Johns Creek Herald – August 16, 2018

A u g u s t 1 6 , 2 0 1 8 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 2 , N o . 3 3

Pr o SP vIS IK IO PA E IN NAL GE E B s LEC AL 8 L – 9 TIO OT N s

Fulton commissioner challenges millage rate

►►Page 4

Fulton Schools invest in safety

►►page 7 CARSON COOK/Herald

Sister Hazel entertains fans at the Mark Burkhalter Park Amphitheater. Inset: A crowd of thousands gathers at Newtown Park to see Sister Hazel.

Sister Hazel rocks Newtown Park JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Despite scattered rain, ’90s alternative rock band Sister Hazel drew a crowd of around 1,600 to Mark Burkhalter Park Amphitheater in Newtown Park on Aug. 4 as part of the Johns Creek summer concert series.

The band performed older hits like “All For You” and “Your Winter,” which was featured in the movie “10 Things I Hate about You.” Johns Creek concertgoers were also among the first to hear

the song “Small Town Living,” which will be included on the band’s EP “Wind” which will be released Sept. 7.

The band members said they enjoyed seeing long-time fans introduce the music to their kids.

The next installment of Johns Creek’s free summer concert series will be Friday, Aug. 31 with the United States Navy’s bluegrass ensemble, Country Current.

– Carson Cook

Rotary promotes international exchange

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Public Safety

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LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Aug. 8 that an Alpharetta man was arrested after an investigation involving threats made to a university professor.

On Aug. 1, the University of North Georgia Police Department contacted the GBI asking for assistance into alleged threats of violence against one of the professors.

The threats, made over emails and letters, alluded to gun violence not only to the professor, but also

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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.

Animal hospital employee reports overnight break-in JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — An employee reported July 31 that someone had broken into the Windward Animal Hospital on Jones Bridge Road, but no money or animal medication was missing.

The employee had arrived at work at 7:20 a.m. that morning and saw that several drawers and cabinets were opened. She also noticed someone had pried open the front door.

Police reviewed security footage with the employee and were alerted that the motion detection camera was activated twice that night. The activation at 1:20 a.m. showed two suspects enter the business.

Several snacks were missing from the cabinets.

$90,000 in equipment Stolen from hospital JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Two pieces of hospital equipment, worth $90,000 total, were listed as stolen Aug. 3.

An employee with Emory Johns

to other staff and students if the professor did not resign.

After an “extensive investigation,” Jose Gomez, 23, of Alpharetta was arrested Aug. 4 in his home by the Alpharetta Police Department.

Gomez is charged with terroristic threats and acts.

He was transported to Lumpkin County Jail where he will face the charge in Lumpkin County Superior Court.

– Julia Grochowski

Creek Hospital met with police that morning to report that a gastroscope and colonscope were both missing from the storage closet.

The employee said she had last seen the equipment at 5:45 p.m. the previous day, but when she arrived at 6:30 a.m.

Aug. 3, the items were gone.

The hospital verified that the equipment was not checked out by anyone.

The employee said that the only way to have access to the department after hours where the equipment was stored is with a key card.

Woman tracks phone to address in Lilburn JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A woman called police July 30 after she lost her phone at a gas station and later was able to locate it with an unknown person in Lilburn.

The woman had pulled into the BP gas station on Medlock Bridge Road at 6:20 p.m. that day to get gas.

After fueling up, she went inside, with her cell phone in hand, to pay for the gas before leaving.

A few miles later, the woman realized she could not locate her phone and returned.

Employees were unable to locate the phone either.

The woman was able to track the phone to an unknown address in Lilburn.

Gomez

6 catalytic converters stolen from parked cars ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Six people discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from their vehicles.

All of the victims had parked their cars at the MARTA Park and Ride on Dryden Road the morning of Aug. 1.

When they returned at 6 p.m., they discovered the theft when they attempted to start their cars.

All were greeted with loud noises from under the hood.

The affected cars included a gold 2002 Honda Odyssey, blue 2004 Honda CR-V, a silver 2003 Toyota Sequoia, a Toyota Tundra, a Lexus LX450 and a silver 2001 Honda Odyssey.

iPad taken from car in owner’s driveway JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A man reported Aug. 1 that someone had stolen his iPad Air from his car overnight.

The man said that his car was left unlocked in his driveway at Eton Court.

The iPad was left in the car.

He was able to locate the iPad, using the find the device feature online, to a nearby neighborhood.

Police, however, were unable to discern exactly which house it was due to rain and poor coverage.

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NEWS

Ellis challenges county millage rate

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com

nobody knows what politicians are going able,” Morris said. to be in office to make those decisions,” Hausmann sided with ElMorris said. lis and Morris, agreeing that He added that the makeup of the the public was misled, but she FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County board is likely to change with an election questioned the legality of Ellis’s Commissioner Bob Ellis has called on in two years, and he guaranteed that the claims.

Chairman Robb Pitts to revoke the genplan won’t be followed five years from “The law that applies to puberal fund millage rate, or property tax now. lic hearings, we followed that. rate, which was set at 10.2 mills in a 4-3 Ellis questioned a number of the asWe did hold three public hearvote on Aug. 1. sumptions used to calculate the 5-yearings,” Hausmann said The vote was split along partisan and Ellis Hausmann Morris plan, including the rate of projected At the Aug. 1 meeting when geographic lines, with commissioners Elspending. He argued that if a 9.98 millthe millage rate was set, County This amendment was seconded by lis, Liz Hausmann and Lee Morris, who Chief Financial Officer Sharon Whitmore age rate was adopted the county would Chairman Robb Pitts and passed 5-0 represent the three northern districts, still be on track to have a reserve fund presented three five-year projections on with commissioners Marvin Arrington opposed to the measure. The three of about $140 million, $33 million more funding future budgets. She said the and Emma Darnell abstaining, and the voiced support for a rate of 9.77 mills, than required. Ellis also pointed out that 10.2 mill rate – which ultimately passed resolution passed 6-0 with Arrington the lowest rate recommended by county the county has historically spent less – presented the smoothest financial abstaining. staff that would generate the $478 milthan it budgets. route that would allow the county to A press release published by the lion called for in this year’s budget “To make the argument that the continue lowering the millage rate, as county advertised a rate of 10.38 mills, Ellis argues that the 10.2 rate, which county is under some great hardship or it has for the past four years, while still higher than the rate that eventuis projected to generate $20 million its reserves are shrinking and we need to preserving a reserve fund. ally passed, but the second line stated more than the target revenue, violates a have a higher millage rate so that we’re “Part of the premise for setting it at “Legislation adopted by the Board of resolution passed by the board on June capturing excessive funds from the citithe 10.2 mills was this 5-year plan the 20. That resolution states that it was the Commissioners also expresses its intenzens at this point in time is ridiculous, CFO put forth showing a descending intent of the board to set the millage rate tion to set a millage rate calculated to and it’s never been discussed by the millage rate over the next four years if generate only enough revenue sufficient at a level only to generate revenue for commission at all,” Ellis said. we start high,” Morris said. “Well, that to cover the 2018 Budget.” the 2018 budget.

Morris and Hausmann both said they won’t happen if the commission spends Ellis argues that this statement is “We lied to the public. It’s a blatant have been contacted by constituents unall this windfall, and I’m afraid they what the public understood when they misrepresentation of what we said we happy with the vote. will.” engaged in public hearings. Because the were going to do on June 20,” Ellis said.

“They’re very Commissioners Elboard passed a rate different than what By law, the county must advertise a angry. They feel like lis, Morris and Hausrate and hold three public hearing in ad- was advertised, he has asked Pitts to they were misled. mann said the 5-year revoke the decision. vance of setting the millage rate. When Several of them told projections were not “If we were going to entertain somethe decision to advertise was made June me that they would something the commis20, the tax assessors were still accepting thing different than what was in that have come to the sioners requested and June 20 resolution, there would need to appeals. public hearing,” they were only given be additional public hearings on that, The county financial advisers had inMorris said. the figures the day and we would need to re-advertise,” Ellis sufficient information to calculate what Johns Creek before the vote. said. millage rate would be needed to generCity Councilwoman “I have no idea why Commissioner Morris said he agreed ate the $478 million needed to fund the Stephanie Endres that was brought forth “wholeheartedly” with Ellis. The pur2018 budget and therefore recommendsaid she agrees with at that point in time,” pose of the June 20 amendment was to ed that the county advertise the 2017 Ellis.

Ellis said. reassure the public that there would not rate of 10.38 mills, knowing that it was “They were honThe documents be a windfall, but in effect it misled the an upper limit. est about what they were not published public, he said.

At that time, Morris moved for an wanted the money online along with the “We misled the public and supamendment to the resolution that stated for — they want to agenda and other pressed the turnout at the public hearit was the intent of the board to set a increase government documents released to ings, and that’s just wrong. It’s morally millage rate at a level only to generate spending — but they the public before the wrong, and I think it’s legally challengethe budgeted revenue. were not honest meeting. They have Lee Morris with what they had been published since Fulton County commissioner agreed to initially,” the meeting, but the Endres said. public had no opportuSee more garage sales in the classifieds Milton City Councilman Matt Kunz nity to review the 5-year plan or comalso had concerns about the decision. ment on them before the vote.

“To advertise one thing and do an“The notion of 5-year projections and JOHNS CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Childrens’ Consignment Sale, other that is outside the bounds of the planning is a fine exercise to engage in, March 15-17. Volunteer & Sell to Shop Early! Sign up to get first dibs on kids’ intent does border on an ethical issue,” but what should have been called for at clothes, toys, other items! Email johnscreekumcsale@gmail.com. Thursday Kunz said. that meeting was what was expressly 2PM-6PM (Pre-sale volunteers & sellers only) 6PM-8PM (open to public).

Other citizens, like Johns Creek resistated in our June 20 meeting,” Ellis said.

Friday 8:30AM-1:30PM. Saturday 8AM-1PM (Most items 50% off!) 11180 dent Royce Reinecke, think this may be Morris took it a step further, arguing Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek GA 30097 much ado about very little. that the whole premise of looking five JOHNS CREEK: Haynes Manor Subdivision; 3019 Haynes Cove 30022. Friday “Regarding collecting more revenue year into the future was unreasonable in 2/16, Saturday 2/17, 9am-5pm. Moving out of state, everything must go! than expected, the $20 million differthe political arena. ence is very small, making the difference “Nobody knows what we’re going to between the Democrat millage rate and be spending in three years or four years.

DEADLINE the Republican millage rate less than a Nobody knows what the economy is goTo place garage sale ads: Noon Friday. ing to do. Nobody knows what the needs Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com are going to be, but more importantly, See MILLAGE, Page 22

We misled the public and suppressed the turnout at the public hearings, and that’s just wrong. It’s morally wrong, and I think it’s legally challengeable.”

GARAGE SALES

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6 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Johns Creek representative heads to home stretch in state race

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — With the primary runoff victory behind him, Johns Creek resident and former City Councilman Brad Raffensperger is looking ahead to his bid for Georgia Secretary of State in the General Election this November.

Carrying 61.7 percent of the votes, Raffensperger defeated former Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle to secure the GOP nomination in the runoff election July 24. Raffensperger will face Democrat John Barrow and Libertarian Smythe DuVal in November.

Raffensperger said his strategy won’t change.

“I think we had a very positive message that resonates with all Georgians,” he said.

Raffensperger’s political experience began when he ran for the Johns Creek City Council in 2011. He served for three years before running for the Georgia House of Representatives.

Raffensperger has served as the representative of District 50, which includes most of Johns Creek, since 2015. He sits on the Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; Insurance; Intragovernmental Coordination and Juvenile Justice com-

I think no matter where you are situated as an elected public servant, people want to be heard.”

Brad Raffensperger Georgia Secretary of State candidate mittees.

Though the problems he addresses have changed, Raffensperger said he learned important lessons during his time as a city council member.

“I think no matter where you are situated as an elected public servant, people want to be heard,” he said. “Keeping your ear close to the ground and listening to taxpayers, listening to your constituents. That’s the number one thing I took into the state House, and that’s what I would bring to the Secretary of State’s office.”

A focus of his campaign is election security. Raffensperger supports Georgia’s voter ID laws. Georgia is one of eight states where voters cannot cast a

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valid ballot without a photo ID. Raffensperger also said he would prioritize strengthening the requirements for casting an absentee ballot and update voting machines to include paper ballot verification.

“The current voting machines were put into service in 2002, and that was well before the iPhone was even in service. Now they’re up to the iPhone X and we’re still using the same voting machines,” Raffensperger said.

Raffensperger said he thinks the right improvements could decrease long lines on voting day.

“You really have to take your hats off that people want to vote, but we need to see what we can do to increase the efficiency. Are there systems out there with updated technology that move voters through the line quicker?”

The Georgia Secretary of State oversees licensing and corporations, which Raffensperger said relates to his experience in the business world.

“It touches into key areas of my interest,” he said. “One is licensing because I’m a licensed professional engineer and a licensed contractor and then also a corporation owner.”

Raffensperger is the CEO and owner of Tendon Systems LLC, a specialty

Special

Brad Raffensperger is running for Georgia Secretary of State.

contracting and engineering design firm, and the owner of several steel manufacturing plants.

Raffensperger said he would continue the work he started as a state representative to process licensing and corporation renewals more efficiently.

In the spring of 2017, he sponsored a bill to allow multi-year registrations for corporations.

SCHOOLS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 7

Fulton Schools open doors for 2018-19 school year District makes school safety a priority

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – A projected 95,000+ students in the Fulton County School System returned to class on Aug. 6 with many finding newly renovated and spruced-up buildings, and a greater emphasis on student safety.

Fulton Schools continues to be the fourth largest school district in Georgia – behind only Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb school systems – although its projected 2018-2019 enrollment of 95,215 is roughly the same as last year’s numbers.

Nearly 700 new teachers were hired over the summer, bringing the total teaching force to about 6,800 across Fulton’s 106 schools.

Ronnie Wade, Fulton’s Talent director, said a handful of vacancies remain in some schools, primarily in those “hard to staff” positions including special education.

Nearly one-quarter of all schools will open under new leadership this year, with system officials citing retirements and promotions driving the changes in principals and leadership. Three of the four area superintendents also changed from last year.

Highlights of the 2017-28 school year include: Quick Tip safety hotline The “Quick Tip” app allowing students to report any safety matter quickly and anonymously is now loaded on all district-issued student devices, such as tablets and laptops. School officials note this app encourages students to support the concept of “If you see something, say something.”

Safety Committee The newly-established Safety Advisory Committee will provide insight and perspectives to Superintendent Jeff Rose as the district looks to enhance school security. The committee is composed of school system staff, along with school leaders, partners, public safety personnel and parent representatives. The committee’s goal is to use a “research-based approach” to review current processes and identify any additional approaches to improve school safety.

New police vehicles, body cameras and officers The Fulton School Police Department

added six new officers, as well as 19 vehicles to its fleet.

The new staff and cars will improve the efficiency in patrolling schools, as well as provide a quicker response during emergencies. Officers are being outfitted, for the first time, with body cameras as part of each officer’s standard uniform.

Report management system Fulton Schools Police implemented a new report management system that allows better sharing of information among metro police departments.

Information includes access to criminal records, videos and photos so the departments can collaborate on cases with similarities and combine resources.

New video surveillance systems Fulton Schools is upgrading camera systems in every school to Avigilon, similar to systems used at major airports and other highly secured environments. This system allows staff to monitor activities with greater accuracy, and allows users to find targets within a building based on a tagged “appearance search.”

The district has partnered with the Sandy Springs and Johns Creek emergency call centers and Fulton County 911 Dispatch allowing direct access to view the Avigilon cameras in schools.

Discussions are underway to share this capability with other municipalities’ police departments.

CrisisGo communications tool CrisisGo is being phased into schools during the 2018-2019 school year. The program quickly distributes emergency operations plans to staff, via mobile devices, during emergency situations. Over a three-year cycle, this technology will replace the traditional paper emergency plans.

Construction and maintenance projects Through the SPLOST, the one-penny education sales tax, hundreds of large and small maintenance projects were completed over the summer including finish work, flooring, site work, roofing and fire alarm replacements.

In North Fulton, turf and/or tracks were replaced at Alpharetta, Centennial, Chattahoochee and Roswell high schools, with major renovation work completed at Cogburn Woods, Lake Windward, Manning Oaks elementary schools and Holcomb Bridge Middle.

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8 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creekl Herald | NorthFulton.com/Black_Box

BLACK BOX special report:

Registration shuffle rattles

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — When Alpharetta resident Ollie Wagner went to vote in the July 24 runoff election, he wasn’t expecting trouble.

He’s lived at the same address and been registered to vote for more than 10 years, after all. Nothing had changed.

But when he went to the Alpharetta Library at 9 a.m. to cast his ballot, he was told he would have to vote provisionally.

Provisional ballots are usually issued when a voter’s eligibility comes into question, and the voter is later informed whether their vote was counted or not.

There are several reasons why a person might be handed a provisional ballot — such as outdated or inaccurate information — but one of the most common reasons is that the voter’s name does not appear on the electoral roll for that precinct.

But Wagner’s information, his address, hadn’t changed in years.

The poll workers that morning didn’t fully understand what was going on, but they told Wagner that he had been placed on a list and flagged for some reason.

“The word that I got was simply that I had to do a provisional ballot,” Wagner said. “Somewhere along the line, they said that this happened to somebody else this morning already, a longtime resident.”

Wagner did end up voting provisionally, but he was not the only one who ran into trouble on Election Day. Roswell resident Shirley Filardi, likewise, was told that she had been flagged for some reason and would have to vote provisionally despite having lived in the same place for years.

The poll workers Filardi spoke to were able to give her some more information: there had been some sort of glitch, they told her, and anyone who had renewed their driver’s license recently or changed their address had to vote provisionally.

“I just felt very discouraged,” Filardi said. “They were all polite, they were apologizing. But, it just seems that there was something going on.”

Kathleen Sturgeon/Herald

Despite having lived in the same place for years, or even decades, hundreds of registered voters in Fulton County were forced to fill out provisional ballots in the July 24 runoff.

Complying with a federal judge order Wagner’s and Filardi’s accounts were echoed across several North Atlanta counties that day. Almost 1,000 provisional ballots were cast in the July 24 elections in Fulton County alone — a sizable spike compared to past elections.

In the past 10 elections prior to the July 24 runoff, provisional ballots made up anywhere between .02 percent and .28 percent of the total votes cast. That number shot up to 1.46 percent in the July 24 race, which featured GOP gubernatorial candidates Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp.

The spike can be tracked to a 2017 ruling made by a federal judge, said Candice Broce, press secretary and staff attorney for the Georgia Secretary of State.

Last year, during the heated 6th District congressional race between Karen

Handel and Jon Ossoff, U.S. District Judge Timothy Batten ruled in favor of civil rights advocacy groups by ordering Georgia to reopen voter registration that spring.

The state complied with the order, Broce said. But its impact was felt July 24, 2018 when five counties – Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton and Gwinett – all held their first federal runoff election since Handel vs. Ossoff.

To comply with the judge’s ruling extending voter registration, Broce said these counties used supplemental voter lists to show those who registered for the first time or changed their voter record between what would have been the “regular” April 24, 2018 registration deadline and the “new” June 25, 2018 deadline.

Those who did were flagged for provisional voting.

This measure would ensure that voters were only casting a ballot in races they were eligible to participate in, Broce said.

“There was no issue with the voter registration database,” she added. “We worked together to find a way to accommodate this judicially imposed deadline,

and we agreed that this system would comply with the ruling.”

An extra wrinkle “We knew that we were going to have more provisional ballots than normal,” said Richard Barron, Fulton County director of Registration and Elections.

But the department wasn’t expecting an additional snarl in the process that arose that morning.

Almost 20,000 people in Fulton County were placed on the supplemental voter list. It was the first time the county had ever been given such a list, and in order to deal with the unusual circumstances, Barron said that poll workers were trained before the election to be aware of the issue.

But come Tuesday morning, poll workers were flooded with hundreds of cases like Wagner and Filardi – residents who lived at the same address for years, some for decades, were suddenly being flagged as someone who had recently moved.

After some digging, election officials finally worked out a common denominator. These voters had renewed or applied for a driver’s license earlier this year at

NorthFulton.com/Black_Box | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 9

long-time voters the Department of Driver Services. If their plus-four digit ZIP code changed or was added to the license, the Secretary of State’s voter database flagged it.

“It was flagged as a move because it was technically a change in address,” Barron said. “So all of those people were put on the green supplemental list as well.”

Barron said the ZIP code issue was in part a “byproduct” of last year’s court order.

“I don’t think anyone saw it coming,” he said. “None of the counties knew that was coming. The Secretary of State’s Office didn’t know either. No one knew.”

So someone could have been living at the same address for decades with only the plus-four digit change, but for the computers, that was enough to count as an address change.

The supplemental voters list the counties were given did not explain why people had been placed on the list. Election officials and poll workers only knew that a person’s name was on the list for moving recently and that they would have to vote provisionally.

“We had a total of 978 provisional ballots in this election, 659 of them were because of voters that had moved,” Barron said. “How many of those 659 were affected because of the plus-four in the ZIP code? I don’t know. We’d have to research every voter’s registration history to figure that out. We do know that if it was a ZIP plus-four change, the database put them onto that supplemental list, and we processed everyone the same across the county so that no one would be treated differently….

“There’s nothing voters could have done about this.”

Future elections For the immediate future, at least, voters need not worry. The supplemental voter list will not come into play in the November elections.

The only time it could become an issue again, Barron said, is if there was another primary and primary runoff in two years.

“I don’t know what the remedy is going to be for it,” he said. “If there’s a ZIP code plus-four change next time — I don’t think the DDS or the state or the county could have known that a ZIP plus-four was going to throw people onto the supplemental list.”

The state’s old voting system technology contributed to the issue, Barron said. Making any changes to a voter’s information is “not an easy thing to do.”

And when the judge ordered that voter

Race Fulton County elections July 2016 General Primary Runoff Election - Fulton Superior Court Judge - Shoob July 2016 General Primary Runoff Election - Fulton Superior Court Judge - Lane November 2016 General Election - US President Trump, Hillary, Johnson March 21 2017 Special Election - Roswell Council P4 - Henry, Sears, Willsey, Wright March 21 2017 Special Election - South Fulton Mayor - 9 candidates April 2017 Special Election - US House 6 - 18 candidates incl. Handel and Ossoff May 2017 Special Election - State Senate 32 Kirkpatrick (R) vs. Triebsch (D) June 2017 Special Runoff Election - US House 6 Handel vs. Ossoff November 2017 General Elections - Alpharetta Council P2 - Burnett, Easterling November 2017 General Elections - Atlanta Mayor 11 candidates incl. K. Bottoms November 2017 General Elections - Johns Creek Mayor - Bodker November 2017 General Elections - Milton Mayor Lockwood, Rencher November 2017 General Elections - Roswell Mayor Henry, Horton, Jenkins, Litten December 2017 Special Runoff Election - Atlanta Mayor - Bottoms, Norwood December 2017 Special Runoff Election - Roswell Mayor - Henry, Jenkins May 2018 General Primary - Governor R - Cagle, Hill, Kemp, Tippins, Williams May 2018 General Primary - Governor D - Abrams, Evans July 2018 Runoff - Governor R - Cagle, Kemp Statewide elections Statewide July 2018 Runoff - Governor R - Cagle, Kemp Statewide November 2016 General Election President - Trump, Hillary, Johnson registration be extended, several updates to voter information had to be made in that system before that primary runoff.

“It’s just an inflexible system, because it’s old,” he said. “We bought it in 2002 – who knows when it was designed?”

But, Barron predicts that it won’t be an issue again in two years if a new voting system is installed by then. “[It] would make this problem go

Total votes cast

Provisional votes

Percent provisional

34,579

53

0.15%

35,148

50

0.14%

438,751

1,201

0.27%

5,855

3

0.05%

11,630

9

0.08%

87,060

243

0.28%

2,461

1

0.04%

123,469

149

0.12%

3,731

3

0.08%

87,102

194

0.22%

4,229

1

0.02%

4,463

3

0.07%

13,626

5

0.04%

83,555

192

0.23%

12,024

5

0.04%

35,155

53

0.15%

91,095

234

0.26%

35,081

512

1.46%

588,307

2,650

0.45%

4,092,373

7,646

0.19%

away as well,” Barron said. “The technology is going to make it easier to make changes if it’s with a short-term issue.

It won’t be so labor intensive to make a change on the fly. I fully expect that by the next primary that we’re going to have a new voting system in place that would render this a one-time thing as well.”

Voters will be relieved to hear that all of the provisional ballots cast by people affect-

ed by the ZIP code change were counted.

Only 39 provisional ballots from the July 24 election in Fulton County were rejected, an “extraordinarily low number,” Barron said.

On average, around 50 percent of provisional ballots are counted.

That was good news for Ollie Wagner.

When he later checked, his ballot was among those counted.

10 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

OPINION

My vacation show & tell I have always wanted for our readers to send us their vacation travel stories — especially when they are fun, interesting or special in some way.

This column is my example of a “vacaRay appen tion show & tell” for Publisher ray@appenmediagroup.com you! Next, you write one and send it to us!

Send to RayAppen@Gmail.com and in the subject line put: “show & tell.”

Where: Every few years, Christina and I go to Washington D.C., to do the museums. We’ve gone a number of times and it never gets old. We stayed a week, and that was just about the right amount of time.

How: We have started taking Amtrak out of Atlanta to D.C. We get a sleeper car. It’s not cheap and our tickets cost around $350 each — one way — because we are both traveling to other separate destinations after D.C. I am flying back to Atlanta and then out to California for a hike. Christina is continuing on to Charlottesville to visit an old college roommate.

The train leaves Atlanta – or is supposed to leave — around 8 p.m. and arrive at Union Station in D.C., around 10 a.m. the next day. Amtrak was late and didn’t depart Atlanta until around 10 p.m. That is unfortunately not unusual.

So we missed having dinner in the dining car that night, which has always been one of the coolest aspects of the trip.

We were, however, able to eat in the dining car for breakfast, which we loved.

The food is good, and the scenery out the window as the train rolls through the small towns in Virginia is better than a movie. The sleeper room we had was tiny but it just added to the sense of adventure, and it was comfortable enough and fun.

Accommodations & Dining: We stayed at the Hydeaway Bed N Breakfast owned by Gary Hyde (202-462-1886) in the Logan Circle area of D.C. Gary has renovated an old brownstone-like, brick building and filled it with antiques, jazz, great light, white-tablecloth-dining for continental breakfasts and topped it off with a pool in the back courtyard surrounded by exotic foliage, fountains, statuettes and comfortable rockers.

After breakfast each morning, we quietly drank our coffee, read and chatted poolside in no hurry to leave for the museums. Most nights we simply walked a few blocks in the vicinity of the B&B and had a wide selection of restaurants, bars and crowded sidewalks that provided the experience and engaging vibe of city

life. The environs reminded me of places I have known from the past — Chicago, Miami and Berlin.

Travel in D.C. was so easy. You can get anywhere using the Metro, The U station was 3 blocks from our B&B. When we got tired, we just took Uber.

One night we caught Tad Benoit performing at The Hamilton. Google this amazing Cajun guitarist who easily plays as well as Clapton and has the sex appeal of any leading man out there. We’ve seen him in New Orleans, Atlanta and a few other places, and we always go out of our way to see one of his shows. Another early evening, we spent a few hours at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, listening to free live jazz while we dipped our feet into the park’s great fountain with 500 other concertgoers.

Sandwiched into our sightseeing, we managed to meet with Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. Karen Handel in their offices to encourage them to help defeat the imported newsprint tariff that our president has initiated and which threatens the entire industry.

The tariff protects the jobs in a single newsprint mill in Seattle owned by a hedge fund — roughly 250 jobs — and threatens literally thousands of jobs in every newspaper in the country. Sen. Isakson is a co-sponsor of “The Print Act” which is working its way through Congress and can potentially help.

Favorites: Our new favorite museum has to be the Portrait Gallery, which we finally managed to visit on our last day. Many of the portraits were immediately recognizable. Each image, each portrait was accompanied by three or four paragraphs detailing the person’s contribution. The subjects ranged from presidents to musicians to inventors to athletes to writers and conductors. Of note, there were hundreds of portraits in this museum and it was crowded with hundreds of people — maybe several thousand — but we almost never saw a single instance where there were more than four or five people in front of any one image —with two exceptions. There were lines for Michelle Obama’s portrait and an even longer queue with folks waiting to take their picture in front of the portrait of President Obama.

With quiet wonder, Christina and I watched young girls approach Michelle’s portrait, then their mother leaning over to speak quietly to their daughter when they were close. We watched a really old African American man posing with glee in front of President Obama’s portrait as his grandson recorded the frozen moment for posterity on his iPhone.

Watching these visitors in the Portrait Gallery alone would have made the entire trip worthwhile, however, earlier

OPINION

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 11

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in the week we also stumbled upon a live audience participation play being performed in the Smithsonian American History Museum. It was a reenactment of the 1963 sit-ins in the Greensboro, N.C., Woolworths which eventually led the company to end its policy of racial segregation in the South.

What made the performance so special was that a large percentage of the audience were kindergarten-aged African American children whose live unscripted participation in the exchanges and questions from the two actors reminded

everyone in that large room that racial bias and prejudice is something learned — not something we are born with — as these children were such testaments to.

Our host at the B&B threw a goingaway dinner for us the last day, and we joined a friendly group of local residents exchanging stories, testaments and simply “time” with each other a lovely dinner. It was the first time Gary had done something like that, but I have a feeling it will not be the last. D.C. can bring out the best in people sometimes I think. Try it.

BALANCE & FALL RISK WORKSHOP Presented by Johns Creek Physical Therapy Have you experienced issues with your balance lately?

Have you or someone you know had a recent fall?

Are you considering the use of a cane or walker?

Have you changed your activity level because you are afraid of falling?

If you answered YES to any of these questions then you won’t want to miss the FREE Balance and Fall Risk Workshop on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

At the workshop you will learn: 1) The top three sensory systems that affect balance.

2) The number one mistake people make that actually makes their balance problem worse.

3) Strategies you can implement to help restore your balance and regain your independence.

Register by calling 770.622.5344 or visit: johnscreekpt.com Seating is limited

Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H, Suwanee, GA 30024

If you don’t have a business (in Forsyth County), you ought to.

Carlos Cantu, director of Chamber Councils 12 | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018

FoCo Expo unites community with businesses

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The community gathered for networking, food and fun Aug. 9 at the annual FoCo Expo where nearly 70 local business representatives talked to the public about services they offer.

The event was held at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center and was hosted by the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

Carlos Cantu, director of Chamber Councils, said businesses come together to showcase what they do.

“We want to make this a community event,” Cantu said. “We want all the families to come together with the business owners to come out and enjoy themselves. We wanted to bring businesses together, connect them to our chamber members and see what can come out of it. It’s a beautiful relationship that’s in the works.”

This is the first year the event hosted nonprofits in the crowd, including

Jesse’s House, The Place of Forsyth and No Longer Bound.

Cantu said the event is a good place families who are looking for a local business can come, learn who runs the businesses and potentially work with them in the future.

“These types of events are a place for somebody to have a face-to-face conversation to say ‘what can I do? How can I help? I don’t have to charge you to have a conversation with you. I just want to come out and see what we can do,’” he said. “Forsyth County is a very tight community. Why not bring everyone together for an event?”

The consistent growth in Forsyth County is one reason many businesses choose to operate in the community, Cantu said.

“If you don’t have a business here, you ought to,” he said.

One of those businesses, and the drink sponsor of the Expo, is Cherry Street Brewing, which had a table manned by owner Nick Tanner.

Tanner said he wanted to be part of

The community mingled with business owners at the FoCo Expo to learn more about local trades.

Photos by KATHLEEN STURGEON/Herald

Cherry Street Brewing owners Nick and Alisa Tanner talk to the public about their business. the community because it exemplifies Cherry Street’s mission statement of “community.”

“We are here for the community just as the community is here for us,” he said. “Everything we do is to enhance that. Being able to network with the local businesses is what it’s really about.

If we can get together, it brings the local community together.”

Cherry Street opened its first location at Vickery Village, 5817 S Vickery, in 2014, and next year they will open a second brewpub at Halcyon off Exit 12 on Ga. 400.

“We believe in the project that Halcyon is,” Tanner said. “The project will do something really beneficial to our community, especially on that south side corridor.”

The idea of staying close to home for

Do Business With Our Members

the second location appealed to Tanner.

“Atlanta is so big and there are so many communities in and around it,” he said. “For this opportunity to arise is comfortable for us. We feel good about this. We aren’t nervous, at least not yet.

It’s because we have the support. Everyone in this community is so excited to see that. As time passes, the excitement is getting more. It makes us feel good and proud of what we’ve done.”

He likes doing business in the county because the people look out for each other, including the chamber that always believed in Cherry Street, Tanner said.

“The community here is kind of a family,” he said. “It’s very tight. It’s nice to be a part of a community where everyone wants to see it better and only do things to make it better. We’re proud of that.”

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 13

Tennis facility, mall makeover signal evolutionary changes The evolution of economic development is on display right now in North Fulton with two major announcements in Roswell and Alpharetta.

Roswell has been given a huge gift in Geoff smith what would become Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com the largest clay tennis center in the nation. The facility is being backed entirely

by Roswell residents Vernon and Marie Krause and their foundation, The Krause Family Foundation, in honor of their daughter Angela Krause who passed away at 29 years old after a bought with cancer. The facility would include 135-courts both for tennis and pickleball and is said to attract national tournaments at all levels, as well as major tennis stars who would come to the center to train. Roswell’s economic development arm, Roswell Inc, said the economic impact to Roswell could be between $30 million and $50 million in the way of hotel stays and money being spent in local restaurants and retail outlets.

Just up the road in Alpharetta, North Point Mall released plans to redevelop the mall by removing the vacant Sears store and adding 328 apartments, 30,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a 2.5-acre plaza with Spanish steps, a new multi-use trail system, and community gardens and bicycle rental stations. The development would transform the indoor mall to more of a mixed-use entity where the uses can play off of each other to help sustain the uses on the property. The mall’s owners, General Growth Properties, had already converted some of its retail spaces into co-working offices and was searching for ways to make the mall successful in today’s retail environment. It’s a massive redevelopment of a high-end mall that was smarting in the shadow of the newly built Avalon.

The facility would include 135-courts both for tennis and pickleball and is said to attract national tournaments at all levels, as well as major tennis stars who would come to the center to train.

As someone who grew up in North Fulton, it has been interesting to watch this cascade of development and redevelopment up Ga. 400. I grew up in the Martins Landing neighborhood just east of Ga. 400 in Roswell, and just south from where the new tennis facility would go. When I was growing up there, the strip centers along Holcomb Bridge Road were kind of “the place” to be. All of the new retail development was there and folks in North Fulton went there to shop.

Then in the 1990s, North Point Mall was built one exit up Ga. 400 and became the darling, drawing in not just North Fulton residents, but residents from all over the north metro area. It took away the customers and then many of the retail outlets from the east side of Roswell.

It lived a good life right up until consumers’ tastes changed and indoor malls fell out of fashion. Then Avalon was built one exit up Ga. 400 from the mall and pulled away many of its customers and thus, many of its retail outlets including Apple, Gap Inc., Banana Republic and J. Crew. It’s an evolutionary tale that highlights the survival of the fittest nature of economic development and redevelopment. It highlights the fluid nature of things in that it’s impossible to maintain success without change — an economic area is either growing or dying.

The mall is doing what is has to do to survive and could again become relevant as a successful ecosystem all to its own. The tennis facility in Roswell could very well be a catalyst for re-growth in an area that everyone seems to agree

desperately needs it. The tennis facility would go in Big Creek Park along Old Alabama Road and supplant a portion of the mountain biking trails that are used by bikers all over the metro area. I use them, and as a child, actually helped to make some of those trails before the

land was purchased by the city and anyone knew we were back there. Plans are to “replace” those trails by building more on undeveloped land farther east along Holcomb Bridge Road purchased by the city last year.

Geoff Smith is a mortgage banker with Assurance Financial focusing on residential home loans for refinances and home purchases.

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

Using new technology can make huge difference Is your small business taking advantage of technology to make your employees and your operations more efficient and effective? Are you still using old technology because dick jones you haven’t had the Founder & President Jones Simply Sales time or inclination of upgrading? Many small business owners ignore new technology, and subsequently are suboptimizing what they can do.

With the incredible pace of changes in technology, a majority of small business owners find themselves “behind the curve” in using new technology.

They may know about it, but using it in their business requires planning and preparation, something they never anticipated.

Staying current on what is available to you is a first step. There is an abundance of information online or in printed journals that discuss new technologies and the pros and cons of implementing them. It wasn’t very long ago where you had to hire a professional to build a website for your small business. Now this can easily be done with numerous website design systems.

Hiring an information technology professional can also help. Let’s face it; if you want to utilize technology in your small business and don’t know how, hire someone who does! Training is also very important for you and your employees. You can’t expect everyone to learn how to use new technology unless you invest in educating them.

Adapting to new technology is critical for long-term small business success, and it won’t happen unless you make this a top priority in your business.

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14 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

CALENDAR CANASTA

Taste of Johns Creek

Sample more than 20 local restaurants Saturday, Aug. 18, 4-9 p.m., for only $1 to $4 on the campus of Chattahoochee High School. There will be an Art Walk with shopping, live music, local entertainment, kid’s activities and taste some of the best food the Johns Creek-area has to offer.

Join the fun at 5230 Taylor Road in Johns Creek. For more information, visit tasteofjohnscreek.fun.

Looking to get the word out about your event?

Submit it to our online calendar at ForsythHerald.com/Calendar.

EVENTS: ALPHARETTA FARM AND GARDENS

SMART RECOVERY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

What: Join to add your input to the vision, design and development for the future City of Alpharetta Park, which is expected to open in 2019.

Access to the site is off of Rucker Road.

When: Saturday, Aug. 18, 9-10 a.m.

Where: 860 Rucker Road, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

What: This program uses science-based tools to provide support for those who are affected by the addictive behavior of someone close to them. Not a twelve step program.

When: Monday, Aug. 20, 7-8 p.m.

Where: DecisionPoint Wellness Center, 10700 State Bridge Road Suite 6, Johns Creek More info: smartrecovery.org

ESTATE JEWELRY GARAGE SALE

‘PIES, OH MY!’ COOKING NIGHT

What: Join for an exclusive estate jewelry sale and a Self-Serve Silver Station, where you pay for what your jewelry weighs.

When: Saturday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Brilliant Atlanta, 1144 Canton St., Suite 103, Roswell More info: facebook.com/brilliantatlanta

ROSWELL AUTHOR DONNIE KANTER WINOKUR

What: Donnie Kanter Winokur will be available to answer questions about her works and sign copies of “Chancer – How One Good Boy Saved Another.”

When: Sunday, Aug. 19, 3-5 p.m.

Where: Georgia Veterinary Rehabilitation and Management, 1230 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta More info: thechancerchronicles.com

MS. SENIOR GEORGIA PAGEANT

What: Celebrate and crown a new queen for 2018!

This pageant showcases the excellence of age, experience and achievements.

When: Sunday, Aug. 19, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Cost: $15 for adults, $7 for children More info and tickets: roswellgov.com or 404-394-4200

What: Learn how to cook chicken pot pie, strawberry rhubarb pie and lemon meringue pie. Complimentary wine. Free mini-tour of Barrington Hall is included.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell Cost: $50 More info and registration: roswellgov.com

NAVIGATORS TOASTMASTERS PATHWAYS

What: Reach your personal and professional goals through Pathways, Toastmasters’ new education program.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.

Where: Club House, 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming More info: navigators.toastmastersclubs. org

WEDNESDAY MORNING NETWORKING

What: Join for networking every Wednesday morning.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $5 for members, $10 for guests More info: johnscreekga.gov or 770-495-0545

What: Canasta is a rummy-like game enjoying a resurgence today.

Learn to play and join a game.

New players welcome.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 12:30 p.m.

Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov/parkplace

5 KEYS TO A LEADERSHIP LOOK

What: Two nationally known Executive Image Consultants will be working with you to give you that polished professional edge without breaking the budget.

When: Thursday, Aug. 23, 6:45-8:30 a.m.

Where: Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, 10950 Bell Road, Duluth More info: atlantamastercrafters.com

GARDEN TOUR MONDAYS

What: Enjoy a free 30-minute tour of the gardens and historic plants on the grounds of Barrington Hall.

When: Every Monday, through Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

MOSAIC OF MARY

What: An interfaith dialogue and panel discussion with Father Ray, Rabbi Slomovitz, Ann Marie Martin and Kemal Budak to consider Mary as a woman of great faith in Judaism, Islam and Catholicism.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: La Salette Hall, Catholic Church of St. Ann, 3905 Roswell Road, Marietta More infotheatlanticinstitute.org

HEALTH AND FITNESS: ZUMBA GOLD (FLEX)

What: This program combines international beats with strength training techniques to create an easyto-follow, health-boosting dance fitness program.

When: Friday, Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov/parkplace

ALPHARETTA MAYOR’S CORPORATE CHALLENGE 5K AND BLOCK PARTY

What: Food trucks and live music begin at 5 p.m., followed by a free kids’ run and the 5K run. Funds will go to local and international charities supported by Alpharetta Rotary.

When: Thursday, Aug. 23, 5 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta Cost: $30 More info and registration: mayorschallenge.com

FREE FITNESS IN THE PARK: ZUMBA

What: There will be a free group exercise class. All classes are weather-permitting and open to the public. Check the City of Roswell’s Facebook page for any cancellations.

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 9-10 a.m.

Where: Town Square, 610 Atlanta St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

FREE OUTDOOR FITNESS – YOGA

What: Yoga moves at a slower pace, improving flexibility, muscle tone, strength and stress management through stretches, poses and relaxation techniques.

When: Sunday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m.

Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

FARMERS MARKETS, FOOD TRUCKS: ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Alpharetta’s weekly gathering returns with rotating food trucks and music each week. Six to eight food trucks from the Atlanta area will come out to help kick off the weekend early.

When: Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., through Oct. 11 Where: Old Roswell Street in Alpharetta’s historic district More info: awesomealpharetta.com

ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET

What: The Alpharetta Farmers Market features fruits, vegetables, natural meats, fresh flowers and herbs, and a variety of home goods.

When: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., through October Where: Old Canton Street in downtown Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

ROSWELL FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

What: Don’t miss the opening day of the Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market. Mix and mingle with friends, shop for fresh items and enjoy talking to the vendors.

When: Saturday, April 14, 8 a.m. – noon Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell More info: roswellfam.com

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: “OCEE ROCKS”

What: Join for a free, after-hours, live concert, featuring a special musical guest.

When: Friday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m.

Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: afpls.org or 770-360-8897

Sponsored Section August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | 15

Ed and Pilar Modzel stand with American Commerce Bank market president Carlos Laverde.

Funding ambition If you think borrowing from a bank these days is complicated enough, try borrowing to renovate a 40-unit apartment building in a new city without the benefit of a banking relationship.

That was the challenge facing Ed and Pilar Modzel when they opted to take on renovation of a 46,000 sq.ft. commercial property in East Point earlier this year.

The Modzels had relocated to Atlanta from New York, and were just getting familiar with their adopted hometown when they discovered the property by way of real estate agent Johnny Easterling.

“While the units were in need of renovation, the property itself had great potential in the hands of capable managers” says Carlos Laverde, Atlanta market president for American Commerce Bank.

“The Modzels were new to the area, but it was obvious that they understood the opportunity of this project and they were determined to make it work”.

The Modzels had not yet struck up any sort of lending relationship when they were introduced to American Commerce Bank’s office in Johns Creek. The

bank’s lending staff was not only able to finance the project for the Modzels, its treasury services staff also outfitted the businesses’ rental office with a remote scanner to deposit tenant payments.

Said Ed: “I can manage all of my finances now without ever leaving my office. In a competitive environment like Atlanta, I was pleased with the approval process at American Commerce Bank and the terms were very competitive. I was excited that we were able close the deal so quickly”.

So why is this news?

Because the business of banking, despite its sometimes-intimidating challenges, is still about people helping people. And at American Commerce Bank, helping customers succeed is how the bank has built its own success story.

ACB offers customized lending, treasury services and market-leading deposit products.

For more information about American Commerce Bank, stop by their branch at 10690 Medlock Bridge Road or visit www.AmericanCommerceBank. com.

16 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Autrey Mills prepares to open new exhibit

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After years of preparation, the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center is almost ready to open the Farm Museum, which will showcase the history of the local farming community.

The museum will tell the story of the land that is now Johns Creek from the Cheek and Cherokee tribes through the white settlers and cotton industry, with a focus on the late 1800s and early 1900s. Early 20th century farming equipment, including a turnwrest plow, wheat cradle, hand plow, iron cogs, a scythe, industrial steel scissors and a pea sheller, will be on display.

The exhibit will be housed in the old garage of the DeBray family, the previous owners of the land that became Autrey Mill. The building was completely renovated this summer to transform it into a museum.

The Farm Museum is nestled in the Heritage Village alongside the Summerour House, the Tenant Farmhouse, the Green Store and the Warsaw Church.

Each of these buildings highlights a different aspect of the region’s history from religion to commerce to homekeeping.

Special

This former garage, built in the 1970s, has been renovated to house the Farm Museum.

Visitors will have an opportunity to be a part of the history Saturday, Aug. 18. Autrey Mill is holding a work day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and needs volunteers to help clean and organize the artifacts that will be in the Farm Museum.

“The volunteers are the life of Autrey Mill,” said Marnie Gordon, curator for the Heritage Center. “Just the little things like sweeping the floor can be a big help. If people could donate a few hours to lend us a hand, it really helps with upkeep.”

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Mary Winder, the program director, echoed the importance of volunteers, noting that it was community members who advocated for the creation of Autrey Mill in 1988.

“It’s thanks to those community advocates that we exist at all,” Winder said.

“They do so many things that add up to make Autrey Mill what we are.”

Beyond the upcoming work day, the center is looking for docents and high school or college interns to help guide tours of the historic buildings and care

for the collections. The hours are flexible and training is provided.

More information about volunteering is available online at autreymill. org, and those interested in serving as a docent can contact Gordon at heritage@ autreymill.org.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Farm Museum Saturday, Sept. 15 for city officials and donors, with a grand opening to the public later this year.

Autrey Mill will continue to host heritage programs like Take-a-Peek Tuesdays beginning Sept. 4 and will offer new clubs this fall. For children 6 to 12 years old, the Time Travelers Club will engage kids in different eras of history with games and crafts, and the Heritage Doll Club will build dollhouses, make doll accessories and play dress-up with period costumes.

Also new this year at Autrey Mill are Full Moon Nature Hikes, which will take place Sept. 24, Oct. 24, Nov. 15 and Jan. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. These night hikes are a great way to explore the nature preserve while it’s dark and your other senses are heightened, Winder said.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center is located at 9770 Autrey Mill Road in Johns Creek.

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 17

North Fulton announces latest Eagle Scouts NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The Northern Ridge Boy Scouts District, which includes Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, recently announced its newest Eagle Scouts who passed their Board of Review on July 26. These are Scouts who passed their Eagle Board of Reviews, held at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church: • Isaiah Eberhardt, of Troop 2206, sponsored by St. James United Methodist Church, whose project was constructing two benches for the playground and painting a shed for Temple Beth Tikvah; • Daniel Richards, of Troop 2206, sponsored by St. James, whose project was rehabilitating a 1.2 mile trail that goes around the church, with trail markers and activity signs; • Noah Berman, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, whose project was constructing three picnic tables for Temple Dor Tamid; • Lucas Sloman, of Troop 9962, sponsored by Ed Isaackson YMCA, whose project was creating four benches for the summer camp area of the YMCA; • Joseph Brunner, of Troop 7153, sponsored by St. Brigid Catholic Church, whose project creating activity sets for Autrey Mill Nature

From top left, Isaiah Eberhardt, Daniel Richards and Noah Berman, and from bottom left, Lucas Sloman, Joseph Brunner and Connor Moland, were announced as Northern Ridge Boy Scout District’s newest Eagle Scouts on July 26.

Preserve and Heritage Center; • Connor Moland, of Troop 87,

sponsored by Roswell Presbyterian Church, whose project was con-

structing eight benches for the St. Francis High School Tennis Courts.

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18 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Student reaps lifetime of rewards from Rotary study abroad scholarship

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta native Kate Rojales’s life was changed when she spent a gap year studying abroad in Puebla, Mexico thanks to a Rotary Club scholarship.

“I will never be the same again, and part of my heart will always be in my second home,” Rojales said.

The Rotary Youth Exchange program began in 1929, but Rojales was part of the inaugural class from Georgia.

The 2017 to 2018 school year saw nine Georgians visit abroad and six inbound students attending local high schools.

Over the course of the academic year, exchange students attended local schools and lived with host families. The program is aimed at students 15 to 19 years old and is a great way to gain independence before starting college, Rojales said.

“I think we get a deeper understanding of who we are, because we remove ourselves from our family, our culture, our school, our community. All of that changes, and we can see who we are, who we stand for, who we want to be,” she said.

Rotary District 6900, which includes Fulton County, exchanges with about

Special

Kate Rojales visits the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, an ancient Mesoamerican city and one of the most popular attractions in Mexico.

30 countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia. The Rotarians choose where to send students based on their preferences.

“I was very fortunate to go to one of my top countries,” Rojales said.

In addition to the confidence, ma-

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turity and perseverance she gained through the program, Rojales said one of the main benefits was the opportunity to meet people from around the world and develop her language skills.

“One of the primary reasons I applied for the program was I had studied Span-

ish for nine years, but was conversant, not fluent. I was really trying to be fluent in Spanish and thought immersion would be perfect, and it was. I became fully fluent in Spanish,” she said.

Rojales said students don’t necessarily need to know the language of their host country when they begin the program, but they will definitely develop those skills during their stay.

Youth exchange participants stay with a host family, typically three different homes over the year.

“I think it’s great because we get to know other sides of a culture and different lifestyles within our one year studying abroad,” Rojales said.

During her stay, Rojales unlearned some of the preconceptions she had about Mexico. She previously associated the country with warm beaches, but her host city of Puebla is nestled in the cooler central highlands.

“I learned about Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead and traditional foods, but getting to live there I realized that culture is so much more than just history, language, food, traditions. It’s really how people think and feel as a country,” Rojales said.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 19

Johns Creek graduate competes in international golf competition

By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Janet Mao, a 2015 graduate of Johns Creek High School, recently competed at the U.S. Woman’s Amateur, held at the Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs, Tenn.

Mao tied for 8th place in the 36-hole stroke play portion of the competition to advance to match play. Mao lost to Kristen Gillman from Austin, Texas in the round of 32 on Aug. 9.

Mao is a rising senior at Northwestern University in Chicago. This is her fourth consecutive trip to the U.S. Women’s Amateur, which along with the British Ladies Amateur, is considered the most prestigious event in women’s amateur golf.

Mao advanced to the round of 32 in last year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur at San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista, Calif. She said her past experience at other U.S. Woman’s Amateur events helped her in the competition.

“You don’t really get to play a USGA [United States Golf Association] event every day, and having that experience kind of helps,” Mao said.

Mao opened the competition with a 3-under 68, followed by a 1-under 70 on Tuesday. The cut for match play came at 3-over 145, the lowest in the history of the championship. The previous low was 147 in 2016.

“I think that’s probably one of the best ball-striking rounds I’ve had maybe ever,” Mao said following her first round.

“It makes it a little less stressful when you can trust your shots and be con-

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USGA/Special

Johns Creek native Janet Mao competed at the round of 32 at the U.S. Woman’s Amateur on Aug. 9.

fident in that and hit it to a distance where you’re not having terrible putts.”

Mao qualified for the U.S. Woman’s Amateur after finishing in the top four at Calumet Country Club in Homewood, Ill. While she was a student at Johns Creek, Mao had three appearances in the state tournament, placing in the top five in Georgia. She was also the 2014 Georgia State Golf Association Women’s Match Play champion and 2014 Georgia Junior PGA champion.

Another Georgia native, Bailey Tardy of Peachtree Corners, advanced to the round of 16.

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COMMUNITY

20 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Food festival to benefit Chattahoochee High JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The 10th annual Taste of Johns Creek festival will feature live music, games and more than 20 local restaurants on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Chattahoochee High School, 5230 Taylor Road.

The festival is free to attend but food samples and activities cost from $1 to $4.

The event supports various athletic programs and clubs within Chattahoochee High School.

There will be an art walk with shopping and live music by local songwriter Scott Thompson.

The fundraiser began in 2008 and in the past has drawn crowds of hundreds.

Participating restaurants will include Kona Ice, Frontera Mex-Mex Grill, Grecian Gyro, Where’s the Scoop?, S&W Seafood, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Vito’s Pizza & Ristorante, Ma’s Irish Kitchen, Williamson Bros. BBQ, Pita Mediterranean Street Food, Sitar Indian Cuisine, Mavericks Cantina, Sub-Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Kathleen’s Catch, Aku Sushi Ramen, Nancy’s Chicago Pizza, Joe’s & Glo’s Hawaiian Shave Ice and Wild Wing Cafe.

For additional information on the Taste of Johns Creek or to participate as a vendor, visit tasteofjohnscreek.fun.

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COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 21

Ice Cream Crankin’ takes over Roswell

By CONNER EVANS interns@appenmedaigroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The Drake House’s biggest, and tastiest fundraiser is set for 2-4 p.m. on August 26 at Roswell Square Park.

Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ features more than 50 different ice cream booths sponsored by local businesses and community members. The Drake House Executive Director Kathy Swahn expects around 3,500 people in attendance this year, almost five times the number as their first attempt 14 years ago.

The event has become so big that people begin reaching out to Swahn in January for details, and “Crankin’ Teams” will begin testing their product weeks or months in advance.

“It’s like an old fashioned ice cream gathering,” Swahn said. “Very wholesome, very family-oriented, four-legged pets and strollers welcome, people literally will wander around the park for two hours eating ice cream.”

The ice cream comes in all kinds of flavors including an avocado bacon flavor from last year and a Guinness beer flavor in the past.

Local celebrity judges, usually leaders from local churches or state representatives, take the competition seriously, Swahn said. U.S. Rep. Karen Handel will return to judge this year as well.

There are multiple, messy activities for children at the kid’s corner, including a bouncy house, face painting, and an ice cream eating contest and ice cream stacking contest.

“Picture 40 kids standing along two or three long tables,” Swahn said. “They have to put their hands behind their backs and eat ice cream out of a bowl.”

The contest is also adding a prize for the most creative booth design in addition to its typical prizes for specific flavors like chocolate, vanilla and fruitbased flavors.

At just $6 per ticket, the Drake House expects to make around $50,000, which constitutes a big portion of the charity’s budget. The Drake House helps provide housing, mentoring and education programs for single mother families in the North Fulton area, and this year’s Ice Cream Crankin’ is crucial for their recent expansion.

“We just bought a new apartment complex at Drake House, which doubled our capacity,” Swahn said. “We have growing programs especially with youth and alumni programming.”

The showrunners will hope that the rain stays away, but Swahn is confident

Paulina Osenenko/Herald

Children participate in the popular ice cream stacking contest during last year’s Ice Cream Crankin’.

people will show up regardless.

“Weather can be a problem, but folks still come,” she said.

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CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-18-AB-51 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers August 27, 2018 6:30 P.M. PURPOSE Variance consideration Waiver of minimum distance requirement For consumption on premises alcohol license APPLICANT Chiringa, LLC d/b/a Chiringa 34 South Main Street, Suite 2B Alpharetta, GA 30009 Owner Jonathan Travis Brown Registered Agent Kerry Stumpe

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22 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Millage: Continued from Page 4 fraction of 1 percent,” Reinecke said.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Aug. 15. Morris expects the rate is unlikely to be changed, but legal action may be taken against the county down the line.

Hausmann expressed concerns that

NORTHSIDE CHAPEL

if the vote is revoked, it will delay tax bills and negatively affect the school district and cities that rely on the county for tax collection.

“If in fact, to do a re-do means that bills don’t go out until the end of October and we find ourselves in a situation like we were in last year with putting other entities at risk, our school systems especially, I’m going to have a hard time with that as well,” Hausmann said.

If the millage rate can’t be changed,

Hausmann said she plans to push for a freeze on any revenue collected in excess of the 2018 budget.

Ellis said he plans to continue to push for more credibility in property assessments, with a market-based model and better customer service.

“I think the number of people who vocalized that they’re going to be experiencing potential financial hardship because of how much values went up for folks and the fact that it was our inept tax

assessors operation, which is part of the underlying reason for that, that should make us even more resolute in bringing down the millage rate,” Ellis said.

Ellis also encouraged his constituents to reach out to the chairman and urge him to honor what he voted for on June 20.

Chairman Pitts did not respond to repeated requests for comment. He has previously stated that he thinks the vote on the mill levy was legal.

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North Fulton’s Only On-Site Crematory CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, September 6, 2018 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, September 24, 2018 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. Z-18-08/CU-18-07 The Porch Special Events Facility/Matilda’s Outdoor Music Venue Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 1.87 acres from C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to DT-MU (Downtown Mixed-Use) to allow for ‘Recreation Facilities, Indoor & Outdoor’ for an event facility for The Porch and an ‘Amphitheatre’ for an outdoor music venue for Matilda’s. A conditional use is requested to allow both uses. The property is located at 531 South Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 645, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. Z-18-05/V-18-05 Kairos Old Milton LLC/DT-LW Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 2.16 acres from O-I (Office-Institutional) and R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Residential) to DT-LW (Downtown Live-Work) to allow for a 30,000 square foot office building and a 28,500 square foot office building wrapping a parking deck. A variance is requested to increase the maximum building height of the 30,000 square foot office building from 3 stories and 40’ to 3 stories and 48’. A variance is requested to increase the maximum building height of the 28,500 square foot office building from 3 stories and 40’ to 4 stories and 56’ to allow for a 3,500 square foot covered, open air restaurant use. The property is located at 2260, 2270 & 2300 Old Milton Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. MP-17-06/CLUP-17-07/Z-17-20/CU-17-18/V-17-44 Greenstone Parkway 400, LLP Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 16.64 acres from O-I (Office-Institutional) to C-2 (General Commercial) in order to develop a mixed-use development consisting of 325 ‘For-Rent’ residential units, 18,000 SF of supportive office/retail uses, 450,000 square feet of office, 10,000 square foot Variety Playhouse Theatre, 6,000 square foot retail/restaurant and ancillary retail/restaurant uses. A master plan amendment to the Parkway 400 Master Plan Pod C is requested to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’ to the list of permitted uses and changes to development standards. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment is requested to change the designation of the property from ‘Corporate Office’ to ‘Commercial’. A conditional use permit is requested in order to allow ‘For-Rent’ residential use. Variances are requested to reduce multi-family and office parking requirements, reduce bicycle parking requirements and reduce requirements for electric vehicle charging stations. The property is located at the end of Amber Park Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 804, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

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

Rotary: Continued from Page 18 exaggerated was that Mexicans are always late. While this is sometimes true, the stereotype persists because Mexican culture puts greater value on living in the moment and quality time with friends and family, Rojales said.

“The importance on relationships and family, that value is something I definitely am trying to incorporate into my life back in the U.S.,” she said.

Moving to another country for a year was hard at times, especially for her family back home.

“I know they missed me so much because they had to look at my empty chair at the dinner table, walk by my empty room, but they still knew it was an amazing opportunity,” Rojales said.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 23

The Rotary Youth Exchange program covers room, board, tuition and language training for accepted students, with individuals and their families only responsible for airfare, travel insurance, travel documents and spending money.

The program has an estimated $24,000 value that cost Rojales’s family only about $5,500. She is headed off to her first year at Baylor University this fall, but she wants to share this opportunity with other students before she goes.

The selection process includes an online application, school recommendation and extensive interviews. Students usually know if they are accepted by early December.

The deadline to apply for the program is Nov. 1, but interested students first need to attend an information session along with a parent or guardian.

District 6900 will hold information

sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 at Emory University conference room 5-C, 1599 Clifton Road, and Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Two Perimeter Plaza 2nd floor conference center, 5607 Glenridge Dr.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-18-AB-50 PLACE City Hall Two Park Plaza Council Chambers August 16, 2018 3:00 P.M. PURPOSE Convenience Store Beer, Wine, Liquor, Sunday Sales

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24 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Alpharetta City Band seeks musicians ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Alpharetta City Band, a traditional concert band under the direction of Nicole Fallin, is seeking adult and high school musicians in Alpharetta and surrounding communities to join the group.

The community band, which welcomes those of all skill levels, is seeking instrumentalists across the ensemble, but particularly in the percussion and trombone sections.

No audition is required, though band

members should be able to play at the high school level. Instrumentalists from across the region are invited to participate, even those who are just reuniting with their instruments after a brief or extended break. There is no fee to perform in the band.

“The Alpharetta City Band has been entertaining audiences for nearly 30 years,” said Program Supervisor Don Nahser, who has managed the band for its entire history. “We are currently in

In Memoriam

Francis X. Gillis

Francis (Fran) X. Gillis, age 67, passed away unexpectedly while traveling on July 20, 2018. Francis was born in Woburn, Massachusetts. He was the beloved son of the late Suzanne B. Gillis and the late John A. Gillis, devoted brother to John D. Gillis and wife Sara of Framingham, Roland W. Gillis and wife Donna of Lynnfield, Mark D. Gillis and wife Wenxin of Issaquah, Washington, sister Mary S. Randall and husband Kim of Eagle, Idaho, and sister Jacqueline M. Gillis and husband Marc Zimmerman of Hudson, MA. Francis was also the beloved uncle to eight nieces and nephews as well as eight greatnieces and nephews. Fran also leaves an extended family of current and former Boy Scout troop members from his lifetime commitment to the advancement of scouting wherever his life brought him.

While growing up, he spent every summer at Boy Scout camps, including a self-financed trip to a World Scouts Jamboree. As a student at Woburn High School, Fran was active in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) which further advanced his commitment to service and teamwork. This involvement in ROTC and Scouting contributed to his receiving an Army scholarship to Northeastern University where he graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

Following graduation, he served 22 years in the U.S. Army and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. While serving in the army, he completed a M.S. degree in Systems Management.

His commitment to the Boy Scouts throughout his life contributed to his appreciation for the outdoors. Fran was an active member of the Appalachian Mountain club and attained his goal of climbing all the 4,000-ft mountains in

New Hampshire. He often said he would rather camp anywhere than stay in a hotel.

With his military service sending him to many parts of the world, he developed a love of traveling while maintaining his commitment to scouting internationally. If there wasn’t an active troop where he was stationed, he would start one.

His involvement included Boy Scout troops in Korea, Germany, Honduras, as well in Kansas, Louisiana, California, and the Washington, D.C. area. After serving in the army, Fran worked for more than 15 years at the Georgia Institute of Technology, retiring as Director of Housing.

His current troop in Johns Creek, Georgia, mourns the loss of their scout leader of almost 20 years. Fran was extremely proud of mentoring over a hundred Eagle Scout inductees and encouraging any boy in his troop to embrace what scouting had to offer. In Fran’s own words, “My job as scout master over the years was to add my two cents in keeping the boys focused on their future and their personal potential and to aid them in whatever endeavor they took on. Each and every scout is special in their own way. Of course, they have many other influences along the way from parents, family, school, church and other organizations but I do believe the scouting program is the thread throughout their years that brings out their individual talents and molds them into the special young adults they become.”

A Boy Scout Leadership scholarship fund, the Fran Gillis Memorial Fund [http://www.troop629.org/gillis], has been established to help current and future scout members experience what he found so rewarding, no matter their financial situation. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the near future in Georgia.

the process of acquiring new percussion equipment to more effectively feature this important voice in the band.”

Rehearsals are held on most Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Crabapple Government Center, 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004, and performances take place throughout the year.

Founded in 1989, the band is sponsored by the Alpharetta Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Department. It welcomes members from throughout the region.

For more information about the ensemble, visit https://www.facebook. com/AlpharettaCityBand/ or call Don Nahser at (770) 475-9684.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE Fiscal Year 2019 Budget PUBLIC HEARING The proposed FY2019 Budget will be presented to the Council during their August 13, 2018 5:00pm Work Session. A PUBLIC HEARING regarding the 2019 Fiscal Year Proposed Budget will be held on Monday, August 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in conjunction with its regular Council Meeting. Both the Work Session and Public Hearing will be held in the Municipal Courtroom located at 11445 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30097. The proposed budget will be available on the City website and a copy will be placed at the Ocee Library, Spruill Oaks Library and City Hall for review.

Joan Jones City Clerk

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT STRUCTURAL TURNOUT GEAR RFP 19-102 The City of Alpharetta is requesting proposal responses from Offerors experienced in working with a municipality and Fire Department personnel for the provisioning of Structural Turnout Gear and Pull-on Boots.

The Request for Proposal document will be available online Thursday, August 16, 2018, at our bid posting website, https://www.ebidexchange.com/alpharetta.

Interested parties are required to log in to review the RFP documents and submit any specific bid related questions.

Proposals will be due on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

For information, please contact Debora Westbrook with the City of Alpharetta Procurement Team at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or 678-297-6052.

NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 25

DEATH NOTICES Suk Ha Baek, 72, of Suwanee, passed away July 30, 2018.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

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Scott Bell, 49, passed away July 27, 2018.

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Ewout Cassee, 55, of Roswell, passed away August 4, 2018.

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Sandra Hunter, 72, of Roswell, passed away August 6, 2018.

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Ronald Richardson, 59, of Alpharetta, passed away July 29, 2018. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Clara Nalls, 87, of Roswell, passed away July 25, 2018.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Behzad Rozei, 55, of Alpharetta, passed away July 25, 2018.

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Ernst Schuckmann, 89, of Roswell, passed away July 30, 2018.

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Willard Stone, 56, of Cumming, passed away July 31, 2018. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Clara Watson, 83, of Cumming, passed away July 27, 2018.

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Lester Miles Wolfe, 82, of Cumming, passed away August 8, 2018.

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» Hiring? Pay once & we’ll run your ad until your position is filled.* » Selling Something? Pay once and we’ll run your item until it’s sold!* Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Call today to place your ad • 470.222.8469 • classifieds@appenmediagroup.com • FAX: 770-475-1216 •

Help Wanted

Full-time

ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER

Full-time

Now Hiring

Bookkeeper - Full time

North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) has an immediate position available as Bookkeeper to work with the Controller.

Applicants must have 3 years’ experience with QuickBooks Desktop and Microsoft Office Suite. Salesforce a plus. NFCC is a locally supported, volunteer based organization serving a diverse population in North Fulton with emergency needs. Background check, drug screen and e-Verify required.

Job description and application available or submit resume, cover letter and salary history to lszabela@nfcchelp.org Full-time ALTOBELI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT in Johns Creek is hiring all positions, full and part-time..

Call 770-664-8055 or email resume altobeli_s@hotmail. com

Fill your position CALL 770-442-3278 to place your ad

Part-time

Full-time Sr. Associate Pastor Johns Creek Korean Church, Inc. in Suwanee, GA seeks Sr. Associate Pastor who can preach sermons & supervise religious programs. Req. MA + 4-yr exp. Email resume to info@ johnscreekkpc.org

Communications/Marketing Manager: Implement comprehensive communications and public relations plan including outreach opportunities, electronic, print and branded materials; social media; speakers bureau. Requires strong oral and written skills. NFCC is a locally supported, volunteer based organization serving a diverse population in North Fulton with emergency needs. Background check, drug screen and e-Verify required. Job description and application available or submit resume, cover letter, writing sample and salary history to info@ nfcchelp.org.

Donation Door Supervisor: Supervise Thrift Shop donation intake and back door volunteers.

Requires heavy lifting. NFCC is a locally supported nonprofit organization serving the community of North Fulton. Background check, drug screen and e-Verify required. Job description and application available at 11270 Elkins Road, Roswell 30076 or submit resume to Tina Adams tadams@nfcchelp.org

Part-time

FRONT DESK Doctors office.

C o m p u t e r experience. Pleasant team player. Positive attitude. Alpharetta/ Roswell. Resume: Thank you for reading m e d o f f i c e 1 2 3 @ gmail.com the classifieds.

15-hour per week position with flexible hours. A H/S diploma or GED equivalent is required. A degree from an accredited 2 year college is preferred.

Competence in building maintenance and grounds keeping are essential. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, have good interpersonal, computer and organizational skills. The job requires successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks that include climbing ladders, lifting and carrying supplies and moving tables/chairs.

Please send resume or letter with qualifications to: alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Part-time TEACHERS APC Dayschool in Alpharetta is currently seeking dedicated 18-month teacher & music teacher for part-day classes of children 2-4 years of age. Interested applicants, please contact Wendy Curl, wendy@ alpharettapres.com.

FRAME YOUR AD Do you want your ad to stand out? Ask your classified sales rep how you can enhance your in-column line ad with a

BORDER.

Appen Media Group 770-442-3278

Part-time

Now Hiring

Grant Writer: Part-time. Grant Writer will research, prepare, submit and manage grant proposals to fund NFCC programs and operations.

Requires excellent writing and communication skills and proven track record securing grant awards. BA and 3 years’ experience nonprofit environment. . NFCC is a locally supported, volunteer based organization serving a diverse population in North Fulton with emergency needs. Drug free workplace, eVerify. Job description available or submit resume, cover letter, writing sample and salary history to info@nfcchelp.org

*Some Restrictions

Situations Wanted

Garage Sale

Furniture

Telecommuting Staff Attorney/GC (Part or full-time) 40 years experience in 54 countries. Save your company $$!

Arrangement TBD. 706-760-6800 (leave message)

Huge Garage Sale Friday August 17 & Sat 18 8-4.

2665 Hopewell Plantation Dr. Alpharetta

HAMMOCK STAND, 15’, good condition. $50. 770-640-6250

Sales Garage Sale JOHNS CREEK Multi family; Silver Ridge Subdivision; Corner of Jones Bridge and Taylor Road 30022.

Saturday, 8/18, 8am-1pm.

Multi-Family Yard Sale Aug. 17-18 8AM-3PM Longlake Subdivision 1060 Ballington Dr. 30041

CUMMING/30040 Multi-church!

Cumming Methodist, 770 Canton Highway.

Friday 8/17, 9am-8pm, Saturday 8/18, 8am-12pm.

Bargains Building Supplies A L U M I N U M LADDER, 28’, 2 parts $100.

404-312-8719 Collectibles C H R I S T M A S DECOR: White bear 23”wX36”h, $125.

770-855-9772

MAPLE DINING ROOM HUTCH, $200. 770-753-4367 BEDROOM SUITE: Exquisite ash contemporary modern.

Tallboy dresser, mirrored dresser (60” wide), headboard with side drawers, double bed $5000.

404-750-3329 CHERRY HUNT TABLE with mirror, $700. 404-889-3233 VANITY DESK: Dark oak, mirror, 3 drawers, new $50.

678-663-5953 BARSTOOLS (3) 30” cherry $300.

404-889-3233

MAIN CLASSIFIEDS continued on page 26

Johns Creek HeraldHerald | NorthFulton.com

26 | August 16, 2018 | Alpharetta-Roswell | NorthFulton.com

MAIN CLASSIFIEDS continued from page 25 Furniture

Household

Recreation

FREE-Sofa bed, queen size, good mattress.

Royal blue.

You haul.

812-243-1575

Refrigerator/Freezer: White GE Profile side-by-side, $125.

678-428-4157

R A D I O CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT: 8-scale PT-17 Stearman $225. AT-6 North American Trainer, retractable landing gear & flaps $225.

Amphibian float plane $125. Quarter-scale aircraft Piper J-3, fuel classic aircraft scale $900. Carbon Cub quarter-scalefuel $900. Quarterscale Champion Citbra, flaps $1150.

Many many more!

All mint, uncrashed condition; as new.

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Medical Equipment

POTTERY BARN SUMNER TABLE 6 WYNN CHAIRS-2 LEAVES Overall E L E C T R I C 76”x40” Extends to MOTORIZED LIFT CHAIR: Gently used, 120” $900 black leather. $300.

BEIGE LEATHER 216-789-4422 CHAIR with footstool, good condition $100. R E C L I N I N G WHEELCHAIR: 770-640-6250 Navy leather.

W I N G B A C K Hardly used. $300.

CHAIRS-2: wooden 470-695-7072 frame, need to be recovered $50/both.

Miscellaneous 770-640-6250 BrandTEAK DINING- CROCS: new aqua Dansko ROOM SUITE: 7-1/2/8, Danish modern, womans (Originally 6-table setting, 80” $75 wide hutch, 32” wide $128). 678-663-5953 bar on rollers $5000. F R I G I D A I R E 404-750-3329.

FREEZER $125.

MAPLE DINING 404-889-3233 ROOM HUTCH, DINING ROOM $200. 770-753-4367 TABLE, glass DINING ROOM top, cherry inlay, covered rollTABLE, glass 6 top, cherry inlay, back chairs $800.

6 covered roll- 404-889-3233 back chairs $800.

YAMAHA kids’ 404-889-3233 4-WHEELER $100.

OPEN HUTCH, solid 404-889-3233 cherry/brass. $400.

POLARIS Kids’ 770-753-4367 4-Wheeler $100.

SLEIGH BED, 404-889-3233 cherry/mahogany queen, Downsizing. STROLLERS $40.

Excellent condition! 404-889-3233 Pictures on request.

Musical $575. 404-788-4676 Instruments Garden/Lawn PIANO, Baby Grand: case, ‘99 John Deere Gator Elegant bench; 6x4!

Automatic, matching Curtis Hard Cab warm, rich tone.

Top, $1,020. Call Sacrifice $1650 obo.

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BOSE RADIO, good condition $75.

770-640-6250 12ft Gheenoe, good condition, great for fishing, $500 OBO, 404-374-9063

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SKIS, BOOTS, POLES, womens’ INVESTORS and mens’ 7/1/2 WANTED and 9-1/2. $400.

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Cemetery Great return!

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G R E E N L A W N - Call/text William ROSWELL garden 404-446-6146 of Fountains, Lots 24C, 3 and 4. $7500.

Instruction both negotiable.

770-475-7624 Classes Greenlawn/Roswell 2 lots, Garden of M AT H E M AT I C S : Prayers Section. Many students $5000 each. 641- advanced to 799-5529 or email Ivy league.

20 b e v e r l y L 0 6 0 2 @ years advanced yahoo.com e x p e r i e n c e , especially SAT. GREENLAWN KAIST Mathematics CEMETERY Purdue 2 great lots, Fountain B.S. Mathematics M.S. Side. Open and close graves being Your home $35/ paid for. Price $8000. hour. 404-933-7094.

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SERVICE DIRECTORY AC/Heating

Concrete/Asphalt

Driveway

Gutters

Heating, Air, Plumbing servicing and install. Insured Certification #859293363150.

678-756-2059 manthonyhvac@ gmail.com

WE FIX UGLY DRIVEWAYS AND PATIOS

REPAIR or REPLACEMENT Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. $150 off any job over $1500.

Residential or Commercial. For a FREE estimate call Dave of McKemey Concrete and Hardscapes 678-914-2576.

Competitive pricing. Many local references

AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed.

Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount!

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Air Conditioning Air Plus Co Inc. 24/7 Service Service / Installation Affordable Rates Residential / Commercial Will Beat all written estimates 30 yrs. exp.

Licensed and Insured Call Steve 678-270-8108 (cell) Cleaning Services ESTATE HOME CLEAN UP Divorcing?

Loved one going into senior care? Specialized detailed cleaning, packing boxes with list of items. Debris clean-up, charity donation, interior/ exterior window cleaning, pressure washing.

Loving Hands by JW and Company Inc. 678463-4577. jennifer@ jwcompanyinc.com

Home Improvement

Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License $150 OFF any job # R B Q A 0 0 4932. over $1500 Remodeling, New or Repair: handyman.

31 Driveways, patios, years experience. sidewalks, walls.

Basements finished, Residential or Handyman decks, screen Commercial. porches, doors, Call for FREE Kitchen, Bath: drywall, painting, estimate.

Plumbing, Electrical flooring, custom Ask for Dave Drywall; Other kitchens, bathrooms.

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Home Maintenance. Paul Finegan Professional, Senior discounts and 404-353-5611 competitive, many affordable rates! 20 local references.

Electricians years experience.

Pinestraw Mike 678-986-4833 RETAINING WALLS ELECTRICAL, & CONCRETE ALL CARPENTRY PINESTRAW, mulch CEILING FANS WORK & REPAIRS: Roof delivery/installation and OUTLETS. We build retaining Leaks, Wood Rot available. Firewood Michael at walls. Local, reliable, Call Repair, Siding, available. Licensed, honest, experienced. 6 7 8 - 7 5 6 - 2 0 5 9 . Deck Repairs insured. Angels of Pinestraw Call Ralph at m a n t h o n y h v a c @ and Refinishing, Earth gmail.com a n d Mulch.

678-898-7237 Painting, Doors/ 770-831-3612.

Anything electrical Windows. Excellent Deck including new R e f e r e n c e s .

Tree Services installs, repairs, 404-895-0260 OUTBACK DECK designs, consulting, RELIABLE HOME Yellow Ribbon INC troubleshooting & REPAIRS: Tree.

Near perfect Composite decks/ wi-fi cameras for 22 years reviews and awardHardwood decks/ all your security experience. winning service.

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Free Laminate, Tile, e s t i m a t e s ! the most experienced Vinyl Wood floors, 770-605-0340 and reliable tree Backsplashes, companies in North and Shower Atlanta.

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NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 27

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.

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28 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

2018 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

L OUT L U

SE

N

P

August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | An Appen Media Group Publication

CTI

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ON THE COVER: Max Webb, Chattahoochee, Running back, Senior Photo by Keith Major/SportsShooters

2018 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

SEASON PREVIEW

The Orthopedic Sports Medicine Center of Atlanta welcomes Dr. Stephanie Hsu and Dr. Stephen Fisher!

AtlSportsMed.com

2 | Johns Creek Herald | August 9, 2018

Three new coaches to lead local teams

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — There are far fewer new head coaches in North Fulton and Forsyth County for the 2018 season compared to last year, when seven coaches took over programs. But new faces will be on the sidelines for three area schools.

None of the new program leaders are new to head coach positions, and one is not new to his program. Jeff Pickren returns to lead King’s Ridge after leading the Tigers from 2008-2015. After stepping down following the 2015 season, he soon returned to fill a void left at offensive line coach. He replaces Jimmy Chupp who went 6-14 in his two years at the helm.

In Pickren’s first tenure the Tigers went 23-43. Pickren also began the Mount Pisgah program.

One of the state’s most experienced coaches, Frank Barden, has taken over at St. Francis.

Barden has held a head coach position in the state since 1994 and has led his teams to 189 combined wins, seven region championships and a state title.

After leading Pickens for two seasons,

Tenures for head coaches at current schools for 2018 season Coach School No. of seasons Jeff Pickren King’s Ridge 9 seasons (2008 – 2015, 2018) Jeff Arnette South Forsyth 9th season Tim McFarlin Blessed Trinity 8th season Craig Bennett Cambridge 7th season Al Morrell Fellowship Christian 6th season Mike Forrester Mount Pisgah 6th season Jacob Nichols Alpharetta 5th season Vince Strine Chattahoochee 5th season Louis Daniel Lambert 5th season Frank Hepler Forsyth Central 3rd season Robert Craft North Forsyth 3rd season Terence Mathis Pinecrest Academy 2nd season Michael Perry Centennial 2nd season Matt Helmerich Johns Creek 2nd season James Thomson Northview 2nd season Adam Clack Milton 2nd season Matt Kemper Roswell 2nd season Shawn Cahill West Forsyth 2nd season Terry Crowder Denmark 1st season Frank Barden St. Francis 1st season Barden took the head coach position at Cartersville and spent the next 18 seasons leading the Canes. Cartersville captured seven region titles and the 1999 state championship under Barden

and made the playoffs 11 times.

In 2014 Barden left the Canes to lead Stephens County to a 29-15 overall record and three playoff appearances in four seasons.

Denmark High will be under the guidance of Terry Crowder in its inaugural season.

Crowder led the Chattahoochee program for nine seasons beginning in 2004. Under his direction, the Cougars compiled a 60-40 record, captured two region championships and went 15-0 in 2010 and won the program’s only state championship.

In 2013, Crowder was named the head coach at Creekview. In his five years at the helm, the Grizzlies went 31-22 and earned three trips to the state playoffs.

Several new coaches from 2017 have settled in for their second year.

Milton head coach Adam Clack, Centennial’s Michael Perry and Shawn Cahill of West Forsyth all led their programs to winning seasons last year.

Matt Helmerich of Johns Creek, Northview’s James Thomson, Roswell’s Matt Kemper and Pinecrest Academy’s Terence Mathis will look to build off their initial seasons with their respective programs.

Robert Craft and Frank Hepler, with North Forsyth and Foryth Central, will be in the third year of their tenures this year.

Two local region schedules altered for 2018 season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Region 7-AAAA and Region 7-AAAAAA teams will face updated schedules this year after playing the same string of region opponents the past two years.

Two new teams will square off against Blessed Trinity in Region 7-AAAA, including Forsyth County’s Denmark High in its inaugural season.

Also added to the fray is Flowery Branch which joins after playing in Class 5A for the past six seasons and is coming off a 9-3 mark in 2017.

Blessed Trinity and Denmark will meet for the first time on Oct. 15. BT will start its region slate of games against West Hall. In 2016 and 2017, the two teams met in the regular season finale.

Two new teams will square off against Blessed Trinity in Region 7-AAAA, including Forsyth County’s Denmark High in its inaugural season.

No new teams have been added to Region 7-AAAAAA, but when each meets is different from the past two seasons.

Alpharetta and Centennial, who placed first and second in the region last season, will face off in the midseason, a departure from the past two years when they opened against each other in region play.

It’s the same story for Cambridge and Chattahoochee who will now face off in late September. Hooch begins its region schedule against its two crosstown rivals, Northview and Johns Creek.

Northview and Centennial will close out their regular seasons against each other after having squared off in the midseason for the past two years. They faced off in the final week of play in 2014 and 2015.

In Region 4-AAAAAAA, Roswell faces a minor alteration to its schedule and now opens region play against Cherokee. The two teams have met in the latter part of the season for the past seven sea-

sons, including the regular season finale from 2016-17.

Only minor changes were in store for Region 6-A teams and no changes were made to the 5-AAAAAAA slate.

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Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 3

THIS IS MORE THAN JUST AN ATHLETE. This is Colby—a son, a star running back and a straight A student who is looking forward to starting college next Fall.

His parents trust GMC Sports Medicine, which includes the most sports medicine fellowship-trained doctors in Georgia, as well as the groundbreaking GMC Concussion Institute. With a member of the state’s largest team of certified athletic trainers placed directly in his school, they are confident that GMC is providing world class care right there where Colby needs it.

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4 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

Gladiators bulk up on experience for 2018 campaign Johns Creek returns 20 starters

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Expectations were high for Johns Creek ahead of its 2017 campaign. The team had just captured its first region title, earned a playoff berth for the first time in five years, and was looking to a new coach with winning pedigree to lead the Gladiators rise to the forefront of 6A football.

But those high expectations were quelled by a disappointing 3-7 season.

And head coach Matt Helmerich said youth was a decisive factor in the unsatisfactory 2017 campaign.

The Gladiators fielded just nine seniors, four of whom had never played football.

“We had a lot of young kids last year, and I hate to say it, but we looked like a JV team out there at times,” Helmerich said. “We made a lot of errors that were caused just by not knowing, and youth really cost us during the season.”

But with 20 returning starters who are bigger, faster, stronger and more experienced this season, Helmerich is confident in his 2018 squad.

Quarterback Zach Gibson will lead the Gladiators offense for his fourth season after throwing for just under 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

“This is the first time in 17 years of coaching I’ll have a fourth-year starting quarterback,” Helmerich said. “He can draw our offense up forwards and backwards. He really does have the QB type of mind.”

Another veteran in the backfield is senior running back and Dartmouth commit Nate Hope.

“He’s shifty and strong, brings leadership and toughness and lets his play do the talking,” Helmerich said.

Opening gaps for Hope will be a seasoned offensive line that returns six of its top-seven players from last year, including guard Evan Quinn who was named all-region in his junior campaign.

“We have some experience [on the offensive line],” Helmerich said. “They got a lot of reps last year even though they were undersized and not as experienced as some of the guys they were going up against.”

Though the Gladiators receiving core, which includes Matt Casey, Giovanni Dyer and Yong Ming Lee, all come in under six feet tall, Helmerich said they have speed and great hands.

Johns Creek will continue to run its run-pass option scheme, but Helmerich said some of the concepts have been

PHOTO BY Keith Major/ SportsShooters

Wide receiver Yong Min Lee had 27 receptions for 275 yards with a touchdown last year. He returns to the Gladiators for his junior campaign this season. simplified, and the coaching staff and players are more comfortable with the new focuses.

The defense will employ a new 3-4 scheme this season, which Helmerich said he has run since his days coaching Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas.

“We’ve put in some fun blitz packages and the kids are coming from everywhere,” he said.

Perhaps the strength of the team resides in its front-seven, Helmerich said. That core includes senior defensive tackle and Eastern Michigan commit Aaron Hamilton and middle linebacker John Ross Maye, who Helmerich said has grown extensively in the offseason.

In the secondary, touted Division 1 prospect Neil Ilenrey returns at safety and all-region corner Patrick Taylor is back for his senior campaign.

The Gladiators will learn quickly if their added experience has provided a boon. Their two non-region games will both be played out of state against South Carolina’s Fairfield Central and St. John’s Prep (DC), one of the highestranked teams in national polls. Helmerich said he hopes those games will prepare the Gladiators for the eightgame gauntlet of Region 7-AAAAAA. “It may be a cliché, but it’s truly one game at a time in this region,” Helmerich said. “You can’t take anyone for granted.

If you take your foot off the pedal you are going to slip up in this region.”

With the frustrating 2017 campaign behind them, Helmerich said there are lofty goals for the Gladiators this year.

“We want to win the region championship and host some playoff games,” he said. “And every year our goal is the state championship. Last year we had that in the back of our minds but we knew we were probably a year or two away based on our youth. This year, our goal is to realistically win a state championship and that’s what we’re shooting for. Winning is a habit, but so is losing.

We have to get some wins under our belt before we can take that next step.”

Football Preview 2018

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6 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

Mount Pisgah looks to fill offensive void Norwood to lead Patriots’ new attack

By CONNER EVANS interns@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After graduating star quarterback Jacob Cendoya, Mount Pisgah will have some big shoes to fill following an impressive 2017 campaign.

Coach Mike Forester is confident his team will still put points on the board, even after losing one of his division’s most prolific offensive players. Cendoya’s favorite targets, Kai Williams and Trey Murphy, also graduated in 2018.

Mount Pisgah lost one region game last year and made it to the second round of the playoffs before getting stymied by Savannah Country Day. The offense will have to move on without Cendoya, and Forester says the game plan will have to shift without such a great playmaker in the backfield. Pisgah will transition to a more conservative, deliberate attack, with fewer empty backfield sets like they ran last year. Forester is looking to Connor Norwood to step up under center, even though he’s spent his time as a starting safety the past three seasons.

PHOTO BY Bill Brown/whitelakestudio.com

Mount Pisgah Head Coach Mike Forester is confident his team will find success again this season, after making it to the second round of the playoffs last year.

“It’s tough because we lost some good players,” Forester said. “Our focus is to fit the talent we have. Connor (Norwood) doesn’t have to be Jacob (Cendoya).”

He also noted that the team no longer has the deep threat wide receiver they had last year in Williams. Instead the offense will focus more on its running game, screens and short passing, while leaning more on its seasoned defense.

Forester expects wide receivers Chase Grande and Will Pascucci will provide some offensive firepower along-

side Norwood.

Pisgah returns many of its key defenders from last season, including senior corner Jakob Wooten, whom Forester says will be used as their lockdown man against other teams’ top receiving threats.

Three defensive lineman return and two linebackers return, which will help Pisgah shift into a true 4-3 going forward.

“We’re going to try to be an attack front and not get beat deep,” he said.

“We’ll be alright if we don’t give up the big play.”

Even the younger defenders might provide a spark, like sophomore lineman Nick Jackson, who Forester expects to be a leader even as an underclassman.

In the past, Pisgah has struggled with a tough late season schedule, leading to some heartbreakers going into the playoffs. This season, Forester thinks the region has gotten even better and their bruises may come early in the fall against out-of-region opponents, which include Holy Innocents’ and Mount Vernon Presbyterian.

“I’m worried we may have bitten off a little more than we can chew out of conference,” he said.

“And it’s always going to be a war with Mount Paran and Fellowship (Christian Academy).”

Forester’s goal is to have a bye going into the first round of playoffs again, something he said was a big advantage for them, even if it didn’t result in a second-round victory.

There will be some extra motivation with so many key spots open this season, and Forester says he’s already seen hard work in the weight room. With Cendoya and Williams gone, repeating on last season’s success will take improvement in other areas and an offensive overhaul.

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Football Preview 2018

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8 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

Hooch pins hopes on brotherhood, team play after successful 2017 campaign

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Chattahoochee head coach Vince Strine said the 2018 Cougars will not rely on the big plays that have been so impactful for Hooch recently. Instead, this year’s squad will be a “hard hat and lunch pail” kind of team.

“In the past few years we have been blessed with big play guys,” he said. “We have that big play capability this year, but we are not going to rely on that. We are going to play old-fashioned football.

We’re going to run the ball, control with the offense and be fundamentally sound on defense.”

Though the Cougars will have to fill gaps in many of its skilled positions, Strine said Hooch has been fortunate to return its entire offensive line.

“The hardest group to bring up is the offensive line,” Strine said. “A young line can impact a lot of things, but fortunately for us, our offensive line is the most veteran group on our team.”

The offensive front will be led by tackle/guard Jake Green, Billy Waters and Jax Henderson.

The front five will protect junior quarterback Damon Stewart who started for the Cougars in their final five games

of 2017 after Jack Corrigan went down with a gruesome leg injury. With speed and agility, he brings both rushing and passing threats to the Hooch offense.

“He’s about as quick and elusive as you can imagine, and he has a rocket of an arm,” Strine said. “I saw the light bulb go on for him in the summer, and he is stepping up into a leadership role more and more. I think that was helped by having Corrigan in front of him who was just about as good of a leader as you can have.”

In addition to Stewart’s rushing ability, the Cougars will look to standout senior Max Webb at running back. Webb averaged 6.1 yards per rush and set the program’s single-season rushing record with over 1,300 yards last year.

Asked about his expectations for Webb this season, Strine said Webb “just needs to be Max.” “He doesn’t need a huge hole, he’s very shifty,” Strine said. “And he has probably gotten even faster.”

Hooch lost multiple receivers Strine called “home-run hitters” in Isiah Bivens and Andrew Thomas who graduated, as well as T Lee who transferred to Buford.

But Strine is confident his new receiving core can be elite.

Stepping up to make receptions will be seniors Jordan Coleman and Spencer

PHOTO BY Keith Major/ SportsShooters

Marcus Stephen and the Cougars earned Chattahoochee’s first winning season and first playoff berth since 2012 last year.

Anderson, 6-foot-3 sophomore Jordan Palmer and fellow sophomore Jahmal Smith.

Strine said the true blue collar aspects of the 2018 squad resides in what he called a “no name defense” which will rely on strong team play instead of a few standouts.

“They are going to have to work together as a unit, and they have accepted

that,” Strine said. “They’re okay with not having to rely on one or two players.”

The Cougars’ defense returns Ahmad Stephens and Blake Levy on the line with Ben Lawrence, Chris White and Chris Williams at linebacker.

Hooch will put on their hard hats and look to continue the program’s ascent over the past few campaigns.

After winning just one game in 2015, the Cougars then went 5-5 ahead of their 7-4 record last season and first trip to the playoffs in five years.

Strine said the key has been a fantastic core of coaches and, among the players, a true sense of comradeship, further cemented during the offseason when the team ran Currahee Mountain in Toccoa.

“That experience has really been a bonding point for our team and what has really made us click,” Strine said. “I think we are finally at the point this year where the team has a true brotherhood.”

That close-knit unit will face the pressure of improving their prospects this year.

“I feel like last year was a step for our program, and we want to take that further this year,” Strine said. “What you got to see over the last couple of years is our team has embraced winning and has seen what that is supposed to look like and what it takes to get there.”

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Football Preview 2018

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Will Caylor returns to the Titans for his senior season after leading Northview in rushing yards last year.

Foundation set for Titans to improve in 2018 season Northview looks to build in Thomson’s second year

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Northview head coach James Thomson said the foundation for the Titans under the current coaching staff was set last year, his first at the helm. Now it’s time to build off that groundwork.

Despite a 2-8 record, the head coach said the 2017 campaign was a good year.

“In high school football you can’t judge a season on wins and losses,” Thomson said. “We laid the foundation and we’re looking to build on that.”

That starts in the summer, and now that his players know the coaching staff, it has been far easier to prepare for the regular season, Thomson said.

“It’s been night and day compared to last year,” he said. “Your second year is always so much smoother. We are moving faster, we are doing more and the expectations have been set. We have had a lot of commitment from the guys, and I think this is one of the best off-seasons I’ve had as a coach.”

The Titans will continue to run their pro-style offense this year, and with multiple shifts and motions, Thomson said it is vital to have a quarterback who can understand the complicated system.

He has found that in junior Beau Lark.

“He is smart enough to know what’s

going on and understand the system,” Thomson said.

While Lark will lead the offense in his first as a starter, running back Will Caylor returns to lead the rushing attack.

Caylor could also share carries with freshman Marcus Godbey.

Providing holes for the two rushers will be an offensive line mixed with returners and new starters. Thomson said the line still needs work but is coming along.

Senior Mac Bolton returns at receiver after leading the Titans in receptions and receiving yards last year. Junior Travis Buchanan will also be a go-to target, Thomson said.

On the defense, the Titans will be led by defensive back Christian Watson, linebacker Zach Billings, safety Collin Ferguson and defensive lineman Davon Benjamin.

With a mix of new starters and returning players, Thomson has been impressed with the family-like atmosphere of his team.

“We hear that from a lot of teams at camps and things like that, but ours is real,” Thomson said. “They really care about each other.”

The offseason has been spent with an added emphasis on fundamentals.

Thomson said there is no specific outlook for the Titans this year, the focus instead is on constantly refining their play throughout the season.

“Our focus is just getting better each week,” he said. “We’re just going to be working on us.”

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

JOHNS CREEK

8-17 Riverwood 8-24 @Lambert 9-7 Northview* 9-14 @Johns Creek* 9-21 Pope* 9-28 @Cambridge* 10-5 Centennial* 10-12 @Alpharetta* 10-26 @Dunwoody* 11-3 North Atlanta*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CHATTAHOOCHEE

8-24 Milton 8-31 @Lanier 9-14 @Pope* 9-21 @Dunwoody* 9-28 Centennial* 10-5 @North Atlanta* 10-12 Chattahoochee* 10-19 @Northview* 10-26 Johns Creek* 11-2 Cambridge*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

ALPHARETTA

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

KING’S RIDGE

8-24 Cherokee Bluff 8-31 @North Springs 9-7 @Forsyth Central 9-14 Dawson County 9-21 @Chestatee* 9-28 West Hall* 10-5 Blessed Trinity* 10-12 @Marist* 10-19 White County* 11-2 @Flowery Branch*

(Reg. 7-AAAA)

Denmark

8-17 @St. Pius X 8-24 South Forsyth 8-31 @Woodward Academy 9-7 Benedictine 9-21 West Hall* 10-5 @Denmark* 10-12 @Flowery Branch* 10-19 @Chestatee 10-26 Marist* 11-2 White County*

(Reg. 7-AAAA)

BLESSED TRINITY

LAMBERT

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 @North Springs 8-24 @Pinecrest Academy* 9-7 Walker* 9-14 Stratford Academy 9-21 @Mount Paran* 10-5 St. Francis* 10-12 King’s Ridge* 10-19 Mount Pisgah* 10-26 @Whitefield Academy* 11-2 TBD (Region 6-A crossover)

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN

8-17 @Creekview 8-31 Woodstock 9-7 @Dunwoody* 9-14 Centennial* 9-21 @North Atlanta* 9-28 Chattahoochee* 10-5 @Northview* 10-12 Johns Creek* 10-19 Pope* 11-2 @Alpharetta*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CAMBRIDGE

MILTON

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 Chamblee 8-31 Cass 9-7 Denmark 9-14 @Lakeside, Atlanta 9-21 @Clarkston 10-5 @North Forsyth* 10-12 West Forsyth* 10-19 @Milton* 10-26 South Forsyth* 11-2 @Lambert*

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

FORSYTH CENTRAL

8-17 Northside, Warner Robins 8-31 @Roswell 9-7 Pope* 9-14 @Cambridge* 9-28 @Alpharetta* 10-5 @Chattahoochee* 10-12 Dunwoody* 10-19 @Johns Creek* 10-26 North Atlanta* 11-2 Northview*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CENTENNIAL

10 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

(Reg. 4-AAAAAAA) 8-24 Campbell 8-31 Centennial 9-7 @West Forsyth 9-14 @Milton 9-21 @Wheeler 10-5 Cherokee* 10-12 Lassiter* 10-19 @Walton 10-26 Woodstock* 11-2 @Etowah

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 @Sprayberry 8-24 @Blessed Trinity 8-31 Etowah 9-7 South Gwinnett 9-21 @Hillgrove 10-5 @Lambert* 10-12 Milton* 10-19 North Forsyth* 10-26 @Forsyth Central* 11-2 West Forsyth*

SOUTH FORSYTH

8-17 Cherokee 8-24 @Gainesville 8-31 Northview 9-14 @Kennesaw Mountain 9-21 @Woodstock 10-5 Forsyth Central* 10-12 Lambert* 10-19 @South Forsyth* 10-26 @West Forsyth* 11-2 Milton*

NORTH FORSYTH

8-17 @Riverside Military Academy 8-24 Providence Christian 9-14 Mount Paran* 9-21 @Mount Pisgah* 9-28 Whitefield Academy* 10-5 @Walker* 10-12 @Fellowship Christian* 10-19 Pinecrest Academy* 10-26 @St. Francis* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B) 8-24 North Cobb Christian 8-31 Mount Pisgah* 9-7 @Lakeview Academy 9-21 @Whitefield Academy* 9-28 Walker* 10-5 @Fellowship Christian* 10-12 @Pinecrest Academy* 10-19 @Mount Paran* 10-26 King’s Ridge* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

St. Francis

8-24 Lakeside, Atlanta 8-31 @North Forsyth 9-7 @Chattahoochee* 9-14 Dunwoody* 9-21 @Johns Creek* 9-28 North Atlanta* 10-5 Cambridge* 10-19 Alpharetta* 10-26 @Pope* 11-2 @Centennial*

NORTHVIEW

8-17 Wheeler 8-24 Chattahoochee 8-31 @Gainesville 9-7 @Peachtree Ridge 9-21 Lanier 10-5 South Forsyth* 10-12 @North Forsyth* 10-19 @West Forsyth* 10-26 @Milton* 11-2 Forsyth Central*

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 @Camden County 8-31 Hewitt-Trussville (AL) 9-7 Roswell 9-14 @Peachtree Ridge 9-21 @McCallie (TN) 10-5 @Milton* 10-12 @Forsyth Central* 10-19 Lambert* 10-26 North Forsyth* 11-2 @South Forsyth

WEST FORSYTH

8-24 Fellowship Christian* 8-31 Mount de Sales 9-7 @Athens Christian 9-14 @Whitefield Academy* 9-21 @Walker* 10-5 Mount Pisgah* 10-12 St. Francis* 10-19 @King’s Ridge* 10-26 Mount Paran* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

Pinecrest Academy

8-17 Archer (Corky Kell Classic) 8-24 @Alpharetta 8-31 Cardinal Gibbons (FL) (Freedom Bowl) 9-14 Roswell 9-21 @Parkview 10-5 West Forsyth* 10-12 @South Forsyth* 10-19 Forsyth Central* 10-26 Lambert* 11-2 @North Forsyth*

Football Preview 2018

ROSWELL

8-17 Holy Innocents’ 8-24 @Mount Vernon Presbyterian 8-31 @St. Francis* 9-7 Whitefield Academy* 9-21 King’s Ridge* 9-28 @Mount Paran* 10-5 @Pinecrest Academy* 10-19 @Fellowship Christian* 10-26 Walker* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

Mt. Pisgah Christian

8-17 Fairfield Central (SC) 8-25 @St. Johns Prep (DC) 9-7 @North Atlanta* 9-14 Chattahoochee* 9-21 Northview* 10-5 Pope* 10-12 @Cambridge* 10-19 Centennial* 10-26 @Alpharetta* 11-3 @Dunwoody*

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 11

12 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

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Defensive tackle Mark Mason compiled 45 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and two sacks in his junior season with the Knights.

Centennial looks to build off of historic season Offensive firepower returns with QB Max Brosmer

By CONNER EVANS interns@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Second-year coach Michael Perry looks to improve every day after Centennial High School had one of its most successful seasons in program history and won their first playoff game in 15 years.

Centennial started slow last season, dropping their first three games, but won seven straight heading into the playoffs. After their first postseason win since 2002, the Knights fell in the to Mays in a 48-41 shootout.

A big part of Centennial’s success last season was a potent passing offense headlined by returning senior Max Brosmer, who has offers from Ivy League schools going into the fall. “(Brosmer) made mistakes early on but got better and better as the season progressed,” Perry said. “We had to get on him all the time at first, but now he could teach the offense to someone off the street.”

Brosmer was top five in the state in passing yards last fall and will look to continue that success with a receiving core starring sophomore Julian Nixon, who already has D1 offers. They will lean heavily on him and Cal Dickie to make plays in wide receiver Blane Mason’s absence this season, Perry said.

On the other side of the ball, Jack Barton and Max Able return to help lead a defense that was leaky early last year. Able led the team in tackles as a freshman, and now in his junior year, Perry says, he is a leader by example on and off the field.

“Barton led the team in sacks last

season, and I expect him to do the same this year,” Perry said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him do great things.”

The football team has also seen success in bringing on two-sport athletes in the past few seasons, particularly from the school’s talent-rich lacrosse team, which reached the state semi-finals in each of the past two seasons. Nicky Solomon, who will play lacrosse and football at the University of North Carolina, gave the team a spark as one of the best kickers in the state last year, a position Perry said the team still needs to fill.

“I miss the heck out of Nicky Solomon,” he said. “Awesome in every way, and I’ve never seen the kid without a smile on his face.”

This season, lacrosse attackman Ryan Siracusa, will try varsity football for the first time as a slot receiver.

The team returns most of its offensive linemen, including Will Edwards, Matt Willbanks and Brandon McGinnis, whom Perry said will improve on their success last season.

Centennial has a tough schedule early on opening against Northside Warner Robins, then traveling to rival Roswell High School. There are “no cupcakes” this year, Perry said, and that should prepare them for region play.

In his second year as a head coach, Perry is more at ease, and not as much surprises him now, he said.

“The expectation is to be in the present and asking ‘what are we doing right now to get better,’” he said.

After last season, expectations for Centennial football will be higher than ever.

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 13

Raiders left with holes to fill after graduating starters Alpharetta’s youth leaves questions for team’s outlook

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta is coming off perhaps its best season in program history, but with the graduation of almost 30 seniors, the Raiders will look to ride the momentum of last season with a host of new faces on the sidelines.

It’s a situation not unfamiliar to the Raiders.

The 2014 and 2017 seasons share an uncanny amount of similarities. In both campaigns, the Raiders were seniorladen.

The regular season began with a loss to Milton but included an undefeated region record and championship. Also in both seasons, the Raiders reached the second round of the playoffs. The major difference between the seasons is the Raiders bested that playoff mark with the program’s first trip to the quarterfinals last year.

But with the graduation of the 2014 senior class, Alpharetta was forced to start a number of underclassmen the following year, resulting in a disappointing 5-5 season, a record the Raiders hope to avoid this year.

“It was not a great season but we were highly competitive and we were in every game,” head coach Jacob Nichols said. “A few bad plays and circumstances cost us to go 5-5 instead of 7-3 or 8-2. But we’ve been here before, and our seniors were freshman at the time.”

Many of those seniors will focus on maintaining Alpharetta’s defensive success of last year where the Raiders allowed an average of just 16 points per game.

Returning in the trenches are senior defensive ends Jack Stanton and Jackson Michaels. Stanton compiled 48 total tackles last season and was second on the team in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (8.5) while Michaels had 41 tackles with five sacks.

“I feel like we have the best tandem of defensive ends in this area,” Nichols said. “Both guys are trustworthy and three-year starters. I think our pass rush and our edge should be about as strong as it can be.”

Another three-year starter, Reid Schulz, will lead the Raiders’ linebacker core. Schulz was third on the team in total tackles last season.

While Schulz should be a mainstay at linebacker, Nichols said the Raiders have been rotating in multiple players to find

PHOTO BY Keith Major/ SportsShooters

Wide receiver Robbie Ruppel will complete his senior season with the Raiders this year. He made 17 receptions for 198 yards with two touchdowns last season. their starters but said he is “excited” about his linebacker prospects.

“I think we have the most athleticism at that position as we’ve ever had,” he said. “We are also going to have them be more active than the past and more versatile.”

Senior Division 1 prospect Dane Motley could also make an impact for the

Raiders at linebacker, but Nichols said Motley can play just about anywhere on the defense.

“He is one of the more versatile players I’ve seen in high school football in a long time,” Nichols said. “He can play in the box, he can get out of the box and cover space in the flat and he can drop back and play safety. He is a critical

piece on defense.”

Some of Alpharetta’s offensive firepower returns this year, but the Raiders will still look to first-year starters to make an impact.

With the graduation of three-year starting quarterback Matthew Downing, offseason competition between senior Bailey Stahl and junior Will Gerdes will decide who leads the Raiders offense.

“Both are pocket passers and bring great leadership,” Nichols said. “Gerdes has a little more of an ideal frame at 6-foot-3, and Bailey is new to the game having just started high school football last year. But the distance he has come from last summer to now is remarkable.

The stakes are definitely high but the competition is good and keeps them on edge.”

Much of the offensive line will also be fresh faces, with center William Wagner serving as the only returning starter.

However, Nichols said the rest of the line has played a “considerable amount of time” and has made huge strides in the offseason. He also said the line has perhaps the most size the program has seen.

The line will open gaps for returning running back Kevin Watkins who had a strong showing in 2017 while sharing carries with graduated senior Nolan Edmonds.

“He’s a substantial part of our offense,” Nichols said. “He’s a strong runner, a great receiver out of the backfield and makes an impact with his blocking.”

Alpharetta lost its four top receivers to graduation, but senior Robbie Ruppel returns after making key receptions for the Raiders last year. “[Ruppel] is an explosive player and we expect big things from him this year,” Nichols said.

Senior Josh Grant, whom Nichols said is one of the most athletic players on the team, should also serve as a go-to receiver.

With a host of emerging talent, Alpharetta will sport some new schemes in 2018, including an emphasis on players competing on both sides of the ball, more personnel changes throughout the game on offense and a more pressureoriented defense.

As it is every season, the goal is another region title and trip to the playoffs, Nichols said.

“The outlook is unsure because we are so young, and we really don’t know a lot about our region opponents, but I expect us to go out and compete every game and stay right where we are as far as on top of the region and in the playoffs,” Nichols said. “It is going to take hard work every week, but I think we are capable.”

14 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

Blessed Trinity captured its first football state championship in 2017, defeating region rivals Marist 16-7 in the finals.

PHOTO BY JOE PARKER

Blessed Trinity poised for another state title run Titans return standouts from last year’s roster

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — A wall within Blessed Trinity’s gym is almost completely covered with state championship banners from baseball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. This year, there will be less open space on the wall thanks to Blessed Trinity’s first football state championship in 2017.

The championship came after an incredible playoff run that saw the Titans down the top-three teams in the state in Class 4A before sealing the title with a win over region rivals and previously undefeated Marist.

While a popular sports adage says it is often harder to repeat a title than to win the first, BT will be loaded with much of the same talent that led them to the top last year.

The offense returns almost all skilled positions, and the defense, instrumental to the Titans’ state title last year, will also feature multiple returning standouts.

Three-year starting quarterback Jake Smith returns to lead the offense after passing for over 2,100 yards last season with 18 touchdowns. While he puts up big numbers offensively, head coach Tim McFarlin said the senior perhaps makes even more of an impact on defense.

“He has been an excellent football player and an outstanding QB, but he’s

probably an even better safety,” McFarlin said. “One of the really incredible occurrences of last season was when we got to the playoff and had to play the top-three ranked teams in the state and, between playing safety and quarterback, he never came off the field. He was a real difference maker and one of the key reasons we were able to win the Cartersville game.”

The offense also returns perhaps the state’s best running back tandem in senior Steele Chambers and junior Elijah Green.

Both racked up over 1,300 yards last season and combined for 33 rushing scores.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have two guys like that for us,” McFarlin said.

“They really embrace [sharing carries].”

McFarlin said utilizing two running backs is also beneficial for the defense with Chambers starting at linebacker.

He was third on the team in tackles last season.

Another two-way player, Ryan Davis, returns for his senior campaign after being the go-to receiver last season and compiling four interceptions and 32 tackles in BT’s secondary.

While Davis had the lion’s share of receptions last year, junior Quinton Reese could provide more balance in BT’s passing game, McFarlin said.

“Reese has really developed nicely, and his top-end speed allows us to stretch the field,” McFarlin said. “That will take a little pressure off [Davis] by having another good receiver.”

The defense will continue to be under the purview of coordinator John Thompson who brought his three decades of collegiate coaching experience to the

Titans last year.

“He brings a level of knowledge and intensity that is a little beyond what you see on most high school staffs and we’re very grateful to have him,” McFarlin said.

The head coach is pleased with how his defense is shaping up in the offseason.

“The fact is, the defense set the pace for our football program,” McFarlin said.

“They were outstanding in our playoff run, and we look forward to more of that this year.”

The defense’s strong suit should be the linebacker core and secondary, McFarlin said, led by UGA commit JD Bertrand at inside linebacker along with Chambers.

Defensive end JR Bivens also returns after leading the team in tackles (89) and sacks (10) in his junior season. Jake Lyons joins him on the defensive line.

One area where the Titans will be untested is the offensive line where just two starters return. That’s nothing new for the Titans who fielded an entirely new starting five last season.

Center Jack Filipowicz and right guard Jack Jacobs return to anchor the offense with Dom Maroccio and Tad Furnish stepping in at tackle. McFalin said the starting left guard position is still open to competition.

Despite dropping just one contest in their challenging non-region schedule last year (that was later deemed a Marietta forfeit due to ineligible players), McFarlin said his state title team didn’t truly begin to click until later in the season, and their tough opponents

highlighted the team’s weaknesses.

The Titans will again use their non-region slate of games as a proving ground as they face four teams who had a combined record of 40-11 last season.

“We’re not going to get caught up on winning or losing those games,” McFarlin said. “No one likes to lose, but we learned a lot from our two losses last year and those really paid dividends for us.”

BT then faces off in a reworked Region 7-AAAA that now includes Denmark, which will field former West Forsyth and South Forsyth players, and Flowery Branch who went 9-3 last year.

Of course there is also the challenge of Marist who denied BT last year’s region title before the Titans won a rematch in the state championship game.

“We like the expansion,” McFarlin said. “It’s definitely growing our region in talent.”

If the Titans can stay healthy and continue their strong play of last season, they could be poised for another title run. While McFarlin said last year’s state title raised expectations for this year’s squad, he and his staff will work to ensure the team is grounded and understands the effort it took to win the 2017 state trophy.

McFarlin added there are too many variables to say whether or not BT can repeat last year’s success.

“We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves,” he said. “In our way of thinking, we only have one game, and that is the next game. Our goal at the end of this season is to be able to look back and say we went as far as we could with what we had.”

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 15

Cambridge to reestablish culture after disappointing season Bears somewhat inexperienced but ‘tough,’ coach says

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Cambridge head coach Craig Bennett said a strong culture had been established for the Bears program prior to last year. But that waned in the 2017 campaign with the Bears dropping their first five games and ending the season with a 4-6 record.

“I hang a lot of what happened last season on my shoulders,” Bennett said.

“We had a good culture, and I just kind of assumed we’d have that coming back.”

With that lesson learned, the Bears look to rebound this season with a relatively inexperienced roster.

“We are going to look for improvement and look to gain experience,” Bennett said. “We are still going to be a little young, but that’s okay.”

The Bears will have a new starting quarterback under center with graduation of Hogan Dykes. Bennett said the spot has been up for competition in the summer with Statton Tripp earning the nod.

“We’re hoping he can do some really big things, for us,” Bennett said. “He’s an accurate quarterback, and he can do some things with his feet, too.”

New starters will join Tripp in the backfield, with Phillip Michael Collins and Mike Hudson leading the rushing attack. Bennett said Collins is reminiscent of Kaelin Byrd, a 2016 graduate who was a force for the Bears’ running game.

While the offensive line has a good foundation, Bennett said the front five unit is somewhat inexperienced.

“You can’t coach experience,” he said.

“But I’m excited about the group gelling again.”

PHOTO BY JOE PARKER

Cambridge will remain under the direction of head coach Craig Bennett this season. Bennett has led the Bears since their program started in 2012.

The line will have experience in Kasra Bojnordi, a four-year starter. He will also line up on the defensive front.

“We’re building a good offensive and defensive line group,” Bojnordi said.

“Our region has a good amount of pretty stellar D-lineman, so it’s good to have a gelled unit up front.”

A key for the Bears’ offensive success returns with receiver Ridge Polk. The senior had over 970 yards receiving, over 900 kick and punt return yards and anchored the defensive backs unit.

“He does about as much for the team as you possibly can,” Bennett said.

“There were a lot of games last year where he played every snap offensive and defense and returned every kick.

We’re trying to squeeze out all we can get from him.”

Bennett said while his defense does return some talent, their experience is still limited.

Josh Bodunrin will start at inside linebacker after getting reps since his

freshman season. He will be joined by fellow junior linebacker TJ Mowery and senior Andrew Longo. Three-year starter Daniel Graham returns to the defensive front.

“We’re going to try and grow through our scrimmages and those non-region games and see if we can get better,” the head coach said.

Those non-region games include Creekview and Woodstock. Creekview downed the Bears 41-28 in last year’s season opener and Woodstock is coming off a trip to the second round of the 7A playoffs.

“When you cross those lines, of course you want to win those games,” Bennett said. “But you also want to compete and build confidence against really good football teams. We are going to prepare to do what we can against them and determine where we stand.”

Despite winning four of their last five Region 7-AAAAAA games in 2017, the

Bears were shut out of the playoffs after losing the head to head tiebreaker with Pope.

It is a region that has been hotly contested and Bennett expects no less this season.

“There’s not a week you can take off,” he said. “I think there are a lot of teams right in the pack together and that’s when you get good football. I don’t think there’s anyone that will really run away with it.”

As the culture is reestablished for the Bears, Bennett said this year’s squad can be summed up succinctly — they are tough.

“A lot of coaches say that and it’s kind of a buzzword, but we put our kids through a lot, and we demand they are tough,” he said. “That’s what you’re going to get when you play us. We’re going to play hard, be tough-minded and let the chips fall where they may.”

16 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

Pinecrest has ‘nowhere to go but up’ Paladins hungry after winless 2017 campaign

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — Second-year Pinecrest head coach Terence Mathis said there is nowhere to go but up for the Paladins after their winless 2017 season.

With just five seniors on last season’s roster, a new head coach and completely new offensive and defensive schemes, the Paladins struggled through their first eight games, dropping each of the first five by over 21 points (South Forsyth’s 56-10 win was later deemed a forfeit due to an ineligible player).

“We knew we had to very patient and know that we were going to grow,” Mathis said. “In the final two games of the year we lost in the last two minutes.

We are going to build on that, we are not satisfied with moral victories. These guys are hungry. We have to find a way to get that winning feeling.”

Mathis saw this summer the Paladins are ready to put the last campaign behind them.

“We’ve had a really good off-season, and the guys are flying around and having fun,” the head coach said. “You can kind of tell when we are all on the

same page when guys are excited to go to practice.”

He said there were also those who were skeptical of the changes last season, but this squad is “all in.”

Senior quarterback Ryan DiFazio will continue to lead Pinecrest’s pro-style offense after starting the final two games of last season.

“He has started right back where he left off last year,” Mathis said. “His football IQ is amazing and he is going to be careful with the ball.”

Senior Patrick Sutherland will lead the rushing attack behind an experienced offensive line which replaces just one starter. Sutherland also lines up defensively at inside linebacker.

Much of last year’s talent returns defensively, including 6-foot-2, 230 lb. defensive end Stone Brown.

“He is one of those guys that causes havoc in the backfield,” Mathis said.

The defensive unit will be led by a new coordinator and Mathis said his players are “playing without thinking.”

“That’s what you want,” he said. “You see a defense that is sure of themselves, they fly around the field and are physical. Hopefully we can create some turn-

PHOTO BY Bill Brown/whitelakestudio.comv

David Stubbs returns to the Paladins for his senior season.

overs with it this year.”

The Paladins will be tested early while seeking their first on-field win since November of 2016. The season opens with a region game against Region 6-A foe Fellowship Christian and a nonregion contest against Mount de Sales.

Both programs reached the playoffs last season.

“We won’t be taking those first two games as a guide,” Mathis said. “We have to come out of the gate fast. The

first impression is lasting.”

Pinecrest will also focus on reaching the top of the 6-A standings and a return to the postseason. Mathis believes his seniors can lead the team to those goals.

“This group has bought in from day one,” he said. “We have strong leadership in our seniors, they have been playing together for a long time, and I think that will play out well for us because they know and trust each other.”

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Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 17

Coach Jeff Pickren to lead King’s Ridge in return stint

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — King’s Ridge will have a familiar face leading the program this season with Jeff Pickren back at the helm. Pickren has served on the Tigers’ coaching staff since the program began and was named the first head coach. After leading King’s Ridge from 2008-2015, Pickren stepped down but soon rejoined the team as offensive line coach. He is looking forward to his second tenure as head coach this season.

“It’s been a seamless transition, and right now I’m enjoying coaching football as I ever have,” Pickren said.

The Tigers are still searching for their first winning season and first playoff appearance in their ninth full season.

Pickren said his seniors are hungry and motivated to succeed.

“Our seniors have been through a lot,” he said. “They were 1-9, 4-6 and then 2-8. They really want to have some success.”

The goal this season is to erase the team’s streak of losing seasons and finally take the next step into the postseason.

“I feel like we have a great group of kids, and I think that is a legitimate goal for this season,” Pickren said.

In order to reach those marks, the Tigers’ offense will again run the triple option after implementing the scheme ahead of the 2017 season.

Pickren said there were some growing pains with the new system, but with a year of experience under their belts, the Tigers should be more efficient this season.

“It’s one thing to tell the kids how to do something but it’s another to do it and see it firsthand,” Pickren said.

“And because not a lot of teams we play see the triple option, last year we didn’t quite know what to expect from other teams in how they were going to try and stop it. Now we have a year behind us and we have a feel for how other teams will try and stop us.”

Leading the offense at quarterback is Braxton Chadwick who split starting reps at the position last year.

His father, Hunter, is the offensive coordinator and has implemented the triple option at other schools, giving Braxton a bevy of knowledge of the scheme.

“He’s well-disciplined and is like a coach on the field,” Pickren said.

Multiple rushers will get carries this season, and Pickren is looking to Julian Joseph, Evan Dyer and junior Nick

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Smith to lead the ground attack.

Opening the running game will be an offensive line with “decent size,” Pickren said.

“One of the biggest things about the triple option is we don’t have to be the biggest or strongest up front, but we need five guys willing to play under a card table,” he said. “We want them that low.”

The Tigers defense return multiple starters from the 2017 campaign, including 6-foot-2, 195 lb. senior defensive end Kaleb Harris.

“He a big kid, very fast and an excellent tackler,” Pickren said. “He is one of those special athletes that you don’t really have to coach tons.”

Jack Harrell also returns to the defensive front with seniors Christian Smith and William Kurtz at linebacker.

Dyer will play both ways and anchor the secondary at free safety.

“We will base out of a four-man front but you will see multiple looks,” Pickren said. “We are going to see a lot of teams who like to spread it out, and we have to have the ability to get in and out of multiple fronts and coverages.”

The objective to begin the King’s Ridge turnaround will include formidable Region 6-A slate of games.

“We’ve got to compete and do our best,” Pickren said. “I feel like we have a great group of kids and I’m excited to see how they match up.”

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18 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

New head coach looks to build St. Francis program

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — St. Francis’ football will look to new leadership in 2018 after hiring one of the state’s most experienced coaches to build the still fledgling program.

Frank Barden was named the Knights’ new head coach earlier this year, bringing with him decades of coaching experience. Barden has held a head coach position in the state since 1994 and has led his teams to 189 combined wins, seven region championships and the 1999 state championship.

While St. Francis’ athletics programs have found success in other sports, including multiple boys and girls basketball state titles, the football team has won just nine games in the last three seasons and has yet to earn a berth in the state playoffs.

It is Barden’s goal to build the Knights into a winning program.

“We would love to be good this year and next year, but we really are trying to build a program that has a strong foundation,” Barden said. “We have great kids, great parents, a great school and administration, we are hoping to feed off

PHOTO BY Bill Brown/whitelakestudio.com

St. Francis will be under new leadership in 2018 with experienced head coach Frank Barden tapped to lead to Knights. that and build this program.”

In order to do so, Barden said a key will be increasing participation. The Knights will field just 25 players this year. Barden said conditioning has been a top priority in the offense with most of his team playing both ways.

One player lost from last year’s squad is 2017 starting quarterback, Sam Hines, who is focusing on his basketball career.

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Josh Harps-Zhu will lead the Knights’ two-back offense. Barden said the senior has done well in the offseason and has strong leadership abilities.

Sean Paradise will return to the backfield after rushing for 1,533 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

“He has a lot of God-given talent and he is maturing and learning how to take that to the next level,” Barden said.

Harps-Zhu will look to go-to receivers

in junior Zay Wadsworth, Jai Smith and Hunter Jones.

Leading the offensive push is a more experienced unit this year that includes two of the Knights’ five seniors, center Kevin Harper and tackle Cole Reynolds.

“I’m very pleased with how the offensive line is shaping up,” Barden said.

“They were young last year and had to learn by going through the fire, but they have that experience coming back.”

Many of the offensive lineman will also start on the defensive front, including Troy Beasley, Darron Willis and Jakwan Everson. Josh Gil and Ayden Prigoff will lead the linebackers with Harps-Zhu, Smith and Wadsworth in the secondary.

Though he has yet to see much of the Knights’ region competition in action, Barden said he knows the strength of teams in Region 6-A, and it is his goal to put St. Francis in the talks of the region’s top teams.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge to step up to the level those teams are,” he said. “But we want to put a good product on the field, control us, let the season play out and we’ll see what happens.

We’ll give a great effort and see if we can attain some of our goals.”

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | August 16, 2018 | 19

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20 | August 16, 2018 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Football Preview 2018

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