Forsyth Herald - April 6, 2017

A p r i l 6 , 2 0 1 7 | Fo r s y t h H e r a l d . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 0 , N o . 1 4

New fire station cuts response time Fire Chief Danny Bowman, right, and County Manager Doug Derrer are present March 27 for the opening of Forsyth Fire Station No. 6. The new station is off Peachtree Parkway and will cut response time significantly in the area. Read more, Page 6.

109-acre Lanierland officially opens

Phase 1 boasts playground, turf fields, picnic pavilion and more ►►PAGE 7

Commissioners OK $100K Greenway fix Recent storm causes unexpected damage ►►PAGE 4

Seminar addresses domestic violence Task force talks to local faith leaders ►►PAGE 10

Reporter fights for transparency

We talk to Jessica Szilagyi for our Blackbox Special Report: Part IV ►►PAGE 12

Forsyth fights mock-emergency County, state agencies ready for future disasters ►►PAGE 13

Real Estate Report KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

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770-442-3278 | ForsythHerald.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 PUBLISHER Ray Appen EDITORIAL QUESTIONS:

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Brothers arrested for running Car thefts Fentanyl distribution business lead to multiDrugs mimic effects of illegal narcotics on body county chase

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PUBLIC SAFETY

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Two brothers were arrested March 20 after the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office found they were allegedly distributing drugs, including Fentanyl, a prescription opioid linked to many overdose deaths.

Zackary Christopher Berrong, 25, and Charles Trenton Berrong, 20, were arrested on three counts of possession of a schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a schedule IV controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of drug-related objects.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit along with federal agencies including the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration, executed a search warrant March 20 at 2060 Pinecrest Place in Cumming.

The search warrant was based on the suspicion of illegal drugs distributed out of the house. Due to safety concerns regarding Fentanyl and the

DUIS & DRUGS 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 ►► Byeong Gwan Park, 21 of Kelly Mill

Road, Cumming, was arrested March 21 on Peachtree Parkway for DUI, hit

risk of exposure to officers, a hazardous materials team responded to process the residence and located Fentanyl and illegal substances inside the residence.

The sheriff’s office said the brothers C. BERRONG were running a business where large quantities narcotics were being purchased and then redistributed to customers via an online business.

In addition to Fentanyl, the sheriff’s office located other controlled substances Z. BERRONG and non-controlled substances, commonly referred to as “research chemicals.” These chemicals mimic the effects illegal narcotics have in the body, and while some are legal to possess, all are not meant for human consumption, according to the sheriff’s office. The other illegal narcotics located within the residence, most in powder form, were LSD, Cathinone, Diazepam and Butylone.

and run and following too closely. ►► Rebekah Jordan Connolly, 25 of Bannister Park Lane, was arrested March 19 on East Main Street for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Braden Charles James, 27 of Glenwood Way, Stockbridge, was arrested March 20 on McFarland Parkway for DUI and driving with a suspended or cancelled license.

See ARRESTS, Page 29

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After allegedly stealing two cars and leading law enforcement on a chase into Fulton County, two teens were arrested March 27.

Seymour Demetrius Prather, 18 of Stockbridge, and Darnell PRATHER Cedric Pressley, 19 of Atlanta, were arrested on multiple charges including theft of auto and entering autos.

A third suspect was involved but reportedly got away.

Deputies responded March 26 to the Shake Rag Farms subdivision PRESSLEY on a theft in progress call. When they arrived, they immediately engaged Prather and Pressley.

Pressley reportedly was in a stolen car driving out of the neighborhood when deputies spotted him.

A chase then ensued into Johns Creek where Pressley reportedly crashed the car, got out and ran on foot into a creek area. He was apprehended quickly and transported to the Forsyth County Jail. He will face additional charges in Johns Creek.

At the same time, a second chase was occurring when Prather reportedly was attempting to leave in another stolen car.

Prather reportedly became lost in the neighborhood, ran over mailboxes, eventually abandoning the car and fleeing on foot. He was arrested on Old Atlanta Road by a deputy patrolling the area.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 3

Cataract surgery and the newest Symfony Lens Implant

See the Blooms Clearly!

By Dr. Samir Vira

Cataract surgery has become a very safe and refined procedure with over 3 million Americans undergoing the surgery every year. With advancements in technology over the last 20 years, the surgery can now be performed with mild sedation in about 10-15 minutes. Not only has the procedure become sophisticated, but the lens technology used to correct patients’ vision has evolved also. In the past, patients were simply offered standard Samir Vira, M.D. intraocular lens implants and were instructed Cataract & Refractive to obtain new bifocal glasses after surgery.

Surgeon However, with the advent of astigmatism-correcting and multifocal lens implants, patients are now able to see clearly with independence from glasses.

Presbyopia is a natural aging process of the eye whereby an individual loses his or her ability to see things up close beginning in the mid 40s. This occurs due to the natural loss of flexibility of the lens, and you will require the need of reading or bifocal glasses or contact lenses for your near visual tasks. Presbyopia-correcting lens implants have emerged to match the needs for your near vision. Unlike bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, these lens implants are inserted into your eye and do not require any additional care.

Several presbyopia-correcting lens implants, including accommodative and multifocal implants, have been developed over the last 10-15 years.

However, both categories of implants have their limitations. Accommodative implants do not provide adequate near vision for most individuals and still require the need for reading glasses. Multifocal implants usually provide good vision for intermediate and near tasks, such as working on the computer or reading a book; however, patients may experience glare or halos while driving, especially at night. Additionally, these implants do not correct astigmatism.

The newest presbyopic-correcting lens implant that received FDA approval in July 2016 is the Tecnis Symfony lens implant. This implant, categorized as the only “Extended Depth of Focus” implant, not only will give a broad range of vision from distance to near for patients but also improve the quality of their vision. The Symfony implant has been engineered to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations of the eye. These aberrations can diminish an individual’s image quality despite a normal and good surgical outcome. By reducing these aberrations, the Symfony implant will improve the quality of a patient’s vision. Furthermore, with a reduced incidence of glare and halos with this implant, patients are more likely to be satisfied with their visual outcomes. The Symfony implant is also available for astigmatic correction, unlike the previous multifocal implants, in the United States.

With the advent of this newest Symfony lens implant, patients can now have the most customized results, based on their visual needs and desire to have freedom from glasses.

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County spends $100K to fix Greenway damage Local Service

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Recent storm closed portion of pathway

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After a recent storm brought a tree down onto a portion of the Big Creek Greenway boardwalk, the county has decided to pay $107,000 for repairs.

The mid-March storm closed down the pathway between mile 6.1 and 6.2 located just south of the Bethelview Road Trailhead. The trailhead remains open to the public, and patrons can travel north toward Kelly Mill Road.

On March 29, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved $107,353 for emergency repairs from risk management funding.

The updates should take 10 days, according to Procurement Director Donna Kukarola.

“There is a little over 114 feet that

The damage is between mile 6.1 and 6.2 of the Greenway. need to be repaired and the tree needs to be removed,” Kukarola said. “There is a contingency in place because it is

Also at the meeting: • The board approved Deputy County Manager Tim Merritt as interim county manager during the recruitment process for the spot.

• The board voted unanimously to initiate a county initiated zoning for a Conditional Use Permit for Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, LLC, 5895 Shiloh Road • Board approved four changes to the county’s Unified Development Code to go to a public hearing • Board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with Sports Warehouse

damaged, so if they take the boards down, they don’t know what they might find. We are hopeful they will be able to reuse some of the posts.”

Park rangers have been at the location to stop people from walking over the damaged boardwalk.

“Park rangers have been out giving tickets,” Kukarola said. “We’re having difficulties now. People with their families and children are climbing over the tree. We’ve put up fences and signs, but they’re walking around them.”

For up-to-date information, contact Parks and Recreation directly at 770781-2215 or visit forsythco.com/parks.

Former Roswell councilman indicted on 15 child sex charges Counts include sexual exploitation, furnishing alcohol to a minor

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The DeKalb County Grand Jury has formally indicted former Roswell Councilman Kent Igleheart

on 15 counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Igleheart was jailed in DeKalb County March 28 after his indictment.

Igleheart, 54, was out on bail following his arrest Oct. 20, 2016 after a sting investigation by the DeKalb County Police Special Victims Unit. He was accused of inappropriate relations

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with a 17-year-old female.

According to detectives, Igleheart had maintained an online relationship with the girl since February 2014 when she was 13-years-old. During that timeframe, IGLEHEART Igleheart allegedly exchanged nude photos and engaged in inappropriate conversations with the girl.

Only a few days after his arrest, Igleheart formally announced his resignation Oct. 31 from the Roswell City Council, the same day that he was bonded out of jail for $30,000.

A special election was held March 21 for his vacated Post 4 seat, but it failed to yield a majority winner. A runoff between the top two candidates, Marie Willsey and Lori Henry, will be held April 18.

NEWS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 5

Commissioners, planning commission discuss comprehensive plan Joint meeting airs concerns, questions

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Multiple county agencies, including the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission and Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, came together March 29 to discuss the Comprehensive Plan.

The group mulled over residents’ suggestions and concerns about future planning in one of the fastest growing counties in the country.

The 2017-37 plan, which serves as the county’s long-term policy guide and strategy for future growth and development and identifies how the county and its residents would like to see Forsyth evolve over time. It includes guidance for future development, identifying priorities for the near future and a fiveyear action plan to set everything in motion. The four areas of focus are land use, economic development, housing and transportation.

This joint meeting gave another look into the plan, which could be adopted within the next few months. The plan is

in the fifth and final phase of a process before submittal to the state, according to senior planner for Jacobs Engineering Allison Stewart-Harris.

The suggested changes will be reviewed and updated before being brought back to the board again April 13.

For over a year, various meetings, public hearings, work sessions and information gatherings have been held for the community and county officials to air concerns.

The county saw the draft of the plan in September 2016 and it hasn’t changed since then, Stewart-Harris said.

A number of changes have been discussed, but the plan itself hasn’t been altered, according to Eric Bosman with Kimley-Horn and Associates planning group.

He said the land use component of the plan was structured around the community character maps that were built last summer. Based on the history of the county and the variety of locations, there are 11 character areas. The areas, identified by the community, are broken down into McFarland, South Ga. 400, Big Creek, Haw Creek, Lanier, Vickery Creek, Campground, North Ga.

We were hearing from the public that in the past, the comprehensive land use plan treated the county as one big place rather than recognize the variety of communities and history that makes up Forsyth County.”

ERIC BOSMAN Kimley-Horn and Associates planning group 400, Chestatee/Jot-Em-Down, Etowah and Sawnee Mountain.

“We were hearing from the public that in the past, the comprehensive land use plan treated the county as one big place rather than recognize the variety of communities and history that

makes up Forsyth County,” Bosman said. “The new comprehensive plan is actually structured very differently.

Rather than character areas in corridors, they are based on regional nodes.”

The planning commission reviewed the document and had about 60-70 edits and changes, Bosman said. The board of commissioners went through the edits and many were accepted.

Some edits included the McFarland node expanding, the South Ga. 400 node being reduced a bit and Haw Creek and Lanier changed in terms of boundaries.

Some suggestions included creating community areas or town centers much like Crabapple in Milton. But others disagreed and said Milton has surrounding cities like Alpharetta and Roswell to help.

“Town centers are one of the things people kept saying they wanted,” said county resident Mary Helen McGruder.

“They want a place to gather, a sense of community and somewhere to go with their children as a family. We all want that. The areas that have it successfully have density. You can’t have retail without rooftops. It doesn’t have to be scattered, but we need to have provisions for density.”

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County officials officially uncouple a fire hose, marking the station’s opening.

Forsyth Fire Station No. 6 opens off Peachtree Parkway New station will cut response time

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — If there was ever a location that needed a fire station, Peachtree Parkway is the place, according to Fire Chief Danny Bowman.

And now, Forsyth County fire Station No. 6 is open there as of March 27.

“Within recent memory, State Route 141 later designated Peachtree Parkway, was just a two-lane road connecting south Forsyth County to north Fulton County,” Bowman said.

“Over time the corridor blossomed with beautiful subdivisions and commercial development.”

The next closest stations to the community are five miles away, No. 10 on Old Atlanta Road and No. 2 next to Fowler Park. Those had a response time to the area averaging 8-10 minutes.

Now, there is the new station with four stalls. It was funded through a combination of SPLOST VI funds and impact fees. Bowman said it is expected to receive at least 12-14 emergency calls every day. Additionally, an emergency call box will be at the front of the station for public use.

In 2013, two residents, Kristen Morrissey and Jack Gleason saw a need for a station in the area. They went to fire headquarters to seek a new station in the southern part of the county. Gleason passed away last year, so a dedication bench and butterfly garden will be at the station in his memory.

“To understand how the concept for this fire station began, you must visualize Jack Gleason,” Bowman said.

“Originally from New York, Jack stood well over six-foot tall and had shoulders as wide as a grizzly and a kind heart just as big. With his clinched fist to make a point, he and Mrs. Morris-

sey made a point to me that they had located the perfect community to build the fire station in an area known as Caney Creek.”

The land was available for purchase from a local couple’s estate, so the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners agreed to buy the space.

“The results of four years of effort stand before you today,” Bowman said.

“The fire station is built to standards to stand 50 or more years.”

District 2 Commissioner Rick Swope, in whose district the new facility is located, said he’s visited many cities in the state, but this new station is the best-looking one he’s seen.

“As a longtime resident of Forsyth County, I have a great appreciation for the dedication and effectiveness of our fire service. I believe we have one of the best emergency response teams in the country,” Swope said. “The work these men and women do makes us all safer, and I’m excited to welcome Fire Station 6 to District 2.”

But the work isn’t done. In the near future, Caney Road will be realigned.

The intersection will be improved and built to modern standards with its own traffic signal.

“Fire Station No. 6 at Caney Creek is hereby established as a place of safety in this beautiful community,” Bowman said. “Should you ever feel threatened, lost or afraid, you come here first. You will be protected until the appropriate authorities arrive. We look forward to being woven into the fabric of this beautiful and vibrant community.”

Since 2005, Forsyth County has constructed a number of replacement fire stations as aging structures outlived their life expectancy, addressing the needs of a growing community and fire department. Fire Station No. 6, however, is the first new station built since 1999. The department has 13 fire stations, and naming the new facility Station No. 6 fills a gap in the facilities’ numbering.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 7

Children play on the newly installed playground.

PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Lanierland Park opens to community 109-acre park has four fields, playground and pavilions

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

From left, North Forsyth High School student JoAnn Ahn with Distict 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills and County Manager Doug Derrer celebrate the park opening.

This park and its amenities will make a tremendous impact on the Chestatee community.”

Her family, including her granddaughter, joined her at the ribbon cutting.

“This is what parks are for,” Mills said. “They’re for families, memories and the future of our county. A park means so much to a community and is so important. I’m thankful we have a county that provides opportunities for all children.”

North Forsyth High School Football Coach Robert Craft has lived in the county for about a year and said his team will use the fields.

“I can tell you from visiting other counties in the state of Georgia, the commitment here by Forsyth County is astonishing in what’s put back for our young people,” Craft said. “The future for us is extremely bright as we look at the facilities our kids are going to have.”

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In the same spot which once held the county’s music park, crowds will soon return to the Jot-Em-Down Road area of North Forsyth to visit Lanierland Park.

The 109-acre park officially opened March 29, and Phase 1 offers four rectangular synthetic turf fields, four picnic pavilions, a playground, restroom, concession facilities and parking.

Future plans include a recreation center and trails. About 90-acres is active park and 19-acres is greenspace.

The project was funded by impact fees and the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by voters in 2008, with construction costing just over $9 million.

The county purchased the land in 2009 with funds from the bond. Prior to the county’s purchase, it was the site of Lanierland Music Park which closed in 2006.

District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills, whose district includes the new park, said she is thankful she was part of the history of the area as she grew up in the community.

“For 36 years, Lanierland Music Park gave back to the community by providing the best in the field of country entertainers,” Mills said. “Generations grew up here making memories and spending quality time together and, with this new park, I hope that continues. Lanierland Park has been years in the making, and I would like to thank everyone involved – from the community to the Parks and Recreation Board to my fellow commissioners.

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8 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

OPINION

Unity Garden at Chattahoochee Nature Center gives gift of health Garden-fresh vegetables for needy grown for N.F. Community Charities You never know what you will learn if you get out of your comfort zone and see what other people are doing.

For instance, I happened to take a trip over to the Chattahoochee HATCHER HURD Nature Center’s Executive Editor hatcher@appenmediagroup.com annual native plant sale and found a lot more than just plants.

For instance, did you know most produce in grocery stores is picked two weeks earlier? And that means those vegetables lose over ¾ of their nutritional value? That was gospel from Unity Garden Coordinator Traci Nitti.

I stumbled onto the Unity Garden right next to the CNC plant sale. The Unity Garden is a 10,000-square-foot urban farm established in 2010 with a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for donation to the North Fulton Community Charities’ food pantry.

Nitti can give you chapter and verse on the perks home-grown food has over the supermarkets’ fare.

Locally grown produce improves the quality and nutritional value of our food and reduces the negative impacts on our environment, she said. It has a smaller carbon footprint due to shorter transportation time on the road. And

Last days of CNC Native Plant Sale What: Georgia native plant sale When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 8, 9 Where: 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Why: Proceeds benefit North Fulton Charities: Unity Garden

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Kathy Davenport, left, and Unity Garden Manager Julie Hollingsworth Hogg talk about plants at the Chattahoochee Nature Center plant sale. of course that means the produce is fresher and more nutritious.

Nitti and her volunteers can get as many as three harvests a season. Since the first harvest in 2010, the Unity Garden has produced more than 27 tons (54,000 pounds!) of healthy, locally

grown food, as well as many bushels of fresh culinary herbs for families who often have trouble feeding their children balanced meals.

“We are adding cultural and ethnic plants to the garden next year as well,” Nitt said.

The Unity Garden is a learning experience to the thousands of Fulton County students who tour the Chattahoochee Nature Center every year. In addition to learning about Georgia’s native animals and flora and the balance of nature, they see the value of growing their own food.

She also uses the Unity Garden to teach visiting students ways to tend gardens without relying on toxic pesticides.

“Most bugs are part of the balance of nature. They provide pollination and help plants by eating the harmful insects,” she said. The little lady bug is one of those guardians for us. They feast on aphids and other ‘bad’ insects.”

One lady bug can eat 5,000 aphids in its lifetime and it won’t contaminate the vegetables you are trying to protect.

You can see the Unity Garden and catch the last weekend of the Nature Center’s annual Native Plant Sale this weekend.

For questions about the Unity Garden, contact Tricia Nitti at t.nitti@chattnaturecenter.org.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Murder-suicide doesn’t tell real story Deeper tragedy goes unanswered The Herald recently ran the story of the 61-year-old woman who shot her 37-year-old mentally impaired daughter in an Alpharetta hotel and then turned the gun on herself.

I do not have all the details regarding this incident yet, but calling it a murder-suicide is so very wrong, because there is so much more to the story.

The individuals involved were a mother and daughter, the mother in her mid-60s and the daughter in her 30s. The daughter was profoundly disabled.

This is a tragic failure, and so very painful to imagine what drove this mother to think that this was her only means of escape.

There is more than enough blame to go around.

Until this incident, the mother and child were invisible to us – just like most other families caring for a family member with a disability, Because of the social and physical architecture of our community, these families are left in a dark cor-

ner of the room. They do not have the time, energy or resources to advocate for themselves or coalesce into a political bloc that would finally draw the interest of elected and appointed officials.

I, we, need to find better ways to articulate their reality – something that resonates with the rest of the community. We never again want to hear the words, “No interest.”

Families fracture and friends disappear within a very short span of time when a child is born with or acquires a disability. I hear the words “lonely” and “silence” over and over again from parents new to the North Metro Miracle League.

I have to admit the formation of social networks and support groups was an unexpected consequence when we started the Miracle League in 2001.

But now, 16 years later, it is one of our primary goals.

What happened a few days ago hurts. Can the Miracle League and other groups with a parallel mission of helping disable children keep this from happening again?

No, but if we stop just one tragedy, it’s a beginning. Let’s commit to the work ahead.

At this point the Miracle League does not have a formal crisis response/intervention program other than facilitating relationships among Miracle League families that share a common reality.

These personal relationships and social networks are our crisis response teams.

It is time for us to recognize the need and find a way to address that need.

When a parent like the mother in the room starts to spiral into a very dark place there needs to be someone to turn to.

What do we do if the Miracle League is a desperate parent’s first point of contact? And what could a trained Miracle League parent do if added to a formal response team?

Could that parent add an element of empathy and understanding that might make a difference? We have work to do. All of us.

– John P. McLaughlin Executive director, North Fulton Miracle League

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COUNTY BRIEFS Submit your news!

Visit NewsLink.NorthFulton.com to learn more or call 770-442-3278

County website allows for direct communication from commissioners FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.— As a way for Forsyth County citizens to hear directly from their district commissioners, a new feature has been launched on the Forsyth County government website.

The new feature enables each of the county’s five commissioners to post information specifically about their district.

The information posted by each commissioner can be found on his or her district pages, each of which is accessible via a direct URL: • forsythco.com/District1 • forsythco.com/District2 • forsythco.com/District3 • forsythco.com/District4 • forsythco.com/District5 The Forsyth County website – forsythco.com – serves as the central source of information about the county government.

Vietnam Veterans of America scholarship deadline April 15

CUMMING, Ga.—The Cumming Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America is reminding Forsyth County High School Seniors that applications for their second annual $1,500 scholarships cannot be postmarked later than April 15 to be considered. This application is available at all Forsyth public and private schools and is available to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of US Military veterans. For more information call Marty Farrell at 770-5007234.

Northside offers free cardiovascular screening FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Northside Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute will be offering a free cardiovascular screening at Northside Forsyth on April 22.

The screening will determine risk for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. The screening will be administered by health care professionals and will include risk assessment, blood pressure reading, total cholesterol, glucose testing, BMI analysis and a oneon-one with a healthcare professional.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 9

Northside Forsyth is located at 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, in the Education center on the third floor.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is required. Call 404-851-6550 to schedule an appointment.

Post Road Library hosts Polynesian Hula Party FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.— Families enjoying a staycation at home during spring break will have two opportunities to experience Polynesian culture at the Post Road Library.

The library will host a Polynesian Hula Party on Sunday, April 9 at 1:45 p.m.

Professionals from Atlanta Hula Dance will demonstrate several styles of Polynesian dance accompanied by traditional percussion instruments.

The performance is expected to teach patrons about the movements and the stories told through dance in the Hawaiian, Samoan and Tahitian traditions. Then, patrons can try a few hula moves of their own.

Following the interactive dance demonstration, patrons can sample Polynesian treats and children can make Polynesian-themed crafts. No registration is required, however, space is limited, arrive early.

The tower is opening in April at Sawnee Mountain Preserve.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve unveils climbing tower FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A climbing tower is scheduled to open in April at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve and will be used for camps, group programs, birthday parties and individual climbing.

The tower allows for top-rope climbing, lead climbing and rappelling. There are multiple routes ranging in heights from 32 to 38 feet. The tower has 2,208 square feet of climbing area and can accommodate up to 10 climbers and two rappel participants at one time.

Beginning on Saturdays in August, the tower will play host to belay clinics and climbing programs.

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10 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Faith leaders learn about domestic violence Forsyth County Domestic Violence Task Force holds learning session

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Victims of domestic violence often turn to their religion for guidance, giving those who lead religious centers an important role in helping. But, sometimes those leaders may not know how to help.

So to give them more information, the Forsyth County Domestic Violence Task Force held a seminar March 31 to provide facts, ways to assist congregation members and information on resources in the county.

Michelle Toledo Cainas, Forsyth County Domestic Violence Task Force co-chair, said the training gives the leaders a better understand of the violence so they have the tools to help the survivors.

“A lot of the survivors have faith and believe in religion,” Cainas said.

“So they go to their church first seeking help before law enforcement or safe house programs. We want to ensure our faith leaders understand there is a difference between marital disagreements and family abuse.”

The seminar taught the leaders to

P R O M

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

The Domestic Violence Faith Breakfast teaches community leaders how to address domestic violence in congregations. look for warning signs like jealousy, insults and someone frequently absent at work, school or social occasions.

Advice was given on how to do safety planning with church members and their children.

Cainas talked about how faith communities can hold educational sessions to teach members the warning signs and what to do if they need help. She also talked about how important it is to support local shelters through collecting items and setting up emergency funds for victims.

The event was packed with representatives of all faiths in attendance.

“This opens the door for a conversation,” Cainas said. “For a lot of people back in the day, we had a stigma of this is a family problem and you have to deal with it at home. Or you go to the church and do couple’s counseling.

This event shows this is a reality and is happening. The more we speak against it, hopefully our statistics will drop.”

Currently, Georgia ranks eighth in the nation for men killing women. In 2016, there were 121 domestic violence

related deaths. From October 2015 to September 2016, 53,414 crisis line calls were answered.

In Forsyth County, six domestic violence deaths occurred from 2012-16.

The nonprofit Family Haven of Forsyth served 215 families in 2015. Also, 355 protective orders were filed in 2016 and 311 in 2015 in the county.

Family Haven Executive Director Shandra Dawkins said 95 percent of the women who walk through domestic violence shelter doors are religious.

“It’s important to remember your connection with those victims and children is so vitally important,” Dawkins said. “So often they feel the church has turned a blind eye toward them. So it’s important you embrace, honor and celebrate them.”

Often, when one person is being victimized and the other isn’t, it’s about control, she said.

“When a woman speaks out, she’s doing the most courageous thing in the world,” Dawkins said. “It’s so important you have her back as God has our back.”

The taskforce meets at 4 p.m. every Thursday at United Way, 240 Elm Street. Find out more information at facebook.com/FCDVTF.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 11

Forsyth Board of Commissioners recognizes Randy and Sandra Tallant.

Forsyth Board of Commissioners recognizes employees FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — At the March 16 meeting of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, two Forsyth County government employees were recognized by the board for their service. The board recognized Forsyth County Property Appraiser Supervisor with the Tax Assessor’s Office Randy Tallant for his upcoming retirement. Commissioners thanked Tallant for his 36 years with the county.

Forsyth County Administrative Specialist, Senior with Engineering Sandra Tallant was recognized by the board for her upcoming retirement. Commissioners thanked Tallant for her 15 years with the county.

Blues & Q supports Forsyth foster children CUMMING , Ga. — Blues & Q is an annual BBQ and music event that raises funds to help local families to provide homes for foster children. Sponsored by the Forsyth County Community Connection, this year’s event will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 22 at the Kinsey Family Farm, 7170 Jot-em Down Road.

Many Forsyth County foster children must be located in other areas of

the state because of the lack of foster homes in their own county.

Blues & Q is co-sponsored by Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-b-que and the Kinsey Family Farm. It will feature music by the Past Tells, a bourbon bar, auction and a raffle for prizes.

Registration information can be found on Community Connection website.

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BLACKBOX SPECIAL REPORT: PART IV

Journalism under attack: Georgia

Open records requests met with stonewalling Jessica Szilagyi of AllOnGeorgia says ‘there is a war on transparency’

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com Though Georgia’s Sunshine Laws are designed to provide for a more transparent government, often city and county governments will stonewall open records requests for information they would rather not reSZILAGYI lease, says AllOnGeorgia reporter Jessica Szilagyi.

Szilagyi, a graduate of Roswell’s Centennial High, has become a goto voice for readers seeking in-depth coverage of government and politics in South Georgia working with AllOnGeorgia, GeorgiaPol.com and her blog, The Perspicacious Conservative. She is also a contributor on Fox5 Atlanta.

Szilagyi often “comes up to bat” to seek open records for her news outlets, and often she says, she is met with stonewalling with some agencies charging thousands of dollars for open records or attempts to discredit her as a reporter.

“There are more places that stonewall you than are willing to give you the information. It’s almost always for their beneficial reason, not out of ignorance,” she said.

“They don’t always think that I’m somebody that’s going to stay on it and they think that a price can deter the digging,” she said. “I’ve repeatedly had

Note to the editor Thanks for the insightful article “Pentagon Papers to Watergate to WikiLeaks” in The Herald. While I am not a fan of “anonymous” sources, your story gave me a better appreciation of the role they might play. Hopefully they won’t be used without careful verification.

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Szilagyi was instrumental in keeping the public informed during a controversial city hall acquisition in Reidsville, Ga.

Read Parts I thru III of Journalism under attack: Georgia by visiting NorthFulton. com/blackbox people charge me exorbitant amounts.”

When requesting documents from Claxton, Szilagyi was charged for 100 hours worth of work to pull salaries and job description for 25 employees.

The cost was over $1,000.

When requesting open records from Valdosta State University, which is subject to most open records laws as a public institution, Szilagyi was charged over $7,000. The charge for the retrieval of the records was only $400 but an attorney review of the records came with a $4,000 price tag.

This huge price point came from a simple request by a professor at the university seeking his own personnel file.

“From every size city, county and schools, they are the same,” Szilagyi said.

In addition to monetary stonewalling, Szilagyi also encounters those who try to discredit her as a reporter.

“When a city or county is stonewalling open records requests, the first thing they are going to do is to discredit the cause you are looking into because they want to paint you as a liar. ‘She’s just trying to find problems and stirring the pot’ they seem to feel.”

“The biggest thing I get is ‘oh you’re not a real journalist, you’re just a blogger.’ But it’s my full-time job and I make a living out of it,” she said.

Though her efforts are sometimes

Jessica Szilagyi with pecan grower and former County Commission candidate Kyle Durrence of Reidsville discuss the local political climate at his pecan packing plant, Durden Pecan. discredited, Szilagyi and her work are vital to keeping the public informed.

Szilagyi was integral in keeping Reidsville (Tatnall County) residents informed of the city’s purchase of a new city hall amid controversy surrounding the purchase.

The city hall, which had a high mark-up in price compared to surrounding buildings, was purchased from the city attorney, raising plenty questions of legality by citizens.

“I built those stories over the course of many months and just kept pounding away at [city staff]. The community was fully engaged and wondering what was next. From them I started to receive tips and information,” she said.

And though many open records are now available online, Szilagyi said it does not necessarily equal transparency and is still up to journalists to keep the public informed when the public can’t make right or left of most documents.

“I love cities that have information online but when you start getting into other documents like a budget, people don’t know what they are looking at.

So while the digital age can be great use for a city saying how transparent it is, most people don’t understand what those documents mean or don’t have time to sift through a budget or whatever it may be. Sometimes I think it’s a shield for getting praise when you really haven’t done anything to help inform anyone. That’d be my cynical view,” she said.

“I thought at first it would be the cities that were more technologically advanced that would be more open but that’s not always the case. And It’s across all sizes and demographics of public institutions. There are a lot of loopholes within the Sunshine Laws,” Szilagyi said. “There are about 28 exemptions dealing with why they would not have to be provided and some of them are not clear.”

COMMUNITY

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 13

County, state agencies test emergency efforts Mock-disaster helps departments prepare for future events

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Local and state emergency response agencies had their hands full March 30 in an exercise designed to save lives in the case of a real threat.

The scenario included widespread devastation from an imaginary Hurricane Allen, which made its way up the Georgia coast last week. A residual tornado devastated Forsyth County causing multiple local and state agencies to assemble to help the public.

However, there was no hurricane or tornado. Instead, this was all part of the Georgia National Guard’s Vigi-

PHOTO COURTESY FORSYTH COUNTY

The commodity distribution is a joint exercise with the Georgia Army National Guard and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to hand out supplies to those in need.

lant Guard. The county’s emergency management agency, along with the sheriff’s office, health department, fire department and others participated in the mock-disaster drill.

An emergency command center is established for the agencies to play-out how they would react to the situation in reality.

The statewide event is performed by more than 30 counties that act out the scenario in real-time, according to the county Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Chris Grimes. The practice is funded by the local agencies.

Forsyth is one of a handful of interior counties asked to partake.

“Hurricane Allen hit the coast of Georgia as a category three hurricane,” Grimes said. “It then came north throughout the state. The way hurricanes work, the right hand side of where it hit generally sees the most severe weather. The track took it to us and a tornado spinoff hit Forsyth County.”

While hurricanes weaken as they head north, Grimes said you should still anticipate severe weather.

“We wanted to exercise our recovery piece of our response plan,” Grimes said. “As part of that, we are exercising opening a Red Cross shelter and a commodity distribution center. If we ever had a large scale event where we had to give out MREs or bottled water, we are exercising that as part of the scenario.”

Planning took roughly six months including multiple meetings with the National Guard to learn about the Vigilant Guard implementation.

“Vigilant Guard in itself is a National Guard exercise,” Grimes said.

“They partner with different states

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The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deputies inspect the area of damage. throughout the years, and Georgia is one this year. State National Guard folks from other agencies are participating as well, not just from Georgia.”

The county called on its emergency contacts at the various local and statewide agencies to help participate.

These are the same groups that would respond to a real emergency, so it gives everyone practice and a chance to meet in a calm environment.

One of the groups is the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross, including Disaster Program Manager Michael Riemann and Government Operations Leader Dorothy Jubon. The Red Cross set up a shelter at the Freedom Tabernacle Church.

“We are coordinating how we will do things in the event of some kind of destruction,” Riemann said. “We would set up a shelter here to take care of

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This practice gives everyone involved a chance to put faces with names before an actual emergency, Jubon said.

“Forsyth County is very forward thinking,” Riemann said. “It’s a pleasure to work with these folks throughout the county. They have great facilities and good planning.”

The county has an all-hazards approach where similar scenarios are played out that can be applied to multiple tragedies, Grimes said.

“We never know when the next disaster will hit,” Grimes said. “We want to try our best to protect our citizens and make sure Forsyth County, the city of Cumming and all public safety is ready to respond. We are able to practice one piece of our plan so if this happens in the future, we are prepared.”

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Braves exec ‘puttin’ on the Ritz’ for SunTrust Park GNFCC members hear all about Braves in Cobb

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga.— Trey Workman, the Atlanta Braves’ director of corporate partnerships, was on a roll as he sang the praises for SunTrust Park to a full house at the March 27 Greater North Fulton Chamber Breakfast.

With the opening of SunTrust Park days away, Workman promised much more than mere Major League Baseball. We are talking about the Braves Experience.

As much as Workman glowed about the new 41,000-seat home of the Atlanta Braves getting ready in Cobb County, he was equally enthusiastic about The Battery Atlanta, the 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development that wraps around the park.

Located in the Cumberland area of Cobb at I-75 and I-285, SunTrust Park flows directly into The Battery Atlanta.

The Battery features boutique shops and chef-driven restaurants. Other amenities include, an Omni Hotel and The Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre. There are 550 apartment units in The Battery as

well.

Inside the park, fans are going to be delighted, he said. Where at Turner Field there were only about 400 “premium seats,” at SunTrust there will be 4,000 premium seats.

The SunTrust Club, Delta Sky 360 Club, the Infiniti Club and more, patrons will have great seats, food and beverages served in a manner and an atmosphere not usually associated with baseball.

The Braves set an ambitious goal to sell 18,000 season tickets. To date SunTrust Park has sold 15,000. Workman says he feels good about that.

“We have moved closer to where our core base is. And let’s face it. Nobody wanted to hang around after a game at Turner Field. Here there will be a host of things to do.

“Being in the Northern Arc where our core base is, we are happy.”

Workman said the Braves tried hard to do a deal with Atlanta but it just was not to be.

“If we had gotten half of what we were asking for, we would have stayed,” Workman said. “But it has worked out

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The Battery Atlanta is the 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use commercial space that complements the new SunTrust Park. It includes shopping, restaurants, hotel and apartment living adjacent to the park. for both [Atlanta and the Braves.]

“They’ve got a wonderful connection with Georgia State University, and the university is pleased as well.”

Cobb County took some hits also, but Workman said Cobb will have the last laugh.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 15

Georgia DOT to replace Ga. 369 bridge FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded 23 contracts for statewide transportation projects totaling $244 million.

Georgia DOT continues to tackle deferred maintenance and preservation of existing infrastructure with 16 awards totaling $34.2 million for resurfacing and maintenance of 166 miles of state highways.

In the northeast district, the largest bridge investment awarded was the $11.2 million contract for replacement of the bridge that carries Ga. 369 over Lake Lanier’s Six Mile Creek. The new bridge will be constructed just north of

the current bridge which was built in 1955.

“The new structure will be constructed beside the existing structure.

This will facilitate the future widening of Ga. 369 in Forsyth and Hall counties,” said Brent Cook, P.E. district engineer. “The old bridge will be removed once the new one is opened to traffic and when the road is widened, another bridge will be built in the location of the current one. This will reduce traffic impacts and utilize the right of way that already exists.”

The project has a May 2019 scheduled completion date.

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Forsyth plans for transportation updates FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is embarking in the process of updating its comprehensive transportation plan, a guiding document that outlines the long-range vision for transportation in the county.

The updated plan will take a close look at the transportation needs of Forsyth residents. Community involvement is key in ensuring the updated plan captures the spirit and desire of the various voices that represent Forsyth County.

Residents, business owners, service organizations and other stakeholders will have several ways to take part in the process in person and online.

Face-to-face engagement opportunities will include public meetings and workshops, pop-ups at local events and focus groups.

A project website, forsythtransportationplan.com, will serve as the online hub for project information such as key milestones, public meeting announcements and summaries and draft documents. The website will also be used to

solicit input through an online survey.

A Stakeholder Advisory Committee will be convened to provide an additional level of input into the desires and concerns of the community.

A consultant team led by Jacobs Engineering has been selected to lead this effort in close coordination with the Forsyth County Department of Engineering.

This collaboration will result in a list of transportation projects as well as policy recommendations for consideration and adoption by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, which is expected for December 2017.

This effort is funded in part by the Atlanta Regional Commission, the agency tasked with planning for the future of transportation for the entire metro Atlanta region. Counties are required to update transportation plans every five years.

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SEMENT

cummingforsythchamber.org

Highest Level of Excellence– Don Hendricks Partnership Award On Friday March 10th, more than 500 people joined the CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce Peggie Morrow pictured with members and Forsyth of the Don Hendricks family and Forsyth County County schools Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Schools for Bearden. the annual Celebration of Excellence. This celebration of educators and community partners showcased the factors that make Forsyth County schools the best in the state.

One award that stands out above the rest is the Don Hendricks Partnership Award. Jim and Peggie Morrow of the Morrow Community Foundation were the 2017

recipients of this prestigious award.

The Hendricks family established this award in 2002 after the passing of Don Hendricks, a long-time member of the Board of Education. He believed in Forsyth County Schools and its quest for quality learning and superior performance for all.

The recipient of the Don Hendricks Partnership Award saw a critical need to support the over 2,000 families who did not have the internet at home or money to purchase devices for their children, so they sought a solution by creating the Forsyth BYOT Benefit. In only four years, they donated more than $183,000 to Forsyth County Schools to provide technology equality across the county. They provided 415 hotspots to provide the internet for families who cannot afford

connectivity, donated numerous devices such as tablets and phones, and improved media centers in schools across the district.

To raise support and funds for instructional technology, the Morrow Community Foundation organizes an annual golf tournament and iRun. As a member of the district’s equity taskforce, they have ensured that learning can continue outside of school walls. They have changed the lives of not only Forsyth County students, but the lives of every member of their family as well.

The impact they have made on Forsyth County Schools for a better and brighter future is the reason that Jim and Peggie Morrow of the Morrow Community Foundation were honored with the 2017 Don Hendricks Partnership Award.

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Welcome Sports Warehouse The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) recently announced that Sports Warehouse, a global retail supplier of sports and outdoor equipment, will create more than 300 jobs and invest more than $14 million into an East Coast e-commerce fulfillment and distribution center in Forsyth County.

The facility is expected to be operational by July 2017.

“We are looking forward to expanding our Tennis Warehouse and Running Warehouse distribution to such an active sports community. Both tennis and running participation are thriving in Atlanta, and The Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association and the Atlanta Track Club are two of the premier community sports organizations in the United States,” said Drew Munster, President of Sports Warehouse. “We would particularly like to thank Josh Stephens with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Robert Long with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber for their professional assistance with our project. We had options in other states and locations,

convenient customer service hours to our customers in the South, Midwest, and East Coast. From our new facility in Forsyth County we’ll be able to offer free overnight ground service for most orders to Georgia and Alabama, and much of Tennessee, as well other major cities such as Jacksonville and Charlotte. As a bonus, Atlanta area runners and tennis players will be able to take advantage of UPS’s recent addition of Saturday delivery for ground packages in the Atlanta area.”

Drew Munster, President of Sports Warehouse, speaks at a press conference welcoming the E-commerce company to Forsyth County.

but Josh and Robert sold us on Georgia and Forsyth County.”

Munster also stated “Our top priority is improving our customers’ ordering experience. The new distribution center will enable us to offer faster shipping and more

“Sports Warehouse is a great fit for Forsyth County,” said Chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, Todd Levent. “Thanks to the tireless efforts and forward-thinking nature of county leaders, engaged citizens and a strong community, Forsyth County has the outstanding quality of life and public education system that will assist them in attracting executives and technical professionals to make this project a huge success.

It was our goal to create a downtown Alpharetta that would be commensurate with the stature of our city.

DAVID BELLE ISLE, Alpharetta Mayor 18 | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017

BUSINESSES OF EXCELLENCE:

Alpharetta businesses of excellence

Alpharetta has 5th business awards recognition breakfast

Each year, the City of Alpharetta generates a list of awardees conduction an extensive search. The search includes combing the internet, the annual published lists of Forbes, Fortune, Inc 5000, Appen’s “Best of the Best,” The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Book of Lists,” The Atlanta Journal Constitution, and other sources. These lists are highly regarded, respected and are a record of achievement of excellence.

5 Year 3 Year • Alpharetta Convention • Alpine Bakery & Visitors Bureau • Addington Place of Alpharetta • Edge Solutions LLC • Burns & McDonnell Engineering • Schweitzer-Mauduit • Da Vinci's Donuts International, Inc • Drake Closet • Brixmor Property Group • ENT Institute • Colonial Pipeline Company • FiberLight • Dodge Communications Inc. • Georgetown Pediatrics • Lancope, Inc • Jackson Healthcare • McKesson • Keller Williams Realty – • National Christian Foundation CH Realty Investments LLC • Neenah Paper Inc. • Kid to Kid • RE/MAX of Georgia Inc. • King’s Ridge Christian School • Siemens • LeasePlan USA • ZCorum • Media Brokers International Inc. • Paramount Software Solutions 4 Year • Pieper O'Brien Herr Architects • Hop Alley • Priority Payment Systems • The Rainmaker Group • Pyramid Consulting • Village Tavern • Queen of Hearts • Iroff & Son Jewelers • Robertson/Loia/Roof P.C. • Medicus Solutions • Safe Systems • Novogradac & Co. LLP • Santi & Associates • Profisee Group • The Original Honey Baked Ham • Xcentric • Company of Georgia • Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre • Wellcentive • Willis Chiropractic

Mayor Belle Isle honors businesses for achievements in field

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta took the time March 30 to honor the city’s businesses that have been singled out for achievements in their fields by their peers in those fields.

It was the fifth annual Business Awards Recognition Breakfast with more than 200 in attendance. This year more businesses were recognized than ever before.

Alpharetta Economic Development Director Peter Tokar said the Achievement Awards Breakfast was begun to honor these companies that have won awards or special distinctions in their respective fields given the “Businesses of Excellence” distinction.

Alpharetta City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Owens greeted the guests saying the 220 businesses being honored that morning need to know the city appreciates what they do for the community.

“These businesses should be celebrated in the Alpharetta community.

You are our community builders. You give Alpharetta its vibrancy,” Owens said.

Tokar rose to add that the city

HATCHER HURD/HERALD

Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle tells the business community they are partners in building a great community.

wanted to recognize the contributions made by the city’s businesses and say thank you.

“It is you that make Alpharetta the great business community that it is.

Each one at the tables here have played a role in that achievement,” Tokar said.

Each of the 220 businesses present had been recognized during 2016 as having stood out among their peers.

Mayor David Belle Isle was the keynote speaker, and he made it clear the city appreciates its business commu-

nity.

“And love must be shown to be known,” Belle Isle told the guests.

“Every groundbreaking is a tremendous day for Alpharetta,” he said.

The city has been transformed by the businesses – large and not so large – that continue to attract more companies to the city.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 19

We’re all state champs at the beach Content marketing I’m not sure what you are doing, but right now I’m writing this column on the lanai of a house we rented for the week in Sandestin, Fla. At home in Roswell I have a back GEOFF SMITH porch. Here I have Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com a lanai.

If it makes you feel better, I can see a storm rolling in from the Gulf. It won’t damper my day that much though, really. We did the beach yesterday, we’ll do it again tomorrow. Guess I’ll have to rough it inside today playing Uno with Brenda and the boys, or maybe Clue, or watch a move or two. Maybe we’ll go out to a theater? Hard to say.

I’m typically a pretty focused worker. I put in a lot of hours at work, in the community and with projects at home. If you are fully involved in what you do for work or anything else, it’s a treat to unplug from it for a bit. Damian Cook, one of the managing partners at our branch here in Atlanta, just got back from a two-week trip to Israel with his wife. It looked like an incredible trip and he looked pretty incredible himself upon return.

I’m sure most of you would say this about your jobs, but being a mortgage banker is a very intensive and high-maintenance job. But I

Breakfast: Continued from Page 18 500 jobs downtown to occupy the four-story office component.

“It was our goal to create a downtown Alpharetta that would be commensurate with the stature of our city,” he said.

He noted Avalon will cut the

guess anything can be high-maintenance if you care a lot about the quality of each end result.

My wife, Brenda, is the coach of my son Samuel’s Odyssey of the Mind team at Queen of Angels. If you are not familiar with that program, it’s a competition where schools are given specific tasks that they have to perform in the way of a dramatic skit. They work together in teams of seven and spend several months creating the sets, writing and practicing the skits and creating objects that will perform the tasks. There is also a ‘spontaneous’ portion of the competition where they go into a room and are immediately asked to figure something out. They are judged and allotted points.

Our team won region last month, and then we had the state competition in Columbus, Ga., last Saturday.

Their team had largely been together for three years. They got fifth in the state last year and the year before.

After last year, these fourth and fifth graders decided that they were going to win state this year. They started early January meeting every Sunday and Tuesday getting their set together, writing their skit, creating vehicles with their own unique propulsion systems and then practicing their skits.

Well folks, I’m here to tell you that they are your state champs! They will be heading to the world competitions in East Lansing, Mich., next month.

They really worked so hard – especially for children that young. I can’t tell you how happy they are – well, I kind of can. Two days after the competition, three of the seven team members still wear their medals around their necks (one I saw on Facebook is still wearing his team-shirt). It has been so much fun to watch.

As adults, we don’t get that kind of exhilaration after our wins. As we get older, our tasks get longer and our exhilaration turns to more of a satisfaction. A win for me is having a big month, a big quarter and a big year.

But after each win, in our business, you have a short amount of time that you can celebrate before realizing it’s time to start working on next year.

That said, getting to step away and enjoy time here with my family in Sandestin, is kind of my victory celebration.

There were some missed opportunities and things that could have been done better, but this week I’m going to enjoy the successes. And I’ll start by riding the coat-tails of my wife and son and their team. Congratulations Queen of Angels’ State Champs Team!

ribbon on its second phase and Alpharetta is creating its Alpha Loop trail to connect the downtown, Avalon and the Haynes Bridge Road office community.

“It will be our own Beltline,” Belle Isle said.

The city is partnering in business conference center in Avalon and building a parkway – a linear park, the mayor called it – that will link downtown and Avalon as well.

The mayor noted four of the 10 largest technology companies reside in Alpharetta. And while Mercedes added 800 jobs and a $100 million development in Sandy Springs, it should be noted Jackson Healthcare in Alpharetta is adding 1,400 new jobs and a $120 million expansion.

The city wanted to show the business community its appreciation for the investment and quality of life they bring to the city.

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attracts new customers Are your marketing efforts not attracting new customers to your small business? Do traditional marketing channels not produce the results that you want?

Consumers have migrated away from DICK JONES traditional marketing, Founder & President Jones Simply Sales and small businesses owners are realizing that content marketing is a way to get them back.

So, what is content marketing? Content marketing is creating and distributing relevant and valuable information to attract, acquire and engage a clearly defined and understood target audience, with the objective of driving profitable customer actions. Fundamentally, content marketing allows you to communicate with your customers and prospects without selling.

The big difference between content marketing and traditional marketing is that it captures the attention of your target audience by providing them with information that is relevant and valuable to them. Content marketing also builds trust and enhances the relationships you have with your customers.

The starting point for content marketing is developing an overall strategy and determining what marketing channels to utilize. Email marketing, social media, blogs, videos, webinars, white papers and e-books are all great vehicles to deliver your content to customers and prospects. You then need to develop your marketing content messages. Doing your homework to determine what is relevant and valuable to your customers is an important step in this process.

If you are not happy with your current marketing results, and you want to get better results in attracting new customers to your small business, content marketing is the way to go.

BUSINESSPOSTS

20 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

WellStar North Fulton Hospital names chief of staff Dr. Shelley DunsonAllen brings experience

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Months after WellStar Hospital acquired North Fulton Hospital, it has named Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen its new chief of staff.

Her responsibilities will be to oversee the entire medical staff at the hospital. That includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and others.

She also chairs the Medical Executive Committee for the hospital and is part of the Executive Leadership Team.

“Dr. Dunson-Allen has dedicated her career to her patients and will have a great impact on the quality of patient care for the North Fulton community,” said Lindsey Petrini, interim president of North Fulton Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses, leaders and team members agree she’s an asset and look forward to benefiting from her passion for patient care.”

Dunson-Allen has been on staff at North Fulton Hospital since 2001.

“I execute projects and programs and the day-to-day functioning related to physicians and healthcare providers,” she said. “(The acquisition is) exciting. The WellStar corporation is a very good corporate entity. They have a great plan for North Fulton Hospital, now WellStar North Fulton Hospital, to

continue to grow in the community and provide outstanding services across the board.”

The hospital is one of the few in the state fully accredited for trauma, she said.

Additionally, it is an accredited stroke center, offers inpatient rehab services, has an intensive care unit, cardiology services, has a “5-star” women’s health division and the lowest cesarean rate in the state of Georgia.

“We have in-house midwifery care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so women have an opportunity to labor a little longer and usually because of that have a successful vaginal delivery,” Dunson-Allen said. “We are really proud of that.”

The hospital also strives to help its team members in personal development.

“This is significant to help them identify talent, reward it and support people in the organization who are trying to move forward in their educational and professional growth,” Dunson-Allen said. “This will help retain them as employees and they won’t have to hire new people all the time and train them.

It’s nice to have your own timeline and develop your own internal group of staff members.”

While the hospital has a lot of programs, it has always been community -based, she said.

“We’ve always been focused on providing service lines that are necessary for taking care of people in a commu-

nity,” Dunson-Allen said. “WellStar also embraces that and are focused on quality and safety. That focus is good and is the direction hospitals need to go in the future to continue being successful and continue to provide the quality of care we want patients to have.”

In addition to this new role, Dunson-Allen will continue to run her private practice, Providence Women’s Healthcare practicing OBGYN and midwifery, which has three locations in Alpharetta/Roswell, Dunwoody and Johns Creek.

NEWBUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

Burn Boot Camp comes to Roswell Business name: Burn Boot Camp Roswell Owner: Ashley Beasley and Victoria Ciresi About: Burn Boot Camp is a fitness community that focuses on mindset, nutrition, burst training, strength and conditioning, and their community of

Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen was recently named chief of staff at WellStar North Fulton Hospital.

women. They offer camps, nutrition coaching and free childcare.

Opened: Feb. 19, 2017 Address: 12060 Crabapple Road, Roswell, Ga. 30075 Phone: 470-485-2770 Website: www.burnbootcamp.com/ roswell-ga

Alpharetta welcomes Prestige Auto Polishing and Protection Business name: Prestige Auto Polishing & Protection Owner: Chris Luman About: Prestige Auto Polishing & Protection, located in north Alpharetta, has officially opened its doors. The detailing studio offers detailing packages,

paint correction, ceramic coatings and XPEL paint protection films.

Opened: March 2017 Address: 155-J Mauldin Drive, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004 Phone: 678-820-8244 Website: www.prestigeautopolishing.com

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 21

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Mr. and Mrs. Italy – 10: 15 a.m.

Italy travel expert, author of Handpicked Italy, and founder of MrandMrsItaly.com, Debra Levinson will be sharing on custom and signature trip designs. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insider knowledge on how you can experience the best of Italy through authentic, immersive travel with Q&A.

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Get details and insight on Cruises and learn about exclusive offers with speakers from major cruise liners with an exclusive Q&A opportunity.

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Saturday, May 6 • 10 am – 2 pm • The Metropolitan Club, 5895 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta To pre-register or for more information, visit NorthFulton.com. Follow us on

; Facebook.com/AppenMediaGroup

22 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

CALENDAR “THE IF PROJECT”

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Enjoy face painting, balloon art, the Red Barn petting zoo and rides on a trackless train. Be sure to bring a camera for photos with the Easter Bunny. An egg hunt for ages 3-6 will start at 11 a.m. Instead of a hunt area, a special goody bag will be given to the first 250 children ages 2 and younger, and 7 and older. Join the fun Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.-noon at 13450 Cogburn Road in Alpharetta. For more information, visit alpharetta.ga.us.

Looking to get the word out about your event?

Submit it to our online calendar at NorthFulton.com/ Calendar.

EVENTS: FORSYTH SENIOR EXPO

What: Forsyth County Senior Services will host the 15th annual Forsyth Senior Expo. Explore vendors from home care, senior living, legal services and more. Free health screenings, prizes and refreshments.

When: Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming More info: forsythco.com

COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

What: North Fulton businesses and residents are invited to recycle computers, appliances and other electronic equipment for free. See full listed of accepted materials online.

When: Saturday, April 8, 9 a.m.-noon Where: Alpharetta Department of Public Safety parking, 2565 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

RUMC MINI JOB FAIR

What: Employers from throughout greater Atlanta will meet in person with possible candidates for their job openings. The mini job fair will be held in the evening with workshops throughout the day.

When: Monday, April 10, 12:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell More info and full schedule: rumcjobnetworking.com

ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Alpharetta’s weekly gathering returns on Old Roswell Street with rotating food trucks and music each week. Six to eight food trucks from the Atlanta area will come out to help kick off the weekend early.

When: Thursday, April 13, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Old Roswell Street in Alpharetta’s historic district More info: awesomealpharetta.com

ROSWELL AZALEA FESTIVAL

What: Events will take place throughout the city to celebrate spring, Roswell and the abundant azaleas, a native Georgian flower. Activities include plant sales, art exhibits, bicycle races, ghost tours, comedy night and more.

When: Through April 30 Where: Multiple locations throughout Roswell More info: roswellazaleafestival.com

FREE TAX PREP

What: The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers will present a film that follows the fastest growing segment of the incarcerated population: women. A Q&A session with the filmmaker will follow the free showing.

When: Tuesday, April 11, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

“DRIVING MISS DAISY”

What: The Kudzu Players present a Pulitzer Prize-winning Off-Broadway play about the relationship between an aging white Southern woman and a black chauffeur.

When: April 13-23, times vary Where: Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors More info and tickets: bullochhall.org

“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”

What: This musical follows early rock ‘n roll stars Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, along with newcomer Jerry Lee Lewis as they find themselves in the legendary Memphis recording studio.

When: April 6-23, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info and tickets: get.org

What: Get free tax preparation assistance by trained volunteers. See website for full list of documents to bring. Walk-ins welcome Fridays and Saturdays. Appointments available.

When: Through April 17, times vary Where: NFCC Education Center, 1125 Elkins Road, Roswell More info and registration: nfcchelp.org or vita@nfcchelp.org

FREE AARP TAX HELP

What: Trained helpers are offering free tax services in multiple AARP Tax-Aide centers throughout tax season.

When: Times vary Where: Multiple locations throughout Metro Atlanta More info and locations: aarp.org

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: JOE GRANSDEN AND & HIS BIG BAND

What: Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents Joe Gransden and his 16-piece big band. Gransden is known for his hard bop approach and a singing voice that has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra.

When: Monday, April 10, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St. Cost: $20 to $30 More info and tickets: get.org

LIBRARY EVENTS:

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: GREG FERGUSON What: “Bearing Witness” The Photography of Greg Ferguson will showcase Ferguson’s award-winning photography of the natural world.

When: Through March 31, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell More info: gregferguson.us.com or 770594-6232

SCAD PRINTMAKING EXHIBIT

What: This exhibit showcases the innovative ways both traditional and digital printmaking processes can be utilized to express ideas and concepts in the 21st century. Featuring SCAD students, alumni and faculty When: Through April 21, MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org

MILTON CROCHET CLUB

What: Beginners or advanced patrons with an interest in learning the basics or more complicated patterns are invited to this free club. Bring your own needle and yarn. Recommended for adults and elders.

When: Thursday, April 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org

MEMOIR WRITING FOR TEENS

What: Teens will consider their favorite books as models of good writing and will learn about the six steps of good writing. They will then use what they’ve learned to work on their own writing project.

When: Saturday, April 8, 2-4 p.m.

Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta More info and registration: laura. hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov

DRAWING PLANTS, FLOWERS

What: Learn some of the secrets to drawing plants, flowers and other natural objects using techniques that are fun, effective and easy to practice at home. For ages 7-14. Registration required.

When: Saturday, April 8, 3-5 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 404-613-4050

AP TEST PREP: US GOV

What: Join the instructors from C2Education as they help prepare students for the AP US Government test this spring. Participants will get the chance to take a mock exam April 15 during library hours. Registration required.

When: Monday, April 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 770-640-3075

GIRLS WHO CODE

What: Girls Who Code is a national club created with one goal: to close the gender gap in technology. This club is open to girls in grades 6 through 12.

When: Sunday, April 9, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info and registration: girlswhocode.com or marcia.divack@ fultoncountyga.gov

RECYCLED ART

What: Children, ages 6-11, will create a recycled art piece. The class may get messy, so children are advised to dress accordingly. Presented by Out of the Box Art. Registration required.

When: Wednesday, April 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or 404-613-4050

PET ADOPTIONS:

FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way, Forsyth County More info: 678-965-7185

FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd.

NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: FREE TAX PREP SERVICES

What: Get free tax assistance, counseling and preparation. No appointment is necessary. Bring all relevant tax forms, last year’s return, a photo ID, Social Security card and checkbook.

When: Through April 18, times vary Where: Gwinett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 700, Busbee Center, Lawrenceville More info: aarp.org

CALENDAR

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 23

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA:

Tackling the Appalachian Trail Alpharetta-native discovers the AT is more than a walk in the woods

You may have seen Kimberly Maxwell and not even known it.

Kimberly is an Atlanta actress, model and motivational speaker who has appeared in commercials for STEVE HUDSON companies such as Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net Zaxby’s and Tropical Smoothie, and it’s neat to see someone you know on TV. Just the other evening my wife and I were watching a little TV when the Zaxby’s ad appeared.

“Wait a minute!” I said. “Run that back! That’s Kimberly!”

But you may also have seen Kimberly if you’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail.

Kimberly is a member of that select group of folks who have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. That’s about 2180 miles … one step at a time. Some start in Georgia and hike straight through to Maine; others do what’s known as a flip-flop hike.To fit her schedule, that’s what Kimberly did, starting in the middle at Damascus, Va., hiking north to Maine, then returning to Virginia and hiking back to Georgia to finish atop Springer Mountain.

That’s a lot of hiking. But it’s not the only challenge Kimberly has taken on. She has also won a battle with cancer.

“Beating cancer taught me a lot about how limitless I am,” she says, and that helped empower her to tackle the Appalachian Trail.

How did folks react when Kimberly began talking about hiking the AT? As her departure date drew nearer, she began to hear warnings that maybe she shouldn’t try it. Quietly at first, and then more loudly, some began to tell her that the hike really wasn’t a good idea. The trail was long, they said. Weather could be rough, they said. And there were some bad people out there…

“I was told every day how scared I should be,” she recalls. “But if I’d listened to that, I’d never have left the front door.”

Instead, Kimberly decided to tell herself “a different story.”

“Certainly, I would be aware,” she says. “But I would not be scared.”

Kimberly began her hike on May 17 and finished two days before the end of October. Did she ever doubt she

Kimberly Maxwell at Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. would make it?

“People ask me when I knew that I’d be successful,” she says, “and I tell them that I already knew I’d make it through on the very day I decided to go.”

Yes. But what do you do when the going gets hard and the voice in your head that it would be easy…oh so easy…to call the whole thing off?

“There’s a saying among thru-hikers,” she says, “that you have to ‘hike your own hike.’ ” I ask her what that means, and I’m still processing what she said. But I think the bottom line has to do with (at the risk of cliché) charting your own course rather than letting others do it for you. That’s important on an adventure like this. You must decide what you hear: the voice that keeps you moving – or the one that urges you to throw in the towel.

“There are no bounds,” Kimberly once noted, “if you don’t impose them on yourself.”

It occurs to me that this really is a mindset thing. I know because I tried a little piece of the AT myself just a few weeks ago. It was (how to put it) challenging. I set out figuring I’d make it, but I forgot to let my head know.

Instead, partway through and gasping for air, I started wondering if I was go-

ing to die right then and there. For me, giving up certainly was an option. And so I took it…publicly sad to have called it quits but secretly thrilled to be heading back to the comfort of the car and the prospect of a Yonah Burger on the way home.

Come to think of it, too many of those burgers just might have been part of my problem. I’m going to have to deal with that and try again.

But I still ask “what if?” What if I had decided, at the get-go, to take “turning back” off the table?

That’s what Kimberly did, and she finished the trail.

“That doesn’t mean that there were never hard days,” she says, “or even hard weeks. It doesn’t mean that there weren’t times when I was cold or lonely. But giving up wasn’t an option.” Instead, she says, “My only option was to come up with an alternate plan.”

What would she say to other women who are considering such an adventure?

“I’d say to them, ‘You’re capable,’ ” she says. In fact, that’s what she emphasizes when she speaks to groups about her experience and what it means.

“I speak about choosing bravery,” she says, “and about not listening to fear.”

Hiking the Appalachian Trail, she adds, “proved I can do anything.” She sums it up like this: “I walked 2,189.2 miles, crossed through 14 states, saw 13 bears, one moose, one rattlesnake, countless other wildlife, took two trips to New York City, a trip to Washington D.C., a trip to Portland, Maine, a trip to urgent care, saw seven plays, was given nearly $400 by complete strangers, had five complete breakdowns, made friends with some of the most selfless people I’ve ever met, and learned more about myself than I could’ve ever imagined.

“I learned that I am smart, strong, and brave,” she adds, “and that there are no limits to what I’m able to achieve. I realized that I can do anything. Can you?”

You can learn more about Kimberly Maxwell’s Appalachian Trail experience through her blog at www.KimbersAppalachianAdventures.wordpress.com.

To learn more about having Kimberly speak to your group or organization, contact her at KimberlyLMaxwell16@ gmail.com.

24 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

24 | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017

Sponsored Section

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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 25

Simple fixes, faster sale Brought to you by: Christina Abunassar Harry Norman Realtors Competing with new construction has become the norm in our market. With so many builders offering new, move-in ready homes it becomes difficult for resale homes to compete. Sellers need to put their best ABUNASSAR foot forward if they expect to get top dollar for their homes.

Move-in ready homes tend to sell much faster than those that need even simple fixes such as paint and carpet.

Start the process of getting your home ready by creating an inviting front entry. Add a wreath, new door mat, pillows or flowers to your front porch. I recommend power washing the exterior of the home to wash away any dirt or mildew. This includes all concrete areas such as patios, driveways and walkways. Have the windows cleaned and take care of any exterior wood rot and painting that needs to be done.

Once inside touch up or repaint any high traffic areas, have carpets cleaned and polish hardwoods. If there is any caulking needed, get it done. Take care of all signs of deferred maintenance. A well-maintained home is much more marketable. Buyers want to know that the home has been well taken care of, and that routine maintenance items

have not been neglected. Hire a professional to deep clean the home paying special attention to baseboards, grout and hard to reach areas.

Remove as much clutter as possible.

I suggest starting the packing process by packing excess clutter and storing it neatly in the basement or garage. There will be less to pack on moving day if

Call me TODAY to list YOUR HOME and have it featured here!

Christina Abunassar, REALTOR®

• Senior Marketing Consultant • Accredited Relocation Specialist • Lifetime Member 400 N. Board of REALTORS®

“Luxury Service at Any Price Point.”

Cell: (919) 389-8317 | Office: (770) 497-2000 Email: Christina.Abunassar@HarryNorman.com Web: Christina.Abunassar.HarryNorman.com

you pack unnecessary items along the way!

With a little time and effort upfront you are more likely to sell within a shorter period of time for a fair market value.

Need advice on getting your home ready to list? Give me a call for a no-obligation consultation.

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1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 | O: 770-497-2000 | HarryNorman.com

26 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Crye-Leike Real Estate Services raises $89,387 for United Way NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Crye-Leike Real Estate Services, the nation’s sixth largest residential real estate brokerage firm, concluded its 2016 United Way Workplace Campaign by raising a total of $ 89,387 companywide to support United Way agencies located in 29 counties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Since becoming a partner with United Way in 1995, Crye-Leike, its sales associates and corporate staff companywide have contributed in excess of $800,000.

“Our company’s partnership with United Way is a perfect philanthropic fit for our real estate company. By giving to United Way, Crye-Leike is investing in the communities we serve,” says Joyce E. Friedman, affiliate broker and vice president of corporate communications of Crye-Leike Real Estate Services who served as co-chair of Crye-Leike’s 2016 United Way Workplace Campaign.

“We know that United Way’s board members and other volunteers safeguard the monies raised with a stringent process for prioritizing needs, evaluating agencies and their programs and distributing funds to those agencies most deserving and in need,” says

Friedman. “Their diligence produces results and allows United Way to make a positive impact on our neighbors like supporting people in crisis, enriching seniors’ lives, strengthening families, promoting health and independence and helping youth succeed.”

Second only to the federal government, United Way is the largest provider of funding for health and human services in the nation.

Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 40 years, is the nation’s sixth largest residential real estate brokerage firm and the largest serving Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and the Mid-South.

It has a network of over 3,100 sales associates in 126 company-owned and franchise offices located throughout a nine-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Missouri.

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 27

Benefits of using an agent What would you give? when buying a home Brought to you by Bill Rawlings, Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty There are so numerous benefits to using an agent when you are in the market to buy a new home, as this can be a very stressful and intimidating process. Having a licensed professional to help walk you thought the buying process can help to relieve the pressure and make your experience more enjoyable. Especially for a first-time homebuyer, an agent is there to answer all of your home buying questions and concerns and prepare you for potential obstacles that may arise. Here are a few reasons why you should consider an agent when looking for your dream home.

Finding the right property: Once it has been determined what you are looking for, the next step will be for your REALTOR® to book appointments and walk you through potential homes.

These appointments can help narrow down your criteria and determine what you truly desire in a home. Your REALTOR® will have the knowledge to explain the area, neighborhoods, schools and everything you will need to know before making a knowledgeable, final decision on the home you make an offer on.

Negotiating an offer: Your agent will advise you on an acceptable offer price, while also helping you to negotiate a deal that could save you money. This is such a crucial part of buying a home, and it allows your REALTOR® to use their expertise in the negotiation process.

Professional recommendations: There are so many aspects to buying a home, and professional resources are always needed.

Agents make suggestions on reliable sources they have used before, from a reRAWLINGS liable mortgage broker to home inspectors. This is just another way that a real estate agent can help to relieve stress during the process of finding a new home.

Overcoming obstacles: During the due-diligence period new issues can arise, and a real estate professional can help advise you regarding solutions.

This is a time when negotiation is key, and it is extremely helpful to have someone on your side who is knowledgeable, experienced, calm and in control should a situation arise.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the seller typically pays the commission of both the buyer’s and seller’s agent.

With the commission of the sale typically being around 6%, this fee is broken down between the two agents. Reliving the pressure of an additional cost on finding the home of your dreams.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents deliver results.

Allow one of our dedicated professionals to assist you by visiting atlantafinehomes.com or calling our office at 770.442.7300.

By Laura-Marie Wedell, REALTOR® Harry Norman, REALTORS®, Forsyth-Lake Lanier, 1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming

I remember hiking once in the 100-degree temps in the desert outside San Diego, California, thinking “I would give anything for a cool drink, a chair and an umbrella right now.”

What would you, as a first-time home buyer, give up to own your own home? Here are some of the sacrifices being made according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

• 43% cut spending on luxury or non-essential items • 34% cut spending on entertainment • 27% cut spending on clothes • 14% canceled vacation plans • 9% earned extra income through a second job • 7% sold or decided not to purchase a vehicle • 44% did not need to make any sacrifices Forty-percent of first-time buyers experienced some difficulty during the mortgage application and approval

process.

Single, male buyers expressed a higher incidence of difficulty than single females and couples.

Pre-approval from a great mortgage lender before the home search process begins is still considered the best advice for all buyers who will purchase with a mortgage. Your real estate professional can make recommendations for a loan officer that could help you avoid unnecessary aggravations. Do this today and be on your way to making your home-owning dream come true!

Article is adapted from: http://www. realtor.com/advice/buy/what-is-a-buyers-agent-used-for/

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AtlantaFineHomes.com | 770.442.7300 00;9,, 6RWKHE\·V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ DQG WKH 6RWKHE\·V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ ORJR DUH UHJLVWHUHG RU XQUHJLVWHUHG VHUYLFH PDUNV XVHG ZLWK SHUPLVVLRQ (DFK 2IÀFH ,V Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Artwork by Jill Steenhuis used with permission.

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1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 Karen Pate, SVP & Broker. HarryNorman.com

28 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Buying The American Dream Brought to you by Karen Pate, SVP, Broker Harry Norman, REALTORS®, Forsyth-Lake Lanier

is only ONE month of inventory on the market for homes between $100k and $250K. The $250k and $300k price point only has a 3-month supply and then things level out between $300k and $550k.

NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, doesn’t see an end to the short supply coming any time soon. He says “Competition is likely to heat up even more heading further into the spring for house hunters looking for homes in the lower-and mid-market price range.”

Even though we consider this to be a strong “seller’s market”, our advice to sellers is that PRICING your property right is key!

Buyers are savvy and will not want to overpay. They are also expecting it to be move in ready. This is where your real estate professional comes into play.

Rely on their expertise. They may even suggest that you have an appraisal done prior to listing to have backup information.

Some sellers are worried if they list their home and it sells that they may not be able to find something to buy.

Many are finding that it is best to put the house on the market, get the con-

Are you currently in the market to buy a home? Depending upon your price point you have no doubt felt the crunch of our low inventory!

Per the National Association of Realtors Existing Home Sales Report, the inventory of existing homes for sale in today’s market was recently reported to be 3.6 month supply.

When we talk about “month supply” it means if no other homes were put on the market it would take 3.6 months to sell everything we currently have listed.

Comparing this year vs. the same time in 2016, inventory is 7.1% lower, marking the 20th consecutive month of year-over-year drops. Historically, 5-6 months is considered to be a normal market.

In Forsyth County, it has been reported through the month of February to have an average supply of only 3.2 months. Listings are down by 12%, but these numbers fluctuate depending on the price of the home. Currently, there

As a buyer, you no longer need to ask for a contingency on your purchase and your ability to negotiate just became that much more appealing to a seller. tract and be prepared to move twice.

It’s not ideal but, it alleviates another level of stress because then you can take your time to find the “right” home; not just any home. As a buyer, you no longer need to ask for a contingency on your purchase and your ability to negotiate just became that much more appealing to a seller.

Buyers should not be discouraged.

Arm yourself with a great agent who

is on top of the market and is a strategic negotiator. Interest rates are still fantastic!

A recent article published by Keeping Current Matters stated per Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors are all calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters. Here’s the truth! In the 1970’s the average interest rate was 8.86%, 1980’s it was 12.7%, 1990’s it was 8.12% and in 2000’s it was 6.29%.

Your parents and grandparents may talk about when interest rates were over 18%.

Yikes……! The bottom line is the Atlanta Metro area housing is still a great place to buy real estate and the interest rates continue to be historically low and extremely attractive. “It’s the American Dream”!

If you are in the need of real estate services, you can contact one of our experienced agents at Harry Norman, REALTORS®, Forsyth/Lake Lanier 1664 Market Place Blvd, Cumming, GA 30041 770-497-2000

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*Available only when you close on a To-Be Built home in one of our Atlanta area communities pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 4/1/17-4/30/17. Receipt of up to $5,000 in Closing Costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. Receipt of Up to $10,000 Use How You Choose Credits is subject to limits. Seller provided credits may be applied to Upgrades or Options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL236

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 29

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 ►► Jacob Allan Kinder, 23 of Sawnee

Meadow Lane, Cumming, was arrested March 21 on Ga. 9 for DUI, open container and improper right turn. ►► Dell Elaine Lee, 54 of Driver Lane, Cumming, was arrested March 24 for DUI, endangering a child by DUI and failure to obey traffic signals.

Drug arrests ►► Amber Dawn Goodwin, 35 of

Lakeridge Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 22 on Pilgrim Mill Road for possession of methamphetamine and failure to maintain lane. ►► William Christopher Haney, 22 of Delamar Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 22 on Benefield Road for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and driving with expired or no license plates. ►► Jennifer Nichole Bryant, 35 of Cold Creek Court, Sugar Hill, was arrested March16 on Zephyr Court for possession of heroin, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and location of a wanted person. ►► India Dierra Jewell-Reese, 25 of Farmstead Road Northeast, Smyrna, was arrested March 23 on Ga. 400 for possession of marijuana less than one ounce, DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Devene Marquis Hutchins, 27 of Willow Trail Drive, Norcross, was arrested March 20 on Bethelview Road for possession of a drug-related item or narcotic equipment and pos-

session, purchase, manufacturing, distribution or sale of illegal drugs. ►► Mohummad Quinntrell Alston, 29 of Garland Way, Duluth, was arrested March 20 on Bethelview Road for possession of a drug-related item or narcotic equipment and possession, purchase, manufacturing, distribution or sale of illegal drugs. ►► Zackary Christopher Berrong and Charles Trenton Berrong, 25 and 20, of Pinecrest Place, Cumming, were arrested March 20 on Pinecrest Place on three counts of possession of Schedule L or Li controlled substances with intent to distribute. ►► George Daniel Brown, 26 of Parks Road, Cumming, was arrested March 21 on Parks Road for possession of a Schedule LV controlled substance and location of a wanted person. ►► Nathan Paul Rogers, 39 of Lakewood Road, Cumming, was arrested March 24 on Ronald Reagan Boulevard for possession of drug-related items or narcotic equipment, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana less than one ounce. ►► Stacy Arlynee Mosher, 36 of Imperial Drive, Cumming, was arrested March 24 on Ronald Reagan Boulevard for possession of drug-related items or narcotic equipment, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana less than one ounce. ►► Kirby Vladimir Gorson, 47 of Lake Seminole Place, Buford, was arrested March 24 on Ga.400 for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a drug-related item or narcotic equipment and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.

Braves: Continued from Page 14 he said. “There will be $14.8 million going to Cobb schools.”

Of course the one topic in everyone’s mind is “How do you get there and where do you park?”

“Everybody is worried about the traffic,” Workman said. “Well, the newspapers are not always right. There are 300,000 cars going through the I-285 and I-75 exchange every day. Do you really think it can’t handle another 7,000 cars on game days?”

He scoffed at traffic worries. Many visitors will be coming early to take advantage of the shopping and dining opportunities at The Battery, and many will stay late after the game.

“The traffic is only going to get better around there,” he said.

Indeed, the fine dining and service inside SunTrust Park Parkman described almost made you forget there’s

baseball game going on.

When the question was eventually asked, “just how good” will these Braves be?” he gave a fair appraisal.

“We got away from the things that built those great Braves teams we had.”

By that he meant drafting and developing good talent through the farm system.

“We thought we were close to a championship and tried to add a couple of pieces [players] and signed some really bad contracts. That hurt us.”

He noted in the Braves glory years they averaged bringing in about 10 new players every year as new talent earned a shot.

“But we have gotten back to basics and rebuilt the farm team. We have the No. 1 farm system in the Major Leagues again, and we have a really competitive club with great young players.”

He promised these Bravos will be a fun team to watch.

For information on SunTrust Park, visit www.Braves.com/suntrustpark.

DEATH NOTICES David Blane Baker, 60, of Cumming, passed away March 22, 2017.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Billy Brooks, 90, of Cumming, passed away March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Francis Dunay, of Roswell, passed away March 22, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Laura Hipp, of Roswell, passed away March 24, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Billy Holcombe, of Roswell, passed away March 26, 2017.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Lucinda Renee Frantz, 47, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2017.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Ann Lampe, of Roswell, passed away March 27, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Barbara. R. Zettel Grubb, 81, of Cumming, passed away March 19, 2017.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Emma Lou McConnell, 95, of Cumming, passed away March 24, 2017.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Barbara McKenzie, 85, of Roswell, passed away, March 25, 2017.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.

Kenneth McDonald Raines, 73, of Cumming, passed away March 25, 2017.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Mary Reep Moretz, 55, of Cumming, passed away March 21, 2017.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Vida Dale Ruis, 65, of Cumming, passed away March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Catherine Morris, of Roswell, passed away March 26, 2017.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Director.

Beverly J. Scott, 54, of Cumming, passed away March 24, 2017. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Gloria Price, of Roswell, passed away March 24, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Eleanor Sincevich, of Milton, passed away March 25, 2017. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

Barbara Y. Watkins, 90, of Roswell, passed away March 21, 2017.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

30 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Upscale Housecleaner Great opportunity for a positive, energetic, detailed, dependable female.We serve a very elite established repeat clientele. Monday-Friday, 3035 hours/week. Excellent pay! Sheri 770-309-7335

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ForsythHerald.com forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | April 6, 2017 | 31

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Mulch & Pine-straw Installation. Licensed/ Insured/free est. Call or text: 678-727-6850 w w w. g a g r e e n w o r k s . com

We fix UGLY driveways and patios. $100 OFF any concrete job over $1000 New or Repair: Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls.

Residential or Commercial.

Call for FREE estimate.

The Best Concrete Company-Ask for Dave McKemey.

678-648-2010.

P r o f e s s i o n a l , competitive, many local references.

ALL CARPENTRY & REPAIRS: Roof Leaks, Wood Rot Repair, Siding, Deck Repairs and Refinishing, Painting, Doors/Windows.

Excellent References.

404-895-0260

Driveway REPAIR or REPLACEMENT Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. $150 off any job over $1500 For a FREE estimate call Dave 678-914-2576.

Competitive pricing.

Many local references.

DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT: Patios and walkways.

Stonework. 15 years experience. Hundreds of reviews online; see our online photo gallery: Sudlowconcrete.com 404-285-5995

Flooring PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

RAM’S HOME SERVICES Kitchen hardware replaced. Appliances and ceiling fans installed. Sink/toilet/ leak repair. www. ramshs.com for list of services. Experienced.

770-769-5498 RELIABLE HOME REPAIRS: 21 years experience.

R e f e r e n c e s .

Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, wood rot repair, siding, painting, pressure washing.

Free e s t i m a t e s !

770-605-0340

Kitchen & Bath:

Plumbing, Electrical Drywall and Other Repairs and Installations.

Home Maintenance.

Small Jobs Preferred. Call Mike.

404-647-1406

®

HANDYMAN REMODELING

678-455-2434

www.HandyHero.net

Home Improvement Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932.

R e m o d e l i n g , handyman. 31 years experience. Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms.

All insurance. Credit cards accepted. Paul Finegan 404-353-5611 Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical.

Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs.

All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell.

Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate

Landscaping 404Cuttree. One of the most experienced and reliable tree companies in North Atlanta.

Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service.

Free quotes.

Fully insured. 770Tree.com 678-506-0006 Yellow Ribbon Tree.

Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner. Free estimates and insured. 770Tree. com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary.

RAS Landscape Design Installation A full service landscape company capable of doing your job. 25+ years experience.

Ralph 678-898-7237

Masonry MASONRY REPAIRS Stone, brick, block.

Fireplace, walkway, retaining walls etc.

Guaranteed work. Terry Conley 706-435-7596 (N. Fulton/S. Forsyth)

Pinestraw PINESTRAW, mulch delivery/installation available.

Firewood $110/$200, plus delivery.

Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch.

770-831-3612.

Tree Services JJ Tree Cutting Services.

Complete Tree Removal-Call us for a Free Quote, 678467-1325 or 770-6306672. Licensed and insured. jjtreecutting@ gmail.com RAS Cutting Services Complete tree removal.

Ralph 678-898-7237

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Make/Models 2000-2015!

Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330.

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Employment MAKE MONEY MAILING POSTCARDS! Guaranteed Legitimate Opportunity! www.PostcardsToWealth. com Earn Multiple $250 Payments Daily! w w w. 2 5 0 P e r D a y S y s t e m . com Home Workers Urgently Needed! www.

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NO Experience Required.

Helping home workers since 2001!

Genuine Opportunity. Start Immediately! www.MailingCompany.Net

Health & Medical

404Cuttree. One of the most experienced and reliable tree companies in North Atlanta.

Perfect reviews and reliable, professional, and honest service.

Free quotes.

Fully insured. 770Tree.com 678-506-0006

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping!

24/7 CALL: 1-888-223-8818 Hablamos Espanol.

Yellow Ribbon Tree.

Near perfect reviews and award-winning service. Hands on owner. Free estimates and insured. 770Tree. com 770-744-2200 and ask for Gary.

Medical

Need work done on your home?

Call the Experts

Autos Wanted

in the

SE RV IC E DI R E C TORY

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Thank you for reading the classifieds.

WALK-IN-TUBS - Save $1500 if you own your own home & its value is $100k+ Free heated seat ($600 value) America’s Favorite Brand! Call (844) 890-5268 CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer.

Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

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Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

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Call 1-855-440-4001 www.

TestStripSearch.com. Habla Espanol.

CADNET ADS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds.

Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home.

Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license identification or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars.

800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Miscellaneous

AIRLINE CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast.

Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students.

Military friendly.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

800-481-7894

Autos Wanted

Miscellaneous

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Makes/Models 2000-2016!

Any Condition.

Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing!

We’re Nationwide!

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Education & Training AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA Technician certification.

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Financial Aid if qualified.

Job placement assistance.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-453-6204

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CALL NOW! 1-866-312-6061 Hablamos Espanol CALL CANADA Drug Center.

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Shoulder Pain? Get a painrelieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 844-502-1809

Miscellaneous Comcast Hi-Speed Internet -$29.99/mo (for 12 mos.)

No term agreement. Fast Downloads! PLUS Ask About TV (140 Channels) Internet Bundle for $79.99/mo (for 12 mos.) CALL 1-844-714-4451,

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You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-428-1639 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

Spectrum Triple Play TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea.

60 MB per second speed No contract or commitment. We buy your existing contract up to $500! 1-855-652-9304

Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $25/ Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT. 1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests.

Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes.

Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads. com for more information

Call Appen Media Group at 770-442-3278 to advertise

32 | April 6, 2017 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

SOLD! 5610 Oak Ridge Drive, Gainesville

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d ZZz KK<^ zയ ΈϳϳϬΉ ϱϬϯͳϰϭϲϳ

ϭϲϰϱ ^ŬLJŵŝƐƚ tĂLJ͕ ƵŵŵŝŶŐ

dŚŝƐ ϲ ďĞĚ ϱ ďĂƚŚ ŚŽŵĞ ŚĂƐ ŝƚ Ăůů͕ ƉůƵƐ ƐƚƵŶŶŝŶŐ ǀŝĞǁƐ Žī ďĂĐŬ ĚĞĐŬ͊ KƉĞŶ ŇŽŽƌ ƉůĂŶ͕ ĞůĞŐĂŶƚ ĨŽLJĞƌ͕ ŽĸĐĞ͕ ƐƉĂĐŝŽƵƐ ĚŝŶŝŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ ĂŶĚ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵ ǁͬ ĨƵůů ƟůĞ ďĂƚŚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ͘ &D>^ ηϱϳϵϬϭϱϱ Ψϯϳϱ͕ϬϬϬ

^d z ^> zയ ΈϳϳϬΉ ϰϬϯͳϯϱϳϳ

UNDER CONTRACT ϭϲϮϲ tĂƚĞƌĐŚĂƐĞ ƌŝǀĞ

ůŵŽƐƚ ŶĞǁ ŵĂƐƚĞƌͲŽŶͲŵĂŝŶ ďĞĂƵƚLJ ŝŶ ^ͬd ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͘ hƉŐƌĂĚĞƐ ŐĂůŽƌĞ͗ ĚĂƌŬ ŚĂƌĚǁŽŽĚƐ ŽŶ ŵĂŝŶ͕ ĐŽīĞƌĞĚ ĐĞŝůŝŶŐ ŝŶ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƌŽŽŵ ǁͬ ƐƚŽŶĞ ĮƌĞƉůĂĐĞ͕ ƚƌĞLJ ĐĞŝůŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƐĞƉĂƌĂƚĞ Z͘ &D>^ ηϱϳϵϴϬϵϯ ΨϯϮϳ͕ϬϬϬ

W d > zയ ΈϲϳϴΉ ϰϵϮͳϯϱϱϵ

ϱϰϱϭ WŝŶĞ &ŽƌĞƐƚ ŝƌĐůĞ͕ >ĂŬĞ >ĂŶŝĞƌ

>ĂŬĞĨƌŽŶƚ ŽŶ >ĂŬĞ >ĂŶŝĞƌ WŽŝŶƚ͘ ϭϴϬ ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ǀŝĞǁƐ͊ ĞĞƉ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĚŽĐŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƉĂƌƚLJ ĚĞĐŬ͕ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐ Θ ďŽĂƚ ŚŽŝƐƚ͘ hŶŝŵƉĞĚĞĚ ǀŝĞǁƐ ĨƌŽŵ ĚŽĐŬ ƚŽ ďƌŝĚŐĞ ŽŶ ƌŽǁŶƐ ƌŝĚŐĞ ZĚ͘ &D>^ ηϱϳϵϳϭϭϵ $850,000

W d > zയ ΈϲϳϴΉ ϰϵϮͳϯϱϱϵ

ϭϬϵϬ ^ƵŵŵĞƌĮĞůĚ ƌŝǀĞ͕ ƵŵŵŝŶŐ

^ŽƵŐŚƚ ĂŌĞƌ ŚŽŵĞ ŝŶ ^ŝĞŶŶĂ͘ >ƵdžƵƌŝŽƵƐ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ ǁŝƚŚ ŚƵŐĞ ŐƌĂŶŝƚĞ ŝƐůĂŶĚ͕ŐĂƐ ĐŽŽŬƚŽƉ͕Ěďů ŽǀĞŶ͕Śͬǁ ŇŽŽƌƐ͕ŶŝĐĞ ƚƌŝŵ͕ ŬĞĞƉŝŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ ĂŶĚ ŽƉĞŶ ŇŽŽƌ ƉůĂŶ͘ &D>^ ηϱϴϬϵϴϮϵ Ψϯϴϵ͕ϵϬϬ

ϱϰϳϱ :ƵŶĞ /ǀĞLJ͕͘ ĞƚŚůĞŚĞŵ

^d z ^> zയ ΈϳϳϬΉ ϰϬϯͳϯϱϳϳ

ZŝǀĞƌ ĨƌŽŶƚ ůŽƚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚƌĞĞƐ ŐĂůŽƌĞ͖ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ŶĞĂƌ ƌĐŚĞƌ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů ŝŶ 'ǁŝŶŶĞƩ Ž͘ dŚŝƐ ƚƌĂĐƚ ŽĨ ůĂŶĚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ĂƐ Ă ƐƵďĚŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ͕ ŚŽƌƐĞ ĨĂƌŵ Žƌ ƐŝŶŐůĞ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞ͘ Ăůů ĨŽƌ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ ƚŽĚĂLJ͊ &D>^ ηϱϲϰϱϳϵϵ

SOLD!

UNDER CONTRACT

Ϯϳϯ DĐ ǀĞƌ >ĂŶĞ

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$355,385 ZZK>> hEE/E', Dയ ΈϳϬϲΉ ϰϮϵͳϲϰϯϳ

ϯϳϲϱ ůĂŝďŽƌŶĞ &Ăƌŵ ZŽĂĚ͕ ^ƵǁĂŶĞĞ

ϯ ĮŶŝƐŚĞĚ ůĞǀĞůƐ ŽĨ ůŝǀŝŶŐ͊ ϯƌĚ ŇŽŽƌ ĮŶŝƐŚĞĚ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ƐƉĂĐĞ ǁͬ ĨƵůů ďĂƚŚƌŽŽŵ ĨŽƌ Ă ƐŵĂůů ŽĸĐĞ͕ ŚŽŵĞǁŽƌŬ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ͕ Žƌ Ă ĨĂŵŝůLJ ƌĞĐ͘ ƌŽŽŵ͘ &D>^ ηϱϴϬϰϭϱϮ Ψϱϰϵ͕ϵϬϬ

< d,> E , ZE E യ ΈϲϳϴΉ ϯϬϬͳϮϴϲϯ

We’re looking for talented people like you.

Come join our team at Forsyth-Lake Lanier. It’ll be “The Best Move You’ll Ever Make.™” - Karen Pate, Broker, SVP

1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 | O: 770-497-2000 | HarryNorman.com The above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice.

Karen Pate, SVP, Broker. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation.