johns creek herald, december 5, 2013

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December 5, 2013 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 13, No. 49 By HATCHER HURD [email protected] JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Au- trey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center got a big hand up in classifying and preserv- ing some of its historic trea- sures with the help of a grant for professional expertise. The National Institute for Conservation is a national nonprofit organization dedi- cated to preserving the nation’s heritage for future generations. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center recently qualified for a grant from the Institute for Conservation to do what is called a conservation assessment of the site. Board member Jacqueline Bass has been an historic conservationist in the past and was instrumental in securing the grant that brought two as- sessors to examine the cultural and heritage collections and buildings at the site. This grant brought in pro- fessionals to look at the prop- erty, catalogue it and produce a “guidance document” that is twofold, Bass said. First, it assesses what the Autrey Mill Heritage Center gets preservation grant Specialists identify conservation priorities for historic preservation of site’s treasures Autrey Mill Heritage Center docent Suzette Meskell, from left, Autrey Mill board member Jacque- line Bass and docent Jan Mairose examine artifacts in the tenant house that have been cata- logued as part of the Autrey Mill collection. See CENTER, Page 14 JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The seventh annual Johns Creek Founders Day Parade has grown to almost 100 units, and with 10,000 spectators expected, motorists planning to use State Bridge Road on the morning of Dec. 7 will need to find alternate routes. From about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., drivers wanting to travel southeast/northwest should consider alternate routes, such as Abbotts Bridge Road, McGinnis Ferry Road or Old Alabama Road. The parade route will be closed in three stages from east to west until the 1.4- mile route between Morton and Kimball Bridge roads is blocked off. (Closings include side streets. Traffic from Twingate Drive will be al- lowed to enter and exit State Bridge Road in the direction of Medlock Bridge Road.) 8 a.m.: State Bridge will be closed between East and West Morton roads. Morton Road is shaped like a horse- shoe with both sides cross- ing State Bridge Road. That means motorists on State Bridge Road can use Morton as a detour to go around the Motorists will need to find other roads State Bridge closed Dec. 7 FOUNDERS DAY PARADE » See PARADE, Page 23 Kachmar reprimanded City manager told action must not be repeated PAGE 8 Get our FREE Johns Creek Herald TABLET APP Call 770-442-3278 x100 for help Apple Android Real Estate Report Sponsored section PAGE 20 City opens holiday season Children lead Christmas, Hanukkah celebration PAGE 4 By HATCHER HURD [email protected] JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council approved Dec. 2 the 52-acre Warren Jolly mixed-use proj- ect at McGinnis Ferry Road and Bell Road that sought 86,000 square feet of office/ commercial on McGinnis and 124 townhouses also on Mc- Ginnis and 116 single-family homes on Bell Road. However, the council would only approve 70 of the single-family homes in the zoning request, a reduction of 31 percent. This was done to answer the surrounding communities of Belmont, Blackstone and Tavistock’s objections to what they saw as higher density single-fami- ly homes on Bell Road than is allowed in their subdivisions. This is true, but the Jolly project falls under a differ- ent zoning “area,” and thus is allowed the higher densities because it is part of a mixed- use project. The project had the blessing of the city Zoning Department and the Planning Commission. The property previously had a rezoning request de- nied in 2012. That generated a lawsuit by the property Council OKs slimmer Bell Roads project See COUNCIL, Page 8 Trims 46 lots from plan

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Page 1: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

December 5, 2013 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 13, No. 49

By HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Au-trey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center got a big hand up in classifying and preserv-ing some of its historic trea-sures with the help of a grant for professional expertise.

The National Institute for

Conservation is a national nonprofit organization dedi-cated to preserving the nation’s heritage for future generations. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center recently qualified for a grant from the Institute for Conservation to do what is called a conservation assessment of the site.

Board member Jacqueline

Bass has been an historic conservationist in the past and was instrumental in securing the grant that brought two as-sessors to examine the cultural and heritage collections and buildings at the site.

This grant brought in pro-fessionals to look at the prop-erty, catalogue it and produce a “guidance document” that is twofold, Bass said.

First, it assesses what the

Autrey Mill Heritage Centergets preservation grantSpecialists identify conservation prioritiesfor historic preservation of site’s treasures

Autrey Mill Heritage Center docent Suzette Meskell, from left, Autrey Mill board member Jacque-line Bass and docent Jan Mairose examine artifacts in the tenant house that have been cata-logued as part of the Autrey Mill collection.

See CENTER, Page 14

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The seventh annual Johns Creek Founders Day Parade has grown to almost 100 units, and with 10,000 spectators expected, motorists planning to use State Bridge Road on the morning of Dec. 7 will need to find alternate routes.

From about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., drivers wanting to travel southeast/northwest should consider alternate routes, such as Abbotts Bridge Road, McGinnis Ferry Road or Old Alabama Road. The parade route will be closed in three stages from east to west until the 1.4-

mile route between Morton and Kimball Bridge roads is blocked off. (Closings include side streets. Traffic from Twingate Drive will be al-lowed to enter and exit State Bridge Road in the direction of Medlock Bridge Road.)

8 a.m.: State Bridge will be closed between East and West Morton roads. Morton Road is shaped like a horse-shoe with both sides cross-ing State Bridge Road. That means motorists on State Bridge Road can use Morton as a detour to go around the

Motorists will need to find other roads

State Bridge closed Dec. 7FOUNDERS DAY PARADE »

See PARADE, Page 23

Kachmar reprimandedCity manager told actionmust not be repeated

► PAGE 8

Get our FREE Johns Creek Herald

TABLET APPCall 770-442-3278 x100 for help Apple Android

Real Estate ReportSponsoredsection

► PAGE 20

City opensholiday seasonChildren lead Christmas,Hanukkah celebration

► PAGE 4

By HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council approved Dec. 2 the 52-acre Warren Jolly mixed-use proj-ect at McGinnis Ferry Road and Bell Road that sought 86,000 square feet of office/commercial on McGinnis and 124 townhouses also on Mc-Ginnis and 116 single-family homes on Bell Road.

However, the council would only approve 70 of the single-family homes in the zoning request, a reduction

of 31 percent. This was done to answer the surrounding communities of Belmont, Blackstone and Tavistock’s objections to what they saw as higher density single-fami-ly homes on Bell Road than is allowed in their subdivisions.

This is true, but the Jolly project falls under a differ-ent zoning “area,” and thus is allowed the higher densities because it is part of a mixed-use project. The project had the blessing of the city Zoning Department and the Planning Commission.

The property previously had a rezoning request de-nied in 2012. That generated a lawsuit by the property

Council OKs slimmer Bell Roads project

See COUNCIL, Page 8

Trims 46 lots from plan

Page 2: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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DUI arrests ► Steven Christopher

Schaub, 29, of Atlanta was arrested Nov. 10 on Musette Circle in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to signal when changing lanes.

► Jose Cruz Chavira-Ortiz, 38, of Renton, Wash., was arrested Nov. 11 on Marietta Street in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and reckless driving.

► Megan Leigh Estes, 30, of Atlanta was arrested Nov. 16 on North Main Street in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Charles Thomas Hart, 38, of Hillgate Crossing, Johns Creek, was arrested Nov. 11 on Webb Bridge Way in Alpharetta for DUI, aggressive driving, following too closely and improper use of horn.

► John Jason Lively,

40, of Ivy Summit Court, Cumming, was arrested Nov. 15 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI.

► Edvaldo C. Da Cruz, 42, of Watkinsville was arrested Nov. 15 on Dogwood Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Timothy Bryson Womack, 24, of Skulley Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 16 on Ga. 400 in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Heather Harrison Amos, 38, of Ashurst Drive, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 17 on Willeo Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Alexander Aaron Cebada, 22, of Bainbridge Lane, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 17 on Ga. 400 in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Joshua Andrew Hyde, 28, of Dawsonville was arrested Nov. 17 on Pine Grove Road in Roswell for DUI and following too closely.

► Bernard Dee King, 46, of Marietta was arrested Nov. 18 on Azalea Drive in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Michael Lamar Williams, 32, of Smyrna was arrested Nov. 16 on Highway 9 in Roswell for DUI, failure to maintain lane and possession of marijuana.

Drug arrests

► Jessie J. Hall, 48, of Norcross was arrested Nov. 13 on Old Roswell Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related items and headlight violation.

► Joe H. Williams, 18, of Newport Bay Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 11 on Laurelwood Lane in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related items.

► Shawn Anthony Richardson, 36, of Atlanta was arrested Nov. 15 on Lancaster Loop in Roswell for possession of marijuana and parking vio-lation.

► Reginald Lynn Dunning, 20, of Ashley Forest Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 16 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of mari-

juana with intent to distribute and no license.

► Kyare Lasalle Griffin, 20, of Ashley Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Nov. 16 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and giving false information.

► Jonathan Daniel Cunningham, 23, of Old Dogwood Road, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 16 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

► Nicholas Gerald Spence, 23, of Atlanta was arrested Nov. 16 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and obstruction of an officer.

► Larae Corin Coates, 31, of Atlanta was arrested Nov. 18 on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell for possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related items and giving false information.

► Joseph W. Kinskey, 20, of Broughton Street, Roswell, was arrested Nov. 20 on Woodstock Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana.

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

Pregnant woman fights with policeMILTON, Ga. – An unknown pregnant woman fought with and bit police Nov. 21 after she was caught shoplifting.

Employees of the Kohl’s store on Ga. 9 said they saw the pregnant suspect in the shoe department picking out pairs of shoes, removing them from their boxes and placing the shoes in her shopping cart. She then replaced the empty boxes on the shelf. She then went to the jewelry department where she picked out earring

and necklaces, also placing them in her cart. She repeated this in the clothing depart-ment, picking out tops. Finally, she went to the fitting room. When she left the fitting room, store employees said her purse was noticeably full and none of the items were left in the fitting room. They stopped her as she attempted to leave the store without paying for her items.

When police arrived, she gave them a false name and began pleading with them not to arrest her and that people would kill her if they found out. She repeatedly said she would kill herself. When police tried to place handcuffs on her, she fought back, even biting one of the officers.

She was taken to North Fulton Hospital for treat-ment and evaluation. She was charged with shoplifting, felony obstruction of police, giving a

false name and battery.

Woman uses fakeIDs for $1K spreeALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Powder Springs woman was arrested Nov. 19 after allegedly using fake driver’s licenses to open store credit cards. Employees at the Best Buy at North Point Mall told police the suspect, Amber Diane Weber, 22, of Powder Springs, opened a store credit card and charged $1,068 before employees suspected her driver’s license was a fake. She left the store. Police caught up with her on Ga. 400 where she was found to have another fake driver’s license on her, as well as a Macy’s credit card opened in that license’s name.

She claimed an unknown man gave her the two IDs and

told her what to do with them. Both stolen IDs were from women in the state of New York. Weber was charged with credit card forgery and identity fraud.

Sleeping man found with drugsMILTON, Ga. – A sleeping man was found to have several types of drugs on him Nov. 20.

Police were called to the CVS on Ga. 9 north of Bethany Bend about 4:20 p.m. after a man was reportedly sound asleep in his car and had been for several hours. When police woke him, the suspect, Kyle Jay Copp, 26, of Steeple Chase, Alpharetta, seemed disoriented. When asked if police could search his car, he

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

See BLOTTER, Page 3

Page 3: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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refused. A police dog was brought in

and allegedly alerted at several places around the car, signify-ing possible drugs. A search of the car yielded two marijuana grinders, a bottle of vodka, a bottle of prescription pills, sev-eral wedding rings and gems, more than $200 cash and several plastic baggies contain-ing a white powder and rocks, suspected methamphetamine.

Copp also allegedly refused to give his real name to police. He was arrested for possession of methamphetamines, posses-sion of marijuana, driving with an open container of alcohol, possession of drug-related paraphernalia and giving a false name to police.

Two businesses burglarizedCUMMING, Ga. — Someone broke into two businesses and stole about $1,300 in cash and equipment, according to a For-syth County Sheriff’s incident

report.On Nov. 16, deputies were

dispatched to Jets Pizza, 2950 Buford Highway, because someone busted the front glass door. When deputies arrived, an employee from a neighbor-ing business said she saw it broken when she arrived for work. She said the alarm was going on off, but did not see anyone inside. Deputies said two cash registers were emptied out, the shelf that held them was damaged and the safe was missing. The floor was scratched leading from the register area to the front door. Deputies said the suspect must have broken the shelf to steal the safe and drug it out of the store. The manager of Jets Pizza told deputies he put the $980 in cash from the registers into a safe the night before. The owner said it will cost about $2,500 to replace the damaged and stolen property. On the same day, the Castle Car Wash, 1780 Buford High-way, was also broken into.

Deputies said glass had been removed from an em-ployee entrance inside the car wash machine. The cash register had been emptied of $300, and the owner’s $1,000 laptop and accounting software

was stolen. The owner told deputies the car wash controls showed malfunctions, which he assume

Teen found shoplifting items

MILTON, Ga. – An 18-year-old Alpharetta woman was ar-rested Nov. 20 for attempting to steal movies, clothes and snacks from the Windward Walmart. According to store employees, June Ruth Ungaro, 18, of Planter’s Ridge Lane, Al-pharetta, was seen picking out items throughout the store and placing them into shopping bags. She allegedly selected several movies, a frozen pie

and men’s shirts and socks.She then tried to leave the

store without paying for the $113-worth of items. She later admitted to police she could not pay for the items.

Ungaro was arrested for shoplifting.

Fake cops calling residents

MILTON, Ga. – A Milton resident is a suspect in several phone calls of people claiming to be police officers.

A man reported to police Nov. 22 that he was called from a local number the day before with the callers – a man and a woman – claiming to be

Dunwoody Police officers. They claimed he was a suspect in a harassing communications report stemming from sup-posed membership in an adult website.

The victim gave his full name, birthdate and Social Security number to the “of-ficers.” The victim later called Dunwoody Police, who advised the people he spoke with were not officers.

The number was called by police, and the phone was answered by a woman iden-tifying herself as Dunwoody Police. She was identified as an “Annette Davis” of North Park Lane, Milton. A man, Orlando Caballeo, of Pine Vista Bluff, Alpharetta, was also implicat-ed. Police are investigating.

Continued from Page 2

Blotter:

Page 4: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

4 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com COMMUNITY

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Christmas tree, Hanukkah dreidel lighting indoors

Johns Creek rings in holiday season

By HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – It was a damp Dec. 2 Christmas tree and Hanukkah dreidel lighting when weather forced everyone to watch from indoors, but nothing dampened the holiday spirit provided by the Barnwell Elementary School chorus.Led by choral directors Kelley Kim and Grace Yen, the eighth annual lighting of the tree and dreidel was accompanied by carols and holiday music pro-vided by Barnwell’s chorus.

Mayor Mike Bodker intro-duced the chorus to a packed house of mostly parents. The climax, of course, was the lighting witnessed from the third floor of City Hall where everyone was nice and dry.

The Founders Day Parade will proceed Saturday at 10 a.m. rain or shine.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Barnwell’s three soloists begin the festivities.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

The Christmas tree and Hanukkah dreidel light up the night’s sky

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

The Barnwell Elementary School chorus, 37 strong, were the musical entertainment for the evening.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

One little guy gets a boost from Dad.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Every voice is lifted in song.

Page 5: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – For the second time in its short his-tory, the five-year-old Johns Creek Police Department has earned Advanced Accredita-tion by the Commission for the Accreditation for Law Enforce-ment Agencies – the gold stan-dard for police professionalism.

The department was scru-tinized by a team of CALEA inspectors who spent four days in April reviewing JCPD poli-cies and procedures, training, agency practices, record-keep-ing and selection process to determine if they met CALEA’s exacting standards.

The review found JCPD was in compliance with all applica-ble standards required to earn an Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation. The Johns Creek Police Department was first accredited by CALEA in 2010, only two years year after the agency was launched.

“CALEA accreditation is big deal in law enforcement circles,” said Police Chief Ed Densmore. “It speaks to the professionalism and high standards we’ve set for our-selves. When we set up the department, our goal was to be

accredited by CALEA, not just to have it but because it would set us up the right way. CALEA accreditation affirms we’re on the right path.”

Gary Cordner, lead CALEA commissioner reviewing JCPD, said often re-accreditation is harder than accreditation the first time.

“Often the second time is when people slip up a little bit,” Cordner said. “This shows that JCPD takes this seriously.

They’ve taken the standards to heart and make them a part of the culture. Johns Creek citizens can be proud to learn their agency is complying with the best practices of modern professional policing.”

City Manager John Kachmar said accreditation

reinforces the reputation that Johns Creek Police is a top-notch, professional agency.

“This isn’t just us saying this,” Kachmar said. “This is from an outside body of ex-perts in this field. Johns Creek can have confidence in its police department.”

EVENTWORK PHOTOGRAPHY

Participating at the re-accreditation ceremony at the CALEA conference in Winston-Salem, N.C. Nov. 16 are from left CALEA Executive Director Sylvester Daughtry Jr.; Johns Creek Police Maj. John Clifton; Johns Creek City Manager John Kachmar; Johns Creek Police Operations Manager Cheri Akselsen; Johns Creek Police Chief Ed Densmore; and CALEA President Louis M. Dekmar.

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Johns Creek Police Department earns CALEA re-accreditation

Page 7: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 7Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

Page 8: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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owners which was also a mixed-use project and a downsizing from the original zoning which would allow 299,000 square feet of office/com-mercial and residential.

The lawsuit was put in abeyance by the city and the owners to allow this new plan brought forth by Jolly’s Providence Group of Georgia de-velopment Co. Jolly said if the new zoning is not acceptable to the owners, then they have until Dec. 31 to lift the abeyance or lose the right to continue the original lawsuit.

Jolly said he could not say whether the fami-lies involved will be satisfied with the reduced density which may affect the selling price Provi-dence Group is willing to pay.

The zoning hearing was deferred at the Nov. 18 meeting by council, which asked that the developer and the homeowner associations on Bell Road to find a workable compromise. That didn’t happen.

So Dec. 2, they were all in council cham-bers again to rehash the same arguments. The community leaders complained that the devel-opment with its 116 homes on Bell Road would crowd already crowd schools, choke traffic in the area during peak times and adversely affect the rural and pastoral nature of the Bell Road proposed under the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Homeowner David Meskell said any way you slice it, 240 units create a density of 4.2 units an acre. Homes in the adjacent communities are all at 1-acre minimums.

“This is more dense than the project that

was rejected in 2012,” he said. “I don’t see expensive homes on postage stamp lots as respecting the neighbors. The interpretation of the Comprehensive Plan should be to protect Shakerag.”

Jolly’s position is that the property, which is in the McGinnis development area, does comply with the Development Plan, and that it is the common practice to address lot density in terms of the entire 52 acres.

“This is a transition area from the high den-sity use on McGinnis Ferry Road,” Jolly said. Zoning Administrator Justin Kirouac said this was true, and that the project did meet zoning conditions.

Despite Jolly’s offer of reducing by 22.4 percent the density of the 26-acre section (25 homes), the council insisted on a 70-home reduction.

Now it is a wait-and-see situation as to whether the property owners will accept the city’s zoning decision or go back to court. They have until Dec. 31 to decide.

Continued from Page 1

Council: This is more dense than the project that was re-jected in 2012 ... I don’t see expensive homes on postage stamp lots as re-specting the neighbors.”DAVID MESKELLHomeowner

By HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council has finally taken action on City Manager John Kachmar’s altercation with residents after an Oct.7 council meeting. Councilman Brad Raffensperg-er (who witnessed the incident) said Kachmar will be given a written reprimand.

This was a low-key reac-tion to what had been a fairly explosive issue in the recent city elections. Kachmar had approached Christie Johnson after the meeting to verbally assault her in what he termed “lying” during the public comment part of the meeting earlier.

Then he turned on Gerald Bush, her neighbor, when Bush intervened. He used profanity and abusive language to him. Bush said later he thought Kachmar was trying to provoke a fight.

“[Kachmar’s] conduct was unprofessional and inappro-priate and must not happen again,” Raffensperger said. “Some people may wonder how we got here.”

Raffensperger then asked a

city attorney if the city was “at risk” to say more. The attor-ney advised any comments be made in executive session.

This did not satisfy Mayor Mike Bodker, who did not hesi-tate to speak out. “I can’t support this motion. This particular action was one of a series of incidents that show a pattern of behavior,” Bodker said.

Although he could praise his talents as an administrator, Bodker said he can no longer support Kachmar in his posi-tion as an administrator.

The censure passed 4-2 with Bodker and Councilwom-en Kelly Stewart opposed.

After the meeting, Stewart said based on all the research she had done concerning Kachmar’s career, his behavior has shown “a disturbing pat-tern of inappropriate conduct.”

“It is such that I cannot support [Kachmar]. He should be terminated. Johns Creek deserves better,” she said.

On hand for public com-ment again were Johnson who was the victim of Kachmar’s tirade and her neighbor, Bush. They said Kachmar merely had his wrist slapped.

“It’s a sad day for the city,”

said Bush. “You waited two months to do the right thing. And now you don’t have the backbone to stand up to this man. What do I tell my daugh-ter? I wouldn’t talk that way to you.”

Johnson said she was shocked at the response coun-cil had for what she called, “a vicious and unprovoked attack against someone making nor-mal comments.”

“I begged one of you [Raffensperger] to step in, and you didn’t,” Johnson said.

Resident Barbara Hartman also got up to speak, saying, “any gentleman who [used such language] should have more than a simple warning.”

“I’m appalled. I did not hear any apology for this action [from Kachmar] or agree to get counseling,” Hartman said.

Council disciplines KachmarResidents call written warning ‘slap on wrist’

BODKER KACHMAR

Page 9: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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Page 10: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

10 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com COMMUNITY

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NORTH FULTON, Ga. – It’s no secret the Affordable Care Act – also known as “Obamacare” – can be confusing. In an effort to help their clients, North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) is offering guidance to navigate the many layers of the ACA.

Eden Purdy, director of programs for NFCC, said they

have partnered with the Jewish Family Career Service Center to provide a state “navigator,” that is, someone certified to offer guidance on obtaining health care.

“[The navigator] will come out twice a month to help clients screen and complete their applications and answer questions about health care and help them make the right choices,” Purdy said.

In Georgia, the ACA was further complicated when the state opted out of expanding Medicare and Medicaid, mak-ing insurance tough to afford.

“Many of our clients won’t be able to afford the insurance or benefits of the marketplace,” Purdy said. “We are hoping that there will be other options for them.”

In addition to the navigator, Purdy said the NFCC is certi-fied by the federal government as an organization that can train volunteers to help with the ACA in conjunction with the navigator.

“On days the navigator is not here, volunteers can assist clients,” Purdy said, including answering questions, helping understand their choices and

helping screen applicants.“We’re hoping between the

two of these options, we will be better positioned to serve those in our community who are struggling to grasp this concept.”

Purdy said she sees about 24 people each Monday seek-ing help on similar programs. Given the complexity of the ACA, she expects double the usual number of people knock-ing on her door.

Given the need, having a certified group is essential. Purdy said she is already hear-ing of scam artists conning people out of health care mon-ey. “We’ve already heard from clients of people who are set up in the apartments and commu-nities who have charged money

to help process an application,” Purdy said. “These people have no business doing it. Only navigators or certified applica-tion counselors can give help. They are taking advantage of people.”

NFCC offers the program and advice free of charge.

Each year, NFCC helps more than 5,000 needy fami-lies in the North Fulton area with food, clothing and emer-gency assistance, as well as providing skills training and help with government pro-grams.

The navigator will begin helping clients of the NFCC beginning in December on the second and fourth Mondays. Check www.nfcchelp.org for a list of available dates and times.

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We’re hoping between the two of these options, we will be better positioned to serve those in our community who are struggling to grasp this concept.”EDEN PURDYNorth Fulton Community Charities Director of Programs

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Page 11: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 11COMMUNITY

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CUMMING, Ga. — Local battered women’s shelters received a financial contribution last week.

On Oct. 3, Robert Aiken, senior vice president and managing broker of Harry Norman, Realtors Forsyth/Lake Lanier office, donated a check for $2,400 to Forsyth County Family Haven. Another check was donated to Dawson and Lumpkin counties’ No One Alone Shelter and to Hall County’s Gateway Domestic Violence Center.

The donation totaled $7,200.The money was collected during the

Ticket to Ride Benefit Horse Show held July 19 through July 21 at Wills Park Equestrian Center in Alpharetta.

Harry Norman’s staff worked with Black Horse Productions to put on Ticket to Ride, the largest show the company has ever seen with more than 170 horses competing in the event.

Since its opening in the county two years ago, Harry Norman has donated about $25,000 annually to charities, Aiken said.

Millie Irizarry, executive director for Forsyth County Family Haven, said the donation will assist with provid-ing housing and outreach services and

giving women and children a safe place until they find permanent housing. All 27 beds at their facility are filled.

About 1,200 women and their chil-dren come into contact with the organi-zation each year, Irizarry said.

“We feed and provide services so they can return to a life free from do-mestic violence,” Irizarry said. “Anytime we go through hard economic times, we see a rise in victims.”

Harry Norman makesdonation to women’s shelters

Millie Irizarry, executive director for Forsyth County Family Haven, accepts a check from Robert Aiken, senior vice president and managing broker of Harry Norman, Realtors Forsyth/Lake Lanier.

We feed and provide services so they can return to a life free from domestic violence...Anytime we go through hard economic times, we see a rise in victims.”MILLIE IRIZARRYExecutive director for Forsyth County Family Haven

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Page 12: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

12 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

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ROSWELL, Ga. – For area com-panies with jobs to fill, the Ro-swell United Methodist Church may just have the answer with its Job Networking Mini-Job Fair Monday, Dec. 9.

“Do you have jobs that need qualified workers? You’re in-vited! Just say, ‘I’m in.’ It’s that easy,” said Rhonda McDonald at RUMC Job Networking. “There is still room to join us and find a great employee.”

The RUMC Job Networking Mini-Job Fair is sponsored by Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Roswell.

“There’s no booth. No cost. No preparation. All you have to do is bring jobs,” said McDon-ald. “Success stories sent to us from employers have confirmed this process is working.”

Decision makers should ar-rive no later than 7:30 p.m. for the employers’ quick meeting.

Shortly afterward, employ-ers get to announce their jobs to the 300-plus job seekers in attendance and then meet in

private rooms with the inter-ested candidates.

“It’s over by 9 p.m., and employers leave with resumes in hand. That’s the process in a nutshell,” said McDonald.

“We would also welcome and encourage you to join us for dinner at 5:45 p.m. to hear our dinner speaker and mingle with job seekers,” she said.

There is no cost to employ-ers for the event. However, RUMC appreciates donations to the Job Networking Minis-try. This program has grown exponentially and expenses have greatly increased.

Dinner for the job seek-ers, volunteers and employers cost approximately $1,000 per evening. There are, of course, additional costs. Every penny

of every contribution they get goes into a special account used for this program only.

“We believe this program is having an amazing impact in the community,” said Mc-Donald. “The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Roswell Business Alliance and the Rotary Club of Roswell support us with their time, money and introductions to employers and job seekers.”

The full agenda can be viewed at www.rumcjobnet-working.com. Sign up to attend via email at [email protected] or call 404-604-7830.

Employers who havealready signed up include:•Ackerman Security•Alorica•Donnelly Communications/

ProCore Solutions eBoot Camp, Inc.

•General Motors•Happy Tails•Homejoy•HTH Building Services•Northwest Exterminating•Optomi•PrideStaff•Randstad•Ryder•Shaklee•Smart-Tek•SuperGreen Solutions•Teksystems

RUMC Job Fair looking for companiesJobs going unfilled? Job fair has answer

We believe this program is having an amazing impact in the community.”RHONDA MCDONALD Roswell United Methodist Church Job Networking

Nordson raises $18Kfor Children’s Healthcare

Presenting the check are from left are Cindy Baumgardner, Nordson Corp.; Keith Adams, Nordson; Paul English, Nor-dson; and Dave Winokur, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Nordson Corp. Adhesive Dispensing Division in Johns Creek Technology Park raised $18,059 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foun-dation with its annual golf tournament Oct. 4 at River Pines Golf Course.

Nordson suppliers not only played in the tourna-ment, but they graciously

donated the raffle prizes. Through generous

employees, customers and suppliers who participated in the Nordson Golf Tournament and matching funds from the Nordson Foundation, Nord-son was able to contribute to the work that Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foun-dation does in the commu-nity.

Page 13: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 13SCHOOLS

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Taylor Road Middle School advanced orchestra students, under the direction of Nicole Thompson, performed an out-standing concert on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Rialto Theatre in Atlanta. The performance was part of the Georgia State University Invitational Festival.

Following their perfor-mance, students had the opportunity to work under the baton of Maestro Michael Palmer, who is on the faculty

at GSU, as well as the artistic director of the Bellingham Fes-tival of Music.

In addition to their time on stage, students took advan-tage of opportunities to attend various workshops to learn about performing fiddle, jazz/improvisation, rock and solo technique to enhance their overall skill. At the conclusion of the event, they attended a performance of a variety of musical styles by professional musicians.

Taylor Road MS orchestra students perform at Rialto

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Wilson Creek Elementary fourth-grade teacher Lee Ann Senne was among a select group of educators invited to present a technology class at this year’s Georgia Educational Technol-ogy Conference (GaETC). The subject of the workshop was a technology tool called Edmodo. During the standing-room only workshop, Senne taught attendees how to utilize the power of this social media tool to customize their classrooms for students. Edmodo provides teachers and students a secure place to connect and collabo-rate, as well as access to any-time, anywhere learning.

Wilson Creek teacher leads tech class at state conference

Lee Ann Senne makes a point at conference.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Mount Pisgah cross country runner Shane Sullivan broke his own school record in the Footlocker South-east Regional Championship race in Charlotte, N.C. Sullivan covered the course in 15:49, becoming the first Pisgah runner to break the 16-minute mark in a 5K race. The senior was the 10th runner from the state of Georgia (regardless of classification) to finish the race and was 12 seconds ahead of Class A champion Reilly Friedman. Sullivan finished in 82nd place overall out of 318 runners from across the Southeast.

Pisgah’s Sullivan competes in Footlocker Southeast Regional

Page 14: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

14 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

center is doing. Second, it suggests ways that it could improve in all phases. The assessment reports will help Autrey Mill make appropriate improvements for the immedi-ate, mid-range and long-range care of their collections and historic structures.

“Basically, it assesses how to inventory, maintain and display,” Bass said.

One assessor looks at the collections at the tenant farmhouse, the Green Country Store and the farm museum, which is a large collection of old farm utensils.

“We had to narrow the scope to just three buildings [so the Summerour House, program barn and Warsaw Church were not included]. I selected the buildings that in my opinion were in the most need of an assessment due to the condition of the buildings or the amount of material in-side the buildings,” Bass said.

The collections include textiles and historic objects that belonged to the people who lived in those buildings. These include furniture, tools, quilts, photographs and other artifacts from their daily life. In the case of the Green’s store, there are the store’s ledgers

that not only relate what kinds of goods were sold, but to which individual customers and families.

These are the buildings that hold most of the site’s col-lection.

“All of these items need to be inventoried and conserved,” Bass said.

The conservation experts spent two days on the prop-erty. The first conservator cata-logued the artifacts and how they are stored and displayed. Then she assessed their state of preservation and what im-

provements might be made for that preservation.

The second assessor, an historic preservation architect, made an examination of the three buildings to assess their condition.

In authorizing the con-servation assessment grant, Heritage Preservation President Lawrence L. Reger praised Au-trey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center for “making the vital work of caring for col-lections and sites a priority of

their institution, even in these challenging financial times, and helping ensure that they are available to present and future generations.”

Bass said Autrey Mill ap-plied for the grant so that it could better pursue its goal of not only serving as the city’s nature center with trails and a natural history museum, but to preserve and maintain a huge slice of Johns Creek’s historical significance.

“We are grateful to the In-

stitute for Conservation’s help. This will be invaluable to us as we continue to plan and work for the future,” Bass said.

Bass is also a docent for the property along with Suzette Meskell and Jan Mairose.

Together, they provide on-site historical instruction and information to the visitors and students who come to the 46-acre park on Autrey Mill Road and Old Alabama Road.

They make the past “come alive.”

Continued from Page 1

Center:

Docents Suzette Meskell and Jan Mairose examine an 80-year-old flour bag in Green’s Store.

Autrey Mill Nature Center board member Jacqueline Bass goes through documents at Green’s Store, one of the historic buildings preserved at the site.

Page 15: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 15SCHOOLS

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. –River Trail Middle School recognized Con-stitution Week with information on the U.S. Constitution dis-played in the media center. Students had the opportunity to sign a scroll-like paper as if signing the Constitution. RTMS student Dylan Long signs in the Media Center as Media & Educational Technology Instructor Suzanne Mittenzwei and DAR members Janet Hellman and Cathy Hellming look on. The local DAR chapter sponsored this event.

River Trail MS celebrates Constitution Week

King’s Ridge pre-first collects shoes for Orphanage EmmanuelALPHARETTA, Ga. – King’s Ridge Christian School pre-first teacher Debora Daniel has been inspirational in leading the efforts to collect shoes for children at Orphanage Em-manuel in Honduras. This year, her pre-first class col-lected over 100 pairs.

The program originated out of Northbrook United Method-ist Church.

“The church travels there for mission trips and has nu-merous drives to assist those in the orphanage,” said Daniel. “It is a tremendous program. My son traveled there when he was a teenager. It made such an impact on my family that I decided to bring the project to KR.” Through the years, King’s Ridge has collected more than 800 pairs of shoes for the proj-ect. Any size or style is accept-ed as the children range in age

from toddler to teenagers. The orphanage hosts its own prom and school dances and thus, dress shoes are treasured. Daniel said that parents of stu-dents from previous years con-tinue to save their old shoes and contribute to the project, even though their children have moved on from pre-first. In the spring, students are also able to purchase books through the book fair that is held on campus and write let-ters such as, “God loves you” or “King’s Ridge loves you” to the children of Honduras.

“I like these types of service projects because our children learn at an early age how important it is to help others,” Daniel said.

For more information on the program, visit http://or-phanageemmanuelhn.weebly.com/index.html.

The children in Debora Daniel’s pre-first class at King’s Ridge Christian School show off the shoes they collected for children at Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras. Standing in rear from left are S. Gumels, M. Muscott, Z. McGruder, D. Jacobi, H. Fore-hand and I. Davis. Kneeling in front from left are K. Driskell, C. Usiskin, J.P. Pickren, W. Lossie and A. Payne.

Page 16: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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16 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – North American Properties Man-aging Partner Mark Toro knows how to build com-mercial properties and market them, but he is also flexible enough to know that markets and marketing changes.

At the Nov. 21 Appen Media “Best of the Best” gala, Toro, as keynote speaker, spoke about “what did it take to get here?” As a real estate executive with 26 years in commercial real estate, Toro has been responsible for the development or redevelopment of 19 million square feet of commercial property valued now at $2.5 billion. In Atlanta, North American has acquired and Toro turned around the 138-acre Atlantic Station mixed-use project at the junction of I-85 and I-75. Now he has oversight of the $600 million, 2.4 million-square-foot Alpharetta mixed-use project at Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway that he has named Avalon.

Avalon will be a leader in the new wave of mixed-use retail thinking.

“Three years ago, I didn’t know the Avalon con-cept existed. But what we found was we are no longer lessors of retail and office space, nor are our tenants simply purveyors of their wares. What we are doing at Avalon is creating an experiential environment that is like no other place,” Toro said.

A self-admitted “leadership freak,” Toro is con-stantly reading and absorbing what the latest think-ing is and applying it to marketing the shopping ex-perience. He says what you have to do is learn how to “skate to where the puck is going” faster than anyone else. In other words, while the “Big Boys” are trying to find out where the market is going, North American is already primed and moving toward it.

North American can do that because it is leaner with less bureaucracy. It can make better decisions faster than “the Big Boys” because it has spent a lot of time building the right team with people who “get it.”

“Focus is a critical part of what we do. You eliminate the big picture of the things on which you cannot have any effect – what will Congress do next,

what will happen in the Middle East. You focus on the circle of your concerns. And you bring to it your abili-ties to bear on that,” Toro said.

Keep the focus on what Toro calls the circle of influence.

That is where the team comes in. Always be look-ing for those with the passion, the ideas and the energy.

“You bring the people before the strategy. I always hire attitude first, skills last,” he said. “We hire people extremely slowly. People don’t change.”

About a third of most companies’ hires are go-getters who charge through walls to get the job done, he said. Another third are those who come every day and do their job. And a third of the hires are what Toro calls CAVE people (Constantly Against Every-

thing) who affect the second third.Toro concentrates on hiring the first third.“Surround yourself with positive people,” he said.

“Action is the best path to success.”Small is faster and that is the way to beat the “Big

Boys,” because their bureaucracy will create lethargy.Toro’s whole team for Avalon numbers 64. It not

only has cohesiveness and singleness of purpose, but it has a culture of accountability. They don’t fail because as a team, they work against failure; unlike bureaucracies, which work to avoid blame.

“The culture is, ‘We do what we say we will do.’ That is the standard,” he said. “We compete with them because we can move faster. Good enough never is.”

Avalon chief gives leadership views Speaking at ‘Best of the Best’ gala

Toro says hire attitude over résumé any day

Mark Toro addresses Appen Media’s Best of the Best gala audience about leadership.

You bring the people before the strategy. I always hire attitude first, skills last...We hire people extremely slowly. People don’t change.”MARK TORONorth American Properties Managing Partner

Page 17: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 17Submit your business news & photos to [email protected] BusinessPosts

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any other off er. Expires 10 days after publication.

$150 OFFPartial Perimeter Solution

(under 100 feet)With this off er. May not be combined with

any other off er. Expires 10 days after publication.

WET orDAMP BASEMENT?CRACKED FOUNDATION?

BANKING » Smith joins FirstCitizens banking groupALPHARETTA, Ga. — First Citizens announced that Brad Smith joined the company’s Atlanta area com-mercial banking group as commer-cial relationship manager.

Smith, a Cumming resident, will be responsible for seeking new business opportunities, expanding relationships with current com-mercial clients and recommending solutions that help commercial cli-ents achieve their financial objec-tives. In addition, he will be responsible for deliver-ing a superior client experience. Smith will be based at the company’s Alpharetta office, located at 11575 Haynes Bridge Road.

For more information, visit www.firstcitizenson-line.com.

KeyWorth collects for North Fulton Community CharitiesNORTH FULTON, Ga. — At a recent North Fulton Community Charities board meeting, the direc-tors were informed the food bank was getting low. Jim Pope, president and chief executive officer of KeyWorth Bank, serves on the NFCC Board. He returned to the bank and shared with the KeyWorth staff the food needs of the charity. Several KeyWorth associates led by Rhonda Thornton, financial center manager of the Johns Creek office, jumped into action. They agreed to conduct a food drive during October in each of the three bank offices. Bank em-ployees and customers were encouraged to donate food. The response was amazing, and they quickly filled up several tables and boxes of food for those less fortunate. The food was delivered to NFCC and the shelves are stocked again. KeyWorth partici-pates in a number of community projects through-out the year.

LEGAL » Robinson and Miller PC expands legal servicesALPHARETTA, Ga. — Continuing to provide estate legal services to the Alpharetta community and beyond, Robin-son and Miller PC announced the expansion of its firm with the ad-dition of Lindsay Culver as associate attorney and Leigh Taylor as legal assistant.

“Our firm aims to assist individuals effectively plan and prepare for the future,” said Debra Robin-son, partner at Robinson and Miller. “I’m confident Lindsay and Leigh will further our mission to help

those we serve with quality and care.” As associate attorney, Culver will represent cli-

ents in areas such as business law, estate planning and trusts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in com-munications from the University of Colorado and a juris doctor from New England Law.

Taylor will head communications efforts, includ-ing document production, and assist attorneys. Prior to joining Robinson and Miller, she was an account coordinator at the Wilbert Group.

Visit www.robinsonmiller.com or call 770-817-4999 for more information.

OPEN HOUSE »

Credo Financial holdsopen house, networkingALPHARETTA, Ga. — Credo Financial Services partnered with North Point Suites for an after-hours open house on Nov. 12.

About 100 people attended the networking event catered by La Masa House and Malvi desserts, fla-vorful molten sugar fluff cubes sandwiched between shortbread-style cookies. In attendance were the winners of the Credo 2013 Entrepreneur Contest, Laura Curtis Retana of the Malvi Dessert Shop and Kayse McCanne of Bridge-way Youth Program Specialists, both of whom shared their business success stories.

Dan Lucas of Credo Financial Services and Ricky Novak of Strategic Capital Partners gave a free presentation on tax tips to save money.

FITNESS » Anytime Fitness hasnew owners, services ALPHARETTA, Ga.—The Anytime Fitness, 270 Rucker Road in Alpharetta, announced that it is now owned by Jeremy and CarolAnn Fitzpatrick, a husband-wife team. “The gym has been in business since February 2007, but our management has completely revital-ized the gym,” Jeremy said. “We have upgraded the fitness center to a 21st century state-of-the-art fa-cility and installed cutting-edge national equipment brands such as Life Fitness, StarTrac and Hammer Strength.”

The new owners have introduced a number of group fitness classes free to members. Members can take classes like Zumba, Z-box, yoga, yoga stretch-ing, circuit strength and self defense.

For more information, visit www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/127.

ANNOUNCEMENTS » Kirk Wright joins HolidayInn in AlpharettaALPHARETTA, Ga. — Kirk Wright recently joined the Banyan team in Alpharetta at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites on Windward Parkway. Wright

was the general manager at the Artmore Hotel in midtown Atlanta.

His experience includes senior operations manager of the 520-room all-inclusive Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Jamaica.

“Kirk is a professional with integrity and sound work ethics. He understands the dynamics of responsibility while maintaining the integrity of the product and guest satisfaction. He would be an as-set to any organization,” said Jean-Marc Rousseau, Holiday Inn general manager.

Nature Center appoints executive directorROSWELL, Ga. — The Chattahoochee Nature Center Board of Trustees announced that Chris S. Nelson has been appointed its executive director, effective January 2014.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is one of the largest nature centers in the southeast United States. As executive director, Nelson will be respon-sible for all operations and development for the Nature Center.

Nelson has been the executive vice president and chief of operations of the Piedmont Park Conser-vancy for the past 14 years.

Nelson replaces Ann Bergstrom, who had been executive director for the past 15 years.

For more information, visit www.chattnaturecen-ter.org.

REAL ESTATE » Two join Harry Norman Realtorsin Forsyth/Lanier officeCUMMING, Ga. — The Forsyth County/Lake Lanier Harry Norman Realtors office has welcomed Ivan Ramirez and Dave Wolfe to its team.

Wolfe comes to the Forsyth/Lake Lanier office from Commonwealth Realty in Alpharetta. He has about five years of real estate experience and is licensed in both Georgia and New York.

Wolfe said his greatest asset to his clients is his personal attention from start to closing. Ramirez, who has four years of real estate experience, has resided in Atlanta for 18 years.

Ramirez is a United States Marine Corps veteran and said his greatest asset is his honesty and integ-rity. Call 770-497-2000, or visit www.HarryNorman-Forsyth.com for more information.

Realtor joins Harry Normanin Johns Creek officeJOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Harry Nor-man Realtors welcomes Ann Nash as a realtor in its Johns Creek office. Nash comes with a background in real estate investing, plus 20 years in residential interior design. Incor-porating these two skills allows her to offer buyers and sellers expertise in staging, furniture placement, space planning and material selec-tions for new construction or remodels.

Nash can be reached at 770-680-6470, or [email protected].

SMITH

CULVER TAYLOR

NASH

WOLFE RAMIREZ

Page 18: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

18 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your business news & photos to [email protected]

Does your small business have ap-propriate branding?

Does your brand help you to dif-ferentiate your products and services from other competitors?

Branding is one of the most im-portant aspects of any small business because it tells potential customers who you are, what you provide and why they should buy from you.

Originally, branding was done in the cattle industry by burning a mark or symbol onto a cow to differentiate it from others. It evolved over the years to a business term that is used in mar-keting and advertising to create a point of differentiation in the products and services a company provides.

The foundation of a brand is often a company logo or slogan.

Some of the top corporate brands include Apple, Google, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, General Electric, Amazon, IBM, Coca-Cola and AT&T. They are household names and it is well known what they do and provide. For small businesses, a brand provides a vehicle to make impressions with potential customers with your company name,

logo, marketing messages, advertis-ing and everything else people see and hear about your business.

Having a branding strategy is the first step in branding. A branding strategy is how, what, where, when and to whom you plan on communicat-ing and delivering your branding mes-sages. Where and how you advertise and how you distribute your product is also part of a branding strategy.

Defining your brand and develop-ing a branding strategy is an important component for all small businesses to position themselves in the marketplace and attract new business.

DICKJONESFounder & PresidentJones Simply Sales

Branding your small businessWith our aging population it has

become more common to have home buyers put an in-law suite on the list of desired features for a home.

According to Census data, about 9 percent of older Americans live with family.

There are really about three differ-ent in-law suite options in our area.

The first, and most often thought of, is in a finished basement. This is also the easiest to find.

Finished basements with a bed-room, bath and kitchen are fairly com-mon and it isn’t terribly expensive to finish a basement out this way.

The only downside would be stairs if your parents were at the age where going up and down stairs were dif-ficult.

The next option would be a large bedroom on the main floor.

While this type of floor plan exists, it is much more difficult to find.

Typically you have the master bedroom on the main, which would be the only “master” in the home, or you would have a standard secondary bedroom on the main floor.

The remaining bedrooms would be upstairs, which again, could be a problem.

Finally, on larger lots, it is possible to find a property with a guest house.

This might be the perfect solution, as it allows for parents to be close by, but have a place to make their own.

And let’s be honest. I’m sure every-one would want to make allowances for their parents to live with them. In-laws though? Maybe not so much.

The fact that my mom might be reading this and my mother-in-law won’t has no bearing at all on that statement.

ROBERTSTRADERLocal RealtorKeller Williams Realty

Making space for the parents

By CAITLIN [email protected]

ROSWELL, Ga. – Growing up in Roswell before attend-ing the University of Georgia, Scott McGuire said he’d always had a passion for sports and the outdoors, but he found it harder to connect with people who shared his interests.

After talking with friend Josh Daniels, the two came up with an idea for “Live Out,” a social network dedicated to outdoor activities and sports.

“We want to bring everyone together so they can better connect to the outdoors,” Mc-Guire said.

Expected to launch in De-

cember, the site will provide a forum for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with others in the area through mutual interests and will allow those involved in adventure sports to find people based on a similar skill-level.

“We’re hoping to save people time by setting up a one-stop shop for the outdoor and adventure sports fans,” McGuire said.

After registering, members will be able to log on to the website and create a profile, which will then allow them to message and chat with others through the site.

Members will also be able to search for the best camp-grounds, skate parks, ski

slopes, mountain biking trails and places to go fishing in the area and across the country.

McGuire said that the net-work will not only encourage, but enable people to partici-pate in outdoor activities, add-ing that there are 40 different adventure sports and outdoor recreational activities that per-tain to the site. “You can find

maps, join forums, enter blogs, participate in video contests, set goals and earn badges for different achievements,” he said. Additionally, members will be able to sell outdoor and sports gear through the site as well as plan group events.

McGuire said a “Live Out Launch Giveaway” will soon be held as a way to award outdoor

gear to fans on Facebook, Twit-ter and YouTube. Live Out is free to join, and can be found at www.liveout.org.

Outdoor social network ‘Live Out’ to launch in December

COURTESY OF SCOTT MCGUIRE

Scott McGuire enjoys the outdoors.

Emory Eye Center launches Cumming clinicCUMMING, Ga. – Emory Eye Center has opened a new clinic in the Johns Creek/Cumming area. Comprehensive ophthal-mologist Vandana C. Reddy will see patients at the Cumming Family Practice complex on Peachtree Parkway several days each week.

Reddy joined the Emory Eye Center last fall. She provides educational efforts at Grady and has seen patients at Emory Eye Center’s various locations for the past year. Her clinical

interests in-clude diseases of the cornea, corneal trans-plant, cataract surgery and general eye care.

“My train-ing in cornea and cataract surgery and comprehensive ophthalmology will hopefully benefit the sur-rounding community and pro-

vide better access to eye care in this growing area,” said Reddy.  Reddy received her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at Wellesley College. She attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia and complet-ed residency in ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic. She then completed a cornea fellowship at the University of Michigan’s Kellogg Eye Center.

Reddy has participated in medical outreach including cat-aract surgery in India, Salvation

Army Free Eye Clinics, medi-cal camps and migrant health clinics and the Student Sight Savers program, among others. Reddy has an academic interest in mentoring and training medi-cal students and residents. She has a strong interest in inter-national eye care and has spent time learning and practicing small incision sutureless ex-tracapsular cataract surgeries. She has conducted research in ocular surface disease, corneal sensitivity and corneal nerve

density in patients with differ-ent neurologic disorders and various other systemic diseases.

She holds membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Cornea Society, North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. She has presented posters at na-tional meetings and published articles. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

REDDY

We’re hoping to save people time by setting up a one-stop shop for the outdoor and adventure sports fans.”SCOTT MCGUIRE, Co-founder of Live Out

Page 19: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 19CALENDARSubmit your event online at northfulton.com

TOP FIVE EVENTS

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMASTIMEFeaturing the Atlanta Vocal Project, a men’s a cappella group. 2 - 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Please call 404-713-0480 or visit atlantavocalproject.com.

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

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC » VOCAL AUTHORITY CHRISTMAS CONCERTAtlanta Street Baptist Church and Thousand Hills Coffee host a Christmas Concert featuring the group Vocal Authority from Bethel University's Renaissance Program. Sing along to favorite Christmas Holiday Classics. Free coffee and hot chocolate provided. 6 p.m. Dec. 15. Atlanta Street Baptist Church, 340 Atlanta St., Roswell. Please visit asbcroswell.com.

THEATER »“RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER”Presented by the Center for Puppetry Arts, Rudolph soars back into town for this faithful adaptation of the wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Show times vary. Nov. 7 – Dec. 29. 1404 Spring St. Northwest at 18th St., Atlanta. Please visit puppet.org.

“HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”Presented by ACT1 Theater. The Clayton family gathers together for a yuletide reunion. One daughter is determined to recapture something the family seems to have lost. In the midst of laughter and witty dialog, they discover something you will surely want to discover with them. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 29 – Dec. 22. Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta. Please call 770-663-8989 or visit act1theater.com.

ART »NORTH GEORGIA ART RAMBLEThe second annual North Georgia Art Ramble is a free, self-guided, open studio tour of 44 studios and galleries situated in seven North Georgia counties. Experience the creative process as the artists open their studio doors to the public, demonstrate their unique techniques, talk about what inspires them and how that spark finds its way into their art. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dec. 7 – 8. Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road, Cumming. Please call 770-331-4408 or visit ngaartramble.com.

EVENTS »JOHNS CREEK FOUNDERS DAY PARADEFounders Day is the annual celebration of Johns Creek's official incorporation on Dec. 1, 2006. Following the parade will be the Santa Jam, where kids can meet and take pictures with Santa, and families can enjoy games, food and entertainment. 10 a.m. Dec. 7. The parade route starts on State Bridge Road, between Kimball Bridge Road and West Morton Road in Johns Creek. Please visit johnscreekga.gov.

“TRAVELS WITH MAC’N’ROW” BOOK SIGNINGRow Henson will be signing her book, “Travels with Mac’n’Row,” a book filled with pictures and stories about Henson’s travels through southern Europe with her dog, Mac. Proceeds benefit local pet rescue facilities and efforts. 2 p.m. Dec. 8. Provisions Home, 955 Canton St., Roswell. Please visit travelswithmacnrow.com.

REINDEER DAY AT THE CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTERCome out for this unique holiday tradition, when live reindeer make a special holiday appearance. Create reindeer crafts, warm up with campfire treats, enjoy an interactive show and learn about Georgia’s winter wildlife. 1 – 4 p.m. Dec. 15.

9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Please call 770-992-2055 or visit chattnaturecenter.org.

RACES & BENEFITS »BARRINGTON HALL'S OPEN HOUSE FOR MAKE-A-WISHFestive holiday wreaths will be displayed throughout Barrington Hall and will be available for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1-15. 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. Please call 770-640-3855.

ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVEHelp overflow two Santa convertibles for Toys for Tots and make dreams come true this holiday season. 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, through Dec. 14. 1705 Boggs Road, Duluth. Please call 770-279-3600 or visit atlantaclassiccars.com.

“THE NUTCRACKER” »

ROSWELL DANCE THEATRE & TOLBERT YILMAZ SCHOOL OF DANCEThe oldest and largest "Nutcracker" production in North Fulton. Sugarplums will be dancing in your head as you witness more than 300 cast members grace the stage. Times vary Nov. 29–Dec. 8. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Please call 770-998-0259 or visit tysod.com.

NORTH ATLANTA DANCE THEATREPerformed at the Blessed Trinity Fine Arts Theater. Great seats abound and even the youngest viewer can be drawn into this magical story. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8. 11340 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Please call 770-772-8000 or visit northatlantadance.com.

ATLANTA DANCE THEATRETwo holiday classics, “Babes in Toyland” and “The Nutcracker – Land of Sweets” will be performed in this family-friendly Roswell tradition. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; and 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and

7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Please call 404-438-3028 or visit atlantadancetheatre.org.

FLEETWOOD DANCE THEATREA Christmastime classic appropriate for children and adults of all ages. 8 p.m. Dec. 13; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 14; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Blessed Trinity Performing Arts Theater, 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Please call 770-442-5229 or visit fleetwooddance.com.

PERIMETER CHURCH’S ACADEMY OF THE ARTSPerimeter Church’s Academy of the Arts presents the special 70-minute holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” 7 p.m. Dec. 13; and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 14. 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Please call 678-405-2000 or visit perimeter.org/christmas.

ALPHARETTA DANCE THEATREThe theatre’s 15th annual performance of "The Nutcracker." Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15; and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 16. Please call 770-664-4797 or visit alpharetta dancetheatre.com.

SAWNEE BALLET THEATREArtistic Director Joan Kall Stewart brings something new to the performance. A Christmas tree grows larger than life, a lively battle ensues between soldiers and mice, and more. Times vary Dec. 19-22. South Forsyth High School Performing Arts Auditorium, 585 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming. Please call 770-887-0756 or visit sawneeballettheatre.org.

ATLANTA BALLETPerformed with live music from the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra led by Gary Sheldon. Dec. 6-15. Times vary Dec. 6-29. The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. Northeast, Atlanta. Please call 404.892.3303 or visit atlantaballet.com.

GWINNETT BALLET THEATREThe 32nd anniversary season of this theatre’s “Nutcracker.” Performances Dec. 7-8 are danced to recorded music, and performances Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22 are danced to live music from the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Please call 770-237-0046 or visit gwinnettcenter.com.

RYAN PIERONICalendar [email protected]

BACK TO NATURE HOLIDAY MARKET AND FESTIVALOrnaments, art, eco-friendly items, toys, candles and clothing from more than 40 talented local artisans. Free admission for the day. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Please call 770-992-2055 or visit chattnaturecenter.org

THE BIZARRE BAZAAR The Roswell Fine Arts Alliance presents the Bizarre Bazaar, a way to find wonderful holiday gifts at reasonable prices. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dec. 7 and 1 – 4 p.m. Dec. 8. The Art Center at Fouts Road, 9100 Fouts Road, Roswell. Please visit rfaa.org.

ALPHARETTA TREE LIGHTINGAll the magic of Christmas glistens at the annual lighting of the 45-foot live spruce tree. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with kids. Mayor Belle Isle reads the classic children’s book “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 5 - 8 p.m. Dec. 6. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-6000 or visit awesomealpharetta.com.

JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK FOR ARTHRITISThe nation’s largest holiday race series aimed at fighting arthritis. Wear a holiday-themed costume, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces and take to the streets in this 5K event. 8 a.m. Dec. 7. 755 Hank Aaron Drive Southeast, Atlanta. Please visit arthritis.org/jbr.

Page 20: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

20 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected] | Recycled paper

News and Advertising for New Homes • Realtors • Developers • Commercial Properties • and more December 2013A L P H A R E T TA • C U M M I N G • C H E R O K E E • D U L U T H • F O R S Y T H • G W I N N E T T • J O H N S C R E E K • M I LTO N • R O S W E L L • S U WA N N E E

twitter.com/northfulton

(NAPSI)—Americans, it seems, have more leisure time than ever, and more of that time is spent on their decks: Almost 85 percent of U.S. homes have some type of deck.

Decked Out For DelightNow, many families are finding they

want to make their deck do more. For example, they’re adding an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit or a fireplace with seating. Some set up outdoor speakers or decorative lights and fountains.

The ProblemWhile cooking and eating on your

deck are easy, other activities, such as reading at night, listening to music or enjoying that fountain, require a nearby power receptacle. Installing an outdoor electrical outlet usually means calling an electrician. And running extension cords over the deck can be unsightly and unsafe.

An AnswerThere is, however, an easy-to-

install solution to put power exactly where you need it on your raised deck: theRed•DotDeckGrommet,arug-ged polymer housing, constructed to

withstand outdoor conditions, that you install in the deck surface. It securely holds an outdoor extension cord that runs underneath the deck and seals out moisture and debris while in use.

Perhaps best of all, it’s easy to in-stall:

How to Install ItTrace the bottom end of the flange

on the deck surface. Cut out the hole and install the flange into the opening. Secure with the two screws provided.

Install the female end of an outdoor extension cord into the lid. Snap the lid into the flange in the deck. Plug the opposite end of the extension cord into aGFCIoutlet.OpentheRed•DotDeckGrommet by pulling up the lid and piv-oting it open.

Close the lid, with the cord of the device being powered coming out of the slot, so it’s flush with the deck surface, making a neat and attractive installa-tion.

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ters and electrical wholesalers.For more information, go to www.

tnb.com/deckpower.

More power to your deck

Call today for pricing & info! 770-442-3278 x100

319 North Main Street • Alpharetta • [email protected]

Put it in the paper! Your Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary, Birth, or Graduation!

Page 21: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 21Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

Page 22: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

22 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com SCHOOLS

By CAITLYN [email protected]

NORTH FULTON, Ga. — There were 229 fencers representing Forsyth, Fulton and Cherokee counties dueling Nov. 2 at Pope High School in Marietta. The tournament’s women’s epee win-ner, Caitlin Stanton of Alpharetta High School, walked away with her third consecutive gold medal.

“It felt really good to win,” Stanton said. “The tournament was double the normal size, so I had to work extra hard.”

As one of the top fencers in Georgia, the 17-year-old senior placed first in the past two smaller tournaments in Sep-tember and October, where the schools were split in two.

Georgia High School Fenc-ing League coordinated all the schools in the league to attend the November tournament, which made for the largest since 2007.

Stanton has also made a name for herself through her fencing club in national compe-titions. She recently participated in a national tournament in Wisconsin with 3,000 fencers and placed 22nd in her division.

Stanton said one of her big-gest accomplishments was in a tournament in Rio, Nev., this past March.

“I came in second place,

and it was a big deal because I went up in ratings,” Stanton said.

Her parents, Dorothy and Joe Stanton, said they have enjoyed following the team with their daughter and the “great group” at Alpharetta High School.

Dorothy Stanton said her daughter has applied for three colleges that offer NCAA fenc-ing and plans to fence all four years while earning her under-graduate degree.

“I hope to become a starter from the get-go and eventually a captain,” Stanton said. “I love being captain, and it’s just a lot of fun.”

Alpharetta High School will host the next GHSFL tourna-ment Dec. 21. For more infor-mation, visit www.ghsfl.net.

AHS’s Stanton rising women’s fencing star

Winners from the tournamentMen’s epee winnersFirst place – Ryan Carroll, Dunwoody HS (128 points)Second – Luben Jelezarov, Pope HS (104 points)Third (tie) – Brian Cai, Alpharetta HS (80 points) Third (tie) – Ian Lenthart, Pope HS (80 points)

Women’s epee winnersFirst place – Caitlin Stanton, Alpharetta HS (128 points)Second – Katie Van Riper, Pope HS (104 points)Third (tie) – Dorothy Cannella, Centennial HS (80 points)Third (tie) – Rachel Halper, Alpharetta HS (80 points)

CAITLYN WALTERS/STAFF

Caitlin Stanton, left, of Alpharetta High School and Katie Van Riper of Pope High School duel it out in the final round.

The tournament was double the normal size, so I had to work extra hard.”CAITLIN STANTONAlpharetta High School

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Page 23: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 23Submit your news & photos to [email protected] COMMUNITY

By SHUBHI [email protected]

MILTON, Ga. – Last October, more than 1,000 metro Atlanta commuters traded their steering wheels for han-dlebars and participated in the first-ever Bike to Work Challenge during Bike to Work Month. More than 17,000 bike trips were logged, eliminating some 130,000 miles of car travel from the road and 64 tons of pollution from the air.

This October, bicycle commuters, new and seasoned, rode their way to work and compete for prizes in the second annual Bike to Work Challenge.

Organized by the Georgia Depart-ment of Transportation, the Clean Air Campaign, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition,

Atlanta Regional Commission and local transportation management associa-tions, the annual Bike to Work Chal-lenge gives commuters the opportunity to compete as individuals or teams.

Milton resident Brian Teipen has taken up the challenge. He bikes 25 miles at least twice a week to his job in Norcross.

Moreover, he has to ride in early so he can take a shower and change clothes before the work day begins. This is Teipen’s second year participat-ing in this challenge.

“Overall, stress reduction is the biggest reason I do it, and I value that I am able to combine the com-mute time with exercise time,” Teipen said. “It also reminds me to remain a bit more focused on making healthy choices.”

Teipen said that his biggest influ-ence was his colleague Mark Filer, who is another participant in the challenge.

“The more times I saw him riding

in, the more I thought about how I could plan and do the same,” Teipen said.

Nonetheless, Teipen was already a seasoned athlete when it comes to bik-ing and was even a competitor at the Elite National Championships and the 1992 U.S. Olympic trials.

The bicyclist said he believes that substituting short car rides with bike trips will not only maintain healthy stress levels but also help reduce smog production and improve air quality. Friends and co-workers have shown great support for the activity and have even expressed interest in partaking in the challenge themselves, Teipen said.

“If anyone is interested in how to begin bike commuting or cycling in general, great resources include the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and your lo-cal bike shop,” he said.

To find out more about the Bike to Work Challenge and to register, visit www.atlbiketowork.org.  

Bikes 25 miles to work weekly

Milton resident takes up bike challenge

Milton’s Brian Teipen has taken up biking to work as part of Bike to Work Month.

closed segment and continue on State Bridge until about 9:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.: State Bridge Road will be closed from West Morton Road to Jones Bridge Road. Jones Bridge will remain open until about 9:30 a.m.

10 a.m.: State Bridge Road will be closed all the way from East Morton Road to Kimball Bridge Road. Roadblocks will be lifted around 1 p.m.

The 2013 parade features notable newcomers and peren-nial favorites. Among the high-lights are the Medieval Times, the “Seed and Feed Marching Abominable,” Atholl Highland-ers Pipes and Drums and the Atlanta Braves Drumline.

Parade participants should park at Ocee Park where shuttle vehicles will take them to their assigned staging area.The parade, which culminates a week of activities, will be accompanied by Santa Jam, a community party at Ocee Park that features music, food and race cars. Santa Jam starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m.

Continued from Page 1

Parade:

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Shriners entertain at last year's Founders Day Parade.

Page 24: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

24 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

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By CAITLYN [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Aflac

teamed with Macy’s once again to release its 13th annual Holi-day Duck and chose the design created by a 14-year-old pa-

tient of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Michelle Nguyen of Johns Creek entered the Holiday Duck design contest at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Dis-order Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which Aflac has sponsored since 1995.

“Michelle did a wonder-ful job on her design, and she should be proud that hundreds of thousands of people will buy her Aflac Holiday Duck while supporting a great cause at the

same time,” said Aflac Execu-tive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna.

Nguyen has battled thalas-semia, a rare genetic blood disorder, since she was six months old.

She receives monthly blood infusions and is on numerous medications to help keep her disease under control.

When Nguyen is not in the hospital, she said she likes to watch TV, hang out with friends and draw pictures.

She said she likes music, plays the flute in her school’s band and is a big fan of Selena Gomez.

Senior public relations as-sociate Brant Rawls said Aflac picked her design among 25 other entries from participating hospitals.

“We were thrilled to learn Michelle was the winner of Aflac’s Holiday Duck design,” said Diane Vaughan, senior de-velopment officer of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Aflac Cancer Center. “In addition to her being a clever and creative artist, it brings awareness that children like Michelle have cancer and blood disorders and are cared for at centers like the Aflac Cancer

Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.”    

The 2013 Aflac Holiday Duck is dressed to hit the slopes this holiday season in the most fashionable Aflac ski gear with a green jacket, toboggan hat, goggles, skis and a pole.

When squeezed, this festive “swoosher” quacks its familiar “Aflaaaaac.”

It is on sale at more than 360 Macy’s department stores across the country and at aflacholidayduck.com. All net proceeds go to participating pediatric cancer hospitals in the region where the duck is purchased. The duck comes in both a 6-inch and 10-inch version.

Since 2001, the Aflac Holiday Duck has raised more than $3 million for pediatric cancer research and treatment, which is part of the more than $83 million that Aflac has raised to fund cancer research since 1995.

Each month, Aflac’s inde-pendent sales agents contrib-ute more than $450,000 to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center in Atlanta from their commission checks to support childhood cancer research at the organization.

Teen patient designs Aflac Holiday Duck

H. Lonnie Gardiner, III, M.D. Scott D. Griffi th, M.D.

Paul D. Ellis, M.D. Douglas M. Radman, M.D.

Lisa L. Culpepper, M.D.

Kelly D. Caulley, FNP-BCKimberley Lowe, FNP-BCLauren Cordova, FNP-BCDonna McAllister, PA-CDebra R. Elliott, PA-C

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III, M.D.M D

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Michelle Nguyen kisses her Aflac Holiday Duck.

Page 25: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 25Submit your news & photos to [email protected] SPORTS

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Appalachian State’s Emily Corrigan, a 2012 Chattahoochee High School gradu-ate, has been named the Southern Conference’s Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

Corrigan received her second Offensive Player of the Week honor after leading Appalachian State to a pair of wins over the Oct. 26-27 weekend. She paced the Mountaineers with 26 kills in a 3-2 defeat of Da-vidson Oct. 26.

Posting just four errors on 60 attacks, she had a .367 hitting percentage. The next day, the sophomore scored 16 kills in a 3-0 sweep over Western Carolina. Corrigan finished the weekend averaging 5.25 kills per set, with 42 total kills on 99 total attacks and a .333 hitting percentage. Her first Offensive Player of

the Week recognition came Sept. 9 after the outside hitter led the Mountaineers with 53 kills in four matches, good enough for a team-high 3.79 kills per set.

She also finished second on the team in digs per set, averaging 2.14 and totaling 30 digs in that week’s matches, while amassing a team-high 57.5 points. Corrigan led the team in kills in three of four matches that week, and notched a double-double in the team’s hard-fought match against Presbyterian with 20 kills and 16 digs.

She had a season-high 20 kills against Presbyte-rian. Corrigan, a four-year varsity starter at Chatta-hoochee, was captain in 2010 and 2011.

Corrigan, a four-year varsity starter at Chatta-hoochee, was captain in 2010 and 2011.

Chattahoochee volleyballerPlayer of Week for 2nd time

Emily Corrigan, a 2012 Chattahoochee grad, earned her second Southern Conference Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week honor for this season.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The fourth-grade Northview Titans recently won the 2013 North Metro Football League (NMFL) championship, beating out rival Johns Creek Gladia-tors, 20-0, in the playoff game.

Players are Miller Ander-son, Ryan Black, Griffin Caldwell, Daniel Cassidy, Luke Edmonds, Ryan Grave-ly, Patrick Hester, Rowan

Holcombe, Ean Longfellow, Patrick McCavitt, Cade Pat-terson, Nathan Peterson, Karl Ross, Ryan Scott, Andrew Shadburn, Jackson Stiltner, Christian White, Samuel Witt and Will Yensel.

Coaches are head coach Brent Anderson, assistant coaches Pete Yensel, Andy White, Mike McCavitt and Matt Edmonds.

Fourth-grade Titans winNorth Metro League title

The fourth-grade Titans with their trophy for winning the North Metro Football League championship.

Cambridge Bears take second in stateBy JONATHAN [email protected]

MARIETTA, Ga. – The Cam-bridge Bears sixth-grade feeder football team made it to the state championships Nov. 23 before losing to Rome 16-36.

For such a young team making it to the championship for the first time can only be described as a big deal.

“It was a big deal for [the team],” said head coach John McHale.

The Bears seemed to

rumble over their competition in the championship. They handily beat Harrison 36-6 and shut out Etowah 46-0. McEachern managed six points but still fell to Cambridge’s 18.

The final was no different. At first.

“We came out strong,” McHale said. “We marched right down the field and scored on the third play.”

That rush quickly reversed when what should have been a touchdown a few plays later was stripped from the team

due to an illegal man on the field.

“We should have been up 16-nothing,” McHale said. “That took the wind out of us.”

Despite that, McHale said his boys played well.

“The offensive line did fan-tastic as well as the entire de-fense, as much as they could,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we had a pretty good season,” he said. “We were kind of unknown and a lot of people underestimated us.”

There are 46 boys on the team and 130 kids in the over-all feeder program.

Given how many students of Cambridge initially went to Milton schools, there is a rivalry between the two North Fulton regions.

“Milton and Cambridge will be the biggest rivalry out there,” McHale said. “We all coached with each other, against each other.”

Many of the players and coaches went through the Alpharetta Youth Football As-

sociation (AYFA) at North Park. Milton beat Cambridge

in the regular season, and McHale said his team dedicat-ed themselves to facing Milton again, this time in the champi-onship.

While the Bears did make the finals, Milton was knocked out a game earlier. Another game was not in the cards this season, but coming second in the state is something McHale can live with.

“Next time, we’ll win the championship,” he said.

Page 26: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

26 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your opinions to [email protected]

The North Fulton Curmud-geon here, once again pre-empting this space normally dedicated to that erstwhile executive editor who normally grumbles over these pages.

I have come to realize that in this new “connected” age that there is much nostalgia for that old “unconnected” world we used to have.

It is convenient, I admit, to have a phone strapped on at the hip like an Old West gunfighter, never missing a call or a text or a tweet. But what have we lost?

There was a time I could get in my car and expect to be alone with my thoughts. It was a time of concentration on the events of the day, a chance to strategize. One might even just enjoy a quiet drive and notice the fall leaves turning or the dogwoods in bloom.

Now that phone rules us all. You can pretend to not be in and let the phone ring. But with voicemail and texts on the phone, there is nowhere to hide. I used to love getting in the car because it meant

no one could intrude on my thoughts. No one could call me away to put out another fire at work.

Of course it put a lot of miles on the old Toyota, but it was worth it.

But what is worse – nay criminal – is what all of this technology is doing to the English language. People today don’t remember them, but I can recall getting letters – those things with the stamps – that had more than just the gist of what was happening while someone had a few sec-onds waiting at red light.

No, a letter was something tangible, tactile and often quite personal. A letter meant someone took a great deal of

time and thought to put words to paper. Even the handwriting was personal.

A letter might be warm and friendly, telling of experiences recently shared and what was new. And they were special because they were altogether rare. It took time and thought to express oneself. And there was personality in the lan-guage. Some wrote as they spoke. You could tell who the author was by the tenor of their prose.

Letters were often kept and reread to experience again that special mode of communica-tion. Compare that to today’s emails. People today seem to thrill in brevity over complete-ness of thought. Most are curt to the point of rudeness, espe-cially in the workplace.

I went to a website for texting beginners. Here is the introduction: Our desktop messaging has migrated to our smartphones and tablets, and spelling and grammar have been slashed in favor of thumb-typing speed and ease.

Hmm. Spelling and gram-mar slashed. Mr. Burnett, my old English teacher would be apoplectic. He used to give us grammar tests by having us

diagram sentences from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Real grammatical construc-tion is a thing of beauty. In a generation or less, we won’t know a preposition from a participle.

Even today, we sacrifice all for brevity. I have written essays, I have sweated out deadlines to write stories, I have labored over columns. But I have never blogged.

Blogging must be the anti-matter of good writing. Very little attention is paid to exposition – that is asserting a thesis followed up by research and analysis.

I am reassured by friends that there is quite good writing to be found at some blog sites, but given the examples I have found in my short sorties on the Web, I am not heartened to believe they are anything more than the exceptions to the rule.

Besides, blogging is such an ugly word (an amalgam of Web Log). Who would want to be known as a great blogger?

I don’t text (unless at figu-rative gunpoint) and I certainly don’t tweet. (Isn’t someone who uses Twitter a twit?)

Then there is the phenom-enon they call multitasking. I like Wikipedia’s definition of it: Human multitasking is the ap-parent performance by an in-dividual of handling more than one task at the same time.

The key word is “apparent.” Most multitaskers are simply screwing up two things at the same time.

Some of us, however, have mastered that 21st century art we call multitasking. It is perhaps the one 21st century communications skill that I have perfected with razor-sharp edge. So I go now to do just that. I’m going to watch a football game and drink beer.

HATCHER HURDExecutive [email protected]

Confessions of a curmudgeon’s stab at multitasking

Congratulations! You’re pregnant! You are beyond excited, but may feel nervous about what lies ahead.

The next eight to nine months will go by fast, but there is a lot to do to get ready for baby. First, you need to take care of yourself and get good prenatal medical care in order for you and baby to stay healthy.

Because babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of severe health problems and lifelong disabilities, premature births can take a high toll on families.

The March of Dimes has declared November Premature Birth Awareness Month to shine a light on the issue. The National Institute of Health reports that women who don’t have prenatal care are seven times more likely to give birth prematurely, which can result in a child with lifelong health issues.

So, as soon as you suspect you are pregnant, make an appointment with your health care provider for your first prenatal visit. You can receive prenatal care from an obstetri-cian, a certified nurse-midwife or a women’s health nurse

practitioner. All work as a team to make sure both you and baby stay healthy.

At your first prenatal visit, which is usually your lon-gest, your provider will talk to you about your family health history and determine your due date. Your provider may discuss the importance of good nutrition and exercise during your pregnancy and prescribe a daily prenatal vitamin.

Subsequent prenatal visits will include evaluations of your weight, blood pressure and urine. Other tests your provider may give you over the course of your pregnancy in-clude ultrasound and screen-ings for group B streptococcus and gestational diabetes.

Hispanic and African Amer-ican women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Untreated or poorly controlled

gestational diabetes can leave you with too much insulin, which results in high blood glucose levels for your baby.

For the mother, gestational diabetes often goes away once the baby is born, but hav-ing it during your pregnancy increases the likelihood that your baby will become obese and that both you and your baby will develop type 2 diabe-tes later in life.

So your provider will be very vigilant in making sure your risk for gestational dia-betes is minimized through screenings, nutritional coun-seling, diet and exercise.

If your pregnancy is healthy, you will probably see your provider once a month until you are 28 weeks preg-nant. From 28 to 36 weeks, your visits will be twice monthly. As you get closer to your due date, you will see your provider every week.

It’s important to keep see-ing your health care provider throughout your pregnancy, even if you are feeling fine. Regular prenatal care can help you and your baby stay healthy. And a happy, healthy pregnancy leads to a happy mom and a healthy baby.

Prenatal care: The best wayto keep you and baby healthy

PREMATURE BIRTH AWARENESS MONTH »

DR. SHEILA GARNICADoctor of Obstetrics, Gynecology at North Fulton Hospital

Human multitasking is the apparent performance by an individual of handling more than one task at the same time.

Page 27: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 27Submit your opinions to [email protected] OPINION

Underage drinking has made the headlines recently. Today, underage drinking is running rampant across the nation. 

From high school parties to college campuses, youth under the age of 21 are drinking alcohol. Whether it is easier access, the feeling it is a rite of passage or peer pressure, the problem is taking its toll on our youth.

On Mother’s Day 2009, our son was killed in an underage drunk driving crash. Adam was only 18. I had the conversa-tion with Adam and his friends about not drinking and driving, and I assumed that not getting into a car with a drunk driver was understood. I should have been more direct.

To this day, I replay how that conversation would go. And what pains me so deeply is that this is not what father-hood was meant to be like. Instead of waking to the antici-pation of another Mother’s Day gift of candy on Mom’s pillow and a big hug and kiss, we can only clutch at our memories of Adam.

Moving from this devas-tation to action to prevent another loss, I volunteer for Mothers Against Drunk Driv-ing (MADD) as a community activist and staunch supporter. I speak at MADD events to help raise awareness about the risks of drug and alcohol use among youth.

I believe through MADD’s activities and programs, parents and teens have the tools to begin the conversation about underage drinking.

In Georgia, MADD’s Power of Parents program has reached thousands of families. MADD works with schools to promote Power of You(th), a teen-focused program. Through these initiatives, MADD is helping families understand that these con-versations are instrumental in building healthy relationships and creating a partnership between parent and child and between friends.

Recently MADD, along with other organizations, celebrated Red Ribbon Week to help raise awareness about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol un-

der age 21. In connection with this observance, MADD an-nounced three Georgia teens, based on applications showing their dedication to underage drinking prevention in their communities. This makes me so proud.

Through my grief, I wrote a book, “Return to the Water,” and proceeds from sales go to support MADD. Jan Withers, national president of MADD, had this to say about the book: “This is a deeply honest

and touching story of a father’s deep love for his family. John’s primary dream was to create a family bond and be the father he felt was denied him.

It is a reminder that even though we devote so much of ourselves into envisioning and planning our dreams, we can-not always protect ourselves and those we love from dev-astating tragedy. This poetic prose relays how a family can be shattered by the violence of drunk driving which killed his son, Adam. John gripped my heart as he took me on a journey of passionate family devotion.”

I urge families to use every-day opportunities, like stories in this very newspaper, to start talking about the dangers of underage drinking.

The life saved could be your child’s.

For more information, please visit these websites: www.returntothewater.comwww.madd.org.

John Stephens is a poet, memoirist and businessman liv-ing in Milton, Ga. He is a com-munity activist and supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. His gifts have helped to estab-lish the Adam Stephens Night Out for Poetry at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Poetry @ TECH series.

Having the conversation about underage drinking – Where do I start?

JOHNSTEPHENSMilton residentand communityactivist

I am from Canada. When I moved here, I didn’t set to change American customs and I didn’t expect Americans to change their behavior to cater to my own beliefs.

I think that Indians and Chinese immigrants should do the same.

If they are not happy to live next to an American

funeral home, they can eas-ily resolve the problem by moving back to their native homeland.

This being said, protesting against this business based on the fact that it will gener-ate more disturbing traffic is legitimate.

 JACQUES LAHAIEJohns Creek

LETTER TO THE EDITOR »

Live in America, play American rules

I assumed that not getting into a car with a drunk driver was understood. I should have been more direct.

SEND US YOUR

OPINIONS

[email protected] IT TO

Page 28: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

28 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected] EVENTS

Roswell celebrates 1850s holidays with historic tours“Heirloom Holiday” weekend brings history alive

ROSWELL, Ga. -- The Roswell Community is com-ing together Dec. 7 for a Living History Weekend featuring a 1850s Heirloom Holidays tour of his-toric homes and buildings.

Along the tour route there will be costumed characters from Roswell’s past, compliments of Georgia Ensemble Theatre. Guests are invited to listen to their conversations and even interact with them as if they were actually in the 1850s.

Among the historic sites to be visited are the Southern Trilogy homes, Great Oaks, Roswell Presbyterian Church and homes in the Mill Village. The tour will take place on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ticket price includes admission to all the sites. The tour will be held rain or shine, and tick-ets are available at the Roswell Visitors Center, The Chandlery, Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall, Smith Plantation and the offices of the Roswell Histori-cal Society. Ticket prices for the tour are $30 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

The Teaching Museum has on display original antebellum photographs of children, a period-style decorated tree and children’s toys from this period of time, presented by the Roswell Historical Soci-ety. Children will also create an ornament remi-niscent of the 1850s. Activities take place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and are free of charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

The public is encouraged to dress in period clothing for the events, with a costume contest from 2-3 p.m.

A bonfire will blaze in the Heart of Roswell Park on Canton Street that night, from 6-10 p.m.

For more events taking place (some of them free of charge) during Roswell’s Living History Week-end, visit www.visitroswellga.com or call 770-640-3253. Additional information is also available at www.roswellheirloomholidays.com.

JCSO performs Christmasgala, holiday pops concertJOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra invites the public to start the holiday season off right by attending the JCSO’s eighth annual Christmas Gala and Holiday Pops Concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at St Benedict’s Church. Enjoy hearing many favorites, from “O Holy Night” to “Sleigh Ride” and “White Christ-mas,” performed by JCSO’s full orchestra and

choir under the direction of Maestro J. Wayne Baughman. The Joe Gransden Quartet will per-form as JCSO’s special guests. Gransden is an exceptional trumpeter, big band specialist and jazz musician extraordinaire. A delicious champagne dessert reception immediately follows the concert:

Tickets: $30/adults, $24/seniors (55 and up), $15/students at www.johnscreeksymphony.org or 678-748-5802. Information: email [email protected]. Location: St. Benedict’s Church, 11045 Parsons Road, Johns Creek

Group rates available, all credit cards accepted.

Alpharetta’s Tree LightingALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta’s Downtown Historic District will light up at the 36th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6. The celebration will fill the downtown streets in with musical performances, Santa, snow, movies, food trucks, farmer’s market and more beginning at 5 p.m. The tree lighting will begin at 7 p.m.

The following day, Dec. 7, winter fills the corner park with “Snow on the Square.” Beginning at 1 p.m., sip on a cup of hot chocolate or coffee while visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the gazebo.   Bring your camera to capture family photos. Also shop at the Christmas Farmer’s Market that will be on the street from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lighting of Roswell’sHistoric Town Square ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell’s annual lighting of its Historic Town Square will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013.  The celebration begins at 5 p.m. and includes performances by the Hillside Elementary Singers, River Eves Choir, Esther Jackson Chorus and the Roswell Ramblers Chorus followed by a special reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christ-mas” with Mayor Jere Wood. 

Santa Claus also will be making a special visit to the Square from the North Pole. Pictures with Santa will be available at a nominal charge. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, complements of Star-bucks. Once the Square is aglow, children 12 and under can hop on the holiday bus to the Roswell Adult Recreation Center to shop for gifts at Santa’s Secret Gift Shop.

The Gift Shop is located at 830 Grimes Bridge Road and will be open on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 6 -9 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1-4 p.m. (Santa will be visiting during this time).  All the gifts at Santa’s Secret Gift Shop are priced afford-ably and some of the items are handmade by the

Roswell Ramblers Senior Citizen Club. Free gift wrapping is available. Proceeds from

the Gift Shop benefit the Roswell Ramblers Senior Citizen Club.

For more information, please contact call 770-641-3950. For more holiday events happening in Roswell, visit http://www.visitroswellga.com/christmas.

Bulky Trash AmnestyDay for residentsROSWELL, Ga. – The Public Works Departments of Roswell and Milton, along with Keep Roswell Beautiful, are joining together to offer the residents in these areas a chance to clean out their garages, basements and attics and dispose of unwanted items at no charge. 

On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. - noon, residents in Roswell and Milton can bring items to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road. (Please note: This event is not held at the Roswell Recycling Center). Proof of residency will be required. Utility bills preferred. Roswell residents with the window decal do not need any other form of identification. This event has become very popular, so expect delays.

Founder’s DayParade in Johns CreekJOHNS CREEK, Ga. -- The Johns Creek Founders Day Parade is the highlight of a week of activities celebrating the City’s incorporation. The parade begins Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. on State Bridge Road be-tween Kimball Bridge and West Morton roads.

For more information visit www.johnscreekga.gov/community/events/foundersday.

MICHAEL O’NEAL SINGERS PRESENT »

‘Classy, Brassy Christmas’ concert in RoswellROSWELL, Ga. – The Michael O’Neal Singers will have its holiday season opener when it performs its annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Roswell United Methodist Church on Mimosa Boulevard. “It has become a tradition for many of you to begin your holiday season with our annual Christmas concert,” said Maestro Michael O’Neal. “This year, we will present ‘A Classy, Brassy Christmas.’ 

The concert will include many of our well known Christmas carols, a sing-along of popular Christmas favorites and a humorous look at the 12 days AFTER Christmas.” Featured in this con-cert will be special friends, the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet, returning for their fifth appearance with MOS.

Pictured with the 12 Days of Christmas Heirloom Holiday Tree at the Roswell Visitors Center are Mandy Rhineheart and Dave Lyons. The Heirloom Holiday weekend is filled with events Dec. 7 and 8.

Page 29: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 29Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

Page 30: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

30 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com COMMUNITY

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For information, please contact Stephanie Cochran at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department at 678-297-6052 or via email at [email protected].

By CAITLIN [email protected]

ATLANTA – Hundreds of healthy children die from the flu each year.

While children with high-risk medical conditions includ-ing asthma and heart disease are more likely to contract the flu, those without any previ-ous health problems are also susceptible, according to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

From October 2004 through September 2012, the study showed 830 children died from the flu. Of those children, 43 percent had no high-risk medi-cal conditions.

“It doesn’t matter whether there’s some underlying condi-tion or not,” said Dr. James Fortenberry, pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “Healthy children are at risk too – it’s critical that everybody get the flu shot.”

As a pediatric critical care doctor, Fortenberry treats chil-dren who have a mild case of the flu, as well as children who end up in the intensive care unit because the virus has become so severe.

“The flu can take a variety of forms, and the reason we’re so concerned is because it can affect so many people, both children and adults. While it

simply causes a lot of discom-fort for most patients, it can cause life-threatening compli-cations for others,” he said.

Fortenberry added the flu harms children less than 2 years of age because their im-mune response isn’t as well developed. “They’re more likely to have a severe form of the flu because unlike teenagers or adults, they haven’t been exposed to different years of the flu to help them build up an immunity to it,” he said.

Which is why, Fortenberry said, the flu vaccine is recom-mended yearly for all children over the age of 6 months through adulthood.

The exception is children with egg allergies because the vaccine contains eggs. But Fortenberry said even with the allergy, there are preparations that children and parents can take.

And with the National Influenza Vaccination Week ap-proaching, Dec. 8-14, Forten-berry said children are not the only ones who need to be getting their flu shot.

“The No. 1 way to prevent the flu is getting your flu vac-cine – and that’s not just the child. Parents need to take care of themselves too,” he said.

In addition to the flu shot, Fortenberry said there are easy steps to prevent contracting the flu.

“Always practice good hand washing because that will prevent the spread of the

virus,” he said. “It tends to spread hand to hand, or hand to mouth, so washing your hands and bringing a bottle of hand sanitizer around with you is key.”

For parents, Fortenberry said if their child does catch the flu, the best thing to do is keep them at home.

“They need to be at home resting so that they’re less likely to pass the virus on to someone else.

Plenty of fluids, some chicken soup and mom’s TLC are the best way to handle the flu,” Fortenberry said.

He added if the child starts to have difficulty breathing, if they’re vomiting and aren’t able to keep fluids down, then it’s probably time to go to the emergency room.

But usually, Fortenberry said, the flu is a virus that gets better with time.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

Healthy children still at risk for fluFlu shot highly recommended for children, parents

Art Ramble connects artists in several communities

By SHUBHI [email protected]

NORTH FULTON, Ga. — Are you ready to Art Ramble?

The second annual North Georgia Art Ramble is a free, self-guided, open studio tour of 44 studios and galler-ies situated in seven North Georgia counties; specifically in the towns of Cumming, Johns Creek, Duluth, Roswell, Dawsonville, Buford, Cal-houn, Cartersville, Woodstock, Waleska, Canton, Ball Ground, Jasper and Marble Hill.

The Art Ramble takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.

Experience the creative processes of about 70 artists who open their studio doors to the public, demonstrate their unique techniques and talk about what inspires them.

“Visitors can enjoy travel-ing through different towns to see all the exhibits; and moreover, meet with the artists themselves,” said Robin Miller, spokeswoman for Art Ramble.

“It’s great to meet such cre-ative people and learn about what inspires them to make the art that they make.”

The North Georgia Art Ram-ble kicks off the weekend with a pre-Ramble party from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at the Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street in Canton.

Participants will pick up a brochure and map, meet the Ramble artists, see a preview of the artworks and enjoy light refreshments.

Visit www.cherokeearts.org for more information, or visit www.ngaartramble.com to view all of the participating artists, the locations of their studios and download a brochure with a map of the Art Ramble.

Email [email protected] or 404-543-8246 for more details.

Second annual North Georgia event Dec. 7, 8

Page 31: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 31Submit your news & photos to [email protected] SPORTS

By MIKE BLUM [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Mount Pisgah Patriots moved one step closer to a shot at a state championship, defeat-ing Holy Innocents 15-7 last Friday night, Nov. 29, in the quarterfinals of the state Class A private school playoffs.

The Patriots will host Aqui-nas in the semifinals Friday night, with the two unbeaten teams competing for a spot in the state championship game at the Georgia Dome next Fri-day afternoon.

Mount Pisgah is the No. 2 seed in the bracket, with Aqui-nas No. 3. Top-seeded Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy will host No. 4 Calvary Day of Savannah in Friday’s other semifinal game.

After rolling to a 40-0 half-time lead the previous week in their playoff opener against Pacelli, the Patriots had a much tougher time in the second round against Holy In-nocents, which was 4-0 against Mount Pisgah when the two teams were in the same region from 2008-11.

The Bears scored first after Pisgah came up empty follow-

ing a long opening drive that reached the Holy Innocents’ 7. A 45-yard touchdown run put the Bears on top 7-0 before a 27-yard TD pass from Aaron Winchester to Ben Miller pulled the Patriots within 7-6.

The Patriots were driv-ing late in the second period when the Bears intercepted a Winchester pass, but Ian Ain-sworth got the ball right back for Mount Pisgah with an inter-ception on the next play.

A 25-yard reception by Browning Dunn and a 15-yard penalty against the Bears put Mount Pisgah in position for a 23-yard touchdown pass from Winchester to Oz Dixon on the final play of the first half.

Leading 12-7 at the half, the Patriots opened the third period with a 12-play drive that stalled at the Bears’ 2. Chris Clark kicked a 19-yard field goal for the game’s final points.

The Pisgah defense held on the rest of the way, stopping several Holy Innocents scoring threats.

A third down sack resulted in a huge loss and forced a punt after the Bears held the ball for 15 plays. Holy Inno-cents was driving for a poten-

tial tying touchdown late in the game when Ainsworth’s second interception stopped the Bears and preserved Mount Pisgah’s win.

Winchester had another big game, amassing 373 yards total offense.

He completed 15 of 24 passes for 226 yards and two

touchdowns, and rushed for 147 yards on 24 attempts.

Dixon caught five passes for 77 yards and Miller added 78 yards on four receptions.

Linebackers John O’Connor and Nicky Piccapietra had nine and eight tackles respectively for the Patriots, with linemen

Blake Smith and Shingi Chig-were adding five tackles each.

Holy Innocents, which finished in a three-way tie for second in Region 5-A, finished the season 7-5.

Mount Pisgah brings a 12-0 record into the semifinals, matching that of Aquinas.

Winchester, defense power Patriots into state semifinals against Aquinas

MOUNT PISGAH 15, HOLY INNOCENTS 7 » Pisgah to face Aquinas in semifinalsJOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Friday’s game will match two teams unaccustomed to playing this deep in the playoffs. Mount Pisgah played three seasons of football before joining the GHSA in 2006, and made its first playoff appearance last year, narrowly losing to top-ranked Athens Academy in the first round. The Patriots have gone unbeaten this season, their first under head coach Mike Forester, the team’s defensive coordinator last year. Aquinas is also playing under a first year head coach, 26-year-old James Leonard. Denny Leonard, James’ grandfather, was the first head coach at Aquinas, which opened in the 1950s after the two Catholic schools in Augusta merged. The Fighting Irish have a long but mostly unsuccessful history in football, making the playoffs for the first time in 1971 and then again the next year, but missing out on the postseason for the next 30 seasons. Led by current University of Georgia freshman running back Brendan Douglas, Aquinas reached the quarterfinals of the Class A playoffs in 2011, but was knocked out in the first round last year. Aquinas got an early challenge this season, winning against George Walton Academy in overtime. The team clinched the Region 7-A title with a 33-32 victory over First Presbyterian the last week of the regular season, and withstood a second-half comeback last week by Mount Paran Christian to win 35-32. Mount Pisgah defeated Mount Paran 28-24 late in the season, scoring two touchdowns in the final five minutes.

WASHINGTON COUNTY 46, BLESSED TRINITY 17 »

Titans ousted from playoffs by unbeaten team

By MIKE BLUM [email protected]

ROSWELL, Ga. – When Blessed Trinity took the second-half

kickoff and drove for a touch-down to cut Washington County’s lead to 19-17, the Titans had hopes of pulling off an upset against the unbeaten, state-ranked Golden Hawks.

The Titans battled to the end, but could not overcome the advantages in speed and athleticism on the part of Washington County, which pulled away for a 46-17 victory

last Friday night, Nov. 29, in the quarterfinals of the state Class AAA playoffs.

Washington County will bring a 12-0 record into a semifinal meeting with Ring-gold, while the Titans end the season 9-4 after making the deepest playoff run in school history.

“I have never coached a group of kids who played

harder or overachieved more than this group,” Blessed Trin-ity coach Tim McFarlin said after the game.

McFarlin was head coach at Roswell for 10 years and led the Hornets to a share of the 2006 state championship. The Titans are 25-12 in three seasons under McFarlin, with four playoff victories.

“We played a good ball

club,” the BT coach said of Washington County. “Other than up front, I can’t think of one place we weren’t out-athleted.”

Offensively, the Golden Hawks did most of their dam-age on the edges, but the threat of running back Mel-vin Hill to burst through the

Talented Golden Hawks pull away in second half

See TITANS, Page 32

AL LEVINE/STAFF

Ben Miller seen against Pacelli Nov. 22, scored a TD against Holy Innocents.

Page 32: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

32 | December 5, 2013 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected] | Recycled paper

middle of the line, as well as beat the Titans to the corner, made it extremely difficult for the Titans to match up.

Hill finished with 234 yards on 23 carries, including touch-down runs of 26, 24, 22, 19 and 43 yards. He broke runs inside using his speed, agility and balance, and also was able to turn the corner before the Titans could get to him.

Quarterback A.J. Gray ef-ficiently directed the Golden Hawks’ offense, completing 11 of 14 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 84 yards on 15 attempts and a

TD. Josh Burden had nine of the catches for 74 yards, most on short passes to the outside, with D.J. Sanders adding two receptions for 59 yards, one of which went 38 yards for a score.

Sanders was a much great-er factor on defense, intercept-ing four passes, all of them leading to Washington County touchdowns.

After the Titans hit a 33-yard pass from Conor Davis to Colin Bradley on their first play from scrimmage, Sanders set the tone for the game when he made a leaping, one-handed interception on the next play.

The Golden Hawks went 69 yards in three plays to take the lead, but BT answered with a 44-yard field goal by Marc Nolan, set up by Kyle Evans’ 38-yard kickoff return.

After forcing the Golden Hawks to punt for the only time in the game, the Titans drove 87 yards in 11 plays to take the lead. Milton Shelton carried seven times for 82 yards, including a 31-yarder to the Golden Hawks’ 26. On third-and-goal, Bradley went 13 yards on a reverse to put the Titans on top.

Washington County scored twice in the last six minutes of the second quarter to take a 19-10 halftime lead, with two plays denying the Titans chances to match the Golden Hawks’ TD.

A diving catch by Chris Siebert along the sideline in

Washington County territory was ruled incomplete, and Shelton dropped a long pass from Davis that would have gotten the Titans close to the Hawks’ goal line.

Shelton had a terrific game running the ball, gaining 146 yards on 19 carries. But the Titans were unable to estab-lish their aerial attack, with Davis completing just six of 23 passes for 70 yards with three interceptions. The Washington County defensive backs played tight man-to-man coverage on BT’s receivers, and the Hawks’ aggressive pass rush forced Davis to hurry many of his throws.

A 22-yard run by Shelton and two Davis completions to tight end Logan Craighead for 20 yards keyed the Titans’ scoring drive to start the sec-ond half. Carter McManes went the final yard for the touch-down.

But Gray answered with a 26-yard run to start a Wash-ington County drive, and scored from the 10 after a deft fake to Hill on the zone read option.

The Washington County defense and Hill took over after that, with the Hawks scoring three touchdowns in less than six minutes to break the game open.

After graduating 17 start-ers among a large senior class from the playoff teams of 2011 and ‘12, McFarlin was uncer-tain what to expect from this senior class.

“That was a talented class, and this group was always stuck behind them. But once we took the lid off and they had a chance to shine, they did a beautiful job.

“This was a blue collar team,” he said. “They came to work every day.”

The Titans will return a strong nucleus for next year, led by sophomores Davis and Shelton on offense and stand-out Pat Jasinski on defense.

Among the key losses on of-fense are Bradley and tailback Chad Manthey, who rushed for over 1,000 yards filling in for Shelton. The Titans also lose two-way standouts Austin Werkheiser (OL/DL) and Zach Mitchler (OL/LB), defensive starters Evans, McManes and Ryan Mediate, and Nolan, the latest in a line of excellent BT kickers.

Continued from Page 31

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Page 33: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | December 5, 2013 | 33Submit your news & photos to [email protected] COMMUNITY

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Clearwater Christian CollegeCLEARWATER, Fla. – Amani Morcos of Alpharetta was a member of the 2013 Cou-gar women’s soccer team at Clearwater Christian College in Clearwater, Fla., who took sec-ond place in the 2013 NCCAA Division II national champion-ship on Nov. 16. The Cougars entered the tournament seeded No. 2 in the nation and moved in the championship game after defeating Cairn Univer-sity of Philadelphia, Pa., 4-0 and Maranatha Baptist Bible College of Watertown, Wis., 3-0. They secured the second place berth after losing a close match with Bob Jones Univer-sity of Greenville, S.C.

Morcos is a graduate of Fellowship Christian School and the daughter of Sami and Lori Morcos. She is pursuing a degree in elementary educa-tion from Clearwater Christian College.

Universityof the SciencesPHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Sarah Kraus, a doctor of pharmacy student from Suwanee, has been named to the summer 2013 Dean’s List at University of the Sciences. Selection for this award is based on com-pleting and passing all as-signed courses and attaining an academic average of at least 3.4 for courses taken in the summer semester of 2013.

University of Nevada-Las VegasLAS VEGAS, Nev. – University of Nevada-Las Vegas’s Stepha-nie Thelen of Milton recently earned Mountain West Volley-ball Player of the Week recogni-tion for the second time in her college career. Thelen, a senior setter, attends UNLV on a vol-leyball scholarship.

“Stephanie has been play-ing well all season after she returned to the setter posi-tion,” said Rebel volleyball coach Cindy Fredrick. “She has worked on her all-around game; improving her defense and serving while also being an offensive threat in the front row.

This is a well-deserved honor as Stephanie has been a tremendous team player throughout her years as a Rebel.”

Young Harris CollegeYOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Young Harris College freshman theater major Hannah Val-leroy of Johns Creek recently performed in Theatre Young Harris’s production of prolific playwright Israel Horovitz’s “Lebensraum.” Valleroy is a graduate of Alpha Omega Academy and the daughter of John and Patricia Valleroy of Johns Creek.

Cornell University ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell Univer-sity announced that Andrew Bond of Johns Creek and Savannah Grace of Roswell graduated from Cornell’s prestigious Summer College program this summer.

Universityof Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Joshua Andrews, a freshman from Alpharetta, has received the Food Science Scholarship from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas for 2013-2014.

Clemson UniversityCLEMSON, S.C. – The fol-lowing local residents have enrolled at Clemson University for the fall semester.Alpharetta:

Kaylyn Parks Bidwell, Joshua Connor Buhay, Mad-eline A. Butzer, Clayton Cash Cheek, Ashley C. Gentry, Melanie J. Magazine, Alexan-der William Marshall, Peter A. Mcninch, Justin Gregory Mihalik, William Alexander Moir, Brooke Kristen Snyder, Sydney Nicole Welch and Margaret A. Wharton.Cumming/Suwanee:

Emily A. Sparkman, Clare M. Kelley and Sloan Kathryn Shanahan.Johns Creek/Duluth:

Cooper A. Burdick, James E. Cusick, Jacob T. Erickson, Megan I. Froats, Sourish T. Ray, Allison Nicole Tanzy and Taylor Marie Walton.Milton:

Erin E. Balmes, Charlotte Lane Colt, Michael J. Kucia and Charles Taylor Stickels.

Roswell:Emma L. Denk, Tanner J.

Hayes, Bridget O. Johnson, Zachary C. Robida, Taylor G. Sieling, James R Sloan and Tyler S. Zonsa.

Wichita State UniversityWICHITA, Kan. – Riddhi Karambelkar of Alpharetta has graduated from Wichita State University with a bach-elor’s degree in aerospace engineering after the summer 2013 term.

Trevecca Nazarene University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Chaunc-ey Arner, a junior commercial music major from Cumming, was named to the Trevecca Nazarene University spring 2013 Dean’s List. Persons on this list achieved a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the semester.

Washington and Lee UniversityLEXINGTON, Va. – Jenny Wang of Roswell has received a Johnson Scholarship to attend Washington and Lee University. Wang, a graduate of Centennial High School, began classes at W&L in September. The Johnson Scholarship pro-

gram was established in 2007 as a result of an historic $100 million gift to the university. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and candi-dates are chosen on the basis of exceptional academic and personal promise. The scholar-ships provide at least tuition, room and board, and allow students to graduate debt-free.

Wang won the scholarship in competition against about 190 other finalists who partici-pated in on-campus interviews last spring.

Southeast Missouri State UniversityCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Sandeep Kumar Vangala of Alpharetta was among 127 graduate students receiving degrees following the summer 2013 session at Southeast Missouri State University. Van-gala graduated with a master’s degree in technology manage-ment.

Bob Jones UniversityGREENVILLE, S.C. – Kyle Turner of Alpharetta has been named to the Bob Jones University Bruins men’s in-tercollegiate basketball team. Turner, a sophomore majoring in business administration, is a forward for the Bruins men’s team.

VARSITY BRIEFSSend us your news!

Email to [email protected] Info: 770-442-3278

Walter L Barno, Jr., 53, of Cumming, passed away November 22, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Geraldine Barrow, 90, of Alpharetta, passed away November 24, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Clara M Davis, 88, of Cumming, passed away November 22, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Han Q. Dinh, 80, of Roswell, passed away November 19, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Douglas Windsor Frederick, 76, passed away November 19, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Ronald Phillip Hartman, 78, of Duluth, passed away November 21, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Norman Ray Hilburn, 74, of Cumming, passed away November 16, 2013. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

William H. Leath, 71, of Marietta, passed away November 21, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Ivan Lee Martin, 82, of Cumming, passed away November 20, 2013. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

John Jay McCraw, 82, of Gainesville, passed away November 22, 2013. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Sybil McGaffic, 100, of Roswell, passed away November 22, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Voncile Mooney, 88, of Gainesville, passed away November 22, 2013 Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Joseph Rainone, 85, of Alpharetta, passed away November 23, 2013. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Ralph Leslie Schuett, 76, of Cumming, passed away November 23, 2013. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

DEATH NOTICES

Page 34: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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Page 35: Johns Creek Herald, December 5, 2013

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