Johns Creek Herald, October 2, 2014

Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►page 20

Colored pencil art In JCAC exhibition

Float on Check out Mark Ray’s boat of a car ►►Page 30

‘Fall Colors’ show fantastic, Hatcher Hurd says ►►Page 33

October 2, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 39

Billboards headed Johns Creek’s way By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com

Hatcher Hurd/Staff

This billboard at State Bridge Road and Kimball Bridge Road could be joined by 31 more signs in Johns Creek.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek residents have been calling City Hall about a huge LED-lit billboard at the Kimball Bridge Road and State Bridge Road intersection, asking why such a thing could be allowed to happen. That billboard – which is actually in Alpharetta – is only the tip of the iceberg. That sign was permitted by court order and there are more to come. Johns Creek could have as many as 31 more LED billboards that have court-ordered permits within the Johns Creek city limits. They are all due to a lawsuit lost years ago by Fulton County before Johns Creek was a city. Johns Creek City Manager Warren Hutmacher said there will be nowhere near 31 billboards permitted in the city. There simply is not the space on the specific locations. Just how many and where have not been decided yet. “Originally there were three sign companies all asking for permits. Some would have been back to back on the sites. So we are in discussions with the

company to find a reasonable number,” Hutmacher said. Realistically, there are physical limitations where the signs can go. Hutmacher said he thinks no more than half the number permitted will be built. The sign company Action Outdoor Advertising has bought out the competing two companies. “This all occurred long before there was a city of Johns Creek,” said Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker. “There are discussions that are ongoing.” The good news is that the number of signs in North Fulton was negotiated to a total of 34 signs. The State Bridge Road billboard is one of those. Another one is in Milton, and the third is in Alpharetta on South Main Street near the Roswell city limits. The bad news is there are 31 more signs permitted in what is now Johns Creek. Confusing? It is a legal tangle that began long before there were any “new” cities in North Fulton. The 75 billboard permits were requested in 2002, and denied by

See BILLBOARDS, Page 5

Eaves to residents: ‘We can do better’ Roswell town hall meeting gives residents chance to air grievances By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com ROSWELL, Ga. – Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves brought Sept. 23 many of his department heads to the Roswell Branch Library to listen to residents and tell them what the county could do.

“We are here to get the pulse of the city,” Eaves told a full house at Roswell Library’s meeting room. “We will seat a new Board of Commissioners with some new faces,” he said. “I think we can find some common ground and do a better job.” North Fulton Commissioner

Liz Hausmann and North Fulton Commissioner-elect Bob Ellis were listening, but did not speak. Eaves opened the meeting by touching on some issues including the Fulton County tax increase. A judge has said the county can proceed with the tax notices containing the 17 percent millage increase, but has not yet ruled if it is indeed constitutional. Recently, the Republicancontrolled Fulton County leg-

islative delegation announced it is considering doubling the homestead exemption to $60,000. “That would be problematical,” Eaves said. “Such a move would place more of the property tax burden on North Fulton because it would take almost all of the South Fulton residences off the tax roll. That just produces more inequity in the tax rolls.

See EAVES, Page 8

HATCHER HURD/Staff

Fulton County Chairman John Eaves makes a point answering a resident’s question at the town hall meeting he conducted at Roswell Library.

public safety

2 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A pair of suspicious people were arrested on drug charges Sept. 17 after acting “strange” at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant on Mansell Road. According to police, they received a call from the restaurant about two people – Demetreas Lamon Bronner, 33, of Gainesville, and Christina A. Gliszczynski, 35, of Dahlongea – harassing employees and acting nervous. Employees said the couple entered

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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.

Resident defrauded of thousands MILTON, Ga. – A Milton resident is the latest victim of a telephone scam that has gained popularity recently. The victim told police she received a phone call Sept. 19 from a “Lt. Kaufman” who said he was with the Fulton County Courthouse. He said the victim had missed jury duty and had a heavy fine to pay or be arrested. The victim was told to purchase Green Dot credit cards and relay their numbers to the officer. She did so, buying more than $2,000 in cards. The “officer” then said some of the cards did not work and asked her to do it again, which the victim did. In total, $4,260 was given to the scammer in cards. Government officials, be they police or court officials, will never ask for money over the phone and never ask to be paid with pre-paid debit cards.

Home intruder finds woman in shower JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A man broke into a Bristol Lane

shortly before closing time and said they had a take-out order. There was no such order. They then walked around, speaking rapidly and entered the manager’s office. Bronner then said he owned the business. When he began talking about the safe, the pair were asked to leave. Police met up with them in their car in the parking lot. The officer noted they were twitching and speaking rapidly, exhibiting signs of drug use. When Gliszc-

apartment Sept. 20 and attempted to assault a woman in the shower. According to the victim, she had returned home from the neighborhood gym. She got into the shower. Several minutes later, she said she noticed a leg on the other side of the shower curtain. She looked around and saw a short man standing in the bathroom. He pulled back the shower curtain and began taking pictures or video of the victim in the shower. She told him to get out and to let her get a towel. He allegedly responded saying, “But you left the door open.” At one point, the man pulled down his pants and made threatening remarks to her. She managed to shut him out of the bathroom and lock the door before calling neighbors for help. No suspects were found in the area.

Secret shopper scammed JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A Bristol Trace resident was the victim of a classic scam Sept. 20 and is out $1,600. The victim told police she received an email to sign up for a secret shopper program. She signed up and was in email contact with a man who told her what to do. He sent her a check for $1,985 and told her to cash

zynski got out of the car to speak to police, officers noted she was sitting on a scale and a knife, both of which had a white powder residue on them. In the center console of the car was a Tupperware container with suspected methamphetamine inside. Both were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a weapon during a crime. Gliszczynski also had an outstanding warrant out of Hall County.

it. Two money orders for $800 would be made and sent to a Florida address. The remaining money would be used to buy items at stores and she should write up a report. The victim did this. The next day, she said she received another check, this time for $2,485 with the same instructions. She took it to the bank and was told it was fraudulent. The bank employees then told her that the prior check returned for insufficient funds. The bank used money from her other bank accounts to pay for her money orders.

Pushy solicitor harasses neighbors CUMMING, Ga. — Two women felt harassed after a solicitor wouldn’t “take no for an answer,” according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A woman in the 5000 block of Stevenhaven Lane told deputies a blond solicitor wearing khaki shorts and a pink shirt knocked on her door Sept. 16. The solicitor talked to her about books or magazines, but the woman said she was not interested. The solicitor continued to move closer to her front door, so the woman shut the door on her. Then at about 12:45 p.m. Sept. 19, the solicitor came back and knocked on the door of the home across the street.

The neighbor there told deputies the solicitor had a bag of materials with her she tried to sell. The neighbor said she was not interested, and she watched the solicitor’s demeanor change from friendly to angry. The neighbor began taking pictures of the solicitor’s 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, and threatened to call 911. The solicitor ran to her car and sped off.

$800 in yoga pants missing CUMMING, Ga. — Retail employees noticed Sept. 14 yoga items missing from the store, but they have no idea who stole them or how, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. The product manager of Victoria’s Secret, 410 Peachtree Parkway, told deputies the items were taken over a two-day period. The manager said she does not know the exact amount of yoga pants missing, but estimates about 40 pairs. Surveillance video could not identify any suspicious activity.

School buses broken into FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. —

See BLOTTER, Page 3

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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 ►► Stelios Lampadarios, 46, of Rives

Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 13 on Bell Road in Johns Creek for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Andrew Kermit Newsome, 24, of Cumberland Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 6 on Colony Drive in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Douglas B. Wilks, 34, of Woodhaven Way, Alpharetta, was arrested Sept. 5 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane, no proof of insurance and violation of license restrictions. ►► Dwayne Adair Johnson, 21, of Hampton Square Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Sept. 5 on Ga. 400 in

Blotter: Continued from Page 2 Someone broke into a bus parked at a school and left the flashers on, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of Oak Grove Academy, 3480 Francis Road, told deputies she arrived for work at 6 a.m. Sept. 15 and saw the flashers were turned on in

Alpharetta for DUI, failure to yield and possession of marijuana. ►► Brent Charles McAfee, 50, of Burnett Drive, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 1 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Katelyn Elizabeth Kitzel, 24, of Statesboro was arrested Sept. 11 on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Carlton Alexander Martin, 21, of Decatur was arrested Sept. 6 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for DUI and possession of marijuana.

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 3

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Drug arrests ►► Wesley Alan Brooks, 24, of Canton

Street, Roswell, was arrested Sept. 8 on Highway 9 in Milton for possession of marijuana and brake light violation. ►► Jonathan Maurice Martin, 26, of Crabapple Lake Drive, Roswell, was arrested Sept. 13 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and suspended registration. the “big bus.” She said the top right glass in the door was cracked, or “spider webbed,” and the door was open. She checked the other buses and found another one had its weather stripping pulled away from the door. No other buses or pieces of property seemed tampered with. Deputies were unable to review video surveillance because it was not turned on at the time of the incident.

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City names 7-member Cultural Arts Board By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council has announced the selection of the inaugural seven-member Arts and Culture Board to serve staggered two-year terms. Mayor Mike Bodker brought forward the idea to create the Arts and Culture Board in part because so many qualified candidates applied for the Public Art Board. “There is a direct correlation among cities with vibrant arts programs and a strong commercial base. Companies are attracted to communities that value the arts and make a place for them,” Bodker said. “Cultural amenities not only raise the quality of life for our citizens, but attract visitors to our city as well,” he said. Bodker said the board’s job would be to make recommendations on how to increase arts and culture in the city. Board members would act as advisors to the City Council in matters of policy and administration regarding art and culture in and for the city. They may field proposals or make their own recommendations to the City Council. The Arts and Culture Board also investigates and reports on related matters to the council and submits recommendations on policies and

City of Johns Creek/ROSEMARY TAYLOR

Kirk Wilson, left, Deanna Maust, Kamini Anand, Brigid Yeager, Jacquie Tracy, Rae Prall and Ron Cioffi were appointed members of Johns Creek’s new Arts and Culture Board at the Sept. 22 City Council meeting. proposed programs or artwork for display. The City Council is not bound to act upon the board’s recommendations. However, the Arts Board is encouraged to use its collective wisdom and imagination to suggest ideas and bring projects to the city’s attention. “I would like to see us attract millennials as well as older people to where there is art and culture that would appeal to them,” Bodker said. The following board members selected are: Kamini Anand – Regis-

tered architect. Has been a volunteer at Lake Windward Elementary School, PTA, LSAC committee member; president of Kensington Oaks HOA; served on architectural committee. “I am vested in this community and would like to see it grow to its full potential.” Ron Cioffi – Newspaper and magazine graphic designer and assistant professor at University of North Georgia; photographer. President of Arts on the Creek Inc.; teamed with Johns Creek Arts Festival

to host juried art exhibition; Georgia Piedmont Orchestra board member; former board member Bridgeport (Conn.) Arts Council; Johns Creek Community Association member. “Public art gives a city an identity, a tourist attraction and a contribution to the culture of its people and visitors. Public art has been the bedrock of the great cities of the United States and Europe.” Deanna Maust – Interior

See ARTS, Page 36

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 37

ALPHARETTA: Park at Windward Village. 2932 Commonwealth Circle 30004. Estate sale. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Tools (power/hand), household, African collectibles, hiking, MORE!!!!! CUMMING: Multiple sales in large Lake Forest neighborhood, off Hendrix Road between John Burris and Highway 369 (Matt Highway/Browns Bridge). Friday 10/3 and Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Follow signs and balloons CUMMING: Fieldstone Glen. 3690 Azurite Street 30040. Friday 10/3, Saturday 10/4, 9am-2pm. Estate sale! Grandma’s moved here from Amelia Island, Florida with antique furniture, jewelry, real cut glass and more! CUMMING: Pinnacle Glen Subdivision,3076 Cross Creek Drive 30040. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Computer equipment, lamps, luggage, womens’ clothing: jackets, blouses, sweaters, shoes. Weed eater/hedge trimmer, purses, bedding, books +much, much

more. Moving: Everything must go! CUMMING, Multi family. Northern Oaks Subdivision, 3125 Yellow Oak Cove 30041. Friday, 10/3, 8am-2pm. Saturday 10/4, 8am-12pm. CUMMING: Multi-familyyard sale. Fieldstone Glen, 3690 Azurite Street 30040. Friday 10/3, Saturday 10/4, 9am-2pm. Furniture, clothes, exercise, electronics, more! JOHNS CREEK: Kingston Crossing Subdivision (off Buice Road), 9585 Fenbrook Court 30022. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Yard sale: 2 sets of bunk beds, boys’ clothing, home decor, etc. JOHNS CREEK 30022: Multi family/ location. Falls Of Autry Mill Subdivision, 4225 and 4170 Falls Ridge Drive, and 320 Willow Glade Point. Saturday 10/4, 8am-1pm. Something for everyone! JOHNS CREEK: 11325 Abbotts Station Drive 30097. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Dining room table, chairs, China cabinet. Desks. Other furniture. Moving; 20

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years accumulation! JOHNS CREEK: Multi family. Fox Glen Subdivision; Jones Bridge Road to East Fox Court 30005. Saturday 10/4, 8am1pm MILTON: Six Hills Subdivision. Multi family. Saturday 10/4, 8am-3pm. Household goods, toys, tools, hunting gear, antiques ROSWELL, Devereux Downs/ State Street Subdivisions. Multi-family yard sale. Woodstock Road 30075. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Rain/shine Roswell/Alpharetta: 405 Northgate Pass, at Chafin, 30075. Friday 10/3 and Saturday 10/4, 9am-4pm. Sunday 10/5, 1pm-4pm. Household, including furniture, mens', womens' clothing, yard tools; something for everyone! SOUTH FORSYTH, Entire Springmont community! Peachtree Parkway and Old Alpharetta Road 30041. Friday 10/3 and Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm.

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

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 5

Billboards: Johns Creek could see 30+ signs going up Continued from Page 1 Fulton County (See timeline). The three companies involved jointly sued the county on the grounds that the ordinance unduly restricted free speech under the First Amendment. Now that the Georgia Supreme Court has cleared the way siding with the sign companies, it has remained up to the remaining company and the city to agree where in Johns Creek the signs will be placed. With the Supreme Court decision hanging over the city’s head, there is no legal reason

for Action Outdoor to negotiate. That leaves the city with little bargaining power. “There is no legal requirement for any conversation; there is just a cooperative spirit,” Bodker said. Bodker said he has been impressed with Action Outdoors’ willingness to hammer out an agreement that will benefit both parties. “This was not our fight initially. We just inherited it from Fulton County. Now we have to make the best of it,” Bodker said.

Statewide burn ban ends Sept. 30 ATLANTA – The fire safety burn ban implemented by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will be lifted Sept. 30. From May 1 and continuing through Sept., Fulton County residents have been prohibited from burning leaves, tree limbs, other yard waste or land clearing debris. According to the Georgia Environmental Protection Divi-

sion (EPD), during the summer months in Atlanta, the ozone in the air can reaches unhealthy levels. EPD has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Therefore, open burning in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas is restricted during this time. For information visit fultoncountyga.gov/fcfrd-home.

Chattahoochee Evening Stars

Billboard timeline 2003 – 2005: Action Outdoor Advertising JV, LLC and three other companies file outdoor advertising applications with Fulton County. 2005: Fulton County denies them, citing its sign ordinance. The companies file a lawsuit and win in Fulton County on First Amendment grounds. Around 75 permits had been sought. 2005 – 2006: Cities of Sandy Springs, John Creek and Milton are established. 2007: Cities of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Milton consolidate with Fulton

County’s appeal to the billboard companies. 2011: The Ga. Supreme Court determined in a separate appeal that the Fulton County sign ordinance was unconstitutional. Thus, any permit requests must be granted absent any valid sign ordinance. 2014: Melvin K. Westmoreland of the Fulton Superior Court orders May 27 that all cities, including the city of Johns Creek, must comply with the sign permits. Talks are ongoing over how many signs will actually be permitted.

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6 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

North Fulton school enrollment dips Elementary numbers continue to decline By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Despite new subdivisions popping up like mushrooms across any swath of empty land in North Fulton, the kids have yet to make it into the classrooms. And based on trends, they may not show up in the foreseeable future. More than 300 fewer kids were enrolled in North Fulton schools from this time last year, with the “shrinkage” in numbers seen primarily in the elementary grades. If these enrollment numbers hold through the school year, it will mark the third year in a row of smaller numbers in the primary grades. Yngrid Huff, chief planner for the Fulton County School System (FCSS), said the trend in lower numbers in the early grades, primarily kindergarten, is now likely a reality for North Fulton in the coming years. “Six years ago at [the start] of the recession, people weren’t having as many children because of the economic uncer-

tainty,” said Huff. “And while our total enrollment continues to grow, we are seeing much smaller kindergarten classes replacing the bigger classes leaving fifth grade for middle school.” What was considered an anomaly three years ago is now the reality, prompting Huff and her team to re-evaluate the forecasting methodology to include more birthrate data. “We are not seeing the same number of kids coming out of [new subdivisions] or the same types of families moving into new homes,” said Huff. “People are also staying put and not moving around as much so their kids are moving up to middle and high school.” The first month enrollment for the FCSS was 95,525 students – about 700 students short of projections but still well within a 1 percent margin of error. Huff said the low kindergarten numbers, coupled with a few schools with unexpected circumstances in South Fulton and Sandy Springs, led to the lower-than-expected numbers.

schools

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

North Fulton enrollment – 20-day count for 2014-15 school year ( ) indicates change from 20-day count in 2013-14 school year Elementary Middle Abbotts Hill 713 (-35) Amana Charter Alpharetta 571 (-8) Autrey Mill Amana Charter 484 (-18) Crabapple Barnwell 801 (-16) Elkins Pointe Birmingham Falls 730 (-28) Haynes Bridge Cogburn Woods 917 (+1) Holcomb Bridge Crabapple Crossing 787 (+4) Hopewell Creek View 970 (-25) Northwestern Dolvin 873 (-18) River Trail Esther Jackson 599 (-32) Taylor Road Findley Oaks 672 (-58) Webb Bridge Fulton Sunshine 564 (-2) MS total Hembree Springs 826 (+21) Hillside 689 (-20) High Lake Windward 690 (-62) Alpharetta Manning Oaks 804 (+4) Cambridge Medlock Bridge 672 (+34) Centennial Mimosa 1,105 (-12) Chattahoochee Mountain Park 849 (NC) Fulton Science Acad. New Prospect 509 (-64) Independence Northwood 732 (-20) Johns Creek Ocee 793 (-16) Milton River Eves 816 (-27) Northview Roswell North 1,028 (-31) Roswell Shakerag 825 (-8) HS total State Bridge Crossing 815 (-20) Summit Hill 713 (-14) North Fulton total Sweet Apple 713 (-4) System total Wilson Creek 786 (-36) ES Total 22,046 (-509) “Kindergarten is always the unknown number,” said Huff. “Growth is still occurring, system wide, but populations [within certain grades] are shrinking.” But parents who attended

a recent community meeting held by Katie Reeves, the board of education member whose district includes much of North Fulton, said the recent housing boom defies the projected forecast for the coming years. They

217 (+5) 1,381 (+2) 939 (-5) 1,132 (+28) 752 (+8) 826 (+6) 1,343 (+13) 1,334 (-12) 1,400 (-39) 1,043 (+12) 1,379 (+20) 11,749 (+41) 2,055 (-14) 1,788 (+255) 1,865 (-46) 1,876 (+23) 268 (+95) 208 (-68) 2,016 (+37) 2,009 (-3) 1,921 (+19) 2,075 (-155) 16,092 (+154) 49,160 (-314) 95,525 (+430)

point to the more than 25 new subdivisions currently, or soon to be, underway, with more in the planning process. Reeves countered the data

See SCHOOLS, Page 14

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8 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

news

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Eaves: Commissioners get feedback from community Continued from Page 1 “Rather than try to force us to do something, they should help us be more effective and efficient,” Eaves said. He noted the county is seeking a request for proposals for a county lobbyist. “The reality is large urban governments make an investment in lobbyists to help us make better use of federal funding,” Eaves said. “We have a [federal and state] grants administrator, but we need to be more aggressive.” Hausmann said before the meeting, the county needs that assistance on the federal level, however details are still being worked out. She agreed it would be better if GOP legislators did not try to force the county into cutting taxes. “We have a new Board of Commissioners that will convene in January. I would like to see that board have the ability to manage the county. As for a lobbyist, I see us having one in Washington where the real grant money is. I can meet with most of the folks at the General Assembly, but I can’t talk to people in Washington,” Hausmann said. What Eaves wants help with are Grady Hospital, the county jail and the Criminal Justice Department, which will

ellis

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cost $170 million to operate. That is about 35 percent of the general fund budget, he said. “People want to pick things like Meals on Wheels, senior services and the arts. But it is not the smalls that are hurting us; it’s these big ticket items,” Eaves said. Eaves told the residents he wants to see the region create what he called the “aerotropolis alliance,” similar to what the Dutch and French have done for the areas serving Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. They have similar needs, similar opportunities and those communities most affected should work in concert to exploit their advantages, he said. After making his staff introductions, he turned over the meeting to answer the public’s concerns. He got an earful. Pointed questions began the with irony of holding the meeting at the Rowell Library

at night when the library’s severely curtailed hours make it a rare treat to come inside it during daylight. First up was longtime Roswell gadfly Janet Russell. She said it must be an election year because that is the only time she sees a commissioner from south of the Chattahoochee. “We are the golden goose in North Fulton, paying most of the taxes. What do we get [in services] in return?” Russell asked. “Also, library hours are shortened. Most of North Fulton residents are commuters. How can they get home in time to ever use a library?” Eaves said the county can and will do a better job for North Fulton. He noted 35 percent of the county’s budget comes from North Fulton and Sandy Springs. “We listened to the people and have restored Friday hours [previously all libraries were closed] to four libraries [north of Atlanta]. We want to restore more services. We have found library services are among the most popular things we do,” he said. Linda Smithers asked about the jail and its problems. Eaves said it has been an expensive process, but of the 116 problems a judge has ordered solved, the county has taken

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care of 115 of them, including $5 million to replace locks that the inmates could manipulate. The jail population has been reduced to 2,100, down from a maximum of 2,500 capacity that had been consistently violated. The last mandate is to bring the number of required sheriff’s deputies to be in compliance. That is the duty of the sheriff as a constitutional officer elected by the public. “We hope to be out from under the consent decree [over the jail] by the end of the year,” Eaves said. Grady Hospital has been a thorn in the county taxpayers’ side, but a necessary one, Eaves said. After nearly going under in 2008, a public-private partnership has raised $300 million to put Grady in the black, he said. “Grady saw 300,000 patients last year, but only Fulton residents received indigent care dollars from the county,” he said. With so much of the county now incorporated cities, Eaves was asked why the budget can’t be reduced. He agreed that 90 percent of the county has been incorporated, but there are still “big ticket” items for which the county is still responsible. “That includes health,

libraries, the aging, animal control – there are a number of services the cities have declined to take on, so the county must pay for them,” Eaves said. Some areas of improvement do not require dollars to fix. One of these is customer service. “We have done a lousy job in that area,” Eaves said more than once that evening. But he promised to do better. Asked why the library system has gone two years without a library director, Eaves had to report that the last round of applicants for the job were pared down to four. But none of the four passed “final qualifications.” Eaves did not say what that meant. But evidently the library system is back at square one. Given the current state of funding for the system, it is hard to imagine many qualified applicants applying. The county has hired KPMG, one of the “Big Four” auditing companies, to look at county government to find better efficiencies for the government. Eaves said he has high hopes of finding ways to cut spending with their help. He also promised to hold more citizen forums in the future to keep in better touch with North Fulton residents.

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 9

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10 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

‘We’ve all had traffic fatigue’ Ga. 9 widening to four lanes a welcomed project By ALDO NAHED aldo@northfulton.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of residents and business owners participated in the Georgia Department of Transportation input open house meeting to address the widening of Ga. 9. For Jo Woodard, who attended the open house at Vickery Creek Middle School and lives off Campground Road in south Forsyth, the population growth has really put stress on county roads, especially on the two-lane Ga. 9 (Atlanta Highway). “I think we need to hasten it,” Woodard said. “I don’t know how you can build it fast enough.” The proposed widening would take Ga. 9 from the Fulton-Forsyth County line (McFarland Parkway) to Ga. 141 (Bethelview Road/Peachtree Parkway) in Cumming.

The proposal would widen Ga. 9 to a four-lane divided highway following the existing roadway but straightening out curves and flattening hills. The plan includes sidewalks on both sides of Ga. 9 and a new bridge over Big Creek. But engineers associated with the project told residents the project is likely not to get started until 2019 and would take about 18 months to complete. Kim Harper said that’s too long to wait. Harper described morning traffic getting out of her road onto Ga. 9 as a “nightmare.” “Where we live, it can take five-to-seven minutes just to make a left-hand turn,” Harper said. Harper and two of her neighbors came to the meeting because they were interested in the state’s traffic plan and the group recommended the addition of a traffic light to their street near McFarland Parkway and Ga. 9. “We obviously need an expansion to Ga. 9,” Harper said. “You can see the traffic back

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Transportation Summit to address bond, traffic Oct. 8 CUMMING, Ga. — The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce along with local and state government leaders will discuss traffic issues in the county on Oct. 8. The 2014 Transportation Summit takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Cumming. The lunch event is $15 per person and limited seating will be available at no cost for those choosing not to partake in lunch. The actual program begins at 12:30 p.m. and will feature Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Keith Golden, Bayne Smith, director of field services, and up, exactly where they want to start the project.” For Espressos Coffee business owner Jeff Amodio, widening the road is a muchneeded plan, but he said the median will hurt businesses located along Atlanta Highway. “We will lose all the business of people trying to come up to our restaurant going north,” Amodio said. “The way it is now, they would have to go half a mile north to turn around, do a U-turn, so the only business we would get is southbound traffic.” Amodio said a good alternative would be turning lanes like those that exist now and getting rid of the medians. “I don’t know why they

See TRAFFIC, Page 36

Brian Tam, Forsyth County commissioner and chairman of the Transportation Committee. The program will be moderated by state Rep. Mark Hamilton. Attendees will learn about Forsyth County’s plan of action to widen Ga. 400 and improve Forsyth County traffic issues overall. They will also learn more about the $200 million transportation bond and its effects. To register for Transportation Summit, visit the chamber’s website or visit www.bit. ly/1DzWErb or call 770-887-6461. Attendees must register to attend. —Aldo Nahed

End Project 007844 Begin Project 0008357 SR 371/Post Road

End Project 0008357 SR 371

Proposed Bridge over Big Creek

End Project 0007843 Begin Project 007844 McFarland Road Begin Project 0007843 Fulton/Forsyth County line

Big Creek Greenway

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 11

Jimmy John’s victim of data breach Old Milton Parkway location hit CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Customers of the Jimmy John’s restaurant on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta may have had their credit card information stolen in yet another corporate data breach. On July 30, 2014, the sandwich company learned of a possible security incident involving credit and debit card data at some of Jimmy John’s stores and franchised locations. Jimmy John’s immediately hired third party forensic experts to assist with its investigation. While the investigation is ongoing, it appears that customers’ credit and debit card data was compromised after an intruder stole log-in credentials from Jimmy John’s point-of-sale vendor and used these stolen credentials to remotely access the point-of-sale systems at some corporate and

franchised locations between June 16, 2014 and Sept. 5, 2014. The security compromise has been contained, and customers can use their credit and debit cards securely at Jimmy John’s stores. Approximately 216 stores nationwide appear to have been affected by this event. Cards impacted by this event were those swiped at the stores, and did not include those cards entered manually or online. The credit and debit card information at issue may include the card number and in some cases the cardholder’s name, verification code and the card’s expiration date. Information entered online, such as customer address, email and password, remains secure. In Georgia, the locations affected are: • 365 14th St. NW, Atlanta

• 925A Peachtree St NE, Atlanta • 4180 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta • 3217 Macon Road, Columbus • 51 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan • 6135 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross Jimmy John’s has taken steps to prevent this type of event from occurring in the future, including installing encrypted swipe machines, implementing system en-

hancements and reviewing its policies and procedures for its third party vendors.

The company is offering identity protection services to impacted customers, although Jimmy John’s does not collect its customers’ Social Security numbers. To take advantage of these services, please call 855-3986442. In addition, customers are encouraged to monitor their credit and debit card accounts, and notify their bank if they notice any suspicious activity. For more information and updates, visit www.jimmyjohns.com.

12 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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Drug abuse awareness video contest for teens ends Oct. 31 LILBURN, Ga. — Attorney General Sam Olens kicked-off a video contest for Georgia high school students at Parkview High School in Lilburn, aimed at preventing prescription drug abuse among teens. The contest, entitled “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” ends Oct. 31. Georgia high school students are challenged to produce a 30-second video encouraging their peers to live a healthy lifestyle by rejecting prescription drug abuse. Students can enter the competition and view the con-

test rules at www.law.ga.gov/ videocontest. “I want students to understand that just because a drug is prescribed by a doctor does not mean it is safe,” said Olens. “If your name is not on the prescription, do not take the drug, and only take drugs as prescribed. Prescription painkillers are some of the most addictive and powerful substances out there, and they can turn deadly, quickly.” Prizes will be awarded to first place, runner-up and people’s choice winner. The people’s choice win-

ner will be determined by the video that receives the most likes on the contest Facebook page where the videos will be posted. Winners will be announced in November. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 259 million prescriptions for pain medications were written in 2012. That’s enough for every American adult to have a bottle of pills. The CDC has also found that one in five high school students has taken a prescrip-

tion drug without a doctor’s prescription. In Georgia, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reports that in 2013, prescription drugs played a role in the deaths of 524 Georgians in the 152 of 159 counties for which it performs autopsies. Safe storage and secure disposal of prescription drugs is critical to reining in the drug abuse epidemic. A federal government survey revealed that more than 70 percent of Americans who abuse prescription pain medications get

them from friends or family members. Olens’ video competition is being held in partnership with the Council on Alcohol and Drugs, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County, the GBI, the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency, the Georgia Medical Composite Board and the Medical Association of Georgia Foundation “Think About It” Campaign.

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community

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 13

Park Place Health and JC’s Pup-a-Palooza Wellness Fair, Oct. 10 doggie party set Oct. 11 JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Park Place’s Health and Wellness Fair will be held on Friday, Oct. 10 from 1 – 4 p.m. Johns Creek’s active adult center will host a free, general geriatric health and wellness event that includes health screenings, exhibits and information. Free health screenings include blood pressure, glucose, bone density, BMI, gum disease, skeletal posture, hearing, vision and more. Health-related vendors are encouraged to participate in the health fair. The vendor fee is $50 and vendors are required to bring their own table. For vending

If you go What: Park Place Health and Wellness Fair When: Friday, Oct. 10, 1 – 4 p.m. Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek Cost: Free information, contact Remco Brommet at 678-474-1688. All Johns Creek seniors are invited to attend. To RSVP, email ParkPlace@ JohnsCreekGA.gov or call 678512-3430. –Shannon Weaver

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Residents are invited Saturday, Oct. 11, to a crazy canine puppy party at Pup-a-Palooza at Newtown Park Amphitheater in Johns Creek. The event will feature live music and caricature sketches of people with their pets. You can strut your pup across the stage for the Best Trick and Best Dressed dog contests. All you have to do is register your dog for a shot at

a prize and bragging rights. There will be hot dogs, chips, water, bags of giveaways while they last and treats for dogs. Residents can also take advantage of local vendors promoting a variety of services, such as grooming, pet wellness and pet lodging. Pup-a-Palooza runs from 10 a.m. to noon at the Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road.

schools

14 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Gov. Nathan Deal, left, and Fulton Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa, right, congratulate the eight Fulton County recipients of the REACH scholarship. The eighth-grade students are, from left, Sabrina Villa (Holcomb Bridge MS), Daniel Narvoes (Sandy Springs MS), Janelle Tenoria (Ridgeview MS), Prayer Idowu (McNair MS), Rayven Alsobrook (Sandtown MS), Claudia Munoz (Haynes Bridge MS), Sarah Rahimpour (Taylor Road MS) and Mirian Rivera (Elkins Pointe MS).

Students sign ‘commitment’ letters for college scholarships REACH program offers $10K incentive stay in school, make good grades By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com

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NORTH FULTON, Ga. – During an event patterned after signing day for athletes, eight middle school scholars from Fulton County signed commitment contracts to stay in school, earn good grades and reap the rewards of a $10,000 scholarship. The eighth-graders, including four from North Fulton, are among the select group of middle schoolers across Georgia who are promised REACH scholarships upon graduation. The program is a key part of Gov. Nathan Deal’s “Complete College Georgia” to increase the number of high school graduates in Georgia. “This program is an investment in our students and our state, opening doors for youth in Georgia who may not have the opportunity to seek postsecondary education due to financial constraints,” said Deal. The governor himself was on-hand Sept. 24 at the headquarters of the Fulton County School System (FCSS) to assist in the celebration, alongside Fulton Superintendent Robert Avossa, board of education members, faculty and parents. The North Fulton REACH scholars include: • Mirian Rivera, Elkins Pointe MS • Claudia Munoz, Haynes Bridge MS • Sabrina Villa, Holcomb Bridge MS • Sara Rahimpour, Taylor Road MS “This was a proud, emotional day for all of us,” said Avossa. “[It] means our young students, many who will be the first in their family to attend col-

Schools: Continued from Page 6

www.alpharetta.ga.us

www.awesomealpharetta.com

does not support any new elementary schools, with some of the smallest kindergarten classes seen in years. And new additions at three middle schools for next year will take care of

lege, will have the financial ability to pursue higher education.” For the next five years, these students must have good behavior and attendance, a minimum 2.5 grade point average in core courses, remain crime and drug free and graduate high school on time. In return, they will receive a $10,000 scholarship to attend a HOPEeligible college in Georgia. REACH, which stands for Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen, began in 2012 and is funded with private dollars. AT&T was the first corporate sponsor, providing $250,000 in seed funding. In three years, nearly 160 middle school students from 23 school systems in Georgia have been named REACH scholars, with the first class of 15 students now in 10th grade. The goal, say officials, is to have the program in place at all 180 school systems in Georgia by 2020. While the scholarship is needsbased, REACH officials say the goal is to have opportunities within each of the state’s 400 high schools, regardless of the location of the school. “There is a belief that there are no kids in need in the more affluent areas,” said Brad Bryant, executive director of REACH. “[But] there are worthy kids in many of the schools in North Fulton where parents are going to struggle to [pay for college] and we want to give them this opportunity.” Bryant said by identifying the recipients in eighth grade, it allows the community to see them through the next five years and see the full benefits of the program. numbers in those grades. “No matter what we all think in our heads, the school district demographers are seeing smaller cohorts in the lower grades, and that is something that is [happening] nationally,” said Reeves. A new high school remains a project that might be justified, as Reeves noted all eight traditional high schools are at or near capacity.

15 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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Italian furniture designer carves way into Roswell By ALDO NAHED aldo@northfulton.com ROSWELL, Ga. — An Italian outdoor furniture designer is not lounging around when it comes to winning over the American market. Designer Carlo Basso is working to break through by visiting direct buyers and going to exhibitions to woo new wholesale customers through Roswell-based Affinity International Furniture. Basso, along with his wife and creative director, Erlina Darmi, say the European market has been extremely receptive to the work. “The main difference from Europe,” Basso said, “is the distribution. In Europe, there’s a lot of retail shops, in America, it’s all about the big stores.” So don’t expect the outdoor furniture, including coffee tables, lounge chairs and other living accessories that Basso creates to be sold at Home Depot or Target. “We are after the mediumto-high quality consumer,” Darmi said. Basso, whose line of outdoor furniture combines retro and vintage with a modern twist, added that distribution through Crate and Barrel would be closer to his retail customer base. “New and fresh always comes out of the traditional, because the traditional is the base,” Basso said. Basso, whose work is featured at several world-re-

nowned hotels, said he aims to reach local interior designers and smaller boutiques specializing in artistic, but functional furniture. “I think the volume market is full of low quality products from China,” Basso said. Ferdinal Winarta, who is representing Basso through Affinity International Furniture, said he’s thrilled to be able to showcase the award-winning designer. “He’s a top outdoor designer and I’m excited to bring him to the United States,” Winarta said. “Carlo Basso’s work is

Ferdinal Winarta of Affinity International Furniture, Erlina Darmi, creative director of Tanjaya and Carlo Basso, designer, have combined to create furniture that is art. solid and exclusive.” Basso manufactures his furniture in Indonesia, using mostly polyethylene and natural rattan to create functional and durable outdoor pieces. “The keyword is classic contemporary,” said Darmi. For more information, visit www.affinityinternationalfurniture.com or http://web. tanjayasinar.com.

16 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

BusinessPosts

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August home sales: national and local The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that existing home sales fell across the country by -5.3 percent in August vs. one year ago. That number is greater than the drop in sales we saw in North Fulton but very different from sales figures in Forsyth County. Oddly, the NAR attributes this to investors pulling back because of fewer cash sales. I say oddly because their data comes from a small number of realtors surveyed around the county. The national media outlets have picked up this story but it’s not the case here, in our area. Looking at North Fulton and Forsyth County, August home sales year-over-year are down -2.9 percent in North Fulton but actually up 1 percent in Forsyth County. Additionally, the median sales price for existing homes dropped -5.2 percent nationally but rose 4.7 percent in North Fulton and 11.7 percent in Forsyth County. Finally, cash sales in August were up over 20 percent

Robert Strader

Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty

in North Fulton and while cash sales in Forsyth were down -7 percent, keep in mind that sales overall were up 1 percent. So, all this begs the question: “What’s going on in our market?” We’re seeing the differing effects of new construction in North Fulton and Forsyth County. New home building has increased in both areas but consider this fact: the median sales price of a new build in Forsyth is $369,900 - a little higher than the $302,000 median sales price of all homes. However, the median sales price for a new build in North Fulton is $722,000; much higher than $382,000 which is the median sales price of all

homes in North Fulton. Because of the dramatic rise in home prices from last year, buyers have been cautions and willing to wait out good values all year long, for both existing homes and new construction. Now, with new home prices skyrocketing, existing homes are looking far more attractive. Bob Strader is a local realtor with The NORTH Group of Keller Williams Realty. More information can be found on his blogs liveincumming.com or liveinalpharetta.com or email him: info@thenorthgroup.com.

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focus on how you win the deal, and prevail against your competitors. This is all about the relationships you have with the key decision makers. If you have built solid relationships with the decision makers and your competition has not, then you have a “leg up” in winning the business. Ask yourself these questions for each opportunity. Is there an opportunity? Can we compete? Can we win? Score each opportunity and focus on the ones with the highest score. Prioritizing your sales pipeline is key to sales success in your small business.

Gwinnett Medical Center has expanded its robotic surgery capabilities.

Gwinnett Medical Center »

Robotic surgery expansion gives patients more options LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Recently, Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) obtained a second da Vinci Surgical System designated for single site and laparoscopic surgery. According to local surgeons, robotic surgery promotes precision and efficiency. “The da Vinci Surgical System Robot, with its precision and 3-D camera, allows us to do single incision surgery, like gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy, in a very precise manner,” said Dr. James Elsey, a vascular surgeon at GMC. This is in line with a national trend toward limiting surgical incisions, he said. “Through the robotic system, we are able to offer single incision surgery to more types of patients,” added Dr. David Schmidt, also affiliated with Gwinnett Medical Center. “It allows us to perform

advanced operations with optimal 3-D visualization.” Schmidt said GMC will soon offer robotic surgery as an option to patients requiring more complex laparoscopic procedures. Surgeons have full control, directing the robot to make precise movements. The da Vinci Surgical System has 3-D vision and a magnified view and provides the surgeons with full control of the laparoscopic instruments. This allows physicians to perform surgery using laparoscopic instruments, which mimic the way human hands and wrists work in open surgery. GMC also offers robotic-assisted surgery for procedures in bariatrics, gynecological cancer and prostate cancer. Visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org for more information.

Thank you to all participants! www.AlpharettaChamber.com

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BusinessPosts

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 17

Peach Clinic opens two new locations in Cumming Business: Peach Clinic Opened: First location: May 2014, second location September 2014. Owners: Dr. Dhaval Shah, Dr. Monal Shah and Dr. Amita Ghia What: Primary care and pediatric practice catering to

patients of all ages. Where: 3030 Old Atlanta Rd Ste 500 Cumming 30041 and 2320 Atlanta Highway Ste 105 Cumming 30040 Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday Call: (770) 203-2000 Web: www.peachclinic.com

Georgia among nation’s New basketball, beach volleyball leaders in job growth Up With Kids Sports opens a new training facility, Hoops N Sand, featuring basketball, volleyball and indoor beach volleyball, court rentals, travel teams and more in Cumming.

facility opens in Cumming

CUMMING, Ga. — Hoops N Sand, a basketball and indoor beach volleyball training facility, opened Sept. 26 in Cumming at 1710 Redi Road, Suite 100. This 8,800-square-foot facility houses a full-size basketball and volleyball court, a half basketball court and a sand volleyball court. Hoops N Sand will offer a variety of year-round training opportu-

nities for youth through Up with Kids Sports. Up with Kids was founded by coach Samuel Hines, a former professional basketball player, and offers basketball and volleyball programs to boys and girls as young as 5 through middle school. For more information, visit www.hoopsnsand.com or call 470-297-5620. —Shannon Weaver

Coach Samuel Hines

ATLANTA – Georgia is ranked sixth nationally and third in the Southeast for top job growth. With over 79,300 new jobs in the past 12 months, Georgia represents a 2.0 percent annual growth rate, which is higher than the nation’s average of 1.8 percent. These encouraging numbers were announced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of jobs in Georgia totaled 4,132,900 in August, up from 4,053,600 in August 2013. The Augustto-August job growth was

the second largest in Georgia since 2005. “Georgia has been ranked in the top 10 states for job creation for the past two years,” said State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “Our state’s employers are to be commended for their confidence in our state’s economy, as they continue to invest in hiring and growing their companies.” Georgia’s job gains came in several sectors, including computer system design, accounting, architectural and engineering.

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NewBusinessSpotlight Fitness, medical group opens in Johns Creek

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

18 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald

Business: Medical Fitness and Wellness Group Opened: July 7 Owner: Michael Hardy What: Medical Fitness and Wellness Group provides comprehensive medical exercise, massage therapy and wellness programs for those diagnosed with chronic conditions who are looking to lose weight, improve their health, lower their stress levels and/or manage their current condition. We will work with your physician to help you achieve your goals while providing you a safe and effective exercise program. We also work with individuals with no conditions that

are looking to improve their current level of health and fitness. Whether it is to lose weight, tone up, strengthen your core, improve your favorite sport or improve your flexibility and live pain free, we’ve got you covered. Let us put our medical expertise and experience to work for you and your family. Where: 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 205 in Johns Creek Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday Call: 678-469-6497 Web: www.exercise4prevention.com

REAL ESTATE »

Ashton Woods announces new South Forsyth community ATLANTA — Ashton Woods Homes has unveiled its newest community in South Forsyth, The Grove at Spring Valley, which opens for sale this month. The community provides 69 single-family homes with architecturally distinct floor plans and options for master bedrooms on the mains, third floors, finished basements and outdoor living, and a selection of floor plans. The Grove at Spring Valley will also offer a pool and cabana.For more details about The Grove at Spring Valley, contact Tara Brown at 770-642-6123 or visit www.ashtonwoods.com.

Providence Group opens Ruth’s Farm model home ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Providence Group of

BUSINESS COMPUTER PROBLEMS? “Carmichael manages our IT. I have never worked with a more client-centric business before – ever. They return calls fast. They listen exceedingly well. They know what they are doing. They are honest, professional, and local. They are partners with Appen Newspapers / Appen Media Group in the truest sense of the word.” – Ray Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group Appen Newspapers

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BusinessBriefs Georgia officially unlocked the doors of its brand new, fully-decorated model home at Ruth’s Farm in Alpharetta. In celebration of this stunning model home, home buyers can currently save big when they purchase a new home at Ruth’s Farm. Featuring the Brentwood home design, interiors of the model home are spacious and open with five bedrooms and a finished basement. The Brentwood model showcases luxury finishes and features including a gourmet kitchen with large island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, family room with coffered ceiling and a wall of windows, hardwood floors throughout the main level, large dining room with butler’s pantry and outdoor living space. For more information on available homes or to schedule a tour, call 678-392-7466 or visit www. TheProvidenceGroup.com/Ruths-Farm.

Nicole Buchanan joins Harry Norman, Realtors JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Harry Norman, Realtors welcomes Nicole Buchanan as a realtor in its Johns Creek office. Nicole and her family live in Gwinnett County and she is highly regarded by her clients and peers for having a high level of integrity, in depth market knowledge, and an incredible work ethic that deliver results. Buchanan For more information, contact 678-322-7717, nicole.buchanan@harrynorman. com, or visit Buchanan online at www.nicolebuchanan.harrynorman.com

COMMUNITY »

GaPTA gets donation from Alpharetta Beverage ATLANTA— The Georgia Parent Teacher Association (GaPTA) has signed an agreement with the Alpharetta Beverage Company (ABC). The company pledged to donate a portion of every bottle sold of Tenacious Tea in the state of Georgia to the GaPTA. Tenacious Tea has no sugar, no carbohydrates, no calories and naturally caffeine free, ABC representatives say. “We applaud ABC for the development of an all-natural, zero calorie beverage as a healthy drink alternative,” said GaPTA President Rita Erves. “We are excited to work together to educate our communities on healthy lifestyles.” For more information, visit www.gapta.org.

WET or DAMP

BASEMENT? CRACKED FOUNDATION?

From left: Tatiana Kosolapova, massage therapist; Mike Hardy, owner and medical/corrective exercise specialist; John Bemont, president Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce; and Susan Grissom, chair.

Michael Buckham-White, senior vice president of sales & marketing at Alpharetta-based Agilysys, along with a few members of the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta. Also pictured is Ziggy Asfaw, executive director of the Brookhaven Club.

Agilysys Donates Movie Tickets to Boys & Girls Clubs ALPHARETTA, GA. —Agilysys, Inc. a technology company with corporate offices at 1000 Windward Concourse in Alpharetta, is donating 500 AMC movie tickets to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in conjunction with its rGuest product launch, held during Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) 2014 in Los Angeles. Movie tickets will be distributed among Boys & Girls Clubs located near most Agilysys U.S. locations— Atlanta; Bellevue, Wash.; Las Vegas; and Santa Barbara, California.

APPOINTMENTS »

Forsyth resident named district engineer GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Keith Golden announced the appointment of Brent Cook as district engineer for the 21 counties in northeast Georgia that make up DOT District 1. Cook, of Forsyth County, is responsible for systems inventory, environmental services, public transportation, COOK as well as planning and programming construction projects throughout the district. He became district traffic engineer in 2004 and was responsible for the placement, installation and maintenance on all traffic signals and other traffic control devices. Cook was named assistant district engineer in 2013 while remaining district preconstruction engineer, but assumed the duties of district engineer Sept. 16.

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Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.

Music:

Theatre:

Erica O’neal

Calendar Editor erica@northfulton.com

CUMMING COUNTRY FAIR & FESTIVAL

Fall is here and along with it is the annual Cumming Country Fair and Festival. The fair has carnival rides, games and food along with all kinds of entertainment. Thursday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 12. Cumming Fairgrounds. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. Please call 770-781-3491 or visit cummingfair.net.

GWINNETT BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS “19-20-21”

Come out to watch a dance experience set to the music of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. Please call 770237-0046.

BIG FISH THE MUSICAL

ATLANTA EATS LIVE

Bring out family and friends to the Atlanta Eats Live event. Last year’s event brought thousands of food lovers together to experience their favorite restaurants and meet chefs face to face. Atlanta Eats is a combination of food and rock star chefs on the biggest stage around. This year, Atlanta Eats Live brings back more than 40 of Atlanta’s restaurants under one roof. Tickets are $45. Sunday, Oct. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Pkwy., Alpharetta. Please call 404-733-5010.

West Forsyth High School’s award winning studio, West Productions is excited to announce its fall production, the Georgia Premiere of “Big Fish, the Musical!” Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest and then some. Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Thursday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 12. Showtimes are varied. Tickets are $8-$12. WFHS Studio West Productions, 4155 Drew Rd., Cumming. Please call 770888-3470.

Events:

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CRABAPPLE FEST

CHATTAPOOCHEE PET FEST

Bring your pet to the Chattapoochee Pet Fest. The event features pet vendors, craft vendors, food vendors, rescue and adoption groups. This is a family friendly event and all “well behaved” leashed dogs and cats are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Historic Strickland House. Sunday, Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rogers Bridge Park. 4291 Rogers Bridge Rd., Duluth. Please call 770-663-7952.

Whether looking for antiques or nifty household items, Milton’s Crabapple Fest has everything. The annual event will close down much of historic Crabapple Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nearly 100 vendors will show their wares alongside music, games and an Oktoberfest Biergarten at the Olde Blind Dog pub. Visit www.crabapplefest.com for information.

BREW MOON FEST

The Alpharetta Business Association (ABA) presents the 3rd annual Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest. Beer, wine and food from select Alpharetta restaurants will be available for sale as the city comes together for one big street party. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6:30-11 p.m. Historic downtown Alpharetta, 35 Milton Ave., Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-0102.

ROSWELL FINE ARTS ALLIANCE ART SHOW

The Roswell Fine Arts Alliance announces their 20th annual premier member’s juried show called “Genesis XX.” The show has 70 works of art available for viewing and purchase. This year’s event will be hosted by the Bank of North Georgia. Viewing is available Sept. 19 until Nov. 7 during banking hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–noon, closed Sunday. Bank of America. 10446 Alpharetta Street Roswell (Corner of Holcomb Bridge Rd. and Alpharetta St.). Please visit rfaa.org.

OKTOBERFEST: BENEFIT FOR STANDUP FOR KIDS

Please join the fun in celebrating Oktoberfest. Enjoy craft brewed beer tastings and soft pretzels along with music by George Martini. Admission is $30 per person. Proceeds benefit StandUp for Kids - North Fulton Initiative (SUFK-NFI). SUFK-NFI goes to local high schools to assist “homeless” students struggling to survive, as they are also trying to stay in school and graduate. Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6-9 p.m. Jekyll Brewing. 2855 Marconi Dr., Alpharetta. Please call 678-5571329.

Races & Benefits:

CHEROKEE ZOMBIE FEST

Halloween comes early at the Cherokee Zombie Fest. Activities include bands, food trucks and a Zombie Response Unit Vehicle Show and much more. The festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. Main St., Canton. Entrance is a $5 donation. Please call 770-345-5483 or visit CherokeeZombieFest.com. will be a huge celebration filled with music, food and local entertainment along with hundreds of people who understand the impact of diabetes. The walk will begin with a Stop Diabetes Festival at Independence High School. A healthy breakfast will be provided along with a fun warm up before the 5k walk through downtown Alpharetta. Saturday, Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Independence High School. 86 High School Dr., Alpharetta. Please call 404-320-7100 or visit stepout.diabetes.org.

MICHELOB ULTRA MARATHON

After five years in Brookhaven, the Michelob ULTRA Atlanta 13.1 Marathon moves to Cumming on Oct. 4. The event is expected to draw 3,500 runners and walkers. The race kicks off at 7 a.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Cumming. Register at www.131marathon.com/ atlanta/#register

STEP OUT WALK TO STOP DIABETES

Step Out Walk To Stop Diabetes is a fundraising event for the American Diabetes Association. This year’s walk

ALPHA PAL 5K

Join hundreds of runners Oct. 2 at Jackson Healthcare, 2655 Northwinds Parkway in Alpharetta for this local Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Vendors, food and the race benefit Alpharetta Police Athletic League, a non-profit that helps local youth. 6:45 p.m. Oct. 2. Cost: $25 (pre-register); $30 (on race day). To sign up and for more information, please visit www. active.com.

20 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.

Why a pre-approval is essential to your home search By BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Some people think pre-approval means limiting possibilities, but the reality is that if you do not earn a loan pre-approval before you start looking, you might actually prevent yourself from finding your dream home. Here’s why. Streamlined Hunting Most start their home search by browsing homes for sale to get an idea of what neighborhoods and housing styles they like. If you do not know what you can afford, you may be looking out of your price range and wasting your time. You may also be looking below what you would have qualified for and not getting the right home for you. If you start with getting a pre-approval, you can sort by price, identify the right neighborhoods and find your dream home much faster. Better Results from a REALTOR® When a REALTOR® knows what you want and what you can afford,

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Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Five tips to help you land a home you’ll love (NAPSI)—With mortgage rates still low, now could be a great time to buy a new home. Before diving into the market headfirst, however, it’s important to do your homework so that you’re prepared to tackle each hurdle in the homebuying process. With this in mind, the “What I Wish I Knew About the Homebuying Process” survey gauges the preparedness of recent homebuyers. As a result, these five tips can help you make the right homebuying decision. 1. Identify your “musthaves.” Identifying your “musthaves” is key to guaranteeing satisfaction with your home purchase. The survey found that nearly four in 10 recent homebuyers (39 percent) said that, knowing what they know now, they would buy a home of a different size, at a different price point, and/or in a different area. In addition, first-time homebuyers (55 percent) are more likely to say that they would make significant changes with respect to the home’s size, price and/or location. To help you look back regret-free, make a checklist of top priorities (access to a good school district, for example) and perks you can forgo (such as a multiple-car garage). Know what you’re willing to compromise on and what you are not so that you’re prepared

to find the home that’s right for you. 2. Understand the financial aspects of the homebuying process. Nine of every 10 recent homebuyers felt prepared going into the homebuying process, but in hindsight, more than half (56 percent) wish they had been armed with more knowledge about the financial aspects of purchasing a home, according to the survey. In fact, it found that recent homebuyers would have liked more knowledge about the ins and outs of the closing and settlement process (22 percent), negotiating/making an offer on a home (19 percent) and financing a home (15 percent). To help people overcome the challenges of buying a home and give them a primer on what to expect, Chase launched the My New Home app and YouTube Channel. 3. Prepare with technology. Key aspects of the homebuying process differed from expectations. A majority said the length of the process was not what they anticipated, saying it either took longer (40 percent) or shorter (16 percent) than expected. Thirty-four percent of recent homebuyers overall said the costs and fees of maintaining their home were more than they expected, with the sentiment especially felt by first-

time homebuyers (55 percent). Chase’s My New Home suite of educational tools can help individuals and families avoid surprises and fully prepare for one of the biggest purchases they will ever make. 4. Seek out advice from experts. Homebuyers continue to rely on Realtors and mortgage bankers to meet their needs. Sixty-eight percent of homeowners sought out advice from Realtors throughout the homebuying process and about half (45 percent) turned to mortgage bankers and loan officers. Seek out Realtors, mortgage bankers and loan officers with key industry data and tools that are easy to understand so you have all the information you need to find the right house—one that you will be proud to call home. 5. Consider the desire to renovate. The desire to renovate is bound to hit even the newest of homeowners. While recent homebuyers said the home they bought aligns well with their “musthave” list (97 percent) and considered the home move-in ready (83 percent), 76 percent have done or are planning to make renovations to their home in the near term, according to the survey. A Chase Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is one product that homeowners can continue to rely on to put their ideas and visions into action.

October 2, 2014 21

community

22 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

Submit your news & photos to news@northfulton.com

Fall into autumn:

Events abound Oct. 4 in North Fulton Roswell

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The first Saturday in October – Oct. 4 – is shaping up to be a busy one. Milton is abuzz with fall activities and, not far away, other local cities are gearing up for the autumn season.

Milton In Milton, the annual Crabapple Fest will dominate downtown Crabapple from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This event sees the city of Milton and nonprofit Crabapple Community Association (CCA) combine to put on one massive destination festival. “We’ve really pulled out all the stops this year to bring everyone more of what they love about the festival,” said Peyton Jamison, president of CCA. “We’ll have great antiques and art, incredible performances and the best of North Fulton’s food scene.” The festival will feature: • Antiques and art from nearly 100 juried vendors • A music and entertainment stage featuring Banks and Shane • Games, rides and activities for kids • An Oktoberfest Biergarten by the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub • A game day screen featuring SEC college football action from Carl Black of Roswell Buick GMC Dealer Parking and attendance, as always, are free. Shuttles will be available all day from Cra-

Hundreds of people came to Alpharetta during last year’s Brew Moon Festival. bapple Crossing Elementary School and Crabapple Baptist Church. Crabapple Fest is located at 765 Mid Broadwell Road. “It will be a day to remember for the whole family,” said Jamison. For full information about Crabapple Fest, visit www. crabapplefest.com. To talk about the festival, ask questions or spread the word, use #crabapplefest on Facebook and Twitter. Also in Crabapple, the World’s Hoppiest 5K Road Race returns to the Olde Blind Dog

Irish Pub. The race starts and ends at the Olde Blind Dog in Milton in the midst of a biergarten with bands playing. After the race, every legalage runner will get a free beer from the official race sponsor, Monday Night Brewing Company. Traditional and not-sotraditional German food will be served. Registration starts at 5 p.m.; the race begins at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.active. com and search for “Hoppiest 5K Road Race.”

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Alpharetta Down the road, in Alpharetta, the annual Scarecrow Harvest Festival will see Ga. 9/ Main Street dotted with 100 scarecrows created by local schoolchildren and businesses. The Scarecrow Harvest event from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. includes groovy country music, games of crow-cornhole, hay rides to the log cabin, face painting, historical demos, arts activities, story-telling and inflatables. Judging on most creative, best constructed and best personality scarecrows will be at noon on Milton Ave., at 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. Later in the day, return to Alpharetta for the Brew Moon Festival from 6:30 – 11 p.m. on Milton Avenue. This celebration of all things brewed features fall beer, wine and food from some of Alpharetta’s best restaurants. There will also be live music from Old School band until 8:30 p.m. and the Mike Veal Band following. Featured beer includes: • New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin • Terrapin Pumpkinfest • Warsteiner Octoberfest • Sierra Nevada Flipside IPA • SweetWater 420 • Blue Moon • Alpharetta’s own Jekyll Brewing For more information, visit www.awesomealpharetta.com.

In Roswell, the annual Pumpkin Patch at Roswell’s Bridge to Grace Church opens Oct. 4 with its popular children’s maze and array of pumpkins and gourds. Families can also take family photos beside a scenic backdrop. Guests can enjoy the maze and photo area for free, and proceeds from the pumpkin sales benefit a mix of community service projects. This includes Project Lift, which provides one-on-one mentors to at-risk youth. For members of Bridge to Grace, it’s a way to get to know others who live and work nearby. “We have a prayer box available for those individuals who’d like our prayer team to pray for them,” said Roxanne Densmore, a church member who’s worked at the patch for the last four years and now helps plan the effort. “For me it’s a chance for fellowship with our guests and fellow church family.” The patch is now a fall tradition for many who live nearby. “There’s great joy in seeing families return to our pumpkin patch year after year to watch their children run through the maze, to take photos and to purchase their pumpkins,” said Pam Vance, another organizer. The patch will be open through Nov. 1. Sales will begin at 1 p.m. on opening day Oct. 4. After that, pumpkins will be sold Sunday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The church is located at 2385 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. That night, Roswell will rock out to the latest show in the Roswell Riverside Sounds concert series, hosted at Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road in Roswell from 7 – 9 p.m. Country music singer and songwriter Nathan Ware will be the featured performer. His inspiration came from his family’s Southern gospel group called the Ware Boys. Ware played shows all over Georgia before developing his first self-titled album. Riverside Sounds concerts are produced by Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department. Back this year, there will be at least two food trucks on location for each concert from 6 – 9 p.m., so visitors can enjoy a great dinner without all the work. The Kona Ice premium shaved ice truck will also be on location.

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Centennial 31, Johns Creek 28:

Centennial’s big plays too much for Johns Creek Knights win in yet another come-from-behind finish By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Centennial’s speed and big play ability was more than Johns Creek could handle, as the Knights held on for a 31-28 victory last Friday night on the Gladiators’ home field. The Knights scored on plays of 95, 51, 64 and 46 yards, and a non-scoring 36yard play was one of the most important of the game. “We’re pretty athletic,” Centennial coach Jeff Carlberg said after the third straight victory for the Knights. It was the third straight week the Knights have turned in a strong second half to pull out a victory. This shows a marked improvement over a disheartening 2013 season when Centennial let several halftime leads slip away. “I’m not sure if we can come out and play 48 minutes, but we’re still young offensively,” Carlberg said. “I like the way we’re playing, but we’ve got to get ready to face three of the best teams in the region in the second half of the season.”

The Knights are 3-1 in Region 6-AAAAAA after winning their last three games, and are off this week before playing Oct. 10 at Alpharetta, one of three unbeaten teams in the region. Centennial trailed twice in the first half against Johns Creek, but erased a 14-10 halftime deficit with two quick strike touchdowns in the third quarter. The Gladiators (0-5) came close to adding to their lead, quickly driving inside the Centennial 10 to start the second half, but were forced to attempt a field goal from the 12. Johns Creek holder Cole Neuber took a slightly errant snap and tried to run it in for the score, but was driven out of bounds just before he could squeeze into the corner of the end zone.

The Knights took over but were backed up in the shadow of their own goal. On second down from the 1, sophomore Centennial quarterback Casen Conway completed a short pass to running back Luther Martinez, who turned into a 36-yard gain with a few nifty moves. A few plays later, the Knights scored on a beautifully executed 51-yard screen pass from Conway to Aaron Turk. Just over two minutes later, Martinez broke through a hole and sprinted 64 yards for a touchdown to give the Knights a 24-14 lead. Johns Creek closed within 24-21 with a 12-play drive capped by quarterback Jeremy Disher’s 4-yard run, but the Centennial offense had one more big play left in its bag. Conway dashed 46 yards on a keeper with 3:30 to play, but the Gladiators would not concede. Disher hit Chase Campbell, who pitched it back to Matt Kriteman on the old

Scoreboard Last week’s scores • Centennial 31, Johns Creek 28 • Northview 28, West Forsyth 14 • South Forsyth 42, Chattahoochee 34 • Alpharetta 52, Habersham Central 3 • Milton 56, Lassiter 0 • Kell 28, Cambridge 27 • Blessed Trinity 45, Douglass 7 • Mount Pisgah 41, Christian Heritage 21 • St. Francis 28, Walker 7 • Trion 39, King’s Ridge 23 This week’s games • Wheeler at Roswell • Milton at Etowah • North Atlanta at Cambridge • St. Francis at Mount Pisgah • King’s Ridge at Fellowship Christian hook and ladder play for 57 yards to the Centennial 1. Disher scored with just under 30 seconds on the clock, but the onside kick was unsuc-

cessful. In the first quarter, the Gladiators drove 79 yards on their first possession after blocking a field goal, scoring on a 22-yard run by Enoch Webb. The Knights immediately answered when Kelly took the ensuing kickoff 95 yards. They went ahead 10-7 on a 21-yard field goal by Brock Wendt. The 52-yard drive was keyed by a 28-yard pass from Conway to Malik Muhammad. The Gladiators made it 14-10 at the half, with Disher scoring on a 2-yard run with 45 seconds on the clock after completing two passes to Campbell covering 53 yards. Johns Creek slightly outgained Centennial 377 yards to 357 yards. Disher was 11 of 17 for 185 yards and ran for three scores. Webb rushed for 142 yards on 23 carries. Conway was eight of 16 for 155 yards, with Martinez gaining 113 yards on 13 attempts. Despite the loss, Johns Creek coach Mike Cloy saw some encouraging signs. “The kids played much harder,” he said. “If we stay healthy the second half of the season and continue to improve, we’ll have the opportunity to win some games.”

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 25

NORTHVIEW 28, WEST FORSYTH 14:

Titans knock off Wolverines to remain unbeaten in region By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com CANTON, Ga. – After four wins over outmatched opponents, Northview received its first serious test of the season last week at West Forsyth. The Titans aced the exam, defeating the Wolverines 28-14 to remain unbeaten in Region 6-AAAAAA. Along with Alpharetta and North Forsyth, Northview is 4-0 in the region going into an open date for all 10 region teams this week. West Forsyth, a state playoff qualifier the last four years and a region champion during that span, was the first team to challenge the Titans this season. Northview won its first four games by a combined 182-14. The Titans jumped out to a 14-0 lead at the end of one period, scoring on the first of Josh Moran’s three touchdowns and a short run for a score by Devan Johnson. West Forsyth cut the lead to 14-7 before halftime, and the Titans squandered a scoring opportunity late in the half

when they fumbled near the Wolverines’ goal line. Both teams struggled with turnovers, combining for 11 with five by the Titans. A 58yard scoring run by Moran increased Northview’s lead to 20-7 early in the third quarter, but the Wolverines closed within 20-14 in the final period. Northview fumbled on the first play after the kickoff, but the Titans’ defense responded with a huge stand, pushing the Wolverines back and forcing a punt. The Northview offense followed with a long touchdown drive, with Moran scoring on a short run and also rushing for the two-point conversion. “This is big for us,” Northview coach Chad Davenport said. “This is a team that’s

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made the playoffs the last three or four years and has been region champion. It feels great to beat them the way we did.” Davenport was especially pleased with the defensive response after the late fumble in Northview territory. “Our defense totally stopped ‘em,” he said. “It was great.” The Titans suffered two injuries to starting offensive players early in the game, losing lineman Warren Erickson and also standout wide receiver Matty Biondich to a high ankle sprain that will sideline him for several weeks. D.J. Pearson completed 15 of 28 passes for 236 yards, with a third down completion to Nathan Phillips leading to Moran’s clinching touchdown. Moran finished with 98 yards on 14 carries. The Titans, 5-0 overall, have a series of key games the second half of the season, beginning Oct. 10 at South Forsyth, which is 4-0 in region play along with Northview and Alpharetta.

ALPHARETTA 52, HABERSHAM CENTRAL 3:

Raiders’ King tosses 5 TDs in romp Offense runs up more than 500 yards of offense ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Alpharetta Raiders remained unbeaten in Region 6-AAAAAA, defeating winless Habersham Central 52-3 at home last Friday night. The Raiders piled up 537 yards of offense, including 267 yards rushing. They limited Habersham to 129 yards, forcing three turnovers and recording five quarterback sacks. Quarterback Austin King completed 13 of 20 passes for 277 yards and five touchdowns. Three went to wide receivers Ryan Kopec (12 yards), Darryl Bivens (8 yards) and Rustin Suter (28 yards), who caught five passes for 90 yards and also had a 73-yard touchdown run. Kopec added a 78-yard catch for the Raiders, who averaged 12 yards per play.

Lem Cobbs carried 10 times for 122 yards and caught a 14-yard touchdown pass. Miles Smith scored on a 67-yard catch and run while gaining 50 yards on just five rushes. Cam Adams also scored for the Raiders on a 4-yard run. Alpharetta led 38-0 at the half and had a shutout until Habersham kicked a field goal, a meaningless score with less than three minutes to play. All 10 teams in the region are off this week, with the Raiders (4-1, 5-1) hosting Centennial (3-1, 3-2) in a key region game Oct. 10. – Mike Blum

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26 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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SOUTH FORSYTH 42, CHATTAHOOCHEE 34:

Chattahoochee Cougars burned by LaFlamme Big offensive effort not enough to overcome LaFlamme’s 5 TDs By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Chattahoochee Cougars enjoyed another big night offensively, but could not contain South Forsyth’s Tyler LaFlamme and lost to the War Eagles 42-34 at home last Friday night. LaFlamme rushed for around 350 yards and scored five touchdowns, offsetting big games for Chattahoochee quarterback Chase Owens, receiver Isaac Kinsey and running back Blake Hundley. Hundley carried 20 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns and also gained 125 yards receiving on just

three catches. Owens passed for 346 yards, with Kinsey contributing four receptions for 136 yards. Owens hit several long passes to Kinsey to set up three touchdown runs by Hundley, as the Cougars jumped out to a 21-7 lead with three minutes to play in the first period. A LaFlamme touchdown run and a safety pulled the War Eagles within 21-16 at the half, and LaFlamme put South Forsyth ahead early in the third period.

The Cougars regained the lead 27-22 on field goals of 23 and 30 yards by Andrew Gray in the third quarter, but the War Eagles scored the next three touchdowns, including LaFlamme’s fourth and fifth of the night. Chattahoochee scored on a run by Owens to cut the lead to eight with 1:30 to play. Showing up everywhere, LaFlamme recovered an onside kick by the Cougars to preserve the win for South

Forsyth, which remains unbeaten in Region 6-AAAAAA. Chattahoochee coach Vince Strine pointed to the two series that ended in field goals in the third quarter. “It could have been a different game if we had scored touchdowns instead,” he said. Other than that, Strine was pleased with the Cougars’ offensive output (487 total yards); but defense was a different story. Strine described LaFlamme’s running style as “hard and violent,” with the South Forsyth back running behind a large, physical offensive line. “We tried, but we just couldn’t stop him,” Strine said Chattahoochee (1-3 in the region, 1-4 overall,) plays at Johns Creek Oct. 10.

MILTON 56, LASSITER 0:

Eagles bounce back from loss with dominating victory By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com MILTON, Ga. – The Milton Eagles bounced back from their first loss of the season with a vengeance, overpowering Lassiter 56-0 at home last Friday night for their first victory in

Region 5-AAAAAA. The Eagles (1-0, 3-1) were riding high and state-ranked after opening non-region wins over Alpharetta and defending state champion Norcross. But they were toppled from their perch by archrival Roswell in Milton’s region opener.

Against Lassiter, the Eagles feasted. The defending region champion, Lassiter suffered heavy graduation losses and is 0-3 in region play. The Trojans were dominated in every phase of the game by the Eagles, who scored touchdowns on four straight possessions in the first

day Sunday Satur er 11-12, 201 4 Octob

half and four of their first five series after halftime. Milton piled up 23 first downs to six for Lassiter, outrushed the Trojans 367-27 and had 127 yards passing to 84, intercepting three Lassiter passes. Micco Brisker carried 12 times for 113 yards and three touchdowns for the Eagles, with Chris Turner adding 123 yards and two TDs on 23 carries. Austin McLeod completed nine of 12 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown – a 15-yarder to Obe Fortune, who had five catches for 72 yards. Backup quarterback David Moore scored the final two touchdowns for the Eagles and had 45 yards rushing on seven carries. Nathan Cranor set up two Milton scores with a 44-yard kickoff return and a 40-yard punt return. Milton drove 88 yards in 13 plays for its first score, a 24yard run by Brisker late in the first period. He went 64 yards for a TD later in the opening

period. Milton made it 28-0 at the half after TD drives of 60 and 62 yards, the first following an interception by Devyn Wilkins. Fortune and Turner scored the touchdowns, with Turner’s run covering 6 yards. Brisker went in from 6 yards out to start Milton’s second-half scoring, with Turner scoring on a 2-yard run after a Quarte Sapp interception. Moore scored on a 2-yard run after Cranor’s long punt return, and added the final Milton TD on a 10-yard run with 11 minutes to play. The Trojans were 0-for-13 on third and fourth downs, and after reaching the Milton 41 on their first possession, they did not cross midfield again. The Eagles have a key region game Friday night at Etowah (2-1, 4-1), which fell out of a tie for the region lead after a 47-44 loss in overtime last Friday at Woodstock. Etowah defeated Milton 24-15 last season.

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MOUNT PISGAH 41, CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 21:

Winchester, Patriots win third straight DALTON, Ga. – Aaron Winchester passed for 326 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score to lead Mount Pisgah to a Winchester 41-21 victory last Friday night at Christian Heritage. Winchester’s favorite target was Ben Miller, who caught nine passes for 182 yards, including a 71-yarder for a touchdown, and also scored on a 2-yard run. The Patriots led 38-7 early

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 27 nents 141-31, but have not faced a team of Mount Pisgah’s caliber. The Patriots have won their last three games after an opening loss. – Mike Blum

in the fourth quarter before the Lions scored a pair of late touchdowns. The Patriots drove to a touchdown on their first series and led 14-7 at the half, with Winchester scoring the second TD and fourth-and-goal from the 2. A short field goal early in the third quarter by Chase Clark made it 17-7, and Winchester threw touchdown passes of 7 yards to Justin Gilvin and 71 yards to Miller expanded the lead to 31-7. Oz Dixon scored in the fourth quarter to make it 38-7 and Clark closed out the scoring for Mount Pisgah with his second field goal. The Patriots forced four turnovers, with an interception by Max Miller leading to Gilvin’s TD reception in the third quarter. Chase Gailey also had an interception for the Patriots. Noah West and Shingi Chigwere also participated in the ballhawking, with both recovering fumbles. West’s recovery preceded the long TD pass from Winchester to Miller. Chigwere, Max Miller and John O’Connor keyed Mount Pisgah’s defensive effort. The Patriots (3-1) host St. Francis this Friday, with the Knights 4-0, outscoring each of their first four opponents by at least 21 points. – Mike Blum

Shelton rushed for 129 yards and two scores, and the BT defense nearly recorded its third straight shutout.

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ST. FRANCIS 28, WALKER 7:

St. Francis rolls over Walker

MARIETTA, Ga. – The St. Francis Knights remained unbeaten with a 28-7 victory last Friday night at Walker, setting up a showdown this Friday night at 2013 Class A private school semifinalist Mount Pisgah. The game was tied 7-7 in the fourth quarter, with the Knights scoring three touchdowns in the last nine minutes to break the game open. Matt Davis passed to Avery Showell for 9 yards and the tie-breaking touchdown, capping an 80-yard drive. Showell scored on a 26-yard run to make it 21-7. After a St. Francis interception, the Knights scored when Zach Wanamaker recovered a St. Francis fumble in the end zone. Walker (1-4) jumped out to a 7-0 lead, but the Knights tied the game on a 7-yard pass from Davis to Nathan Waller in the second quarter. The Knight are 4-0 and have outscored their oppo-

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BLESSED TRINITY 45, DOUGLASS 7:

BT Titans win fifth straight

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ATLANTA – The Blessed Trinity Titans rolled to their fifth straight victory, winning 45-7 last Friday night over Douglass at Lakewood Stadium. It was the first sub-region game for the Titans in 4-AAA, with BT off this week. The Titans host Therrell Oct. 10 and will play for the sub-region championship Oct. 17 against Westminster on the Titans’ home field. Quarterback Conor Davis and tailback Milton Shelton led the Titans. Davis completed 15 of 19 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns, two to Matthew Higgins and one to Banks Hickman.

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28 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

KELL 28, CAMBRIDGE 27

Bears lose to No. 3 Longhorns on Hail Mary Upset bid tumbles as time expires By MIKE BLUM news@northfulton.com KENNESAW, Ga. – The Cambridge Bears came within one play of stunning unbeaten Kell, the No. 3-ranked team in the state in Class AAAAA. The Bears fell to the Longhorns 28-27 last Friday night on a 40-yard touchdown pass with no time left on the clock. The Bears, 3-1 after losing their sub-region opener, took a 27-22 lead in the final period on a 10-yard pass from Brian Moore to John Hurst, and stopped the Longhorns in their first attempt to regain the lead. But Cambridge was unable to run out the clock and the Longhorns completed four straight passes after getting the ball back with just 34 seconds to play. Moore, who passed for two touchdowns and ran for two, connected with Hunter Smith seven times for 197 yards and a TD. The Bears had almost 400 yards total offense and led 14-13 at the half. The game went back and forth in the second half, with Cambridge leading 21-16 before Kell returned a kickoff for a touchdown. The Bears reclaimed the lead in the final period, but failed in their attempt for a two-point conversion after going ahead 27-22. Cambridge coach Craig Bennett said he was “split”

It’s probably the hardest loss I’ve ever had. At the same time, I can’t say how proud I am of the kids.”

Stars ‘N’ Stitches Quilt Show returns Biannual judged show features best of classic, contemporary quilting By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com

CRAIG BENNETT Cambridge coach by the outcome. “It hurts. It’s probably the hardest loss I’ve ever had. At the same time, I can’t say how proud I am of the kids,” he said. “We took ‘em to the end,” he said. “Our offense made some incredible plays, and the defense made some incredible stops. We just fell four seconds short.” The Bears lost to Kell 49-6 last year in a Region 7-AAAAAA play-in game, but after a 3-0 start this season, Bennett said, “We definitely felt we could play with them. It was a tough one, but by Saturday morning the kids were ready to go and ready to see how good they can be.” Cambridge is home this Friday against North Atlanta (0-2, 1-4).

CUMMING, Ga. – The biannual Stars ‘N’ Stitches Quilt Show returns Oct. 4-5 at the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market on Ga. 9 in Forsyth County. Sponsored by the Chattahoochee Evening Stars, some 200 juried quilts will be on display with more than a dozen quilting vendors and free demonstrations. Quilt guild members will demonstrate many techniques including: • Wool applique • Embroidery • Hand quilting • A jelly roll race • How to make fabric postcards Every day at 3 p.m. there will be a Storybook Quilts reading. Guild member Barbara Means said Storybookquilts. org is a web-based program available to anyone who works with children/students. The quilts tell a well-known story in thread to illustrate the story that is read. The Evening Stars group lends its collection to schools, libraries, museums, Scout programs and any other interested groups on a loaner basis. The collection includes books, quilts, lesson plans, ideas for activities to use

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Sweet Sixteen – JENCKS with the books, hands-on projects and recommended websites. The books are ready to be read and the quilts are ready to be admired, looked at, loved and touched. The Chattahoochee Evening Stars Quilt Guild affirms that quilting is part of America’s past, present and future, said Means. Storybook Quilts was designed to reach the community to foster the love of reading and appreciate the distinctly American art form that is quilting. The traveling collection of 37 books with their accompanying quilts is diverse in subject matter and reading levels. The books are about various historical periods and

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Going Green

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 29

Making a difference in your local community Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014

Why is my tree dying? Since moving to the Fulton County Extension Office in December 2012, I have heard this question often. I have seen many tree problems; but I have never seen as many dying trees as I have this year. Why are we having this problem and what can we do? Oak, hickory, dogwood and other trees have been losing leaves, browning at the edges of their leaves or dying suddenly without any apparent reason. If we could look at the roots though, the reason would probably become apparent. Often when leaves suddenly dry up and die on a plant, it is due to a stem or root problem. Stem damage, especially by string trimmers and lawn mowers can open the tree up to rots, which weaken the tree. Check your tree for damage. Once damage occurs, it is too late to do much. We do not recommend putting anything on the wound, just prevent further damage. Kill the grass around the base of the tree and replace with mulch, so mowers and string trimmers will not be used close to the tree. Most shade tree decline is probably due to drought and flooding. The roots of a tree are in the top 8 to 12 inches of soil. When this soil is very dry or saturated with water for a long time, the tree’s feeder roots begin to die. The feeder roots are the small, fine white roots. They take up most of the water and nutrients for the tree. The tree must replace these roots to survive. The continued bad weather we have had over the past few years has damaged trees and made it impossible for many to recover. The result is trees that die suddenly without apparent reason. We call this condition shade tree decline. What can you do? By the time the tree shows symptoms, it is often too late. Trees have large reserves of food and water stored up. When they suffer enough damage to kill them, it may be a year or more before they actually dry up and die. This is why a tree may die due to drought or flooding that happened long ago. Shade tree decline weakens trees making them more susceptible to pests. I have noticed

Rolando Orellano Guest Columnist

dying trees with beetles in them. Weak trees can also have problems like slime flux (an oozing liquid from the stem), cankers or leaf spots. However, the main problem is tree decline. This must be addressed to solve the problem. The key is preventing shade tree decline. Keep the tree vigorous throughout its life. When planting, pick a site that is suitable to the tree you are planting. For instance, do not plant dogwoods in full sun, they like partial shade. Prepare the site well before planting — digging a planting hole at least two to three times wider than the root-ball. It is best to till up a large area to plant the tree in. Till the area 8 to 12 inches deep and if plants are grown in a container, loosen roots in the root-ball before planting. For balled and burlapped trees, remove the burlap from the top of the ball being careful not to damage the ball. Plant the tree at the same level it was originally growing. Never plant trees deeper that they were growing before transplanting. Before planting, read the Extension Service publication on planting shrubs and trees. For established trees, stay away from trees with mowers, trimmers and heavy equipment. Even if equipment has not hit the tree, driving over the roots compacts the soil and can kill roots. Digging deeply around trees or filling around trees also kills roots and weakens trees. When filling around trees, remember the general rule that states that placing six inches of soil over the roots of a tree has a 50 percent chance of killing the tree. One the most important things you can do for your tree is water it. During dry times, water the soil to a depth of 7 inches every four days. To do this will require 3/4 to 1 inch of water each time. If using a sprinkler, place

a pan under it when watering and time how long it takes to put out enough water. Then you can water this long each time. Do not water lightly each day. This causes problems by encouraging a shallow root system making the tree susceptible to drought and cold weather. Proper watering is extremely important and may have saved many trees if done during the drought. Once trees show signs of stress, it may be too late to help them. However if the tree has green leaves on it, continue to care for it. It may recover. Garden and lawn advice is provided by Rolando Orellano, your UGA/ Fulton County Cooperative Extension agent. For your specific gardening questions, call the North Fulton Extension office at 404-613-7670.

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30 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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It’s a boat, it’s a car — it’s a boat car By ALDO NAHED aldo@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Mark Ray is making waves on the roads. That’s because his boat car cannot float, or else he’d be making waves in the water, too. About a year ago, Mark Ray made a bet with his wife. She said he couldn’t build a boat car. The Alpharetta resident has now showed her and pretty much everyone else on the road. “I was determined to make my dream a reality,” Ray said. “I’ve got a boat, a car and it’s a convertible.” The first thing he did was purchase and strip the body of a GMC Jimmy with a V6 engine. Except for the chassis, the seats and the motor, everything else was removed. Then he found an 18-foot Sea Ray bow rider ready for the landfill. “I got the boat for free,” Ray said. “I had to cut the floor out of the bottom of the boat.” Then he mounted them together. As he is explaining all this, a motorist pulls over and wants to take a picture of the custom vehicle. “This happens all day long,” he said. “People are always pulling me over asking permission to take pictures of the car; they ask if they can stand in front of it and… ‘Does it float?’” The woman was taking pictures of the boat car to show her husband. “This is so different,” the woman tells us.

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cancer free,” Ray said. “The whole family loves the boat car.” Ray, who runs Door2Door Shredding in Alpharetta, brings the boat car to car shows and parades, but he has not yet taken it to a boat show. He has also won a lot of trophies for his creation. “The biggest trophy is that my wife does not have cancer,” Ray said. “That’s the most important.” Visit http://www. theboatcar.com for more information.

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 31

Supreme Court orders new billboards for Johns Creek I want to update you on a topic that we have not chatted about for a while. You may have noticed a new billboard that recently went up near the intersection of Old Milton Parkway and Kimball Bridge Road. Even though this billboard is in Alpharetta, it is a sign of things to come soon in Johns Creek. To remind those of you who have lived in our great city for a while and to educate those who have not, the billboards that are coming to our city are a result of a Georgia Supreme Court ruling against Fulton County back in 2011. This ruling stemmed from a case that was appealed up to that court when it was determined that the county’s sign ordinance was unconstitutional and 75 billboard applications filed prior to 2005 – before our city was formed – were approved by a lower court. Of those 75 applications requested for north of I-285, 31 of them were within what is now Johns Creek and three of them are in a triangle of land that became part of Alpharetta where the new billboard now sits. While I can’t yet tell you how many of these 31 court-ordered billboards will actually get built. I would be remiss if I did not tell you that at least some of them are coming soon. As much as I would like to tell you something different, we long ago exhausted any hope we could keep this from happening. Everything we have done since that Supreme Court ruling has been to try to minimize the total number of billboards while working with the billboard companies to define locations. We feel confident in our discussions with the companies that the actual amount of billboards erected will be significantly less than the original 31 ordered. The other north Fulton cities were able to accomplish a reduction in the number of billboards ultimately erected in their jurisdictions through cooperation with the same companies. I want to use this letter as an opportunity to show our appreciation to the billboard companies for their patience as we strive for mutually acceptable terms during our discussions.

Mike Bodker Mayor of Johns Creek

Even though this billboard is in Alpharetta, it is a sign of things to come soon in Johns Creek. Based on the court ruling, they could have immediately put up a significant number of billboards. Instead they have continued to work with us in a diligent and methodical manner to protect their legal interests and balance them with the desires of our community. The time is drawing near when our City Council will need to review and conclude the final settlement agreement. With that decision, we will eventually see billboards much like the ones that recently went up in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Milton. Between now and then, please know that we are doing what we can to protect the visual appeal of our city and protect what we love about it. I can imagine that for many this is an emotional issue and I understand your concerns. I hope you will not hesitate to reach out to us should you have any further questions or comments. We will continue to communicate and keep you updated as more information becomes available. A detailed timeline of the eight-year history of this subject is posted at JohnsCreekGA.gov.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

To all our friends and neighbors We wanted to reach out to all our friends, neighbors and everyone in the local community who have been so kind to our family during this horribly tragic time. The outpouring of care and support has been overwhelming and humbling. People supported us in every aspect of need; meals, transportation, daily needs and assistance in planning details; our minds were simply not capable of doing anything alone. Neighbors even opened their homes to some of our relatives the first night due to lack of hotel space. The visitations for Abbey and the

funeral the next day were beautiful! They were able to be planned very well, thanks to all of you who attended to our needs which allowed us to concentrate on saying goodbye to our child. Thank you for that gift! A gift that will be held close to our hearts for the rest of our lives. Whenever we look back on these difficult days, we will also remember the incredible kindness that walked side by side with the pain. With gratitude, Tim, Roxanne, Rachel, Dalton and (Abbey) Rice

32 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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Alpharetta missing three pieces to puzzle of future success Must act now to stay on top Anyone who is paying attention knows that the city of Alpharetta is on the verge of another amazing economic expansion and boom. A look around town shows construction on our brand-new City Hall, which will include a 25,000-square-foot library, a new downtown shopping district rapidly filling with trendy restaurants and shops and the close to $1 billion upscale Avalon development taking shape at Old Milton Parkway and Ga. 400. We will soon have a brand new tech school (Gwinnett Tech) located on the southwest corner of Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway and we will probably see a large convention center as well as a new four star hotel across the street from the Gwinnett Tech campus. Alpharetta has more than their share of Fortune 200 technology companies, and we have more technology workers (per thousand population) than any other city in the country, according to Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle. Alpharetta is the epicenter of the transaction industry (credit card processing primarily) in the country and has a booming medical technologies sector as substantial as that in any other region. The average income per family as well as the education profile of Alpharetta and North Fulton rivals any other in the area in the country. The fact that Alpharetta is a short drive to the world’s highest-volume airport, Hartsfield Jackson International, just adds fuel to the city’s economic fire. So we’re doing great right now but will we maintain the same position of strength and continue to experience the same growth five and 10 years from now? Unfortunately the answer may be “no,” because we are missing three critical puzzle pieces needed to maintain this amazing status we currently enjoy – adequate mass transit, adequate and affordable housing and an environment that this increasingly sought-after younger, highly educated and skilled workforce finds desirable. Make no mistake. The cities of the future that are growing and thriving will be those that have adapted to the priorities and values of this workforce of the future. The cities that do not adapt will ultimately fail. It is critical that we understand that these new generations of skilled workers do not think like the older generations – like you and I think.

Ray Appen

Publisher ray@northfulton.com

They don’t have the priorities that we had that ultimately created the urban sprawl, the bumper-to-bumper traffic and long drives into and from work. They don’t want to live out in the suburbs. An increasing percentage of them have no intention of ever owning a home and increasingly, they are less interested in owning cars. They are marrying later, having fewer children and an increasing number are electing to not have families at all. They don’t want to be so tied down and they don’t want to contribute to the destruction of the environment by driving miles from home to work. They want bike paths and affordable rental housing instead, and they don’t want to have to leave where they live to enjoy their lives. That is, they want to live, eat and play in the same place. If you don’t have that, they don’t want to live in your city. Here is the rub – and I hope you are paying attention. The companies of the future – and today – have figured this out already, and rapidly the primary consideration in deciding where to expand, where to relocate and where to start up is simply this: “Will it help us recruit and retain the workforce that we must have?” If the answer is no, then they will simply look to the cities such as Austin, Raleigh, Dallas, and Charlotte where the answer is yes. The first puzzle piece is adequate transportation infrastructure and mass transit in general. It is, however, a regional problem and has primarily only regional solutions. Unfortunately, we voted down the last SPLOST initiative so we must now find ways to deal with transit and catch up with all the other cities wise enough to continue to invest in their future. Fortunately, we can still catch up. We just shot ourselves in both feet, but we can get up and move forward if we are smart. The second puzzle piece – affordable and adequate housing – is a local decision that we have complete control over. So we have some choices to make that can significantly impact our children and our grandchildren.

Ways to fix the cultural arts problem 1. Convert the two blocks on Milton Avenue between Hwy. 9 and Canton Street (where the Christmas Tree Lighting, Brew Moon Fest, the art shows and concerts are already held) into a pedestrian-only downtown venue. Block it off and brick the street. Plant trees and install benches. Build a permanent stage where the temporary one is always located. Use that stage for weekly music and other performances. Build a parking deck close by (on the land already planned for a parking deck on the west side of Hwy. 9). This would instantly make downtown Alpharetta “the” destination and convert any and all available space nearby into the most desirable and valuable new restaurant and retaildestination real estate. 2. Use the library at the intersection of Canton Street and Mayfield that the city just recently obtained from the county as an arts facility of some kind. It has the close to downtown location, the size and the parking to kick start many arts-related activity. 3. Old Milton High School Theater. One of the last investments the Board of Education made in old Milton High School before they built the new school was to build a full blown professional theater. It would be the perfect venue to kick start theater and performance arts for Alpharetta. It has the downtown location, the parking and it is ready to go. Working out a lease with a kick out option with the BOE should be doable. This one could be so easy. 4. Wills Park. Wills Park sits on 120 acres in Alpharetta. Perhaps over half of the park is used as an equestrian facility that grandly serves the equestrian community but almost no one else. It may be the most underutilized asset owned by the city and probably operates at a loss – primarily for the benefit of folks who do not live in Alpharetta. This land could be used to build the cities performing arts facility. The city already owns the land. It is centrally located – and it is available. 5. Old Milton High School. The entire high school sits on 40 acres in downtown Alpharetta. The city and the City Council should actively be considering how this property might be acquired and utilized. Buy it and keep the part you want, then resell the rest. What could be done with this 40 acres and the importance it could have for the long term future of Alpharetta are incalculable. Affordable and adequate housing is really a code phrase for density, which continues to be one of those hot buttons. That is, many people simply immediately reject out of hand any suggestion of change or any approach to the future that involves the idea or concept of density. By density, I mean building “up” as opposed to building “out” or – what is commonly called sprawl. There are many factors involved so I don’t mean to over simplify a complex subject. However, the short version is that the only way a city can create a live-work-play environment that will attract the workforce that is absolutely required for the future is by prudently and carefully allowing and fostering density in housing. Companies will not stay in or relocate to a city that their employees do not want to live in and we either adapt to that reality or see this city ultimate-

ly slowly decline and give up so much that we enjoy today. It’s not about you. It’s about the future, and it’s about being willing to change. The third puzzle piece involves creating a city that is fun, stimulating and engaging – even and especially after sundown. To a high degree, right now after 8 p.m., if you want to do something or go somewhere for entertainment in Alpharetta you have to drive to Roswell or inside the Perimeter. Younger generations do not want to live here right now. That’s a bad thing if you have a company in Alpharetta and need to hire these generations. I am aware of a company that recently relocated their 20-30 younger employees from Roswell to Midtown because they didn’t want to live on the Northside. That is a reality and it will only get worse with time unless we fix it. In addition to local recre-

ation, dining and merchandising downtown destinations, Alpharetta desperately needs cultural destinations and activities. Alpharetta has no cultural arts center, no performing arts center, no brick and mortar arts venues outside of our schools. And almost no city of substance – no city that seriously wants to be in the big leagues – lacks these brick and mortar venues. Because of this, the arts have not prospered like they should have in Alpharetta. Music, theater, dance, cultural events and exhibits are only minimally available and that is a very big (negative) deal if you are a large company considering relocating your people to Alpharetta. The irony is that Alpharetta has successfully created or supported amazing and farsighted facilities and leisurerelated venues ranging from the Verizon Amphitheater (special thanks to the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Brandon Beach and Alpharetta Council), the amazing Greenway system that will ultimately extend more than 20 miles from Roswell through Forsyth County, which originated in Alpharetta (thank you Marie Garrett, Jimmy Phillips, Jim Paine, Chuck Martin and others), to the wonderful work being done by the current Alpharetta Business Association (our art shows, farmers market, and Brew Moon Fest to name a few) and the many events produced by the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau under Janet Rogers and staff. I cannot imagine what Janet could do if the city had its own performing arts center! The good news is that fixing the cultural arts issue as well as the “something to do after dark” problem has a number of relatively accessible, timely and doable possible solutions – if our mayor and City Council make them a priority. Yes, the costs are “hard” for not making brick and mortar cultural arts facilities a priority. Mayor Belle Isle kicked off the city’s new Technology Association at a banquet and part of the theme he shared was that Alpharetta had a great story to tell and that we needed to do a better job of telling it. He was referring to the “story” of Alpharetta being the Technology City of the South. He was spot on in what he said. However not only does Alpharetta’s story need to be better told, but it could end up being a moot point if we don’t take care of the last three missing puzzle pieces – particularly the brick and mortar performing arts center.

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 33

“Pumpkin Topside, Inside, Outside” is simply an authentic masterpiece of realism. This triptych by Nancy Suffolk Guerine is a wonder to behold.

Pencil art defies description at JC Arts Center Hatcher Hurd

Executive Editor hatcher@northfulton.com

I am not one to get too excited about art shows. I know there is good art – even great art – out there, and I am always telling My Lady Wife how we ought to get down to the High Museum in Atlanta to see the great masters that regularly are on tour there. Of course, we make vague plans, but then it is too far to go, too hot, a grandson’s Little League game conflicts or any number of excuses. Well, there are no excuses not to see Fall Colors, the fine art exhibit presented by the Colored Pencil Society of America, Atlanta chapter, at the Johns Creek Arts Center. I saw the exhibition last year, and I could not believe my eyes. These are done with colored pencils? I could hardly wait to see if I would be as impressed with this year’s exhibition. I was. I am. Does this sound like a rave review? I rarely rave about anything, but I’m raving now. There is truly something for everyone at the Fall Colors exhibit: landscapes, abstracts, still life, portraits – and they simply spring to life. The artists who produce these master works are artists in the truest sense. I cannot say enough about them and their medium, because I have seen it. Try to describe why the Mona Lisa is a great and beautiful painting. It can’t be done. You have to see it. And the good news is you can. Great art has come to you at the Arts Center. Some 56 works of fine art are hung for

“Floating Feather” is simply drawn but beautifully rendered in black and white. The drawing by Debra Yuan entranced the judges. Yuan is also an instructor at JCAC. slow viewing pleasure. Some of these are wonderful, some are breathtaking. And some will simply amaze you. You will see some works you will swear are photographs. Others you will be positive are oil paintings – or pastels. But all are drawings – that seems such an inadequate word for this fine art. But it is what it is, and that is plenty.

“Patterns” is an exquisitely detailed drawing of Native American art by Joan Gelblat. One almost feels the texture of the materials.

JCAC Director Gail Hisle and her staff have done it again, raising the bar of that Little Arts Center That Could. She, the staff, the art teachers and the volunteers do a masterful job at the center. There is nothing like it in North Fulton. So go. Go and be amazed. Go and be charmed. Go and simply enjoy. You owe it to yourself.

If you go What: Fall Colors Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. When: Through Oct.31 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

34 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR RECORD STORAGE AND SHREDDING SERVICES BID #15-006 The City of Alpharetta is accepting bids for RECORDS STORAGE AND SHREDDING SERVICES from a qualified company for all city departments. The Bid document will be available online Thursday, October 2, 2014, at our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us choose the Bids Online tab. The bid opening will be held on October 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the City of Alpharetta, Finance Department, 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

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Southeast Missouri State University CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Kelli Mitchell of Cumming and Abigail Reed of Suwanee each earned Dean’s List recognition at Southeast Missouri State University for academic achievement during the spring 2014 session. Students named to the list earned at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and completed at least 12

student athlete of the week Chattahoochee High School

RFQ #14-314 JOHNS CREEK CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

RFQ packages are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. RFQ’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the RFQ number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an RFQ response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. SIX (6) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE RFQ ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. RFQ’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFQ information and instructions enclosed therein. 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. Mike Bodker Mayor

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Mallory Findlay, a 2004 graduate of Chattahoochee High School, received her master’s degree in English from Georgetown University on May 16. Findlay graduated from Emory University in Atlanta in 2008, received her teaching certification from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and taught Advanced Placement English at Walkersville High School in Maryland prior to entering the

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The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from experienced, integrated teams who specialize in the development of master planning documents for projects of this specific type. Sealed RFQ’s will be received no later than 10:00AM. on November 10, 2014 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. A non-mandatory Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on October 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM at City Hall, 12000 Findley Rd., Taylor Farms Conference Room, 3rd floor, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097.

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

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

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Name: Janay Johnson Age: 17 Athletic Team: Track and Field Position: Leader/Volunteer School and/or Community Activities: President of Black History Club, Girl Scouts Athletic Awards: School record holder (400 meter), Academic Athlete Academic Awards: National Honor Society Future Plans: Attend college to become a forensic scientist

ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR S.R. 9 ROADWAY / STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS – MARIETTA STREET TO ACADEMY STREET RFQ # 15-1004 The City of Alpharetta is accepting Statements of Qualifications for the construction of the S.R. 9 ROADWAY / STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS – MARIETTA STREET TO ACADEMY STREET. Project scope includes, but is not limited to, pavement widening, construction of a granite curbed median, construction of brick paver sidewalks, installation of storm drainage, installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon, installation of storm drain structures and pipes, and installation of water lines. Statements of Qualifications will only be accepted from contractors with a current Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Qualification issued by the Georgia Department of Transportation for this class of work. The RFQ will be available online Thursday, October 2, 2014, under the tab “Bids Online” on our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us. Statements of Qualifications will be due on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM, at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department, 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

master’s program at Georgetown. Findlay, the daughter of Alison Findlay of Johns Creek, will now move to Chapel Hill where she is the recipient of a Ph.D. fellowship at the University of North Carolina.

Georgia Tech ATLANTA – Arshiya Lal of Johns Creek earned Dean’s List recognition at Georgia Tech for the spring 2014 semester.

Ga. Southwestern State University AMERICUS, Ga. – Viral Darji of Cumming and Kimberly Gonzalez of Milton were among 177 students who made the spring 2014 Academic Achievement List for scholastic achievement at Georgia Southwestern State University.

Hofstra University HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Ohad Amram of Alpharetta, a senior majoring in film studies and production, has excelled during the spring 2014 semester, earning a spot on the Dean’s List at Hofstra University.

University of Evansville EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Roberto Lorena of Alpharetta has achieved a place on the University of Evansville Dean’s List for academic achievements during the spring semester 2014. Lorena is majoring in marketing. To make the Dean’s List, a student must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-14-AB-24 PLACE City Hall Two South Main Street Council Chambers October 9, 2014 3:00 P.M. PURPOSE Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer & Wine Sunday Sales APPLICANT Rocket Farm Restaurants, LLC d/b/a The El Felix 1130 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Owner Rocket Farm Restaurants, LLC Registered Agent William Ford Fry

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northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 2, 2014 | 35

ACT1 Theater presents ‘The Ransom of Miss Elverna Dower’ Three shows on Oct. 3, 4

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — For three performances only, ACT1 Theater presents “The Ransom of Miss Elverna Dower” a comedy inspired by the “Ransom of Red Chief.” Middle school teacher and award winning writer Laurie Bryant has

crafted a modern day take on the classic O Henry premise of a kidnapped boy so contentious that his father demands a reverse ransom in order to take him back. Teen students Casey Mathews and her best buddy, Tim Stack are faced with a desperate situation. The entire school’s least favorite teacher has a major English project due on this

cold February day and the flighty pair are of course … unprepared. Their solution is brilliant and clearly the only possible course of action. They will kidnap Miss Elverna Dower. Pamela Johnson performs as Miss Donnelly, the pairs' brand new, and greatly beleaguered principal, with Margaret Thomas as Casey and Jonathan Wells as Tim. The

Spruill Oaks Book Sale Oct. 16-17 JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – It is time for the Spruill Oaks Library Book Sale, and the Friends of Spruill Oaks is looking for volunteers to help set up. Hundreds of gently used books on all topics will go on sale at bargain prices. Volunteers are needed to work during the sale days, or tear down at the end of the sale. Volunteers can take home two free books as a token of thanks from the Friends. New volunteers are always welcome. Teenage volunteers are especially appreciated for set-up on Wednesday and tear-down on Sunday. New adult volunteers should make sure to fill out the volunteer form and turn it in before volunteering. New student volunteers should fill out the volunteer form, have a parent sign it and turn it in before volunteering. The volunteer application may be found at http://www.afpls.org/ under “Support” – “Volunteer” – “Print a Volunteer Application” or in the Spruill Oaks Library. The volunteer slots for the October sale are: • Wednesday, Oct. 15 – Set-up from 4 to 6

Big fall book sale Oct. 16-19 • Thursday, Oct. 16 from 1-5 p.m. Members sale. (Memberships available at the door) • Friday, Oct. 17 from 1-5 p.m. • Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1-4 p.m. • Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1-3 p.m. p.m. • Thursday, Oct. 16 – Set-up from noon to 1 p.m.; sale help from 1-3 p.m., 3-5 p.m. • Friday, Oct. 17 – Sale help from 1-3 p.m., 3-5 p.m. • Saturday, Oct. 18 – Sale help from 1-3 p.m., 2-4 p.m. • Sunday, Oct. 19 – Sale help from 1-3; teardown from 3-5 p.m. Access the book sale volunteer sign-up on the FOL website at http://www.friendsofspruilloaks.org/eform_detail.asp?id=5&name=Book+S ale+Volunteer+Sign%2DUp.

City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. City of Johns Creek Council Chamber 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 The following Variance proposals located within The City of Johns Creek is scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above. Case Number: Petitioner: Present Zoning: Property Location(s): Variance Request: Case Number: Petitioner: Present Zoning: Property Location(s): Variance Request: Case Number Petitioner: Present Zoning: Property Location(s): Variance Request:

V-14-023 Shoe Gallery C-1 Conditional 6000 Block of Medlock Bridge Parkway 10100-10200 Block of Medlock Bridge Road To allow two wall signs to be placed on the same wall area V-14-024 TY. Lin International C-1 Conditional 10900 Block of State Bridge Road To exceed the 6-foot maximum height of a freestanding sign by 1 foot 2 inches V-14-025 Sean Cash TR Conditional 3100 Block of Haynesbrooke Lane Encroach 46 feet into the 50-foot stream buffer and additional 25-foot impervious surface setback to allow the replacement of an existing deck with a screened porch and deck

22 member cast includes Wally and Jeannie Hinds, long time owners of Kudzu Theater once in Roswell. The show is directed by Roswell resident Candy Spahr, a veteran actress, playwright and drama teacher. ACT1 Theater is located inside Alpharetta Presbyterian

Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009. The family friendly show runs Friday, October 3, at 8:00 PM and Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 PM and at 8:00 PM. All tickets are $10. For tickets and information go to www.act1theater.com, or call 770-663-8989.

ONLINE AUCTION BY CITY OF ALPHARETTA The City of Alpharetta, in conjunction with GovDeals, will conduct a CONTINUOUS online auction to sell surplus material, equipment, and vehicles. To view the surplus items or to place a bid, please visit www.govdeals.com. All sales will be final to the highest bidder and sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed or implied. The City of Alpharetta and GovDeals reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and the right to waive formalities. Once the items are sold, the coordination of and actual removal of the items must be completed by the selected party. For further information, visit www.govdeals.com or contact Jonathan Bulau with the City of Alpharetta, Department of Finance at (678) 297-6095 or jbulau@alpharetta.ga.us.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR GENERATOR AND HVAC ADDITION FOR CITY BUILDING RFP 15-107 The City of Alpharetta is requesting proposals for GENERATOR AND HVAC ADDITION FOR CITY BUILDING including, but not limited to, replacing existing generator, adding redundant HVAC system, with all related labor, equipment, and supplies necessary to complete the project. The location of the work is at an existing City building within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. The Request for Proposal document will be available online Thursday, October 2, 2014, under the tab “Bids Online” from our website, www.alpharetta.ga.us. A Mandatory site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 10:00 AM. The visit will take place at City of Alpharetta Public Works building, 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009. Proposals will only be accepted from contractors that attend this site visit. Proposals will be due no later than Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department, 2970 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009. For information, please contact Debora Westbrook at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or 678-297-6052.

schools

36 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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Fulton students named National Achievement semifinalists

Hembree Springs ES among top Title I schools in Georgia

NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Twelve Fulton County seniors have been named semifinalists in the 51st annual National Achievement Scholarship Program, an academic competition for AfricanAmerican high school students. The program is administered by National Merit Corp., an organization that recognizes and awards scholarships to academically gifted students. The students were identified through exceptionally high scores on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which they took as juniors. As semifinalists, the students now must fulfill several requirements in order to advance to the final round. They must have a record of high academic performance, be endorsed and recommended by their school principal and earn SAT scores that confirm their earlier qualifying test performance. A detailed scholarship application, which includes the student’s self-descriptive essay and information about his or her participation and leadership in school and community activities, also must be submitted. Approximately 1,300 finalists will be named in January, and of these, 800 overall winners

ROSWELL, Ga. – Hembree Springs Elementary School in Roswell has been named to the 2014 list of Reward Schools by the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) in recognition of its academic performance over the past three years. The Reward Schools, which all receive Title I federal funding, are evaluated in two categories: highest performing schools and highest progress schools. Hembree Springs ES was one of only 92 schools across the state designated as a Highest Performing School. This places the school among the top 5 percent of Title I schools with the highest performance for all student groups on statewide assessments. Highest Progress Schools are the top 10 percent of the state’s Title I schools that have made the most progress in improving student performance on statewide assessments for three years. “The schools on this list represent some of the finest efforts being put forth in Georgia education,” said State School Superintendent John Barge. “The educators, parents, students and communities who came together to move these schools forward should take great pride in the results.” The only other Fulton school that made the state’s list of 2014 Reward Schools is KIPP-South Fulton Academy. Title I federal funds are directed to public schools with high numbers of students who qualify for free and reduced lunches under federal guidelines. This year, 54 Fulton County schools receive Title I funding. –Candy Waylock

Arts: Continued from Page 4 design degree. American Society of Interior Design Board of Directors, Georgia and Colorado; Presidential Citation, Georgia chapter for service. Chartwell HOA Design Review Board. “I feel I may help with deci-

2015 National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists Alpharetta High School Elyse Martin Devon Merlette Northview High School Kellyn Archambeau Jermaine R. Bryant Amber Scales Aaron Thompson Milton High School Christina Lucas Danielle Stagger Roswell High School Steve Nkuranga North Springs Charter High School Joigiana B. Massat Riverwood International Charter School Corinn Gist-Stevenson Kara Wise

will be chosen for $2,500 National Achievement scholarships from the organization. Nationwide, $2.5 million scholarship funds will be awarded.

sions pertaining to balance, scale, design and any architectural elements. I am ready to serve and share any knowledge I may be able to lend.” Rae Prall – Bachelor’s degree in art from Radford University. Muralist and awardwinning artist, member, Johns Creek Arts Center Board; member of Kudzu Art Zone, an artists’ collective of more than

100 members in Norcross. “All great cities need great public art.” Jacquie Tracy – Extensive volunteer experience with North Fulton Community Charities and at school; North Atlanta Dance Academy parent for 11 years; Christian Youth Theater public relations committee three years. “Some families spend

In Memoriam

Robert Lowenthal, Jr. Ro Robert Lowenthal, Jr., age 52, of Johns Creek, GA passed away Monday, September 22, 2014. He attended the University of Georgia, graduated from Augusta State University and earned his MBA at Georgia State University. Rob worked at State Farm for 27 years, was an avid baseball fan, a beloved youth baseball coach, and a music enthusiast who played guitar in a local band. He served on the boards of the Will-to-Live Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia. Rob was kind and generous, with a gentle spirit and an encouraging nature. He was a devoted husband to Wendy and a loving father to Chris, Andrew, Ethan and Jenna. Rob was a role model to those he coached and a leader to all who worked with him. Rob is preceded in death by his mother, Edwina Harris Lowenthal. He is survived by his wife, Wendy Tillman Lowenthal; his sons, Christopher, Andrew, and Ethan; a daughter, Jenna; his father, Robert Lowenthal, Sr.; his

stepmother, Kathy Lowenthal, his brother, Jimmy Lowenthal(Marsha), his sisters, Wendy Simeur (Dave) and Kristi Lowenthal. Visitation is Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home. A celebration of Rob’s life will be held on Sunday, September 28th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Joe Cook Baseball Field at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. As a tribute to one of Rob’s passions, feel free to wear a baseball cap. On-line condolences can be made at www.crowellbrothers.com. Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to either the Will-to-Live Foundation (www.willto-live.org), Coaches Curing Kids Cancer (www.curingkidscancer.org), or the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (www.mhopus. org). Arrangements are being handled by Crowell Brothers Funeral Home Peachtree Chapel, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners/Norcross, Georgia 30092. 770-448-5757.

their weekends at soccer and baseball fields. We spend ours at plays, concerts and dance performances. For me, the performing arts have been a huge part of my life since I’ve been young. And with my children, it continues to be so.” Kirk Wilson – Served as a subcommittee chair for the Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Arts Council, which raised and distributed thousands of dollars for worthy projects; the St. Joseph Hospital Board; Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board. “Public art is important. I

Traffic: Continued from Page 10 can’t keep the turning lanes and widen the road,” Amodio said. GDOT engineers and consultants discussed the proposal with residents and business owners, but there was no formal presentation. Forsyth County Commissioner Todd Levent, who owns Midway Warehouse, said it’s his responsibility to jumpstart the project and he used his massive email list to let residents know about voicing their concerns to GDOT. “It’s important to let GDOT know that we need this project really bad and it’s been a long time coming,” Levent said. As far as the median, Levent said his business will also be impacted. “If you have a product and you have a store people like, they will find a way to pull into your parking lot,” Levent said. “I’m one of the ones who have

have a good understanding of building and design codes. I understand how government works.” Brigid Yeager – Secondgrade art teacher; co-founded youth theater and creative writing workshop group volunteer at the Pregnancy Center of Johns Creek; served as tennis chair at Seven Oaks subdivision; former elementary school art teacher. “I believe I can offer a knowledgeable eye for unique and interesting works that would adhere to the city’s mission for art.” to suffer through this as well, but this is transportation for the future of our county and it brings all kinds of business. We’re all stuck in traffic right now and we’ve all had traffic fatigue.” Anyone who was unable to attend the public information open house can send comments on the project to Hiral Patel, state environmental administrator for Georgia DOT, 600 West Peachtree St., 16th Floor, Atlanta, Ga. 30308. All comments will be considered in the development of the final project design and must be received by Oct. 3. Plans and handouts can be viewed at the Georgia DOT District Office located at 2505 Athens Highway in Gainesville. Project information will be available on the DOT website after the open house meetings at www.dot.ga.gov. On the home page, choose “information center,” then public outreach” and select the project’s county and choose “go.” A list of active DOT projects in the county will appear.

DEATH NOTICES Michael Daniel Diem, 17, of Cumming, passed away September 16, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Delwin Travis Hammons, 94, of Cumming, passed away September 18, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Bettie Callaway Harden, 80, of Commerce, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Muriel Kellman, 94, of Roswell, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Sandra Lankford, of Cumming, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Fabian McMahon, 93, of Roswell, passed away September 23, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Christ Henry Miller, 79, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Martha Elizabeth Paprism, 61, of Duluth, passed away September 18, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Timothy Rossi, 41, of Cumming, passed away September 16, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Roy Yates Sanders, Jr., 92, of Cumming, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Monnie Scott, 100, of Roswell, passed away September 23, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Andrew Solarski, 90, of Alpharetta, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Josephine Soldt, 94, of Roswell, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Sharon Steinke, 70, of Duluth, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. William Turk, 64, of Cumming, passed away September 18, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Jase Clayton Workman, infant, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

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Country Ranch

40 | October 2, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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Tropical joes smoothies now open $1 off on 32oz any smoothie cup

$2 off on total of $10 or over

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