of a variance request to reduce the rear and side yard setbacks for a residential accessory structure from 10’ to 4’ at the rear and 5’ on the side to allow for a storage shed and pavilion structure. The property is located at 1021 Colony Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1129, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. PH-17-10 Gutman/Canton Street Road Abandonment (Council Only) Consideration of a request to abandon a remnant portion of the Canton Street right-of-way adjacent to 401 Canton Street. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1180, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, April 24, 2017 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. MP-15-01/CLUP-15-01/Z-15-01/V-15-01 KB400 Master Plan/1699 Land Company (Deferred by the Applicant) Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 12.4 acres from O-I (OfficeInstitutional) to R-8A/D (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Attached/Detached Residential) in order to develop 61 ‘For-Sale’ detached homes in a gated community. A master plan amendment to the KB400 Master Plan Pod A is requested to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Detached’ to the list of permitted uses. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment is requested to change the designation of the property from ‘Corporate Office’ to ‘High Density Residential’. Variances are requested to reduce the minimum lot width and setbacks. The property is located at the southwest corner of Kimball Bridge Road and North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 807, 808, 849 & 850, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. MP-17-04/V-17-09 AdvancED Consideration of a request for master plan amendment to the Cousins Westside Master Plan Pod Q to allow for the construction of a 40,000 square foot office building. A variance is requested to reduce the required amount of parking. The property is located at 9115 Westside Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 690, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. Z-17-03 Thompson Street/Burnett Circle/DT-LW Consideration of a request to rezone 5.78 acres from R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Residential) and R-15 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’ Residential) to DT-LW (Downtown Live-Work) to allow for the construction of 44 ‘For-Sale’ Townhomes. The property is located on the north side of the Thompson Street and Westside Parkway intersection and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. PH-16-12 Unified Development Code - Text Amendments Consideration of text amendments to the Unified Development Code addressing ‘Hotel’ definitions and associated modifications to the list of permitted uses, reduce front setback requirements for certain North Main Street properties, Site Grading and Land Disturbance, as well as other miscellaneous amendments.

d. PH-16-12 Tree and Landscape Ordinance Amendments (Council Only) Consideration of text amendments to the UDC to consolidate landscape and tree requirements into one location within the UDC, clarify and simplify certain requirements to provide for ease of use and implementation, and provide incentives and options to save trees during land development.

e. PH-17-06 Burnett Circle Road Abandonment (Council Only) Consideration of a request to abandon the Burnett Circle right-of-way. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

42 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF JOHNS CREEK COUNCIL CHAMBERS 12000 FINDLEY ROAD, SUITE 300 JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097 The following Land Use Petition located within the City of Johns Creek are scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

RZ-17-005 Development Planning & Engineering, Inc. 7775 McGinnis Ferry Road MIX Conditional (Mixed) MIX Conditional (Mixed) Change in conditions to allow for an additional right-in only driveway.

Blotter: Continued from Page 2

Fraudulent account opened in woman’s name MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman said a fraudulent Sprint account was opened in her name.

She was tipped off when Sprint began contacting her for two months in an attempt to retrieve $69 in payment from her.

A credit statement showed the account was opened around Jan. 17. The victim said there was also a suspicious address associated with Brookhaven, Ga., on her credit statement. She has since had her credit frozen.

Gym burglarized, equipment damaged ROSWELL, Ga. — A woman recently reported that the community at Chattahoochee Circle had suffered $1,000 worth of damages.

When the employees entered the

gym that morning, they saw that the interior French doors, three washing machines and pool skimmer were damaged. The window pane in the doors was removed and shattered.

Additionally, several jump ropes were torn apart and strewn across the floor.

The security cameras were not working the night of the incident.

Car burglarized at Providence Park MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man went for a hike March 12 with his dog at around 2:45 at Providence Park. He returned to his car an hour later to find the rear passenger window of his blue 2008 Toyota Rav4 had been smashed.

Missing was a year-old MacBook Air computer, valued at $1,000, and a microphone. A GoPro camera and camera lens were not taken.

The victim said he talked with other trail-users, and they stated there was a white Nissan Sentra in the parking lot which was “circling and buzzing the lot,” but they were unable to provide any more information.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK RFQ #17-086 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES-ON CALL The City of Johns Creek seeks design consulting firms to provide professional engineering and related services for an annual on-call professional services consulting agreement. The selected firms will be added to the existing list of on-call firms from RFQ 15-216-1 and will give the City greater flexibility in awarding engineering opportunities. Services provided under this on-call consulting supplemental agreement will be for the following current or new categories: Category 1: Road Design Including Road Widening and Intersection Improvements – Including conceptual design, public involvement; traffic analysis; preliminary plan development; right-of-way plan development; final plan development. Familiarity with both the Federal PDP and/or GDOT standard specifications for local projects (TSPLOST) is required.

Category 4: Construction Engineering & Inspection – Perform as an extension of City staff in managing road construction projects to ensure conformance to design plans and compliance with accepted construction standards. Verify quantities, maintain records, coordinate utility relocation, and provide direction to the contractor.

Category 18: Noise Assessment Studies – Existing condition review; ambient noise measurements and modeling; design year modeling; preparation of final report Sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be received no later than March 27, 2017 at 10:00AM in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. RFQ’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted.

Quotes, bids, and RFP/Q’s will now be managed using the Georgia Purchasing Group by BidNet link, our new online bidding/vendor registration system, on the City website (www.johnscreekga.gov) . Vendors can register and view quote/bids, RFP opportunities.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 43

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Charter of the City of Johns Creek, Georgia Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 36-35-3, notice is hereby given the City Council of the City of Johns Creek, Georgia proposes the following amendments to the City Charter as Home Rule allows: Amendment 1: Section 2.14 Compensation and expenses This amendment would delete the provision of insurance (except workers compensation) and other benefits for the Mayor and Members of Council and clarifies the City Council may provide by ordinance for the reimbursement of expenses actually and necessarily incurred by the Mayor and members of City Council in carrying out their official duty.

Amendment 2: Section 2.15 Prohibitions This amendment would add language regarding public disclosure for members serving on a board whose interest is being considered by the City Council and noting they are allowed to participate in discussion on the matter following disclosure provided there is no private financial interest involved.

Amendment 3: Section 2.16 Removal of Officers This amendment clarifies language that an affirmative vote of five members of council regarding investigative hearings.

Amendment 4: Article III – Organization of Government, General Authority and Ordinances This amendment deletes the title section of 3.11 in its entirety and inserts the following: 3.11(c) (1): City Council Organization Amendment 5: Section 3.15 Voting This amendment changes the wording councilmembers to members of City Council and City Council.

Amendment 6: Section 3.18 Emergencies This amendment changes the word councilmembers to City Council.

Amendment 7: Section 3.21 Submission of ordinances to the mayor This amendment adds the wording “city” in front of the word Council and changes the language from five to two-thirds of the councilmembers regarding the timeframe to override a veto.

Amendment 8: Section 3.22 Powers and duties of the mayor This amendment clarifies language that the Executive Aide at no time shall conduct personal business for the mayor.

Amendment 9: Section 3.25 City Manager; powers and duties enumerated This amendment changes the time from the 1st of the month to the 15th of the month for the city manager to provide his report.

Amendment 10: Section 3.26: Council interference with administration This amendment provides for a process for council to communicate with staff as determined by the City Manager.

Amendment 11: Section 4.11 Boards This amendment provides for a removal of a board member by the majority vote of the city council.

Amendment 12: Section 6.12 Occupation taxes and business license fees This amendment deletes the word “denied” to be replaced by “prohibited.”

Amendment 13: Section 6.19 Borrowing This amendment adds the wording “limited to the stated ability by the City to repay said debt.”

Amendment 14: Section 6.20 Revenue Bonds This amendment adds the wording “limited to the stated ability by the City to repay said debt.”

Amendment 15: Section 6.23 Budget Ordinance This amendment adds the language “including the requirement of adopting an annual balanced budget for the general fund each special revenue fund and each debt service fund.”

Amendment 16: Section 6.36 Homestead Exemption This amendment deletes the title of Section 6.36 in its entirety and inserting in lieu of the following: “6.36 Homestead Exemption for Citizens Either Age 70 (years) or Disabled Persons, Meeting Certain Income Requirements.”

The proposed amendments are on file in the office of Clerk of the City of Johns Creek, in the office of the Fulton County Superior Court for examination and inspection by the public and on the city’s website at www.johnscreekga.gov. The Mayor and Council will consider these amendments for adoption during their regularly scheduled meeting on April 24, 2017. City Council meetings are held at Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, Johns Creek, Georgia beginning at 7:00pm. All council meetings are open to the public.

This 15th day of March, 2017 Joan C. Jones, City Clerk

44 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 arrested March 4 on East Crossville

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE

Road for DUI and two counts of failure to obey traffic control devices. ►► Natasha Mkambe Mgandi, 26 of Garrison Walk, Roswell, was arrested March 8 on Atlanta Street for DUI, hit and run and failure to yield while turning left. ►► Isabela Dias Berolossi Cabrai, 23 of New Fawn Lane, Milton, was arrested March 11 on Atlanta Street for DUI

PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on March15, 2017 for Retail Package on the Premises Wine.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on March10, 2017 for Retail Package on the Premises Wine.

BUSINESS NAME Gus Oil & Spice Company Dba Prima Olive 11030 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite 250 Johns Creek, GA 30024

BUSINESS NAME Atlanta Athletic Club 1930 Bobby Jones Drive Johns Creek, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS Gus Oil & Spice Company Dba Prima Olive 11030 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite 250 Johns Creek, GA 30024

OWNER/OFFICERS Atlanta athletic Club 1930 Bobby Jones Drive Johns Creek, GA 30022 Owner, Peter Lovelace Club Manager

Owner, Chrissi MacGregor

and failure to maintain lane. ►► Mary Anna Rayus, 52 of 13th Street, Atlanta, was arrested March 11 for DUI and failure to use a turn signal. ►► Geoffrey Bruce Lee, 66 of Windrift Court, Roswell, was arrested March 12 on Northpointe Trace for DUI, open container and not having a license on their person. ►► Derrick James McMillan, 26 of Indian Lake Drive, Marietta, was arrested March 9 for DUI on Pinion Lane. ►► Michael Raymond Zimmerman, 49 of Celestial Way, Alpharetta, was arrested March 10 on Jones Bridge Road for DUI. ►► Victoria Ashlynn Seabaugh, 29 of Sheringham Drive, Roswell, was arrested March 12 on Abbotts Bridge Road for DUI. ►► Raymond Colman Larsen, 54 of Brookstead Crossing, John’s Creek, for DUI.

Drug arrests ►► Nicholas Leon Webb, 27 of Hickory

Mill Lane, Milton, was arrested March 11 on Old Milton for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and hit and run. ►► Jennifer Jordan Boatright, 32 of Crabapple Springs Court, Woodstock, was arrested March 11 on Mansell

Road for possession of methamphetamines and failure to display a license plate. ►► Corinthians and Keiarra Mitchell, 26 and 25 of Memorial Drive, Decatur, were arrested March 7 on Windward Parkway for possession of marijuana less than one ounce, shoplifting and being party to a crime. ►► Christopher Husein, 26 of Sunberry Court, Alpharetta, was arrested March 4 on North Point Parkway for possession of marijuana less than one ounce, driving while license is suspended and failure to employ headlights. ►► Brittney Matrice Weaver, 29 of Treeridge Parkway, Alpharetta, was arrested March 3 on Ga. 400 for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and speeding. ►► Jason Bradley Bidwell, 41 of Spring Drive, Roswell, was arrested Feb. 27 on Spring Drive for possession of marijuana less than one ounce. ►► Weldon IV Bishop, 46 of North Peak Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested March 10 on Holcomb Bridge Road for possession of marijuana less than one ounce, DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Anthony Jaron Riddle, 22 of Township Circle, Alpharetta, was arrested March 10 on Twingate Drive, John’s Creek, for possession of marijuana greater than one ounce.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR MAYFIELD ROAD SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS ITB #17-007 The City of Alpharetta (City) is accepting bids for MAYFIELD ROAD SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS including, but not limited to, the fabrication, delivery and installation of sidewalks, curb and gutter, excavation/trenching, backfilling for utilities, asphalt pavement, storm drainage, landscaping and other related work to constructing sidewalk. The location of the work is along Mayfield Road, from Chantilly Drive to Bates Road within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia.

The ITB will be available online Thursday, March 9, 2017, at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the ITB documents.

The bid opening will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

For information, please contact Stephanie Cochran at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

FOR TELEPHONE MAINTENANCE & MONITORING SERVICE RFP # 17-110 The City of Alpharetta (City) is requesting proposals from qualified and experienced companies for Telephone Maintenance & Monitoring Service including, but not limited to, the City’s existing Cisco VoIP telephone network.

The Request for Proposal document will be available online Thursday, March 23, 2017, at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta. Interested parties are required to log in to review the RFP documents and submit any specific bid related questions.

Proposals will be due on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

For information, please contact Stephanie Cochran at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 45

DEATH NOTICES

Evelyn Ferguson, Evelyn Ferguson, of Roswell, passed of Roswell, passed away March March 8, 8, 2017.

2017. away Arrangements by Arrangements by Northside Chapel Chapel Funeral Funeral Northside Directors.

Directors.

Mildred Allen, Allen, of of Milton, Milton, Mildred passed away away March March 8, 8, passed 2017. Arrangements Arrangements by by 2017.

Northside Chapel Chapel Funeral Funeral Northside Directors.

Directors.

Dian Dane Chasteen, 78, of Dian Dane Chasteen, 78, of Cumming, passed passed away away March March 9, 9, 2017.

2017.

Cumming, Arrangements by

by Ingram Ingram Funeral Funeral Home.

Home.

Arrangements Katherine Irene Irene Ehle, Ehle, 74, 74, of of Cumming, Cumming, Katherine passed away March 14, 2017. passed away March 14, 2017.

Arrangements by

by Ingram Ingram Funeral Funeral Home.

Home.

Arrangements

John Christopher Christopher Franks, Franks, 54, 54, of of John Cumming, passed passed away away March March 8, 8, 2017.

2017.

Cumming, Arrangements by

by Byars Byars Funeral Funeral Home.

Home.

Arrangements Darrel Harris, of Darrel Harris, of Alpharetta, passed Alpharetta, passed away March March 11, 11, 2017.

2017. away Arrangements by Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Directors.

Rozella Huffman, Huffman, 72, 72, of of Roswell, Roswell, passed passed Rozella away March March 13, 13, 2017.

2017. Arrangements Arrangements by by away Byars Funeral Funeral Home.

Home.

Byars Wayne Hunter, Hunter, 78, 78, of of Cumming, Cumming, passed passed Wayne away March March 9, 9, 2017.

2017. Arrangements Arrangements by by away Ingram Funeral Funeral Home.

Home.

Ingram Sara Jane Jane Purcell, Purcell, 77, 77, of of Cumming, Cumming, Sara passed away March 14, 2017. passed away March 14, 2017.

Arrangements by

by Ingram Ingram Funeral Funeral Home.

Home.

Arrangements

John W. W. Taylor, Taylor, of of Roswell, Roswell, John passed away away March March 11, 11, passed 2017. Arrangements Arrangements by by 2017.

Northside Chapel Chapel Funeral Funeral Northside Directors.

Directors.

Milton Samuel Samuel Wolinsky, Wolinsky, 90, 90, of of Milton Cumming, passed passed away away March March 7, 7, 2017.

2017.

Cumming, Arrangements by

by Ingram Ingram Funeral Funeral Home.

Home.

Arrangements

Patricia Sullivan, Patricia Sullivan, of Roswell, passed of Roswell, passed away March March 8, 8, 2017.

2017. away Arrangements by

by Northside Northside Arrangements Chapel Funeral Funeral Directors.

Directors.

Chapel

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ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY STAFF For Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, a premier community. Dishwashers, servers, cooks, parttime maintenance and housekeepers.

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TECHNICAL Cisco Systems, Inc. is accepting resumes for the following position in Alpharetta, GA: Network Engineer (Ref.# ALP3): Responsible for the operational support of internal network systems. Please mail resumes with reference number to Cisco Systems, Inc., Attn: G51G, 170 W. Tasman Drive, Mail Stop: SJC 5/1/4, San Jose, CA 95134. No phone calls please.

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. EOE. www.cisco.com

MAIN CLASSIFIEDS continued on page 46

46 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | March 23, 2017 | 47

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48 | March 23, 2017 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com