Forsyth Herald, July 8, 2015 by Appen Media Group

Health & Wellness Sponsored section ►►PAGE 20

Greenleaf demolition?

Commissioners want to demolish abandoned neighborhood ►►PAGE 4

Heroin use grows in suburbs Drug is lethal, cheap more powerful than ever ►►PAGE 28

Performing on Broadway

Duo compete in National High School Musical Theatre Awards ►►PAGE 10

July 8, 2015 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 28

Anti-gay hate crime transpires in Forsyth By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

PHOTO BY HILLIARY HUNNINGS/STAFF

Suburbia for some has become a dead end as the number of families relying on food stamps continues to increase.

When suburbia ‘snapped’ Suburbs see increase of food stamps

SNAP Snapshot • $3.2 billion in food stamps were added to Georgia’s economy in 2014. • 911,716 Georgia households receive food stamps. • Average household size receiving food stamps – 2.15.

By HILLARY HUNNINGS news@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Beneath selfsame shrubs, slick SUVs and sprawling shops lies a shrouded reality, one rooted in the 2008 Great Recession: a suburban SNAP surge. According to the Brookings Institution, the number of suburban SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp), households increased 116 percent from 2007

Pilot employment and training program SNAP Works… • Operates in 11 counties, and 17 are to be added in 2015. • Is mandatory for recipients without dependents who are work eligible. • 6,758 customers enrolled in fiscal year 2014. • 2,378 current enrollments in job skills training. at the start of the recession to 2012. In the United States’ largest cities, the growth rate was 79 percent. Sun Belt metro locations

hit hard by the housing market collapse and recession saw sharp increases in SNAP re-

See SNAP, Page 29

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Not even a week after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled samesex marriage legal in all 50 states, an unknown suspect rebelled in the form of a hate crime. According to Robin Regan, public information officer for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place late Monday night, June 29 or early morning Tuesday, June 30 in northwest Forsyth County off Hurt Bridge Road. Not much is being released to the public on the homeowner’s identity. “We got a call earlier this morning that the homeowner woke up and discovered the rainbow flag that was hanging in front of their home had been removed from the front of their residence, laid over their windshield and set on fire,” Regan said. A fluid, suspected to be a sort of accelerant, was poured in a circle around the vehicle and then set on fire, Regan said. The vehicle did not catch fire, Regan said. A peach tree in the yard was also damaged. The rainbow flag is often seen as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements. “It was clearly an intentional act,” Regan said. “Given the symbolism of the flag, the intent there is obvious.” Detectives with the sheriff’s property crime unit and

... The rainbow flag that was hanging in front of their home had been removed from the front of their residence, laid over their windshield and set on fire.” ROBIN REGAN Public information officer for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

special victims unit are working together on this, Regan said. “It’s something we are treating extremely seriously and something we will not stand for,” Regan said. Forsyth County Probate Court Judge Lynwood D. Jordan Jr. said the local office is ready to move forward following the Supreme Court’s ruling, however, and they have paperwork for couples to begin using with “Applicant 1” and “Applicant 2” listed instead of “bride” and “groom.” As of June 30, two samesex marriage applications have been filed in Forsyth County.

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PUBLIC SAFETY

2 | July 8, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Driver with road rage brandishes ‘firearm’

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

Man hides in attic FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy noticed a car in a driveway on Patterson Street in Cumming June 23 that belongs to a man with an active outstanding warrant for his arrest for a parole violation. The officer knocked on the door of the house and spoke with the man’s girlfriend, who said he wasn’t in the house and she hadn’t seen him in two weeks. She said they were free to search the property. While searching, officers noticed a ladder into the attic. An officer searched the attic with a mirror and found the man trying to conceal himself in the insulation. He was placed into custody. The girlfriend reportedly told officers the man had been on the couch with her prior to their entering the house, and she was afraid to tell them the man was inside because he would kick her out. She was placed into custody for obstruction.

Local church vandalized

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CUMMING, Ga. — A woman called the Cumming Police Department June 22 because a driver in another vehicle reportedly pulled a gun on her as they both drove down Veterans Memorial Boulevard. When police arrived at the Wyngate subdivision that the alleged road rage driver pulled into, they found a truck in a driveway with a tag number matching the woman’s description. It was unoccupied, but police made contact with the alleged driver inside the house. When questioned, the driver reportedly said he didn’t have any knowledge of the event and that he didn’t have a firearm because he is a convicted felon. He later reportedly admitted to having an airsoft pistol in the vehicle, which

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — On June 14, a pastor at Ridgeview Baptist Church, 9030 Bethel Road, called the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office regarding vandalism and burglary of the church that happened the night before. The pastor reported that someone broke the three wooden crosses in front of the church, inverted two of them and

officers found inside the truck, along with a bulletproof vest, flak jacket and thigh rig holster with throwing knives attached. Once those were found, police asked again about the road rage incident. Again, the man denied any involvement. At the hospital, the woman reportedly accurately described the man and pistol. Because of the woman’s statement and the fact the man did not point the firearm directly at her, no arrest was made. An airsoft pistol does not fit the definition of firearm under state code, so no arrest was made for possession of firearm by convicted felon.

DUIS & DRUGS

that the third was inverted and moved in front of the church steps. Also, a concrete memorial birdbath was destroyed along with two wreaths hanging on the front doors. Two window screens had been moved and damaged, and a window was broken. Inside and around the church property, there were red plastic cups left behind and empty beer cans. There was also some kind of liquid poured on the floor inside. The pastor said a verbal dispute occurred a few weeks ago in the parking lot with a young man who reportedly had alcohol-related issues. Bethel Baptist Church, about 100 yards away, also had its sign vandalized. There were fingerprints and shoe prints found at the church, but no arrest has been made at this time.

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 ►► Steven Davis, 42, of Alpharetta

was arrested June 23 on Ga. 400 at McFarland Parkway for DUI, failure to maintain lane and DUI while driving commercial motor vehicle. ►► Michael Dohse, 38, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was arrested June 20 on State Route 369 for DUI and failure to obey yield sign. ►► Allan Gurecki, 46, of Roseman Landing, Cumming, was arrested June 20 on Ga. 400 northbound for DUI, speeding and wanted person located. ►► Erik Samperio-Barrera, 22, of Alpharetta, was arrested June 20 on McFarland Parkway for DUI, failure to maintain lane and following too closely. ►► Paul Douglas Sutherland, 57, of Gainesville, was arrested June 13 on Jot Em Down Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Susan Kendrix Clure, 49, of Hurt Bridge Road in Cumming was arrested June 21 on Hurt Bridge Road for DUI, failure to report accident and possession of marijuana under 1 ounce. ►► John Henry Newsom, 48, of Sugar Hill was arrested June 13 on State Route 20 for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Evan Matthew Hawkins, 21,

Customer undresses at gas station FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A man reportedly unzipped his pants to pull out his genitals June 15 at the Chevron, 8585 Browns Bridge Road. An employee of the gas station told officers the man used the restroom, got a drink and brought it to the register, where he allegedly unzipped his pants to pull out his genitals as she rang up his items. He then walked into the parking lot and she locked the door before he tried to get back into the store. When other customers tried to get in, she unlocked the door and the man came inside with them. The man then bought a candy bar and left. No warrants were obtained at this time.

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Forsyth Herald | July 8, 2015 | 3

Forsyth Fire Dept. to participate in fire/EMS safety week FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Fire Department will participate in the 2015 International Fire/ EMS Safety and Health Week July 5-11. Safety and Health Week is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). The event is coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the NVFC, and is supported by a network of fire service, health and safety organizations. This annual event aims to improve firefighter safety and health to create a bet-

ter chance of survival during emergencies and in the longterm. Fire departments across the world will take time during the week to increase awareness and action so that safety and health become a priority in all fire departments. The theme for Safety and Health Week this year is ‘creating a culture of safety.’ This theme focuses on what can be done to improve safety in three specific areas: The community—by promoting fire prevention and risk reduction strategies to prevent fires and other emergencies. The department—by strengthening standard operat-

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ing procedures that re-enforce safety and creating department health and wellness programs. The individual—by encouraging firefighters and EMS providers to take personal responsibility for their safety and health. With heart attacks being the leading cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities, the growing risk of job related cancers and 81,000 firefighters being injured each year across the nation, it is especially important that each responder is prepared in every way when the call comes in.

Safety and Health Week provides a time for all department members to focus on the safety and health measures they need to take both on and off duty to make sure they stay strong and ready to serve the community at a moment’s notice. The event brings together the entire fire service community to help prevent line-ofduty deaths and injuries. “The Forsyth County Fire Department is looking forward to participating in Safety and Health Week once again this year,” Division Chief Jason Shivers said. “Throughout

Safety Week, all Forsyth County firefighters will be training on the objectives outlined as a part of this initiative. It is important to note, however, that our daily response will in no way be impacted. Responding to the citizens’ request for assistance is always our top priority.” The Forsyth County Fire Department asks for community awareness and support during International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week and in its safety and health initiatives throughout the year. —Malik Jones

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NEWS

4 | July 8, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Commissioners seek demolition for Greenleaf Neighborhood long abandoned By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Structures still standing in the long-abandoned Greenleaf neighborhood near the Dawson-Forsyth county line may be demolished soon. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 to seek bids from demolition companies at their regular meeting June 23. Greenleaf has structures on 18 of the 60-some lots that have been left in various states of despair, said Ken Jarrard, county attorney. “We need to go forward and actually do some demolition,” Jarrard said. “We have 18 lots that have structures on them. Two have taken the structures down themselves.” The board voted to seek a request for quotes for the demolition work. Jarrard estimated it would cost about $15,000 per structure. Development of the Greenleaf neighborhood was abandoned in 2006. In November 2006, five California residents filed a lawsuit seeking damages for fraud, nuisance, trespass and inverse condemnation on lots they bought in the Greenleaf subdivision. The developer and appraiser associated with the Greenleaf project later received prison sentences and were ordered to pay millions of dollars in restitution. Developer Jeffery Alan Teague was sentenced in 2007 to 15 years, eight months in prison for fraud. Appraiser Darryl L. Cooper was sentenced in 2008 to one year, six months in federal prison for creating fraudulent appraisals. The county was cleared of wrongdoing in February 2010, but spent thousands of dollars defending themselves in court.

HILLARY HUNNINGS/STAFF

The houses left in the Greenleaf neighborhood are overgrown and falling apart. Jarrard said they’ve been working on the neighborhood for quite some time. At the meeting, the commissioners also authorized Jarrard and his team to accept quitclaim deeds from the entities they have sued as part of a resolution of the lawsuit, which they have done. Quitclaim deeds are used to transfer title and ownership of property from one person or entity to another. “We received quitclaim deeds for four parcels and are expecting two more,” Jarrard said. “Otherwise, we have court orders for the remainder that says we can go ahead and commission a third party to

go in and demolish those structures; and then we can take the cost of the demolition and put it as liens on the property.” The next step would be to potentially condemn the property altogether in the future, Jarrard said. Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills suggested using the housing for firefighter training, however Forsyth County Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers said that is not an option. “I would never put any of our people in those buildings,” Shivers said. “We don’t know the history. They’re dangerous. They’re in various states of disrepair.”

Watch the latest episode of Forsyth in Focus FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The new episode of “Forsyth

in Focus” is now airing on TV Forsyth and online at www.

GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 26

ALPHARETTA: Community yard sale. Park Glenn Subdivision, Webb Bridge Road and Park Glenn Drive 30005. Saturday 7/11, 8am-3pm ALPHARETTA: Mayfair Subdivision, 3220 Arborwoods Drive 30022. Saturday 7/11, 8am-2pm. Moving. One day only; everything must go! Furniture, sports equipment, house decor, miscellaneous JOHNS CREEK: The River Ridge Subdivision, 145 Brassy Court 30022. Estate sale. Friday 7/10 , and Saturday 7/11 (Saturday multi family) 8am-1pm. MILTON: Crooked Creek; 370 Eagles Pass. Friday 7/10, Saturday 7/11, 9am-3pm. Treasures for everyone! Furniture, accessories, clothing, sporting equipment, radio controlled helicopter & supplies, tools, purses, etc

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To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@ appenmediagroup.com

forsythco.com. Highlighted in this episode are the 2015 State of the County event, the recent cornerstone and time capsule ceremony at the new county courthouse, an effort by public safety agencies and the school system to show teens the dangers of reckless behavior behind the wheel, and more.

Tune in to TV Forsyth on Comcast channel 23 and AT&T channel 99 every day at 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. and Fridays at 8 p.m. to watch “Forsyth in Focus.” The program can also be viewed online from the TV Forsyth section of the Forsyth County website. –Kathleen Sturgeon

Forsyth DFCS to meet FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Department of Family and Children Services will meeting July 8 at 10 a.m. at the Forsyth County DFCS office, 426 Canton Road. For more information call 770-781-6716.

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NEWS

Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency hosts bomb training FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Bomb Disposal Unit, in conjunction with the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency, hosted bomb threat management training for approximately 75 school officials and representatives of public safety agencies from around the state on June 25. All Forsyth County and City of Cumming public safety agencies participated in the training, designed to assist in planning for and responding to a bomb threat. GBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Clayton said the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and GBI started a partnership five years ago designed to train public officials to handle bomb threats. “We have received very good feedback from all over the state of Georgia,” Clayton said. “This has made a significant impact on the way we handle bomb threats in Georgia.” The training provides a better understanding of how a community can come together to form a bomb threat response plan. Forsyth County Emergency

Emergency Management personnel teach proper techniques for responding to bomb threats. Management Agency Deputy Director Chris Grimes said hosting the GBI training was an honor. “We were proud to host such important training here in our community and look forward to our continued partner-

ship with the GBI and GEMA,” he said. For information on the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency visit www. forsythco.com. For information on the GBI, visit www.gbi. georgia.gov.

forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | July 8, 2015 | 5

Forsyth County Insurance Services Office rating improves FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.— The Insurance Services Office (ISO) has announced that both Forsyth County and the city of Cumming have received an improved ISO rating, following a study conducted in both the county and the city in late 2014 and early 2015. This study audited Forsyth County’s ability to serve the public through an examination of three key areas of public safety: Fire protection, E-911 service and water services. Each aspect was studied in an in-depth analysis, so as to appropriately define the ISO rating for Forsyth County residents and business owners. The analysis was followed by months of study and evaluation by ISO, which resulted in an improvement of the county’s rating from a 5 to a 3. ISO ratings are on a scale from 1 to 10, with lower numbers representing better levels of protection. Ratings are based upon a number of factors, including fire response and equipment,

BOWMAN

E-911 call handling and efficiency, and fire hydrant volume and pressure availability. Forsyth County was last graded by ISO in

2008. “Any time a community can improve their ISO rating it is certainly an achievement,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “For us to have improved our rating not by one number but by two is a significant accomplishment of which this community can be very proud.” Insurance companies are able to begin recognizing the new rating effective July 1. The rating change means potential insurance savings to residents and businesses. Residents and business owners are encouraged to contact their insurance provider for specific information on how the rating change may impact their insurance. –Malik Jones

NEWS

6 | July 8, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

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Early voting begins for House District 24 runoff By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Sheri Gilligan and David Van Sant will be going head-tohead yet again for the Georgia House District 24 seat in special election runoff July 14. A special election was held June 16 to fill the seat, which was left open when Rep. Mark Hamilton retired his post to take a job in Tennessee. However, none of the four candidates acquired more than half of the votes; thus a runoff election is necessary. Advance voting for the runoff began June 29 and goes until July 10. For the second week of voting from July 6-9, there will be two locations open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E Main St., Cumming, and at Midway Park, 5100 Post Road, Cumming. On July 10, both locations will be open, but the hours that day are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Election

GILLIGAN

VAN SANT

Early voting dates • Monday through Thursday, July 6-9: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E Main St., Cumming, and Midway Park, 5100 Post Road, Cumming • Friday, July 10: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at both the Administration Building and Midway Park Day July 14, all six polling locations involved in this elec-

KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF

Christina Fenton votes in the special election June 16. tion will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their designated polling location on Election Day. Those who may vote in this election include voters in portions of the Heardsville, Coal Mountain, Otwell, Midway, Polo and Cumming precincts. There are approximately 38,000 voters in this portion of the county. In the June 16 election, 10.48 percent of eligible voters cast ballots for the House District 24 election and City of Cumming Post 1 election.

Barbara Luth, the supervisor of voter registrations and elections for the county, said they’re expecting about 8 to 10 percent of voters to turn out for the runoff. “We may have the same [turnout] we had for the actual election, maybe a little less because we don’t have the city race on there,” Luth said. On the first day of early voting, Luth said they had a good day with 77 people voting. That was higher than the June 16 election’s first day of early

voting. But elections aren’t free and runoffs cost money. One of the expenses the county has is paying the poll workers, Luth said. “The majority of it is the poll worker pay, it’s maybe $15,000 – 20,000 in poll worker pay,” Luth said. “We have a little bit of overtime pay for the staff. Because we don’t have every site open, it’s not quite as much.” For information on voting, visit www.forsythco.com.

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8 | July 8, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

OPINION

My mom and I happily pose at the 2012 Peachtree Road Race finish line.

O say, can you 10K? Sweating, climbing Heartbreak Hill and being surrounded by 60,000 people (plus thousands of bystanders) is not how I usually like to spend a holiday. But if I get to walk through the heart of Atlanta, party patriotically and earn a coveted T-shirt by completing a 6.2mile course, count me in. Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race is a beloved Fourth of July tradition. This is the 45th year of the 10K. Roughly 60,000 people sign up in March, hoping to earn a race number through a lottery selection system. After all is said and done, the contestants line up in Buckhead before the sun is barely above the horizon and walk or run to Piedmont Park, where a celebration takes place and where you get that all-important trophy, the official Peachtree Road Race T-shirt. Of course, the wheelchair participants are always the most impressive Peachtree athletes, leading off the festivities in the first wave and serving as an inspiration to all participants who follow. I remember being woken up in the wee hours of the Fourth to my dad leaving the house to take MARTA to the race. As the years went on, it transitioned to both of my parents participating and eventually just my mom and I. Clearly, my family loves the Peachtree Road Race and has made this Atlanta tradition our own. This year marks my sev-

KATHLEEN STURGEON Forsyth Herald Reporter kathleen@appen mediagroup.com

enth race. Although I know the course pretty well, every year is different from the last. My mom and I play a game of sorts to keep us entertained while walking the 6.2 miles (plus who knows how long after the official race to get back to MARTA). We have our usual mustsee spots along the course including the church that blesses the crowd with holy water (a water hose with a sprinkler head attached, along with a minister standing outside and sprinkling water on the crowd), the various restaurants and bars giving out free beer (although the race starts at 6:43 a.m.) and of course passing the various forms of Peachtree roads (West Peachtree Street and Peachtree Battle Avenue, for example). Along the way, you are sure to encounter hilarious and almost scandalous costumes from spectators but also sometimes from participants. My favorite are the men and women who run the race in full Army or firefighting attire. Some even carry the American flag. Not an easy feat when slogging through 6.2 hot, humid, hilly miles. We’ve had our share of

negative Peachtree moments, as well. Twice, it has rained or threatened to rain, making the walk muggy and glum. We’ve also seen a few medical emergencies in the form of chest pains or falls to the pavement. But the worst part of the Peachtree, no matter the weather, is Heartbreak Hill (or as the official Peachtree people call it, Cardiac Hill). Just after the mile three marker, the hill suddenly appears as you’re starting to wonder just how many blisters your feet will have. Some of the people who tried to run the first half of the race become walkers, and the walkers become draggers. Our strategy is to push through as quickly as we can to get it over with. But when you think you’ve had enough, you look over to your right and there are the Shepherd Center patients. Some are in wheelchairs and others in their hospital beds. All have big, happy, smiling faces and are waving and cheering us on. The people who are in a hospital for spinal cord and brain injuries are cheering on the people who are well enough to do a 10K in July in Atlanta. If that’s not the biggest motivation to get up that hill and finish, I don’t know what is. They say the Peachtree is the largest 10K in the world, and I believe it. And thanks to the participants, volunteers, bystanders and city of Atlanta, it’s become one of the most widespread traditions in the South.

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Put the Confederate flag where it belongs: a museum Recently, the Confederate battle flag has been in the news and public eye probably more than it has since the end of the Civil War. The Northerner in me has always viewed the flag as something to put on a pickup truck or a baseball cap. But the historian in me marvels that a symbol so old (and for a lost cause, no less!) is still in such use. It is no surprise the flag has become the center of controversy recently. After the massacre in Charleston a few weeks ago, the alleged gunman was openly racist and the flag was flying in many pictures in which he is shown. Calls since then have come in to remove the flag from state capitol buildings, state flags, license plates, memorials and even military bases. There is a movement to seemingly erase this image from modern society. That is a bad idea. Let me qualify that statement. Firstly, the flag is indeed a symbol of racism. Period. Anyone who claims the Civil War was not fought over black slavery doesn’t know their history. Several of the declarations of secession – notably South Carolina (the first to leave) and Georgia – specifically make note of slavery and the election of anti-slavery Lincoln as the primary reasoning to leave the Union. Yes, the war was about states’ rights – the right to own slaves chief among them. Understandably, the African-American community is skeptical of the “purely historical” aspect of the flag. Add to that the current resurgence of the flag began in the 1950s and ‘60s, the same time as the Civil Rights era. Coincidence? Sure, it was about 100 years since the war, but why on earth place the emblem on state flags? Why not fly the “Stars and Bars,” the actual Confederate flag, rather than the battle flag, which has become synonymous with groups such as the KKK and racist hatred? To have such an icon on government buildings, flying proudly in the face of a population that in many states makes up nearly half the residents, is atrocious. That said, the flag should

JONATHAN COPSEY

Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com

Several of the declarations of secession – notably South Carolina (the first to leave) and Georgia – specifically make note of slavery and the election of anti-slavery Lincoln as the primary reasoning to leave the Union. in no way be erased from society. It belongs in a museum, not the capitol grounds. It belongs on monuments, not state flags. Stone Mountain is a perfect example. Calls have been made to remove the four Confederate flags from the monument. Just like with a battlefield, this is a monument (albeit on a grand scale) to the war and locals who fought in it. This is exactly where such a symbol should be flown. By removing all traces of the flag, we risk burying or forgetting about what it stood for. We need to remember why we fought the Civil War and what happened (and continues to happen) after. The flag is the perfect way to do this – keep it as a lesson to learn from, not a symbol of pride.

COMMUNITY

Forsyth Herald | July 8, 2015 | 9 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Community pillar passes away Everett Bettis called ‘Mr. Midway’ By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — He was known as “Mr. Midway” in the Forsyth County community in which he was born, raised and helped to build. Born March 7, 1922, Daniel “Everett” Bettis saw the county transform from what he called “pure country” to a fast-growing suburb of Atlanta. He was a pillar of the Midway community, a successful businessman and antique car salesman. He lived and worked within a mile radius of his home in the 4700 block of Atlanta Highway – near Bettis Road, named after his family. On June 24, 2015, the county lost one of its community giants at the age of 93. His family affectionately referred to him as Popa, including in his obituary. “Popa made his mark on the community in many ways that will never be forgotten,” they wrote. “He grew up to follow his father, the late Carter

Grady Bettis, in running the community’s first general store that had shopping carts. This was a big deal back then. Everett Bettis’ General Store later became Wood Ace Hardware times three under the ownership of his then son-in-law Jerry Wood. Popa retired Jan. 1, 1980 to pursue his next passion in life, antique and classic car collecting. He was known as one of the most wellrespected men in the industry and sold cars all over the world on his word alone.” In 2012, the Forsyth Herald did a two-part profile on Bettis. In that profile, he spoke about the Publix Supermarket at Midway Shopping Center, 4900 Atlanta Highway, which just so happens to be where he was born – back when it was an old farmhouse. Always involved in the community, Bettis and two other members of the community donated in 1961 the 10 acres of land where Midway Elementary School is now. “He cared about his com-

ALDO NAHED/ARCHIVE

Everett Bettis on the porch of his home in 2012. In the background is a red barn, where he collected and sold antique cars for 28 years. munity and was very active and served as chairman of his local bank, chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Education and County Hospital Authority among many others,” the obituary read. “Popa wore many hats in the

community and in the lives that he touched throughout his 93 years, but his legacy will always be his love and dedication to his family, his friends and his community.” Bettis is survived by his daughter Joy Bettis of

Dahlonega, his sister Evelyn Bagley of Cumming, grandchildren Andrea Hogan of Cumming, David Wood of Dahlonega and great-grandchildren Tyler Hogan of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Trey Hogan of Cumming.

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10 | July 8, 2015 | Forsyth Herald

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Local students compete in musical theater awards By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com NEW YORK CITY — Local students Nick Eibler and McKenzie Kurtz found they were top of the heap of high school musical theater students June 30, when they had the chance to perform on Broadway in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards/ Jimmy Awards in New York City. Eibler, a 2015 graduate of West Forsyth High School, won best actor, and Kurtz, a 2015 Milton High School grad, won best actress at the 2015 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards this past April. Their awards in April earned them spots to attend the national competition. They were able to make the trip thanks to funding from the ArtsBridge Foundation, who they represented. The local pair performed in opening and closing ensembles and nominee medleys at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. They also competed against 50 other students representing 25 cities from across the United States who were in New York for five days of private coaching, master classes and rehearsals with theater professionals. During the week, the students practiced at New York University, where they had vocal coaching with Broadway stars. At the end of the week, they put on a performance with the other stu-

dents attending. “One of my favorite parts was definitely getting to know kids who are as equally as passionate about musical theater as I am,” Eibler said. “I also liked getting to work with so many talented people. It was inspiring to be around such talented people and being able to do this with confidence. Getting to perform on a Broadway stage was amazing as well.” The pair said they are glad they made friends not only with other students but with professionals as well. “Making those connections is beneficial to what we want to do in life,” Kurtz said. “That’s something really great we’ll take away from this whole experience.” Both have graduated from high school and are pursuing degrees in musical theater, Kurtz at University of Michigan and Eibler at Texas State. Applications for the 2016 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards will be accepted in July with schools from across the state of Georgia selected to compete. The 2016 Shuler Awards will be presented on April 21, 2016 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Learn about the National High School Musical Theatre Awards at http://www.nhsmta.com/, the Shuler Hensley Awards at http://artsbridgega. org/programs/shuler-awards/ and ArtsBridge Foundation at http://artsbridgega.org/.

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Nick Eibler of West Forsyth High School, left, and McKenzie Kurtz of Milton High School travel to New York City to compete in the seventh annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards.

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Forsyth Herald | July 8, 2015 | 11 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Forsyth Senior Expo rescheduled for July 11 13th annual event showcases services to help plan for the future

From left, Fire Chief Danny Bowman, County Manager Doug Derrer, Captain Brian Wilson and his children Jonathan and Katherine.

Forsyth Fire Dept. captain completes Executive Fire Officer training FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Captain Brian Wilson of the Forsyth County Fire Department has completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. The Executive Fire Officer Program provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration. The program’s participants enhance their professional development through resident graduate-level and upper-lev-

el college-equivalent courses and accompanying research, completed over a four-year span. “One of the prerequisites is that each student must complete an Applied Research Project that relates to his or her organization within six months of each of the four courses,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “Only individuals who have demonstrated having provided leadership with their organization may apply to participate. Captain Wilson

certainly exceeds all of those requirements.” So far only 3,563 nationally and 53 firefighters in the state of Georgia have ever successfully completed the requirements of the Executive Officer Program. Forsyth County Manager Doug Derrer and Chief Bowman presented Wilson with his Executive Fire Officer Program completion certificate on June 25 at the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex. —Malik Jones

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Senior Services is hosting the 13th annual Forsyth County Senior Expo Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College. The event had originally been scheduled for earlier this year, but had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. The Forsyth Senior Expo is an opportunity for senior citizens as well as their families and friends to learn about planning for the future. The free event provides a venue for information regarding a variety of topics including home care, senior living, legal services and more. Health screenings, door prizes and refreshments will be available. The Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College is located at 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Cumming. To receive more information regarding the

The free event provides a venue for information regarding a variety of topics including home care, senior living, legal services and more. Forsyth Senior Expo, contact Forsyth County Senior Services at 770-781-2178. For more information about being a vendor at the Forsyth Senior Expo or about sponsorship opportunities, call 770-781-2178. —Kathleen Sturgeon

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12 | July 8, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

Eagle Scout project benefits The Place of Forsyth

ALPHARETTA CHAMBER’S

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CUMMING, Ga. — Jared Bennett, son of Leslie and Bob Bennett, rising junior at Lambert High School and member of local Scout Troop 1099, completed his Eagle Scout project on June 20 at The Place in Cumming. He was assisted by over 30 troop members and leaders. The project benefitted the Food Pantry at The Place in Cumming. The food pantry is changing over to a client choice system, in which clients are able to shop and select food items using a point value system in the new ‘market’. Previously, clients seeking assistance were provided a bag of pre-packed food items. The new system allows clients to retain more independence and dignity by personally selecting items for their families, and in turn, insures less food waste. The project entailed organizing the huge food storage area, building industrial shelves, moving and sorting donated items, repacking and labeling perishables in bins, stocking shelves downstairs and in the market and potting plants for the entry way. —Kathleen Sturgeon

Jared Bennett recently completed his Eagle Scout project at The Place in Cumming.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Girl Scout Brownie Troop 12845 with their donations to residents of Jesse’s House. Back row, from left: Lauren Kwolek, Richard Sharma, Emily Dunaway, Laine Williams, Gracie Schulke and Erin Marx. Middle row: Emma Claire Duncan, Malley McKean, Erin Bissonnette, Annie Kocerha, Ella Rowan and Shirin Sather. Front row: Hanna Lovern, Ellie Moore and Manasvi Gupta.

Girl scouts donate to Jesse’s House residents www.AlpharettaChamber.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.—The third grade brownies of Girl Scout Troop 12845 at Settles Bridge Elementary School used some of their cookie sale money to give back to their community by providing wish list items and gifts to the

residents of Jesse’s House. The Girl Scouts were able to donate bathrobe and slipper sets, toiletries and manicure gift bags. Jesse’s House Emergency Children’s Shelter works to provide safe and structured

care in a nurturing environment to at-risk girls ages 7 to 17 in order to adequately prepare them for life. For more information on Jesse’s House visit their website at www.jesseshouse.org —Malik Jones

SCHOOLS

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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | July 8, 2015 | 13

Georgia receives extension on No Child Left Behind waiver By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – Georgia has received an extension of its waiver from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as it relates to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, allowing the state to continue its own plan to improve student achievement. “I am pleased that Georgia was granted continued flexibility from the overly prescriptive and one-size-fits-all system,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “States know what works to improve education better than the federal government.” In 2012, Georgia was one of the first states to seek, and receive, a waiver from NCLB by the U.S. Department of Education. The waiver was granted in exchange for the state’s

commitment to develop its own accountability plans to improve student performance. NCLB was first implemented in 2002, requiring districts to have all students performing at grade level by 2014, or face harsh penalties. Although the law technically expired in 2007, it remains intact until the U.S. Congress either kills it or reauthorizes it. Only five states still adhere to NCLB; with waivers given to the remaining 45. Recently, education committees for both the U.S. Senate and House approved new versions of NCLB, with more realistic expectations than the current law. This bipartisan support indicates reauthorization may actually happen in the near future. “The [committee’s] consensus is this: Continue [NCLB’s] important measurements of

academic progress of students, but restore to states, school districts, classroom teachers and parents the responsibility for deciding what to do about improving student achievement,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Senate Education Committee. For now, Georgia has a waiver to pursue its own performance plans. Those plans include the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI), which considers a broad range of factors that make a school successful. Under NCLB, a school could be deemed failing if only of small group of students did poorly on the state assessment. Critics argued that was a snapshot of school performance on one day, instead of throughout the year, which the

CCRPI now calculates. Each year, schools and school districts are given a CCRPI score from 1-100 that evaluates the school on its graduation rates, test scores, school climate and other factors. In contrast, NCLB passed or failed schools on the basis of one annual assessment, which comprised Adequate Yearly Performance (AYP). In requesting the extension, Woods included a request to amend the section dealing with newly arrived English language learners to allow more time to be deemed proficient. The current waiver mandates such students show proficiency the first time they take the mandated annual assessments, which is often only the second year the student is in Georgia. “Research has proven that it takes several years to gain

States know what works to improve education better than the federal government.” RICHARD WOODS Georgia School Superintendent

the English skills necessary to engage with academic content effectively,” said Woods. “Our amendment request takes a more realistic approach to assess English language learners’ abilities.”

DINE & LEARN 2015

Students fight littering FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — At the May 2 meeting of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, students from the South Forsyth High School Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program presented their ideas for anti-

littering campaigns. Three groups of students shared with the commissioners their ideas for combatting litter in the community. —Jim Lichtenwalter

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14 | July 8, 2015 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com

SCHOOLS

From left, teachers Jennifer McCutchen and Laura Englebert, their FCHS Environmental Science students, and teacher Monica Jarvis.

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

From left, Farida Testa, Reaping Nature Board Member and Lisa LaFayette, Conservation Co-Chair Sawnee Woman’s Club, together with students and teacher, Carrie Beth Rykowski.

Forsyth Central HS, Vickery Creek MS win garden towers FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Reaping Nature Educational Outreach Foundation and Sawnee Woman’s Club awarded Forsyth Central High School and Vickery Creek Middle School with garden towers as part of an Earth Day contest. The students at the schools submitted short videos explaining why their school should win a garden tower.

“We are excited to award these schools with garden towers and add them to the growing list of schools in our county that have them,” said Denise Carleton, Reaping Nature’s Executive Director and Sawnee Woman’s Club Conservation Co-Chair. “Garden towers provide our schools with a space-saving way of educating students about gardening and

Fu Ro rnis Lif om hin est in gs yle Yo for ur Ev Ho er me y

food sustainability.” Forsyth Central will use their garden tower as part of an organic gardening club starting this fall. The school has invited all students to participate but is focused on combining Jennifer McCutchen’s AP Environmental classes with the school’s ESOL classes. McCutchen explained that some of the school’s ESOL students leave Mexico as migrant farmers, and many end up quitting school to become day workers on farms. The school would like to teach them the skills of business coupled with their knowledge of agriculture into a marketable skill, as well

as keep them in school. The focus of her AP classes will be on environmental fieldwork concentrating on soil chemistry and habitats. “The garden tower will serve as a primary portion of our garden center. We are going to concentrate on growing organic vegetables that we would like to broaden into a bigger garden area on our West Campus,” said McCutchen. “Eventually we would like for our students to be able to sell their produce to vendors like the farmer’s markets.” The Green Group Environmental Club at Vickery Creek Middle School will maintain the garden where the tower will

be placed. “Sixth-grade earth science classes will learn about composting and maintain the worm bin portion, and seventh-grade life science classes will learn about plant growth,” said Carrie Beth Rykowski, a science teacher at Vickery Creek Middle. “We plan on having an organic garden with vegetables, herbs, and flowers.” Garden towers are available through the Garden Tower Project, a small company in Bloomington, Indiana. To learn more, visit www.gardentowerproject.com or www.reapingnature.org. -Malik Jones

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COMMUNITY

Pets of the week

Forsyth Herald | July 8, 2015 | 15 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Suzie

Santa

Suzie and Santa FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Suzie is a 5 and a half year old Chihuahua/ beagle mix. She is also a lap dog. This girl is awesome on a leash, but would prefer a couch. Or better yet, a special bed prepared just for her. She loves adults but kids are not her first choice. Suzie is house trained and would be a fantastic indoor companion. Santa is a male boxer/shepherd mix with an estimated date of birth of Sept. 23, 2013. Santa’s sweet and calm. His greatest quality could be his massive love for people. He is a very large boy, with some filling out yet to do. Santa is a St. Bernard mix. He is certainly a staff and volunteer

Lunna

Kobe

favorite at the Humane Society. You can meet either dog at the adoption center at 4440 Keith Bridge Road. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Fill out an application for any of the pets at www.forsythpets.org.

Lunna FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Lunna is a 1-year-old, 27-pound female dachshund and basset hound mix. She is a sweet girl with good house manners. She has lots of energy and would love a companion to run around and play with. To get more information about adopting Lunna, please go to forsythpets.org and fill out an application.

Twinkie

Kobe CUMMING, Ga. -Of the last 1,000 dogs to enter the HSFC dog building, Kobe may be the most loyal. Kobe is a 2 1/2 year old Mastiff mix. It’s not easy watching Kobe remain day after day at the HSFC because he is great. Kobe has demonstrated that he can play and get along very well. He would so appreciate a family or owner to call him their own. Please put the big guy on your list of HSFC dogs to meet on your next visit.

Twinkie FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Always a top choice for volunteers is the beautiful Twinkie. Twinkie is an

eight-year-old Golden Retriever/ Setter. She is a very healthy girl and never has had a kennel accident at the HSFC. Twinkie is also fantastic on a leash and warms up to people immediately. Her stay lengthens due only to the fact that she does not do well with other dogs. An owner with this understanding will quickly find out what a wonderful dog Twinkie truly is. Please come meet and visit Twinkie at the Humane Society by going to 4440 Keith Bridge Road. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Fill out an application on any of the pets at www. forsythpets.org.

Forsyth County annual reports now available FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Citizens interested in learning more about their county government and fire department can obtain copies of the 2014 Forsyth County Annual Report and 2014 Forsyth County Fire Department Annual Report, which are now available. Both annual reports serve to inform residents about their county and provide information on recent progress and accomplishments. The Annual Report pro-

vides information regarding the county government’s projects and progress in 2014, as well as financial data. “It is with a great deal of pride we present this annual report as a way to better acquaint our citizens with their county government,” County Manager Doug Derrer said. “We hope this publication serves to not only keep citizens up to date on the progress taking place throughout the county but also to

illustrate the many services and programs provided by the county government.” The Fire Department Annual Report contains information about the fire department’s divisions, stations, apparatus and more. “The goal of this annual publication is to present an easy-to-read statistical analysis of the precise manner in which the Fire Millage Tax is expended and show graphically

It is with a great deal of pride we present this annual report as a way to better acquaint our citizens with their county government.” DOUG DERRER County Manager where we are today, and plan to grow tomorrow,” Fire Chief

Danny Bowman said. - Jim Lichtenwalter

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Sponsored Section • HEALTH & WELLNESS

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

July 8, 2015 25

ONE OF THE MOST INTRIGUING DEVELOPMENTS IN MODERN DENTISTRY IS SOMETHING CALLED...

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Dangers lurking in the grass... Now that we are heading into warmer months, full of outdoor activities for you and your pet, it is important to recognize a potential threat in the grass and water. Georgia is home to six poisonous snakes, including three rattlesnakes (Pygmy, Eastern Diamondback and Timber), the Water Moccasin (or Cottonmouth), the Coral Snake, and the Copperhead. The rattlesnakes can be found throughout Georgia and may be best identified by the rattle at the base of their tail. Water Moccasins, as the name implies, are usually located in and around water and their danger is that they may attack your pet en masse. The coral snake is rarely responsible for bites, but can be identified by their red/ yellow/black striped appearance. The Copperhead is ubiquitous throughout central and northern Georgia and can be identified by its copper striped appearance. All of these snakes, if they bite

Savvy: Continued from Page 24 and personalized technology make all the difference in getting and keeping you hearing at your very best. However, do not assume that this level of service equates to higher prices on your hearing technology. My patients are pleasantly surprised that device pricing is competitive – even to that of the warehouse clubs. Getting started is easy, painless, and in most cases, covered by insurance! Important - When taking this first step, choose an office that has an “in-network” provider. In this case, all testing is covered by a co-pay at most AND, more and more insurance plans now cover all

your pet, will cause localized pain and swelling with possible bleeding. If left untreated, a venomous snake bite can cause problems with an animal’s nervous system and ability to clot. Sometimes, even if your pet doesn’t experience initial problems, the skin around the bite may die and require surgery to repair. If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake, it is important that they receive immediate veterinary care. Many times, treatment will require hospitalization for IV fluids, antibiotics, and antivenin. Written by Dr. Jessica Decker, Emergency Clinician, Atlanta Veterinary Specialists, the specialists who know your pets best! or part of the cost of hearing devices. Both young and old are sometimes reluctant to consider hearing aids, thinking they might make them look older, weaker or less than normal. But 90% of devices used today are almost invisible and won’t be noticed unless the wearer points them out! Help is available. Begin Day 1 of the rest of your life hearing more of it. Dr. Woodward and her staff at the Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Center is well renowned for their award winning service. They also provide diagnostic testing for hearing disorders, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, and ear wax management. All major insurance plans are accepted and no interest finance plans are offered. They can be reached at 770-814-1260 and via their website YourHearingLink.com

Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is the new signature in Assisted Living Retirement living should be exceptional living. Situated in one of the most desirable spots in Johns Creek, this new 100 apartment community is within close proximity to world-class healthcare facilities, cultural venues, fine shopping and dining. Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is a one-of-akind community offering a luxurious lifestyle with concierge services, chefprepared meals, housekeeping and more, without a large investment or long-term commitment. “We are changing the way people live,” says Beth Richardson, Executive Director at Arbor Terrace. “Working with strong on-site partners in healthcare, including 24 hour nursing staff and on site therapy, we can provide as much or as little care as our

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REMEMBERING CHARLESTON:

Pastors: Stand up for love, community Local congregations take stand against hate, violence By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The killing of nine people in a Charleston Bible study class June 17 shocked the nation. It also shocked the religious community – sanctuaries are no longer safe from hate. In Alpharetta, several local churches decided to tell the community they were taking a stand of solidarity with each other and those in Charleston. A peace and unity rally was held at midday June 28 in front of the new Alpharetta City Hall. Nearly 150 people from a half-dozen congregations around downtown Alpharetta joined together to sing, pray and express their faith.

“God is able to take anything and bring good out of it,” said the Rev. Thomas Hammond of Alpharetta First Baptist Church. “We are united in our heart and sense of tragedy,” echoed the Rev. Robert Wood of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. “This [action] was ugly, but God’s grace is in our hearts. We won’t stand for this. We are moving ahead in the grace of God.” The nine who were killed in Charleston spent their last moments on Earth in Bible study, in a sacred place. This was not lost on those assembled. “Their last act was Bible study. The sacred spaces of sanctuaries are not safe places,” said the Rev. Ollie Wagner, senior pastor

of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. “God is standing here for people and against violence; love and forgiveness against hatred.” In echoing the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Don Martin, of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, said, “I have a dream, and nobody with any gun can take away that dream. “I still have that dream,” he said. “It’s alive in Alpharetta, and that dream will one day cover the face of this Earth.” The Rev. Michael McQueen, of St. James United Methodist Church, said the congregations’ strength comes from their numbers and resolve. “We believe we can make a difference in our world,” McQueen said. “With God’s help, we can do something to strengthen us. God has always used pivotal events to bring the nation to bear witness.” McQueen called for the religious communities of the area to band together and teach their congregations, especially the youth, that, “Jesus is love, and love will conquer sin and hatred.”

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Heroin: Lethal, cheap and in the suburbs Drug more powerful than in the past By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com

fentanyl is substituted for heroin. It makes the [heroin] that much stronger. In fact, you could probably get away with having low-grade, low-potency heroin and add fentanyl to it and you’ve got yourself a decent opioid. That’s where the problem lies. People don’t know they’re taking fentanyl. They’re not going to know what the product actually contains. When you’re dealing with an opioid that is much stronger and much more potent, people are thinking ‘I’ll take the same dose that I’m used to taking,’ not knowing that it is combined with fentanyl and you have a recipe for disaster.” The combination of fentanyl and heroin has proven to be lethal. “Drug incidents and overdoses related to fentanyl are occurring at an alarming rate throughout the United States and represent a significant threat to public health and safety,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart in a Drug Enforcement Administration statement. “We have lost too many Americans to drug overdoses.”

Barbara Jameson, 90, of Roswell, passed away June 11, 2015. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

bined with other drug use. Of those deaths, males accounted for 74 percent, and nearly twothirds involved those under the age of 30. According to Georgia Poison Control Center Director Dr. Gaylord Lopez, the resurgence in heroin use can partly be attributed the tougher regulations on opioid prescription drugs and the crackdown on pill mills. “The supply of [prescription opioids] is drying up. The market is such that those pills are becoming too expensive to purchase. The alternative is heroin, which is going to be half the price. And then you’ve got yourself a resurgence,” said Lopez. For many, the use of prescription opioids, such as common pain killers, acts as a gateway to heroin. However, many of these opioids are now classified as schedule II versus schedule III drugs, meaning that the amount that can be prescribed to patients at one time is much lower. Thus, these opioids become harder to obtain and are more expensive. For those who abuse these prescription drugs, heroin proves to be more available, cheaper and stronger. George Gordon of the Alpharetta Public Safety Department said heroin has been confiscated at much higher levels of purity than in the past. However, heroin that is not particularly pure is now being mixed with fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives such as acetyl fentanyl. Fentanyl is a prescription opioid often given to patients that are not responding well to other pain medications or given to cancer patients for “shooting” pains. Fentanyl is extremely powerful –doses are measured in micrograms. According to the CDC, it is estimated the fentanyl is 80 times more powerful than morphine. According to Lopez, the addition of fentanyl could forever change heroin itself. “When you talk about shooting up garden-variety heroin, those days are probably long gone,” he said. “Often

Patricia McLendon, 75, of Roswell, passed away June 14, 2015. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Arrests:

Frank B. Pounds, Sr., 91, of Cumming, passed away June 27, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

of Suwanee was arrested June 13 on James Burress Road for DUI and tag light required.

NORTH FULTON, Ga. – Heroin has become stronger, cheaper and more available in recent years as the drug is in the midst of an unprecedented resurgence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 669,000 Americans used heroin in 2012 with 18- to 25-year-olds having the highest number of use. Since 2006, heroin-related overdose deaths have risen by 45 percent. In 2014 in Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs, there were 23 overdose deaths directly caused by heroin, heroin laced with the drug fentanyl or heroin com-

DEATH NOTICES Daniel Everett Bettis, 93, of Cumming, passed away June 24, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Thomas Young Droney, 71, of Cumming, passed away June 30, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Patricia Dunay, of Alpharetta, passed away June 29, 2015. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.

John Halpin, 87, of Roswell, passed away June 10, 2015. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home. Leonard Earl Hendrix, 58, of Cumming, passed away June 29, 2015. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Emery Icard, 68, of Roswell, passed away June 10, 2015. Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home.

Cecil Tidwell, 65, of Cumming, passed away June 27, 2015. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

When you talk about shooting up garden-variety heroin, those days are probably long gone.” DR. GAYLORD LOPEZ Director of the Georgia Poison Control Center

The rise in deaths in the North Fulton area coincides with the number of heroin overdoses nationwide. According to a DEA report, heroin overdose deaths rose 172 percent from 2010 to 2013. The report also states that heroin use has spread to suburban areas and is now attracting users of higher socio-economic classes, younger users and is used by all races. “There is no longer a typical heroin user,” stated the report.

Continued from Page 2

Drug arrests ►► Mark Sincere, 56, of Dawsonville,

was arrested June 23 on Bannister Road

A nationwide heroin problem • The number of reported heroin users doubled between 2007 and 2013. • In 2013, 8,620 Americans died from heroin overdoses. • Overdose deaths rose 172 percent in the United States from 2010 to 2013 and have tripled from 2007. • Seizures of heroin have increased 81 percent from 2010 to 2014. • Heroin purity has tripled since 1981 while the price for pure heroin has decreased nearly 600 percent. • Georgia has seen a spike in overdose deaths related to heroin laced with fentanyl. • DEA heroin arrests surpassed those of marijuana arrests for the first time in 2014. *Source-DEA National Heroin Threat Assessment Summary

For Alpharetta resident Kate Boccia, the statement holds true. Her son Daniel is currently an inmate at Central State Prison in Macon. Boccia explained that at the time of Daniel’s arrest, he was a heroin addict and that he was able to score heroin even in affluent Alpharetta. Daniel, like many heroin users, was introduced to opioids after having his wisdom teeth removed. “I would have never given him those pills if I knew how powerful they were,” Boccia said. Daniel became addicted to prescription opioids such as OxyContin and Roxicodone. When the crackdown on pill mills came, Daniel turned to heroin. “Daniel became someone that is not the person you know,” Boccia said. “He became a lying, cheating creep. And all heroin users are like that.” Daniel was arrested for armed robbery at a party on the campus of Georgia Tech. His sentence carried a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. However, Boccia explained, her son’s arrest has had a positive effect, because Daniel is now clean. “At least my son is alive. Lock-down isn’t all so bad,” she said. “He’s so happy to be free of [addiction]. We saw him go in as a very sick man. He was suicidal. The first time I visited him, I didn’t recognize him. He had changed in that short amount of time. He talks

for possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce, reckless driving and fleeing or attempting to elude. ►► Brandon Michael Smith, 21, of Fedorite Walk, Cumming, was arrested June 20 on Bald Ridge Marina Road for possession of marijuana under 1 ounce, giving false name, address or birthday to law enforcement officer, failure to obey signs or control devices and wanted person located. ►► Alexander Dube, 21, of Gainesville, was arrested June 14 on State Route 369 in Gainesville for possession of marijuana

about how good he feels. He says he’d never go back to it, and I can tell.” She said that she was naïve as to how to handle her son’s addiction. Boccia, along with Remco Brommet, started The Hub Family Resource Center in Johns Creek that provides information and assistance to those in need of resources and information, including drug addiction. “If I had something like the Hub available to me, Daniel wouldn’t be in jail,” said Boccia. Lopez says that curbing heroin use is extremely complex, although there is at least one way in which the amount of overdose deaths can be prevented – naloxone, a drug that can counteract the effects of a heroin overdose. “People like me would love to see naloxone made available over-the-counter. That can at least cut down on the number of overdose deaths,” he said. Naloxone use was made more available in Georgia by the passing of the 911 Medical Amnesty Bill in April 2014. The bill extends legal protection to those who administer naloxone to someone overdosing and also grants limited liability to those who have drugs in their possession if they seek medical attention for someone overdosing. Some police departments and emergency personnel have begun carrying naloxone to combat overdoses. The police departments of Woodstock, Atlanta and Holly Springs now carry naloxone, however no city in the North Fulton area currently carries the drug.

under 1 ounce. ►► Carol June McClendon, 22, of Hamby Drive in Cumming, was arrested June 25 on Market Place Boulevard for possession of methamphetamine, driving while license suspended or revoked and failure to use seatbelts. ►► Stephanie Ann Goss, 30, of Access Road in Cumming, was arrested June 25 on Access Road for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana under 1 ounce and wanted person located.

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SNAP: Continued from Page 1 ceipt, said Brookings’ Metropolitan Policy Program fellow Elizabeth Kneebone. In metro Atlanta, food stamp receipt more than doubled, upsetting any utopian suburban white picket fence image. Forsyth County was not immune. “The metro Atlanta area had a huge increase,” said Forsyth County Division of Family and Children Services Director Margaret Dawe. “That includes Forsyth County. The increase starting in late 2008 continued for several years.” The U.S. Census Bureau’s Forsyth County American Community Survey estimates show a significant increase in the number of Forsyth County households with Supplemental Security Income, cash public assistance income or SNAP.

In 2007, the total was 1,755. It rose slightly in 2008 to 1,795. Then it jumped to 3,104 by 2009. Many hit by the recession were new to SNAP and unfamiliar with the application process. “That included people that never had access to food stamps in the past,” Dawe said. “They may have had a good job and lost the job. All of a sudden, they needed this kind of help.” The number of Forsyth County households with SSI, cash public assistance income or food stamps continued to rise, reaching its height at 5,919 in 2011. A decrease of nearly 500 in 2012 was quickly followed by a rise in 2013 to 5,802. In a February 2015 profile of SNAP households in Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, which includes much of Forsyth County, the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows 70.6 percent of the district’s SNAP

households have children under 18 years of age. A total of 17.3 percent have one or more people 60 years and over. In Forsyth County alone, families with children are the face of SNAP receipt. “Children from 0 to 18 make up a pretty good chunk – 65 and over is the smallest,” said Dawe. “The age group from 22 to 34 is higher than the age group from 35 to 44. “Then it jumps up a little bit from ages 45 to 64,” she said. “So there are many families with children when you look at this.” SNAP not only helps provide nutritional meals for children, but also may help reduce Child Protective Services cases, Dawe said. “It may have a direct benefit in the reduction of our CPS cases, because when families struggle, those challenges sometimes will push families into the realm of child mal-

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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | July 8, 2015 | 29 treatment,” said Dawe. “It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen, but when families have lots of challenges, whether they don’t have a job or they’re homeless or whether they don’t have food, if they also have children to take care of, that also adds many more complications,” she said. Efficiency is key, and Dawe said the division is constantly trying to improve its efficiency. “The bottom line is they want their application processed timely and the benefits delivered to them if they are eligible for them,” said Dawe. “Any improvements could maybe be done on the customer service side,” she said. “We do strive to get that to them, but we always look for ways to do that in a more efficient manner.” The SNAP household profile also notes the program’s local economic multiplier effect. Every dollar in new SNAP benefits results in $1.80 in total

economic activity. “Keep in mind, food stamps, SNAP, not only directly affects poverty households, it also puts money in the community,” Dawe said. “Providers, grocery stores accept SNAP benefits. “It’s helped many clients,” she said. “We really saw that when the economy took the downturn in 2008, because the numbers increased dramatically.” According to U.S. Census data from 2009 to 2013, 7.6 percent in Forsyth lived below the poverty level. While the recession was a pivotal event contributing to SNAP receipt increase, other factors also played a role, one being population growth. Forsyth is Georgia’s second fastest-growing county, according to Census data. In 2010, Forsyth’s population estimate was 175,511. It had grown to 204,302 by 2014.

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