Forsyth Herald, January 21, 2015 by Appen Media Group

Empty Nest

Sponsored section ►►PAGE 22

Tennis courts under new operations County Parks and Recreations takes control ►►PAGE 4

Be a part of history

Judicial Circuit seeks time capsule items ►►PAGE 10

Ministry ‘Shines’ for community Alpharetta First Baptist holds respite ►►PAGE 30

January 21, 2015 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 4

Lambert goes to London Lambert High School’s marching band performed in the 29th London New Year Day’s Parade and Festival, which they had been fundraising for since March 2013. See story, Pages 12 – 13.

Panel investigates leaked documents By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — A city of Cumming investigatory panel met Jan. 13 to assess impeachment allegations against Councilman Rupert Sexton. Sexton is facing impeachment after allegedly releasing personal financial and health insurance information for Cumming city employees on Facebook. He has denied this. The panel, comprised of

City Attorney Dana Miles who also appointed Forsyth County Commissioner Patrick Bell and Steve Page, a local businessman, were to conduct an investigation of Sexton. He has been accused by fellow council members of directly or indirectly publishing a list put together by the city’s human resources manager that contained confidential insurance and financial information of the city’s employees. The list of employees who

are covered by health insurance was introduced. as evidence in the investigatory panel and was provided to the media on request. “It apparently is open records [document] because they passed out a packet with it in there,” said Sexton later. “If it’s not public record then it should never have been passed out.” Miles said that he received

See LEAKED, Page 33

KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF

Councilman Ralph Perry testifies to the panel while Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Angela Mullinax, Councilman Lewis Ledbetter and Councilman John Pugh watch.

PUBLIC SAFETY

2 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Employee attacks coworker while on the job CUMMING, Ga. — According to police reports, a Cumming Police officer was dispatched to Dairy Queen, 103 Atlanta Road, because two employees were fighting. The officer said when he arrived that one man was bleeding from his head at a table and another man was bleeding from his hand in the back of the store. The second man said he was allegedly getting picked on by other employees. He said he walked up to the ice cream

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

Man urinates in front of woman FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A man was arrested Jan. 5 for urinating in front of a woman, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office incident report. The officer received a public indecency call at Pizza Hut, 6415 Atlanta Highway. A woman reported that a man urinated in front of her in the parking lot, then got into a car and left. The officer tracked the car down and asked the man if he urinated in front of the woman. The man allegedly confirmed he did. The officer asked the woman to identify the man, and after confirming the man’s identity, the man was arrested.

Golf balls go missing FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A business owner told the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Dec. 1, 2014, that while doing his yearly inventory he noticed several empty golf ball boxes. He said confronted a man he had hired to work in the back warehouse and in the shipping department, who told him he was saving the boxes for the company’s shipping needs. When the owner checked the shipping labels with the inventory that was shipped out, he noticed several of the printed shipping labels were printed by the worker with his home address as a return address. The owner said the names on the shipping address didn’t match any customers. A sheriff’s deputy contacted a person whose name was on the ship-

ping address, who said he had no idea the golf balls were stolen. He said he bought them off eBay, where he paid over $150 for the items. The deputy then asked the worker if anything suspicious had taken place, to which the worker responded “no.” When asked to write a statement, the deputy observed the worker had shaky hands and a pale face. He asked if the worker was sick or needed to stop writing, to which the worker said “no.” Then he asked the worker to write his address, but upon noticing it matched the shipping labels, he inquired further. At that time, the officer said he had enough probable cause for a lawful arrest for theft by taking. While walking out in handcuffs, the worker allegedly told the owner he was sorry and would pay him back every penny that he stole.

Copper stolen from construction site FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A builder contacted the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Jan. 6 after noticing the copper line set from the air conditioning unit was taken from one of his houses under construction in Settles Walk. There was nothing else missing from any of the other sites under construction. A report was filed.

Man threatened at work FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Terroristic threats were the reason a man came into the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Jan. 7. The man reported that a coworker was walking behind him Jan. 5 as he was returning to work. After clocking in, the coworker said, “What? No gun?” to the man, but the man walked away. Then the coworker said, “This isn’t over with,” to which the man replied “bring it on.”

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machine and started punching it. The report stated when the first man told him to stop, the second man started punching him – so much that the first man was knocked unconscious. At the time, police say there were customers in the lobby who claimed the second man started pointing at them, cursing and threatening to fight them too. The second employee was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. The man said his coworker said, “I don’t know how you could pull a gun on a man with his kids in the car. Be glad my kids were there, or I would have shot you dead.” Then the man walked away and didn’t say anything until later in the day when he told a supervisor. The man told the Sheriff’s Office about a previous report pertaining to his dispute with his coworker which was from an incident in Lumpkin County Dec. 25, 2014. The Sheriff’s Office gave the man a case card.

iPads stolen from store CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming Police were notified that two iPads had been allegedly stolen from Game Stop, 1060 Marketplace Blvd. on Jan. 6. The manager said that the devices were taken from the back counter behind the registers. She said the iPads were for store use and used mainly for inventory. There was no video footage of the event.

Deputy chases outlet mall shoplifter FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Forsyth County deputy said he joined a highspeed vehicle pursuit on Ga. 400 near McFarland Parkway Jan. 8. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) told the Forsyth Sheriff’s Office to be on the lookout for a specific car traveling south on Ga. 400. Dawson County said they had charges on the male for shoplifting at the outlet mall, with one suspect reported to be in custody. The Forsyth deputy saw a car that fit the description on Ga. 400. He waited until there was another deputy close by, given the nature of the situa-

See BLOTTER, Page 3

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PUBLIC SAFETY

DUIS & DRUGS

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 3

Drug arrests

Crestmont Court, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 8 on Crestmont Court in Cumming for DUI and suspended license. ►► Laura E. Metheny, 29, of Crestmont Court, Cumming,

was arrested Jan. 8 on Crestmont Court in Cumming for DUI. ►► Andrew Dalton Ingalls, 49, of Athens was arrested Jan. 8 on Vickery Creek Road in Cumming for DUI and no headlights. ► ► Raphael Michael Torres, 30, of Monterey Street, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 7 on Merchants Square in Cumming for DUI. ►► Janice R. Shields, 51, of Allen Drive, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 6 on Keith Bridge Road in Cumming for DUI and no headlights.

Blotter:

He’s not even trying to hide

$20K in jewels taken

Continued from Page 2

MILTON, Ga. – A brazen would-be thief was caught after allegedly trying to leave a store without even hiding the goods he was trying to steal. Police received calls of a fight from the Windward Walmart about 3 p.m. Jan. 5. When they arrived, they found the loss prevention officer engaged with a suspect, Spencer Lee Gregory, 28. According to the employee, Gregory was seen walking into the store and headed for the electronics aisle. He picked up two speaker sets, valued at $60 and $90, and tried to walk out of the store without buying or hiding the items.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Someone broke into an Abbotts Bridge Road apartment over the holidays and made off with more than $20,000 in jewelry. The victim told police she suspects someone entered her apartment between Nov. 27, 2014 and Jan. 7, 2015. She said she was missing a platinum diamond ring ($12,000), gold platinum band ($4,000), David Yurman necklace ($700), gold wedding band ($200), a pair of diamond earrings ($2,000), a diamond tennis bracelet ($3,000) and two dresses ($10 and $30). There are no suspects.

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

DUI arrests ►► Raymond Stokes, 40, of

tion, before following. When the deputy activated his emergency equipment to signal the car to stop, the car accelerated to about 90 miles per hour and didn’t attempt to yield. The car then reached 120 miles per hour before suddenly changing lanes and traveling through the grass onto the off ramp of Windward Parkway. The deputy slowed down and safely followed, but was then called off the pursuit by the watch commander. The suspect continued by getting back onto Ga. 400 southbound.

Jan. 24 – 25

►► Devin Tara Landeweer, 21,

of Singing Hills Court, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 29 on Nesbit Ferry Road in Johns Creek for possession of marijuana. ►► Phillip Andrew Raywood, 27, of Holcomb Pond Court, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 30 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana. ►► Roderick C. Strickland, 31, of Decatur was arrested Jan. 1 on Mansell Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and suspended license.

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NEWS

4 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

New tennis operations coming to county parks By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Tennis players in Forsyth County have a reason to get excited now that the county is looking into new tennis operations at its parks. At their Jan. 15 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation by Jim Pryor, director of parks and recreation for Forsyth County, and Jim Brennan, recreation division manager. Annacone Tennis Management, the company that was handling tennis operations at Fowler Park, ended its contract Dec. 31, 2014, said Pryor. “At that point, the county took back over control, operation and maintenance of the courts at Fowler Park,” said Pryor. “The county has been managing all the courts since Jan. 1.” Pryor said the best thing to do would be to unify the courts throughout the county. “Under the new system, we will handle all of the tennis operations at the 36 county-owned courts,” said Pryor. “No private company is involved. However, for instruction of lessons or programs, we plan on contracting with private professionals, skilled tennis players or even

Under the new system, [the county] will handle all of the tennis operations at the 36 county-owned courts.” JIM PRYOR Director of Parks and Recreation for Forsyth County those that might work for tennis companies. But, we look for specialized individuals interested in working for us to teach lessons.” The commissioners allowed the Parks and Recreation Department to start looking for qualified tennis instructors through its recreation division to plan future tennis programs. “I believe with the uniform operations, we can renew the revenue that we lost,” said Brennan. “It’s a good proposal bringing it back in house. We can bring it back to being positive.” Pryor said they do entertain private companies that wish to rent court space to teach through their own business.

Flu widespread this year Spreads quickly, easily By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – The flu is now an epidemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The CDC says this year’s virus is strong enough and widespread enough to affect hundreds of thousands of people around the country. Influenza, also called “flu,” is a viral illness that causes fever, sore throat, muscle aches and cough. Influenza can weaken the body’s defenses and lead to complications like

bacterial pneumonia. It can also worsen existing chronic health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Dr. David Smith, of Bethany Bend Urgent Care in Milton, said this year’s flu is a problem not so much because of severity but rather of the ease with which is spreads. “It’s bad that a lot of people are getting it, but it’s not much more severe,” Smith said. When people get the flu, they will typically stay at home until their symptoms subside, Smith said. With this flu strain, symptoms manifest themselves for a few hours and then go away for a few hours. Then it repeats itself. This causes the ill to think they are not sick with the flu and to go

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“But they pay a rental fee to the county for this and they are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis like any other group wanting to reserve the court,” said Pryor. “Per county ordinance, anyone teaching tennis for financial gain must have an approval agreement with the county.” About 16 months ago, the county decided to hire a professional management company to manage Fowler Park’s tennis program, instead of operating it internally like other courts in the county. “The change back to county management will serve to unify tennis operations within the county,” said Pryor. “The county’s 36 tennis courts will operate consistently in terms of reservations, rentals, tournaments and fees. While we will contract different instructors in various areas, those instructors will be managed by parks and recreation and their programs advertised through parks and recreation.” Pryor said anyone wanting to reserve a tennis court can do so in-person by going to any of the three recreation centers in the county – Fowler, Old Atlanta or Central – or by going online at www.forsythco. com through the Parks and Recreation Department.

What are the emergency warning signs of flu sickness? In children • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough • Fever with a rash In adults • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the about their daily lives, thus spreading the virus. “People are going out and doing things and exposing people to it,” Smith said. The flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May. In Georgia, it is most prevalent in January and February. During an average flu season, 36,000 Americans die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized because of complications from influenza. Some people, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions are more likely to have complications related to influenza. While most deaths occur among the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, deaths can also occur among younger adults and children.

chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs: • Being unable to eat • Has trouble breathing • Has no tears when crying • Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal In Georgia, there have been 13 confirmed deaths due to flu. Of those, eight were in people 65 or older. One was a child under the age of 4. The very young and adults older than 60 are encouraged to get the flu shot or nasal spray. While the flu vaccine may not work as well as usual against some flu viruses, Smith is still recommending getting the vaccine. Vaccination can still protect some people and reduce symptoms, hospitalizations and deaths and will protect against other flu viruses. Smith urged those who feel ill to stay at home, to not touch their face and be sure to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, as this spreads the

See FLU, Page 31

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NEWS

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 5

Commissioners express appreciation for parking assistance FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — At the Jan. 8 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized and thanked those who have assisted the county with parking during the construction projects taking place in downtown Cumming. Resolutions of appreciation were adopted for Cumming Baptist Church, Chalcedon Presbyterian Church, the city of Cumming, the Cumming Playhouse and Tam’s Backstage, for their assistance with parking. Construction of the new courthouse, jail and related parking facilities, which are funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VII program, resulted in a loss of areas available for parking at and near the Forsyth County Administration Building and current courthouse. The

county had to turn to others in the community for assistance with identifying and designating areas for citizens and employees to AMOS park during the construction. “Cumming Baptist Church, Chalcedon Presbyterian Church, the city of Cumming, the Cumming Playhouse and Tam’s Backstage graciously allowed the use of their parking lots by county citizens and employees,” said Commission Chairman R.J. (Pete) Amos, who noted that the county truly appreciated their generosity. While construction of the new courthouse and jail continues, the two new parking

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Cumming Baptist Church, Chalcedon Presbyterian Church, the city of Cumming, the Cumming Playhouse and Tam’s Backstage graciously allowed the use of their parking lots by county citizens and employees.” R.J. (PETE) AMOS Commission Chairman facilities are now open for use. The new five-level, 491-space Mason Street Parking Facility located near the Forsyth

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COMMUNITY

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Greenway to open new phase By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

The Greenway will be about 15 miles when phases 4 and 5 are completed.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Outdoor enthusiasts will have a new place to walk, run or bike in Forsyth County this spring. The Big Creek Greenway is a linear park with open green spaces for people, as well as natural areas for plants and animals. Most use the space for exercising without having to go to the gym. The Greenway is a 12-foot wide concrete and boardwalk path through the woods along Big Creek. Tim Merritt, deputy county manager for Forsyth County, said they expect to open phase 4 in early spring. “Work has been ongoing for some time,” Merritt said. “In the summer of 2009, we were working on the conceptual plans for phases 4 and 5. Phase 4 construction contract was awarded to CRS Building Corporation in the amount of $2,874,579.87 on Oct. 17,

2013.” Currently, the Greenway has three phases located in Forsyth that span from McFarland Parkway to Bethelview Road for approximately 6.8 miles. The Greenway will be about 15 miles when phases 4 and 5 are completed. “This work is funded by the $100 million Parks, Recreation and Greenspace Bond approved by the voters in 2008,” Merritt said. Once the fourth phase is completed, construction will begin on phase 5. “We are currently working with developments along the proposed path to enhance the existing design,” said Merritt. “We expect to be able to bid this work later in 2015 and begin construction soon after.” The Greenway is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. November through February, and 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. March through October. For more information, visit www.forsythco.com.

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Dog of the week: Pepe CUMMING, Ga. — Pepe is 4.5 years old, and he has been with the Humane Society of Forsyth County for a year-and-a-half. Pepe is very bold with larger dogs but plays nicely with other small dogs. He’s very well-loved by staff and volunteers, but this poor guy just needs to catch a break and find the right family. Meet Pepe at the Humane Society of Forsyth County, 4440 Keith Bridge Road. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 7

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8 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

OPINION

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Food for thought Passing a grandfather’s wisdom to a new generation KATHLEEN GRANDPA RAY TO PHOEBE:

Waiting in a hospital is something I haven’t done in a long time. Many years ago, I would visit the local hospital where I grew up with my physician father in the emergency room during his 24-hour shift. I would typically go in the middle of the night, drink coffee with him and talk about nothing significant. We just enjoyed passing that time together. For that and many other reasons, the hospital is hard-wired into me. Right now, I am in another hospital waiting on my first grandchild to be delivered – the first child of her generation in the extended family. It’s the same hospital in which my youngest child was delivered just over 18 years ago (North Fulton Hospital). The same physician who delivered my youngest child is also delivering my first grandchild. As Yogi Berra used to say, it’s “Deja vu all over again.” I can see time not just passing by in front of me, but riding a jet at Mach 2. So what kind of world will my granddaughter encounter? The world that I see her encountering has many faces, but the one I see best is the one of staggering opportunity, wonder and startling beauty. She will grow up in a world more accessible and more enabling than any time in history. Her access to knowledge, art, music and her peers will be immeasurably greater than previous generations. She will know more, feel

Grandpa Ray and Phoebe.

RAY APPEN

Publisher ray@northfulton.com

more and be more aware of the world around her. She will live in a world of mobility and connectivity. She may listen to the same music that kids her age are listening to in China, Tibet or Finland. She might create her own music because she can. She will understand that kids her age in other countries have more in common with her than differences. She will not be aware of a time when the world was different. She will not follow so easily the paths that we want her to walk. In fact, we may not be able to see or understand many of the paths that will seem so obvious, accessible and relevant to her. She will understand intuitively that her decisions and those of her peers do make a difference – in her school, her country, her world. And she will have far less knowledge of what “cannot be done” and “cannot be changed” or “will not work” than her parents or grandparents. Change for her will be the norm. This will drive her parents crazy. She will find it curious when her parents and grandparents become

stressed out about stuff that she considers routine. The life and priorities she establishes for herself will often not make sense to us. She will have vast amounts of knowledge, but will she have wisdom? Will she understand the context of her world? Will she appreciate history? It is my fear that she will not. Will she realize that the change that is a norm for her was not the norm for older generations? Will she have enough patience to listen? I do hope so. If she were listening, what advice would I have for her? Phoebe, if you ask me one day, this is what I will tell you: • Write letters to those you want to remain close to – ink on paper. This will not make sense to you, but do it anyway. • Keep a journal – again, ink on paper. It will help you think through challenging issues and make sense of things around you. • Realize that emails, texts, Facebook posts, Instagrams or whatever else takes their place are no substitute for face-to-face conversations, holding hands, touching or actually asking someone if they are OK. As the world becomes less personal, you need to make it your priority to keep it personal. • Art feeds your soul, keeps you happy and sane and will bring joy into your life. Make it a big part of your life. • Listen much more than you talk. Do not miss the opportunity to learn from others. • Be the friend you want others to be for you. • Never, ever doubt yourself because of something someone else says or does – especially if they do it in a digital format. • Beware of the Internet. The Internet is wonderful, but don’t forget that it is also the greatest thief of your most valuable possession – your time. Guard your time wisely. • Set goals, and make sure that one of those goals is to make this world a better place than how you found it. I am excited, pleased and proud to have you as my granddaughter. Welcome to my world, which is now your world. –Grandpa Ray

As a vegetarian in the South, I’m used to the shocked looks and multitude of questions I receive when I tell people of my meat-free lifestyle, similar to asking for unsweet tea. The most common response is, “I could never do that!” After being a vegetarian for over 10 years, I can understand that. It’s hard to find restaurants to dine out at that will cater to my dietary choice. Many times, my options are limited to bland salads or carbohydrates. More than once after I’ve asked the wait staff to omit the meat from an entrée that usually comes with it, I’ll find tiny bits of chicken or bacon in my food. This doesn’t bother me as much as it used to because it has become such a normal thing to expect. When looking for dining out choices that are vegetarianfriendly, I usually have to look up the menu in advance to see just how limited my options are. North Fulton and Forsyth are fairly good areas in terms of restaurant options that have vegetarian selections, because there is a wide variety of food types. However, just because they may show options on the menu doesn’t mean they’ll actually have them once I arrive.

STURGEON

Forsyth Herald Reporter kathleen@appen mediagroup.com

One of my favorite local restaurants had a delicious black bean burger that I would order every time I went. A few months ago, they took it off the menu due to lack of interest. I won’t get on my vegetarian soap box, but eating less meat does have its health benefits. In an article published by the Mayo Clinic in August 2014, they cited a National Cancer Institute study of 500,000 people. The results concluded that those who ate the most red meat daily were 30 percent more likely to die of any cause during a 10-year period than were those who ate the least amount of red meat. With Forsyth County named as the state’s healthiest county in 2014, it’s disappointing that there aren’t more vegetarian options. Next time you go out to eat, take an extra look toward the meat-free options, if not to keep these choices on the menu for vegetarians, but for your own health.

Full City Council needed now more than ever This new Johns Creek City Council has just flubbed one of its first big tests in leadership. Instead of calling for a special election to replace not one but two vacant seats on the City Council, it has chosen to “spare the tired electorate” and leave those seats vacant for a year. It didn’t have to happen. The council could have done the right thing straight out of the block and no one would have said a word. They only had to do what was expected. But they didn’t. It was disconcerting when the two most experienced members resigned immediately after council elections to go fish in a bigger pond. Actually, they were the only experienced members on council. Put aside the fact these two who created the situation put their own political ambitions above their duty to the citizens who elected them to the council. There is the issue of what council should do now? What was expected of the remaining councilmembers was to immediately call a spe-

HATCHER HURD

Executive Editor hatcher@northfulton.com

cial election in early November. That would have given prospective candidates almost five months to decide if they wanted to make a run at one of the two open seats. The kindest thing that can be said is they dithered. Of course the mayor muddied the waters by bringing in the issue of the expense right away. That was never an issue with previous vacancies. Was that a smoke screen? Well, I am not a mind reader. Yes, $200,000 is a lot of money. But good government costs money. That does not mean the city should be extravagant. But it should do what is necessary to be effective.

See COUNCIL, Page 24

NEWS

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 9

Unemployment rate falls to 6.5 percent in Nov. ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Labor announced that metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate for November was 6.5 percent, down five-tenths of a percentage point from 7.0 percent in October. The rate in November of last year was also 7.0 percent. The state rate is 7.2 percent. The rate fell as new jobs were added and new layoffs, as measured by initial unemployment insurance claims, dropped. Metro Atlanta added 17,800 new jobs in November, pushing the total to 2,506,400, up 0.7 percent, from 2,488,600 in October. Most of the growth came in trade, transportation and warehousing, which gained 13,800 jobs, primarily because of holiday hiring. Other increases came in education and health services and government, 1,300 each; financial services, 1,200;

manufacturing, 600; and information services. There was an over-the-year gain of 59,600 jobs, or 2.4 percent, from 2,446,800 in November 2013. This was the largest November-to-November growth since 2006, when there were 66,200 jobs created. Most of the job growth came in trade, transportation and warehousing, 24,200; professional and business services, 13,300; leisure and hospitality, 7,100; financial services, 5,700; manufacturing, 3,300; construction, 2,900; education and health services, 2,300; local government, 1,500; and information services, 700. Georgia ranks fifth among states in job creation. The national unemployment rate is 5.8 percent for November. —Jonathan Copsey

Free tax preparation available FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The United Way of Forsyth County and the AARP Tax Aide Program will be providing free tax preparation to assist low to moderate income families and residents 60 years of age and older. The service will be available from early February through April 15. Sites providing the service are located at Central Park, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, on Tuesdays and Saturdays and the United Way of Forsyth County Office located at 240 Elm St. An appointment is necessary. To make an appointment or for more information, contact the United Way at 770-781-4110 or melissa@unitedwayforsyth.com. –Joe Parker

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Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta launches six regional chapters ATLANTA — Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta (FAKA) recently launched six regional chapters in Georgia to offer all Georgians access to FAKA’s resources and support and to establish a personal connection with other members in their area. In addition to its regional area chapters, support is also available through FAKA’s new online regional Facebook support groups. FAKA membership is free. Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta will continue to run as the main group providing support for the entire metro area of Atlanta and state of Georgia. Local FAKA groups have formed in Gwinnett, Forsyth, Oconee, Paulding, Cherokee, Cobb and Bibb counties, with additional groups being added in the coming months. Local area leaders in select counties coordinate allergy-friendly events, educational programs and host

Upcoming Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta events • FAKA allergy friendly Easter egg hunt and bonnet parade – April • Concert featuring Kyle Dine – May 3 at Perimeter Mall • FAKA Halloween event – October • School educational presentations: February – December support group meetings annually. FAKA supports families who manage food allergies, educates those who care for children and helps to create a safe environment in the local area for food allergic individuals. For more information, visit www. foodallergykidsatl.org or call 404-5127983.

Items needed for new courthouse time capsule FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The BellForsyth Judicial Circuit is seeking the assistance of the public in gathering items to be included in a time capsule to be placed in the new Forsyth County Courthouse. The time capsule will be placed in the cornerstone of the new building and will feature items that are representative of present-day Forsyth County as well as historical documents and items. Items being sought include: • Letters from Forsyth County citizens who were residents at the time of the dedication of the current courthouse in 1976. • Citizen accounts of trials and/or jury service in the 1905 courthouse. • Printed photographs of present-day Forsyth County, including such things as the courthouse, City Hall, downtown Cumming, historical sites, schools, thoroughfares, parks, the Big Creek Greenway, shopping areas and churches (photographs should be labeled and dated). • Forsyth County high school sports

If you go Where: Forsyth County Court Administration Office, 100 Courthouse Square, Suite 020 When: Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contact: Robin Rooks, circuit court administrator, rsrooks@ forsythco.com or 678-965-7153 programs. • Publications, lapel pins and the like from service organizations in Forsyth County. Those interested in submitting items to be considered for inclusion can bring the items on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the Court Administration Office, 100 Courthouse Square, Suite 020. Contact Robin Rooks, circuit court administrator, at rsrooks@forsythco. com or 678-965-7153 for more information. —Kathleen Sturgeon

COMMUNITY

Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

County honored with community improvement and greening award FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County received the Community Improvement and Greening Award during the 36th annual Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards Luncheon on Dec. 12, 2014. More than 200 Georgians attended the annual ceremony created to honor individuals and organizations working to improve Georgia’s environment. The annual awards ceremony recognizes outstanding efforts in the areas of litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling and community improvement. “Today’s program celebrates and recognizes 36 years of collaboration by individuals, schools, corporations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to keep Georgia’s environment beautiful,” said Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation President Kevin Perry. The Community Improvement and Greening Award presented to Forsyth County recognizes efforts to preserve and improve the beauty of a community. These efforts include outdoor environmental education,

enhancement of public areas, community gardens, bike paths and pedestrian walkways and working with the public and with community organizations. “We are so proud of the outstanding efforts made by the entire community to make this award possible,” Environmental Program Manager Tammy Wright said. “Forsyth County was recognized in part for the ongoing preservation of green space made possible by the voter-approved Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond as well as the ongoing efforts in environmental education and instructing on the importance of ensuring future generations are able to enjoy the county’s natural resources.” The Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards program also honors Georgia’s Keep America Beautiful affiliates for their comprehensive environmental impact on the local community. Since its inception in 1978, Georgia’s affiliate network has grown to be the nation’s largest with 77 local affiliates serving 76 percent of the state’s population. —Kathleen Sturgeon

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The community improvement award was presented to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners at their Jan. 8 meeting. Pictured, from left, are Keep Forsyth County Beautiful Environmental Program Manager Tammy Wright, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful Board member Julie Tressler, Commission Chairman R.J. (Pete) Amos, District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills, District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff, District 2 Commissioner Brian R. Tam, District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent and Keep Forsyth County Beautiful Community Outreach Specialist Kevin Smith.

SCHOOLS

12 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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Lambert performs in New Year’s Day parade in London By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com LONDON — Including the Lambert High School marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra and members of the chorus, 324 students, chaperones, family members and staff traveled “across the pond” to ring in 2015 while performing in the 29th London New Year Day’s Parade and Festival (LNYDP). It wasn’t easy preparing and fundraising for an overseas trip, so preparation initially started in March 2013. “Former Lord Mayor of Westminster, who’s patron of the parade and the great grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, and Duncan Sandys visited the school along with the CEO of the LNYDP Bob Bone and Director of International Talent Jonathan Whaley to issue the invitation,” said one of Lambert’s band directors, Scott McCloy. Lambert is the second school in Forsyth County to participate in this event, with Forsyth Central High School’s marching band as the first. Annually, 15 or so marching bands from the United States are invited to participate in the event to the delight of

Confetti rained down on Lambert High School’s marching band in the TV area after their street performance. British onlookers. “The United Kingdom does not have marching band pro-

grams or even school music programs in the same way that we do here in the U.S.,” said

McCloy. “Most marching music units are associated with the military or community groups,

so the U.S. marching bands are a highlight of the event.” Lambert was selected to perform by a previous participant in the parade who recommended the band. The LNYDP scouted LHS by looking at previous performances, attending performances and doing other similar tasks to evaluate the band. Lambert was not only selected to perform, but was asked to be the anchor, or last group, of the parade. “This was an honor as we were the center band in the grand finale to the parade,” said McCloy. “Each year, the LNYDP brings out several of the bands who marched to assemble ‘en masse’ and perform three to four pieces as a large group to end the event. Our band got to remain in the TV area following our televised street performance, and our drumline played, or ‘cadenced,’ the other groups back into the area prior to the finale.” Lambert marched on for 2.2 miles in the parade while getting to see some London landmarks starting at the Ritz Hotel, down to Piccadilly Circus, then to Trafalgar Square. They passed the Royal Horse-

See LAMBERT, Page 13

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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 13

Continued from Page 12 guards and finished in front of the Houses of Parliament. “Getting the opportunity to march past those iconic buildings and areas of London was a great thrill,” said McCloy. This year’s theme was “London on the move,” and the parade was sponsored by the Transportation Commission. “We used the 1970s pop song ‘Vehicle’ as our parade tune, ‘Ticket to Ride’ by the Beatles as our street performance tune, then the grand finale consisted of an ‘American Patriotic Medley,’ the Queen hit ‘Bicycle Race,’ the Beatle’s ‘Drive My Car’ and ‘Rule Britannia,’” said McCloy. McCloy said an estimated 60,000 people lined the streets and viewing areas to watch the parade and there were several thousand spectators in the warm-up area watching the groups prepare for the parade. The marching band wasn’t the only group getting in on the fun. The Lambert wind ensemble was invited to perform as part of the LNYDP Concert Series at Cadogan Hall, the home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Members of the Lambert chorus also participated in the London International Chorus Festival with a performance in Westminster

Lambert High School performed during the parade. Central Hall on Jan. 2, and members of the Lambert orchestra performed for the Lord Mayor’s Brunch that preceded the parade on Jan. 1.

The trip cost around $3,000 per person and was inclusive of hotel, food, transportation, admissions and airfare. “We participated in several

fundraisers and had many corporate sponsors who helped defray some of the cost of the trip for the participants and chaperones,” said McCloy.

Because of their performance for this event, Lambert has already received offers to participate in future parades in Rome, Madrid and the LNYDP again.

14 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald

NORTHSIDE WOMAN

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North Fulton resident ‘gratified’ to help stem Ebola outbreak Susan McBreairty spends 30 days as part of CDC team in Liberia By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northsidewoman.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – While most of the world watched from afar as the Ebola virus took hold in western Africa, North Fulton resident Susan McBreairty packed her bags and headed directly into the eye of the storm. The communications staffer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta spent a month in Liberia, returning in mid-November and then spending the following three weeks monitoring for any symptoms of Ebola. Although many with the CDC were sent to West Africa to help monitor and control the Ebola outbreak, McBreairty volunteered her service and was thrilled when she was selected. “I was totally excited and felt so fortunate to be able to go. I also felt very confident in that I was a part of something very large and historic. I think my exterior looked calm but inside I was dancing around with glee and happiness [when I learned I was heading to Liberia,]” said McBreairty, who has

been with the CDC since 2006. After a three-month approval process, McBreairty left Atlanta on Oct. 14 for the nearly 20-hour flight that would take her through Paris, Casablanca and finally to Liberia. In Monrovia, the capital, McBreairty would spend the next month serving on the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Work (MOHSW) subcommittee. “I was a member of the health promotion team providing technical assistance in health communication and promotion, [and] worked on a variety of projects,” said McBreairty. In Liberia, McBreairty’s duties included training staff at the Liberia National Ebola Call Center in data entry and information management, updating messaging on infection prevention measures, addressing misconceptions and encouraging acceptance and support for Ebola survivors. McBreairty also compiled reports from the counties hardest hit by Ebola, distributing them to other CDC staff in the country and forwarding them to the headquarters in

Susan McBreairty. Atlanta for situation reports. McBreairty was well aware of the Ebola risks in Liberia, and underwent a series of training sessions in safety and security prior to her departure. Several staffers who had returned from the country provided insight into what to expect, and what to bring. (“The one thing I didn’t pack and sorely missed were my flip-flops!” she said, laughing.) Still, what waited for her

in Liberia was daunting. Since Ebola broke out in West Africa over the past 12 months, Liberia has been the hardest hit of the three countries where the viral disease has reached epidemic proportions. As of mid-December, nearly 8,000 Liberians have contracted Ebola, with a death rate topping 3,300. But McBreairty never feared for her own safety, taking all necessary precautions

to keep herself safe. She noted she was in a safe area, and took all prevention measures. “I never came in contact with Ebola patients or anyone with Ebola symptoms,” said McBreairty. “Our pre-departure training did suggest we keep in mind that everyone we met potentially was carrying the virus. Therefore, there was no hand-shaking and no

See EBOLA, Page 15

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Ebola:

NORTHSIDE WOMAN any symptoms of Ebola, but was not isolated since she was considered low risk. “Other than going to work, I limited my comings and goings considerably for the first 10 days,” said McBreairty. “I self-quarantined myself from my grandchildren because I didn’t want to cause them any problems at school. I didn’t return to church or Bible study until the full 21 days were over because I didn’t want to worry anyone.” Ironically, she hails from the same hometown as the nurse from Maine who was the center of recent controversy when she refused to quarantine herself after returning from West Africa. Kaci Hickox

Continued from Page 14 friendly hugs at greeting. There was, however, lots and lots of hand washing and using hand sanitizers.” McBreairty is no stranger to world travel. She lived for a time in Sweden, and worked for the Peace Corps for two years before coming to the CDC, spending time in Romania, Antigua, Guatemala and South Africa. She said her exposure to other cultures helped her during her time in Liberia. “Because of my Peace Corps experience and having been exposed to other cultures, I was mentally prepared to be respectful of Liberians and their efforts to stop the spread of Ebola, as well as supporting and being a part of CDC’s mission there,” she said. Her two grown children were surprised, but supportive, of her plans to go to Liberia, while response from friends and other family members varied from “extreme alarm” to acceptance. McBreairty was able to keep in contact with loved ones throughout her stay, which helped tremendously. “I sent weekly updates and gave them details of where I was and what I was doing. I think everyone rested easier

Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 15

successfully challenged the quarantine order – a decision McBreairty supports. “I think the publicity generated by [Hickox] helped to shape guidance for asymptomatic returnees such as myself. She took a strong stand that has benefited other people; particularly those who are considering going to West Africa to help,” said McBreairty. “Quarantine/isolation of asymptomatic people is simply not necessary.” Although the CDC will likely be a presence in West Africa for months, if not years, to come, McBreairty has no current plans to return…although she is leaving the door open to that possibility.

“I would be willing to go again…depending on my work load here,” said McBreairty. “The Liberian nationals I worked with and my CDC colleagues continue to inspire me. I remain gratified that I was able to serve and to travel there and back safely.”

NEW YEAR New Kitchen and Bath. while I was away because they had ‘word pictures’ and thought it was pretty cool. Plus, they were all praying for me,” said McBreairty, whose daughter lives and works in Atlanta, while her son lives and works in South Korea. Once home, McBreairty self-monitored for 21 days for

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tion, or fulfilling a lifelong entrepreneurial dream, drove the change. Many of these entrepreneurs started their “encore” career with the help of a financing option called ROBS, or Rollovers as Business Startups. ROBS let prospective business owners leverage existing retirement assets to finance a business or purchase a franchise free of tax penalties. ROBS can also be used with traditional funding options, such as SBA loans, for supplemental financing. For many who have trouble securing necessary business financing, ROBS can help make the startup dream a reality, and can be especially attractive to those who have spent a number of years in a corporate setting acquiring the assets and expertise to make their startup a success.

COMMUNITY

Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 23 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Roswell homes possibly built over graves Founder’s Cemetery has unknown boundaries By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – While the housing business has picked up in recent years from the recession, there is one area for housing to beware – near cemeteries. One in particular is in question after recent building took place on what may have been part of the burial grounds of Founder’s Cemetery. There may be several, if not dozens of graves beneath the houses and streets of King’s Mill Court, in Roswell’s old town. The problem with the cemetery, beyond being simply unused, is that so many of the graves were poorly marked and time has covered them up. The boundaries of the cemetery are known to extend beyond the formally recognized area, but how far beyond is unknown. A 2008 report drawn up at the city’s request points out that Founder’s Cemetery may at one point have been significantly larger than the currently recognized 2.5 acres. “The extent of the cemetery may have been much larger than its current boundary,” the report says. Construction of a home in the area in the 1940s dug up a human skeleton, it claims, as did one in 1994. The city currently takes care of the cemetery, which is city property. The most recent home to be built in the area abuts the northern boundary of the cityowned land that makes up the current Founder’s Cemetery. A police report filed in December claims graves are known to be on the property. According to Brad Townsend, the city’s planning department director, the home was not simply allowed to build where there may be graves. “We looked into it,” Townsend said. “There was a vacant lot on that property. We had an analysis done that there were supposedly unmarked graves on a particular spot on this property.” The owner and builder were told to do their own survey as well to determine if there were any unmarked graves on the site. None were found, and a building permit was issued. “There are certain regulations related to archaeological sites,” Townsend said. “This was not an archaeological site.” Rachel Black, deputy state archaeologist – terrestrial for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, historic preservation division, said state law forbids building where graves are known.

You cannot knowingly go into a cemetery and develop on it and change its use without first obtaining a permit from the governing authority.” RACHEL BLACK Deputy state archaeologist

Many of Roswell’s founding families are buried in Founder’s Cemetery. “You cannot knowingly go into a cemetery and develop on it and change its use without first obtaining a permit from the governing authority,” Black said. That governing authority is in this case the city of Roswell, which both issued the building permit and ordered the builder to do their own survey without finding any more graves. While abandoned cemeteries are noted under the law as being rundown or overgrown or whose boundaries have broken down, Black says the code is still in effect because it still deals with human remains, and no one is allowed to knowingly build or disturb burial grounds without facing fines and penalties. “The care accorded the remains of deceased persons reflects respect and regard for human dignity as well as cultural, spiritual and religious values,” declares the state code referring to cemeteries. If no bodies are found, building goes ahead as normal. The Roswell Research Library and Archives contains many records of the cemetery. The cemetery that is now known as Founder’s Cemetery was begun in the 1840s, and early maps show the cemetery taking up the entire hill behind the Roswell Manufacturing Company’s mill. In it are buried the remains of Roswell King, Maj. Thomas Bulloch and many more of the original founders of Roswell. In 1844, there was an influx of the departed after scarlet fever took many children in the town. The cemetery was the primary resting place for mill workers and slaves. Those who did not have the income for large gravestones instead used bricks or flagstones as markers.

J.C. Smith, born in 1924, wrote in 1994 that he remembers the cemetery having between 100-150 graves stretching halfway down the hill toward Vickery Creek. By the 1900s, Founder’s Cemetery had long since stopped regular use and in the early 1920s, it was noted to have fallen into disrepair. In 1923, Atlanta’s famed journalist and author, Margaret “Peggy” Mitchell, wrote about the cemetery being fully overgrown. By 1940, another writer decried its “serious neglect.” Since 1940, periodic attempts were made to clean up the site. The Roswell Woman’s Club had a large hand in this

duty for many years. Progressive maps of the site show it growing significantly smaller than its original scope, eventually to a lot barely an acre in size, surrounding just the large, ornate graves. During this time, homes began to be built on the hill, as it was a scenic overlook of Vickery Creek. In 1983, Roswell Councilmember Harold Smith took up the charge to preserve and clean up the site. Under his direction, the city purchased lots on either side of the known cemetery at the time, as buffers against future building, which had already disturbed the area. His commission created a master plan for the site, noting, “it should be considered a significant historic site, essential to the interpretation of Roswell’s history.” At this point, there were 28 known graves. Subsequent surveys using groundpenetrating radar in the area turned up a further 67 new, unmarked graves, some on the surrounding residential properties.

Ten years later, in 1994, the cemetery was again in the public eye when construction of a home next to the site turned up a human bone. Work crews were bulldozing the property when a city worker spotted what looked like a bone. A coroner confirmed the bone as a human femur and a stop-work order was enacted. A day later, work continued. The city attorney at the time, Mike Sullivan, is quoted in the local paper – the North Fulton Herald – as saying the city did not own the land and that if the city interfered it would create title problems for the roughly 24 other homes nearby, which could have a “chilling effect” on development. An Atlanta Constitution article from the time takes this further to say the city will not find out the boundaries of the cemetery, and that “buyers beware.” A subsequent survey of the city-owned land found nine previously unknown graves near the property under construction.

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Roswell’s Founder’s Cemetery is one of the oldest in the city, and may have extended far beyond its current borders, beneath what are now homes and streets.

COMMUNITY

24 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald

Becky Brown named Five Star CPA CUMMING, Ga. — North Georgia Accounting Consultants Inc. announced that President Becky Brown has been named a 2014 Five Star Certified Public Accountant. This group represents less than 1 percent of the certified public accountants in the Atlanta area. Award winners were featured in a special section of the October 2014 issue of Atlanta Magazine. The Five Star Professional award program is the largest and most widely published award program in North America. Accountants are measured using a research methodology that incorporates input from clients, peers and business leaders. “I am honored to be a part of this exclusive list of distinguished accountants. I have been

in this industry for 15 plus years and providing quality service is my goal.” said Brown. “I am dedicated to helping my clients and this award reflects that.” Brown’s expertise ranges from basic tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as financial statement preparation and financial planning. She holds memberships with AICPA, GSCPA, Business Chamber and Rotary Foundation. North Georgia Accounting Consultants, Inc. provides a wide range of services to individuals and businesses in a variety of industries in North Georgia including Cumming, Alpharetta, Forsyth County and Dawson County. For more information, call 770-888-7700 or visit our website, www.ngacinc.com.

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Council: Continued from Page 8 Instead, we have a shaky quorum of just five members on the council. Yes, they have all pledged to do the right thing and get perfect attendance certificates at council meetings. But who knows what the future holds? A bad traffic accident, a medical emergency, a stubbed toe and raising a quorum could easily become a tenuous business indeed. If two miss a meeting, no business can be done – no zonings decided, no budgets passed. It’s why a special elections clause is in every city charter. The councilmembers are gambling with the house’s money. If, God forbid, the mayor goes down, then we have zero experience for the arcane and tricky business of running a city. Just look what happened with the last lot who sat in those seats. Council made the right noises. It is only for a few more months – well a year – and the situation will right itself in November. And yes, there may well be “voter fatigue” for another special election. But then that would be the voters’ decision. Now they don’t have that decision. It has been taken from them. That was wrong. The council has also deprived the two future councilmembers of needed months to acquire the knowledge and expertise to learn their new jobs. Instead of seating them sooner, they will be further behind the experience curve than their colleagues. Crafting budgets, weighing important zoning decisions, getting their hands around creating a new and vibrant city center and a myriad of other decisions takes more than just a good head on one’s shoulders and good business sense. Political decision-making – contrary to popular myth – is not the same as running a business. By definition, political decisions are entirely different from business ones. They may often intersect, but not always, and maybe only seldom. The job is mostly about the willingness to make the unpopular decision. It is easy to vote for parks and roads. But along with the dessert, elected officials have to make the public eat their vegetables too. For example, there is the issue of the public safety radio tower. It may well require a tower in the Shakerag com-

munity. Currently, the last best alternative site is being explored. But if that fails to answer, Shakerag will have the tower. Somebody is going to have to summon the political courage to tell a lot of constituents something they don’t want to hear. Because it is the right thing to do. Look at the billboard situation. There, the City Council had that courage – and the good sense – to accept the best decision they could make in a bad situation. They could have pursued a quixotic lawsuit, but in the end, they would have lost. In the billboard case, they did the right thing. A legal fight at that point would have been useless and cost far more than any special election. This time it was different. Clinging to that frivolous online “poll” of whether to have an election or save the cost by postponing elections was just a device to provide some cover. If the important questions of the city are going to be left up to the 700 or so people who bothered to answer, why do we need a council at all? The question was crudely designed to elicit the desired response. It did nothing to balance the need for the election but touted only the monetary cost of the election. The cynic would say they got exactly the response they wanted. It gets worse. Arguments were also made that a delay would save prospective candidates more time to prepare the expense of running two campaigns, one in March and another in November. So who are we protecting here? What is more important, the campaign or the office? Besides, even a short incumbency would be a huge advantage in November, possibly scaring off any competition in the fall, having beaten all comers in the spring. Delaying the elections creates more of an experience gap that could be closed more quickly than if they came aboard sooner. Kudos go to Councilman Lenny Zaprowski for defending the intent – if not the letter – of the city charter. He alone argued for special elections to fill the seats immediately. It took guts to stand alone to call for elections when he knew support would be hard to find on council. Leadership is about doing the right thing, not the popular thing. And in this instance, it was to defend the charter – which calls for a council of seven.

COMMUNITY

Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 25 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Roswell to install electric vehicle charging stations ROSWELL, Ga. — The city of Roswell is installing four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for public use at City Hall and two area parks. Roswell was among a select group of public organizations chosen to receive support through Charge Georgia, an incentive program designed by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to increase the number of EV charging stations throughout the state. The city will begin installing stations in February, which are expected to be ready for public use in March. “The city of Roswell is thrilled to be one of the first cities in Georgia to offer public EV charging stations,” said Michael Fischer, deputy city administrator. “We are always looking for ways to help our community reduce the size of our collective footprint. These public stations are a very direct, practical way to provide access to green resources for our residents and visitors.” Roswell was awarded rebates totaling more than $16,000 to help cover the costs of their four GE DuraStation double-pedestal electric vehicle charging stations. The DuraStation offers Level-2 (240v/30amp) public stations with two charging connectors each – allowing two vehicles to charge at a time. The city plans to install two charging stations at City Hall, 38 Hill St., one charging station at Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, and one station at East Roswell Park, 9000 Fouts Road.

The city plans to install two charging stations at City Hall, 38 Hill St., one charging station at Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, and one station at East Roswell Park, 9000 Fouts Road. “Atlanta’s northern suburbs are one of the hotbeds of EV driving in the country, but the number of EV cars has far outpaced the availability of charging stations, creating ‘range anxiety’ for drivers,” said Jeff Cohen, the founder of the Atlanta Electric Vehicle Development Coalition. “That’s why the city of Roswell’s public charging options, and those of the other Charge Georgia partners, are so important to create an infrastructure for this more sustainable mode of transportation.” For more information, the city recommends following Facebook and Twitter, both CityofRoswellGA. –Shannon Weaver

26 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Student Catherine Kutter’s design.

SCHOOLS

Beth Cooper works on her beanstalk.

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Christopher Metz, Micah Cordano, Alexandria Helm and Pablo Marroquin Acasuso work on their design.

Pinecrest kindergartners get hands-on engineering experience CUMMING, Ga. – Kindergartners at Pinecrest Academy were able to discover the engineering process during a recent science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) class. The curriculum tied

in classic fairy tales with engineering as students designed, built and tested a beanstalk that would support Jack and the golden egg and built houses for the Three Little Pigs that would hold up to the huffing

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and puffing of the Big Bad Wolf. The class was a part of “Project Lead the Way,” a provider of STEM curriculum. — Joe Parker

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Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 27 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Sing named Eagle Scout ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Puneet Singh, 14, earned the highest award the Boy Scouts of America offers to scouts, the Eagle Scout Award. He is the son of Kiran and Anju Singh of Alpharetta. Singh received the award after earning 31 merit badges and building benches for Webb Bridge Middle School cafeteria for his Eagle Scout Service Project. Additionally Singh has the National Outdoor Award, Mile Swim Award, National Aquatics

Achievement and the Den Chief Award. A member of Troop 69 chartered to Milton District, Singh is one of approximately two percent of all Boys Scouts who ever achieve this rank. He will be recognized in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor presentation on Feb. 8, 2015 at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, in Alpharetta. —Jonathan Copsey

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GEORGIA GETAWAYS:

See what Georgia has just a gas tank away Georgia Getaways is a new column introducing Jemille Williams highlighting the beauty and sights of Georgia that most of us just don’t know about – but would enjoy if we did. You can find new adventures and see things you’ve never done before without crossing the state line. That is Georgia for you – if you know where to look. Did you know that Georgia is the sixth most biologically diverse state in the country? We are so fortunate to be able to hit the balmy seashore or climb a mountain with the same climate as Maine. We can ramble through a miniature Grand Canyon in the southwestern part of the state, and in the northwestern corner hike to a waterfall that is a dead ringer for the one in Fantasy Island. And all are within a few hours of metro Atlanta. You can soak up the healing atmosphere at Warm Springs that enabled Franklin Delano Roosevelt to be all he could be, or stroll the streets of one of America’s oldest colonial towns. You can paddle through the murky shallows of the Oke-

JEMILLE WILLIAMS

Senior contributor on TripAdvisor jemille@bellsouth.net fenokee Swamp with a thousand unseen eyes on you, or ferry out to become one of the few who have beheld equine survivors of Spanish galleons wrecked along our coastline centuries ago. You are invited to look at Georgia as Hollywood does through its lens. We have become a serious rival to the West Coast film industry with our generally mild climate and panoply of locations that can stand in for any number of cinematic locales. This biodiversity also makes Georgia a favorite of birders and naturalists throughout the country – and beyond. The robber barons of the Golden Age once colonized Jekyll Island for its remote beauty and serenity. They’ve moved on to tonier pastures, but millions of migratory birds find our barrier islands to be a sweet spot

Providence Canyon State Park, thought to be a miniature Grand Canyon, is just south of Columbus, Ga. on the Atlantic flyway. And their beaches play a key role in sea turtle conservation by providing safe havens for the turtle mothers to lumber ashore, deposit their eggs, then return to the sea. I am an inveterate traveler (and penny pincher) who believes that every budget, no matter how tight, should include a little R&R. Clark Howard is a notori-

ous skinflint, but he knows that it’s an integral part of life. It feeds the soul and broadens the mind. The media tell us that the Great Recession is over. It may be over for the 1 percent, but the rest of us may find there’s still a little too much month left at the end of the money. I’ve compiled some of the mini-breaks you can enjoy on less than a tank of gas. And

current prices make road trips more affordable than they have been in many years. Some may be pining for the European or Caribbean trips they enjoyed when their accounts were more flush, but I know you can enjoy any number of sights and thrills right here in the Peach State. So check this space for great ideas for exotic getaways that won’t break a budget.

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Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 29 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Rotary, students helping end hunger Milton-Windward makes meals with Stop Hunger Now By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. – The Earth produces more than four pounds of food per person. That should be plenty to feed everyone and eliminate hunger worldwide. Unfortunately, it does not. More than 25,000 people die each day from starvation. The people of Stop Hunger Now hope to end that problem. Joining with the MiltonWindward Rotary Club and students of Cambridge High School, the group held a meal packaging event Jan. 9 at the high school, drawing nearly 50 students and adults. “How many of you have used the term ‘I’m starving?’” Karen Smaha of Stop Hunger Now asked the group of teens. “We get to use those words as an exaggeration. For 8 million people, it’s not an exaggeration.” There is a cure for starvation, she said. It’s food. “We know the cure for something, but it still claims the lives of 25,000 people a day,” she said. “Nobody needs to go hungry.” The volunteers spent a few

JONATHAN COPSEY/STAFF

Cambridge High students and staff joined with Milton officials, staff and members of the Milton-Windward Rotary Club to make meals for the needy. They made 10,000 meals Jan. 9. Dr. Ed Spurka helps make meals for the needy. hours in the school’s cafeteria in an assembly line. Groups would combine rice, dehydrated vegetables, soy beans and a vitamin packet into a small plastic bag. This bag is then weighed and sealed to be distributed to needy families. Each bag feeds six people by adding 1.5 liters of boiling water. “It’s good served by itself, but the locals can add their own flavor,” Smaha said. For instance, in the Philippines, the locals enjoy sweet things, so they like to add

sugar. In the short time the Cambridge group worked, they created 10,000 meals. This and events like it make Georgia one of the top producers of the meals in the country, said Smaha. “We did an event with [Stop Hunger Now] at the Rotary District Conference in Destin, Florida,” said Cindy Ringwall, president of the Milton-Windward Rotary. “It involved team building and all ages. It’s fun and perfect to engage high schoolers.”

Ringwall said she hoped to make the event a signature one for her group. For more information on the Milton-Windward Rotary

Club, visit them online at miltonwindwardrotary.org. For more on Stop Hunger Now, visit them at www.stophungernow.org.

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Shine Ministry offers community for special needs families Will hold ‘respite’ event Jan. 31 By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com

Carli Walters (left) and Kathleen Burton have a great time together at the respite event. The First Baptist Church will host a special needs respite Jan. 31 for families.

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Life can be difficult for families with members who have special needs. Constant attention or care are necessities and can leave little room for the caretaker, often a family member, to have time to support for the family,” Burton themselves. said. “We want other families Alpharetta First Baptist to know they can have the Church offers its Shine Minsame thing.” istry Respite for special needs Families with special needs families in order to bring them members are under constant into the congregation and com- strain – financial, physical and munity. emotional stress can tear apart On Jan. 31, from 1-4 p.m., such families. the church will host a special “We wanted to let the speneeds respite for special needs cial needs community know we families, where do care about the church will them,” Burton care for indisaid. “Families viduals for the often do not feel afternoon. there is a place “The respite for them. But is an opportuthere is a place nity for families to you and the to come and doors are open bring their loved to you.” ones there and Shine Minisbe cared for,” try is an ongosaid Jennifer ing program on Burton, coSunday morndirector of the ings to allow Shine Ministry. the families to “The caretakers worship. JENNIFER BURTON and guardians The respite Co-director of the Shine Ministry who are under is Jan. 31 from stress can get a 1-4 p.m. at break.” the church, 44 The ministry holds such Academy St., Alpharetta. events throughout the year. All ages are accepted and Burton said she became a registered nurse will be on involved in the ministry when site. While the event is free, she and her daughter, who has registration is required. For special needs, began attending information and registration, the church. visit www.fbca.com/shine“There was such a strong programs.

The respite is an opportunity for families to come and bring their loved ones there and be cared for.”

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Pinecrest student chosen for Football University CUMMING, Ga. — Parker Hannon, a seventh-grader at Pinecrest Academy, was selected to be kicker and punter for the eighth-grade Football University (FBU) Gwinnett Football League team. The team is comprised of all-star players from North Georgia and is one of 64 teams around the country that play for a national championship, much like college teams. Hannon’s undefeated team played in a two-game tournament on Saturday, Dec. 13, to determine who would continue on to the national championship in Naples, Florida, an NBC-televised event on Sun-

Flu: Continued from Page 4 flu. Anything a person touches could carry the virus. Smith said the average adult touches their face 18 times an hour. A

day, Dec. 21. While Hannon’s team was eliminated in a highly contested loss Dec. 13, he represented Pinecrest, sporting a Pinecrest varsity helmet decal given to him by coach Todd Winter. Hannon has also been selected to play on the NFL-affiliated Team USA Football 15U team the last week in January. He was selected from a regional combine in spring 2014 in Atlanta and then attended a national combine in Canton, Ohio, for 10 days of evaluations. His team will travel to Arlington, Texas, to play against Team Canada in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

SPORTS

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 31

Parker Hannon and Quentin Skinner in Canton, Ohio last July for Team USA.

child touches their face over 80 times. The CDC reports the week of Jan. 3 saw a slight reduction in the overall numbers of people seeking treatment for flu symptoms. The overall number of people ill is still far above the baseline amount.

How long should you stay home if you’re sick? The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings.

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32 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

SPORTS

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Raiders remain unbeaten in region Eagles move into tie for second place

Basketball Scoreboard

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – With less than a month remaining in the regular season, region basketball standings are taking shape and local teams are competing for favorable seeds in region tournaments, which begin the week of Feb. 9. The Alpharetta boys remain unbeaten in 6-AAAAAA after a second straight Saturday overtime victory. The latest one came last week at Johns Creek. The Raiders (13-3 overall) defeated the Gladiators 78-72 to improve to 10-0 in the region. The previous Saturday, Alpharetta needed an extra period to defeat Centennial 62-56. Johns Creek (9-8) is third in the region at 7-3 after losses last week to Alpharetta and Lambert, which is second at 8-2. Centennial (9-7) went 3-0 in the region last week and is fourth at 6-4. Chattahoochee (9-6) is tied for fifth at 4-5, and Northview (2-15) is 2-8 in the region. In 6-AAAAAA girls, Centennial and Chattahoochee are fourth and fifth and are on pace for a showdown in the region tournament. The winner will advance to state. Coming into Tuesday’s game at Chattahoochee, Centennial (10-7) was fourth in the region at 6-4, just ahead of the Lady Cougars (10-5) at 5-4. South Forsyth (9-0), North Forsyth (9-1) and West Forsyth (8-2) are 1-2-3 in the region standings. Johns Creek (8-9) is tied for sixth at 3-7, with Northview (611) scoring its first two region wins of the season last week, including a victory Saturday at Centennial. The Lady Titans trailed 18-5 after one period,

Senior Jordan Sloter scored his 1,000th career point for Cambridge in the Bears’ victory over Forsyth Central last week. Athletic Director Matt Lawless and head coach Chip Flemmer honored Sloter at the next home game, calling a timeout and making a presentation after his first made basket. As a tribute to his accomplishment, Sloter was presented the game ball from the Forsyth Central game. Sloter averaged 14.5 points per game his sophomore year, 16.5 points per game his junior year and is averaging 17.4 per game this year. but outscored Centennial 22-4 in the third quarter and held on for a 43-38 victory. Alpharetta (4-12) is 1-9 in region play. The Milton boys moved into a tie for second in 5-AAAAAA with wins last week over Roswell and Walton. The Eagles defeated Roswell 57-48 with Alex O’Connell and Chris Lewis scoring 14 points each and Jordan Burrows and Quarte Sapp scoring 12. Lewis had 20 points and Sapp scored on a late tie-breaking tip-in as the Eagles edged Walton 54-52 last Friday. Milton (9-7) is 7-2 in the region and tied with Pope behind state No. 1 Wheeler. The Eagles moved into a tie for second when Roswell (7-10) defeated Pope 54-51 Friday. The Hornets are seventh in the region at 3-5. Milton hosts Pope Friday night.

The Milton girls (3-11) are sixth in the region at 3-6, with Roswell (3-14) seventh at 2-6. Roswell won 36-35 last week at Milton. The Cambridge boys (7-10) defeated North Springs and Forsyth Central last week to tie Riverwood for first in 7-AAAAA South at 4-1. Jordan Sloter scored 19 points in a 60-53 victory Friday over Forsyth Central, and Emerson McClung contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Sloter had 17 points in a 76-46 victory over North Springs, with the Bears outscoring the Spartans 25-4 in the second quarter. The Cambridge girls (6-11) are in the middle of the pack in the region at 2-3. The Blessed Trinity boys went 3-0 last week, including a key 50-35 win Friday at Westminster, and lead their

Boys Tuesday, Jan. 13 • Milton 57, Roswell 48 • Alpharetta 89, Northview 52 • Chattahoochee 58, West Forsyth 53 • Centennial 54, Habersham Central 50 • Lambert 81, Johns Creek 70 • Cambridge 76, North Springs 46 • Blessed Trinity 54, Therrell 39 • St. Francis 76, King’s Ridge 36 • Walker 38, Fellowship 32 • White County 64, Mount Pisgah 48 Friday, Jan. 16 • Milton 54, Walton 52 • Roswell 54, Pope 51 • Alpharetta 76, West Forsyth 42 • Centennial 78, Northview 45 • Johns Creek 72, Habersham Central 67 • North Forsyth 75, Chattahoochee 64 • Cambridge 60, Forsyth Central 53 • Blessed Trinity 50, Westminster 35 • King’s Ridge 54, Walker 40 • Whitefield 72, Mount Pisgah 57 • South Gwinnett 60, Fellowship 42 Saturday, Jan. 17 • Centennial 44, Roswell 37 • Alpharetta 78, Johns Creek 72, OT • Cedar Shoals 62, Cambridge 51 • Blessed Trinity 53, Douglass 44 • Mount Pisgah 56, Paideia 53 4-AAA sub-region at 5-0.The Titans (14-2) have a big nonregion game at home Saturday

Girls Tuesday, Jan. 13 • Roswell 36, Milton 35 • Northview 47, Alpharetta 44 • Centennial 59, Habersham Central 29 • West Forsyth 55, Chattahoochee 33 • Lambert 54, Johns Creek 31 • Cambridge 34, North Springs 31 • Therrell 48, Blessed Trinity 46 • St. Francis 99, King’s Ridge 17 • Fellowship 40, Walker 24 • White County 40, Mount Pisgah 32 Friday, Jan. 16 • Northview 43, Centennial 38 • Habersham Central 55, Johns Creek 45 • North Forsyth 53, Chattahoochee 36 • West Forsyth 52, Alpharetta 20 • Walton 36, Milton 20 • Pope 62, Roswell 33 • Forsyth Central 46, Cambridge 33 • Westminster 58, Blessed Trinity 52 • Whitefield 39, Mount Pisgah 35 • Walker 57, King’s Ridge 28 Saturday, Jan. 17 • Centennial 48, Roswell 23 • Cedar Shoals 48, Cambridge 44 • Douglass 69, Blessed Trinity 67 • St. Francis 51, SW Atlanta Christian 42 • Mount Pisgah 43, Paideia 40 • Mount Paran 40, Fellowship Christian 32 against St. Pius. The BT girls

See RAIDERS, Page 37

COMMUNITY

Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 33 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Leaked: Councilman Sexton faces impeachment Continued from Page 1

Timeline of events

a letter from Sexton’s attorney, which said Sexton rejected the process and would not be • Dec. 16, 2014: Councilat the hearing. When asked, men have City Council Sexton said the hearing was meeting, discuss insurunconstitutional. ance policies. Later on Cumming Human Resourcthat night, city employes Director Phil Higgins said ees’ health insurance he provided the document to document is leaked on Sexton at his request in July social media. 2014. “In and around that time • Dec. 23, 2014: City period, we had been discussholds special called ing insurance and the annual meeting regarding renew rate we get from Georgia leaked document and Municipal Association,” said possible impeachment Higgins. “I felt it was OK to give of Councilman Rupert him this information.” Sexton. Votes to create Months went by after the investigatory panel. exchange, and Higgins didn’t • Jan. 13: Investigatory hear anything about his panel interviews Mayor document until Dec. 16, 2014, H. Ford Gravitt, CouncilKATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF when his wife told him it had man Lewis Ledbetter, The investigatory panel is comprised of City Attorney Dana Miles, former Forsyth County Commisbeen released on Facebook. Councilman Ralph Perry sioner Patrick Bell and Steve Page, a local businessman. “The minute I saw it, I said and Human Resources to my wife, my exact words Director Phil Higgins. were, ‘Oh my God, that’s my The panel decides to spreadsheet,’” said Higgins. efits’ Miles said. ton was trying to do with it. Sexton brought it up.” bring findings to City “Needless to say, I was ex“That was not a proper Both councilmen, along Sexton said that Gravitt’s Council Jan. 20. tremely concerned how my purpose for an executive seswith Gravitt, said they do statement was not correct and spreadsheet had gotten onto sion, and the executive session not use computers or Facewas way off base. this social media site. I had not was immediately adjourned,” book and the copies of the “They do have lifetime inshared it with anyone else.” he said documents they were given by surance, all employees do. You would have been used solely Resident Sexton Sexton are still in the original have to serve a minimum of 10 to fund Councilman Sexton’s David Milum did not seek places they were received. years,” said Sexton. “I offered wife.” was asked to add this Gravitt said that Sexton [another] option to the council Higgins said the reason for to attend proposal to wanted to get councilmen’s and that’s where everything the disparity was that Sexton’s the hearthe regular spouses on city-paid health went haywire.” wife was much younger than ing because meeting and retirement pension policy Sexton referenced the the other councilmen’s wives. he was the agenda, for lifetime, and that’s why policy which states, “the city of Sexton said it won’t cost person who Miles said. Sexton brought it up in the exCumming will pay 100 percent that much and that Higgins supposedly “Instead, ecutive session Dec. 16, 2014. of the cost of the retiree’s Medi- was untruthful when he made posted the Sexton “All this is about is insurcare Supplement Policy for the that statement. document on remarked ance,” said Gravitt. “I’d like retiree’s lifetime unless earlier The panel at the hearing Facebook. twice that to clarify one thing. Councilterminated by the retiree.” voted to bring a report to the He did not he was now man Sexton has insurance on Higgins said he had done City Council Jan. 20 to deterattend , but going to ‘do his spouse, so it’s no different some math about the proposal mine the next step. told media what he had from any other city employee that Sexton requested. If Sexton is impeached, the he did not to do,’” said or elected official. He has the “This amendment to the city charter states “the mayor know who Miles. “In same insurance as everybody retirement policy would have and council shall appoint a sent him the that same else does. Nobody has [lifecost the city about $1.8 qualified person to fill such email. evening, time insurance.] Nobody has million to fund that,” said vacancy until a special election Sexton an Excel questioned about that until Mr. Higgins. “$1.5 million of that is held.” said that he spreadsheet believes the containing document the financial is an open and health record and insurance therefore he informadid nothing tion on the CDAR Member • Swift Code: GMCBUS3A • www.metrocitybank.com wrong. city’s 139 PHIL HIGGINS Sexton employees Cumming Human Resources Director has also was posted denied reon social leasing the media.” information. Sexton defended himself At the hearing Miles said saying he had previously the issue came up about a emailed the document to MayAPY* APY* week after Sexton first brought or H. Ford Gravitt, Councilman up insurance coverage of Lewis Ledbetter and Council• Minimum $1,000 to open • Minimum $1,000 to open spouses at Dec. 16, 2014 exman Ralph Perry. • A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal • The rate may change after the account is opened ecutive session. All three admitted having • Fees may reduce the earnings on the account At that meeting Sexton received the insurance lists proposed to go into executive before the executive session. * APY = Annual Percentage Yield. *This rate is effective as of September 24, 2014 and subject to change without notice. session to discuss employee Ledbetter said Sexton benefits, said Miles. brought a copy of the insurAt that executive session, ance document to his office. Stay in control of your financials anywhere, anytime right from your mobile phone! Councilman Sexton requested “I was so interested in it Please contact any Customer Service Representative or visit any Metro City Bank branch for more details. a proposal to put councilmemI didn’t even look at it,” said All accounts subject to approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. bers’ wives on the county emLedbetter. Message and data fees may apply depending on your service provider. ployee rolls with no designated Perry said that Sexton came job duties, but for the purpose to his house with a copy, but of getting paid city health benhe never understood what Sex-

The minute I saw it, I said to my wife, my exact words were, ‘Oh my God, that’s my spreadsheet.’” Needless to say, I was extremely concerned how my spreadsheet had gotten onto this social media site. I had not shared it with anyone else.”

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SCHOOLS

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Mount Pisgah School dedicates $20M building By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The families that are the backbone of Mount Pisgah Christian School gathered Jan. 11 to celebrate the dedication of the spanking new Geier Hall, a 48,000-square-foot multipurpose building that will house the upper school (ninth through 12th grades). The original campaign was to raise $15 million over three years. Once it got started, school parents raised $20 million in something like 20 months, said fundraising cochairman Larry Payne. The student population is now at 1,050, but the goal is to have 1,200 students in K-12 grades. Head of School John D. Marshall welcomed parents and supporters and thanked them for making this latest addition possible. “It has been an almost unbelievable journey. This follows a three-year, $11 million sports complex campaign. So this is just tremendous,” Marshall said. There are still four more buildings on Pisgah School’s strategic master plan, which includes expanding the lower school class space. But for now, the school is basking in

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

In front, from left, are Mount Pisgah Christian School Project Manager Sonya Tablada, City Councilwoman Cori Davenport, Mayor Mike Bodker, MPCS Trustee Larry Payne, MPCS Head of School John Marshall, MPCS Board Chairman Doug Williams, City Councilman Bob Gray, City Councilman Steve Broadbent and Alpharetta City Councilman Jim Gilvin. In the second row are City Councilman Lenny Zaprowski, MPCS benefactor Diane Geier, MPCS benefactor Jay Geier, MPCS Trustee Jim Brady, MPCS Upper School Head Mary Ann Morris and MPCS benefactor Lori Payne. In the third row are Mount Pisgah UMC senior pastor Steve Wood and MPCS benefactor Dianne Williams. its latest accomplishment. A future building campaign will expand the lower school.

The school also plans a second gymnasium and a fine arts building to expand current

music and choral programs. It will also contain a black box theater for the drama program.

The Geier (pronounced GUY-yer) Hall expansion will allow the Pisgah middle school to occupy the former upper school space and will give upper school students 20 percent more space. Geier Hall will feature 48,000 square feet of academic space with more than 10,000 square feet of common area and collaborative spaces. A full dining room seating more than 400 and the Patriot Café will serve the students as well. The student commons has 5,200 square feet of multifunctional space including a 16-foot wall of glass. The space is easily transformed into assembly seating for 400 or a performance stage of 800 square feet. “We may not have made it to the Promised Land,” Marshall told parents at the dedication. “But to quote George Jefferson, we are movin’ on up.” School Board Chairman Doug Williams called it a “glorious day,” that many wondered whether it would ever come. “But it is a tremendous day for this school and its journey,” Williams said. If it was any one family’s

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day, it was that of Jay and Diane Geier. It was Jay Geier’s energy and drive that started the process in motion to get the drawing, then the architectural plans and the zoning. Through each step, the Geiers also wrote the checks, totaling $1 million. But Jay Geier said he and his wife were hesitant to let their name go on the building. “It took a lot of giving from a lot of people to make this all happen. But someone came to me several years ago, and told me I needed to give $1 million for this school,” Geier said. He said he was taken aback. Not the least of these reasons was he didn’t have $1 million. But a seed was planted. As time went on and the project seemed to stall, Geier stepped up to get the next phase going. “So someone else out there will come forward with a $1 million gift to the school. They don’t know it yet, but they will. And our name on this building could inspire them to come forward to have their name on the next one,” he said. The Geiers will have had children in the school for 18 years when their time is done. “That’s 48 tuition payments in parent years,” he said. “But it has been the best money we have ever spent.” Pisgah School senior Caroline Norman spoke at the ceremony to say what the school has meant to her. In the eighth grade, she applied to another private school but was not accepted. “I thought then that bigger was better,” Norman said. “So I stayed at Mount Pisgah. And then I learned that this is where I belonged and to take the opportunities here at Pisgah. “I saw it was God’s place for me, and that every student here has a place. That’s why I love it here.”

SCHOOLS

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 35

Geier Hall by the numbers Geier Hall has state-of-the-art technology capabilities and spaces where faculty, students and technology can come together. The expansion will also include: • Flexible spaces where • An 800-square-foot persmall groups can collaboformance stage for music rate on projects. and theater. • A chapel for the upper • An outdoor patio for eatand middle school stuing and green space for dents where they will be socializing and study. groomed to be the next • A media/learning center generation of Christian of 3,500 square feet. leaders. • 15 classrooms • A 5,000-square-foot din• 3 science labs ing hall with expanded • Total cost: $20 million in space, natural light and funds raised, plus $2 milmultiple food options. lion in foundation grants.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

PISGAH JUST GETTING STARTED: Less than a year ago, Geier Hall was just coming out of the ground, now it’s completed.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

The Geier family talks with a friend before the ceremonies.

The breakfast nook.

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

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36 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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Pinecrest seniors honored by Hispanic Heritage Foundation CUMMING, Ga. — Three Pinecrest Academy seniors were recognized at the 16th Annual Atlanta Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards at Georgia Tech on Nov. 18 by The Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Honored for their accomplishments in the classroom and in their community, Andres Rodriguez won the gold award in the business and entrepreneurship category, Natalie Mata won

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University of North Georgia DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Lisa Scott of Suwanee was recently inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Scott current attends the University of North Georgia pursuing a degree in history.

Georgia College MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Natalie Mau of Alpharetta was named a finalist for the Margaret Harvin Wilson Writing Award at Georgia College and State University. Mau read an excerpt from her work “The Garden” on Nov. 11 at the award ceremony. This award is granted annually to undergraduate students at Georgia College.

Hofstra University HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The following students graduated from Hofstra University in the class of 2014. Ohad Amram of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film studies and production. Paul Bruckner of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s of business administration degree in management.

Georgia Southern University STATESBORO, Ga. – Renee Nance of Alpharetta was named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team. Nance is a junior at Georgia Southern University.

BirminghamSouthern College BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mattie Gereben of Alpharetta has made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Birmingham Southern College. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must

the silver and Viviana Munguia won the bronze, also in the business and entrepreneurship category. A total of 21 Latino high school seniors from Atlanta were recognized at the annual event. The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit established in 1987 to inspire, prepare and connect minority leaders in the classroom, community and workforce.

earn a grade point average of 3.5 average on a 4.0 scale.

Valdosta State University VALDOSTA, Ga. – Natalie Ajamian of Roswell and Caitlyn Brown of Alpharetta both returned from the Czech Republic and Central Europe as part of Valdosta State University’s Summer Study Abroad Program. The trip included three weeks of seminars and lectures at the host institution Palacky University. Students earned up to nine hours of credit in psychology.

Northfield Mount Hermon MOUNT HERMON, Mass. – Nicholas Massoudi of Alpharetta graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon as a member of the 2014 graduating class.

American Hebrew Academy GREENSBORO, N.C. – Roland Rosenberg of Cumming was named to the American Hebrew Academy Dean’s Honor Roll for the 2014 fall trimester. Rosenberg maintained an average of 90 or higher and was one of 39 students to qualify for this achievement.

Messiah College MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – Meghan Boyle of Alpharetta has graduated from Messiah College with a degree in mathematics. Boyle was a member of the College Honors Program.

DeSales University CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Rebecca J. Ni of Duluth has made the Dean’s List at DeSales University. Ni is currently majoring in medical studies.

Harding University SEARCY, Ark. – The following local students recently gradu-

The honored seniors are, pictured from left to right, Natalie Mata, Andres Rodriguez and Viviana Munguia.

ated from Harding University. Brooke Tabor of Duluth received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Victoria Sams of Suwanee received a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Milton Park Jr. of Alpharetta made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Park is currently studying civil engineering.

Marquette University MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Emily Butler of Alpharetta made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Marquette University.

Centre College DANVILLE, Ky. – Jenny Connor, a graduate of King’s Ridge Christian School from Alpharetta, is a member of the Centre College graduating class of 2014. Connor, who received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is one of 325 students to graduate from Centre in 2014.

Mercer University MACON, Ga. – Mercer University recently celebrated over 1,900 new graduates including the following local students. Mohsina Hossain, Cumming, master’s degree in teaching; Emily Caton, Cumming, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Mary McCright, Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Alissa Gauger, Milton, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Sarah Tuell, Alpharetta, master’s degree in business administration; Christina Robinson, Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in applied science; Shannon Curtis, Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in social sciences; Kaitlyn Schmitt, Roswell, master’s degree in business administration; Dustin Bowen, Cumming, bachelor’s degree in

science; Alessia Jankowski, Roswell, bachelor’s degree in science; Alfred Kamczyc, Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in engineering; Paige Sforzo, Cumming, bachelor’s degree in engineering; Matthew Bone, Roswell, bachelor’s degree in business administration; Maaz Sheikh, Duluth, bachelor’s degree in science; and Kevin Alexander, Johns Creek, bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Columbus State University

Mercersburg Academy MERCERSBURG, Pa. – Clare Liss of Alpharetta and Erin Pak of Duluth were named to the fall Honor Roll at Mercersburg Academy. They both were named a commended scholar for having all grades of 85 and above.

Ga. Southwestern State University

GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Brian Pinion of Alpharetta displayed his graduate work at the High Museum in Atlanta for the Master in Interior Design Exhibition. Pinion has a master’s degree in interior design from Brenau University.

AMERICUS, Ga. – The following local students have recently graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University: Thomas Chapman, Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in business administration in management; Aniko Horne, Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in psychology; Crystal Neal, Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts; Deborah Obinwa, Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Amara Quddus, Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in accounting; and Cindy Ring, Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in accounting. In addition, the following local students made the fall 2014 Dean’s List at Georgia Southwestern State: Rachel Creagan of Roswell, Lindsey Fetner of Duluth, Katherine Hollingsworth of Roswell, Erin Quinn of Roswell, Amelia Cornell of Cumming and Amara Quddus of Suwanee. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or better and take a minimum 12 credit hours.

Berry College

Troy University

MOUNT BERRY, Ga. – Berry College recently celebrated 60 new fall 2014 graduates, including the following local students: Kelsey Campbell, Roswell, bachelor’s degree in communication; Richie Keezer, Roswell, bachelor’s degree in psychology; Lindsay Luckett, Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in accounting; and Eve Israel, Roswell, education specialist degree in educational leadership.

TROY, Ala. – The following local students graduated from Troy University following the fall 2014 semester. Tran Nguyen of Duluth graduated with a master’s of business administration degree in international business and Xi Wang of Alpharetta graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Christopher Barner and Daniela Volkovinsky, both of Alpharetta, graduated from Columbus State University after the 2014 spring semester.

Lincoln Memorial University HARROGATE, Tenn. – Brittany Jenkins of Alpharetta received the C.W. and Gladys T. Bradley Memorial Scholarship. Jenkins was among 264 students recognized at the Lincoln Memorial University Student Awards and Recognition Program.

Brenau University

See VARSITY, Page 37

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Varsity: Continued from Page 36

Virginia Military Institute

Library offers trial of foreign films service CUMMING, Ga. — Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) recently launched World Cinema, a free streaming service featuring foreign films and domestic films from Hollywood’s Golden Age. To celebrate the launch and to share information with patrons about accessing the service, the Post Road Library hosted a special screening of a classic Alfred Hitchcock film on Nov. 8. World Cinema is a new film collection provided by Infobase, a streaming video platform the library already uses to deliver non-fiction video clips, films and television. Because local library patrons are such strong users of Infobase materials, the company offered FCPL free trial service through June 2015. FCPL will collect statistics on usage of the streaming service, as well as feedback on the service and collection of films from patrons, and then determine if an ongoing subscription to World Cinema

Raiders: Continued from Page 32 (3-12) are 1-5 in region play. Region play does not directly impact state qualifiers in Class A, with the tournament field determined by power rankings. Both St. Francis teams are 4-0 in their 6-A sub-region with the boys 14-3 overall and the girls 12-1 after a 51-42 win Saturday at defending state champion Southwest Atlanta Christian. Both St. Francis

is warranted. “Many patrons have requested films in other languages, and there is definitely a local audience that enjoys foreign films, so we believe our patrons will like World Cinema,” said Linda Kelly, assistant director for materials. Users will have access to German, French, Japanese, Eastern European, Asian, British, African, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Latin American, Turkish and Middle Eastern films from such directors as Fritz Lang, Georges Melies, Jean Renoir, Akira Kurosawa, Alfred Hitchcock, Federico Fellini, Roberto Rossellini, Yilmaz Guney and Satyajit Ray. All foreign language films are accompanied by English subtitles. Films may be streamed with unlimited access and are compatible with iPad, PC, Mac and Android devices. For more information on World Cinema, please visit www.forsythpl.org. —Kathleen Sturgeon teams are ranked No. 1 in the state. The King’s Ridge boys (810) are third in the sub-region at 3-3, and Mount Pisgah (7-7) is tied for fourth at 2-3. Fellowship Christian (4-12) is 0-4 in region play. The Mount Pisgah girls (10-4) suffered their first sub-region loss last Friday at Whitefield Academy, and are second behind St. Francis at 4-1. Fellowship Christian’s girls’ team (9-5) is 2-2 in the sub-region and King’s Ridge is still looking for its first win in its first varsity season.

LEXINGTON, Va. – The following Virginia Military Institute cadets were recently named to the Dean’s List for the second semester of academic year 2013-2014. Garrett B. Manarin, Alpharetta, majoring in mechanical engineering; Robert L. Danielson, Duluth, majored in economics/business; and Matthew D. DeRito, Alpharetta, majoring in history/international studies.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

BATON ROUGE, La. – The following students were inducted into the Honor Society of Phi

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 21, 2015 | 37 Kappa Phi. Olivia La Selva of Cumming was initiated at Valdosta State University. Chelsea Lupica of Milton was initiated at DePaul University. Kristen Kennedy of Roswell was initiated at Mississippi State University. Shirley Middleton of Roswell was initiated at University of North Alabama. Melissa Morrison of Milton was initiated at University of South Alabama. Emily Ruggles of Alpharetta, Caroline Garner of Cumming and Lauren Still of Roswell were initiated at Auburn University.

Brenau University GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Rachel Elizabeth Lange of Alpharetta and Allison Leigh Smyth of Alpharetta both made the fall 2014 Dean’s List at Brenau University. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students

must maintain a GPA of 3.6 or better and take a minimum 15 credit hours. Also at Brenau, local students participated in the Gainesville Theatre Alliance production of “Oklahoma,” performed at the Hosch Theatre of the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts. Students from North Fulton and Forsyth included Caitlin Cavanaugh of Suwanee, Katie Keel of Johns Creek, Deirdre Kunze of Johns Creek, Sydney Rohrbaugh of Suwanee, Rebecca Martell of Cumming, Meredith Martin of Cumming and Amanda Willett of Cumming.

Tufts University MEDFORD, Mass. – Sahar Roodehchi of Cumming made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Tufts University. Dean’s List honors at Tufts University require a GPA of 3.4 or greater.

DEATH NOTICES Maria Grazia Albo, 62, of Cumming, passed away January 10, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. William E. Anastasio,Sr. , 78, of Roswell, passed away January 9, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Irmgard Appel, 86, of Cumming, passed away January 13, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Evelyn Crawford Cochran, 91, of Cumming, passed away January 7, 2015. Arrangements by James Tanner Conrad, 25, of Cumming, passed away January 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Frank Lester Danchetz, 66, of Gainesville, passed away January 6, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Jacquelin Gary, 68, of Cumming, passed away January 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Dennis Gibson, 64, of Cumming, passed away January 9, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

James Washburn Harrison, 78, of Cumming, passed away January 10, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Ronald Sharer, 66, of Alpharetta, passed away January 12, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Helen Haynes, 94, of Cumming, passed away January 13, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Dorothy Jean Smith, 70, of Cumming, passed away January 6, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Charles Wesley Holbrook, 65, of Cumming, passed January 13, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Dorothy Vallance, 71, of Alpharetta, passed away January 9, 2015. Arrangements

Richard Hunt, 57, of Cumming, passed away January 5, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Walter Glenn Kernel, 82, of Roswell, passed away January 12, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors. Carolyn Jo West, 79, of Roswell, passed away January 8, 2015. Arrangements by

Northside Directors.

Chapel

Funeral

Betty Jane Moore, 88, of Cumming, passed away January 10, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Edna Grace McBrayer Wheeler, 91, of Cumming, passed away January 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Josephine Quin, 85, of Cumming, passed away January 8, 2015. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Frank Culpepper Wood, 76, of Atlanta, passed away January 7, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

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40 | January 21, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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