Relocation Answer Book, 2017

2017 An Appen Media Group Publication

TUSCANY FINE FURNISHINGS MOVES INTO NEW HOME Owners Kelle and Kathy McConnell unveil 18,000-square-foot showroom and design center in Roswell

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Imagine, Believe, Create, Achieve!

Like Alpharetta Recreation Follow @AlpharettaParks

PROGRAMS • Active Adult Adventures • Art Enrichment & Workshops • Bike Share Program • Dance, Gymnastics • Fitness Programs • Instructional Sports • Outdoor Programs • Pickleball • Special Events • Summer Camps • Swim & Aquatic Programs • Team Sports - Adult/Youth/Teen • Tennis - Lessons & Match Play • Tree Climbing

Providing year-round sports, activities and special events, the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department is nationally accredited and recognized for its outstanding programs for children, adults, and seniors. In addition, the department manages and operates one of the finest equestrian facilities in the southeast at Wills Park. And along Big Creek, the Greenway system provides a safe, environmentally pleasing pathway for users to enjoy quiet leisure time.

PARKS / CENTERS • Alpharetta Adult Activity Center • Alpharetta City Pool & Splash Zone • Alpharetta Community Center • Big Creek Greenway • Brooke Street Park • Cogburn Road Park • Crabapple Government Center and Alpharetta Arts Center • North Park • Rock Mill Park • Union Hill Park • Waggy World Paw Park • Webb Bridge Park • Wills Park Equestrian Center • Wills Park Recreation Center 678-297-6100 recreation@alpharetta.ga.us www.alpharetta.ga.us/recreation Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 3

Publishers Ray & Christina Appen General Manager Hans Appen Editor Kathleen Sturgeon

kathleen@appenmediagroup.com Editorial Zoya Ansari Patrick Fox Caroline Franklin Julia Grochowski Hatcher Hurd Joe Parker Kathleen Sturgeon Candy Waylock Production David Brown AJ McNaughton Suzanne Pacey Advertising Adam Darby Mike Dorman Wendy Goddard Susan Hernandez Dean Larkin June Michaels Steve Neese April Thornton Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book—including all maps— is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a trademarked title. All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Seniors Answer Book, the Relocation Answer Book, the Medical Answer Book and the Seniors Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on NorthFulton.com at the bottom of the home page. Contact us at 770-442-3278 or email advertising@ appenmediagroup.com.

319 North Main Street, Alpharetta AppenMediaGroup.com

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Welcome to your 2017 Relocation Answer Book!

Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here your entire life, we’re glad you picked up this copy of the 2017 Relocation Answer Book.

The purpose of the Relocation Answer Book is, and always has been, to provide a guide for people and families relocating to the area.

Inside, we offer information on schools, cultural spots, the biggest events each year for the communities, letters from the mayors and much more.

New this year, we organized the content into sections by cities, counties, education and general information. So, for example, if you live in or just moved to Forsyth County, be sure to check out the Forsyth County-centric pages to get news catered to your community. But also flip through the rest of the sections to keep up with what your neighbors are doing!

The content in the Relocation Answer Book is useful, so be sure to keep it close by.

We have four quarterly editions of our Answer Books — Education, Relocation, Medical and our newest installment, Seniors, which debuted last year.

Each version is uniquely focused on its chosen subject to give readers the most accurate and specific information they want.

The Answer Books are also great ways to advertise, as they have a long shelf-life and are available on our website, NorthFulton.com. Call us today at 770-442-3278 if you want to be included in the next edition.

If you’re not an advertiser but have a great story to tell, contact me at kathleen@appenmediagroup.com and we can chat about a potential article for one of our many publications.

The Answer Books are available at most chambers of commerce, cities, homeowner associations and real estate companies. Additionally, we home deliver 40,000 copies throughout north Atlanta.

Happy reading!

• 1st Orthodontist in Alpharetta • Served Over 20,000 New Patients

• Diplomat of American Board of Orthodontics • Convenient Office Hours

Winner 3 years in a Row

Voted Best Orthodontist in North Fulton and South Forsyth

JEFFREY W. JORDAN, DMD, MSD, PC

4205 North Point Parkway • Alpharetta, GA 30022

770-751-1240 • www.jwjordan.com Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 5

Alpharetta, the hope of Georgia I believe Alpharetta is the hope of Georgia.

Here, nearly all of our residents grew up somewhere else.

We grew from 3,000 people to over 65,000 in under 30 years.

Nearly six years ago, we started with food trucks and special events. We built and re-imagined our downtown. We created an environment that has become the epicenter of over 900 technology companies. We became the best at what we do best, technology.

Today, we are the Technology City of the South and have seen the addition of over 12,000 new technology jobs.

Avalon, a conference center, an innovation center, a technical college are all recent additions to our city. And, our citizens have become invested and connected to their Alpharetta. Affection has been found, formed and organically grown. As 55 percent of Georgians are from some other state, there is a lesson and hope that can be gleaned here.

Of course, we are not without new points of pride. In 2016, Inc. Magazine named Alpharetta one the 10 surprising technology startup hubs in the country.

DataFox listed us as one of the top 12 cities in the U.S. for technology.

Wallet Hub named Alpharetta the best small city in Georgia, and 6 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Niche.com named us among the top two Atlanta suburbs. As a staff, our departments have been rated as among the best, and in some cases the very best, in Georgia.

Likewise, we are not without recent accomplishments either.

This year, Phase 2 of Avalon was completed. We have a new Southeast headquarters for Microsoft. We witnessed a ground breaking for a new conference center, and we began work on a new trail system, the Alpha Loop, to connect Downtown to Avalon to Haynes Bridge and back to Downtown. It is our Beltline, and the beautiful purpose is to connect the people to the stuff.

Going forward, we have a lot more to do. Our residents approved bonds to improve our parks and roads, and we are actively putting

those dollars to work. Several of the new parks are already under contract. Fulton County voters approved the T-SPLOST, and we will be investing over $60 million in Alpharetta to improve travel times in and through the city.

Yet, our most important progress will never show up in a periodical, a list, or a ground-breaking ceremony. It cannot be easily measured, if at all. Rather, it is experienced. It is witnessed.

Residents and families are growing more and more attached to their city; their Alpharetta. It’s affinity. It’s affection. It’s awesome. And, it is through this affection and affinity we have become Alpharetta, the hope of Georgia.

– David Belle Isle, Alpharetta Mayor

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Belle Isle David Belle Isle, Mayor 678-297-6020 dbelleisle@alpharetta.ga.us

Mitchell

Kennedy

Chris Owens, Post 3 Mayor Pro Tem 404-518-5505 cowens@alpharetta.ga.us

City Council members Donald Mitchell, Post 1 770-712-2290 dmitchell@alpharetta.ga.us

Jim Gilvin, Post 4 404-271-2716 jgilvin@alpharetta.ga.us

Mike Kennedy, Post 2 mkennedy@alpharetta.ga.us

Jason Binder, Post 5 jbinder@alpharetta.ga.us

Owens

Gilvin

Binder

Merkel

Dan Merkel, Post 6 dmerkel@alpharetta.ga.us Alpharetta City Hall 2 Park Plaza Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6000 info@alpharetta.ga.us www.alpharetta.ga.us

People making a difference Veronica Carew, executive director of Alpha PAL Upon acquiring her Bachelors Degree in criminal justice, Carew had a desire to work with youth. She realized she wanted to focus on proactive preventive measures rather than reactive prevention. Alpharetta PAL had a part-time position for a mentor coordinator that designed programs for at-risk youth — a term Carew dislikes. Carew believes the proper description should be a program for youth on the «brink of success.”

Carew came to Alpha PAL in 2009, and through designing and implementing a program called PALS-4LIFE and an out-of-school suspension program in 19 Fulton County schools, she quickly climbed the ladder.

Carew was promoted to program director in 2010, and executive director in 2011. Carew describes the mission of Alpha PAL as “to bridge the gap between police officers, community leaders, and volunteers in an effort to teach and mentor youth, while establishing a bond of mutual respect, understanding and trust.”

She believes that “Before kids can go places, they need somewhere to go.” As for the impact that Alpha PAL has on the community, Carew says, “I think our greatest impact is our volunteer service and internships and jobs that we offer to the youth in the community.

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Boxing great Evander Holyfield came to Alpharetta to speak with kids of the Alpharetta PAL July, 2015.

With him is Alpha PAL Executive Director Veronica Carew.

Leading back to my ideal of youth on the ‘brink of success.’”

Experience

Awesome

MEETINGS & EVENTS IN ALPHARETTA!

Think Alpharetta first for your WEDDING, REUNION, MITZVAH, MEETING or SPORTS EVENT. Take advantage of the FREE event planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, service providers, fields and facilities, hotels and more.

Call us and ask for

our free event planning guide.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Reserve rooms for your guests with one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Room rates are collected from Alpharetta’s 23 hotels and you are provided with a comprehensive list of options. Every hotel has free parking. Many offer complimentary internet, free breakfast and local shuttle service.

VISITOR INFORMATION We offer information about shopping and dining, attractions, events, maps, local coupons and more. Visit our Alpharetta Welcome Center located at 178 South Main Street for more details!

MITZVAHS

ARRIVING JANUARY 2018!

ALPHARETTA CONFERENCE CENTER

Call

for more details!

Want to be IN THE KNOW?

Follow us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter at awesomealpharetta.com to get the latest information about what is happening in Alpharetta! #AwesomeAlpharetta

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Top 3 events in Alpharetta Taste of Alpharetta May, Downtown Alpharetta Taste of Alpharetta has become an annual tradition for festival-goers, families and food connoisseurs for 25 years. Make reservations on your calendar to dine in Historic Downtown Alpharetta at over 50 restaurants in one fun night. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top menus in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities and entertainment to please every palate. Free Admission. Food tickets are $.50 each and restaurants participating in the Taste will charge $1-3 per food sample.

Music Stage will have harmonic

rock/folk/R&B bands. A separate Culinary Stage will pair top area chefs against one another in contests. Party with metro Atlanta radio stations. Play at the Fun Zones.

Come out and enjoy Alpharetta’s premier dining experience!

Arts Streetfest May, Downtown Alpharetta This event is rain or shine.

Celebrate the arts at one of the city’s most popular events! The streets of Historic Downtown will be closed as nearly 100 artists, musicians and performers from throughout the U.S. are showcased.

Enjoy a beautiful spring weekend as you stroll through outdoor galleries filled with fine art in 14 medium expressions, create children’s art and experience live jazz, Celtic music,

cultural dancing and more. Admission and parking are free.

Old Soldiers Day Race and Parade Aug, Downtown Alpharetta This event is rain or shine.

Join us for the Old Soldiers Day Parade and Road Race attracting over 8,000 people each year. The 5K and 10K road race rolls through town and finishes right before the downtown ceremonies and parade that recognizes the living memory of all veterans of war. Along with the program and parade, this celebration also features floats, bands, entertainment, children’s activities, and prizes. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be available at the American Legion at 201 Wills Road at the end of the parade.

Cultural and outdoor activities Avalon, 2200 Avalon Boulevard., Alpharetta www.experienceavalon.com Located at Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway, Avalon is an experience in the timeless art of living well. A luxury community infusing resort-level hospitality throughout a walkable community of shopping, dining, living and working.

birds and mammals, flora and fauna can be seen from the trail. Access to beginner and intermediate mountain bike trails. Restrooms available.

Big Creek Greenway Trail Length: 8 miles one way joins 1.5 mile loop; Type of Trail: Out and back; easy Access Points: YMCA at Preston Ridge Road or North Point Parkway or Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta; Characteristics: 12 foot wide paved path for biking, walking, roller blading, inline skating along creek;

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Parkway Alpharetta www.vzwamp.com/ At the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, you will enjoy performances by today’s leading artists and the Grammy-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Set on 45 acres of beautifully landscaped wooded land, the

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The Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta.

12,000-seat, state-of-the art venue provides a unique setting for music lovers.

North Park, 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta www.alpharetta.ga.us The park features seven lighted tennis courts, two multi-purpose synthetic turf fields, eight lighted softball fields, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, an adult activity center, an arts building, Rotary Reflection Garden and a walking trail. What more could you ask for?

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1. Alpharetta Adult Center: 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta 2. Alpharetta Community Center: 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta 3. Cogburn Road Park (5 acres): 12825 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta 4. Crabapple Government Center/Arts Center: 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta

8. Webb Bridge Park (190 acres): NDY 4780SPRINGS Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta

Arboretum

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Alpharetta Parks (678) 297-6100 alpharetta.ga.us

6. Rock Mill Park: 3100 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta 7. Union Hill Park (12 acres): 1590 Little Pine Trail, Alpharetta

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By PATRICK FOX Plans to develop two looping paths around Alpharetta’s central commercial district will have to wait until later this year when the city adopts a new budget for the 2018 Fiscal Year.

City leaders voted down a request in March to amend the current budget to allocate $1.5 million for the loop project.

The request was part of Mayor David Belle Isle’s recommended midyear budget adjustments, a routine part of the city’s budget cycle.

The mayor has been a strong advocate for the project since it was first unveiled in November. The plan calls for a walking beltline connecting downtown, Avalon and the MetLife/ Northwinds area. It envisions an inner 2-mile loop and an outer, 5-mile loop that would connect at its northern point to the Big Creek Greenway.

Both loops would include paths of varying widths, possibly some pocket parks and rest areas.

The proposed budget amendment called for allocating $500,000 from unallocated capital funds and $1 million from anticipated TSPLOST money, which the city should start receiving in mid-May. The money was proposed to be allocated for design work and some construction.

But Councilman Jim Gilvin questioned whether the city should be

Academy Street CITY CENTER

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Council to revisit for 2018 budget

tapping into the sales tax money to pay for a project that didn’t exist when voters approved the tax in November.

He said the city had listed a series of projects it would fund with TSPLOST money and he hesitated to change that list without more consideration.

“These were the projects that were enumerated as earmarked – to get those projects headed before the next fiscal year started,” Gilvin said.

“I’m not sure that’s a proper use of those funds without having them on the list at all.”

Alpharetta’s fiscal year begins in July, and discussions on the FY 2018 budget take place in the weeks prior to its adoption sometime in June.

Councilmen Chris Owens and Jason Binder also raised concerns about the budget amendment.

Owens said construction projects already under way by the city are experiencing some overruns, and he didn’t want to commit funding to a

project before the sales tax is even levied.

The transportation sales tax went into effect April 1, and distributions are expected to begin trickling into municipal coffers sometime in midMay. “I think the loop is a great project as a matter of fact,” Owens said. “It’s just a little quick to be jumping like that.”

Binder added that the city really hasn’t fine-tuned its vision for the loops. The City Council has agreed on the concept, but there haven’t been any discussions on exactly what each path would consist of.

“We didn’t agree on the playbook,” Binder said. “We saved that discussion for later.”

The AlphaLoop was first proposed in November and has since drawn high interest among residents.

The city adopted a concept plan for the project in February.

Dr. Jeffery Jordan of Jordan Orthodontics in Alpharetta knows a smile can say many things.

It could mean “hello” or “I miss you” or even “I love you.” And for many of his clients over the past 28 years, he’s helped them become more comfortable with their own smile.

“It’s so important,” Jordan said.

“It’s fun and interesting like putting a puzzle together. Every person is different and everyone’s teeth are different.

It’s challenging and rewarding.”

Jordan’s interest in dentistry was sparked by others in the field including his childhood dentist, his childhood orthodontist and his uncle.

He went on to attend the Medical College of Georgia for his Doctorate of Dental Medicine

and completed his orthodontic residency at St. Louis University’s orthodontic program.

He eventually opened his first private practice in Alpharetta in 1988 where the ice skating rink is seasonally located in Avalon.

Jordan was the first full-time orthodontist in Alpharetta.

And as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, he is a board-certified orthodontist.

Now, his business is just down the road at 4205 North Point Parkway, Building B, where he moved in 1996. When he built the space years ago, he made sure to include a greenspace for patients to be able to look at while getting their braces checked.

Over the 28 years, he has seen

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Love your smile

many about 75 clients come in every day, and just last year he saw his 20,000 new patient. Orthodontic treatment is for everyone, not just children and teenagers, he said.

His passion and experience have helped him earn the “Best Orthodontist” ranking by Appen Media Group’s “Best of the Best” contest for three consecutive years as voted on by readers.

For information on Jordan, visit jwjordan.com.

We Embrace, Equip, and Empower people to go and make disciples for Jesus Christ.

• Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am & 11:00am • Sunday School: 9:45am – 10:45am • Sunday Children, Middle School, & Youth (Live Wire) Worship Service: 11:00am • Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study: 12:00pm • Wednesday Night Worship: 7:00pm Pastor and First Lady McQueen

• Women’s Bible Study: Mondays at 7:00pm • Senior’s Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:00am • Men’s Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7:00pm • Young Adult (Fusion): Thursdays at 7:00pm • Children, Middle School, & Youth (Live Wire): Wednesdays at 6:30pm

St. James United Methodist Church www.stjamesumc.org

Rev. Dr. Michael T. McQueen, Sr. Pastor Rev. Tariq Z. Cummings, Assoc. Pastor

Tel: 678-762-1543 • Fax: 678-762-1716 3000 Webb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30009 stjamesumcorg stjames_umc st.jamesumc Sponsored Section | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 13

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Wills Park offers activities and amenities

Baseball: Wills Park boasts eight baseball diamonds and two tee-ball fields and hosts games for the Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association. Visit www. alpharettayouthbaseball.org for more information on the AYBA and its schedules.

Disc Golf: Disc golf is a growing sport. Wills Park has an 18-hole disc golf course, included in the Professional Disc Gold Association with more than 1000 other courses throughout the U.S. Call 678-2976162 for more information on the course and suggested equipment.

Swimming: Alpharetta City Pool amenities include an Olympic-size pool, diving well with low/ medium/high diving boards, a 2000 sq. ft. splash pad, shaded and open deck areas, and a concession stand.

Swim lessons are available to swimmers of all levels and ages.

Open pool hours are 12noon-5pm (Tu-Fr), 7:30-9pm (Tu-Th), 12pm8pm (Sa), and 12pm-8pm (Su).

Special holiday hours are held on Memorial Day and Independence Day. The 2017 pool season will run May 27-July 31. Please note – the pool will close August 1, 2017 to begin major renovations and will reopen for 2018 season in late May. For information on aquatic programs, call 678-297-6153.

Equestrian Center: Horse shows, dog agility, special events, and corporate rentals are all hosted at the Equestrian Center throughout the year. Accommodations include eight shed row-type barns with covered aisles and 298 stalls, one covered ring 150 x 350 ft., two

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uncovered rings 125 x 225 ft., two schooling rings, and hookups for 30 RV campers. Call the center at 678-297-6120.

Tennis: The park has six tennis courts, lighted at night. Two courts are saved for lessons, two are used by reservation only, and two are first-come first-serve. Play is at no cost, although there is a court reservation fee. Call 678-297-6130 for tennis information.

Recreation Center: Wills Park Recreation Center offers pickleball, basketball, karate, fitness programs (Club Vibe, step aerobics, Pilates, yoga, weight training) and a summer day camp for youth. For program and registration information, contact 678-297-6130 or wprcprograms@alpharetta.ga.us.

Community Center: Alpharetta Community Center amenities include two gymnasiums, a gymnastics center, dance room, an outdoor walking track, and a tree climbing program. The center hosts the Alpharetta Gymnastics Academy, Rhythm ‘n Shoes dance program, Wolfbane Volleyball League, instructional programs, and other teen/adult athletic programs. For program and registration information, contact 678-297-6100 or accprograms@alpharetta.ga.us.

Dog Park: Waggy World Paw Park is a park area designed for dogs to explore and play off leash.

It is open 8am to sunset and has areas for larger or smaller canines.

All handlers are required to pick up after their pets and there is a limit of three dogs per handler. A dog handler must be a least 16 years old and have a leash present. No dogs in heat and no aggressive

Wills Park Equestrian Center hosts a variety of horse shows, dog agility and special events year-round.

dogs are allowed at the park. All dogs must wear valid rabies tags and have current vaccinations. In addition, children must be 8 years or older and accompanied by an adult to enter the pet play area.

Playgrounds, Park Area: Wills Park offers three different children’s playgrounds all nestled under park trees. Wacky World is the largest, a wooden castle-style play space with towers, slides and bridges.

Designed for smaller children, the Yellow Playground below the recreation center has slides, swings and a tire spin. Behind the baseball fields is the Purple Playground with multi-level slides, swings, climbing areas and a canopy overtop. There is also a walking trail for park-goers of all ages. And finally, five picnic pavilions are scattered throughout the park, the largest of which can accommodate up to 200 people, while the others can serve up to 30.

To reserve a pavilion for a picnic, family outing, birthday party or corporate function, call 678-297-6130.

Alpharetta First United Methodist Church is a vibrant, diverse family of faith located in downtown Alpharetta, Georgia.

We come together for dynamic worship, inspiring music, friendship and impactful Christian education.

Whether you’re exploring Christianity, struggling with life’s difficulties or looking for a church home, you are welcome here.

We have many opportunities to gather in friendship, and we are committed to serving others in our community and around the world. Join us on Sunday mornings for worship and check us out!

Sunday Morning at Alpharetta Methodist Traditional Worship: 8:15 and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary Alpharetta Methodist’s traditional worship services are rich with music, creeds and prayers.

Join us as we gather to praise God and celebrate the good news of His love. The Chancel Choir and other ensembles provide a variety of music.

The Bridge Worship: 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary The Bridge is a meaningful and renewing experience that spans traditional and contemporary worship. Expect a Christ-centered hour of worship that includes prayer, scripture readings, and traditional creeds and affirmations done in a new way. Nashville Christian

recording artist Stephanie Newton and the Vinebranch Band provide contemporary music.

Vinebranch Contemporary Worship: 11 a.m. in Vinebranch Chapel Vinebranch is Alpharetta Methodist’s contemporary worship service, where you can encounter God and find strength and encouragement on your journey of faith.

This service offers creative music and multimedia in a casual setting, with a Wesleyan emphasis on strong Biblical preaching, sacraments and service to the world.

The Vinebranch Band, under the leadership of Christian recording artist Stephanie Newton, leads the congregation in dynamic worship through modern songs and hymns.

Small Groups: 8:15, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Alpharetta Methodist offers Sunday morning groups for all adults — young, single, married or in various other stages of life.

These small groups provide a way for everyone to grow in the knowledge and love of God by learning, serving, praying and doing life together. Learn more at afumc.org/ sundaygroups.

Children Child care and classes are available while adults are in worship or small groups. Visit afumc. org/childsunday for the complete schedule of children’s Sunday morning programs.

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Alpharetta Methodist welcomes you to a family of faith

Students: Students in grades 6-12 meet for Thirst, a Bible study, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. They also gather at 6 p.m. on Sunday evenings (during the school year) for [lit], a worship service designed especially for youth. Learn more at afumc.org/ youth.

Come open your heart to the good news of Christ and join in the community of friends that make church a pleasure, grow in your faith and roll up your sleeves to help others. We look forward to welcoming you to Alpharetta Methodist!

Alpharetta First United Methodist Church 69 North Main St., Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 770-470-5576 afumc.org Facebook: alpharetta.methodist Instagram: alpharetta.methodist Twitter: alpharettafumc Sponsored Section | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 15

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel

• Private non-parochial education for infants – 8th grade • Nurturing environment featuring small class sizes, hands-on academics, STEM, and monthly field trips • Middle School building • After school, competitive sports, and robotics teams

SUMMER CAMPS AVAILABLE Call to Set Up a Tour Today!

5380 Faircroft Drive Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.McGinnisWoods.com 770-664-7764 SACS, GAC and NAEYC accredited 16 | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

Fulton Science Academy Private School Fulton Science Academy Private School has fostered a “yearn to learn” culture serving advanced and gifted students with an innovative, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum.

Now enjoying its fifth year as a private school and its second year at a beautiful new campus in Alpharetta, FSAPS will proudly represent the state of Georgia in seven national and international academic competitions during the 2016-17 school year. In addition, FSA received an Excellence in Education Award in November 2016 from the Technology Association of Georgia and was recognized as the Best Private School (K-12) and Best Private Primary School by Appen Media.

Currently, FSAPS has 455 students in Pre-K through high school. The study body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, professional working actors, and award-winning critical thinkers.

Fulton Science Academy considers the development of the whole student to be as important as its emphasis on academics. Half an hour recess is part of every school day

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providing ample time for students to relax, run around, socialize and exercise. This helps to keep students healthy and active.

For a creative outlet, students take part in art, music, robotics, and computer classes every week. Many other enrichment opportunities are offered including free after-school clubs, band, orchestra, and top-performing academic teams that develop student social skills.

In addition to focused STEAM courses, FSAPS works with students to build strong writing and presentation skills, as well as teach organizational and time management skills which will benefit them greatly throughout life.

The school offers an advanced and gifted curriculum that is taught for greater retention and achievement. Daily foreign language is provided beginning in Pre-K. Built upon core values of excellence, innovation, and character, FSAPS has engineered a school of the future today.

For additional information, including admissions information, please visit http://www.fultonscienceacademy.org Sponsored Section | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 17

Heart, soul, community make Roswell wonderful Roswell is the best place to live in the state of Georgia. What makes Roswell unique is our combination of the heart, soul and sense of community of the small town I grew up in and the amenities, culture, diversity and opportunities of a metro Atlanta city.

Roswell is the perfect place to juggle careers and family life. Over and over again, we have been recognized nationally as a great place to live, a safest city, a cool suburb, the best place to raise a family and the best place to retire. Those of us who live here already knew all of that, but it’s nice to be recognized nationally for it.

So what makes us the best?

The same things that brought me back here after I graduated from college. Roswell is synonymous with community. We celebrate our diversity every day. Our restaurant scene is the best in the metro area.

We have a burgeoning arts scene. And, of course, our natural resources are second to none. The Chattahoochee River winds along the edge of town and offers everything from kayaking to fishing. Our parks system has been nationally recognized as one of the best in the country.

Our trail system, which 18 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

thousands of people enjoy, winds through it all. And we preserve our proud heritage with our antebellum museum homes, Civil War sites, and remnants of the original mill which our founders built in the mid1800s.

Roswell is authentic, pure and simple. Other cities are trying to create what we have had here for years and years, and their new city centers are nice, but they are

not authentic. Roswell is both modern and historic, where old South meets new South. We have a vibrant community with a relaxed refinement that draws good people of all ages and backgrounds to live here. I invite you to come and experience Roswell for dinner, for a day or for a lifetime. You are always welcome. There is nowhere else like Roswell.

– Jere Wood, Roswell Mayor

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Wood Jere Wood, Mayor 770-594-6288 mayorwood@roswellgov.com

Zapata

Palermo

Donald Horton, Post 3 Mayor Pro Tem 770-641-3757 dhorton@roswellgov.com

City Council members Marcelo Zapata, Post 1 770-641-3757 mzapata@roswellgov.com

Lori Henry, Post 4 770-641-3757 lhenry@roswellgov.com

Mike Palermo, Post 2 770-641-3757 mpalermo@roswellgov.com

Jerry Orlans, Post 5 770-641-3757 jorlans@roswellgov.com

Horton

Henry

Orlans

Diamond

Nancy Diamond, Post 6 770-641-3757 ndiamond@roswellgov.com Roswell City Hall 38 Hill Street Roswell, Ga. 20075 770-641-3727 info@roswellgov.com www.roswellgov.com

People making a difference Barbara Duffy, executive director of North Fulton Community Charities.

Duffy began as chairwoman of the Community Clothes Closet and as a member of the early board of NFCC. In 1990 the board decided NFCC needed an executive director, and Duffy applied. She was the first full-time employee of NFCC and has been there 27 years. “What attracted me to NFCC was a desire to interact with the broad range of people in our community,” Duffy said. “When I moved to Roswell in 1978, my neighborhood was mostly young families, my other volunteer activities revolved around my five children and schools. I went looking for a place where people of all ages and backgrounds came together for a common goal.”

Last year, NFCC assisted 4,126 families (more than 10,000 individuals) with emergency assistance including food, clothing, financial assistance, utilities and other basic needs. “It is very easy to live and work in North Fulton and not ‘see’ need,” Duffy said. “We hide it very well. We are challenged to continually find ways to build awareness.”

Of recent concern, she said, is a growing population of homeless individuals and families reaching out for NFCC help. Duffy said she is proud of what NFCC 20 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Barbara Duffy has been a part of North Fulton Community Charities for 27 years.

has achieved over the last 30 years and is humbled to be a part of it.

Sculpture Tour kicks off with a bang

ArtAround Roswell features 13 works of public art

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI The 2017 Roswell Sculpture Tour is officially open and will soon be hosting monthly events centered around the art.

ArtAround Roswell kicked off its nine-month Sculpture Tour Saturday, April 22 with multiple performances by local groups. The three-hour celebration featured the talents of the Atlanta Taiko Project, Element Circus Artists, In Flight Gymnastics & Circus, and Ten Blocks Away.

Additionally, the first of the Makers in the Afternoon demonstration was held featuring Jennifer Freedman of Mosaic Odyssey.

This year, opening celebrations were held around the sculpture Sentience, created by David Landis, located at the Heart of Canton Street.

The sculpture is modeled after a bloodroot flower, because it has a “wonderful, dynamic quality, like a firework exploding,” Landis said.

“I used stainless steel… Because it reflects clouds, sky, trees and people, bringing them into the work.”

There are a total of 13 sculptures this year, including two permanent sculptures bought from last year’s tour – Smoke and Oak Leaf Triptych – and a gift from Russian Artist Dima Alekseyev, Sky Maintenance, which will stay with the city for two years. The remaining 10 sculptures are all sponsored by local businesses.

Although the art is temporary,

The Roswell Arts Fund board brought 13 sculptures to Roswell.

visitors can contribute funds to help the city buy and keep some of the sculptures.

“Public art helps to define our sense of place by capturing our history and imagining our future,” said Rochelle Mucha, board chair of the Roswell Arts Fund. “ArtAround captures our city’s modern spirit and Southern soul. Art, in its many forms, drives economic and social vitality.”

This year, ArtAround Roswell

has coordinated a free audio tour guide app, Otocast, which houses additional information about the artists and their works.

The next event will explore clay and ceramics in an interactive demonstration by A.J. Argentia of the Roswell Clay Collective. It will be held June 24 at the Arts Center on Fouts Road.

To learn more about the tour and the sculptures, visit artaroundroswell.org.

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 21

AROUND TOWN

History, culture, nature all in Roswell History, culture, nature’s majesty, and the excitement of entertainment make Roswell a destination for visitors from around the world, residents and businesses.

Three historic house museums known as The Southern Trilogy offer daily tours. Paranormal investigators lead the Roswell Ghost Tour, voted the best in metro Atlanta. Colorful art galleries provide opportunities to “meet the artists.” ArtAround Sculpture Tours and a variety of special events fill the calendar. Breweries and brewery tours add to the charm and energy that is Roswell.

Performing arts take center stage. From the casual Riverside Sounds Concert Series to toe-tapping and classical performances, a lively music scene abounds.

Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents professional productions from its home in Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

Dance, puppet shows, and living history reenactments are all part of Roswell’s vibrant and diverse arts community.

Hike, stroll, or explore the Chattahoochee River by canoe, kayak or raft. The magnificent covered 22 | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

pedestrian bridge links Roswell’s historic district with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and miles of trails. Visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center where you will explore woodland trails, a marsh boardwalk, native plant gardens and wildlife on their 127 acres.

Award-winning restaurants make Roswell a true Dining Destination. Over 200 independently owned restaurants are included in the many options for gathering family and friends around a Roswell table. Downhome fare, southern BBQ, regional delicacies and a wide selection of continental cuisine attract patrons from far and near.

Known as THE place to celebrate with family and friends, just one call to the Roswell Visitors Bureau takes the stress and worry out of planning the perfect wedding, reunion, mitzvahs, or meeting.

The Roswell Visitor Center, 617 Atlanta Street, welcomes you with friendly service, a short video, and a selection of printed materials to help you create your Roswell experience. www.visitroswellga.com or 770640-3253

moDeRn SPiRit. Southern Soul.

200 independent restaurants, craft breweries, history, nature, art and culture combine for an experience that is Uniquely

Roswell.

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En dless fun seum Tours Historic House Mu ver Chatta hoochee Ri ew eries br Restaura nts an d s & boutiques Shoppin g, ga llerie ea tre Ghost Walks & Th Special Even ts

For more information call 770-640-3253 or visit us at www.visitroswellga.com

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 23

Roswell recognized as best city to live, work, play

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI Roswell is one of the best places to live in Georgia, and they have an award to prove it.

The city has recently received the 2017 Live, Work, Play City Award in recognition of its community, services and amenities. The award was presented by the Georgia Municipal Association during its annual Mayors’ Day Conference Jan. 20-23 in Atlanta.

Roswell was one of only three in the Large Cities category to win this designation, followed by Statesboro and Rome. To be considered a large city, the city has to have a population of at least 25,000 residents.

24 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

“These cities truly embody wellrounded communities that benefit residents and businesses alike,” said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton. “They also serve as examples for local governments across Georgia. ” This is the first year that GMA has held this award. Roswell was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges, including representatives from Georgia Power, Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the University of Georgia.

“They were looking for wellrounded communities that were both business friendly and great for residents,” said Roswell’s Community Relations Manager Julie Brech-

bill. “On the live side, we have our neighborhoods, which really are the heart of Roswell. On the work side, we have Roswell Inc, which has brought new businesses and jobs in Roswell. For play, we have one of the best parks departments not only in the state, but in the country .”

The award also took into account Roswell’s historic districts, restaurants, Alive in Roswell and arts communities.

“What makes Roswell special is the people of Roswell – the institutions, the churches, the schools, the non-profits and the clubs,” said Mayor Jere Wood. “That’s what makes Roswell special.”

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770-993-0640 TuscanyFineFurnishings.com 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 25

Roswell Parks (770) 641-3705 roswellgov.com 1. Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell 2. Azalea Park (80.95 acres) 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell 3. Big Creek Park (161.1 acres) 1600 Old Alabama Road, Roswell 4. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell 5. Don White Memorial Park (67.5 acres), 925 Riverside Road, Roswell 6. East Roswell Park (69.8 acres) 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell 7. Garrard Landing Park (22 acres) 8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta 8. Grimes Bridge Park (11.3 acres) 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell 9. Groveway Community Park, 160 Dobbs Drive, Roswell 10. H eart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton Street, Roswell 11. H embree Park (34.5 acres) 850 Hebree Road, Roswell 12. L ake Charles Park (0.5 acres) 195 Windflower Court, Roswell 13. L eita Thompson Memorial Park (141.9 acres) 1200 Woodstock Road, Roswell 14. O ld Mill Park (45 acres), 95 Mill View Ave., Roswell 15. R iverside Park (27.7 acres) 575 Riverside Road, Roswell 16. R oswell Area Park (79.6 acres) 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell 17. R oswell River Landing (2.5 acres) 245 Azalea Drive, Roswell 18. S loan Street Park, 75 Sloan Street, Roswell 19. S weet Apple Park (8.152) 11850 Crabapple Road, Roswell 20. Town Square Park (1 acre) 610 South Atlanta St., Roswell 21. Waller Park (16 acres) 250 Oak St., Roswell 22. Woodstock Soccer Complex Park (5 acres) 40 Woodstock Road, Roswell 26 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Legend Arts/Crafts Rooms Bandstand Baseball Fields Basketball Courts Camping Area Disc Golf Course Docks/Decks Dog Park Football Fields Gym/Workout Facility Historic Monuments Lacrosse Fields Meeting Rooms Mountain Biking Multi-purpose Courts Outdoor Fitness Equipment Picnic Pavilion/Tables Pool Playground Soccer Fields Softball Fields Sprayground Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts Walking Trails/Paths

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SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOLS Providing an exceptional college preparatory program

ROSWELL CAMPUS Grades 1 - 8 Ms. Ellen Brown ebrown@sfschools.net (770) 641-8257 x51

MILTON CAMPUS Grades 9 - 12 Mr. Brandon Bryan bbryan@sfschools.net (678) 339-9989 x33

SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOL OFFERS: S.A.I.S. / S.A.C.S. Accredited No Religious Affiliation SB 10 Eligible Challenging College Preparatory

Curriculum AP/Honors, Traditional, Support, and Academic Enhancement Courses Small Class Size ● Small Student/Teacher Ratio Study and Organizational Skills

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GHSA Sports Program Football and Equestrian Bus Service Available

Saint Francis High School | 13440 Cogburn Road | Milton, GA 30004 Saint Francis Elementary and Middle Schools | 9375 Willeo Road | Roswell, GA 30075 www.saintfrancisschools.com

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 27

ES

Top 3 events in Roswell Riverside Sounds June – Oct. Riverside Park Starting in May, the City of Roswell will kick off the 2017 season of Riverside Sounds, an annual series of six free outdoor concerts held at Riverside Park on the first Saturday of the month from May through October from 7-9 p.m.

There will be food trucks at each concert from 6-9 p.m. and guests are also invited to bring their own picnic. Here are the featured artists for the remainder of the season:

Cultural and outdoor activities

• June 3 – Ben Sollee • July 1 – The Fritz • August 5 – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley • September 2 – Lera Lynn • October 7 – Southern Avenue Alive in Roswell Every third Thursday April – Oct. Canton Strett This event is known as the best street party in the metro Atlanta area. Live music, food, displays and shopping make this event a fun and family friendly event. Trolley shuttles from the parking lot of City Hall to Canton Street, free of charge. Shops and restaurants offer

awards the designation as a Great Place in Georgia – Great Street.

Explore boutique shops and stores and then stop for a bite to eat in the many award-winning and unique restaurants.

Riverside Park 575 Riverside Road, Roswell www.roswellgov.com Kids can enjoy the sprayground while adults take advantage of hiking and bike trails as well as the waterfront of the Chattahoochee River. During the warmer months, live concerts are held on the stage and food trucks often come by.

Canton Street Historic Roswell Canton Street, with its dozens of shops, art galleries, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, is bustling with vitality, having among its many 28 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Historic Homes – Barrington, Bulloch and Smith Plantation Home, Historic Roswell www.southerntrilogy.com Dubbed the “Southern Trilogy,” the three historic homes owned by the city — Barrington, Bulloch and Smith Plantation — all date to the founding of Roswell in the early-

discounts and specials and live music plays throughout the district.

For more information, visit www. alive inroswell.com.

Youth Day Parade and Festival Oct. Canton Street to Roswell Area Park Founded in 1950, the annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade honors the city’s youths with a parade down Canton Street, ending in a festival at Roswell Area Park.

Local schools and civic groups make floats dedicated to a theme.

Before the parade is the Historic 5K road race. For more information, visit www.roswellgov.com.

to-mid 1800s. They are among the few antebellum mansions still in existence in Atlanta. Barrington Hall was home to the royal family of Roswell, the Kings; Bulloch Hall was home to Mittie Bulloch, mother to President Teddy Roosevelt.

Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest Street, Roswell www.roswellgov.com This venue hosts theatre, music, dance, puppet shows performances as well pageants, celebrations, special events and exhibits.

Many local groups call the 600-seat theatre home.

Georgia Ensemble Theatre 950 Forrest Street, Roswell www.get.org/ Georgia Ensemble Theatre provides award-winning theatre productions and first class educational opportunities on a year-round basis and is the resident professional theatre at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

New beginnings Tuscany Fine Furnishings Owners Kathy “Kat” and Kelle McConnell may have diverse backgrounds, but that only helps their business thrive.

Kelle spent 26 years in the information technology industry, most recently founding two companies out of the Advanced

Technology Development Center at Georgia Tech.

Kat always had a passion for interior design. She loves the creative process, from project inception, understanding customer lifestyles, the thrill of “the shop” and the final placement and installation.

But nothing gives her more pleasure or complete satisfaction then the customer presentation.

More times than not, Kat creates a

secret hidden “review,” long before HGTV thought of it, by sending clients out of their home, while she works her magic.

In 2004, the couple decided to go into business together.

Kat was working as independent interior designer for a small retail furniture establishment.

They bought out a small furniture

READ MORE, PAGES 30 – 31 Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 29

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29: showroom and created Tuscany Fine Furnishings and what a ride it has been.

Kat is Sicilian, so they knew they wanted an Italian flare. They expanded from 7,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet by 2011.

In their 13 years in business, Tuscany has been blessed with loyal customers and a seasoned professional staff they call family.

In the early years, they were primarily offering a collection of traditional furnishings.

They moved slowly over the years and now feature a transitional collection, although they routinely blend furnishings in many settings. Tuscany also carries one of the largest supplier collections in greater Atlanta.

Over the years, they developed new marketing techniques and utilized new technologies, which is Kelle’s personal passion.

The couple has championed social media and has over 13,000 loyal Facebook shoppers.

They provide bi-monthly Showroom New Arrival videos, photo albums, pricing and dimensions along with a variety of Professional Design Services, which are all available online.

In addition, they have connectivity through the company’s website homepage to Pinterest, their New Letter Blogs, Instagram, Google Business and LinkedIn. On May 1, Tuscany celebrated its new beginning, where it opened its new 18,000 square foot stateof-the-art Showroom and Design Center in Roswell. It is next door to the old Tuscany and they were able to keep their old suite No. 315, so the address did not change.

30 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Riccardo Apreda, interior designer I have always had a passion for design and I am fortunate to have been able to be an interior designer for the last 11 years. I started out in Italy before moving to Roswell. I am very excited about our new space at Tuscany Fine Furnishings and I am looking forward to assisting you with your upcoming projects. I always enjoy working with my clients in creating beautiful living areas, providing space planning, 2D and 3D floor plans and helping them with fabric and furniture selections, adding the final touches that will make your home beautiful.

Peter Benedetto, interior designer It is with great enthusiasm that I invite you to visit our new showroom. As a seasoned interior designer, I have experienced many design trends over the course of

my career. I continue to favor a classic, timeless approach when assisting clients in making the perfect selection for their space.

I enjoy building a positive rapport with new clients to identify their life style, personal vision and taste, ensuring confidence ending in a stress-free experience. Whether you are starting with a blank slate or enhancing your existing décor, I look forward to assisting your next project.

Jenny McClanahan, interior decorator Spring is officially upon us and this year, Tuscany Fine Furnishings, will flower into a new beginning.

Our new Showroom and Design Center opened May 1 during one of my favorite seasons. Most of us are inspired during the spring to make subtle changes in our homes.

The easiest way to accomplish this is by adding new color elements that reflect our personal style. I like to tell my customers, begin with the simple formula, “the colors we love to wear may look great in our home.” I believe this to be great method to help inspire clients to make changes and it gives their home a fresh new look. Next time you are in Roswell, visit me at Tuscany’s gorgeous new showroom. I would love to help you!

Tuscany Fine Furnishings family and owners, Kathy, Kelle and Kameron McConnell and pet Kasey

Cherri Campbell, interior designer After working for Tuscany as an independent interior designer

for the past five years, I have never been so excited for my clients. Our new showroom affords me as an interior designer, the unique opportunity to enhance my customer service. First, by expanding our visual presentation including designer fashioned complete room settings.

Our vignettes have been creatively designed to be redesigned and swapped out, on a weekly basis.

For example, a bedroom into a dining room from floor to ceiling including furnishings, accents, area rugs and lighting fixtures. I believe this helps our design staff contin-

ually hone our design skills, which helps us to better serve our clients.

Tuscany Fine Furnishings, offering life style fine furnishings, decorative accessories and design services for every room in your home, is located at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road Suite 315, in Roswell.

770-993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m. (1/4 Mile East off RT 400 at Exit 7, Holcomb Bridge Road) Tuscanyfinefurnishings.com Facebook.com/ tuscanyfinefurnishings Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 31

Johns Creek keeps improving The first quarter of our transformational calendar year is in the books, and the City Council and city staff are eager to engage with you more as planning and actions on our strategic goals are either underway, just on the horizon or in need of additional input.

We have many projects in the pipeline, and I encourage you to stay informed via the city’s website, www.johnscreekga.gov, through one of our social media platforms or sign up for the city’s newsletter.

Many of the projects were planned not long after the city incorporated in 2006 and have been included in a number of planning documents such as the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the North Fulton Transportation Plan, and prioritized in the city s TSPLOST list http:// www.johnscreekga.gov/Residents/ Public-Works/Future-Improvements/TSPLOST-(1)/TSPLOST. While we are making a great deal of progress on reviewing the city’s Comprehensive Plan a year ahead of schedule, more work and input is needed before we can complete this important task. The city is engaging with residents and consultants throughout the process. In addition to transportation, the plan also touches on future 32 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

development opportunities, and is used to provide a framework for the future of our community. The plan is scheduled for completion by the end of Fiscal Year 2017, which is Sept. 30. To keep up with the latest please visit http://www.johnscreekga.gov/CompPlanUpdate.

Another series of projects will kick off later this year that include the build out of five new parks and refurbishing four existing parks.

Our expanded recreational amenities will provide something for everyone from kids and families, to young adults and seniors of all abilities. Information regarding parks designs and the city’s Recreation and the Parks Strategic Plan can be viewed here http://www.johnscreekga.gov/RecreationandParks/ Parks-Design-Project.

I am also very encouraged about the next big step we are taking to restore the old Rogers Bridge across the Chattahoochee River connecting park facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in Johns Creek to Duluth. We continue to work on this project in partnership with Fulton County, Duluth and Gwinnett County.

The city took a giant step forward with the effort to grow our parks system last month when it received the highest possible credit rating from the nation’s largest rating agencies, Moody’s Investor Service and Standard & Poors (S&P) Global Ratings. The

Aaa and AAA ratings, respectively, enabled the city to move forward with securing its $40 million bond for parks construction, which the residents overwhelmingly approved on the general election ballot last November. As a result of the high ratings, the city received bonds with the highest credit quality at a lower interest rate, which saves taxpayer dollars.

It is truly a transformational year as we continue to plan and move forward with projects that will modernize our premiere residential community. I encourage you to keep track with all we have in the planning stages and remain engaged throughout the process. Let’s work together to keep Johns Creek the exceptional city it has become by using 2017 as a springboard into our next decade.

– Mike Bodker, Johns Creek Mayor

Bodker

Zaprowski

Lin

Davenport

Mike Bodker, Mayor 678-512-3313 mike.bodker@johnscreekga.gov

Cori Davenport, Post 3 678-512-3200 cori.davenport@johnscreekga.gov

City Council members Lenny Zaprowski, Post 1 678-512-3200 lenny.zaprowski@johnscreekga.gov

Chris Coughlin, Post 4 770-557-5702 Chris.coughlin@johnscreekga.gov

Jay Lin, Post 2 678-512-3200 jay.lin@johnscreekga.gov

Stephanie Endres, Post 5 678-512-3200 Stephanie.endres@johnscreekga. gov

Coughlin

Endres

Broadbent

Steve Broadbent, Post 6 Mayor Pro Tem 678-512-3200 steve.broadbent@johnscreekga.gov Johns Creek City Hall 12000 Findley Road, Suite 400 Johns Creek, Ga. 30092-1412 678-512-3200 info@johnscreekga.gov www.johnscreekga.gov

People making a difference

By JOE PARKER The Will to Live Foundation has many goals, but perhaps the main aim of the program is to get teens and parents talking about a subject that is perhaps one of the most difficult things to talk about — depression and mental illness. But thanks to the foundation, people are certainly talking.

The foundation, which has raised over $1 million, created the Signs of Suicide program now taught at all Fulton County Schools and has helped countless teens in the North metro Atlanta area bring to light an issue often kept in the shadows. The foundation is run by teens, who organize events, raise funds and help one another through depression and mental illness.

It also serves as a prime example of turning an incredibly saddening situation in to a positive outcome.

In 2010, Northview freshman Will Trautwein took his own life. Will’s father, John, said he never suspected Will of battling with depression or mental illness before that fateful day.

“No one had any idea he was struggling,” Trautwein said. “He had a happy home, was popular, a great athlete and accomplished musician. If someone had said my son was struggling from depression I would have thought they were nuts.”

John Trautwein and wife, Susie, share the Will to Live message and Northview’s baseball park dedication to the foundation.

“But Will wasn’t talking about it, he was listening to me tell him how great he was and great everything around him was.”

And it is the lack of communication that Trautwein said is so vital to helping teens battle depression, and the aim of the Will to Live foundation is to get people comfortable talking about any issues they may be struggling with and to tell one another that they are loved.

The foundation uses the phrase, “Love Ya Man” to reiterate that students and their peers are their own support network, and that no matter what, they are always cared for and loved. For information on the foundation, visit www.will-to-live.org.

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 33

Rogers Bridge is planned to be refurbished as a pedestrian bridge by Johns Creek, Duluth, Gwinnett County and Fulton County. It would then connect Johns Creek trails with those of Duluth and Gwinnett County.

Johns Creek $40M rec bond passes big 65.7% say yes to more parks

By HATCHER HURD Residents of Johns Creek voted overwhelmingly in favor of the city’s first bond issue – $40 million for recreation and parks with 65.7 percent voting in favor.

With the huge turnout in part because of the presidential election, 20,579 voted in favor of the bond with 10,700 opposed.

Mayor Mike Bodker said he was glad there was such a turnout and the vote supporting the parks bond.

“Yes, I was pleased. This will provide us the ability to accelerate the work on our new parks and our existing ones,” Bodker said. “This will be phenomenal for our citizens.

I’m glad we were able to get a high voter turnout as well.”

34 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

The most important work will be finishing out the five new parks, he said. Getting those up and running for city residents’ use will be a priority.

The bond money will be allocated in three areas: • Build out of the five new parks and pocket parks, • Improve existing parks • Land acquisition.

The bulk of the bond money – about $29 million – will go to bring online the city’s new parkland at: • Cauley Creek Park on Bell Road • Technology Park on Medlock • Morton Road Pocket Park • Bell Boles Pocket Park • Rogers Bridge Trail

“When we talk about the city being exceptional, these additions to our parks system will certainly bear that out,” Bodker said. “This is going to be phenomenal for our citizens.”

Today, the Recreation & Parks Department maintains more than 200 acres of parkland including the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

City parks include five access points to the Chattahoochee River.

Programming includes activities and sports for youth and adults of all ages.

The 10,600-square-foot Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater provides a venue for outdoor events and entertainment. It seats 1,400 patrons with room for about 400 under the shelter.

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Johns Creek Parks (678) 512-3200 • johnscreekga.com 1. Autrey Mill (46 acre) 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek 2. Newtown Park (46 acres) 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek 3. Ocee Park (37 acres) 10900 Buice Road, Johns Creek 4. Shakerag Park (66 acres) 10945 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek

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36 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

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nner Band and Orchestra•Coding Classes•Small Class Sizes Well-Rounded Educational Programs•Strong Academics Performing Arts Courses•Athletic Opportunities Clubs & Extracurricular Activities•Internationally Recognized Academic Teams•Competitive Tuition Rates•Family-Oriented Environment•International Field Trips•Grade Level Acceleration/ Progression Opportunities•College Enrichment, Readiness, Preparation Courses•Character Education•Foreign Language FSA ACADEMIC TEAM AWARDS AND ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS • Won 1st Place in the 2016 State Math Counts competition and advanced to nationals in Washington, D.C. • Won the 2016 Innovation & Strategy Award in the North American Lego League, CA. • Won 1st Place in the “Write It-Do It” event in the 2016 National Science Olympiad, WI. • Represented the state of Georgia in the 2016 International Model United Nations Competition, NY. • Represented the state of Georgia in the 2016 Global Destination Imagination finals, TN. Enrollment is open to all Georgia residents. Competitive Admission Criteria Fulton Science Academy•3035 Fanfare Way•Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 www.fultonscienceacademy.org•678.366.2555 admissions@fultonscienceacademy.org Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 37

AROUND TOWN

Transforming the way health care is delivered in Johns Creek

Gwinnett Medical Center traces its roots to a single community hospital, which for decades stood as the only hospital serving the Johns Creek community. And while we’re known for our legacy of care and compassion, today, we’re making expert health care even more convenient for you and your family.

Whether it’s the new GMC Primary Care & Specialty CenterSuwanee, the skilled providers of the Johns Creek Orthopedic Surgery Center, the extensive resources of GMC-Duluth or the comprehensive services offered at ChoiceOne Urgent Care-Sugar Hill, we are continually striving to meet the health care needs of the Johns Creek community.

Here are just a few of the ways that we’re making our advanced health care readily available for you and your family: GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee Conveniently located at the corner of McGinnis Ferry and Peachtree Industrial, in The Shoppes at Suwanee, you and your family have access to a wide range of comprehensive services under one roof.

This advanced center pairs high quality health care provided by experienced specialists with a relaxing, spa-like environment to deliver an exceptional health care experience.

At this center, you can enjoy one-stop access to: • Primary Care services offered

by Gwinnett Medical Group

38 | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

• OB/GYN services offered by The Women’s Group of Gwinnett • Gastroenterology services offered by Gastroenterology Specialists of Gwinnett • Cardiology services offered by Gwinnett Cardiology Services • Ultrasound offered by Gwinnett Medical Center • Cardiac Imaging offered by Gwinnett Medical Center Johns Creek Orthopedic Surgery Center With a compassionate and dedicated team, the latest in technology and a healing environment, this center provides high-quality surgical care that’s close to home.

The highly-trained physicians, specialists and staff will be with you at every step of your surgery. Plus, the convenience of this center ensures the safest, quickest recovery possible.

GMC-Duluth From the customized care offered at the Center for Weight

Management and the groundbreaking Concussion Institute, to the experienced team at Glancy Rehabilitation Center, GMC-Duluth offers a wide range of services to meet all of your health care needs. Our trusted experts serve as a gateway to connect you and your family with an extensive array of providers, services and resources.

ChoiceOne Urgent CareSugar Hill At ChoiceOne Urgent Care in Sugar Hill, you and your family have access to personalized health care exactly when you need it. Whether it’s a stomach bug, an infection or a broken bone, the team at ChoiceOne Urgent Care can help.

With comprehensive services, convenient hours and knowledgeable providers, you will receive thorough care from the moment you walk through the door.

To learn more about how we’re transforming health care in the Johns Creek community, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

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GMC takes convenience to heart.

Between Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, our Glancy Campus, ChoiceOne Urgent Care in Sugar Hill, the GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee and the Johns Creek Orthopedic Surgery Center, we offer a wealth of services that are convenient to you.

Visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities to learn more.

This is Gwinnett Medical Center. This is now.

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 39

Top 3 events in Johns Creek The Johns Creek Arts Festival Oct. Atlanta Athletic Club Fields The Johns Creek Arts Festival has quickly become one of the great outdoor events in Johns Creek and North Fulton. The area comes alive with more than 100 whimsical and fun artisans from around the country. This is the perfect venue to showcase the talented artisans who exhibit their paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, yard art and many more goodies. The annual fall celebration of the arts is a shoppers’ paradise, and there is local musical and dancing talent to add color to the event. Come to see and be seen.

Cultural and outdoor activities Autrey Mill Nature Center and Heritage Center 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Cultural Heritage Center is on 46 acres of ravine forest and a scenic creek. It has two miles of walking trails winding past the creek and forest filled with mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a

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The Fall Family Festival Oct. Newtown Park Fall Family Festival & Public Works ‘Touch-A-Truck’ features music, games, activities, art & crafts, moonwalks, giant slides, obstacle course and much more.

It is also the last chance to visit the city’s Farmers Market, and it all happens at fun-filled Newtown Park. It is a celebration of the last beautiful days of fall with lots to eat and fun for the family.

The city’s Public Works ‘TouchA-Truck’ is always a treat for the little ones. The city provides an up-close view of bulldozers, backhoes, public safety vehicles and other cool machines, such as those for road improvements and traffic signal operations.

Founders Day Parade Dec. State Bridge Road The annual Founders Day Parade is a special celebration of the city’s incorporation simply because the founding of the city was in their lifetimes.

Most of the residents who take part in the parade were here in 2006, so they are the founding fathers, mothers and children of Johns Creek.

So expect the brass bands to blare from all the high schools as they march by and hear the people cheer as the floats go past. Some of the parade highlights include local neighborhoods with proud banners, schools, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, community organizations, civic clubs and businesses.

variety of animal life.

It is also home to the Heritage Village composed of four buildings original to the site and four landmark structures moved from nearby properties.

hosts the largest summer arts camp in Fulton County and delivers community outreach programs and Girl Scout badge and try-it programs.

Johns Creek Arts Center 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road Building 700, Johns Creek Throughout the year, the center offers more than 75 unique classes and workshops for youth, adults and seniors. In addition, the center

Newtown Park Amphitheater 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek www.johnscreekga.gov The Newtown Park Amphitheater provides a venue for city-sponsored events, such as its summer concerts. Naturally designed with stacked stone and arches of Southern pine, the 10,600-square-foot open-air amphitheater offers up to 400 seats under cover, and another 1,000 seats on its terraced grass surroundings.

It is also home to the Johns Creek Farmers Market each Saturday morning from April through October.

The Amphitheater is home to the Summer Concert series.

Johns Creek rated safest city in Georgia

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By HATCHER HURD Last year, SafeWise, an authority on home safety and security news, published its list of Georgia’s Safest Cities, and Johns Creek came in at No. 2. This year Johns Creek left little room for improvement ranked as SafeWise’s No. 1 safe city based on 2015 FBI crime statistics.

Milton came in at No. 2, and Roswell and Alpharetta remained in the Top 20.

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was ebullient about his city’s selection as the safest city in Georgia.

“I think the most essential role of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Bodker. “The secondary goal of local government is to protect property values.

That is not something that occurs by happenstance.”

Location is a factor. The lack of poverty and unemployment are others, he said. But the city from its inception has been proactive about public safety and fire safety. And working to provide the resources necessary, the city has done a good job of both, he said.

“By being a safe community, we are also a desirable community. And I credit our fire chief, our police chief and the folks who manage Chattcom 911 for helping make this happen.”

Bodker pointed out the Police Department is not only CALEA-certified, a distinction shared by only 10 percent of all U.S. law enforcement agencies, but is Gold-certified. That puts it in the top 1 percent of agencies so certified.

D ARY

Milton ranks 2nd, Roswell, Alpharetta Top 20

E O R DI N V E A BE H I N

In a world full of every day, Johns Creek is a place where extraordinary is the only thing that’s status quo.

The selection of nationally recognized schools within the city, exceptional businesses, and exciting community events draw established professionals, growing families, and empty nesters together to create a fun and thriving community.

We invite you to join us and leave the ordinary behind!

#1 Safest city in Georgia | #1 Best Georgia City to Raise a Family

LEARN MORE AT WWW.JOHNSCREEKGA.GOV Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 41

Welcome to Milton As the mayor of the city of Milton, let me be one of the first to welcome you!

Regardless of whether you moved here from another location within our city or relocated here from thousands of miles away, I’m hopeful you will enjoy calling North Fulton home.

Milton was recently named the second safest city in Georgia and one of Georgia’s 10 best suburbs.

Our city his home to nationally ranked schools and award-winning parks and recreation programs.

In addition to giving you a hearty welcome to Milton, I want you to be aware of a few big things we have happening in our city this year: 1. New city hall: Milton is a young city, officially incorporating in 2006 and recently celebrating our 10-year anniversary on December 1, 2016. As part of our 10-year celebration, we opened a brand new City Hall in the heart of the Crabapple area in March 2017. We invite you to visit Milton City Hall at 2006 Heritage Walk, located just one block off of Crabapple Road. Our new City Hall honors our rural heritage with its rustic looking exterior, while offering a more modern, open-air work environment on the inside.

2. Leading the standard in local government: We strive to innovatively connect with residents and business owners on a daily basis and provide services. We continue our efforts to implement 42 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

and execute our 2016–2020 Strategic Plan, which will guide our city over the next several years with goals focused on preserving what makes Milton unique, continuing to build community connections and provide rich and engaging experiences for all residents. Each one of these goals gives Milton’s staff and elected officials the exciting opportunity to interact with residents on a new and deeper level. As part of our efforts to preserve what makes our community unique, Milton residents passed a $25 million greenspace bond referendum in November 2016. In May 2017, we will complete the bond sale, and a committee of Milton citizens dedicated to conservation and preservation will assist with greenspace recommendations.

3. Moving around Milton: With the 2016 passage of the Fulton County Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales

Tax, or more commonly known as TSPLOST, you will see a number of transportation projects kicking off in the coming months. TSPLOST provides for an additional sales tax (0.75 percent) over a five-year period to help fund transportation projects. Milton projects will include transportation enhancements as well as congestion relief.

Visit our website at www. cityofmiltonga.us. There, you’ll find extensive information on the projects above, our government, city officials, parks and recreation and many other areas that could be of interest to you and your family.

If you have any questions or would like more information about Milton, please give me a call at 678-242-2484 or email joe. lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us. I’m available anytime you need me.

Again, welcome to North Fulton!

– Joe Lockwood, Milton Mayor

Providence Park reopens after more than a decade of closure

By ZOYA ANSARI Providence Park – closed for 12 years – was officially reopened on Nov. 12, 2016. Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood cut the ribbon at the grand opening, signifying that the extensive work done by the community had been successful.

Prior to Milton becoming a city 10 years ago, several parks were purchased to be a part of the new community. However, Providence Park, located at 13440 Providence Road, had complications.

“Unfortunately this park we did not purchase because somebody had dumped some barrels of chemicals which leaked into the ground,” Lockwood said. “We did some remediation on that, but it is

a long process that takes several years. Once clean, they have to test it to make sure it won’t come back.”

Testing on the contaminated land began in 2004 and concluded in March 2015. Since then, the Parks and Recreation Board has removed garbage and debris, relocated a beehive, repaired fencing and removed old buildings.

These actions, along with the addition of two trails, have been made possible by the contribution of local Boy Scout Troops 3000, 429 and 69. Eagle Scouts Matthew Reck, Dillon Hepp, Collin Liberatore, Austin Sabo, Corey Harrison and Andrew Krznarich worked on trail renovations, amphitheater ren-

ovations and bench construction and installation projects.

“What really makes the park special not only are citizens that come, but also these Eagle Scouts that have put forward hard work,” Lockwood said.

Charlie Lancelot, neighbor to the park for more than 20 years, maintained the trails while the park was closed. After moving next door, Lancelot saw the park shuttered after only nine years of living there.

“I wasn’t about to let that stop me,” Lancelot said. “We took it upon ourselves to keep the trails open to be able to run on the trails that we bought a house next to. I never thought I’d see this day but boy, is it great.”

Fulton Golden Games: Throughout the month of May 2017, various Metro-Atlanta Parks & Facilities Memorial Day: May 29, 10 a.m.

Beach Bash At Bell: June 24, Bell Memorial Park, 6–10 p.m.

Crabapple Fest: October 7, Downtown Crabapple, 10 a.m–5 p.m.

Carvin’ in Crabapple: October 22, Broadwell Pavilion, 2–5 p.m.

Veteran’s Day Breakfast with Milton Veterans: November 11, City Hall, 8–9 a.m.

Milton Literary Festival: November 11, City Hall, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Milton Tree Lighting: November 25, Broadwell Pavilion, 6–7 p.m.

Christmas in Crabapple: December 2, Broadwell Pavilion, 2–5 p.m.

Milton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast with Santa: December 9, Fire Station 43, 8–10 a.m.

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 43

Lockwood

Thurman

Kunz

Lusk

Hewitt

Longoria

Mohrig

Joe Lockwood, Mayor 678-242-2484 joe.lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us

Bill Lusk, District 2/Post 1 678-242-2495 bill.lusk@cityofmiltonga.us

Rick Mohrig, District 3/Post 2 678-242-2496 rick.mohrig@cityofmiltonga.us

City Council members Karen Thurman, District 1/Post 1 678-242-2493 karen.thurman@cityofmiltonga.us

Burt Hewitt, District 1/Post 2 678-242-2497 burt.hewitt@cityofmiltonga.us

Milton City Hall 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, Ga. 30004 678-242-2500 info@cityofmiltonga.us www.cityofmiltonga.us

Matt Kunz, District 2/Post 2 678-242-2494 matt.kunz@cityofmiltonga.us

Joe Longoria, District 3/Post 1 678-242-2498 joe.longoria@cityofmiltonga.us

People making a difference Amanda White, founder of Children’s Charities When Amanda White’s oldest daughter was 13, she suffered a staff infection of the blood stream. While in dire need of emergency transport, she waited over three hours to be transferred from Northside Forsyth to Atlanta. Her daughter “crashed” on her way to Scottish Rite, and medical staff revived her.

There was not a unit designated for outside the perimeter, so Lauren Holmes (her co-founder) and White wanted to do something that would benefit their community. Since then, Children’s Charities has funded the Eye Tracking Device at CHOA Forsyth that can detect signs of Autism in children as young as 2 months old, fully funded and developed an summer equine camp for kids with autism, provided cell phone charging stations and $80K of vein viewers to CHOA urgent care centers around the state. They also feed 25 families Thanksgiving Dinner and provide lunches for Stand Up for Kids (a mentoring and tutoring program for foster kids at Independence High School) once a month.

“Just knowing that you can make a difference in a child’s life and better your community, that something wonderful can happen just because you put forth the effort, is so rewarding,” White said.

Currently, Children’s Charities is campaigning 44 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Children’s Charities founder Amanda White.

to build an all-inclusive park for disabled children, including the largest ramping system in Georgia, wheel chair accessible zip line and gravity rail, items for upper body strength development, sensory centers for autistic children, music center as well as sign language learning panels. Children’s Charities welcomes any donations or sponsorships.

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Top 3 events in Milton Milton Hometown Jubilee Early spring, Broadwell Road Milton’s Hometown Jubilee promises a lot of fun and hometown pride for Milton residents.

Come enjoy dishes and signature cocktails from local restaurants.

The event will be held on Broadwell Road in front of the new pavilion.

Christmas in Crabapple Early Dec. Downtown Crabapple Milton hosts its annual holiday event in the heart of Downtown Crabapple. This quaint holiday tradition has become a Milton staple including Santa photos arts, caroling, s’mores, hot cocoa and more. The event will be held at Broadwell Pavilion located at 12615 Broadwell Road.

Crabapple Fest Early Oct. Downtown Crabapple The City of Milton and non -profit Crabapple Community Association (CCA) combine to put on one massive destination festival. Crabapple Fest features antiques and art vendors, music and entertainment, children’s activities, and beer and wine on festival grounds.

Cultural and outdoor activities Downtown Crabapple Crabapple Road/Ga. 372, Milton Milton’s “downtown” has a historic hometown feel while incorporating some of the city’s new growth.

Eat at some of the best restaurants in town or bring a picnic to the Broadwell Pavilion. Shop for trendy outfits and unique artistic pieces at local retailers that bring contemporary style to southern comfort.

Bell Memorial Park 15245 Bell Park Road, Milton Reopened in October 2015, Bell Memorial is a nearly 36-acre, active-use park with four diamond baseball fields and two multipurpose fields, pavilions, concessions and a playground.

Architecture, landscape and hardscape should all come together to create an harmonious effect in Downtown Crabapple, says developer Adam Orkin.

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Thomas Byrd Sr. House 15690 Hopewell Road, Milton Renovated in June 2015, the historic 4,000-square-foot, two-story home on Hopewell Road, which dates back to the mid-1800s, is a center for Senior Services North Fulton during the business day and an event facility for special occasions.

Previewing Milton’s new government building Rural character meets modern design in City Hall

By JOE PARKER Milton finally has a city hall of its own. Gone will be the strip-mall appearance and the yellowish haze of fluorescent lighting and cramped quarters of the old city hall. That’s all been replaced by a modern, beautifully appointed building that pays homage to Milton’s past and its rural character.

The new City Hall, located at 2006 Heritage Walk, opened March 10. The 32,000-square foot facility has been under construction since Dec. 1, 2016 and was completed on deadline and on budget ($11.5 million).

City Architect Bob Buscemi said a focus for the new City Hall was to blend the rural character of Milton with a modern, open workspace that allows for natural lighting.

Kathy Fields, Milton community development director, said the new town hall will serve as an anchor for the city and downtown Crabapple.

A community building, separate from the town hall, will serve as a meeting place for Milton’s committees as well as residents who wish to rent the facility. Adjoining the community building will be outdoor restrooms and a plaza with outdoor furniture that connects the two buildings. Fields said the plaza will be “community interactive” and

allows for vendor tents and outdoor space for festivals.

City Hall’s interior is divided by legislative and administrative offices. Adding to its character, meeting rooms are named for Milton streets.

Fields said the two-story City Hall is designed to last 50 years, so the interior was fashioned with an open workspace conducive to millennials. The building also has room for expansion as the city and its staff grows.

The entrance will feature a guide kiosk where visitors can watch a live feed of the video stream within the council chambers. Those chambers will have more seating, with elected leaders and staff seated in front behind a horseshoe-shaped dais.

The building was constructed with environmental impact in mind and designed up to Leadership in

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

An energy efficient “cool” roof was installed, the electrical load was kept low and a cutting-edge HVAC system was installed. The HVAC system, a super variable refrigerant flow system, funnels coolant throughout the building increasing its efficiency.

City manager Steven Krokoff said he is thoroughly impressed with the building and praised Buscemi for his work in the design.

“Bob has been crucial to keeping the rural design aspects to the City Hall and tying the building in to our city’s character,” Krokoff said. “He was here every day and was able to answer questions or concerns quickly which expedited the process. It’s a luxury some other cities don’t have, and we are very thankful for his work on this project.” Krokoff said.

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Greetings from Forsyth County Greetings from Forsyth County – recently named the healthiest county in the state for the fifth consecutive year!

Forsyth County, Georgia is growing quickly, and it is clear why when you take a look at our parks and other amenities. We offer more than 2,700 acres of green space with 25 parks, and the 26th – Eagle’s Beak Park – coming soon.

Beyond the parks system, the county provides superior public safety services, which have only improved with the two new fire stations that opened just this year. For our residents ages 50 and over, you have access to three senior centers that arrange everything from continuing education to day trips, concerts and fitness. An animal shelter, three recreation centers and three recycling convenience centers offer quality in-county services to residents.

The county provides government information to the public through several platforms including the county’s website – forsythco. com, TV Forsyth and a county government Facebook page. Residents may also subscribe to receive news directly from their district commissioner. This new website feature, along with an interactive transportation projects map, can be found on the homepage of the county website.

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Forsyth County is recognized nationally for its quality of life, school system, vibrant business community and skilled workforce, low property taxes compared to neighboring counties and a variety of housing options from traditional subdivisions to homes in a rural

setting.

I am happy to have called Forsyth County home for the last 27 years and am proud to have raised my two children here.

– Todd Levent, Chairman, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners

Census: Forsyth population up 4 percent

By KATHLEEN STURGEON It’s said and discussed all the time: Forsyth County’s population is growing rapidly. And now there are statistics to confirm it.

According to recent data by the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s population rose 4.03 percent last year from 212,438 in 2015, to 221,009 in 2016. That’s a nearly 26 percent increase from 2010 when the Forsyth population was estimated at 175,511.

Forsyth Board of Commissioners Chairman Todd Levent said the county has a lot of things in place that are attractive to people.

“There are articles throughout the nation that tell people this is one of the best places to live and raise a family,” Levent said. “That in itself attracts people wanting to live here. With our schools, amazing parks systems and public safety, it’s a great place to live.”

Along with that growth come growing pains or as Levent calls it, “solvable challenges,” including roads and overcrowded schools.

“We are getting the roads to accommodate all the additional traffic,” Levent said. “We have a lot of things in place that are already in the works to resolve those issues, including the transportation bond that citizens passed in 2014, SPLOST dollars and our phenomenal relationship with the state and Georgia Department of Transportation.”

Either up or down, the population will directly affect many parts of the community.

“Obviously, growth creates all kinds of challenges, but so does lack of growth,” Levent said. “When we go to commissioner conventions, we talk to ones across the state who don’t have enough money to replace 15-year-old police cars, and we have state-of-the-art equipment for ours. There are two sides to the spectrum and you have to decide which balance you like in life and the way you choose to live.”

In 2016, Forsyth was ranked by the Census the 11th fastest-growing county out of the 100 fastest-growing U.S. counties with 10,000 or more residents.

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Levent Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Todd Levent, Chairman, District 3 678-513-5883 tlevent@forsythco.com R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 1 678-513-5881 rjamos@forsythco.com

Amos

Swope

Mills

Semanson

Rick Swope, District 2 678-513-5882 rhswope@forsythco.com

Laura Semanson, District 5 678-513-5885 losemanson@forsythco.com

Cindy Jones Mills, District 4 678-513-5884 cjmills@forsythco.com

Forsyth County Administration 110 East Main Street Cumming GA 30040 770-781-2101 www.forsythco.com/Contact-Us

People making a difference Shandra Dawkins, executive director of Family Haven Georgia In 2015, Dawkins began to explore a career where she could use her expertise in women’s issues, with a concentration on family violence.

The options included heading up a new women’s study program at a university; becoming a trainer for a state provider or continuing her grassroots efforts, working in the domestic violence arena at a domestic violence program.

Dawkins accepted the position of executive director at Forsyth County Family Haven, an advocate for victims of domestic violence and their families. The center provides shelter, programs, and community education to end the cycle of violence.

“The most rewarding part of my job is to witness a victim of domestic violence take the most courageous steps to regain control back over her life; transforming from a victim to a survivor,” Dawkins said.

“Or; seeing a little girl or boy who arrived to the shelter, with a tear-stained face now full of laughter and smiles; or simply working with support staff on submission of a grant and receiving that grant award letter (that says) ‘you’re funded.’ I feel that I’ve been able to mobilize a community to consciously become more aware and address the issues of domestic/family violence. We, as a community, are no longer keeping our heads buried in the sand, about domestic violence.”

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Executive director of Family Haven Georgia Shandra Dawkins.

Gravitt

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H. Ford Gravitt, Mayor

Christopher Light, Post 4

City Council members Charles F. Welch, Jr. Post 1

Linda Ledbetter, Post 5

Quincy Holton, Post 2 Lewis Ledbetter, Post 3

Ledbetter

City of Cumming 100 Main Street Cumming, Ga. 30040 (770)781-2010

Light

Ledbetter

The Mayor and Council do not have city email or phone numbers.

To reach them, contact Public Information Officer, Crystal Ledford, at 770- 205-4220, ext. 2030, or cledford@cityofcumming.net.

Forsyth ranked healthiest county in Georgia

By KATHLEEN STURGEON With its low premature death and uninsured rates, but exceptional high school graduation rates and plenty of access to exercise opportunities, Forsyth County has been named the healthiest county in Georgia.

This is the fifth consecutive year the county has received this designation from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps study initiated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The program looks into factors such as length and quality of life, health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment.

This year’s research found more Americans are dying prematurely, with rates among minorities, residents in rural counties and those ages 15-44 on the rise. The study

factored in lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity and exercise frequency. It also looked at income, accessibility to healthcare and education, among many others.

The study found that the leading causes of death under age 75 in Forsyth include malignant neoplasms, heart disease, unintentional injuries from accidents, intentional self-harm and chronic lower respiratory diseases.

The rankings suggest that heathier lifestyles serve as the basis for Forsyth County health outcomes, according to Carolyn Booker, director of patient care services at Northside Hospital Forsyth.

“Increased access to healthcare services, preventative and acute, more green space with parks and recreation, as well as proactive health education focused on prevention are a few of the strategies

that contribute to the county’s status,” Booker said. “We rank lower than other counties in behaviors that can negatively impact health, such as adult smoking, adult obesity and physical inactivity. ” The ongoing collaboration between Forsyth’s government, nonprofits, health care and residents are what helps to set the county apart, she said.

But even with the top ranking, Forsyth has room for improvements. Adult obesity in the county is at 29 percent, there were 69 violent crimes in 2016 and there were drinking water violations.

“There is always some type of health-related activity taking place in areas of the county,” Booker said. “We can see that the civic leaders will never rest on their laurels. There will always be the goal of making Forsyth County a great community.”

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Top 3 events in Forsyth County

www.forsythforfamilies.com/tag/ fowler-park/.

families and friends to learn about planning for the future.

Play at the Park Family Fun Festival; Early fall, Fowler Park Forsyth County Parks and Recreation annually hosts the Play at the Park Family Fun Festival in September. The festival features a variety of family-friendly entertainment and activities.

For more information, visit http://

Forsyth County Senior Expo April, Forsyth Conference Center Forsyth County Senior Services annually hosts the Forsyth Senior Expo at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.

The Senior Expo is an opportunity for senior citizens as well as their

Country Fair and Festival Oct. Cumming Fairgrounds Thousands of visitors annually attend the Cumming Country Fair and Festival held at the Cumming Fairgrounds in October. In 2016, this 11-day event will kick off on Thursday, October 6. For more information, visit www.cummingfair.net.

Cultural and outdoor activities Cumming Playhouse www.playhousecumming.com 101 School Street, Cumming The Cumming Playhouse is located in the 1923 Cumming Public School, a structure named to the National Register in 2000. A property of the City of Cumming, it also houses the Historical Society of Forsyth County. The playhouse offers visitors a look into Cumming’s history. Patrons enjoy a variety of plays and concerts as well as playhouse tours.

Cumming Fairgrounds www.cummingfair.net 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming The Cumming Fairgrounds offers seasonal fun for the family. In October the Cumming Country Fair and Festival brings the community together for wild rides and tasty food. Rodeos, shows and other festivals keep the fairgrounds hopping in the fall and winter.

52 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Forsyth County Arts Alliance www.forsythartsalliance.com The Forsyth County Arts Alliance aims to enrich the quality of life in Forsyth by connecting people to the arts. The Alliance advocates for the arts to keep them thriving in the community.

Lake Lanier www.lakelanier.org Lake Sidney Lanier was completed in 1957 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Forsyth County operates several parks on the shores of this more than 38,000acre lake, including the popular Shady Grove Campground.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve 4075 Spot Road, Cumming www.sawneemountain.org Located on and around Sawnee Mountain, the 963acre Sawnee Mountain Preserve offers unique recreational and educational opportunities to the public.

Resort-style living in 8 distinct neighborhoods on 440 rolling acres Mountain Crest in Cumming, Forsyth County’s most expansive master-planned community to date, presents today’s homebuyers with many delightful choices to suit a variety of lifestyles. Earlier in 2017, Mountain Crest’s Welcome Home Center and its Model Home Park, featuring four beautiful floorplans, opened to the public, and a number of eager homebuyers have already selected their new home.

Mountain Crest’s 674 homesites are located on 440 acres including 150 acres of common space, right off Bethelview Road, west of GA 400 in desirable Forsyth County. When completed, Mountain Crest by Lennar Atlanta will include 117 townhomes, 92 single level homes, and 465 single family residences.

Eight different neighborhoods Within Mountain Crest, there will be six different family-friendly neighborhoods, with stand-alone homes on 60 ft., 75 ft., and 90 ft. lots. The first of these is Horseman’s Run, a welcoming neighborhood with two-story traditional homes.

The first residences here will be ready to close in July 2017, in time to start the new school year in Forsyth County’s superb school system.

In addition, Mountain Crest has planned Stablegate at Mountain Crest, a vibrant townhome community that will open for sale

in the summer of 2017, as well as Bridlewood at Mountain Crest, a collection of single-level homes designed for easy living. Homes and townhomes will range from the mid $200s to the $600s.

Patti Dunn, Director of Sales with Lennar Atlanta, describes the company’s vision for Mountain Crest as follows: “We are building a master-planned, resort-style community that offers a variety of home styles and price points. We want to make sure that almost anyone can find a home here that suits their needs.

Mountain Crest will definitely appeal to young professionals, growing families and homeowners who enjoy an active lifestyle in one of the most beautiful areas of the county.”

Situated on a stunning piece of rolling land in the shadow of the North Georgia Mountains, Mountain Crest’s beautifully landscaped neighborhoods are all connected by wide sidewalks, close to Mountain Crest’s magnificent Clubhouse and resort-style amenities.

Multi-Million Dollar Amenities Mountain Crest offers yearround resort-style living and includes multi-million dollar amenities for its residents: • 8,000 sf. ft. clubhouse with rooms for activities, clubs and social events • 8 lighted tennis courts and a

AROUND TOWN

Cumming’s Mountain Crest combines gorgeous setting with masterful design

viewing pavilion • 4 pickleball courts • Junior Olympic swimming pool, waterslide and other water features • Children’s playground • A central Village Green, the size of a football field, for games, picnics, concerts and open air gatherings, plus gardens, walking paths and benches • Pocket parks in each neighborhood • Extensive landscaping including tree-lined streets throughout • In certain neighborhoods, residents will be able to enjoy garden beds, a bocce ball court, a smaller neighborhood clubhouse or a dedicated pool.

All open spaces will be governed by a Master Home Owners Association.

For information about Mountain Crest, a Lennar Atlanta community, or to add your name to the interest list, please visit MountainCrestGA. com or call 404-947-6641.

About Lennar Atlanta: Since 2010, Lennar Atlanta, part of Lennar Corp. (NYSE: LEN), has developed more than 40 residential communities throughout the greater metropolitan Atlanta area and Georgia, with additional neighborhoods scheduled to open in 2017.

Headquartered in Roswell, the Lennar Atlanta team is led by Steve Atchison, Division President.

Sponsored Section | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 53

Forsyth County Parks: (770) 781-2215 • forsythco.com 1. Bennet Park (29 acres) 5930 Burruss Mill Road, Cumming 2. Big Creek Greenway trail heads: • 2A: 5120 Bethelview Road - parking and bathrooms • 2B: 4110 Carolene Way at Fowler Park - parking and bathrooms (Follow the signs inside the park.)

• 2C: 1622 McFarland Parkway - parking for approximately 50 vehicles and portable bathrooms • 2D: 5259 Union Hill Road - parking for approximately 25 vehicles and bathrooms 3. Caney Creek Preserve (63 acres) 2755 Caney Road, Cumming 4. Central Park (85 acres) 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming 5. Charleston Park (154 acres) 5850 Charleston Park Road, Cumming 6. Chattahoochee Pointe (100 acres) 5790 Chattahoochee Pointe Drive, Suwanee 7. Chestatee Community Building (3 acres) 6875 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville 8. Coal Mountain Park (26 acres) 3560 Settingdown Road, Cumming 9. Ducktown Park (6 acres) 5895 Heardsville Road, Cumming

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54 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

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Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 55

Forsyth Schools earns highest financial efficiency rating in metro Atlanta District rates 5 stars for second year in row

By KATHLEEN STURGEON For the second year, Forsyth County Schools has earned the highest financial efficiency rating from the Georgia Department of Education. The district won the highest and only 5-star among metro Atlanta districts and large districts, of 7,000 or more students, in Georgia.

The Financial Efficiency Star Rating provides a measure of a local school district’s per-pupil spending in relation to the academic achievements of its students. Specifically, the rating is based on a three-year average of per-pupil spending, which is then associated with the district’s College and Career Ready Performance Index score.

Additionally, the state recently released the 2016 school climate star ratings.

Georgia is the first state in the nation to include school climate as an early indicator in its academic accountability system, the College and Career Ready Performance Index. State law requires the development and use of a “star rating” to address school climate.

The School Climate Star Rating is a diagnostic tool to determine if a 56 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

school is on the right path to school improvement.

The School Climate Star Rating is calculated using data from the Georgia Student Health Survey 2.0, Georgia School Personnel Survey, Georgia Parent Survey, student discipline data and attendance records for students, teachers, staff and administrators.

School Climate star ratings reflect school level data and are not applied at the district level. But Forsyth schools received between 5 stars and 2 stars.

Sharon ES, Riverwatch MS, Shiloh Point ES, Johns Creek ES, Vickery Creek ES, Vickery Creek MS, Otwell MS, Little Mill MS, Lakeside MS, Liberty MS, Piney Grove MS, North Forsyth MS and South Forsyth MS all earned 5 stars.

Kelly Mill ES was the only Forsyth school to earn a 2 star rating.

“We’re committed to providing – in a responsible fashion – information on school performance for the use of educators, parents, and communities,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The Financial Efficiency Star Rating helps stakeholders see how districts are using the funds they’re allotted, providing a baseline for future conversations, while the School Climate Star Rating gives a clear overview of the climate and culture within a school, which is a crucial factor for student suc-

cess. The School Climate rating, in particular, has clear ties to student achievement – and to third grade reading, which is a major predictor of students’ later success.”

Statewide, for the School Climate Star Ratings, 15 percent of schools earned a 5-star rating, an increase of 3.6 percentage points in the number of schools earning the top rating.

For the Financial Efficiency Star Rating, 1.1 percent of districts earned a 5-star rating, 4.4 percent earned 4.5 stars, 12.8 percent earned 4 stars, 19.4 percent earned 3.5 stars, 17.2 percent earned 3 stars, 20.6 percent earned 2.5 stars, 12.8 percent earned 2 stars, 6.7 percent earned 1.5 stars, 5 percent earned 1 star, and no school districts earned 0.5 stars.

According to the Georgia Department of Education, each district receives a rating ranging from onehalf star to five stars.

A five-star district can be described as having strong academic outcomes and lower levels of expenditures in comparison with other districts.

This year’s ratings are based on data from the 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years.

Fulton County earned 2.5 stars, Hall earned 4 stars, Dawson earned 2.5 stars, Gwinnett earned 4.5 stars, Gainesville earned 3 stars and Cherokee earned 4 stars.

Forsyth Schools earns advance accreditation

By KATHLEEN STURGEON Every five years beginning in 2007 and continuing in 2012, Forsyth County Schools earned AdvancED district accreditation.

And now, the district has earned it for a third time.

AdvancED conducts external reviews of schools and systems to, “ensure all learners realize their full potential,” according to its website.

Each year, Forsyth follows a continuous improvement process that aligns the district’s vision, mission, beliefs, Learner Profile and School and Department Improvement Plans with the county’s Strategic Plan and AdvancED

Standards.

For 2016-17, the district conducted an internal review for the accreditation visit. State and national testing scores, along with graduation rates were considered.

Nearly half of all students, 23 percent of parents and 89 percent of staff completed a survey giving the district a high score.

Staff said the school purpose is clearly focused on student success, and leaders expect staff members to hold all students to high academic standards.

Parents said they feel the schools have a safe learning environment and there are high expec-

tations for students in all classes.

An external review team from AdvancED visited Forsyth County Schools Feb. 5-8 to focus on the teaching and learning impact, leadership capacity and resource utilization.

“Forsyth County School District provides a systemic and systematic process for monitoring and supporting the instructional practices of teachers to ensure student success,” the report said. “This process is supported by a collaborative structure that focuses on improved instruction and student learning at all levels.”

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Lawmakers help failing schools; reject mandatory recess 2017 session ends with numerous changes to K-12 education

By CANDY WAYLOCK Mandatory recess is out, but flexibility in testing – and tests – could soon be Georgia law.

On the final day of the 2017 Georgia General Assembly on March 31, lawmakers put the finishing touches on education legislation, while tabling others till the next session.

Two pieces of approved legislation will have the most impact on education in Georgia: Senate Bill 211 which allows options for mandatory state testing, and House Bill 338 which provides state structure for improving failing schools.

Education advocacy groups and school boards lobbied hard for SB211 which requires the State Board of Education to look at nationally recognized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, in addition to, or in place of, the Georgia Milestones assessments (End of Grade and End of Course tests).

Mandated in grades 3-12, these annual high stakes tests have been criticized for technical glitches, delivering late results and exceeding federal testing mandates.

SB 211 proposes a solution for “local school system flexibility...to the greatest extent permitted under federal law.”

Last month, Fulton school leaders testified before a Senate committee on behalf of SB 211, urging the state to give local systems more options in meeting testing mandates.

58 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

If signed by Gov. Nathan Deal, school systems with flexibility waivers, including Fulton, would be allowed to choose approved assessments to meet state and federal mandates for student testing.

Attached to the bill in the final day of the session was House Bill 114, which prohibits a school system from disqualifying students from valedictorian/salutatorian status if they are dual-enrolled students through Move on When Ready. The bill only applies to students who enroll in a high school prior to their junior year.

A related testing bill, House Bill 425, also passed the Legislature, allowing students to take state-mandated assessments with paper and pencil. Currently, the state is moving to mandatory online testing for all.

The bill also prohibits a local school system from taking punitive actions against students whose parents opt out of state mandated assessments.

The most-debated education bill before the General Assembly was how to fix failing schools. Last year, Deal’s Opportunity School District idea was shot down by voters for its overreach into local school systems.

This year, the Plan B, now known as “The First Priority Act,” revisited the plan, with more input from local educators and state education advocacy groups. The bill went through numerous tweaks

throughout the 40-day session, but it passed with enough support to likely earn Deal’s signature.

In a nutshell, the State Board of Education will appoint a chief turnaround officer (CTO) to work with local school systems to improve the lowest performing schools. The definition of a failing school will ultimately be decided by the CTO after “collaboration” with the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) and the local school system.

The “who’s in charge” piece was decided by the Legislature, which turned down an amendment to have the CTO report directly to the state school superintendent.

A second amendment to allow parents to be taken to court for failing to support their child was also defeated.

The nuts and bolts of HB338 will be ironed out in the coming weeks and will go into effect for the 2017-18 school year.

The much-debated House Bill 273, known as the recess bill, failed to pass the Senate by day 40. The bill sought to require at least 30 minutes of “unstructured play” for students in grades K-5. It will be eligible to pass next year.

The Legislature did approve a task force to look at the school calendar issue and whether lawmakers need to legislate when schools can open each year.

Gov. Deal has 40 days from the end of the session to sign or veto passed legislation.

US News list of top schools includes seven in North Fulton

By CANDY WAYLOCK The 2017 rankings of top high schools in the nation were released last week by U.S. News & World Report, with some surprising results for North Fulton schools.

At the top of the list of best Fulton high schools was Fulton Science Academy, a charter school which shuttered at the end of last year following years of declining enrollment and operational issues. Last year the school was ranked 21st among Georgia schools; this year it moved up to sixth place.

Absent from the list for the first time since rankings started in 2007 was Milton High School, one of the top performing high schools in the area – and state – based on academic performance and graduation rates. Last year, Milton was ranked 7th in the state; in 2015 it was the top-rated Fulton school, placing 6th best in the state.

Performance on the state’s annual assessment – the Georgia Milestones – may have played a key role in Milton’s exclusion.

For the 2017 report, analysts with US News & World Report relied on data mined from the 2014-15 school year, with heavy emphasis placed on results from state-mandated assessments.

In spring 2015, Milton High School had one of the highest rates of “opt outs” from the Milestones by students, which heavily impacted the school’s scores.

Since then, students face repercussions from opting out of testing.

In addition to Milton, only Centennial High failed to crack the list of top high schools. Overall, area high schools ranked among the top 15 schools in Georgia, and also in the top 500 nationally, according to the “2017 Best High School Rankings” from US News.

Following FSA in 6th place in Georgia, are Cambridge (7th), Northview (8th), Alpharetta (9th), Johns Creek (11th), Chattahoochee (12th) and Roswell (15th).

More than 20,000 public, charter and magnet high schools across the country were evaluated for the 2017 list based on a three-pronged method that considered overall student performance on state-required tests, how well schools prepare students for college, and how effectively schools educated their least-advantaged students.

Top ranked high schools in Ga. 1.

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Columbus High School, 83 nationally DeKalb School of the Arts, 89 nationally Savannah Arts Academy. 111 nationally Davidson Magnet School, 118 nationally Walton High School, 204 nationally Fulton Science Academy High School, 248 nationally Cambridge High School, 262 nationally Northview High School, 266 nationally Alpharetta High School, 304 nationally North Gwinnett High School, 334 nationally Johns Creek High School, 384 nationally Chattahoochee High School, 389 nationally South Forsyth High School, 416 nationally Chamblee Charter High School, 433 nationally Roswell High School, 448 nationally Lassiter High School, 473 nationally Oconee County High School, 480 nationally Lambert High School, 500 nationally West Forsyth High School, 525 nationally Decatur High School, 546 nationally

The top 500 schools nationally receive gold medals, the next 2,000 receive silver and the next 4,000 receive bronze medals. Of the 442 high schools rated in Georgia, 111 were among the schools earning medals. Only 18 high schools received gold medals – with seven going to high schools in North Fulton.

Results were drawn from 49 of 50 states (only South Dakota opted not to participate), with Georgia placing 18th among the states with the most high schools on the list.

“The data show that it’s incredibly difficult to achieve a gold, silver or bronze medal under the U.S. News methodology,” said Travis Mitchell, an education producer at U.S. News. “Of the more than 22,000 eligible schools, less than 3 percent received gold… [demonstrating] the highest level of college readiness.”

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 59

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Renasant Bank, headquartered in Tupelo Mississippi has grown organically and through a number of merges over the years. The bank entered Georgia thru an FDIC transaction in 2010 with the acquisition of Crescent Bank (Jasper) and in 2011 with the acquisition of American Trust (Roswell).

In 2015 Heritage Bank of the South in Albany merged with Renasant, creating a Southern Georgia/ Florida presence. In 2016 KeyWorth Bank, based in Johns Creek, joined Renasant further expanding the banks presence in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia to

18 offices spanning 7 counties.

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(470) 268-4362 60 | Relocation Answer Book 2017 | Sponsored Section

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 61

Kim Looby takes the helm of Forsyth YMCA

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI The YMCA is more than just a fitness center and community organization for Kim Looby, the Forsyth County Family YMCA’s new executive director. It’s a reflection of the community and its strengths.

“I know we as a Y can play a major role in quality of life for the county,” Looby said. “Being a part of something bigger than myself in service to others is important.”

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta hired Looby for the Forsyth facility in early January. She brings more than 25 years of both local and national experience with operations and fundraising at other YMCAs. According to Dan Pile, the group vice president for the metro Atlanta YMCA, she helped manage and launch Ys across the country.

“After a thorough [national] search, it was clear we had found top talent in Kim,” said Jeff Anderson, Forsyth County Family YMCA board chairman. “Her depth of experience, along with her significant and proven track record, will build upon an already existing enthusiastic and strong Y team.”

Looby previously led fundraising efforts at two other Ys, one of which resulted in a 180 percent growth. That campaign brought in more than $1.2 million, created a 10,000 square-foot center and began a startup for a new Y in a low-to-middle income community.

Because of these successes, Looby was chosen as a National Network Consultant for the YMCA 62 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Forsyth County Family YMCA’s new executive director Kim Looby.

of the USA. In that role, she worked with 27 CEOs and their boards on issues such as public policy, succession planning, philanthropy and operational performance.

Looby said she was drawn to the Forsyth YMCA as her next step because the county is “a great community to live, work and play,” and she wants to help it grow.

“It is great to be back in the metro Atlanta area working for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta where I not only began my Y career, but grew up,” says Looby. “I am excited about the opportunity to serve and lead the Forsyth Family YMCA as we continue to strengthen our ar-

eas of impact - youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

As executive director, Looby aims to make the Forsyth YMCA a leader in high-quality programs that “instill values, leadership and confidence in our youth.”

Her other goals include improving the health and wellbeing of the community as well as helping those most in need.

To do so, Looby plans to bring the community together and determine the Y’s priorities. Currently, they are going through their vision plan to ensure what they do supports their broader vision for the association.

That vision includes “empowering health living, ensuring school readiness, inspiring civic engagement and ensuring academic achievement,” Looby said.

After hearing from some member surveys and focus groups, Looby and her team have already put into motion some of these plans for 2017. This year, they will be renovating the YMCA Eagle Point Day Camp and Wellness Center as well as expanding their hours of operation.

Other changes include adding free child watch hours and free group exercise programs for all ages.

Teenagers and older adults in particular can look forward to multi -generational programs that Looby and her team are currently working to implement.

Alpharetta YMCA names new chairman

By KATHLEEN STURGEON Growing up, Ollie Wagner and his family could often be found at the neighborhood YMCA. His family enjoys going to the gym so much, his parents’ first date was at a YMCA dance.

“I hung out at the Y pretty much every day after school and a good part of my summers,” Wagner said.

“I learned to swim there, play pool and ping-pong, my mom taught ballet and my dad and I played in basketball leagues. It was always a great part of my life.”

But while previously working as the pastor at a small church, he was unable to pay for a membership and had to put his involvement with the Y on hold.

“I couldn’t afford it and didn’t have money to join a gym,” he said.

However after becoming the pastor at the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, he was able to rejoin.

“Because it’s a bigger church and I make a little more money. I thought, ‘hey, we can now afford to join the YMCA,’” Wagner said.

“I toured the facility and thought it was the most beautiful gym I’d ever seen. I said, ‘if it works out with the church, we could find a house and the kids would have good schools and we could join the Y again.’”

So he joined and eventually became involved beyond just working out. He recently was named chairman of the Board of Directors at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA for the next two years.

Alpharetta YMCA board chair Ollie Wagner with past chair JoAnn Shephard.

But he never forgot the time he couldn’t afford a membership.

He was leaving the Alpharetta location one day and learned about the YMCA Campaign which funds scholarships for gym members and children for camps.

“That opened a whole new world to me,” Wagner said. “What I realized is the YMCA is not your typical gym. It’s a non-profit with a mission of serving the community.

That means, in part, turning no one away because they can’t afford to pay.”

Now, he said he’s happy to give his money and time to help the YMCA, especially since one in

five people who participate in the Y, from summer camps to school programs, needs some financial assistance.

Two thirds of the scholarship money helps children.

“I am on board,” he said. “I am a believer. I’m glad we can afford as a family to participate and that I am able to give financially back because you know it’s helping others.

You don’t know who is on scholarship. It’s just one family.”

That opened his eyes to see the Y does more than sponsor dances, run swim lessons and basketball camps. He even visits Ys, and he soon realized the Y’s mission is nationwide and worldwide.

“It’s a mission for building stronger communities, helping academic preparedness for children, helping teen leadership develop and help form healthy lifestyles,” Wagner said. “It’s for all ages, special needs, foster care and all others. I’m one of those people who would say, ‘I had no idea the Y did so much good for so many people in so many ways.’”

For Wagner, his position is an opportunity to give back to an organization that has greatly blessed and enriched his life.

“I know it’s done the same for the people I’ve seen participate,” Wagner said. “I want to help in whatever way I can to further and strengthen the Y’s mission. I am honored to try and help out and provide whatever leadership service I can.”

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 63

Humane adoptions for every home

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI From longtime pet owners to first-time adopters, the Humane Societies of Atlanta and Forsyth have resources available for all animal lovers.

Typically, the adoption process is quick. Pets can be viewed online or in person by visiting a shelter.

Individuals interested in adopting must fill out an application and spend a few minutes with the pet so they can familiarize themselves with each other. An adoption counselor will interview each adopter as well.

This is the perfect time to ask any questions about the pet and its needs, according Wendy Hsiao, first-time dog owner who adopted from the Atlanta Humane Society.

Counselors will explain everything about the animal’s history, previous training, temperament and what to expect as the pet grows.

The process is a little longer and more involved with the Humane Society of Forsyth County. As a private nonprofit, they are dedicated to finding each pet’s forever home so no pets are returned.

They take the time to know each potential pet owner personally through multiple interviews and conduct home inspections. Like a matchmaking service, they want to make sure each person is fitted with the best pet for his lifestyle and personality.

“If the potential owner is very active, we try to match them with an active animal … If they’re 64 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

The Atlanta Humane Society has locations at 1565 Mansell Road, Alpharetta and 981 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta. very busy, we try to match them with a dog or cat that maybe doesn’t need as much attention or activity,” said Mark Schullstrom, president of the Humane Society of Forsyth County.

When owners need assistance after adopting, both shelters provide additional health and training services. They will help owners work with animals if they’re having behavioral problems and offer checkups if pets are ill. The Atlanta Humane Society even has grief counselling for owners who have recently lost a furry friend.

The Forsyth shelter additionally

has a large community pet food pantry for those in need. Low-income residents who are struggling to feed their pets but want to keep their families intact can fill out a short application to receive a free full supply of pet food every month.

“We try to have a lifetime relationship with the owner,” said Schullstrom. “We want to be a part of their life.”

All pets from both shelters come fully vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

For more information, visit atlantahumane.org or www3.forsythpets.org.

Resources for your pet’s ‘furever’ home

By KATHLEEN STURGEON You’ve found your perfect house, love your new community and already are starting to find your favorite local places.

But what about the family members with a little more fur?

Or maybe you were waiting to adopt a new family pet after you moved.

Whatever your scenario, we’ve compiled a list of pet resources including dog parks, pet-friendly dining patios and rescue groups.

Dog parks Waggy World Paw Park: 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta This 1.5-acre park is managed by the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department. It’s located behind the Alpharetta Community Center at Wills Park, so bring the kids for a fun day at the park for everyone.

It is fenced in so dogs can be let off their leashes, with a separate space for smaller dogs.

The park also offers a drinking fountain located just outside the fence. It is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Newton Dream Dog Park: 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek Newton Park is a fenced 1-acre area with artificial turf, sprinklers for dogs to play in, obstacles to play on, plus water fountains for people and pets.

It offers separate areas for large and small dogs, along with a bridge, hoops and tunnels. It is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fowler Park: 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming This 85-acre park is split into two areas for smaller and bigger dogs. The park offers water fountains, waste disposal areas and benches. It is enclosed so dogs can be let off their leashes. Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Animal rescues Atlanta Humane Society: 1565 Mansell Road, Alpharetta This no-kill rescue has two locations in Atlanta and Alpharetta.

They offer adoptions of both dogs

and cats.

Atlanta Humane Society (AHS) is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit and the oldest private charitable organization in Atlanta founded in 1873. The Alpharetta location is open for adoptions Monday to Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.atlantahumane.org for more information.

Humane Society of Forsyth County: 4440 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming This no-kill shelter located in north Forsyth County adopts out both cats and dogs.

They also have a pet food pantry and a thrift store. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Visit www.forsythpets.org for more information.

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 65

MARTA still has some cities

By PATRICK FOX Go to any city council meeting in North Fulton, and one item is guaranteed to have a place on the agenda – transportation.

Whether it’s simple intersection improvements or major road widenings, nothing dominates municipal discussions like our streets and thoroughfares.

Traffic and metro Atlanta commuting have occupied the top tier of quality-of-life issues among area residents for decades – so much so that Fulton County and Forsyth County residents have both passed special sales taxes in the past four years to help ease congestion.

A 2014 survey commissioned through Kennesaw State University for the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) found that more than 93 percent of north Fulton County adults “strongly agree” or “agree” that “Traffic congestion is a real problem in north Fulton County.”

Almost the same percentage agreed that north Fulton County needs a better public transportation system.

MARTA has about 439,000 daily passenger trips, and Keith Parker, executive director for the service, has set out to raise that number.

For almost four years, MARTA has been on record as supporting expansion of its heavy rail service north of its terminus at the North Point Station in Sandy Springs. The $2.2-$2.4 billion proposal has yet to secure funding, but preliminary plans released in 2015 foresee service extending to the northern part of Alpharetta at Windward 66 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

Parkway. The route would have additional stops at Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell and at Encore Parkway and Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta.

But not so fast.

While, just to the north of Sandy Springs, Roswell Mayor Jere Wood has been an open advocate of MARTA rail expansion, the mayors of Johns Creek and Alpharetta have been less enthusiastic.

Both cities, though, have softened on opposing transit per se. North Fulton’s transportation needs have increased dramatically over the past decade. A 2016 study conducted by Kimley Horn consulting found that, from 2010-15, the area’s population grew by 10 percent, and employment growth has soared by 17 percent.

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker has stated that, while public transportation is a vital component in any solution to curb traffic congestion, he isn’t sure heavy rail is the solution in all cases.

Following a tour of the rail transportation system in Plano, Texas in June of last year, Bodker said he would like to see transit solutions introduced sooner rather than later.

But Johns Creek is torn on the issue. It sits in the crosshairs of two major thoroughfares. Medlock Bridge Road channels tens of thousands of commuters from Forsyth County south to Gwinnnett County and Atlanta and back each day. At the same time, State Bridge Road serves as a major east-west route from Gwinnett County into north Fulton and Cobb County.

And while the city suffers as a crossroads for commuter traffic, many of its residents fear the population density and development a heavy rail system could carry in tow.

Alpharetta has its own concerns with MARTA rail.

Mayor David Belle Isle said he wants solutions to traffic congestion, but heavy rail may not be the only answer. He said he wants to explore all options — new roads, light rail, additional lanes, busrapid-transit, managed lanes, bus circulator programs, intersection improvements, signal timing, adaptive traffic, Uber, driverless cars — to consider along with heavy rail.

In an article published last year, Belle Isle also expressed concern about pouring the lion’s share of transportation money into a heavy

worried

rail system that would serve only 3 percent of the commuters.

Plus, he added, three MARTA rail stations in Alpharetta would “attract three new streams of traffic from surrounding areas and require three new 2,500-car parking decks constructed MARTA-style.

Alpharetta City Councilman Chris Owens said recently the city has already mapped out transportation projects – including $22 million in voter-approved bond funding – to pay for traffic improvements based on current conditions.

Adding three transit stations could change things significantly.

“If MARTA comes, I wouldn’t want us to have to turn around and spend that amount of money or more on local roadway improvements that are the result of a station going in,” Owens said.

Q. How do I ride MARTA? A. Bus Riders: MARTA buses display the names and numbers of routes just above the windshield.

Signal to the driver that you wish to board.

Train Riders: Signs that display, “To Trains” direct you to the boarding platforms. Remember which direction (north, south, etc.) you plan to travel. Look for white courtesy telephones, customer service personnel and uniformed MARTA transit police for additional assistance.

Transfer Policy: Bus to Bus transfers are no longer issued.

You must have a valid Breeze Card loaded with appropriate fare to ride MARTA. Transfers are only available on a Breeze Card and are automatically loaded when you tap to board a bus or exit a rail station. If you pay with cash you will still need a Breeze Card to receive your transfer. Bus-toBus transfers are designed to help customers get from point A to point B that are not accessible using one bus route. Transfers cannot be used for roundtrip travel.

Q. How much does it cost to ride MARTA? A. MARTA is: • $2.50 for a one-way fare • 10 Trip Pass $25 • 20 Trip Pass $42.50 • 1-Day Pass: $9; • 2-Day Pass: $14; • 3-Day Pass: $16; • 4-Day Pass: $19; • 7-Day Pass: $23.75; • 30-Day Pass: $95

Special Fare Programs area available for visiting groups of 200 or more, students and faculty.

Senior citizens, disabled riders and Medicare recipients only pay $1. Children 46 inches and under can ride MARTA for free. Limit two children per paying adult.

Breeze Cards and Breeze Tickets can be bought and reloaded at Breeze Vending machines in all 38 Stations and in RideStores inside Five Points, Lenox, Airport Stations and at the MARTA Headquarters building across from the Lindbergh Train Station. After July 9, 2017, blue breeze cards will no longer be accepted.

Q. How does a Day Pass work?

A. The Day Pass offers unlimited rides from the first use for 1,2,3,4, 7 or 30 consecutive days. A day on MARTA is not 24-hours; a day starts whenever service begins in the morning, and ends whenever service stops at night. Bus and rail service times vary from weekdays to weekends.

Q. When does MARTA operate?

A. Buses: MARTA buses operate weekdays from approximately 5 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and until 12:30 a.m. weekdays and holidays. Bus schedules may vary by neighborhood.

Rail: 4:45 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Monday-Friday; 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekends & holidays.

Trains arrive every 10 minutes during rush hours (6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 7 p.m.), every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and every 20 minutes after 8:30 p.m. and on weekends.

Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 67

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1. Crooked Creek Club 3430 Highway Nine N. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.475.2300 alpharettaac.com 2. Ansley Golf Club, Settindown 1605 Settindown Drive Roswell, GA 30075 770.640.4620 ansleygolfclub.org

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5. Brookfield Country Club 100 Willow Run, Roswell, GA 30075 770.993.1990 brookfieldcountryclub.com 6. Capital City Club, Crabapple 4115 Earney Road Woodstock, GA 30188 770.667.6303 capitalcitclub.org

3. Atlanta Athletic Club 1930 Bobby Jones Drive Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.448.2166 atlantaathleticclub.org

7. Cherokee Town & Country Club 665 Hightower Trail Atlanta, Georgia 303501710 , 770.993.4407 cherokeetcc.org

4. Atlanta National Golf Club 350 Tournament Players Drive Milton, GA 30004 770.442.8801, atlantanationalgolfclub.com

8. Country Club of the South 4100 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek, GA 30022 770.475.1803 clubcorp.com/ Clubs/Country-Club-of-the-South

68 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

14. Manor Golf & Country Club 15951 Manor Club Dr Alpharetta, GA 30004 678.366.3886 manorgcc.com BRIDG

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9. Echelon Golf Club 501 Founders Dr E Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.888.4653 echelonliving.com 10. The Golf Club of Georgia 1 Golf Club Dr Alpharetta, GA 30005 770.664.8644 golfclubofgeorgia.com 11. Hawks Ridge Golf Club 1100 Hawks Club Drive Ball Ground, GA 30107 770.205.6889 hawksridge.com 12. Horseshoe Bend Country Club 2057 Steeplechase Ln Roswell, GA 30076 770.992.2310 horseshoebendcc.com 13. Lanier Golf Club 2080 Buford Dam Rd Cumming, GA 30041 770.887.6114 laniergolfclub.com

15. Milton Country Club 1785 Dinsmore Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.475.2300 alpharettaac.com 16. Polo Golf & Country Club 6300 Polo Club Drive Cumming, GA 30040 770.887.7656, pologolfandcountryclub.com 17. River Pines Golf 4775 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek, GA 30022 770.442.5960 riverpinesgolf.com 18. Rivermont Golf & Country Club 3130 Rivermont Pkwy Alpharetta, GA 30022 770.993.2124, rivermontcountryclub.com 19. Standard Club 6230 Abbotts Bridge Rd Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.497.0055 standardclub.org 20. St. Ives Country Club 1 St Ives Country Club Dr Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.623.1239 stivescountryclub.org 21. St Marlo Country Club 7755 St Marlo Country Club Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097 770.495.7725, stmarlo.com 22. Trophy Club of Atlanta 15135 Hopewell Rd Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.343.9700 americangolf.com/trophyclub-atlanta 23. White ColumnsCountry Club 300 Clubhouse Dr Milton, GA 30004; 770.343.9025 whitecolumnscountryclub. com 24. Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Dr Cumming, GA 30041 678.513.1000, canongategolf.com 25. Woodmont Golf Country Club 3105 Gaddis Rd. Canton, GA 30115 770.345.9260 woodmontgolfclub.com

115

National Awards* 2014, 2015, 2017 AFCP Best of Show**

Appen Media Me Group is proud to have represented north Fulton an and south Forsyth since 1983. Over the course of the last 6 years, we have been nationally recognized 115 times for contributions to editorial, design, sales and production produ in the newspaper industry. Thank you for all the support along the way!

AJ McNaughton – Production/Newsroom Manager 13 AFCP Awards | AFCP Rising Star | 2 IFPA Awards David Brown – Senior Designer, Client Ad Development 36 AFCP Awards | 5 IFPA Awards Suzanne Pacey – Northside Woman Publisher, Graphic Designer 10 AFCP Awards | 1 IFPA Awards Hatcher Hurd – Executive Editor 17 AFCP Awards | 1 IFPA Awards Kathleen Kathle Sturgeon – Forsyth Herald & Answer Book Editor 5 AFCP Awards Susan Hernandez – Advertising Assistant 1 AFCP Award Mike Dorman – Senior Account Executive 1 AFCP Award

Locally Delivered.

Nationally Recognized.

319 N. Main St. • Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-442-3278 • AppenMediaGroup.com 7 * AAFCP (Association of Free Community Newspapers) and IFPA (Independent Free Papers of America) award total from Appen Media Group staff since 2012. ** Overall winner (award point system) from AFCP.

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | Forsyth Herald Johns Creek Herald | Milton Herald Northside Woman | Answer Book | NorthFulton.com ForsythHerald.com | NorthsideWoman.com Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 69

Emergency + Community

Resource Table ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

Website

United Way

To find help

211 or 404-614-1000

211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/

North Fulton Community Charities

Help in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton

770-640-0399

nfcchelp.org

Community Assistance Center

Help in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody

770-552-4015

ourcac.org

DFACS

Food Stamps/TANF/Medicaid

404-252-2180

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov

FACAA/LIHEAP

Energy Assistance

404-320-0166

facaa.org

St. Vincent de Paul

Financial Assistance

770-458-9607

svdpatl.org

Housing Authority of Fulton Co.

Section 8 and Public Housing

404-730-5841

hafc.org

Homestretch/Housing Initiative

Transitional Housing

770-642-9185

homestretch.org

Roswell Public Housing

Public Housing

770-993-6226

roswellhousing.org

The Drake House

Emergency housing women with children

770-587-4712

thedrakehouse.org

Metro Fair Housing

Housing Discrimination

404-524-0000

metrofairhousing.com

Salvation Army

General Assistance

404-352-3597

salvationarmy.org

Gateway Center

Emergency Shelter

404-215-6600

gatewayctr.org

Travelers Aid/Hope Atlanta

Homeless prevention, newcomers

404-817-7070

hopeatlanta.org/

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Com)

Employment Discrimination

800-669-4000

eeoc.gov/field/atlanta

Department of Labor

Unemployment Office

866-873-5676

dol.state.ga.us

Pregnancy Counseling

678-893-5290

abeaconofhope.com

Housing & Homeless

Employment

Family & Childrens Services A Beacon of Hope Child Abuse and Neglect

To report abuse

404-699-4399

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/ child-abuse-neglect

GA Council on Child Abuse

Info, resources

800-532-3208

preventchildabusega.org

Child Support Assistance

Child Support Enforcement

877-423-4746

dcss.dhs.georgia.gov/

Families First

Counseling

404-853-2844

familiesfirst.org

Fulton County Schools

General Information

404-678-3600

fultonschools.org

Fulton Co. School Social Workers

Information

404-763-6774

fultonschools.org

G.E.D.

Enrollment Opportunities at NFCC

678-387-4458

nfcchelp.org/education

Head Start

3-4 Year Olds

678-585-9100

georgiaheadstart.org

Child Dev. Center North Fulton

Child Care

770-992-4006

cdakids.org

Family Haven (NF & Forsyth)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

770-887-1121

forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info

PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

404-873-1766

padv.org/

Jewish Family and Career Services

Family and Career Counseling

770-677-9300

yourtoolsforliving.org

Senior Services North Fulton

Meals on Wheels, Transportation

770-993-1906

ssnorthfulton.org

70 | Relocation Answer Book 2017

ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

Website

Credit Counseling/ Legal/ Police CredAbility

Consumer Credit Counseling

404-527-7630

credability.org

NID Housing Counseling Agency

Foreclosure Information/ assistance

404-612-0405

atlhca.com

HOPE

Foreclosure assistance

888-995-4673

995hope.org

Atlanta Legal Aid

Legal Assistance

404-524-5811

atlantalegalaid.org

Anonymous Police Tip Hotline

Roswell – Crime/Drugs

770-641-3959

roswellgov.com

City of Alpharetta

Alpharetta – Crime/Drugs

678-297-6307

alpharetta.ga.us

City of Johns Creek

Johns Creek – Crime/Drugs

678-474-1610

johnscreekga.gov/services/ police.aspx

City of Milton

Milton Police Department General

678-242-2570

cityofmiltonga.us

Rape Hotline

24 Hour Hotline

770-887-1121

fultoncountyga.gov/contact-ussolicitor

Grady Rape Crisis Center

Crisis line

404-616-4861

gnesa.org/content/grady-rapecrisis-center

Fulton County Records

Birth/Death Records

404-613-1260

fultoncountyga.gov/dhw-vitalrecords

Social Security

Social Security, Disability, SSI

800-772-1213

ssa.gov

Tags/Titles

Fulton County Office

404-730-6100

motor.etax.dor.ga.gov

Veterans Administration

VA Health, Housing, Benefits

800-827-1000

va.gov

Fulton County Housing & Human Services

Info on County programs

404-613-7944

fultoncountyga.gov/divisionsand-programs

MARTA

bus, rail schedules, fares

404-848-4711

itsmarta.com

Georgia Crisis & Access Line

24 hour -mental health, addiction & crisis service

800-715-4225

bhlweb.com/tabform/ fultoncountyga.gov

Government

Health

North Fulton Regional Health Center

Public Health (in Alpharetta)

404-332-1958

North Fulton Service Center

Common Ground (co-located svcs)

404-612-3917 or 404-6126372

North Fulton Health Center Grady

Primary Care clinic in NF (Sandy Springs)

404-616-1550

gradyhealthsystem.org/

Northside Behavioral Health

Mental Health

404-851-8960

northside.com/medical_ services

Children’s at NorthPoint (Mansell Rd)

pediatric primary care

770-643-1792

choa.org/About-Childrens/ Locations-and-Directions

Good Samaritan Atlanta

primary care clinic downtown

404-523-6571

goodsamatlanta.org/

Georgia Highlands

primary care clinic serving North GA

678-887-1668

georgia highlandsmedical.org

North Fulton Hospital

Hospital - Roswell

770-751-2500

nfultonhospital.com

Grady Memorial Hospital

Hospital

404-616-1000

gradyhealth.org/

Scottish Rite (Childrens Hospital)

Pediatric Hospital

404-785-5252

choa.org/

Emory Johns Creek

Hospital - Johns Creek

678-474-7000

emoryjohnscreek.com/

Northside Hospital

Hospital - Sandy Springs or Forsyth

404-851-8000

northside.com/

St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta

Hospital - Sandy Springs

404-581-7001

stjosephsatlanta.org

Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth

Hospital

678-312-6800

gwinnettmedical center.org Relocation Answer Book 2017 | 71

Mountain Crest. Just Right for Right Now. Don’t miss your chance to live in Forsyth's newest master planned, resort lifestyle community offering amazing amenities and event lawn.

Beautiful single-family residences are being offered from the Mid $300s - $600s.

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2929 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA 30041

470-239-1180 | MountainCrestGA.com See a UAMC Loan Officer for more information. Universal American Mortgage Company, LLC 1000 Holcomb Woods Parkway Bldg 200 Suite 200, Roswell, GA 30076. Branch NMLS #315634, Branch License #5675/53893. Company NMLS #1058. “Georgia Residential Mortgage License”. See a New Home Consultant for details. Features vary by community, and prices, features, specifications, and purchase incentives are subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2017 Lennar Corporation and Universal American Mortgage Company, LLC. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Universal American Mortgage Company and the UAMC logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 05/17

72 | Relocation Answer Book 2017