johns creek herald, july 3, 2014

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By HATCHER HURD [email protected] NORTH FULTON – A new study shows North Fulton’s cities lead Georgia in leading economic growth factors new workers, employment and me- dian income growth. Perhaps surprisingly Johns Creek was No. 1 among Georgia cities. Sandy Springs (No. 8), Ro- swell (No. 11) and Alpharetta (No. 13) also shone well, and taken as a group they pro- vide convincing evidence for the economic strength of the region. The study, conducted by NerdWallet, looked at the growth in Georgia between 2009 and 2012 in three areas: working age population; em- ployment growth; and median income growth. Johns Creek scored highest among Georgia cities (the score was based on 1/3 for each of the three categories. Growth among working-age residents in Johns Creek “blew the curve,” coming in at 39.1 percent over the four years of data studied. That translates into 17,000 new residents 16 and older who moved there during the years of the study. While Johns Creek showed zero employment growth, that was during the height of the recession when Georgia lost thousands of jobs. Most cities July 3, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 27 BODKER WOOD A SESQUICENTENNIAL LIVING HISTORY EVENT THE FEDERAL OCCUPATION OF ROSWELL BARRINGTON HALL & TOWN SQUARE JULY 12 & 13, 2014 WWW.SOUTHERNTRILOGY.COM/FEDERAL OCCUPATION Special Weekend Event Ev en pec e ia • Outdoor events free • Historic Home tour $5 per person Play on! The Johns Creek Symphony performs for the crowd at the debut of Newtown Amphitheater. See full story, page 7. HATCHER HURD/STAFF JOHNS CREEK NO. 1 RISING CITY: N.F. dominates statewide economic growth study Cities on the Rise in Georgia — Full Ranking Rank City 2009-2012 Working- Age Population Growth 2009-2012 Employment Growth 2009-2012 Median Income Growth Overall Growth Score 1 Johns Creek 39.1% 0.0% 6.9% 83.3 2 Hinesville 13.4% (2.8%) 17.3% 76.0 3 Warner Robins 14.5% 0.7% 10.6% 74.0 4 Carrollton 5.9% (1.8%) 17.0% 72.9 5 Mableton 10.4% (2.3%) 12.6% 69.5 8 Sandy Springs 16.6% (5.6%) 10.3% 65.2 11 Roswell 10.7% (7.2%) 12.5% 61.8 13 Alpharetta 18.8% (6.0%) 1.5% 55.7 Cities attract top workers, tops in income growth See RISE, Page 4 Drifting down the ’Hooch 10 years of Paddle Ga. PAGE 10 Real Estate Report Sponsored section PAGE 18 MARTA plans to expand Three meetings to be held in July PAGE 13 Tower turnaround JC City Council drops 400 ft. radio tower PAGE 4 Deadly blaze House fire claims life PAGE 9

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Page 1: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

By HATCHER [email protected]

NORTH FULTON – A new study shows North Fulton’s cities lead Georgia in leading economic growth factors new workers, employment and me-dian income growth. Perhaps surprisingly Johns Creek was No. 1 among Georgia cities.

Sandy Springs (No. 8), Ro-swell (No. 11) and Alpharetta (No. 13) also shone well, and taken as a group they pro-

vide convincing evidence for the economic strength of the region.

The study, conducted by NerdWallet, looked at the growth in Georgia between 2009 and 2012 in three areas: working age population; em-ployment growth; and median income growth.

Johns Creek scored highest

among Georgia cities (the score was based on 1/3 for each of the three categories.

Growth among working-age residents in Johns Creek “blew the curve,” coming in at 39.1

percent over the four years of data studied. That translates into 17,000 new residents 16 and older who moved there during the years of the study.

While Johns Creek showed

zero employment growth, that was during the height of the recession when Georgia lost thousands of jobs. Most cities

July 3, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 27

BODKER WOOD

A SESQUICENTENNIAL

LIVING HISTORY EVENT

THE FEDERAL OCCUPATION OF ROSWELL

BARRINGTON HALL & TOWN SQUARE JULY 12 & 13, 2014 WWW.SOUTHERNTRILOGY.COM/FEDERAL OCCUPATION

Special Weekend EventEven

pece ia• Outdoor events free

• Historic Home tour $5 per person

Play on! The Johns Creek Symphony performs for the crowd at the debut of Newtown Amphitheater. See full story, page 7.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

JOHNS CREEK NO. 1 RISING CITY:

N.F. dominates statewide economic growth studyCities on the Rise in Georgia — Full Ranking

Rank City 2009-2012 Working-Age Population Growth

2009-2012 Employment Growth

2009-2012 Median Income Growth Overall Growth Score

1 Johns Creek 39.1% 0.0% 6.9% 83.3

2 Hinesville 13.4% (2.8%) 17.3% 76.0

3 Warner Robins 14.5% 0.7% 10.6% 74.0

4 Carrollton 5.9% (1.8%) 17.0% 72.9

5 Mableton 10.4% (2.3%) 12.6% 69.5

8 Sandy Springs 16.6% (5.6%) 10.3% 65.2

11 Roswell 10.7% (7.2%) 12.5% 61.8

13 Alpharetta 18.8% (6.0%) 1.5% 55.7

Cities attract top workers, tops in income growth

See RISE, Page 4

Drifting down the ’Hooch10 years of Paddle Ga.

► PAGE 10

Real Estate ReportSponsored section

► PAGE 18

MARTA plans to expandThree meetings to be held in July

► PAGE 13

Tower turnaroundJC City Council drops 400 ft. radio tower

► PAGE 4

Deadly blazeHouse fire claims life

► PAGE 9

Page 2: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

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If the butt-print fits you must convictMILTON, Ga. – Instead of fingerprints, a suspect’s butt-print was left behind at a crime scene.

According to police, some-one broke into a barn on Thompson Road over the past three months. At first, a chain-saw went missing. Then, June 16, the victims reported several sets of keys. Someone entered the barn using an unlocked window, leaving a butt-print in the pollen on the window sill. Outside the barn, a large boul-der was also missing, which the owners called odd.

It was large enough to need either several people or con-struction equipment to move it.

Taking an extended test driveROSWELL, Ga. – A Dawsonville man is suspected of taking a car for a test drive and never returning.

A representative of Grav-ity Auto on Ga. 9 said a man showing an identity of a Daw-sonville man, came into the business June 11 and looked at a black BMW 6 Series car, valued at $17,400.

The suspect was allowed to take the car for a test drive.

He never returned and contact information he gave the dealer was false.

Employee chargedwith $10K theft ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An em-ployee at a North Point Mall store was arrested June 17 af-ter allegedly taking more than $10,000 from her employers.

The employee, Ashley Nicole Gibson, 26, of Atlanta, reportedly had been pocket-inging cash from the store for months, taking it from the nightly deposit bags.

Management noticed they that the store receipts did not always match up.

They tracked the thefts to Gibson, who allegedly admit-ted to stealing the $10,327 to cover bills. She was arrested for felony theft.

How much do you need that clothing?ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Wood-stock student was arrested June 17 after allegedly trying to steal nearly $500 in clothing from Macy’s.

Store employees told police they saw Victoria Harper Mur-phy, 22, of Woodstock, select clothing items from throughout the store and enter a dressing room where she placed them into her purse. She then went to the swimwear section of the store and repeated the process.

Murphy then tried to leave the store without paying. In all, she was found with $447

in clothing and charged with shoplifting.

Driving lesson 1:Don’t tailgate copsALPHARETTA, Ga. – A Duluth woman was arrested June 17 for drug possession after she allegedly was following too close to a police car.

Police say the car driven by Donna Georgiea Georgieva, 21, of Duluth was following a police cruiser so closely, the officer inside could not see her headlights in his rearview mirror.

Georgieva had a suspended license and allegedly exhibited signs she was under the influ-ence of a substance.

A search of the car turned up a flask with alcohol in it and a baggie containing mush-rooms.

Georgieva was arrested for driving too closely, driving on a suspended license, having an open container and possession of schedule I drugs.

Road rageturns violentJOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A case of road rage on Medlock Bridge Road nearly turned violent June 20 when a driver was threatened with a knife.

The victim told police she was driving on Medlock Bridge about 6:15 p.m. when a red four-door Ford changed lanes in front of her, nearly causing a collision. She honked her horn.

A short time later, the vic-tim reported she saw the same car following her as she pulled into her neighborhood and was waiting for the gate to open.

The suspect car pulled in front of her, blocking the gate and the driver got out, bran-dishing a screwdriver and yelling at her. The victim called 911.The car’s tag wase report-ed, belonging to a Macon man.

Boat renters‘lost’ on lakeCUMMING, Ga. — A man con-tacted his pontoon boat rental company to report his group was “lost,” according to a For-syth County Sheriff’s incident report.

The driver of the boat, Rob-ert Hernandez, 24, was later charged with boating under the influence and taken to Forsyth County Detention Center.

On June 21, the owner of The Bait Shop off Bald Ridge Road told deputies he got a call from a customer who rented a pontoon boat.

The customer said the group was lost somewhere near Lake Lanier Islands.

Deputies searched the lake and passed a boat fitting the description and offered as-sistance.

The driver of the pontoon boat first stopped the boat then began to operate in re-verse, nearly striking the side of the patrol boat.

After tests, deputies deter-mined Hernandez was intoxi-cated and he was arrested and charged.

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — There are at least three dozen new child pornography charges for a former church intern first charged in March with child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Sean E. Paul, 28, of Dawsonville, was first charged in March after investigators found that the youth minister intern at First Christian Church on Sawnee Drive in Cumming had been sexting with a minor.

Dawson County Sheriff’s Capt. Tony

Wooten told news stations that the new charges are from child pornography that was allegedly discov-ered on computers and other electronic equip-ment following his March arrest.

“A significant amount of child pornography was found on electronic and

computer equipment,” Wooten told the Forsyth County News. 

The equipment was searched in Paul’s Dawsonville home. Paul now faces 32 felony counts of sexual exploitation of chil-dren. The warrants were issued June 20 by the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.

In Forsyth County, Paul is charged with child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes and electronically fur-nishing obscene material to a minor.

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.

Former youth intern faces new porn charges

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Page 3: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 3PUBLIC SAFETY

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DUI arrests ► Melissa Greene Godfriaux,

38, of Braselton was arrested June 12 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI.

► Christine Renee Roberts, 46, of Buford was arrested June 14 on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Dennis Hugh Lipham, 54, of Kilmington Square, Alpharetta, was arrested June 12 on Ga. 9 in Milton for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Brett Wayne Holder, 39, of Duluth was arrested June 8 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Karen Jenny Li, 25, of Westwind Lane, Alpharetta, was arrested June 8 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

► Khari Jerome Taylor, 20, of Falling Creek Bend, Johns Creek, was arrested June 10 on South Main Street in

Alpharetta for DUI. ► John Flake Weaver,

55, of Henderson Court, Alpharetta, was arrested June 10 on Deerfield Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane, and open con-tainer.

► Tobi Lyn Bowers, 43, of Aderhold Way, Alpharetta, was arrested June 13 on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta for DUI, child endangerment, failure to maintain lane and duty upon striking a fixed object.

► Karen Fox O’Keefe, 49, of Chimney Bluff, Johns Creek, was arrested June 14 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI and failure

to maintain lane. ► Kathleen G. Mikulak, 54,

of Marietta was arrested June 13 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, open con-tainer and improper u-turn.

► Garfield S. Shouder, 39, of McDonough was arrested June 15 on Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to maintain lane and obstruction of an officer.

Drug arrests ► Jeremy Lee Geibig, 31,

of Duluth was arrested June 12 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct

and drugs not kept in original container.

► Calvin Chan, 18, of Duluth was arrested June 13 on Kimball Bridge Road in

► Johns Creek for posses-sion of marijuana, failure to maintain lane and violation of a limited permit.

► Alfred Drew Binford, 20, of Manor Close, Alpharetta, was arrested June 11 on Morris Road in Milton for possession of marijuana, disorderly con-duct and brake light violation.

► Christopher G. Carson, 34, of Deer Trail, Milton, was arrested June 9 on North Main Street in Alpharetta for pos-session 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.

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Page 4: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

4 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com NEWS

By HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Med-lock Bridge area residents breathed a sigh of relief when the Johns Creek City Council at a special called meeting June 30 rejected the plan for a 400-foot public safety ra-dio net tower at Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road.

Shakerag area residents also sighed with relief but not as deeply. Plan B was to erect a 195-foot tower in Shakerag at Fire Station 62 property owned by the city. But Sha-kerag residents complained that they had

no notification of this plan. It would destroy property values and despoil the bucolic and rural nature of the area, they said.

Ever willing to please, the City Council agreed to try yet another plan that would put a 195-foot tower north of Abbotts Bridge Road and east of Medlock Bridge Road (Ga.

141) which would put the tower smack-dab in the middle of Technology Park Atlanta, the most commercial site in the city.

But this may only be a respite for Sha-kerag residents because there are techni-

showed negative growth in that area.

Johns Creek median in-come grew 6.9 percent. Among North Fulton cities Alpharetta grew only 1.5 percent, which analyst Maggie Clark said was as much a factor of Alpharet-ta’s high median income it already possessed.

“Cities on the rise are those that are showing growth in those three critical areas related to economic growth – worker population, employ-ment growth and median income,” Clark said. “The audience for this study is the general consumer. We want to show the people where growth is occurring in their state and how their city is doing com-pared to their neighbors.

“It speaks well for all of North Fulton that it has the four cities all within the top 13 cities in the state. North Fulton is definitely growing and their incomes are up as well,” she said.

A “rising city” designation is something from the purely-numbers standpoint that tells city planners and local admin-istrators that they are growing, that they are a favored destina-tion and should plan for that.

It is a designation that these North Fulton cities are pleased to have. Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker said he was excited to see his city at the top of the list.

“We’ve always known this is a place people want to come,” Bodker said. “Yes, it does show a lot of interest in all North Fulton. What the survey doesn’t show is South Forsyth. Its growth is very similar to North Fulton. All the factors

that made us as a region great are present in South Forsyth – schools are competitive with us now for example. They just don’t have the zoning we do yet.”

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood it is always tough to compare yourself to the very top, but when looking at the whole state, you see just how good you are.

“It is great to be validated that you’re doing the right thing. Roswell made a con-scious decision to become more business-friendly during this recession. I see this as a confirmation that our work is paying off,” Wood said.

But Wood also acknowl-edged that all of the cities in North Fulton are “blessed” to be in a great location.

“The fact that all of these cities are doing well is also due to the fact that we are all help-ing each other. Whether you work in one city or another, live where you do, it is the concentration of good schools and good opportunities. That really makes this region a great spot,” Wood said. “It’s not a surprise, it’s a confirmation.”

Bodker echoed much the same theme.

“The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce got it right through its Progress Part-ners North Fulton when they said we have to develop the re-gion as six distinct cities – but one region,” Bodker said.

Then people who come to North Fulton can look at the different personalities of the in-dividual cities works for them.

“It’s easier to choose North Fulton over Gwinnett or South Fulton when you’re selling the region,” he said.

Analyst Clark said what they see as cities “rise” with new population growth and new opportunities, city leaders look ahead.

“What we see in these fast-growing cities is a second stage of development where city leaders want to create a down-town space for people to come together – kind of a walkable, pedestrian-friendly city center,” Clark said. “It gives residents a central meeting place and also establishes a strong identity for the city.”

Since the time frame of the study, Georgia has continued to grow economically. Geor-gia gained 76,400 jobs between April 2013 and April 2014, and the 7 percent unemployment rate, while higher than the na-tional average of 6.3 percent, is trending downward, according to the Bureau of Labor Statis-tics.

More than 277,000 peo-ple moved to the state in 2012, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and per capita income increased 2.7 per-cent to $38,179 in 2013, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported.

The state also has recap-tured 65 percent of the jobs lost during the recession, ana-lysts found.

GARAGE SALESSee more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 26

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Call 770-442-3278 or email [email protected]

Continued from Page 1

Rise: We want to show the people where growth is occurring in their state and how their city is doing compared to their neighbors.”MAGGIE CLARKAnalyst

Plan for 400-ft. radio tower fallsCity Council mulls two new options

Ruling out the 400-foot Medlock tower buys the city more time to explore the Technology Park option. It will work fine to provide the signal penetration and strength to Shakerag. The problem is ‘blow back’ of the signal strength penetrating into Gwinnett County and affecting that county’s coverage.”

MIKE MCGANNON City consultant, Engineering Consultants

BODKER

See TOWER, Page 8

Page 5: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 5Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

Page 6: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

6 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

BY CANDY [email protected]

FULTON COUNTY – Teachers in the Fulton County School System (FCSS) may be among the first in the state to be paid based on performance in the classroom and not solely on years worked and degrees earned.

The system is in the midst of an ambitious 5-year stra-tegic plan to improve student performance and having the best teachers in place is the only way to achieve the goals, school officials say.

“As part of our [ongoing} initiatives, we are working on ways to provide opportuni-ties for our best teachers , our

most effective teachers, who impact what happens in our classrooms every day,” said Kenneth Zeff, FCSS chief of In-novation and Strategy.

For the past year, a group of 125 staff members, in-cluding teachers from every school in the system, along with principals and adminis-trators has been looking at a performance-based compen-sation model. The change is a big one, and goes against a centuries-old model that has long existed in schools across the country.

“There is a common un-derstanding that [teachers] are compensated regardless of their performance, contribu-tions, skills or knowledge,”

said Zeff. “Teacher perfor-mance is not included in the calculation of pay, but rather by the number of years they are in the profession and the [degrees they earn].”

Fulton’s conversion to a charter system three years ago has allowed it to revamp teacher compensation; an op-tion not possible in non-char-ter systems.

The Fulton plan could serve as a model for compensation reform statewide, said Zeff.

The Georgia Department of Education is “highly” interest-ed in Fulton’s plans, Zeff said.

Compensation is the final piece of the overall plan to attract and retain the top teachers. FCSS has already revamped its teacher hiring process, and is participating in the state-mandated Teacher Keys to Effectiveness System (TKES) to evaluate teacher performance.

“Compensation is the end of the conversation,” said Zeff. “We must get teaching hiring, support and evaluation all sequenced and flowing, and only then can you talk about compensation strategies ap-propriately.”

Zeff is looking at imple-menting the compensation reforms in multiple phases beginning in the 2015-2016 school year.

The increases would range from nothing for teachers deemed “ineffective” based on

evaluations, to a 4.5 percent increase for those considered “exemplary.”

Teachers in the “needs development” range could see a 1.5 percent increase and those evaluated as “proficient” would see a 3 percent increase.

Current compensation for teachers in Fulton County begins at $40,308 annually for a new teacher with a bach-elor’s degree, to $86,196 for a teacher with more than 25 years experience and a doctor-ate degree.

The categories for teachers will be determined based on the state’s Teacher Effective-ness Measure (TEM) which is tied to the TKES program all schools are participating in.

Zeff recognizes the work that lies ahead as the struc-ture of pay makes a monumen-tal change. But he noted the working group composed pri-marily of teachers is essentially establishing the boundaries.

“My hope is the system we design will be linked to how good am I at my job as op-posed to how many years I’ve been here or how I’ve jumped through the hoops,” said teacher Daniel Waldroup who is part of the compensation committee.

Waldroup acknowledged

the system may be controver-sial at the beginning, but hope teachers will give it a chance to work.

“First and foremost we want the best and brightest, most committed, most motivat-ed and passionate educators to be part of our team. And we want them to feel they have a path forward in Fulton County Schools,” said Zeff.

Merit raises for Fulton teachers in 2015?

By CANDY [email protected] FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Fiscal Year 2015 budget for the Fulton County Board of Edu-cation is a done deal, with few surprises or changes in place as the system looks to the next 12 months.

The $878 million budget in the general fund will be spent mostly in the classroom and to support students, with 67 per-cent allocated for staff salaries and local schools budgets. The remaining 33 percent will go toward pupil transportation, maintenance, operations and administration.

Class sizes will remain

the same, however students will go to school for 178 days -- one additional day from last year as the systems gradu-ally moves back to an 180-day calendar.

No raises are planned; staff will instead receive a one time, three percent bonus.

In all, the Fulton School System will spend just over $1.4 billion over the next 12 months across all budgets, in-cluding school nutrition, debt service, pension and construc-tion.

The Fulton School Board voted to keep the millage rate at 18.502. While that may seem like a win for taxpayers, it actually translates into a tax

increase as property values continue to rise, along with tax bills.

In order to generate the same $509 million in tax levy as in the past year, the millage rate would need to have been rolled back to 18.342, which the board opted not to do.

A mill is applied to each $1,000 of assessed valuation. A home valued at $200,000 in Fulton County (outside the city of Atlanta) with the standard homeowner’s exemption will pay $3,663 in taxes to the school system.

Taxes going to the Fulton School System are more than half the annual tax bill for the average taxpayer 

School budget: Same class sizes, adds day to term

Revisions to compensation plan will place less emphasis on tenure, graduate degrees

FCSS Compensation Plan Four Components: Competitive base with effectiveness increases. Provides increases for proficient teachers and exemplary teachers.Career ladders and roles. Teachers who take on additional roles will see increases as the take advantage of opportu-nities to move from an “emerging” teacher to a “master” teacher.Strategic staffing. Incentivizes high performing teachers in low-performing schools, as well as those who transfer to work in those schools. Also increases compensation for those in hard to staff areas, such as engineering and phys-ics.Tuition reimbursement. Provides reimbursement for teach-ers who are seeking advanced degrees aligned to their content areas.

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.

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Page 7: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 7Submit your news & photos to [email protected] COMMUNITY

Newtown amphitheater makes debutBy JONATHAN COPSEY and HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – With a lawn filled with families on blankets and a warm summer evening, the strains of “Geor-gia on My Mind” announced the opening of Newtown Park Amphitheater Jue 28 to a full house.

“Welcome to your home-town amphitheater,” said Johns Creek Mayor Bodker to officially open the new amphi-theater.

The large covered stage has enough room beneath the roof to hold up to 500 people seated. A terraced lawn can hold a further 800 people.

For the opening perfor-mance, families put down blankets for picnics while food trucks parked nearby for people to relax and enjoy the music of the Johns Creek Sym-phony Orchestra.

The Johns Creek Sympho-ny Orchestra, founded in 2007, is made up of professional musicians who share their love of music.

The guest conductor of the night was maestro John Morrison, who has served as music director of the Atlanta Community Orchestra and has conducted the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

The varied selection of mu-sic ranged from the traditional – Offenbach’s “Can-Can” from “Orpheus in the Underworld” – to the modern, such as the “Star Wars” theme and other film scores.

Special for the evening was the inclusion of soprano singer Jeanne Brown for sev-eral songs, wowing the audi-ence with her voice for “O Mio Babbino Caro” by Puccini and popular Porgy and Bess song “Summertime.”

She received standing ova-tions after both pieces.

Johns Creek resident Su-san Grissom said she was glad to have an amphitheater in her home city.

“We have gone to Duluth and Norcross the see concerts. I love having a place of our own where we can come. This is really nice,” Grissom said.

Architect Michael Mitch-ell, whose firm designed the amphitheater and park, was on hand for the debut concert. He said when they began to work on the project 18 months ago, it didn’t look promising. He had done the original work for Fulton County when they designed Newtown Park.

“This was a rocky ravine here. When we began on

Newtown, the county said the goal was to use all the land. So there was not much left for an amphitheater here,” Mitchell said. “The biggest challenge was making it fit.”

The company left one to-ken boulder on the lawn as a reminder of what they had to move out make the locale nice.

Debbie Sapp was enthusias-tic about the new amphitheater.

“This is amazing. It’s spec-tacular. It’s very well done,” she said.

The presenting sponsor of opening night was the Johns Creek Foundation

For more about the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, visit them online at www.john-screeksymphony.org. Newtown Park and the new amphithe-ater are located at 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek.

JC Symphony entertains large crowd

By the numbers:•Seats up to 225 people

at tables…•…Or up to 500 in rows

of chairs•Seats 800 on terraced

lawn•10,600-square-foot

pavilion•1.5 acres of land•80 feet tall (from the

stage)•600 feet of decorative

fencing

See more photos, Page 21

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Under those Foster Grants are Parks Batten and his daughter Isabelle, 2.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

SmokinGirls Barbecue has smoking-hot sandwiches at the concert.

Page 8: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

8 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was elected first vice president of the Georgia Municipal Associa-tion (GMA) during the associa-tion’s June 23 annual meeting in Savannah.

He is now in line to be-come president of the 500-plus member organization in 2015.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit organiza-tion that provides legislative advocacy, educational, em-ployee benefit and technical assistance services to its 520 member cities.

Bodker, who was first elected in 2006 to serve the newly created city, has served on the GMA Board of Directors for several years.

He is a former chairman of GMA’s Revenue and Finance Policy Committee and has been a member GMA’s Legislative Policy Council in recent years and is the new chairman of the LPC.

He has also served as chairman of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association.

“Election by one’s peers is truly the highest honor,” said Bodker. “GMA’s work across borders to build a better Geor-gia is a positive for all our cit-ies. I am proud that as Mayor of Johns Creek, I can play a part in that effort.”

Bodker has been involved with GMA since he was first elected, said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton.

“He understands the issues cities face and has played an important role in legislative efforts on behalf of cities for many years. We look forward to his continued leadership in this new role,” Norton said.

Bodker elected 1st vice president of GMA

Mayor Mike Bodker speaks at the June 23 GMA annual meeting where he was elected first vice president.

Next in line for 2015 presidency

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cal problems with that site that must be ironed out. Otherwise the Shakerag site will be the only other viable option.

Shakerag gives the area slightly better coverage than the Medlock Bridge site be-tween the old Warsaw El-ementary School and Johns Creek High School.

That was the choice the City Council was prepared to make when it convened the special meeting June 30. How-ever, they faced a packed house of more than 200 citizens who were opposed to the 400-foot tower at Medlock or the 195-foot tower in Shakerag.

The city has spent 2 years studying its plan to replace the aging analog public safety radio net. Having agreed to partner with Fulton County, the city would receive free equipment for one radio tower. If it was to be the 400-foot tower contracts had to go forward by July 30, hence the deadline.

The city will now place the new digital radio equipment on the existing tower at Mor-ton Road and Jones Bridge Road. This will relieve the pressure of the June 30 dead-line and give the city radio net as good coverage as with the analog with a bonus. The old

system is failing about one day a month.

The new digital equipment will be much more reliable and end that worry. What the Morton-Jones Bridge tower cannot do is reach the Shaker-ag area with the signal pene-tration (ability to communicate through buildings) or the signal strength that is needed.

But ruling out the 400-foot Medlock tower buys the city more time to explore the Technology Park option. It will work fine to provide the signal penetration and strength to Shakerag, said the city’s consultant Mike McGannon of Engineering Consultants. The problem is “blow back” of the signal strength penetrating into Gwinnett County and af-fecting that county’s coverage.

McGannon said they had modeled wave propagation from a 500-foot tower in Tech Park “to push” the signal to Shakerag.

“We found that the signal would intrude on Gwin-nett’s frequencies and violate [Federal Communications Commission] regulations. So we concluded that was not optimal,” McGannon said.

Mayor Mike Bodker said could it be possible to build a 195-foot tower at Tech Park that would not create “blow back” to Gwinnett and would not violate FCC regulations?

McGannon said it might be possible but it is difficult to

know what the FCC will allow until the license proposal is before FCC officials.

Bodker put it the City Council – would they sup-port abandoning the 400-foot tower, place new digital equip-ment on the existing Morton-Jones Bridge tower and take up to 6 months to study a Tech Park tower?

By abandoning the 400-foot tower, the city will now take on an additional $1.5 million cost for constructing a new tower plus $65,000 a year for maintenance. Fulton Coun-ty would have borne those costs for the 400-foot tower.

Council voted 4-0 (Coun-cilwoman Cori Davenport was absent) to do so. So now the city has six months to inves-tigate whether it is possible to generate the signal strength from a 195-foot tower (any taller would create too much “bleed over” to Gwinnett) that would solve the Shakerag cov-erage and satisfy the FCC.

Bodker polled the council, and they agreed they would not sacrifice safety for public safety officers who depend on reliable radio transmission.

“I also am not willing to sacrifice safety,” he said.

So the city will go ahead with both options, a Shakerag tower and a Tech Park tower. If the FCC does not accept the Tech Park license request, then the city will go ahead with the Shakerag site.

Continued from Page 4

Tower:

Page 9: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 9Submit your news & photos to [email protected] NEWS

By JONATHAN [email protected]

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An Al-pharetta woman is dead after sustaining injuries from a house fire in the early morning of June 28.

The fire at a home on Clip-per Bay Drive was well under way when fire crews arrived, police say. Police arrived first, with fire crews shortly after.

“The entire residence was involved with fire and heavy smoke with very limited vis-ibility,” said George Gordon, spokesman for the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

Officials say police officers arrived first to the home. They and arriving fire fighters broke into the home and began a search for the resident, later identified as Yvonne Crisp, 52.

911 had Crisp on the phone until she lost consciousness.

When first responders finally found the woman in an upstairs room, they pulled her from the home as the build-ing’s roof began to collapse.

Police began CPR as Crisp was loaded into an ambulance and taken to North Fulton Hospital in serious condition. She was later moved to a burn center in Augusta.

She later died of her inju-ries. Alpharetta and Milton fire crews worked to contain the blaze, however the home was destroyed.

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Off-duty police officer drowns at Lake LanierFORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 32-year-old man drowned in Lake Lanier on June 26 near Little Ridge Park off Lanier Beach South Road in Forsyth County.

The victim was identified as Canon Trent Callender, of Lawrenceville.

Callender was a Lawrencev-ille Police Department police officer, who was off duty at the time.

The Forsyth County Sher-iff’s Office received a 911 call at 5:35 p.m. about a man swimming who went under the water and never came back up near a boat ramp at Little Ridge Park.

The Forsyth County Sher-iff’s Office, Hall County Fire Department and the Georgia Department of Natural Re-sources responded with marine units. The waters were clear and calm, which helped rescue units during their search, said Forsyth County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Rainwater.

About 7 p.m., Callender’s body was found in 10 feet of water in the same area where he was last seen – 35 feet from

shore. Callender is a 2000 Duluth

High School graduate who studied finance at Georgia Gwinnett Technical College, according to his Facebook page. He was with the Law-renceville Police Department for about four years, according to Capt. Greg Vaughn.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

–Aldo Nahed

Canon Callender

House fire claims life

A resident died from injuries sustained in a house fire on Clipper Bay Drive June 28.

Resident diedat hospital

How to help the Crisp familyAnyone wishing to help the family, who lost their mother and wife, Yvonne Crisp, visit www.gofundme.com/av9x98.

Follow Us Twitter.com/northfulton

Page 10: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

10 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected] ANNUAL PADDLE GEORGIA:

Chattahoochee’s magic

Paddlers break out of the morning mist under the old Jones Bridge. A volunteer waits to direct them where to enter the shoals.

By HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – From all over Georgia, they came. From Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Texas, they came. From California, Nevada, Washington and Oregon, people came to participate in the breathtaking canoe and kayak trip 110 miles down the Chattahoochee from Suwanee to Franklin, which is in Heard County, population about 1,000.

It was the 10th anniversary of Paddle Georgia, the annual seven-day canoe and kayak trip down one of Georgia’s riv-ers organized by the Georgia River Network. This trip was a re-creation of the first Paddle Georgia, which debuted on the ’Hooch and drew 450 paddlers.

The youngest looked to be about 6 or 7. The oldest was 84. Why do they come? The answer is always the same. They love the river, all rivers.

Phil and Sheliah Cooper are from Cumming. They said they would not miss this trip.

“It’s fantastic,” said Phil. Sheliah is just as enthusi-

astic.“It’s great from the first day;

it always is. This is our sixth time on Paddle Georgia. I keep a diary so I can experience it all over again,” she said.

Phil said, “It’s an adven-ture, and it’s different every time. It’s wholesome. It’s spiri-tual to be here with nature. And when we come here, it’s like a family reunion at Disney. Two-thirds of the people here we know well that we see once a year.”

Half the trip seems to be sharing the experience with 450 friends who love it as much as you do.

Pete and Cheryl Smith hail from Flowery Branch, and Pete has done this three years now. Cheryl said she had to come and see what it was all about.

“It’s beautiful and a little sad – when you pass a lot of trash on the banks. You wonder what makes people do that,” she said.

Pete said, “Morgan Falls is the most fragile. I like it that you don’t see many homes.”

Joe Cook is with Georgia River Network and one of the organizers of Paddle Georgia. He says GRN is a statewide riv-er advocacy group that wants to protect Georgia’s rivers and streams.

“We decided 10 years ago the best way to do that is to get people on those state riv-ers and streams,” Cook said. “When people have a relation-

ship with the river, people take better care of it. People come on this trip; it combines an awareness of the river with the natural beauty that surrounds it.

“Some people have never held a paddle before,” he said. “Some have been doing it for years. There are families, col-lege students, kids, retirees and they all come away with a new respect for the rivers.”

The group landed Saturday morning at the Jones Bridge Unit of the National Parks Rec-reation Area. A little tired and beat, those who did not have friends to take them home climbed on buses to spend the night at Lambert High School and made new friends while volunteers slept out with the boats.

At 7:30 a.m., they were bused back to the river to get back at it. The river greeted them with a fine mist and a good run through some shoals. That got their hearts beating.

One of those was Mikael Woodliff of Alpharetta. He’s been paddling 20 years.

“I used to play in the rapids here when I was a teenager,” he said pointing at the river. “I heard about Paddle Georgia from friends and this is my first trip. It’s been beautiful. The river is fabulous.”

Dee Stone said she made the first Paddle Georgia trip 10 years ago, so she had to make this one.

“I will have paddled 1,200 miles by the end of the week. This is my most favorite thing to do all year,” said Stone. “It’s so beautiful. You never see the river like it is unless you’re in a boat.” The memories last a lifetime, she said. The wildlife is amazing too. Just in the first day, she saw herons, an osprey and a huge trout. Turtles you see “by the ton” sunning them-selves.

“I love to listen to the calls of the birds even though I don’t know what they mean. Kayak-ing is hiking for lazy people,” Stone said. “I encourage the dragonflies and butterflies to land on my boat.”

There are a lot of seniors

on the river this day, but at 82 years old, Aggie Calder is special. She says she’s been kayaking for four years now. She was asked if she likes canoeing best.

“It depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing,” Aggie said. “Canoes are best if you’re on the Oconee and camping on the sandbars. We get on Highway 280 to Darien landing, it’s about 45 miles. We do it in four days.

“We canoe ’til about three, then we camp and enjoy life,” she said. Well, I guess it doesn’t get any better than that.

All Paddle Georgia com-munity events are free (except for a few extras), open to the public and held outdoors.

Details on all Paddle Geor-gia community events can be found at http://www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia/index.html.

In the event’s first nine years, GRN has introduced more than 2,800 paddlers to more than 900 miles of water trails including the Chatta-hoochee, Etowah, Ocmulgee, Flint, Coosawattee, Oostanau-la, Broad, Savannah, Oconee and Altamaha rivers. Along the way, the event has generated more than $200,000 for river protection.

Boaters enjoy 110-mile excursion down river

Why they went on the 10th Anniversary Trip•Daily paddling trips averaging 16 miles•Nightly camping with meals, games, entertainment and

educational programs•Tours of historic sites, industrial facilities •Chemical and biological water monitoring opportunities•Companionship, camaraderie with hundreds of fellow

paddlers•Fundraiser for Georgia River Network and Chattahooch-

ee Riverkeeper

PHOTOS BY HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Aggie Calder is the oldest paddler on the trip at 82.

A couple hits the shoals.

A paddler enjoys the ‘Hooch.

Page 11: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 11Submit your news & photos to [email protected] COMMUNITY

For many miles, the river is a calm float with nature . . . . . . Then the Chattahoochee flexes her muscles.

Some make the trip in individually or in pairs. Others paddle in groups.

Paddlers drift amiably before tying up for the first day at the National Parks Service Jones Bridge Unit.

Veteran river rats take it slow.

Page 12: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

12 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com COMMUNITY

Description 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014Real & Personal 4,161,164,131 4,036,193,971 3,864,776,391 3,769,383,987 3,678,210,672 3,859,080,901Motor Vehicles 267,843,670 234,501,440 233,172,030 246,471,400 276,044,730 238,200,610Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0 0Timber - 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0Heavy Duty Equipment 0 0 0 0 0 0Gross Digest 4,429,007,807 4,270,695,411 4,097,948,421 4,016,310,387 3,954,255,402 4,097,281,511Less M & O Exemptions 388,557,248 401,513,668 394,616,032 390,804,326 390,281,164 405,743,744Net M & O Digest 4,040,450,553 3,869,181,743 3,703,332,389 3,625,506,061 3,563,974,238 3,691,537,767

Gross M & O Millage Rate 8.711 8.205 8.752 8.756 9.279 9.022Less Millage Rate Rollbacks 4.097 3.591 4.138 4.142 4.665 4.408Net M & O Millage Rate 4.614 4.614 4.614 4.614 4.614 4.614

Net Taxes Levied 18,642,639 17,852,405 17,087,176 16,728,085 16,444,177 17,032,755

Net Taxes $ Increase (128,022) (790,234) (765,229) (359,091) (283,908) 588,578Net Taxes % Increase -0.68% -4.24% -4.29% -2.10% -1.70% 3.59%

JOHNS CREEK 2014 TAX DIGESTAND LEVY NOTICE

The City of Johns Creek, Georgia City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the City Hall building located at 12000 Findley Rd., Suite 300 on July 14, 2014 at 7:00 PM and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Sectin 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the 2014 tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy.

CURRENT 2014 TAX DIGEST AND HISTORY OF LEVY*

City of Johns Creek

Notice of Property Tax Hearings

(Millage Rate)

The City of Johns Creek announces it is currently in the process of establishing its 2014 millage rate. The City, incorporated in December 1, 2006 has published their Five-Year History of its Tax Digest, Property Revenues and Millage Rate as required.

Before the City of Johns Creek sets the fi nal millage rate for 2014, Georgia law requires a public hearing(s) to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this tax increase. All concerned citizens are invited to attend and participate in the Public Hearings which will be held in the Council Chambers at Johns Creek City Hall which is located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 at the following dates and times:

»First Public Hearing Monday, June 16, 2014 at 11:30am

»Second Public Hearing Monday, June 16, 2014 at 6:00pm

»Third Public Hearing Monday, July 14, 2014 at 7:00pm

Action to adopt the fi nal millage rate for 2014 is scheduled to take place at the Council Meeting on July 14, 2014 which begins at 7:00pm or as close thereafter as possible after the fi nal Public Hearing.

Golf tourney for Touchdown Club

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Sports management company XL212 wants to help residents be-come sports rock stars. They will have a golf tournament July 21 to benefit the North Fulton Forsyth Touchdown Club and establishment of the XL212 Scholarship Fund.

Participants will enjoy a fun day of golf and an opportunity to network with sports celebri-ties, local coaches, business professionals and community leaders.

The game will be a scram-ble shotgun start at the Manor Golf and Country Club, 15951 Manor Club Drive, Alpharetta.

Awards will be given for longest drive, putting contest and closest to the pin.

All participants will receive goody bags with valuable gifts.

XL212 is dedicated to serv-ing and promoting athletes. They educate athletes on how to maximize their potential using state-of-the-art timing

equipment. They then promote these athletes by promot-ing them through showcase events.

Registration can be com-pleted online at XL212.com.

XL212 is a sports event management and marketing service based in Alpharetta. To find out more about the XL212 “Rock Star” Golf Tournament, visit www.XL212.com.

—Jonathan Copsey

XL212 hosting event July 21

If you goWhat: XL212 Golf Tourna-ment

When: 9 a.m. July 21, 2014

Where: The Manor Golf and Country Club

Tickets: $1500 per four-some or $400 per individual

More Info: www.XL212.com

Page 13: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 13Submit your news & photos to [email protected] COMMUNITY

PRESS RELEASECITY OF JOHNS CREEK

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX HEARINGS

The City of Johns Creek announces it is currently in the process of establishing its 2014 millage rate. The City, incorporated in December 1, 2006 now has a published their Five-Year History of its Tax Digest, Property Revenues and Millage Rate.

Each year, the Board of Tax Assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the County. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the County indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specifi c property, the Board of Tax Assessors is required by law to re-determine the

value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.

Before the City of Johns Creek sets the fi nal millage rate for 2014, Georgia law requires public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this tax increase. All concerned citizens are invited to attend and participate in the public hearings which will be held at Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 at the following dates and times:

• First Public Hearing Monday, June 16, 2014 at 11:30am• Second Public Hearing Monday, June 16, 2014 at 6:00pm• Third Public Hearing Monday, July 14, 2014 at 7:00pm

Action to adopt the fi nal millage rate for 2014 is scheduled to take place at the Council Meeting on Monday, July 14, 2014 which begins at 7:00pm or as close thereafter as possible following the public hearing.

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Public meetings for MARTA expansion

NORTH FULTON, Ga. – MARTA has scheduled a series of pub-lic meetings to collect public input regarding early findings from the Connect 400 Transit Initiative.

The transit authority is working on plans to extend rail service potentially up to Windward Parkway, with several stops in Alpharetta and Roswell.

The study, which continues efforts initiated in 2012, will assess potential transit options to improve regional mobility and accessibility in northern Fulton County. The Ga. 400 corridor has become a regional hub for population and em-ployment growth, and stake-holders and the public have expressed support for future transit in the corridor.

During the meeting, MARTA will present a sum-mary of public input to date, including results of a public survey conducted by Kennesaw State University, as well as information regarding potential expansion alternatives.

The information collected at these meetings will help to inform the selection of a pre-ferred transit alternative for the corridor. In addition, MARTA will share the schedule for fu-ture project activities, including detailed environmental studies that are required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for transit system expansion.

To maximize opportunities for participation, meetings will be held at three separate loca-tions within the corridor.  The meetings will share identical information.

Meetings are scheduled as follows:• Tuesday, July 8, 6:30 -8 p.m.

Johns Creek Environmen-tal Campus. 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell

• Thursday, July 10, 6:30 -8 p.m. Georgia State Univer-sity Alpharetta Center. 3775 Brookside Pkwy, Alpharetta

• Thursday, July 17, 6:30 -8 p.m. Hampton Inn Atlanta – Perimeter Center. 769 Ham-mond Dr. NE, Sandy Springs

More information can be found on the Connect400 Facebook page or on the website atwww.itsmarta.com/north-line-400-corr.aspx. 

July 8, 10, 17 in North Fulton

Pet of the Week: Annie, the kittenNORTH FULTON – If you are looking for an adorable kitten, then our pet of the week will win you over. Meet Annie, an adorable kitten who is only 3 months old.

Annie is stunning with beautiful black fur and piercing green eyes. She loves people, is good with other cats and is very playful.  

Her favorite toys are balls, string and laser lights. If you would like to meet this baby, contact Kerry at 404-613-9157 or email her at [email protected]

To view dogs or cats available for adoption, please visit the shelter at 860 Marietta Boulevard NW, At-lanta, 30318 or go to www.fultonanimalservices.com/adopt.

Page 14: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

AMANDA RAY, Main Event Entertainment JOIN TODAY: 770-993-8806 • WWW.GNFCC.COM

14 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com

There is something for everyone to do here, which is nice ... there is definitely quite a bit of entertainment for the adults as well.

Sponsored by

By PAIGE [email protected]

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Main Event Entertainment kicked off the summer with their grand opening celebration on Wednesday, June 25.

The 87,000-square-foot building was open for the public to come “eat, bowl and play.”

Main Event, 10700 Davis Drive, offers 24 bowling lanes, regulation-size billiards, laser tag, an inside ropes course and more than 100 video and arcade games.

The grand opening included free game passes and a food buffet.

The additional amenities were also open.

“We are so excited and so ready to finally be open,” bar manager Barthou Eugene said.

“I have been waiting for this day to come for three months now.”

The facility also has a full restaurant and bar inside with over 100 different liquors.

Public relations coordina-tor Amanda Ray said there are 15 flat screen televisions in the bar area that are always on the sports channels.

“There is something for everyone to do here, which is nice,” Ray said. “If the kids

want to go play games, there is definitely quite a bit of en-tertainment for the adults as well.”

Main Event offers a “party street” for birthday parties and two private “playrooms” for groups and corporate events.

Charles Good, general manager, said the rooms are equipped with brand new tech-nology.

“There is an outlet in each room that allows a flash drive to be plugged right up,” he said. “People who want to show slideshows at meetings and events won’t even have to bring a computer.”

Prior to the grand opening, Main Event received $2,500 as a financial gift.

Main Event matched this amount and all of the money will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club in metro Atlanta.

Main Event will be hosting another large celebration on

July 11-12. Additional entertainment

will take place over these two days.

Good said there will be even more entertainment than the facility already offers.

Main Event is offering a “summer fun pass” through Sept. 1 that includes all-you-can-play bowling, laser tag, ropes course and billiards for a standard, discounted price.

For more information, visit www.mainevent.com.

‘Eat, bowl and play’ strikes up in Alpharetta Main Event Entertainment kicks off with grand opening

PAIGE ROMAN/STAFF

Two boys complete the indoor ropes course at Main Event.

PAIGE ROMAN/STAFF

Video games are one of the attractions at the Main Event facil-ity that opened in Alpharetta.

Monday night madness will be held every Monday from 4 p.m. to close.

This will either include bowling, billiards and laser tag, an all-you-can-play video game card or a $20 FUNcard for $9.95.

Page 15: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 15Submit your business news & photos to [email protected] BusinessPosts

Become a member today for as low as $175/yr!

JOIN TODAY! www.AlpharettaChamber.comJOIN TODAY!

Nation’s #6 Fastest Growing CityU.S. Census Bureau (2013)

America’s #1 Best Place to MoveForbes (2009)

#2 Best Place for Job Seekers in Georgia

NerdWallet (2013)

1. Deferred maintenance.If there is wood rot on the outside, then what might be on the inside? If the paint is so old you can see the grain of the wood, then more questions arise and buyers will wonder what might be discovered after it’s too late.2. Too few pictures. OK, this could be your agent and not you, but it’s imperative that you look at your listing online. If there are only photos of the outside of your home, everyone will wonder what horrors are hiding inside. If there are only four or five photos, buyers will be wondering why. It’s better to show what you have, even if your home needs updates, than letting the buyer assume.3. Offering an allowance. Have you said this to yourself before, “Why should I put in carpet the buyer may not like, I’ll give them an allow-ance and let them choose?” What the buyer says, “Sure they are offering an allowance, but look at that carpet.”4. Unrealistic expectations on buy-ers. Telling buyers they have to pre-qualify with your lender is an unnecessary pain for any buyer, if they’ve already gone through the process with their lender. Another is limited hour show-ings. If you work a night shift, don’t think that buyers will wait until after 5 p.m. to see your home. Of course, there are occasions when your home may be unavailable, but if possible, you want to make it easy for a poten-

tial buyer to get inside.5. Being there for showings. Yes, you probably know your home better than anyone else and your dis-count broker may not be calling to get feedback for you after every showing. But tagging along on the showings and pointing out how great your home is will not give the buyers and their real-tor any time to discuss what they see. Take a walk down the street and give them time.6. Overprice your home. Your Realtor has shared the com-parable homes with you, contrast-ing recently sold properties in your neighborhood. Don’t take the high end of the range, tack on $30,000 and say, “they can make me an offer; if I don’t ask, I’ll never know.” Trust me, you’ll never know. If you’re too far out of line, then buyers will look at your competition, which by then, will look cheap.

ROBERTSTRADERLocal RealtorKeller Williams Realty

6 ways sellers can turn buyers awayDoes your small business utilize

a customer relationship management (CRM) system?

Are you and your sales team maxi-mizing the value of the system?

Do you use the system to be more efficient with your tasks and activi-ties?

Most CRM implementations in small businesses do not add value to improving sales.

A major reason why is that sales professionals typically are not trained on how to use it.

Subsequently, their use of the system is actually counterproductive. In other words, they’d be better off without the CRM system.

There are many CRM systems in the marketplace today.

An online search will turn up at least 30 different systems.

While some may be better than others, maximizing the value of any CRM system requires a number of important components.

No. 1 on the list is user training. User adoption to a new system is

paramount to ensure everyone knows how to use the system.

Workflow is also important to

ensure sales professionals are getting information quickly and updating the system as part of their routine.

CRM reports can be customized to prioritize accounts, opportunities and activity. Tasks and activities are the heartbeat of any CRM system.

Turn on your computer, open your CRM system and your daily schedule should be right in front of you – who to call, meetings you have scheduled and other activities for that day.

Maximizing the value of your CRM system will allow you to talk with more clients, sell more products or services and enable your sales team to be more efficient in their day-to-day activities.

Maximizing the value of your CRM system

DICKJONESFounder & PresidentJones Simply Sales

BusinessSpotlight

Business: UB4Me ApparelOpened: AprilOwner: Jennifer ManiscoWhat: UB4Me Apparel creates stylish women’s fashions that give back.

By partnering each one of the original designs to a specific charity, this innovative apparel company gives shoppers an opportunity to buy stylish fashions and feel good

about the purchase. UB4Me accom-plishes two goals: fashion and philan-thropy.Where: 2 Milton Avenue in AlpharettaHours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. SaturdayCall: 877-963-4483Email: [email protected]: www.ub4meapparel.com

UB4Me gives back with fashion

BusinessSpotlight

Gore Law moves to new locationBusiness: Gore Law FirmOpened at new address: AprilOwner: Jennifer Gore-CuthbertWhat: The Gore Law Firm is an in-jury law firm that moves injury cases, wrongful death claims, property damage and diminished value cases to settlement or trial. The Gore Law Firm is also particularly attentive to the stress that being injured or in a collision can have on a person’s overall life. Where: 5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 252 in AlpharettaHours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; new clients can call anytime.Call: 404-436-1529Web: www.gorelawatlanta.com

Page 16: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

16 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your business news & photos to [email protected]

FINANCE »

Lincoln celebrates 10 yearsROSWELL, Ga. — Lincoln Capital Advisors celebrat-ed its 10th anniversary on June 10.

Jim Cheeley founded the company June 10, 2004 in Alpharetta. Blake Turner, a Roswell native, joined as a partner shortly after. Lincoln moved its headquarters to Roswell in 2009.

Lincoln Capital Advisors has advised and closed more than $1 billion in mortgages since opening the doors. Every year, it closes over $100 million, said Turner.

“When I opened the doors in 2004, my goal was to beat the industry standard,” said Cheeley.

“We have been fortunate that our approach has paid off and allowed Lincoln the opportunity to originate over $1 billion in mortgages over the last 10 years.”

Lincoln’s base of operations is in historic Ro-swell, and is licensed in Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Colo-rado and Kentucky. The headquarters is located at 16 Norcross St., Suite 200, Roswell 30075.

For more information, call 678-527-1150 or visit www.LincolnCapitalAdvisors.com.

State Bank and Trust announces mergerATLANTA — State Bank Financial Corporation, the holding com-pany for State Bank and Trust, has acquired Georgia-Carolina Bancshares, the holding company for First Bank of Georgia.

The $82 mil-lion or $22.35 per share transaction was in cash and stock.

The agreement is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2015.

State Bank and Trust has locations in metro Atlanta, including Alpharetta and middle Georgia.

First Bank of Georgia is head-quartered in Augusta and operates seven banking officesin the Augusta metropolitan area.

Financial professionalhits record-breaking year JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Local financial professional I. Scott Kallish helped his indepen-dent broker-dealer NEXT Finan-cial Group (NEXT) hit record-high numbers.

In a news release, NEXT said they closed out 2013 with more than $4.4 million in earnings before interest, taxes and amor-tization (EBITA), averaging a 58 percent increase over the previous record established in 2011.

The firm’s excess net capital was over $3.8 mil-lion and also increased total gross dealer conces-sions by 6 percent with more than $122 million – their third highest gross dealer concession total in history.

Kallish is located at 4151 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Suite 225, Atlanta. Call 770-296-0104 for more information.

NEW HIRES » Rountree Grouphires account coordinatorALPHARETTA, Ga. — Rountree Group Integrated Communications has hired Leighanne Ferri as its new account coordinator. A recent graduate of Florida State University, Ferri received her bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in hospitality.

“Leighanne’s creativity, positive attitude and wealth of knowledge in the digital realm will make her a valuable asset to our team,” said President Don Rountree.

For more information, visit www.rountreegroup.com.

SOFTWARE » Two added toIntradiem’s boardALPHARETTA, Ga. — Intradiem, a call center soft-ware provider, announced it has added Larry Freed and Timothy Mann Jr. to its board of directors.

Freed has experience in customer experience analytics, having founded B2B technology firm ForeSee, as well as authoring two books on the topic, “Managing Forward” (2011) and the national bestseller “Innovating Analytics” (2013).

Mann is executive vice president, general coun-sel and corporate secretary at Axiall Corporation. His previous experience includes founder and chief executive officer of Acsys, an accounting, finance and IT staffing and consulting firm; general partner in Armada Venture Group, a venture capital firm; and partner at international law firm Jones Day.

HEALTH » MedAssets introducesrevenue cycle analyticsALPHARETTA, Ga. — MedAssets, a health care per-formance company based in Alpharetta, introduced its revenue cycle analytics product suite in Las Vegas last month.

Contract Analytics provides revenue cycle data of reimbursement trends and payer performance to health system leaders. It is the first in a series of business intelligence tools to improve efficiency, optimize reimbursements and minimize risk, said Amy Amick, president of revenue cycle management for MedAssets.

Sentara Healthcare, a nonprofit health sys-tem based in Virginia, was among the first health systems to adopt the MedAssets Contract Analytics tool.

“Eight of our 12 hospitals are live on the new revenue cycle product from MedAssets and at this

early stage, its capabilities are very impressive,” said Andrew P. Weddle, vice president of revenue cycle for Sentara.

For more information, please visit www.medas-sets.com.

NEW BUSINESS » VapeZone opens its doors in RoswellROSWELL, Ga. — VapeZone – The Ultimate VapeBar opened its Roswell location June 23.

“Our goal is to launch VapeZone – The Ultimate VapeBar, offering both the best service and a pre-mium selection of vaping products for vape users or anyone looking for a clean, healthy smoking alter-native,” said owner Jack Nathan.

VapeZone, 10751 Alpharetta Highway in Ro-swell, says it offers the largest selection of vaping products in a 25-mile area.

Their selection of products and services include flavored vape juice, e-cig kits, modifications and batteries, atomizers and vape accessories.

The business is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.vapezone1.com.

Flip Flop Shops stepsinto North Point MallALPHARETTA, Ga. — A retailer that specializes in flip flops and casual footwear opened its newest lo-cation at North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle in Alpharetta.

This marks Flip Flop Shops’ second location in Georgia and the third location for owners Joe Gernert, Tom Gernert and Jim Tamulonis.

“Growing with a brand like Flip Flop Shops in Atlanta was an easy decision – it just makes sense for this area,” said Joe Gernert.

“Flip flops are an extension of who I am and my laidback lifestyle,” Gernert said. “I know consumers throughout the area are just as passionate about ‘freeing their toes’ as I am, and will instantly con-nect with the brand.”

For further information, visit www.flipflopshops.com.

Connexion adds Starbucks, Taqueria TsunamiROSWELL, Ga. —Hawthorne Retail Partners has signed a lease with Starbucks Coffee to join the newly renovated Connexion at Holcomb Bridge, a 107,667-square-foot shopping center at 1570 Hol-comb Bridge Road in Roswell.

Starbucks Coffee will anchor a new outparcel building located at the corner entrance of the shop-ping center at Holcomb Bridge Road and Holcomb Woods Parkway.

Taqueria Tsunami has also signed a lease to open a Latin/Asian fusion style restaurant in a 4,300-square-foot restaurant and a large outdoor dining area.

There are three additional retail spaces available for lease in the building.

KALLISH

BUSINESSCOMPUTER PROBLEMS?

“Carmichael manages our IT. I have never worked with a more client-centric business before – ever. They return calls fast. They listen exceed-ingly well. They know what they are doing. They are honest, professional, and local. They are partners with Appen Newspapers / Appen Media Group in the truest sense of the word.” – Ray Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group Appen Newspapers

Call today for your free IT assesment. – Tyler Jones, Principal

678-224-8000www.CarmichaelConsulting.net

FERRI

Page 17: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 17CALENDARSubmit your event online at northfulton.com

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC»

4TH OF JULY AT MATILDA’S WITH CITY HOTEL STRING BANDCelebrate the fourth at Matilda’s “Under the Pines” with the City Hotel String Band, a bluegrass Americana band. Bring out some food and drink and a lawn chair and enjoy the show. 7:30 p.m. July 4. 377 South Main St., Alpharetta. Please call 770-754-7831 or visit matildascottage.com.

ROSWELL RIVERSIDE SOUNDS FEATURING BIG SOMETHING BANDRiverside Sounds is a free monthly concert in the park the first Saturday

of every month, May through October. In July, we welcome Big Something Band to the stage. North Carolina’s Big Something fuses elements of pop, rock and jazz. Winner of the 2010 Homegrown Music Network Album of the year with “Stories from the middle of Nowhere,” the band’s current album, “Big Something,” has opened to critical acclaim. Saturday, July 5 at 7 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd, Roswell.

HOME BY DARK CONCERT AT CHUKKAR FARM POLO CLUBThis concert series features the best performing songwriters in America accompanied by the best instrumentalists on the planet. 2014 marks our 8th season of concerts. Concerts are held the first Saturday of each month, May through November at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own food and refreshments. Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5. 1140 Liberty Grove Rd., Alpharetta. Please call 770-664-1533 or visit chukkarfarmpoloclub.com.

THEATER»

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEASTThe Johns Creek Players proudly present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which will run July 10 through July 12 at Johns Creek High School. A romantic musical for all generations, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film. $20 reserved tickets are available online only at johnscreekplayersonline.com. $17 adult tickets and $14 student/senior general admission tickets are available through any cast member.

Show times vary. 5575 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. Please call 770-313-1646 or visit johnscreekplayers.com.

EVENTS »

DAHLONEGA’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONJoin us on July 4 to celebrate Independence Day family-style in Dahlonega on the historic town square. The day is filled with fun activities, a 5k and 10k, a Patriotic Ceremony on the lawn of the Gold Museum, musicians playing bluegrass, folk and country music and much more. The Independence Day Parade through the historic square begins around 5 p.m. and ends just before the fireworks display. 1 Public Square N., Dahlonega. Please call 706-864-3711 or visit Dahlonega.org.

CUMMING FAIRGROUNDS 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND STEAM ENGINE PARADEBring your blanket and chairs to sit out on the lawn to enjoy a live band and fireworks display at the Cumming Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 3. The events begin at 6 p.m. when vendors first open. There is no admission or parking fee. The Steam Engine Parade will begin the next day on Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. Please call 770-781-3491 or visit cummingfair.net.

WORLD HARVEST CHURCH PRESENTS HONOR OUR HEROES CELEBRATION Come honor those who have given their lives for freedom. Everyone

is welcome. There will be a flyover presentation by two AH-1F Cobra helicopters, a BBQ picnic and music and much more. Service times are 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Outside events will be held immediately after the 11 a.m. service. Sunday, July 6. 320 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell. Please call 770-643-9223 or visit worldharvestchurch.org.

MARKET DAY AT COTTON WOOD ESTATESJoin Cotton Wood Estates for an afternoon of shopping. A wonderful assortment of crafts from a variety of vendors along with delicious chef-prepared refreshments will be available to the public. 1:30 to 5 p.m. July 10. 255 Vaugh Drive, Alpharetta. Please call 678-242-0334.

ERICA O’NEALCalendar [email protected]

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

ITOR

’S P

ICKS

Send me your event...

11TH ANNUAL BBQ AND TURTLE RACEJoin us on the fourth of July for our 11th annual BBQ and Turtle Race. The turtle race will be held at 1 with BBQ until 2:30 p.m. Registration starts at noon and there’s no fee to enter. 305 West Main St., Cumming. Please call 770-887-9905 or visit foster-house.com.

4TH OF JULY WALKING PARADEAttendees can decorate their tricycles, bicycles, themselves and everything in-between. The parade proceeds through historic Crabapple. 9:30 a.m. July 4. Mcfarlin Lane, Milton. Please call 770-371-4699 or visit crabapplecommunityassociation.org.

4TH OF JULY IN WILLS PARKCome see traditional July 4 Fireworks and Festivities at Wills Park. Pack a picnic and come join the rest of the community in celebrating. Fireworks begin at dusk. July 4. 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-0102 or visit awesomealpharetta.com.

DOUGHNUT EATING COMPETITIONFour challengers will compete against the two-time champion for this year’s trophy. Entry to the event is free.10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 4. 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd Suite 502, Cumming. Please visit dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT AT

Page 18: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

®A+BUILDER

Big Builder’s 2014 Public

Builder Report Card

Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations!

Visit ryland.com for more information.

RA1543 In the Atlanta division, prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Photographs and or renderings are for illustrative purposes

only. Information believed to be accurate but not warranted. BUILDER magazine gave Ryland Homes an A+ on the Big Builder 2014 Builder Report Card in the May 2014 issue of Builder 100. See a Sales Counselor for details and a complete list of HouseWorks® features. © 2014 The Ryland Group, Inc.

Fulton CountyCedar Park(Milton) 678-867-6782 Homes From the Low $600’s

ManorView - Coming Soon!(Milton) 770-205-8141 Homes From the Mid $500’s

Forsyth CountyWaterstone Falls(Cumming) 678-341-6479 Homes From the Low $500’s

Arbors at LakeView -Now Selling!(Cumming) 770-500-8635 Homes From the $310’s

Bethany Crossing (Alpharetta) 678-867-6782 Homes From the $350’s

Briarcrest - Now Selling!(Alpharetta) 770-205-8141 Homes From the $340’s

Bridleton(Suwanee) 770-344-7854 Homes From the $400’s

Marketplace Commons -Coming Soon!(Cumming) 678-513-1481 Homes From the $270’s

Madison(Cumming) 770-205-8141 Homes From the Mid $400’s

Ravens Ridge(Cumming) 470-253-8825 Homes From the High $400’s

Edgebrook at James Creek(Cumming) 678-513-1481 Homes From the Low $300’s

The Summit at Shiloh(Alpharetta) 470-253-8825 Homes From the Mid $300’s

Seneca (Cumming) 404-281-2400Homes From the Low $400’s

Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More!

Sponsored Section • Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014North Atlanta’sNews and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.

By BILL RAWLINGSVice President/Managing Broker North Atlanta OfficeAtlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s Inter-national Realty

Buying a home is most likely the biggest purchase decision you will ever make. There is a lot to know and consider; I understand it can be overwhelming.

Factor in the new mort-gage regulations that have been put in place and you now have more obstacles than ever before when you apply for a mortgage.

Let’s try to make it as easy to navigate as possible.

You want to find mortgages that fit your needs and life-style.

So, where to begin? Consider the following

suggestions as you begin to navigate the loan process:

Know your budget. Know where your income is going in terms of what you spend on

rent, utilities, entertainment and transportation.

Get your documents orga-nized and ready. You should have your paycheck stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms and bank and investment statements from the last two years.

Check your credit. Know your current credit score be-fore applying for a loan.

You are entitled to a free re-port each year from your credit reporting agency.

Log your spending habits. Maxing out your credit cards or falling behind on your other

loan payments will likely give you trouble when you are try-ing to apply for a mortgage. Though it may be tempting, avoid going on a spending spree before and after, too.

Research your options. Fig-ure out how much you should borrow and which mortgage product is the best option for you. Make sure your research includes learning about rate adjustments, fees and other loan features.

This will help you to avoid

any surprises at closing. Learn the current rates.

Your community banker is there to help you understand how today’s rates translate into monthly mortgage payments.

Go local. Check with your state, city

and county government agen-cies to see if they can assist you with down payments and closing costs.

Sometimes they offer spe-cial first-time homebuyer loan or grant programs that are worth checking out.

Let us help you navigate the housing market by reach-ing out to an agent on our team.

We would be happy to meet with you personally. We look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.

Bill Rawlings c. 404.210.8396 o.770.442.7300

Source: Independent Com-munity Bankers of America

First-timer? Mortgage approval 101

Bill Rawlings

Log your spending habits. Maxing out your credit cards or falling behind on your other loan payments will likely give you trouble when you are trying to apply for a mortgage.

Page 19: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section July 3, 2014 19

Washerwomen of Pont-Aven by Gauguin

AtlantaFineHomes.com Buckhead ~ 404.237.5000 Intown ~ 404.874.0300 North Atlanta ~ 770.442.7300

Alpharetta. 1116 Breckenridge Lane 4BR/3BA FMLS: 5294068 Andrea Cueny 404.695.7040

Alpharetta. 990 Reece Road 5BR/4BA FMLS: 5304560 Rhonda Haran 404.556.5600

Alpharetta. 12477 Waterside Drive 5BR/4BA FMLS: 5297766 Nicole McAluney 678.427.8697

Alpharetta. 3950 Grey Abbey Drive 6BR/5BA FMLS: 5297314 Mary Jane Egan 678.521.1501

Alpharetta. 4003 Steeplechase 3BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5306373 Andrea Cueny 404.695.7040 Tara Johnson 404.200.2118

Alpharetta. 12868 Deer Park Lane 3BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5300414 Karen Salter 770.309.7309 Charlcie Forehand 678.613.4422

Alpharetta. 3210 Greenfern Court 4BR/2.5BA FMLS: 5307417 Donna Murphy 770.312.5776 Ann Sander 678.234.9855

Ball Ground. 0 Fortner Road 216+/- Acres FMLS: 5104278 Babs Price 404.697.2008

Big Canoe. 154 Bear Cub Ridge 3BR/2BA FMLS: 5294476 Diana Montague 404.630.3002

Big Canoe. 198 Black Bear Ridge 4BR/4BA FMLS: 5252754 Babs Price 404.697.2008

Blue Ridge. 120 Tilley Ridge Road 5BR/4BA FMLS: 5299008 Kathy Rice 678.697.4984

Lake Burton. 625 Oscar Rock Road 3BR/2BA FMLS: 5259648 Erin Colson 404.428.5616

Johns Creek. 120 Firestone Point 6BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5171081 Helen Fuller 404.216.1401

Johns Creek. 10707 Polly Taylor Road 6BR/6Full 2half BA FMLS: 5240084 Rhonda Haran 404.556.5600

Johns Creek. 706 Millport Pointe 6BR/6Full 2half BA FMLS: 5272908 Helen Fuller 404.216.1401

Marietta. 5400 Beau Reve Park 5BR/5Full 2half BA FMLS: 5276625 Lynn Horner Baker 770.579.4060

Milton. 530 Blue Heron Way 7BR/6Full 3half BA FMLS: 5241667 Rhonda Haran 404.556.5600 Alison Douglas 404.386.5260

Roswell. 228 Lakeshore Drive 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5288139 Suzanne Close 770.335.1880

Roswell. 1237 Lake Charles Drive 4BR/4.5BA FMLS: 5302343 Bonnie Majher 678.575.4439

Sugar Hill. 5500 Azalea Crest Lane 4BR/2.5BA FMLS: 5304379 Marisa Green 404.932.9355

Suwanee. 4894 Kettle River Point 4BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5298816 Kathy Rice 678.697.4984 Anne Stone 404.307.6416

Suwanee. 4864 Kettle River Point 5BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5252825 Anne Stone 404.307.6416 Kathy Rice 678.697.4984

Suwanee. 797 Blackfoot Trail 6BR/7Full 3half BA FMLS: 5245400 Yetty Arp 404.863.2116 Kathy Rice 678.697.4984

Woodstock. 4639 Waters Road 5BR/3BA FMLS: 5305734 Lynn Horner Baker 770.579.4060

Jupiter, Florida. 423 Via Del Orso The Bear’s Club Sotheby’s International Realty

Beyond the SM

Page 20: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

20 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your opinions to [email protected]

“Roswell remembers” is what they say about the city’s annual Memorial Day service, which by all accounts is the largest service in the state.

But on Saturday and Sun-day, July 12 and13, Roswell proposes to remember when the war was not in foreign lands but here at the city gates.

Georgia is celebrating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, and for Roswell, it came in July 1864 when Gen. William T. Sherman’s troops marched in to occupy Roswell and burn its mills to deny the Confederacy the benefit of its looms.

But the most heart-wrenching chapter for Roswell during that war was that of the Lost Women of Roswell.

On Sloan Street just off the Roswell Square stands a memorial to one of the most tragic chapters of Roswell history.

On July 10, 1864, more than 400 mill workers of the Roswell Manufacturing Co. were rounded up by occupy-ing Union soldiers. These workers, mostly women, children and a few disabled Confederate veterans, had just lost their livelihood, and now they faced an uncertain future at the hands of these “Northern invaders.” Union Gen. Kenner Garrard reported higher up the chain of command that he was hold-ing around 400 mill workers living in the city, mostly in the mill houses that still encircle Sloan Street today.

Gen. Sherman summarily declared the workers guilty of treason and without trial gave orders to transport them out of the region. So it was under a hot July sun in 1864 that these 400 workers were marched off 13 miles to Marietta and boarded boxcars to be shipped away like so much cattle.

They had no destination. They were simply taken

north and summarily aban-doned when federal troops had other uses for their train.

They ended up in Ken-tucky and Indiana and were just turned loose. Most were never heard from again. It is known that many died on the trip, how many are known only to God.

Fifteen-year-old Lucinda Elizabeth Wood Shelly, was among them with her mother and grandmother.

All of them worked at the mill and were sent by wagon to Marietta, by train to Ten-nessee and by boat to Louis-ville, Kentucky. Only Lucinda survived the trip. Eventually,

she made it back to rela-tives in Kentucky, where she met an ex-Confederate from Roswell who married her and took her back to Georgia.

The sacrifice of the mill workers is memorialized today with the monument in Sloan Street Park in Roswell’s Historic District erected at a cost of $20,000 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Roswell Mills Camp 1547, who also honor those lost women with their camp name.

The Georgia Civil War Commission is marking the historical events as they occurred during Georgia’s 4-year sesquicentennial re-membrance of the of the Civil War. In Roswell there were no great battles fought there. There is only the remem-brance of the misery visited even unto the civilians during the war.

So next weekend, July 12 and 13, Roswell will remem-ber them Saturday and Sun-day with re-enactors serving as Union soldiers who occupy Roswell in an encampment Barrington Hall at the corner of Atlanta Street and Marietta Highway (Ga. 9 and Ga. 120). Then they will re-enact the ar-rest of the women to deny the South their service.

Each day the re-enact-ments are from 1 to 3 p.m.

There was no glory in Roswell, only misery. The mills were left burned by the Yankees, and bridge over the

Chattahoochee burned by the Rebs to deny the Feder-als its use and keep them on the wrong side of the Chatta-hoochee.

It being a warm July summer, the Federals sim-ply waded through a shallow Chattahoochee later.

So why then should we take note and attend? Be-cause this is our history – not Northern, not Southern but American. It settled the ques-tion of are we one country or a federation of states. It settled the question of whether we are truly a free country or one of slavery.

We attend this recreation of those days to remember the price paid during that civil war.

So I will be there to pay tribute to that sacrifice and to ponder the folly of all wars.

Dear Editor,Recently, Dr. Robert

Avossa, Fulton County Schools superintendent, shared his thoughts on how high school math courses, as well as their assessments, are being man-aged in Georgia. He strongly emphasized the integrated approach of sequencing high school math courses (as op-posed to a “traditional” se-quence) is not universally sup-ported by all school systems in Georgia.

Nearly every state in the U.S. offers traditional math courses or a choice between traditional or integrated. Only four states, including Geor-gia, continue to promote the integrated model. Some states originally in support of inte-grated math have now stepped back and have begun offering a choice to their school districts, and have state assessments that match the approach.

But although the Geor-gia Department of Education (GDOE) allows individual dis-tricts to choose their approach, its state assessments still unfairly favor the integrated pathway. 

This hot topic has not cooled off even though the school year is out. In mid-June, the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) met for its annual Summer Confer-ence and Delegate Assembly. Board members representing most of Georgia’s 180 school districts, including Fulton Schools, discussed serious is-sues impacting our children’s education and developed a list of legislative priorities to take to the state and national level.

Not surprisingly, math was one of the most discussed topics. It was clear that school boards across Georgia are unified in their belief that school districts should have local control of their delivery of the curriculum and that state assessments should match that delivery. To that end, the GSBA unanimously adopted a legislative position proposed by the Fulton County School Board:

“GSBA encourages the GDOE to develop assessments aligned to standards, as op-posed to a grade-level or state defined course, and provide systems the flexibility to ad-minister those assessments if students are ready prior to the spring of each school year.”

Georgia’s End of Course Tests currently assess on the

integrated model. It appears the state’s new Georgia Mile-stones Assessment System will continue to favor the integrated approach. By choosing a single pathway to align its assess-ments, the GDOE is sending a message that school systems cannot have options or the flexibility to make educational decisions that best meet their community’s needs.

While some Georgia districts have accepted and adopted integrated math, a one-size-fits-all approach is not conducive to all, and es-pecially not in Fulton County Schools where instructional flexibility and innovation is our hallmark.

As part of our charter system model, we are push-ing aside the status quo and advocating for more curricular flexibility.

As the voice of many, we continue to petition the GDOE and the Georgia Board of Edu-cation to give options and not force one approach over anoth-er. As Superintendent Avossa wrote last month, the issue is about local control, not federal politics or a debate about Com-mon Core. The GDOE holds a powerful grip over school systems’ ability to teach chil-dren, properly measure their mastery of the curriculum and provide learning opportunities that are appropriate for their needs.

School leaders to state: Give school districts math options

LETTER TO EDITOR »

LINDA SCHULTZPresident, Fulton County Board of Education

Roswell remembers lost millworkers 150 years later

HATCHER HURDExecutive [email protected]

If you goWhat: The Federal Occupation of Roswell re-enactmentWhen: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. July 12 and 13Where: Barrington Hall and Roswell Town Square, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell, GA 30075Info: www.southerntril-ogy.com

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

The memorial on Sloan Street to the Lost Women of Ro-swell.

... A one-size-fits-all approach is not conducive to all, and especially not in Fulton County Schools where instructional flexibility and innovation is our hallmark.

There was no glory in Roswell, only misery. The mills were left burned by the Yankees, and bridge over the Chattahoochee burned by the Rebs to deny the Federals its use...

Page 21: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 21Submit your news & photos to [email protected] COMMUNITY

More pictures from debut of Newtown AmpitheaterUpcoming free concerts at Newtown Park*July 18 Jimmy Buffet tribute band A1AAug. 23 Country stars Shane O’Dazier Band

*All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Mayor Mike Bodker cuts the ceremonial ribbon for the amphitheater. From left are State Sen. John Albers, State Rep. Lynne Riley, Fulton Commissioner Liz Haus-mann, Councilwoman Cori Davenport, Bodker, Councilman Lenny Zaprowski, Councilman Brad Raffensperger, City Manager Warren Hutmacher and Mayor Bodker’s children.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Newtown Amphitheater architect Michael Mitchell and wife Sharon enjoy the opening.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF HATCHER HURD/STAFF HATCHER HURD/STAFF

HATCHER HURD/STAFFHATCHER HURD/STAFFHATCHER HURD/STAFF

Page 22: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

22 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com SPORTS

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The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.

Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday July 28, 2014 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. Z-13-15/V-13-18 Stonewalk Mayfi eld CornersConsideration of a request to rezone 2.3 acres from R-15 to R10M (Historic District) in order to develop 19 townhomes with one existing detached home to remain on the site. A change to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan to allow “High Density Residential” is also requested as well as a reduction in the required stream buffers and front building setbacks. A variance to allow a reduction in the distance between curb cuts is also requested. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1197, 1252, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.b. MP-14-04 Cousins Westside/Pod J&K/Creekside/EncoreConsideration of a Master Plan amendment in order to replace “for-rent” residential with “for-sale” residential without retail or offi ce on the fi rst fl oor. The properties are located at the southwest and southeast corners of Encore Parkway and Westside Parkway. Pod J is 6.6 acres in size and Pod K is 3.3 acres and legally described as being located in Land Lot 653, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.c. V-14-12 Midas Auto Service (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance from the sign ordinance in order to allow additional wall signage for a business located at 224 North Main and legally described as being located in Land Lot 1197, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. V-14-13 Crate and Barrel (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance from the sign ordinance in order to allow blade signs 22 sq ft in size instead of the permitted 8 sq. ft. The property is located at 2800 Old Milton Parkway and legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 803, 854, 855, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. e. V-14-15 Avalon (Whole Foods) (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance from the sign ordinance in order to allow an off-premise tenant sign to be located on the southern paseo’s northern fascia. The property is located at 2800 Old Milton Parkway and legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 803, 854, 855, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. f. V-14-16 Regal Cinemas (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance from the sign ordinance in order to increase the quantity and size of the exterior signage for the theater. The property is located at 2800 Old Milton Parkway and legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 803, 854, 855, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

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

Georgia Bandits win 10U state championship

Front row from left are Nicholas Taylor, Connell Scruggs, Aidan Petroc-co, CJ Petrocco, Josh Pehrson and Chase Fricke. Middle are Evan Ven-able, Ford Hallock, Ethan Chernik, Ryan Becker and Scotty Mudler. Rear row are assistant coach Todd Chernik, head coach Chris Taylor and assistant coach Matt Becker.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Mizuno Team Georgia Bandits have won the 10-under USSSA AAA state championship. This is the team’s second state championship in a row. 

The Bandits receive instruction through the Team Georgia Baseball Academy, and train out of the Grand Slam Sports Center in Johns Creek.

The team was undefeated for the tournament, and won the championship 10-8 in 6 innings against the Hobgood Fury.

Page 23: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 23Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

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Page 24: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

24 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected]

By HATCHER [email protected]

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Two Johns Creek middle school pals decided when they were still in elementary school three years ago that rather than go to summer camp, they would start one.

And today the two 13-year-olds’ Camp Awesome is a hit with local neighborhood children.

It was the idea of Gar-rett McLaughlin and Hunter Rutledge. They met at Barnwell Elementary School and have been friends ever since, even though Hunter now goes to Haynes Bridge Middle and Gar-rett goes to Autrey Mill Middle.

“We wanted to earn some money for summer and thought this would be fun,” said Garrett.

Hunter echoed the thought.For three years, they have

conducted a summer camp for

youngsters from 4 to 8 years old, teaching them games, sports and skills such as team-building.

Garrett’s mom, Kelly McLaughlin, said the boys enjoy working with kids, so they started the camp as fifth graders.

“They made up flyers and passed them around the neighborhood. They would teach the kids sports, taking up a different sport each day,” McLaughlin said. “The kids loved it – they enjoyed being around older boys – and the boys made a little summer money doing it.”

She said the experience also taught them about busi-ness — making a plan, adver-tising, managing costs. For instance, they had to budget T-shirts and tie-dye materials as well as for popsicles and other snacks.

“It was a beautiful experi-ence for them,” she said.

They try to limit their camp to around a dozen campers. But they have hired a couple of friends to be extra counselors at Camp Awesome.

The boys switch between the two subdivisions they live in, and get some extra adult supervision at the pool.

Sessions last three days and are three hours each day. They are planning another ses-sion this month.

Garrett and Hunter would organize games and competi-tions based on the game show “Minute to Win It.”

“We also had to make up flyers and put them up around the neighborhood. But it’s fun just playing or teaching the kids sports and other stuff they didn’t know,” Garrett said. “You know, like having a good attitude and being respectful.”

Hunter said the two friends were looking for a way to earn money for the summer and do something fun together.

“This was like the perfect

solution to do that,” Hunter said.

He said the camp experi-ence has been really good for everyone.

“When I see the kids out-side of Camp Awesome, we’ve created some relationships that are just unbelievable. They all love it,” Hunter said.

He said he gets a lot out of working with the younger children.

“I really like how the camp is growing and seeing the smiles on their faces. It’s great to watch them laughing and teaching them lessons they’ll remember probably their whole

life,” he said.Asked to explain, Hunter

said they spend a lot of time team-building and then orga-nizing team contests such as scavenger hunts.

“They have to get organized and find the stuff. It’s fun to see them develop those skills,” he said.

Hunter said they are saving the money they earn until they get older and that they will donate $30 to charity.

McLaughlin said the boys are getting good experience while they have fun doing it.

“It’s been like a lemonade stand on steroids,” she said.

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Pals earn cash, fun starting own summer campMiddle schoolers thrive with Camp Awesome

Happy campers cool off at Camp Awesome run by two enterpris-ing 13-year-olds.

Hunter Rutledge, left, and Garrett McLaughlin founded Camp Awesome as a way to earn money in the summer and do something together that they enjoy.

Page 25: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

northfulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | July 3, 2014 | 25SPORTS

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DEATH NOTICES

MILTON, Ga. – The 11U Dunn Right Dawgs were big winners in the Bulldog Bash on April 27 in Flowery Branch.

In the front row, from left, are John Boling, Danny Vetrano, Josh Noble, Anthony Colapietro and Patrick

Warren. In the second row are Matt Cleveland, Matthew LeMoyne, Parker Maddux, Jake Woodliff, Julian Cle-ments and Jack Shannon. In the third row are coaches Kevin LeMoyne, Tom Maddux and Gordon Warren.

Dunn Right Dawgs win Bulldog Bash

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Chat-tahoochee High School’s Hanna Allen has committed to swim for Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, competing in the Bluegrass Mountain Conference.

The SCAD Bees swam to a second-place women’s finish at the 2014 NAIA National Swim-ming & Diving Championships. SCAD has awarded Allen the May and Paul Poetter Scholar-ship.

Allen, a four-year varsity letterman and GHSA State Swimming & Diving Champi-onship qualifier.

She was a state champion-ship finalist in her sophomore, junior and senior years.

A scholar athlete in her freshman year at Johns Creek High School, Allen earned the Academic Athletic Award all seasons eligible at Chat-tahoochee, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Chattahoochee’s ACT Gold Club.

She has served as a Class

Council representative and has been a small group leader at Northpoint Community Church.

Allen also sang in the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir as a member of the Tour Choir under the direction of Dr. Mar-tha Shaw.

Allen served as team captain for Chattahoochee Gold, where she was a USA Swimming Speedo sectional qualifier and coached by Neil Savage at the team’s Cum-ming location.

In addition, she was a three-time recipient of the team’s Ironman Award.

Pictured: Chattahoochee’s Hanna Allen has committed to swim for Savannah College of Art & Design in Savan-nah. Seated with her are her parents, Jeff and Julie Allen. Standing are from left CHS Athletic Director Milo Mathis, CHS head swim coach Ron Loula, coach Neil Savage and CHS Principal Tim Duncan.

Hanna Allen has swim scholarship to SCAD

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Page 26: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014
Page 27: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

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Page 28: Johns Creek Herald, July 3, 2014

28 | July 3, 2014 | Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com Submit your news & photos to [email protected] | Recycled paper

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