Milton Herald — December 31, 2020

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

McGinnis Ferry upgrade gains ground in Forsyth

HERALD FILE PHOTOS

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

Several new developments came out from the ground in downtown Crabapple (top left) this year, and the local business community came together to form the Milton Business Council (top right).

Cambridge boys cross-country captured a state championship (middle) following the extended closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic (bottom left). A highlight for the city in 2020 was the opening of the Public Safety Complex on Ga. 9 (bottom right).

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Yule tradition continues for mother-son event

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Area sports teams record landmark year

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2 | December 31, 2020 | NorthFulton.com

MILTON YEAR IN REVIEW 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Calendar: ext. 122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com OUR PUBLICATIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation

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Parks, developments move forward amid pandemic

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com Though the term “unique” is often used to describe Milton, the city was no different from its neighbors in that it had to adust its operations and standard procedures in response to COVID-19.

The city declared a local emergency in mid-March that shut down all public hearings, including meetings of the city’s boards and councils. The City Council continued to meet virtually in the initial stages of shutdowns in Georgia, but under the declaration, the board could only take action on items related to the pandemic.

The doors were locked to the public at City Hall with virtual meetings held for weeks. Other Milton facilities were also closed, but parks began to come back online in May and have been open since.

Like many of its neighbors, Milton also relaxed some of its regulations to boost local business hard hit by the pandemic, mainly those in the service industry. Some of those liberties are still ongoing, such as businesses being permitted to sell alcohol to-go and to display temporary signage.

While many cities in Fulton County took issue with the county’s allocation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act dollars, Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood said he believed the city received a proper amount of funds, $1.65 million, to back COVID-19 related impacts.

Public Safety Complex opens In 2020, Milton Police received a home of their own and the city’s Fire Department and Municipal Court got some new digs with the opening of the Public Safety Complex on Ga. 9 adjacent to Cambridge High School.

Work was completed and the city opened the 40,000-square-foot facility in September.

HERALD FILE PHOTO

Milton Fire staff hold a ceremonial uncoupling of fire hoses Oct. 1 to celebrate the opening of the city’s new Public Safety Complex on Ga. 9. The building includes the Municipal Court, police headquarters and Fire Station 44.

The complex is Milton Police’s first dedicated headquarters. The department was based out of a rented space on Deerfield Parkway for the first 14 years of its existence. The new headquarters is roomier with space for the department to grow, and it features dedicated work and storage spaces and upgraded amenities for officers.

The Public Safety Complex also serves as the new home for the Municipal Court. Updated technology, added features and an increase in space highlight the new court.

Also on site is the Milton Fire’s Station 44. The new station has top-tier amenities with a focus on firefighter wellbeing through safety systems and storage areas that keep carcinogens on equipment away from staff.

Despite COVID-19, construction of the Public Safety Complex was finished on time and on budget.

Community events curtailed The city was set to significantly expand its community events schedule in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the brakes on those plans.

The pandemic caused the cancella-

tion of the city’s annual events, including Crabapple Fest, but it also shut out a new initiative. Meet Me in Milton officially kicked off last year, but the movement to bring the community together and boost the local business climate was expected to offer several more events in spring and summer, but all were cancelled.

For its part, the city did shift to still allow for some events. Christmas in Crabapple was replaced by a Santa drive-by, Meet Me in Milton held an outdoor movie screening, and the city put on a virtual mental health webinar.

While not related to COVID-19, organizers of Rock for Rescues, a festival benefitting animal non-profits, decided not to return to Milton this year.

The impacts to Milton’s schedule of community events has already stretched in 2021. The city has postponed this fall’s Crabapple fest to next spring, but with lingering questions on the pandemic’s continued impact along with a need for far-range planning, Milton opted to nix the event.

See REVIEW, Page 19

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 3

Should Milton have more parks and, if so, how should it pay for them?

Milton wants you…

TO BE HEARD

What are the best ways to address traffic safety and congestion issues?

Go to www.cityofmiltonga.us/engagement to answer questions like these to the right in surveys, as well as to leave insights on the best ways to improve Milton on the “Ideas Wall.”

Your feedback will help shape the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan – a important, extensive document that will guide priorities, policies and projects for the next 20 years.

Do you support a different recycling and waste management system?

This is your city.

And, by lending your voice, you can make it even better.

What housing and business types would you like to see more of in Milton?

NEWS

4 | December 31, 2020 | NorthFulton.com

Man charged in Alpharetta with impersonating officer

By MATT BRUCE news@appenmediagroup.com Police in Alpharetta arrested a Coweta County man for impersonating an officer after he was nabbed driving a Ford Taurus outfitted with emergency lights.

Investigators found a policeman’s gun belt, a fake emergency medical technician’s badge, handcuffs and an air-powered BB gun in the car, according to the arrest report.

The driver, 22-year-old Alexandru Kitchens-Law, claimed he was a volunteer firefighter for an EMS company. But officers later talked to one of KitchensLaw’s friends who said the man told him he was an Atlanta police officer and tactical SWAT Team paramedic.

Kitchens-Law, of Lakeside Way, Newnan, was charged with impersonating a public officer or employee, failure to obey a traffic control device, unauthorized use of emergency equipment, driving while license suspended and acquiring license plate to conceal the identity of a vehicle.

According to the report, Alpharetta patrol officer Phil Ritchey spotted Kitchens-Law driving down Haynes Bridge Road in a black Taurus with flashing red LED lights in the front windshield and rear windows. Ritchey stopped the vehicle after it ran a red light.

The report noted that the vehicle had a reflective sticker on its bumper similar to the decal number on emergency vehicles. Kitchens-Law told Ritchey he worked for Central EMS, a private ambulatory company, and he was called in for a shift. He said he was rushing to

Online To view the dashcam video go to northfulton.com his home in Atlanta to fetch his uniform.

He claimed he was allowed to have the emergency lights because he’s a volunteer firefighter.

Kitchens-Law told Ritchey he’d recently moved to town from Charlotte, North Carolina, and he forgot his wallet and credentials at home. He could not produce a valid work ID or a stateissued permit for the lights, saying one wasn’t required in North Carolina, the report indicated.

He provided police the name of his supervisor who allegedly called him in for work. When Ritchey called Central EMS to confirm Kitchens-Law’s story, an actual supervisor said she’s the only one who calls medics in and she hadn’t done so that evening. The supervisor said Kitchens-Law didn’t work for the company and there were no employees with the name he provided to officers.

That’s when police became suspicious of Kitchens-Law’s story. Ritchey asked him about a gun belt that a backup officer found on his passenger floorboard.

“Because me my friends we all go and hang out and we have always wanted to be police officers and we do stupid -----,” the suspect replied, according to the report.

He later explained that they shot at targets and practiced tactical maneuvers. Kitchens-Law said he’d always

wanted to attend the police academy but couldn’t because of past substance abuse and mental issues.

Police later learned that KitchensLaw’s driver’s license was suspended and he was arrested for impersonating a police officer in North Carolina last year.

Police found an envelope in KitchensLaw’s car with one of his friend’s name written on it. Officers contacted the friend, a 23-year-old Alpharetta man, who said Kitchens-Law had just left his home with his emergency lights on. He said the suspect claimed he is an Atlanta policeman and was rushing to an officer-involved shooting in the city.

That was enough for officers to arrest Kitchens-Law. After he was taken into custody, Kitchens-Law’s roommate called police and said the suspect stole his license plate. The man said Kitchens-Law asked to use the plate to make his vehicle “look more official,” according to the report. The roommate said he thought Kitchens-Law was joking until he realized he actually swiped it.

Ritchey questioned Kitchens-Law at the police station. He admitted that he lied to friends about being an Atlanta Police Department SWAT medic. He said he pulled behind a stranded vehicle the day before, pretending to be a paramedic, and stood by with the motorist until a Georgia state trooper arrived on scene.

According to the report, KitchensLaw admitted to lying about working for Central EMS and said he made up the name of his fictitious supervisor. Police had his car towed and seized the emergency lights, gun belt and police-related items found in his vehicle.

Celebrants reminded of limits on fireworks for New Years

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH METRO, Ga. — Those who plan to light up the skies on New Years Eve into Jan. 1 should know the state extends the allowable times for fireworks on these days, but there are limitations.

New Years is one of a handful of holidays in which state loosens its standard restrictions on fireworks. Georgia’s fireworks regulations supersede those of county or city governments.

Firework use is permitted beginning at 10 a.m. on New Years Eve and until 1 a.m. on New Years Day, Jan. 1.

Fireworks may not be set off within 100 yards of certain facilities, including: an electric plant; water treatment plant; gas station; refinery; electric substation; jail or prison; helipad; hospital, nursing home or other health care facility. Use is also prohibited within any park, historic site, recre-

ational area or other state property, or by those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends adult supervision for any fireworks activities, including the use of sparklers, which burn at about 2,000-degrees Fahrenheit, and never allowing young children to play or ignite fireworks. Users should also keep a bucket of water or a hose at the ready, light fireworks one at a time and then move away quickly, do not point or throw fireworks at others and never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully, the organization advises.

The CSPC reported over 10,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2019.

The state approved sales of all fireworks in 2015. In 2018, lawmakers gave county and city governments the ability to restrict the use of fireworks at certain times. However, the restriction was

only permitted under that jurisdiction’s noise ordinance(s) that is not limited to fireworks use.

No matter local laws, fireworks are permitted up to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, July 3-4, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve up until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 of each year.

City of Milton further updates alcohol codes

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Milton’s alcohol regulations have been under the microscope for several years, and additional updates were approved by the City Council at its Dec. 21 meeting.

Just over a dozen changes were made to the city’s alcohol codes, including the deletion of some previous limitations and language clarification.

A slew of new businesses are set to open in downtown Crabapple in the year ahead, and they could take advantage of a new permit the city is offering.

A grand opening/annual promotion permit will allow a business one event a year in which it can give away beer or wine for a four-hour period.

Applicants are only required to submit certain information, and no pouring permits are required because the business is not selling the alcohol.

Included in the changes are provisions that a growler shop or craft beer/ wine marker can apply for a reduced rate Sunday sales alcohol license if they meet state requirements, and that restaurants may sell beer and/or wine to-go with some restrictions.

In 2017, the city approved a “BYOB” license that allows customers of establishments that do not serve alcohol to bring in wine or beer for consumption on the premises, but it put in place a requirement that all employees of that business be 18-years of age or older. That regulation was nixed in the latest batch of updates.

“After talking with some holders of a BYOB license, it was very clear that that’s an undue restriction,” Sarah LaDart, economic development manager said.

LaDart said in such situations, the alcohol does not belong to either the business or its employees.

Earlier this year, the state signed into law that certain businesses could offer alcohol delivery but gave discretion to local governments to allow it within their jurisdictions. Milton voted over the summer to allow package stores to deliver beer, wine or liquor, and updated its code at the Dec. 21 meeting to include state law references.

In other action, the city remained optimistic it will be able to establish its Meet Me in Milton initiative in 2021, a varied series of community events in downtown Crabapple that were put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic this year. The council approved such events on the third Saturday of the month from 4 to 8 p.m. from April through October of 2021.

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 5

NEWS

6 | December 31, 2020 | NorthFulton.com

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By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The McGinnis Ferry Road widening project has yet to break ground, but a settlement from Forsyth County has brought the traffic upgrades a bit closer to reality.

The Board of Commissioners approved a settlement Dec. 22 with the Plantation and Preserve at Brookwood Homeowner’s Association for right-ofway, easements and landscape improvements to advance the widening project.

The settlement, for $521,765, is the latest in a string of right-of-way acquisitions the county has made recently in advance of construction. The project is a partnership between the county and the cities of Johns Creek and Alpharetta, which border the major east-west corridor.

The plan calls for adding a lane in each direction of the road for 4.7 miles from Sargent Road in Johns Creek to Union Hill Road in Alpharetta. The roadway acts as a border between Forsyth and the municipalities. Each city shares about 2.3 miles of the stretch with Forsyth.

Funding the project has been a major roadblock.

Originally estimated at $35 million when first proposed in 2015, the price tag has since ballooned to around $60 million, requiring Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Forsyth and the state to kick in more dollars.

In 2016, Alpharetta and Johns Creek each committed $4.9 million to fund the work with Forsyth on the hook for $18 million. Since then, each city has agreed

to add $4 million to its shares while Forsyth’s investment has risen to $23 million.

State dollars are also in play. GDOT has doubled its original commitment and will now contribute $20 million.

The project is of major significance to GDOT, because it is already underway with projects to add McGinnis Ferry exits off I-85 in Gwinnett County and farther west on Ga. 400 that will make the corridor even more inviting for commuters.

The increased funding doesn’t come easy for Forsyth, which is facing a potential shortfall in its traffic improvement chest. Other road improvement projects in the county, including the Ronald Reagan Boulevard extension and Ga. 369/Ga. 400 interchange, have come in over budget.

Forsyth County Chief Financial Officer David Gruen told commissioners in September the increase in costs for SPLOST 7 projects could likely require the county to dip into SPLOST 8 revenues, which are almost completely earmarked for other projects. Without any significant cost changes, the county would have around $6.2 million remaining from SPLOST 8 anticipated revenues, but those funds could be wiped out by the increasing cost for the McGinnis Ferry project.

Alpharetta and Johns Creek have continued their right-of-way acquisitions.

Forsyth County had originally proposed an agreement in which it would take over the acquisition process within the two cities with a contribution of $9 million from each municipality, but that proposal never gained traction.

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All of a sudden, we reached the tipping point with the news and the sound and fury surrounding this, and revenue just fell off a cliff...

RYAN PERNICE, owner of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone 8 | December 31, 2020

Business struggles through COVID sucker punch Some firms close, while others adjust

NORTH METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — Not since the Great Recession of 2008 has the economy been jolted by the likes of something as sweeping as the COVID-19 pandemic.

With economic indicators all moving up through February, the coronavirus infected nearly every business sector by late March, shuddering restaurants and shackling the workforce to the safety of their homes.

Here is a rundown of some of the major business events as they unfolded in the area.

Restaurants, retail adjust With social distancing orders in place by early spring, traditional gathering operations like bowling alleys and movie theaters were forced by state mandate to close. Eating establishments were also affected. Some closed permanently, while others cut staff and adopted strict sanitation protocols with take-out service.

Ryan Pernice, the owner of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone in Roswell, and Coalition Food and Beverage in Alpharetta, said they had to change their entire business model after seeing a huge drop in business.

“It was pretty much as if someone had flipped a switch about two weeks ago,” he said. “All of a sudden, we reached the tipping point with the news and the sound and fury surrounding this, and revenue just fell off a cliff... It just didn’t make sense to stay open anymore.”

Hotels take a hit Alpharetta welcomed its 28th hotel in February when InterContinental Hotels Group celebrated the grand opening of its first EVEN Hotel in Georgia. The Avalon area property features 132 guest rooms, including six suites and eight accessible rooms.

The opening followed just three months after the opening of the Home2 Suites by Hilton Alpharetta on Morris Road. The 158-suite hotel was developed for convenient access to Alpharetta attractions such as the shops and restaurants of Avalon.

With the opening of both hotels, Alpharetta boasted 3,569 rooms in its portfolio.

But, by the end of spring, hotel occupancy rates plummeted to below 40 percent, and they hadn’t recovered much by the end of the year.

Business groups step up Local chambers of commerce went into overdrive to assist members with information about resources to help them survive the economic slowdown. Chambers held online workshops on expanded access to loans through the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered forgivable loans to businesses.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber mounted initiatives in the early stages of the pandemic, teaming with the Forsyth County Chamber to present a series of virtual job fairs throughout May and June.

Meanwhile, the business community in Milton solidified its standing through formation of the Milton Business Council.

The group is the first city-specific entity to operate under the banner of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

And in August, Roswell Inc and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com

HERALD FILE PHOTO

launched a partnership to support Hispanic business owners in Roswell and develop mutual business relationships between Hispanic and non-Hispanic business owners in the city. The partnership will promote webinars, special educational programs and other opportunities to encourage, support and grow Hispanic businesses in Roswell.

Mortgage condition in April Many lenders were quoting rates around 3.5 percent for a 30-year fixed home loan as the pandemic took hold in April. By December, the rate had fallen to 2.96 percent, a record low, according to Bankrate’s weekly survey of large lenders.

Mortgage qualification guidelines were also squeezed. Debt to asset ratios have been capped at 45 percent and credit score requirements have jumped from 580 to 640, depending on the lender.

An April 9 report from the Mortgage Bankers Association showed the Mortgage Credit Availability Index had dropped 16.1 percent in March, putting credit supply at its lowest level since June 2015.

Other highlights of the year Those looking for a job still found support during the coronavirus pandemic as the popular Roswell United Methodist Church Networking program shifted to online sessions. The program regularly sees 200-300 attendees seeking job hunting advice, companionship and leads.

Organizers and volunteers are still at it at year’s end at RUMCjobnetworking.com.

As business slowed to a crawl in April, teleconferencing services saw a spike in interest. Two major providers in the trade — Zoom and PGi — are both based in Alpharetta and reported large increases in use of their services.

Officials in February celebrated the groundbreaking of the Southern Post on the corner of Alpharetta Street and Norcross Street in Roswell. The property, which had sat idle since the city acquired it in 2016, will be developed by commercial real estate firm S.J. Collins Enterprises, which plans to incorporate apartments, town homes, restaurants and shops on the 4.28-acre property.

In March, Toyota Financial Services announced it will open a new office in Alpharetta to become the company’s East Dealer Service Center. The investment of more than $8 million is expected to bring 150 new jobs to the area, state officials said. The finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States will open at 11625 Rainwater Drive.

In October, Cushman and Wakefield, a large real estate services firm, announced the sale of Parsons Meadow Professional Park, a 32,069 square foot medical office building in Johns Creek, for $5.9 million. Healthcare work plays a large role in the Johns Creek economy with more than 200 businesses and more than 3,500 residents in the healthcare workforce.

Have a Very Happy New Year! from all of us at the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce

www.alpharettachamber.com

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 9

The Chamber Staff and Board of Directors wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

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10 | December 31, 2020 | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

The reality of 2020 will continue to sink in I cannot escape my feelings of resentment for what we went through as a country in 2020: the pandemic, the downturn in the economy, the political unrest — so many heavy burdens.

HANS APPEN And I try not to Publisher hans@appenmediagroup.com think about how much of it was preventable, or to what extent its severity could have been dulled, but I am angry — about all of it. I suspect it will take some time for me to move past the notion of what could have been and focus my recollection on the people that led us through it all.

And for me, no one deserved more of that focus than our healthcare workers, policemen, EMTs and firefighters. The heroic service they provided this country in our dark and most uncertain hours of need leave me humbled and speechless.

I cannot write words that adequately reflect my admiration and appreciation.

My brother-in-law is an emergency room physician at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany. Early on, that area saw more COVID cases per capita than most places in the world. While he was working back-to-back shifts, I was on a family group text scrambling to find him PPE. We were worried that he would run

out and would soon be treating COVID patients without any protection against the virus. It was a helpless feeling.

I will never forget a picture my sisterin-law sent the family a few weeks later.

He was laying on the floor, curled up in a ball with a blanket over him. He had just finished a string of 10 hour shifts and only stopped to sleep because sleep meant more energy for more shifts. This was the story for thousands of healthcare workers in 2020.

I will also remember how we as a community rallied behind small businesses, restaurants in particular, and collectively considered creative ways to support them and keep their lights on.

We ordered delivery when a PB&J would have done just fine. We bought gift cards we didn’t really need. We tipped more than was our custom. And I am so proud of you all for that.

And our children.

What can I say?

It seems ancient history that the graduating high school class of 2020 canceled spring break trips, prom, their entire spring sports programs and graduation ceremonies. It hurts to know how memorable these moments in time are for the rest of us, and that they will never know them for themselves.

My much younger children became fluent in the necessities of mask wearing, washing hands, avoiding crowded

spaces and in so many other lessons that were painful to watch them learn.

They grew up before my eyes, overnight, with a kind of maturity I didn’t expect. My oldest put off kindergarten this fall, something she had so looked forward to, and never once offered a single complaint. She displayed an understanding of the moment wise beyond her years. Bless her for that gift she gave her mother and me.

As for us, your local community newspaper, we hung in there. We went remote like so many others early on and figured it out. We focused on getting through each week. We walked the fine line that so many other small businesses did of sacrificing what we could, but never sacrificing who we are.

Our staff showed resilience that frankly, I desperately needed, both then and now. I will be forever thankful for their efforts to keep us moving forward this year.

Most of our 28 newspaper delivery folks work multiple part time jobs and saw much of their income under attack when companies started scaling back.

They are a resilient bunch I have deep admiration for.

Our newsroom and production team went remote and had to instantly adjust to covering and producing the news in both a COVID and Zoom world — either one of which would have been enough on their own to throw the news industry on its head. But they adjusted, kept

their heads down, and focused on the core of our mission: delivering news that our readers need to know to stay informed and especially this year, safe.

Our marketing and advertising department, which generate the funds necessary for this free newspaper company to exist, worked wonders in figuring out how to both continue to support our local business partners that needed us now more than ever, and to generate the income necessary we needed to pay our own bills. After all, we are a small business, too, that was suddenly hurting just like everyone else.

And Kimberly, our advertising assistant and one of our dearest employees, lost her dad to COVID early in the pandemic.

We grieved with her and I watched in awe as she showed amazing grace and grit throughout. She took care of her girls and her mom while also taking care of us and returning to work as soon as she could.

As we crawl toward 2021, I pray for renewed faith. In our institutions, in science, and more simply in each other.

That what we remember about 2020 is that, collectively, we dealt with whatever came our way, together.

We are always stronger, together.

I am so proud to call you our readers, our critics, and our biggest supporters. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us make it through a really hard year. I’ll never forget it.

Mother and son holiday tradition continues

By KATIE ANDERSON newsroom@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — While many traditions and events fell by the wayside this year, a group of Johns Creek mothers and sons were able to celebrate the holidays with their 20th annual Christmas party.

Kim Gehrhardt, the event founder, has been a resident of North Fulton County since 1984. Her two sons attended schools in the area. She realized that while there were plenty of events for mothers and daughters or fathers and daughters, there were few for mothers and sons.

In 2000, when Kim’s youngest son Greg was in the third grade, she decided to invite his neighborhood friends from Oxford Mill and their moms for a cookie decorating party. The party was just moms and sons, no fathers or sisters.

Kim recalled that the boys would decorate cookies and play outside while the moms would toast to Santa’s arrival in a few days.

As the boys entered middle school, Kim thought that the party would become “uncool” and that they wouldn’t want to

continue it. Much to her surprise, both the boys and their mothers asked for it again. The same thing happened in high school. Even with the hectic times of college and getting together was difficult, the group still managed to make the annual Christmas party happen.

“In a world where things can go bad in the lives of school-aged kids, and believe me, none of our boys are perfect, it’s just been great to know that our sons have found it to be cool to hang with their moms,” Kim said.

While some mother and son pairs came and went, a core group has been around for most of the years.

Due to COVID, three of the regular families were unable to attend the gathering this year. But that didn’t stop them from joining on Facetime to catch up briefly with their friends.

“It was a shame that COVID created a smaller group with three less families than who normally participate, but I guess that is the way of the world right now,” Kim said.

She said that they are looking forward to next year in hopes that everyone will be able to attend and continue the tradition.

Every year, Kim gives a gift to the moms.

In the past, it has been items like scarves or light up Christmas necklaces.

This year, she gave them all a little owl to put in their Christmas tree like the one found in the tree at Rockefeller Center.

“Owls are a SPECIAL symbol of patience, wisdom In 2000, when Kim Gehrhardt’s youngest son Greg was in third grade, she decided to invite his neighborhood friends and their moms for and watchfula cookie decorating party. The annual event is still going on today. ness,” Kim wrote to the other moms. “Everything we need going ried and one has children, the spouses into 2021!” and other siblings are allowed to join in The sons also participated in tradion the tradition. But that only happens after the moms and sons have had a tions such as the annual gift exchange couple of hours to spend — just them, and decorating cookies. playing games and reminiscing.

Now, as three of the boys are mar-

COMMUNITY

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 11

Local special needs organizations continue in-person programming

By PHOEBE LIU Newsroom@Appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Two local nonprofits that serve those with special needs have found ways to continue in-person programming amid COVID-19 because the people they serve depend on face-to-face interaction.

Representatives from the Alpharettabased Lionheart and InCommunity — which has a Roswell location formerly known as enAble of Georgia — said that despite the challenges in adapting to the pandemic, the organizations were still able to foster a sense of community with program participants.

Lionheart was founded in 2000 to create a supportive, nurturing environment for children with challenges of relating and communicating. It now includes The Lionheart School, which focuses on creating appropriate education for children who need a specialized learning environment and supported social interactions, and Lionheart WORKS, which provides vocational training for young adults who are on the autism spectrum or who have other neurodevelopmental differences.

InCommunity was founded in 1979 but has existed in its current form — a partnership between enAble of Georgia

@THELIONHEARTSCHOOL/SPECIAL

Lionheart School students take advantage of sunny weather to water plants at Lionheart’s organic garden.

and Georgia Community Support and Solutions — since 2018. The organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with disabilities, their families and their communities through group homes and other programming.

“The ongoing strength, resilience, courage and fortitude of everyone — that’s students, families, staff — everybody’s just really been in it together despite everything,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Lionheart co-founder and head of The Lionheart School.

Dulin said participants in Lionheart’s programs rely heavily on the structure

and predictability of a day-to-day schedule — the rhythm of a daily routine.

“We wanted to make sure that as soon as we felt like we could provide back to normal [in-person] programming, we were going to do it as long as we could do it safely,” said Victoria McBride, Lionheart co-founder and head of therapeutic services.

McBride, who works directly with Lionheart’s WORKS program, said that although operations shut down in March in accordance with the state’s shelter-inplace order, the WORKS program revived in-person programming in the summer.

One major challenge, however, was that many of the jobs students were training for also closed down due to the pandemic. So, the curriculum was adapted to focus more on Lionheart’s internal sites, like maintaining a cottage, a technology site and organic garden.

McBride said that resuming operations in the summer helped participants find more “predictability in the situation.”

And as many nearby public schools in the area made plans for remote learning, The Lionheart School ran a summer camp program as a pilot for a return to in-person learning in the fall.

Dulin said a team invested time into finding the best and safest practices for a meaningful semester. In addition to the

hand-washing, temperature checks and social distancing that have become ubiquitous in the current world, classrooms were split into pods that didn’t overlap, and the school tried to find clear masks and use face shields where safe — because of the personal connections that come from seeing a person’s face, Dulin said.

The school relied on nearby Wills Park and other outdoor spaces, including an organic garden and the school’s hippotherapy program, which uses therapeutic horse-riding to stimulate neural connections that help with language and motor development.

Dulin expressed gratitude for the trust and care expressed by the community in making this fall’s programming a success in spite of the challenges students and staff have had to face. Next semester, the school plans to continue in-person class but has an infrastructure for Zoom learning if it becomes necessary.

Likewise, InCommunity has continued to offer much of its robust programming for adults. The programs include themed day programs based on community involvement, including the Unlimited Possibilities Center in Roswell, a range of residential options for those who need it, employment support, crisis support and more.

See LIONHEART, Page 16

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

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

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SCHOOLS

12 | December 31, 2020 | NorthFulton.com

Linda Bryant retires from School Board

Deadline set for March 1 for transfer applications

School district lists awards and honors

The longest-serving member of the Fulton County School Board retired Dec. 10 after 27 years of service to the school system.

Linda Bryant, whose district covered South Fulton, was first elected in 1993 and served nearly continuously as a board officer during her tenure.

She was most recently the board’s vice president.

Bryant was honored by her fellow School Board members, principals, district staff and colleagues during the Dec. 10 board meeting who lauded her service to the district.

“Mrs. Bryant has provided an indelible imprint to the entire Fulton County Schools community,” said Gyimah Whitaker, deputy chief academic officer.

“She helped establish programs like the Fulton Schools College and Career Academy and the Global Impact Academy, which will open in 2021.”

Most recently, Bryant was instrumental in the launch of the South Fulton Mental Health Collaborative which connects parents and youth in the South Fulton community to health and wellness support and resources.

Franchesca Warren, who was elected in November to fill Bryant’s District 4 seat, was sworn in Dec. 10 to a fouryear term of office.

Parents have until March 1 to submit an application request for a hardship transfer, or to request the renewal of an existing hardship, for the 2021-22 school year. The applications cover all elementary, middle and high schools in the Fulton School System and are approved at the system level, not at individual schools.

The March 1 deadline applies to students and parents seeking a hardship transfer to a school outside their assigned home school for medical reasons, curriculum differences and childcare situations. School system employees’ children who want to submit or renew a hardship transfer request have the same deadline.

Parents are encouraged to use the online form available on the Fulton School System website (www.fultonschools.org) to enter and submit their information. Hard copy applications are not required except for medical transfer requests, which require appropriate medical providers’ signatures and documentation School system employees who have children receiving an employee hardship transfer must also renew their request through the online application.

Online hardship applications must be received by Monday, March 1, 2021,

Northwestern Middle won top honors in the Georgia Technology Student Association for virtual competition Tech Day. The school’s Engineering Club, led by students Medhya Sivaganesh and Elena Breedlove, placed first in the Rube Goldberg Machine competition. The club is designed to enhance personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM industries. This was the first competition for the Northwestern team which competed against teams from across the state.

Milton High senior softball catcher Olivia Stefl was selected for the Georgia Dugout Club All-State Team. The club comprises coaches and teams from every region in the state and graduating seniors who have excelled in their softball season. Coaches from a player’s team will nominate the player and send the performance stats for the season.

Coaches who serve as GADC officers will then vote on submissions and select the All-State Team. Beyond her superior athletic performance, Olivia is known to be a leader with her work ethic and a team motivator. She was given the nickname “Momma Bear” by the players.

Milton High and Roswell High won top national honors in the 2020 Georgia Scholastic Press Association evaluation for General Excellence in literary magazines and yearbooks. Their magazines, The Globe and Vox, scored “superior,” which is the highest rating in the national competition. Milton also won the top award in the Poem and Spread Design categories and AllGeorgia (first place) for Large Schools category.

Johns Creek High’s school literature magazine, ”The Pulse,” was honored with a Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s 97th Scholastic Convention.

The national award honors the best in student journalism from across the nation, with only a few high schools given the honor each year. This year, Johns Creek was one of only two Crown Award honorees. The ceremony is normally held at Columbia University in New York City, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony will be virtual. Winners will record a 30-second acceptance speech, which will be used as a voiceover for the slideshow of winning publications.

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Generosity abounds during the holidays Read stories of generosity from Fulton County Schools, online at northfulton.com by 4:30 p.m., with no exceptions or extensions granted. All hardcopy requests must be received or postmarked by this date and time.

Students who do not meet hardship transfer eligibility can participate in the open enrollment process to attend a school outside their assigned attendance zone. Under state law schools must allow transfers if there are available “seats” in the school.

The open enrollment application period will be held in the spring when the list of participating schools is released.

OPINION

Searching for Tim Velleca’s email I was running out of space on my Mac Book so finally, I did the unthinkable. You see, I guess I am a hoarder of sorts. I have been told that all men are in some way. I didn’t know that but, maybe its RAY APPEN true. So, at that time I Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmediagroup.com had well over 400,000 emails stored on my laptop. I never delete emails. Never. Until a few months ago when I was faced with the choice of losing the use of my laptop or deleting something to create more space on the hard drive.

The emails, to me, were history.

They are my lifeline. They are how I, in a twisted sort of way, stay “organized.”

Constantly, I want to remember something or find something or get some sort of reference, so I just search my emails and almost every time, there it is, that bit of information I wanted, in an old email.

But a couple months ago I deleted the oldest four or five-year’s worth of emails and of course, almost instantly, I regretted it. I needed something and searched my emails and what I needed was somewhere in the years that I no longer have. “Of course it is,” I thought to myself, “of course.”

What I was looking for was the oldest email from my friend Tim Velleca who owns restaurants, including Qdoba on Windward Parkway. We go way back. He is one of the early advertisers in our newspapers and, now 30 years after we started publishing in North Fulton, he and his restaurant are still in business. So many are not.

Tim had called me recently to ask if I might be interested in writing a story about a benchmark that had occurred in his personal and professional life.

“Of course,” I said, “what do you have in mind?” Here is the gist of the email he sent me in response: “Hi Ray it’ Tim. I just celebrated my fifth year donating meals to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA). We go every Wednesday night and feed the entire AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorder Center — everyone in the center, patients, parents, staff — on average about 50 people. I thought it might be a easy good feel-good story during the holidays. If you want, I can send you a post I made on Facebook when I first got the idea five years ago. Your readers might find comfort in it.”

Tim emailed me his post. It’s a bit long.

And with his permission, I have posted it — unedited — with this column online on our website, NorthFulton.com. It’s a good read and has a heart-felt message that will raise the spirits of anyone who may be feeling down this holiday season.

In his post, Tim explained that around first grade, his son had heart surgery at

CHOA. While attending to his son in the hospital Tim observed how difficult a time it was for the children and parents and siblings. Many were from out of town and were staying in hotels and camping out at the hospital while their child was there. So, after his son was discharged, Tim donated two well station carts that could be wheeled from room to room for children who were too sick to get out of bed to go down to the central playroom. With time, that donation evolved to what Tim and his staff do today — feeding the entire wing every Wednesday.

In these hard times, we often must look deep — somewhere — to find comfort.

Often however, we need look no further than those small — and sometimes large — acts of kindness and selfless generosity being made by our neighbors, by someone in our church or club, by total strangers, and, yes, by the local restaurant where we sometimes dine, like Tim’s Qdoba.

So, I couldn’t find that oldest email from Tim but, in this case, it really didn’t matter. What mattered was Tim and his Qdoba staff.

I suspect there may be no better antidote to the pain, darkness, and misery in the lives of so many these days, than reaching out to comfort someone else in need or hearing about someone who has. It is a light we can shine into dark places, if we choose.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays to all and thank you Tim and staff for your example.

PS: Of note, I know that there are so many in our North Fulton area who do help others on a daily basis — businesses as well as individuals. I know that many local restaurants like Tim’s also reach out and you never hear about their acts of generosity and kindness.

Dave Filipowicz who owns downtown Alpharetta’s Smokejack restaurant has always stepped up, donating food to local elementary schools and others. Ron and Terri Altman who own BurgerFi on Windward Parkway make supporting local charities an integral part of their official mission and heavily support a different nonprofit each year. Ralph Rucker and his wife Sara — long-time area residents — every year raise money to buy Christmas presents for over 250 needy kids in West Virginia, then load all the presents into a container and drive them up to the kids. Steve Beecham does something similar every year, except more locally.

And the list goes on and on.

I was always taught by Mom when I was growing up, “giving is better than receiving.” It surely is. Thanks Ma. And you know, just maybe, maybe all these folks who like to post all this disparaging, negative, toxic stuff on Facebook and other social media platforms might consider sharing good and positive supportive news instead and make this world just a little bit brighter instead of a little darker.

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 13

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14 | December 31, 2020 | NorthFulton.com

SPORTS

SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW

Area teams navigate pandemic for impressive seasons

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com Local swimmers continue success North Fulton and Forsyth County swimmers stood out from the pack again at the 2020 swim and dive state championships. Dozens of athletes earned state titles, the girls teams of Blessed Trinity and Cambridge won team titles, and North Fulton schools nearly swept the boys and girls podium in Class 6A. The Cambridge girls team notched its first team state title behind six individual state championships. The Bears’ boys team also had a strong showing, placing third in 6A. Blessed Trinity girls won their second team state title in three years, clinched by a championship performance from the 400-yard freestyle relay team.

Alpharetta’s boys and girls each finished on the podium in team scores, with the girls squad winning two individual and one team state titles.

Johns Creek boys were third, and the girls placed fourth. Centennial girls were third in team scores, with the boys in fifth.

West Forsyth’s boys team captured two individual titles and another in relay competition, while the girls team took home an individual state championship.

Roswell grads go pro Two Roswell High School graduates began their careers in the pros this year — Xavier McKinney and Cal Jennings.

McKinney, a 2017 graduate of Roswell, was taken 36th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, following a standout career at the University of Alabama.

McKinney made his NFL debut during the 2020 season, appearing in two games for the Giants.

Jennings made his pro debut this season playing another type of football.

The 2015 grad was drafted 17th overall

by FC Dallas in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft in January.

Though Jennings did not play for Dallas, he made a big splash with the Memphis 901 in the United Soccer League, a Division II professional league. The Roswell grad was the top scorer for the 901, netting nine goals in 14 appearances.

In December, Jennings signed with the Indy Eleven of the USL. Hooch, St. Francis boys win titles In March, one North Fulton team lifted a basketball state championship trophy for the first time while another defended its title. The Chattahoochee boys took the Class 6A state championship, its first in program history, and the St. Francis boys captured their second straight Class A-Private title.

Chattahoochee’s historic season included a 25-7 overall record and its first region title since 2012 behind a comeback win over Cambridge in the 7-6A tournament finals.

Following a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to take a win in the first round, the Cougars continued to down the competition to earn its first berth in the state finals.

The final against Lanier provided an overtime thriller with Hooch taking a quick lead in the extra period to take a 69-66 win.

Chattahoochee’s win came a few days after St. Francis successfully defended its 2018-19 state championship.

The Knights compiled a 29-3 overall season, including a 16-0 mark in region play. The team took down region rivals Mount Pisgah in the semifinals to advance to the state championship for the third straight year.

St. Francis dominated Greenforest in the championship game, taking a 76-55 win for the program’s fourth state championship.

COVID-19 cancels spring sports Perhaps the most significant sports story of 2020 was the cancellation of all spring sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 13, Fulton County Schools announced it was shutting the doors on all facilities, and spring sports were put on hold. Forsyth County Schools quickly followed. Following a two-week shutdown of all schools in the state, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that all K-12 schools would remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, effectively cancelling the spring sports season.

While safety took precedence, it was heart-wrenching news for athletes, especially for the class of 2020, taking away what would be the final season of their careers.

North Fulton and Forsyth County schools are dominant in several spring sports, including lacrosse, golf, gymnastics and tennis, along with strong baseball, soccer and track and field programs in the area.

Football teams play through The fate of the 2020 high school football season was in limbo throughout the summer and into the new academic year, but after delaying the start of the season several weeks, teams navigated an uncertain schedule.

The GHSA first allowed small groups for conditioning over the summer ahead of a decision to push back the start of the football season two weeks. Forsyth County Schools elected to allow teams to compete on the GHSA’s first permitted game day, while Fulton County schools opted to push back the start for its teams another 10 days.

HERALD FILE PHOTOS

Through the challenges of 2020, it was a state championship year for several programs, including St. Francis boys basketball (top left), Cambridge girls swim and dive (top right) and Alpharetta volleyball (bottom right). Though no North Fulton football team made it to the state finals for the first time since 2014 this season, many still won region championships, including Milton (bottom left).

While each local team was able to play through its regular season, and many well into the playoffs, there were dozens of game cancellations. Blessed Trinity played just six games in its regular season, Forsyth Central had three of its games cancelled, and several other local programs had at least two games cancelled or postponed.

The year certainly had a different look with limited fans in the stands, coaches, players and officials donning masks and alterations to pre- and post-game procedures. It was also an unusual year, because for the first time since 2014, no North Fulton team vied for a state title.

From 2015 to 2019, a number of local teams had earned state championship berths, with Blessed Trinity and Milton winning titles, but that streak ended this season. Blessed Trinity, Milton and Fellowship Christian all entered their quarterfinals matchups undefeated, but the three programs all lost their contests.

Runners shine in cross-country The 2020 cross-country season was another strong campaign for local programs.

The Cambridge boys captured the program’s second state championship in four years by placing all of its five scoring runners in the top-30.

South Forsyth’s Carmel Yonas captured the Class 7A girls individual state title, besting the field by 17 seconds for the championship.

In boys team competition, Denmark placed fourth in Class 7A ahead of Milton. Chattahoochee was sixth in 6A. Blessed Trinity finished third in 5A For local girls teams, South Forsyth, Lambert, Milton and West Forsyth earned top-10 placements in 7A.Cambridge, the three-time defending state champs, placed third in 6A, and Blessed Trinity was the state runner-up in 5A. Alpharetta volleyball wins championship After years of deep playoff runs and state runner-up placements, Alpharetta volleyball broke through in 2020 to capture the program’s first state championship. The title came in the Raiders’ first year in Class 7A. The Raiders put together an impressive regular season and ran the table in region play. However, Roswell denied the Raiders the Region 5-7A title in the finals of the region tournament.

The Raiders bounced back, though, sweeping Collins Hill, Norcross and Harrison to reach the semifinals. Alpharetta then took down powerhouse Lambert in five sets to reach the state finals for the third time in five years.

There was no easy sledding in the finals with Alpharetta taking on Walton, winners of nine of the last 10 state championships in the state’s highest classification. Alpharetta stood toe-to-toe with the juggernaut and downed Walton in four sets for the title.

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

Teen suspected of helping to rob man of Air Jordans ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police responded to the Sandy Creek apartments Dec. 19 after a report of a robbery.

According to the police report, the victim told officers he arranged to meet with two teens in the parking lot of his complex to sell a new pair of Air Jordan 11 series anniversary shoes. The meeting proved to be a setup. The victim said when he met the two teens, two other suspects in ski masks snuck up behind him and all four jumped him.

One of the alleged robbers, a 15-year-old Milton boy, snatched the shoes out of the victim’s hands and tried to run away. But the victim managed to trip him up and the shoe box fell to the

DUI & Drug arrests ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL Delynn Teal Witt, 53, of Holcomb Ferry Road, Roswell, was cited Dec. 15 on Holcomb Ferry Road for DUI. Richard Thomas Cline II, 56, of Heritage Court, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 15 on Holcomb Bridge Road for DUI, speeding failure to maintain lane and failure to obey traffic control devices.

PUBLIC SAFETY ground, the report stated. The teen ran into woods behind the apartments and the three other suspects fled in an Audi.

An officer captured and arrested the 15-year-old boy and recovered a black airsoft pistol made to “look and feel like a real firearm” from his waistband, according to the report. The victim and two witnesses who corroborated his story identified the teen as one of the robbers. Police charged the boy with simple assault and robbery and notified the Fulton County Juvenile Detention Center. The boy was released to his parents, who gave officers the names and phone numbers of two of the other possible suspects, both also 15. There were no indications in the report however that any of the suspects were arrested.

Police arrest suspect in November shooting ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers arrested a suspect Dec. 17 in the shooting of a Stone Mountain man at a residence

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE PH-21-AB-01 Please note that, due to ongoing efforts to encourage “social distancing” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be conducted virtually using Zoom meetings.

JOHNS CREEK Patrick Shaun Conley, 30, of Ashvale Over, Johns Creek, was arrested Dec. 15 on Sargent Road for DUI, speeding, standard for signal lights and devices and habitual violator.

Michael Shane Sudduth, 40, of Barrett Downs Drive, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 16 on Jones Bridge Road for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain.

Melvin W. Lindsey, 57, of Groomsbridge Road, Johns Creek, was arrested Dec. 17 on Medlock Bridge Road for DUI, speeding and failure to maintain.

Brijeshkumar M. Dave, 37, of Preston Trail, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 17 on Jones Bridge Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Sarah Reena Patel, 38, of Curitiba Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 19 on Douglas Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

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MILTON Syeth H. Weldon, 33, of Yacht Terrace, Milton, was cited Dec. 14 on Hopewell Road for DUI and interference with traffic control device/ driving on closed road.

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Read more online To read more blotter entries, go to northfulton.com along Parkview Lane back in November.

The police report revealed very little about the incident, which unfolded just before 12:30 p.m. in the home of Elijah Jamieson Ellis. Patrol officers secured the scene until detectives arrived to investigate. A 21-year-old Stone Mountain man was wounded in the shooting, according to the report. The extent of the victim’s injuries was not clear.

Ellis, 21, was arrested and charged with reckless conduct.

Authorities identify suspect in burglary ROSWELL, Ga. — Three men broke into a Honeywell factory along North-

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 15

field Court on Dec. 13. According to police, the suspects entered the business through a side door and made their way to a control room, where they unplugged the modems and electronics in an attempt to disarm the security system. The suspects then made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the factory’s warehouse, according to the report.

Investigators were able to identify one of the suspects, but no arrests have been made.

Woman reports threat in local parking lot ROSWELL, Ga. — Police were dispatched to a road rage incident along Holcomb Bridge Road on Dec. 17.

According to the report, the victim told officers she was confronted by a woman in front of the Studio Movie Grill. The woman reportedly got out of her car holding a pistol, which she pointed at the victim and asked “is there a problem.” No arrest was made.

Solution

16 | December 31, 2020 | NorthFulton.com B A C H

O G R E S

A R O M A S

A S A M A N A T T D E N S

A T O P

L A V A

S T E E W N P L N T A E I Z A M A S P T A I L A D I G E E A N I D M A

F O R E

E M I T

T A N G O

E S S T A P D R Y S A S E N I E E A L R M S

I N C O M E H A I R D O

D I E E S S T E A A P E

Y E T O I N T E H R E A S L D Y O G K L I E D G

A M E N

In Memoriam

M U S K

E M E D R S

N I E C E

A Y E S

Deborah Jean Cahill

Deborah Jean Cahill, 71, of Miami Beach, FL passed away Wednesday, November 18. She was born June 10, 1949 in Miami to Mary Elizabeth Grant and Richard Vincent Cahill. Deborah is survived by her loving children, William Richard Cahill, Chloe Elizabeth Cahill, and Grant Alexander Cahill and the true loves of her life, her young grandchildren, Reid, Owen, and Declan. Deborah was an amazing mother, leader, and thinker whose many accomplishments and joie de vivre was an inspiration to all those around her.

As the daughter of the Miami Beach’s Chief of Ocean Rescue, Deborah grew up a natural aquaphile, later instilling that love in her three children and three grandchildren. Throughout her vibrant

life, Deborah was a trailblazer who tackled challenges with poise, resourcefulness, and tenacity. As a senior labor negotiator for the Department of Treasury, she developed the flexible work schedule now available across the Federal agencies to help new mothers achieve a viable work-life balance. Raising her three children alone, while managing hundreds of employees, she still made countless civic contributions to the community. Deborah’s happiest places were traveling the world with her children and sharing her love of the water, art, and storytelling with her grandchildren.

Her mentorship, character, and boundless love have influenced generations of friends and family that will carry on as her legacy.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory 210 Ingram Ave • Cumming, Georgia 30040 ingramfuneralhome.com • 770-887-2388

COMMUNITY

Lionheart: Continued from Page 11

When the pandemic initially struck, InCommunity was forced to cancel its day programs, which was especially difficult for its program participants who also rely heavily on routine, according to InCommunity Community Relations Manager Erin Zauner.

“It was a surprise and a challenge to adjust our lives to the pandemic, but we knew we had an obligation as healthcare workers to keep everyone safe,” Zauner said. “Canceling the day programs, creating a change in everyone’s routine, was a big challenge our individuals did not understand at first. Losing contact with people they see every day to restricted access to the public to social distancing and wearing a facemask — it got confusing.”

InCommunity staff worked to explain the new standard of living to participants and maintain regular contact with them. The organization held virtual calls and classes, conducted socially distant visits and was able to continue in-person activities and daily care in group homes affiliated with InCommunity.

Through the holidays, InCommunity will continue holding virtual programming.

On Dec. 18, InCommunity COO Jose Delgado hosted an interview with Dajiv Mallipudi, physician lead for COVID-19 at Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, to answer questions submitted by InCommunity staff and families.

And while Dulin and McBride praised community support for Lionheart, the organization has had to cancel much of its large fundraising events. Those interested in helping are encouraged to visit thelionheartschool.com or consider participating in the Feb. 6 Alpharetta Rotary Polar Bear Plunge in support of Lionheart.

InCommunity has reimagined many of its fundraising efforts and projects, too. Due to InCommunity’s Holiday Wish List project, every InCommunity home and individual will receive a gift this holiday. Those wanting to learn more should visit incommunityga.org.

DEATH NOTICES Mary Ruth Cagle, 95, of Cumming passed away December 19, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mark Gregory Cordell, 73, of Cumming, passed away December 20, 2020. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Alex Escabi, 17, of Milton, passed away December 15, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Wade Fox, 55, of Roswell, passed away December 22, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Kathyrn Hollier, 75, of Roswell, passed away December 16, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Rosalie Jean Hammock, 75, of Cumming, passed away December 18, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Juanita Kidd, 98, of Cumming passed away December 20, 2020. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Myra Lee Moore, 78, of Cumming, passed away December 17, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

William T. Turlington, 84, of Cumming, passed away December 16, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Crematory.

Danielle Young, 50, of Alpharetta, passed away December 17, 2020.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors &

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 17

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NEWS

Review:

The group is the first under the GNFCC to focus on a specific city within the area and began hosting events this year with the first face-to-face meeting taking place over the summer.

Continued from Page 2 New fire chief named A staple in the Milton community, Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar, retired in November, opening the door for the department’s second chief.

Edgar had served as the Milton’s Fire only chief since the department was founded.

With Edgar’s retirement, the city announced Gabe Benmoussa as the department’s new chief earlier this month. Benmoussa, who most recently BENMOUSSA served as a deputy fire chief in Oregon, is set to officially begin his new post in January.

Benmoussa is among several department head changes for the city in 2020.

Former Parks and Recreation director Jim Cregge retired from his post, and Greg Botelho took over as communications director. Parag Agrawal, who headed the city’s Planning and Community Development department, left his post and a replacement has yet to be named.

CITY OF MILTON/SPECIAL

Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar speaks at a retirement ceremony in his honor Nov. 6. Edgar has served as the department’s only chief the last 12 years.

Business Council founded This year was abysmal for most small businesses, but those in Milton got a bit of a boost with creation of the Milton Business Council.

The new group, which seeks to bolster and promote the city’s businesses, is the bridging of the Milton Business Alliance with the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The new entity falls under the umbrella of the GNFCC and is managed by business leaders within the city.

Downtown Crabapple transforming The once quaint and quiet downtown Crabapple area is set to become a bustling business hub, and that transformation took a significant leap this year.

Several developments came out of the ground in 2020 that have vastly changed the landscape of the area. Crabapple Market’s westward expansion got well underway with construction of several mixed-use buildings along Crabapple Road and Heritage Walk. Plans call for six new buildings and a parking area at the intersection of the roads with another five slated along Heritage Walk.

On the other side of Birmingham Highway, Market District Crabapple also broke ground. The development will include eight buildings along the Charlotte Drive extension featuring office/retail spaces and condominiums.

Along with the new developments, the city also completed traffic improvements in the area, including the extension of Charlotte Drive from Mayfield Road to Birmingham Highway.

City looks to the future City officials spent significant time in

NorthFulton.com | December 31, 2020 | 19

2020 looking to the years ahead by mulling future proposals or enacting regulations that will have a lasting impact.

Recently, the city launched the initial stages of its long-term comprehensive plan, which will guide future development in Milton, along with a five-year strategic plan outlining specific goals or the city.

Parks were a significant topic this year in future planning. The city began work to open to the former Milton Country Club property and its clubhouse, and this month trail plans were presented to the City Council. Officials also approved the city’s overall trails plan and updated plans for walkways at Providence Park.

In January, the city finalized its purchase of the Cox Road athletics complex, adding to its cache of multi-purpose fields.

A plan has also been proposed to turf the fields and provide baseball/softball marking to expand the city’s ballfields.

In August, the city finalized its tree ordinance, which has been in the works for several years and will impact tree coverage in Milton for the foreseeable future.

While Greenspace Bond purchases slowed this year compared to 2018 and 2019, Milton did expand its acreage of preserved land. Milton purchased about 16 acres of land that expanded its “Preserve at Cooper Sandy” property, purchased in 2019, to over 100 acres.

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All Sizes All Shapes All Cuts All Qualities Loose or Set Chipped/Broken

Sapphires Rubies Emeralds All Precious Semi-Precious Loose or Set

All Gold Coins All Silver Coins All Platinum Coins Silver Dollars Collectable Coins Paper Money

Rolex Cartier Omega Patek Audemars Piguet and other brands Paying up to $150,000

2008-2019 GA 4 00

FREE CASH EVALUATION

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Must Present Coupon.

Webb Br id g e

ARH

Tuesday – Friday: 10AM – 5PM Saturday: 10AM – 2PM • Sunday & Monday: Closed *Appointments may be available outside of traditional store hours.

Old M

ilton Pkw k P y t n Kim oi P ball dge Rd th Bri Nor

GA

400

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WINNER

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

Brian Iroff GIA Graduate Gemologist