Alpharetta-Roswell Herald — December 24, 2020

D e c e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 2 0 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 3 8 , N o . 5 2

Downtown Alpharetta takes it to the ‘Max’ Officials with the city and the Alpharetta Business Association gathered on DeVore Road near downtown Dec. 15 for the official opening of The Maxwell, a mixed-use development built by Mayfair Street Partners. The site features 138 attached and detached residences developed by The Providence Group, as well as an array of restaurants, entertainment and shops.

The opening ceremony included a flag-raising conducted by members of the American Legion.

North Point targeted for opportunity zone

► PAGE 4

Hospitals plan strategy for vaccine distribution

► PAGE 6

Online: Roswell divided on code change

PATRICK FOX/HERALD

► ONLINE AT NORTHFULTON.COM

2 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Death threats reported at Airbnb rental home ROSWELL, Ga. — Police received a report Dec. 8 from a man who listed his River Close property as a rental on Airbnb.

The man said he noticed the scent of burned marijuana when he and his wife went to the home to clean it. A van pulled up as they were cleaning the residence. Eight to 10 men got out of the vehicle and entered the property, according to a police report.

When the homeowner told the men to leave, he said they threatened to kill him. When the owner told the men he was calling police, he said they told him, “We are the police,” and “We will handle the police.”

The group then fled the residence in their van, the report stated.

Security guard says driver pulled gun from console ROSWELL, Ga. — A security guard at the Studio 6 motel along Old Dogwood Road told police he was walking the property Dec. 12 when he noticed a Dodge Charger idling near a dumpster.

The security guard said when he passed the vehicle, the driver shouted “why you looking at my car,” according to a police report. The driver cursed at the guard while reaching into a center console then drew a handgun.

The security officer told police the man never pointed the weapon at him, he just held it outside the driver’s door.

The driver sped away when the guard told him he was calling the police, the report stated.

PUBLIC SAFETY DUI arrests Jeovanni Rivera, 26, of Macon Road, Columbus, was arrested Dec. 11 for DUI, possession of an open alcohol container by driver, expired or no driver’s license and operating without lights required by law.

Pregnant woman reports relative robbed her at hotel ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police responded to the Homewood Suites hotel along Davis Drive early the morning of Dec. 13, where a pregnant woman claimed she’d been beaten and robbed by relatives.

The 20-year-old victim told officers she was in town to celebrate her aunt’s birthday. But she said the aunt and the aunt’s friend “jumped” her in her hotel room while several unidentified men stole several of her belongings, according to the incident report.

The victim said she was asleep when someone poured cold water on her. She took a shower after being awakened and when she came out of the bathroom, there were four or five men in the room she did not know.

She said she began yelling at her aunt’s 24-year-old friend, and the woman “sucker punched” her and wrestled her to the ground, according to the report.

The woman bit the victim on her face and arms, threw the hotel room phone at her and struck her with a lamp while her aunt helped hold her down.

The victim said the suspects stole her iPhone, $155 in cash, clothing and other items then fled in a Ford Expedition.

The victim was not able to identify any of the men involved. Police obtained warrants for the two female suspects on charges of aggravated assault, battery against a female who is pregnant and robery, the report stated.

Police investigate burglary at engineering company ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A burglary was reported at an engineering factory along Founders Parkway on Dec. 7. A manager at Mangan told officers someone broke into the business sometime between Dec. 4 and Dec. 7 and stole two Samsung monitors, two Apple keyboards, five iPhone 6’s and a set of headphones. The items had a combined value of $4,000, according to the police report.

Investigators determined the burglars entered the business through an unlocked door at a vacant suite next door, then cut a hole in the drywall that separated the two offices.

Man flying Trump flag cited for noise violation MILTON, Ga. — Police were dispatched to Birmingham Falls Elementary due to reports of an erratic driver Dec. 8.

According to the police report, a man driving a pickup truck with a large Donald Trump flag was racing around the parking lot blaring his air horn while kids were present. The driver was identified as 18-year-old Bruno Joseph Cua. According to the report, Cua told officers he was “flying his flag” and the parking lot was the only place he could test it out. He said another officer told him he could use the school lot and he waited for a school bus to clear out before he started driving around. He said the group of juveniles in the parking lot were his younger brother and the brother’s friends who gathered to watch him fly the Trump flag.

Cua denied doing “donuts” around the parking lot, but said he had to pick up some speed to get his flag to flap in the wind. He admitted to blowing his air horn once, but told an officer “there was no one around here, I wasn’t harassing anyone,” the report stated. The officer cited Cua for violating the city’s public disturbance ordinance.

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 3

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4 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Alpharetta adopts plan for North Point opportunity zone State designation could draw new businesses to struggling district

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — After nearly a year of study, the City of Alpharetta has submitted an application to create an opportunity zone within its struggling North Point District.

Approved through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, an opportunity zone provides qualifying employers the highest tax credit available through the state — $3,500 per created job with a minimum of two jobs. The credits can be used against a company’s state income tax and withholding tax liability, and they are available to any business, including retail.

At the council’s final business meeting of the year Dec. 14, Alpharetta Economic Development Manager Matthew Thomas said to qualify for the designa-

tion, the city has documented all the elements needed to establish the area as economically distressed.

The zone includes close to 600 acres bounded by Ga. 400 to the north and west, Big Creek to the south and Haynes Bridge Road to the east. The zone includes retail hubs, like North Point Mall, and 35 acres of residential tracts, including two apartment complexes.

In its recently released North Point Redevelopment Plan, the city says mall vacancy has risen above 29 percent, and average sales per square foot for remaining tenants have been declining significantly since 2014. Surrounding properties are likewise affected, the report states. Data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau show two neighboring residential tracts with poverty rates at or above 15 percent.

Office properties within the redevelopment area showed a vacancy rate of 12.2 percent in 2017, compared to the city’s overall vacancy rate of 10.4 percent, according to CoStar, a commercial property tracking service.

City Finance Department records show the rate of business closures within the redevelopment area has been climbing over the past decade, with a high of 69 closures in 2018. Some of the recent victims include Sears, Toys “R” Us, La-Z-Boy, Thomasville Furniture, AMC Theater and Hudson Grille.

Thomas said the city has nothing to lose and a lot to gain. There is no cost in applying for the opportunity zone status, he said, and his department has compiled the latest figures on crime and unemployment to include in the report.

“I believe we have satisfied all the criteria the DCA is asking for,” he said.

If approved, the North Point site would become Alpharetta’s second opportunity zone. The city won approval for an opportunity zone for an area at Westside Parkway and Windward Parkway in 2012. That area now supports more than 1,500 jobs.

Alpharetta has a huge stake in revitalizing North Point.

Right now, the area generates over $1 billion in retail sales and pays out more

than $10 million in property taxes to the city, county and school district annually, according to Gary Mongeon, senior vice president with Bleakly Advisory Group.

In 2017, the Atlanta Regional Commission awarded a $125,000 grant to launch a Livable Centers Initiative study as a means of transforming the area into a walkable economic ecosystem.

A year later, the owner of North Point Mall announced plans to construct a mixed-use development on the site of the abandoned Sears property that will include 325 apartments, three restaurants, walking trails and green space amenities.

Late last year, the city established a tax allocation district for the North Point area that will provide future funding for infrastructure improvements by diverting a portion of future property tax collections.

Estimates compiled for the city by Bleakly show the district could receive anywhere from $65-$88 million in funding for these improvements over 25 years if the county and school district consent to be a part of the TAD.

Hundreds affected after COVID threat closes municipal courts

By PHOEBE LIU newsroom@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Two isolated COVID cases forced officials in Alpharetta and Roswell to close municipal courts the week of Dec. 14. The closures occurred because a single employee at each site tested positive for COVID-19.

The closures, which occurred in the last week both courts would have been in session before recessing for the holidays, affected hundreds of people scheduled for hearings. Neither employee who tested positive had any contact with the public through their work at the courthouses, and the 13 other employees who may have interacted with them have been contact-traced.

The hearings are being rescheduled to late January or early February. The courts have notified or will notify all who have been affected.

The closures were not linked, according to Roswell Community Relations Manager Julie Brechbill.

Before the COVID-19 case among its staff, the Alpharetta Municipal Court was set to hold sessions through Dec. 17. According to Director of Alpharetta Municipal Court Services Brooke Lappin, the court had two sessions each scheduled from Dec. 15 through Dec. 17 — arraignments on Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 and trials on Dec. 17.

The court was notified of the COVID exposure on Dec. 11, then immediately decided to cancel court for the following week. The court is still open for phone and online services.

“We are a small court and are staffed to run very efficiently with a few number of staff,” Lappin said.

“Due to the design of the work area, all of the clerks work in one open area. This helps with communication but does not make it very easy to keep the employees separated.”

Three clerks exposed to that employee were contact

PHOEBE LIU/HERALD

Two isolated COVID cases forced officials in Alpharetta and Roswell to close municipal courts the week of Dec. 14. The closures occurred because a single employee at each site tested positive for COVID-19.

traced and are quarantining at home for 14 days or until receiving a negative COVID test result. The employee who tested positive can return to work at the courthouse 10 days after she tested positive if she no longer has symptoms, Lappin said.

A total of approximately 140 people over the three remaining days of court sessions were affected by the closure.

Lappin said Alpharetta court was able to contact most defendants on Dec. 11 to make plans for rescheduling. The court will also mail notices to all who were scheduled to appear.

Operations at the Alpharetta Municipal Court will continue as planned once the four employees return to work. This year, the court has reduced the number of cases set for each session, and some defendants can choose not to appear in person. Further, the courthouse has barriers to areas where staff would interact with the public, in addition to rules that everyone who enters the courtroom wears a mask and adheres to social distancing.

In Roswell, seven sessions would have taken place the week of the closure: four trials and three arraignments. Between 85 and 100 people are affected by Roswell Municipal Court’s closure, Brechbill said.

While in the courtroom, the Roswell employee did not interact with members of the public in ways that “meet the most recent CDC contact tracing guidelines,” according to a city statement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines recommend contact tracing for anyone within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over 24 hours. Ten other employees were potentially exposed and either have been or will be tested, Brechbill said.

The court plans to reopen as scheduled on Jan. 6, and Brechbill said the court has no plans to change its COVID-19 protocols.

“Our in-person hearings have been very well managed and very smooth since we reopened in June in a modified capacity,” Brechbill said. “Our procedures have worked extremely well and we are blessed with a super communicative staff that really care about each other and the community.”

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 5

6 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Local hospitals planning COVID-19 vaccination distribution

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in north Metro Atlanta, and local hospitals are planning how they will distribute doses.

The Georgia Department of Public Health is coordinating the vaccine distribution across the state. The department is expected to receive around 84,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in the initial stage of distribution.

The first doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 arrived for local hospital systems Dec. 16, with Wellstar Kennestone Hospital receiving a shipment of 3,900 vaccines. Wellstar said it planned to begin administering the vaccine to its frontline staff at all 11 locations, including Wellstar North Fulton in Roswell, last week.

The second shipment of doses to Wellstar was expected this week.

The hospital system said employees in emergency departments, intensive care

units, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities, adult and pediatric primary care stations will be the first to receive the vaccine, along with first responders.

Katherine Watson with Northside Hospital System said the group has not received vaccines yet, but a plan of distribution has been created for when shipments arrive. She said those plans would not be reveled at this time because they have not been communicated to hospital staff.

Emory Johns Creek is drafting its distribution plan and will release details once it is finalized, Alysia Satchel of the hospital said.

Along with hospitals, the Fulton County Board of Health is also set to begin receiving and administering vaccinations.

Dr. David Holland, chief clinical officer, said around 2,700 doses are set to arrive in the first round of deliveries to the agency.

Holland said the priority for the Board of Health is to vaccinate workers at testing sites. As more vaccines become avail-

Editor’s note This article will be updated online at northfulton.com as more information from the hospital systems is released. able, doses will be administered following guidelines set by the American Council on Immunization Practices.

“We want to offer it to everybody, but given the current limited supply, we want to get it to the people who need it most,” Holland said.

Religious Services

With hospitals receiving doses directly, the Board of Health will coordinate its distribution with independent practitioners.

Holland said practitioners and residents should keep an eye on the agency’s website for updates, which will include how to sign up to receive the vaccine.

The vaccines arrive in the area at the same time cases of COVID are reaching unprecedented levels.

Statewide as of Dec. 17, the 7-day average of new cases was 4,640 daily, over 900 more cases on average per day than the previous peak in late July.

In Fulton County, the 7-day average was 405 new cases per day, about 50 fewer per day than its peak in July. As of Dec. 16, the county had reported 44,255 cases and 714 deaths.

Forsyth County reported three of its four highest daily case totals between Dec. 7-15 as its 7-day moving average neared 100 cases per day. The Georgia Department of Public Health had reported 71 total COVID-19 deaths in the county as of Dec. 17.

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NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 7

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SOLUTION ON PAGE 10

Alpharetta/Roswell Newcomers Club (Est. 1970)

Are you new to Georgia? New to the area?

Or just find yourself at a new place in life in general?

Then join us today!

Our mission is to welcome new women to the area or in a new stage of life; to encourage involvement in the community; and to promote friendships through social activities.

Solution on next page

The club has a membership of more than on hundred women of all ages who live in Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Woodstock, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Cumming, Canton and Johns Creek.

To join, go to out website at arnewcomers.org or leave a message with out Newcomers Hotline at 678-318-1442

Activities we have offered: • Monthly meetings with planned special programs • Book discussion groups • Dinners out • Movies • Day trips • Theater group • Coffee with friends • Walking group • Special events to include: - Author book discussion - Luneons & celebrations - Holiday events

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10690 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek | 470-422-1200

Unfortunately, this is a very hard moment to start any business. But I came back to … roll with passion with energy. And I have that.

CARLOS MEJIA, co-owner, Local Cuban Cocina

8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020

‘Good vibes’ in tough times: Cuban restaurant opens in Johns Creek

By PHOEBE LIU newsroom@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Colorful portraits of famous Cuban musicians and a neon blue “good vibes only” sign greet you as you walk in. Although mostly empty due to the pandemic, it’s easy to imagine groups of diners laughing and eating at the restaurant’s tables, which are painted a blue so bright it matches the sign’s neon glow. Cuban music plays from the restaurant’s speakers, and a mini-Christmas tree sits on the front counter.

Local Cuban Cocina, which opened in late July on Jones Bridge Road, is Johns Creek’s new spot for Cuban and Latin fusion food.

Co-owners Carlos Mejia and Beto Montenegro say they wanted to bring something new to Johns Creek and decided to introduce traditional Cuban cuisine to residents.

“Cuban food is rich in flavors, rich in colors, rich in aromas,” Mejia said. “It’s a mix of different cultures … and it’s really special for that. Cuban food is really good, and the idea was to offer something different for everybody.”

Cuban cuisine blends African, Spanish and other Caribbean influences in a way that illuminates the country’s history. Spain colonized the island from 1492 to 1898. During that time, Africans were taken to Cuba as slaves. Those from neighboring Caribbean countries often traveled to Cuba and influenced its culture as well. And due to the island’s location and tropical climate, fruits and root vegetables like plantains and yuca are central to Cuban food. Staples of Cuban cuisine are rice, beans and plantains, and dishes are often seasoned with spices like oregano, coriander and cumin.

If you go Local Cuban Cocina is open for dine-in, takeout and delivery Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visit localcuban cocina.com or call 770410-0052 to order or learn more.

PHOEBE LIU/HERALD

Several paintings of famous Cuban singers line one wall of Local Cuban Cocina.

Mejia is an architect turned restaurant owner who moved to the United States from Colombia 22 years ago. Since then, he has worked in various Latin American and Caribbean restaurants, and he brings that experience to Local Cuban Cocina. The co-owners had the opportunity to buy the Jones Bridge site in February and had planned to open in March. But the pandemic forced them to delay their opening to the summer.

“Unfortunately, this is a very hard moment to start any business,” Mejia said. “But I came back to … roll with passion with energy. And I have that.”

Mejia said that in the four months since opening, one of the restaurant’s most popular items has been its ropa vieja. It’s the national dish of Cuba, and

the restaurant makes it with flank steak and stewed vegetables.

“Ropa vieja” is Spanish for “old clothes.” Legend has it that an old man with no money once shredded and cooked his own clothes to feed his family. But Mejia said he doesn’t know how the name’s origin relates to the presentday dish, which originated in Spain and was first documented in Cuba in the mid-19th century.

“It’s really good meat cooked slow and marinated with different kinds of spices, peppers and onions,” Mejia said.

All of the restaurant’s entrees come with white rice, black beans and a choice between maduros and tostones.

Tostones are green plantains that are twice-fried and savory. Maduros are sweet plantains.

Also popular, of course, is the Cuban sandwich. Mejia said Local Cuban Cocina has sold over 700 Cuban sandwiches since opening.

“When people think of Cuban gastronomy, everyone knows the Cuban sandwich,” Mejia said. “The original Cuban sandwich is very special.”

Local Cuban Cocina makes theirs with bread from a traditional bakery in Tampa, sweet pickles, sweet cheese and a slice of pork marinated overnight and cooked slowly the next day for more than 10 hours.

In addition to traditional Cuban staples like picadillo de criollo — a ground beef dish with olives, raisins, spices and more — and masitas, which are crispy chunks of fried pork, Local Cuban Cocina offers everything from nachos and tacos to quinoa salad bowls to flan and tres leches. It can be fusion, but with Cuban ingredients, Mejia said.

Nearly all of the restaurant’s orders have been takeout, Mejia said. On an average day, the restaurant seats from two to five tables of dine-in customers.

He stressed that the restaurant follows CDC guidelines and all employees wear masks and clean regularly.

Mejia said he looks forward to the time when he sees people eating and having a good time together in his restaurant soon.

The “local” in the restaurant’s name isn’t a reference to cuisine that’s local to Cuba, he said. Rather, it’s because the restaurant’s goal is to serve the local community.

Mejia said he is grateful for the support of Johns Creek residents, the Chamber of Commerce and other government leaders.

“The most important thing to me is ‘good vibes only,’” Mejia said. “Too many problems come every day … so [despite them] in this place, it’s good vibes only, all the time.”

GEORGIA’S 2021 OUTLOOK – PART 2

NEWS

The sick state of the Peach State

By TIFFANY GRIFFITH newsroom@appenmediagroup.com NORTH ATLANTA METRO, Ga. — The 2021 outlook for Georgia tells two vastly different stories.

On the economics side, predications have Georgia outpacing the national average for job growth. The Metro Atlanta is expected to do even better than the state average. Wages, home sales, innovation and consumer spending should all see an increase locally in the coming year.

But the current and expected status of healthcare in Georgia is anything but good news.

“Unfortunately, Georgia has a lot of poor healthcare indicators, including obesity and a higher number of people who are uninsured,” said Alexander Hill, a University of Georgia Senior Research Analyst.

The UGA Selig Center for Economic Growth just released its 2021 outlook for Georgia. Despite positive economic signs for the state and metro area, the list of troubling healthcare data and predictions seems endless.

When compared to most other states, Georgians have below-average health, and it’s on the decline. In 2019, the United Healthcare Foundation ranked Georgia 40th among 50 states in citizen health.

Among seniors, the state ranked even lower. Georgia sunk to the bottom of the list for childhood immunizations, with 65.6 percent of children receiving vaccinations.

Furthermore, death rates from heart disease, cancer and diabetes in Georgia are above national averages. UGA experts said these health trends made the average Georgian more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.

Going from bad to worse The coronavirus made a bad situation worse for Georgia.

“An estimated 178,000 Georgians lost their health insurance between February and May 2020,” Hill said. “Georgia is now one of eight states where more than 20 percent of adults are uninsured.”

The overall uninsured rate in Georgia jumped from 19 percent in 2017 to 23-percent in 2020. That number is expected to reach 25 percent in 2021, four years sooner than projected pre-pandemic.

Even for those with insurance, the cost of healthcare can be a punch to the pocketbook. Hill also mentioned the quality of employer-funded medical coverage has diminished over the years.

“The average American will postpone or forego healthcare if it’s too expensive,” Hill said. “And that’s something economists didn’t really understand.

Economists thought that the demand for healthcare was relatively inelastic over the decades. But unfortunately, recent

years have shown that people only have a finite amount of money.”

The expected cost for medical procedures and prescriptions in 2021 might drive away even more patients. Hill said hospitals actually suffered financial losses this year — having to treat more people in the emergency room rather than performing surgeries. She said hospitals and insurance companies plan on passing the cost of those financial losses down to consumers.

“Those losses that hospitals and other healthcare systems experienced are going to be a shock that will be felt through the end of 2021, maybe even 2022, unfortunately,” Hill said.

Georgians with limited access to medical treatment — living in “healthcare deserts” — took on a greater burden in 2020. Many rural counties have their own clinics run by the government. Hill said those clinics were already strained before COVID-19 exacerbated their problems.

“They weren’t able to get people in as quickly as they should for treatment.

They don’t have very many services available,” Hill said. “So, they would have to send people to hospitals that are further away if they have any complex issues.”

Debt will need to be addressed According to UGA’s report, in 2014, it was estimated that less than 60 percent of the primary healthcare need in Georgia was being met.

Despite the barriers and challenges ahead, Hill said the concerning state of healthcare in Georgia has not been a drain on the economy. Yet. “Our economy has found a way to push through that,” Hill said. “But there’s only so much medical debt our economy can absorb. So, maybe by 2030, when it starts to become a problem for more than half of the population, I don’t see how we’ll keep saying we’re erasing the debt and you can start over.”

For now, Hill said Georgians can secure themselves financially to avoid taking on too much debt.

“When we received the first stimulus check, most people put that into savings.

The savings rate increased to 33-percent, which is unheard of,” Hill said. “We usually have a below 10-percent savings rate on average in this country. People saw the uncertainty and they took steps that they needed to take.”

Long term, Hill recommends consumers become better educated to make their professions more recession-proof.

“This recession hit people with low skill jobs the hardest,” Hill said. “If Georgia can increase its average education level to that of the U.S., or exceed it a little bit, I believe that our citizens will be way better off for the next recession.”

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 9

Growing list of students opt for in-person learning

Fulton will continue to offer remote option for second semester

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The number of students in the Fulton School System opting to return to the classroom for the second semester ticked slightly higher than those who chose the option in the first semester.

Parents were asked to commit to a learning model for the next semester — face to face or remote learning — by Dec. 11 in time to set schedules and classes for a January return.

Of the nearly 41,000 responses in the election survey, just over 48 percent opted to return to in-person instruction. That is up 4 percent from the 44 percent that chose to return to the classroom when the district reopened the schools in October.

Students not choosing an option will continue in the same mode as they

ended the first semester, according to district officials.

“If you did not complete the election survey we are going to assume you are returning in January under the same option you chose in the fall,” said Superintendent Mike Looney, noting more than half of the district’s students did not complete the survey.

Fulton Schools is removing the flexibility option that parents used in the first semester, but which proved to be a logistical nightmare for staff. Next semester, students must commit to the learning model they select for at least the first nine weeks.

School administrators said the back-and-forth decisions over the past two months, from remote to in-person and back again, challenged teachers and scheduling staff to keep classrooms up and running.

“During the nine-week commitment, you will not be allowed to move back and for convenience sake as it currently is being done,” Looney said.

Fulton School Board member Linda

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10 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

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Learning: Continued from Page 9 McCain, whose district includes much of the Johns Creek area, said parents need to understand their role in the learning process if their child remains at home.

“If [parents] are choosing remote learning, they need to know how much of the responsibility for their child’s learning falls on their shoulders,” McCain said.

She noted parents need to make sure their children are in a structured environment and have the ability to engage and interact with their class and teachers in a virtual setting.

Looney echoed that sentiment, noting he’s aware of children who have not been successful in their virtual learning because attention is not being paid to missed assignments and coursework. Parents, he noted, must be teachers as well to ensure their children are on track.

“They have to be the teacher in the classroom in a lot of ways, [and] make sure their children are logging in, finishing assignments, and taking the assessments,” Looney said.

“At the end of the day, the parent is still the primary teacher of their child.”

Based on the results of the remote learning over the past several months, Looney said the success of the student has ultimately been linked to the engagement of the parent in the learning process.

“We want to support our community in any way we can, and we are proud to offer choices,” Looney said.

“But parents must contemplate their ability to engage.”

Safe resumption of classes depends on holiday behavior District urges caution during large gatherings

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton School officials are urging students and families to take health and safety precautions over the long winter break to avoid further disruptions to the school year.

The system moved all high schools to remote learning in the week prior to the break as the number of students and staff in quarantine after COVID-19 exposure rose to unmanageable levels.

“We intend to resume school in January in the same instruction model of face-to-face or remote learning,” Superintendent Mike Looney said. “But in order for that to happen, we need [the community’s help].”

He urged students and parents to continue to follow protocols of face coverings, handwashing and social distancing during the break. And for those traveling, gathering in large groups, or who experience COVID-like symptoms, he encouraged getting a COVID test before returning to school.

“COVID-19 testing is completely voluntary,” Looney said. “However, being able to identify individuals with COVID-19 is a critical, proactive measure to keeping infected individuals from unintentionally spreading the virus to others.”

Fulton Schools has again partnered with a community agency, CORE, to provide free COVID tests for staff and students on Jan. 2. A previous event after the Thanksgiving break identified 64 positive cases which allowed the district

Remembering Those We Love Over This Holiday Season Have a safe and wonderful holiday from all of us at Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076 770-993-4811 | www.roswellfuneralhome.com

Return-to-school schedule calls for phased approach The Fulton County School System will transition into the second semester over a two-week time frame that begins remotely for all staff and students and ends with in-school learning for those who choose that learning option.

Week of January 4-8: • January 4-5 will be teacher workdays/student holiday because many schools are election polling sites.

• Second semester begins for all students on January 6 with remote learning in place through Jan. 8.

Week of January 11-15: • Middle and high school students will participate in remote learning January 11-12, while elementary students return to school for faceto-face instruction.

• On January 13, all students (except those who chose remote learning) will come back for Face-toFace instruction. to conduct contact tracing and quarantines prior to the return to school.

The need to stay safe is particularly important for teaching staff because Fulton is experiencing critical staffing shortages.

“We want [our employees] to return safely for yourself and your colleagues,” Looney said. “Testing is important, particularly if you traveled or were in large gatherings.”

CORE will have two testing sites, one north and one south, but Looney said there are other options available for testing. He urged people to go to fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-testing-sites to find a test site in their area.

Word of approved COVID-19 vaccinations is positive news for the district, but the timeline of availability for the general public is still up in the air. When available, district officials said they will follow the guidelines from public health on whether vaccinations will be required for students and staff.

“We will continue to monitor news or information from health professionals on the status of approval of a vaccine for staff and students,” Communications Director Brian Noyes said. “If the state requires a vaccine, we will follow guidance from public health and develop processes to accommodate the mandate.”

NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 11

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital offers comprehensive stroke, aneurysm services

By PHOEBE LIU Newsroom@Appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Stroke is the fourthleading cause of death in Georgia, and the state is in a region called the “stroke belt,” identified based on high rates of stroke mortality.

But early treatment can prevent serious long-term effects, according to the Department of Public Health. North Fulton residents with brain and health concerns can now seek comprehensive stroke and aneurysm treatment close to home.

On Dec. 9, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital announced that it now offers the “highest level of services” to patients suffering from life-threatening or disability-causing blockages as well as weakened blood vessels in the brain. The Roswell hospital’s new specialized services include thrombectomies, aneurysm treatments and cerebral bypass procedures. The changes — from beginning to treat patients with cerebrovascular diseases to building and using a new state-of-the-art, hybrid neurovascular suite — have been rolled out progressively since August.

“According to our projections, North Fulton and our surrounding area expect a significant increase in stroke rates during the next five years,” said Jon-Paul Croom, president of Wellstar North Fulton Hospital and senior vice president of the Wellstar Health System. “Wellstar continues to enhance our service offerings to provide the highest level of care possible to the communities we serve. Offering advanced neuroendovascular services is one more example of how we are doing just that.”

To implement the comprehensive stroke and aneurysm services, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital built a new hybrid neurovascular suite — which allows surgeons to use both traditional surgery and minimally-invasive endovascular techniques — and prioritized the creation of a dedicated neuro-ICU to provide around-the-clock support for critically-ill neuro patients, said Benjamin Zussman, an endovascular-trained neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

The hospital also recruited a team of neurosurgeons trained in cerebrovascular neurosurgery and endovascular neurosurgery, as well as nurses, technologists and support staff to carry out the newly-offered procedures.

One such procedure is a stroke thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove blood clots from arteries and veins. Thrombectomies are the preferred treatment for patients with acute stroke and blockage of a large vessel in the brain and are only offered at a “handful of hospitals in the nation,” Zussman said.

die. Instead, they get to go home and live their lives.”

Zussman and Mejia both emphasized the importance of watching for the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke and calling 911 immediately if they notice any warning signs.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zussman said that far fewer people are seeking care for heart attacks and strokes but that the hospital’s team knows that “people are still having heart attacks and strokes” and is still equipped — even more so now than ever — to treat them.

“It is critical to get help as soon as you have the first symptom,” Mejia said. “I did my part, and then Wellstar’s stroke team was able to do the rest.”

For more information, visit wellstar. org/northfultonneuro.

On Dec. 9, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital announced that it now offers the “highest level of services” to patients suffering from lifethreatening or disabilitycausing blockages as well as weakened blood vessels in the brain.

To perform a thrombectomy, a neurosurgeon introduces small catheters, or tubes, into a patient’s blood vessels.

Using direct visualization provided by advanced imaging technology, the surgeon steers the tubes to the blockage in the neck or brain and can then physically remove the clot.

Cindy Mejia was one of the first patients to receive one of Wellstar North Fulton’s new stroke services.

After a sudden stroke on Sept. 9, Zussman performed a cerebral angiogram potential thrombectomy on Mejia within 90 minutes of her leaving her home.

“Because of the quick intervention and the excellent surgeon and team, my brain was saved,” Mejia said. “I highly doubt that could have happened if the intervention had not been available and so quick. I was able to think, talk, understand everything and move all my limbs when I awoke at 2 p.m. I left the hospital two days later with no need for

speech [therapy], physical therapy or occupational therapy.”

Mejia said she chose Wellstar North Fulton because of its proximity and feels fortunate that the new program existed when she had her stroke. Delay in transport to another facility, she said, could have cost valuable brain cells.

The other new treatments — aneurysm treatments and cerebral bypass procedures — are also highly specialized. Aneurysm treatment can stabilize bleeding aneurysms in the brain, and cerebral bypass procedures can reroute blood flow around damaged or blocked arteries.

The program’s success has been “dramatic,” Zussman said.

“We have patients who have come into the hospital unable to talk or understand, unable to move their face and body, who wake up after their emergency procedure feeling normal again,” Zussman said. “These patients would otherwise be totally incapacitated or would

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12 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020

Sponsored Section

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On that Most Dreaded of Diseases: Uncombable Hair Syndrome Brought to you by — Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta This evening, I set to work planning to write an article that our local readers would find interDR. TAYLOR esting and informative and began writing about a skin cancer case that I recently treated. But as the days are getting colder and COVID is still in the air, I thought, wouldn’t it be nice have something fun and pleasant for a change? Which leads me to…. Uncombable Hair Syndrome.

Yes, uncombable hair syndrome is an actual disease. First off, my sincere apologies to anyone afflicted with this malady if I misunderstand any distress it may cause. My only exposure to this condition was to a single case in my residency, the details of which I hope will excuse me for any seeming lack of sympathy: A beautiful couple presented to clinic with the CUTEST child you ever seen. He was a delight, babbling and smiling and running amok trying to grab everything he shouldn’t have. At first glance, nothing appeared wrong. His arms were free of eczema. His moles looked normal.

He didn’t even seem to have a lick of lip licker’s dermatitis. Why was he in a dermatology clinic? Exasperated, his mom lamented, “I can’t comb his hair – you don’t understand it WON’T comb.”

She went on to explain. No matter the mousse, the hair spray, the shampoo or conditioner, his obstinate hair willfully sprung back into a tussled mishmash of hairs going in every direction.

These hairs had a mind of their own.

Their position was not random. Instead, a certain hair would always try to go backward. The next, always forward.

Push one in a certain direction, and it would spring back to the position that it preferred.

My attending physician exclaimed “your child has uncombable hair syndrome!”

Uncombable hair syndrome is a wellcharacterized medical condition. One can easily find information on the genes involved by turning to Wikipedia, but I strongly urge the reader to go to Google Image instead and type in “uncombable hair syndrome” and enjoy photos of the dandelion capped rascals running around with uncombable hair Several types of hair disorders are sometimes lumped together with uncombable hair syndrome but the classic disease occurs because the hair follicles have a notch or a triangular shape, and so the hair grows out with a ridge or a

groove resulting in a stiff hair that can only fall one way. The Latin name is pili trianguli et canaliculi, which, if you are a Latin scholar, perhaps means something. Children afflicted with this condition are typically towheaded with very light blonde to white hair.

To be a syndrome, a disease must have two or more features that occur together as a disease “complex.” In this case, the two primary features are the uncombable hair of the child and the frustration of the mother. Scientists still debate whether the smirking laughter of the father playing on his phone in the background constitutes a third feature of this disease. This would make the syndrome a triad.

Fortunately for our patient, his disease has an excellent prognosis. The hair of uncombable hair syndrome typically becomes uncombable early in childhood and normalizes in early adolescence, often at puberty. Our patient was otherwise completely healthy without any signs or markers of other dermatologic disease.

Given that our patient is a boy, my attending’s advice was simple: “keep his hair buzzed until he’s about 13 or so.”

“So you don’t have any treatment?!” said the mother.

“Well, I thought the reassurance that it should normalize in 10-11 years and that you could buzz the hair in the meantime is a good treatment plan,” said my attending.

The father laughed. The mother remained frustrated. The child’s hair remained uncombable.

Please note that this syndrome should not be confused with the “wont comb his hair” syndrome as displayed by my son, age 2 (see photo).

If you or someone you love suffers from uncombable hair syndrome, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and vein specialist. Kathryn Filipek, PA-C is a physician assistant with more than 15 years of dermatology experience and expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 13

14 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section

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NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 15

Worry meets its match Brought to you by – Addington Place Of Alpharetta & Addington Place Of Roswell When it’s your loved one, decisions about senior living is a challenge. Addington Place empathizes with you and your family as you make the best decision for your parents. Right now, it’s more important than ever to be confident the community you choose for them is safe.

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16 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

Sticking points of the 2020 high school football season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The 2020 GHSA high school football season could have never happened, but for local teams the unprecedented year is complete, and cleats, jerseys and helmets will lay dormant until a hopefully brighter spring. While no North Fulton team will appear in a state title game this season for the first time in six seasons, 2020 was still one for the history books.

Here are some of the top aspects of the year that stick out.

Season goes off with few snags Plenty of games were cancelled, many players tested positive or were quarantined, but local programs went relatively unscathed during a season that was still in question when the first games were scheduled to be played.

Several local programs played abbreviated seasons. Blessed Trinity played just nine games, despite reaching the third round of the playoffs.

Others had rotten luck. Forsyth Central had its opening two games cancelled just hours before they were set to kick off.

Its season finale, one last chance for the seniors to take the field, was called off.

However, all local teams were able

to play most of their scheduled games, and few serious cases of COVID-19 were reported among programs.

Roswell area schools shine Roswell, Blessed Trinity and Fellowship Christian are all located within about one mile, making a little stretch of Ga. 92 a mecca of football talent and strong programs that continued this season.

One only has to look at the class of 2021 from those football teams, which includes a bevy of college commits, to showcase their dominance in recent years.

Together, the senior classes from each school combined for a staggering 118-28 record, and that includes an eight-loss season by Roswell in 2017, when many of this year’s seniors were playing for the freshman/JV squad.

Roswell and Fellowship have won two region titles during the last four years, with Blessed Trinity capturing three. Since 2015, each of the teams has made at least one trip to the state finals, Roswell did it twice. BT made four appearances in six years, winning three championships in the process.

Milton state title was no fluke There were some murmurs among the state’s football community that Milton’s 2018 state championship was a bit of a

fluke. Not that they weren’t talented, wellcoached or tough-to-beat, but some suggested the program overachieved that year.

However, the last two years have shown evidence against that though.

The Eagles have compiled a 19-5 record since lifting the Class 7A state championship trophy, their only losses coming against ranked teams, including to eventual state champs Marietta last year in the playoffs. This season, Milton earned two on-field wins over ranked teams (not including a forfeit by ranked Cedar Grove) and ran the table in Region 5-7A for the third consecutive year. The Eagles have more region titles in the last three years than the program won from 1950 to 2017.

And few difference-makers remained this year from Milton’s state title squad, showing 2018 was no fluke, rather, it was a coming out party for a program on the rise.

Mixed bag for 1st-year coaches A new head coach presents many questions for a program, even more so in a season of unknowns like 2020. For the six coaches who made their debuts at North Fulton and Forsyth County programs, there was feast, famine and plenty in between.

The big winners among the group were Dave Svehla of West Forsyth and Mike Palmieri at Denmark. West captured its

first region title since 2012 and reached the third round of the playoffs for the second time in program history. Denmark, which West beat for the Region 6-7A title, had its best season in the team’s three years in action, with a 6-1 region record and the program’s first playoff win.

Another strong debut season came from Chris Prewett at Roswell. The Hornets went 8-3, the first winning season by a first-year Roswell head coach since 1998.

At the other end of the scale was Centennial and Lambert.

Under Sean O’Sullivan, the Knights were winless this season, their second year without a “W.” Though Lambert started the season 4-0 under Tommy Watson, the Longhorns went 1-5 down the stretch in region play.

For Terry Crowder of King’s Ridge and Alpharetta’s Jason Kervin, 2020 was a mix. Crowder’s Tigers went 3-5 overall, but earned the program’s first playoff berth. Kervin led the Raiders to a 3-6 mark, but that was good enough for the team’s fifth straight trip to the postseason.

New regions live up to hype Every local team was in a new or updated region for 2020, and many of those groupings lived up to the expec-

See FOOTBALL, Page 17

SPORTS

Football: Continued from Page 16 tations of tight title races and solid competition.

Roswell, Milton and Alpharetta played in the same region, 5-7A, for the first time since 2011, and the results lived up to the hype. Milton handed Roswell its first loss of the season and overtook the Hornets for the top spot in the region standings. Alpharetta earned a signature win over Roswell late in the season, it’s first in Class 7A. The loss jeopardized the Hornets’ playoff hopes. When the dust settled, Milton was crowned champ and all three teams earned berths in the postseason.

Region 6-7A included all of Forsyth County’s public schools this year, and the intra-county rivalries took center stage in a fight for the region crown.

Gainesville led the region standings the opening weeks of play before Denmark

dethroned the Red Elephants late in the regular season. That set up a winnertake-all contest between West Forsyth and the Danes for the region title, with the Wolverines taking a 20-10 victory.

Behind the leaders, South Forsyth, North Forsyth and Forsyth Central continued their rivalries with a tight race for the final playoff spot.

In Region 7-6A, there was a logjam for playoff spots between the North Fulton teams and their Cherokee County foes. The final week of the regular season determined playoff spots, including Cambridge’s first postseason berth in four seasons.

In Region 7-5A, perhaps the most anticipated region game of the year between Blessed Trinity and Cartersville was cancelled due to COVID-19, but with three powerhouses in the region, including Calhoun, the region should serve up entertaining races in the coming years.

The mighty can still fall There are no easy games in the playoffs and everyone starts the second season 0-0. Those may be football cliches,

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 17

but they were on display Dec. 11 when three strong and previously undefeated North Fulton teams had their seasons come to an abrupt end.

Despite a brief season that included just six regular season games, threetime defending state champs Blessed Trinity were continuing their dominance over the competition. In the Titans’ five games leading up to the quarterfinals, which included two playoff contests, they had scored over 44 points per game and had posted four shutouts. However, the Titans came up short in a thriller against Warner Robins, ending their season and bid for a fourth state title.

Fellowship Christian looked poised to make a return to the state finals after suffering a heartbreaking, overtime loss

in the 2016 championship. Ahead of the quarterfinals, the Paladins controlled their competition, compiling a 10-0 record, which included wins over three ranked teams, while outscoring the opposition by an average of five touchdowns per game.

The dream season wasn’t to be though, with the Trinity Christian pouncing on the Paladins early Dec. 11 on its way to 41-27 win.

Milton’s undefeated run also ended Dec. 11. The Eagles ran the table in the regular season before earning a lopsided win over Peachtree Ridge in the first round of the playoffs and a comeback win over Archer. However, Milton’s bid to return to the semifinals for the second time in three years ended with a 23-13 loss to Lowndes.

In Memoriam

Mark Andrew Orris

Mark Andrew Orris age 62 of Alpharetta passed away peacefully on December 13, 2020. Mark was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, Ashley and Cayla and wife Shirley. Mark was a very charismatic, optimistic and funny person and enjoyed a long career in management consulting. He is survived by his wife of over 25 years, Shirley Orris, daughters, Ashley Orris and Cayla Orris; sister, Cindie Thompson; brothers, Jan Orris and Michael Orris (Kathy) along with numerous nieces and nephews

and his fur baby, Marley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mark’s memory with Georgia Transplant at https:// gatransplant.org/. A small celebration of life service was held for immediate family on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 3:00PM in the funeral home chapel at Northside Chapel, Roswell.

Following the service, the family welcomed friends and family to celebrate Mark’s life at their family home in Alpharetta.

DEATH NOTICES

Crematory.

Stephen Blount, 75, of Alpharetta, passed away December 10, 2020.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Dorothy Beal, 92, of Roswell, passed away December 11, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Lawn Cemetery.

Joseph Ford, 75, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2020.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green

Roswell Funeral Home William Francis Green Lawn CemetaryFullam, 82, of Suwanee, passed

away December 12th, 2020. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Virginia Heard Holbrook, 93, of Cumming, passed away December 15, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Robert S. Loudermilk, 79, of Cumming, passed away December 12, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Nancy Burton Maloney, 69, passed away December 8, 2020. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Ronald Hyslop Muir, of Cumming, passed away December 11, 2020. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Lawn Cemetery.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home

Green Cemetery.

Lawn Cemetary Lawn

Melvin Petersen, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away December 11, 2020.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Robert Pierce, 92, of Roswell, passed away December 11, 2020.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green

Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Daniel Popovich, 89, of Green Lawn Cemetary

Roswell, passed away December 12, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Roswell Funeral Home Directors & Crematory.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Green Lawn Cemetary

Mark Orris, 62, of Alpharetta, passed away December 13, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Crematory.

Marcus Parish, 78, of Alpharetta, passed away December 14, 2020.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Eric Smith, 76, of Roswell, passed away December 11, 2020. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

John Smith, 85, of Roswell, away December 14, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Roswell Funeral Home passed Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn CemetaryCalvin

David Williams, 78, of Cumming, passed away December 9, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

18 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

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

Help Wanted Full-time

Atkins North America Inc. seeks a Senior Engineer I to plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate

detailed phases of the engineering work in projects of moderate-to-large scope. Perform preliminary engineering design and/or review the design and drafting work of junior engineers, designers or drafters.

Prepare cost and man-hour estimates, job budgets and schedules. Prepare or oversee the preparation of final plans and reports, submitting them for approval.

Conduct or oversee personnel involved in engineering investigations and planning work. Coordinate with other engineers and professionals within and outside own discipline, and with support services staff. Plans schedule and conduct or coordinate construction services on projects of moderate scope. Req’s: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering & Management or related field and 2 years experience in the job offered or related occupation, including on transportation infrastructure projects. At least 2 years experience in design of sidewalks, curb ramps and related features on transportation infrastructure as well as the utilization of Autocad, Microstation and Geopak in transportation infrastructure context.

Location: Atlanta, GA. Send resume / cover letter to: Amy.Gough@snclavalin.com ref #37268/1004 Full-time

Full-time

Orbvest US Inc (Alpharetta, GA): DISCOVER STAFFING is HIRING ALL TEMP TO HIRE! Customer Service Reps Dispatchers Forklift Operators Order Pullers Project Coordinator Receivers Welders Wire Cutters Call or text: 678-393-9313

CALL 470- 2228469 TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY

GA): Director of Investment Strategy. Req Bach in Bus or Agri, 60 mos Sr. Mgmt exp in Healthcare Real Estate Dev. Internat’l trvl to Israel (2x/yr for 1 wk), Brazil (1x/yr for 1 wk), & SA (4x/yr for 2 wks). Res to 101 Vickery St, Roswell, GA 30075 Part-time CPA ASSISTANT: Some experience.

Review documents, data input. Lacerte software experience helpful. admin@skbcpas.com

BOLD TYPE WILL REALLY MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT. CALL 770-442-3278

Part-time Experienced picture framer.

Part time. Pay commensurate with experience. Contact Buddy Gash at 678296-2829

Bargains Musical Instruments PIANO COLLECTOR Several beautiful Baby Grands & uprights.

Quality pianos at sacrifice prices. 770633-4151

Wanted to Buy GOT COINS? Father and son looking to buy.

Matt 404-723-3737

Cemetery GREENLAWN ROSWELL Companion crypt old mausoleum, column AA, row 4. $4500/obo.

770-365-1506 GREENLAWNROSWELL Well maintained eye level crypt in first mausoleum, across from the pond.

Benches. . $4999. 229300-2343

Real Estate Condo for Rent Condo in Dunwoody Lakes 2/2, new paint and carpet. Available now Call 678-773-0319 for more information.

Business Services Refinance North Atlanta’s Smartest Online Refi Analysis Tool Grab your mortgage statement and complete the easy questions at www.RefiBenefitQuiz.com to see – clearly and with details – if it’s wise for you to refi given the historically low rates in the market. * No SSN * No Phone Number * No Credit Check BankSouth Mortgage Company LLC NMLS 690971 Subject to credit and collateral approval.

Instruction Classes MATHEMATICS: Many students advanced to Ivy league/20 years advanced experience, especially SAT. KAIST Mathematics B.S. Purdue Mathematics M.S. Your home-$35/ hour.

404-933-7094/ pauljkim1@yahoo.com PRE-K TO 12 IN HOME & ONLINE TUTORING One-on-one quality in-home tutoring All Subjects (Pre-K to 12), Affordable Rates Test Prep and Homework Help (770) 450-8134 clubztutoring.com/ alpharetta

CADNET ADS

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

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

Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

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Electronics

Call Empire Today® to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-855-404-2366 Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-855-481-3969 or visit www. walkintubquote.com/national

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1-855-973-9254 HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company. 2 If you exceed your monthly plan data, you will experience reduced data speeds until the start of your next billing period. Reduced speeds will typically be in the range of 1 – 3 Mbps and may cause Web sites to load more slowly or aect the performance of certain activities, such as video streaming or large downloads/uploads.

Insurance

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Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

Buy it, Sell it, find it!

In the Herald classIfIeds

Help Wanted Autos

Furniture

Homes

Services

Bargins

Household Haulers Gutters

coverIng nortH atlanta – In prInt and onlIne!

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald • Milton Herald • Johns Creek Herald • Forsyth Herald • NorthFulton.com

contact us at 770-442-3278

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 24, 2020 | 19

NATIONAL ADVERTISING Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

2002 and Newer!

Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing!

We’re Nationwide! Call Now:

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Home & Garden Life Alert. One press of a button sends help fast, 24/7! At home & on the go. Mobile Pendant w/GPS. Free first aid kit with subscription.

877-537-8817 free brochure.

Medical Attention oxygen therapy users!

Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer.

Nationwide Free Pick Up! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever!

LeafFilter, most advanced debris-blocking protection. Schedule free estimate. 15% off Purchase.

10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-995-2490

Generac generators. Weather is increasingly unpredictable.

Be prepared for power outages. Free 7-yr ext warranty.

Schedule free in-home assessment 1-844-334-8353.

Special financing if qualified.

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/ month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. 1-888-796-8850 HughesNet Satellite Internet – Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to 25mbps as low as $59.99/mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-844-8634478 Directv Now. No Satellite. $40/ mo 65 Channels. Stream news, live events, sports & on demand titles. No contract/commitment.

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ADVERTISE HERE!

SERVICE DIRECTORY Art/Wallpaper Picture Hanging: Reasonable pricing.

Satisfied customers.

Call or text Troy Smith 404-990-7506

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

$150 OFF

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Driveways

Flooring

Concrete/Asphalt

We fix ugly

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS Any job over $1500.

Patios Sidewalks Walls & Steps Slabs NEW or REPAIR Residential Or Commercial FREE ESTIMATES

Call 678-648-2010 Many local references.

Competitive rates.

McKemey Concrete

Retaining Walls Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker.

Many local references.

Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!

678-898-7237

Haulers

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc. Many local references-

Call Ralph Rucker

678-898-7237 Home Improvement

CALL 770-442-3278 OR EMAIL US AT CLASSIFIEDS@ APPENMEDIAGROUP.COM

PINESTRAW, mulch

ROOF TROUBLE?

available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

Pressure Wash

PRESSURE WASHING

Residential & Commercial.

Best service and most reasonable prices since 1999.

Appen-Rated 99. Home: Driveways, Fences, Decks, Home exteriors, more.

Commercial: Offices, Restaurants, Tennis Courts, Pools, Apt. Complexes, more. All Pro Pressurewash call 770-766-5566 for Mark.

Roofing

kitchens, bathrooms.

All insurance. Paul AARON’S ALL-TYPE Finegan 404-353-5611 GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, Phillips Home siding, soffit, facia.

Improvement www.aarons-gutters. offer drywall, com. Senior citizen We carpentry, discount! 770-934-2766 painting, plumbing and electrical.

Handyman Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs.

Wood Rot Repair, Deck All types flooring. Also Repair and Staining. total home rehab for Roof Leaks, Carpentry, those who have a rental Painting, Siding and house or one to sell.

Soffits. Flooring, Tile, Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate Electrical and Plumbing.

770-262-6272.

Landscaping

CALL 470- 222-8469 TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY

Roofing

delivery/installation

PHILLIPS FLOORING Finegan Home Hardwood, laminate, Improvements LLC: carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do License #RBQA004932. tile floors, showers, Remodeling, handyman. tub surrounds and 34 years experience. kitchen back-splashes.

Basements finished, Re-grouting is also decks, screen porches, available. Call 678-887doors, drywall, painting, 1868 for free estimate. flooring, custom

Gutters

Pinestraw

Full Service LANDSCAPING Company Capable of doing your job – grading, hauling and tree service.

Ralph Rucker

678-898-7237

Call for FREE Quote $500 OFF* New Roof Purchase.

Findlay Roofing

770-744-5700 “Appen-Rated 99” *Cannot combine with any other discount.

Tree Services COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch, Fully insured, Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188

Tree Services Little Bear Tree Service: Dependable. Caring.

Professional.

Fullservice, all tree needs.

Licensed.

Insured.

Serving Roswell/North Fulton 20+ years. 404513-7387

ADVERTISE HERE! CALL 770442-3278 OR EMAIL US AT CLASSIFIEDS@ APPENMEDIA GROUP.COM BOLD TYPE WILL REALLY MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT. CALL 770-442-3278

ROOF LEAKING? Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

AVOID THE HEADACHE

SELL IT, FIND IT, BUY IT

IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS The Herald and Crier newspapers reach 93,000 homes and thousands more online!

CONTACT US AT 770-442-3278

20 | December 24, 2020 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | NorthFulton.com

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! THANK YOU FOR PUTTING YOUR TRUST IN US THIS YEAR. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SERVE YOU IN 2021.

Alpharetta Market (December) Subscribe to Market Reports at HarryNorman.com MARKET SUMMARY

DEC 2019

DEC 2020 (LAST 30 DAYS)

%CHANGE

Properties on Market

584

482

-17.5%

New on Market

749

128

-82.9%

$142.00

$191.24

34.7%

$482,230

$508,440

5.4%

97.37%

98.72%

1.4%

$180.00

$184.30

2.4%

105

75

-27.7%

Ave. Asking Price / Sq.Ft. Ave. Sales Price Ave. Sales Price as % of Asking Price Ave. Sales Price / Sq.Ft. Ave. Days on Market of Sold

Harry Norman, REALTORS® | 678-461-8700 | 7855 North Point Pkwy, Suite 1090 | Alpharetta, GA 30305 | HarryNorman.com