Forsyth Herald - August 4, 2016

A u g u s t 4 , 2 0 1 6 | 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 1 9 , N o . 3 1

Get out and bike

New roadway markings showing up around Alpharetta ►►PAGE 23

Semanson wins runoff Beats Justin Hawkins for BOC District 5 seat ►►PAGE 4

Everybody is a story Appen publisher gives an update from the Appalachian Trail ►►PAGE 8

Jumping into the new school year Front row, from left, Edna Webb, Stephanie Reis; second row: Kim Ware and Susan Bennett catch up before the year begins.Teachers from Cumming Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central High recently had the chance to deliver supplies to students in surrounding neighborhoods before school officially starts Aug. 4.

Read more, Page 11.

KATY GUNTER/SPECIAL

Forsyth continues economic growth Norton Agency gives report on county, surrounding area ►►PAGE 18

Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►PAGE 24

2 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

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

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Man struck by car was stabbed prior Pedestrian sustains life-threatening injuries

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Alpharetta-Roswell: ex. 118 Forsyth Herald: ex. 143 Johns Creek Herald: ex. 121 Milton Herald: ex. 143 Business Post: ex. 116 Northside Woman: ex. 102

ROSWELL, Ga. — A pedestrian was sent to the hospital early morning July 27 with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Ga. 120.

While being treated, doctors found that the man had stab wounds prior to the collision.

At 4:52 a.m., a black Acura traveling eastbound slammed into 32-yearold Lawrence Cornelius Range, from Marietta, who had been crossing the highway near Coleman Road. He sustained extensive injuries after hitting the windshield, said Roswell Public Information Officer Lisa Holland.

“The windshield was caved in, and there was obvious car body damage to the hood,” Holland said. “[Range’s] injuries were life-threatening.”

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. —A man selling a car called the sheriff’s office after the buyer reportedly took off with the car without paying the full amount.

The seller said the suspect called him earlier that day wanting to purchase the Audi. The two agreed on a price, and the suspect said he would be traveling down from Tennessee for the purchase.

After showing up late and on foot,

ROSWELL POLICE DEPARTMENT

The eastbound lanes of Ga. 120 were shut down for two hours July 27 after a pedestrian was struck by a car and severely injured.

According to Holland, Range was in the roadway, not the crosswalk, when he was hit.

The crash shut down the eastbound lanes on Ga. 120 for two hours. They were finally opened close to 7 a.m. after the roadway was cleared.

The female driver “was very cooperative” with the Roswell police officers and stayed on scene while the man was sent to a local hospital, said Holland. Range is currently in critical

condition.

According to the doctors evaluating him, Range was “stabbed several times prior to the accident.”

One witness saw an old, tan sedan flee from the accident scene. Police ask anyone with information about that vehicle or the victim are urged to contact Detective P. Reid at 770-640-4522.

As the investigation is ongoing, no charges have been filed against the driver or the pedestrian.

he told the seller his friend dropped him off and was waiting at the entrance although they could not see him.

The suspect then gave the seller his ID, which was later found to be false, and took the car for a test drive. The seller already registered the car and issued a temporary tag.

The suspect then handed over cash, which also was later found to be fake, and the seller went inside to count it.

When he realized the man shorted him $100, he went out to confront the suspect but he was gone with the car.

The seller then called 911 to report theft of the money. Deputies found the ID and money to be fake.

The car was entered as stolen.

See BLOTTER, Page 28

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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 ►► Alexander Jay Cook, 35, of

Deepwater Drive, Gainesville, was arrested July 26 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Robert Franklin Ford, 52, of Jensen Trail, Gainesville, was arrested July 22 on Jensen Trail in Gainesville for DUI and suspended license. ►► Joseph Lamar Knight, 56, of

See ARRESTS, Page 28

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When is the right time to consider cataract surgery?

By Cameron Johnson, M.D. As you get older, your natural lens in the eye turns into a cloudy cataract.

This process usually begins in your early 50s and slowly worsens as you age. During the early stages, cataracts may not impact your vision or have a minimal effect on the quality of your vision. However, as they progress and become denser, you may notice a Cameron Johnson, M.D. general blurring or fogginess of your Cataract & Refractive Surgeon vision. This can interfere with your ability to read, and you may require extra light to read. Others may notice difficulty with seeing road signs or glare from oncoming headlights, especially when driving at night. Colors become faded and dimmer and objects can often appear to be out of focus. Sometimes, your glasses prescription can change very rapidly with the development of cataracts.

These symptoms will begin to interfere with driving, reading, working at the computer, or even leisure activities such as playing golf. When these activities are affected, this would be the right time to consider a consultation with a cataract surgeon to discuss cataract surgery to restore your vision. If your vision is unchanged or your daily life remains unaltered, you can put off surgery and decide to have it done in the future. However, you do not need to wait till they become severe.

Cataract surgery has become a very sophisticated and safe procedure with over 3 million Americans undergoing the surgery every year. If you are generally healthy, the surgery can be performed with the use of mild sedation to keep you relaxed during the procedure. This helps to reduce anxiety and anesthetic eye drops are used to ensure minimal eye discomfort. Recovery is usually fast with most patients able to return their usual activities by the next day. The complication rate with cataract surgery is very low with over 98% gaining improvement in vision after the procedure.

If you decide to defer cataract surgery, you can maximize your current vision with the aid of new prescription glasses. But be sure to return to your optometrist or ophthalmologist for another exam in 6 to 12 months for re-evaluation of the status of your cataracts and your vision.

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Semanson wins BOC District 5 runoff

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — With a message of community unity and positive taxpayer-focused change for the District 5, Laura Semanson won the Republican runoff election July 26 for the District 5 Board of Commissioners spot.

“I am truly humbled by all the support I had in the district and even outside the district,” she said. “This was truly an involved and citizen led rate of effort. It feels very good to have people respond so positively to that.”

Now that the commissioner-elect has finished the campaign, she has her sights set on her time in office. When she steps into her new role, the county will have just completed the Comprehensive Plan, which the county uses to guide future growth and development.

“It’s something we will need to look at and see how it will be applied as we move forward,” she said. “One of the keystones of this campaign has been trying to get a better balance of the types of growth that we’ve had in this county and making sure it is sustainable and beneficial to the community.”

Another of Semanson’s initiatives

is to have a strong economic development effort.

“Almost everybody who has come through this process has realized we need a better grip on what we’re doing with the commercial component of our SEMANSON community,” Semanson said. “We need to figure out what we will do to best market ourselves to the communities around us in a way that provides good opportunities in the community and is in harmony with the existing development we have.”

Semanson defeated Justin Hawkins with 57 percent, or 1,570 votes, of the total 2,722 votes cast.

The first election for the seat was held May 24 between Semanson, Hawkins and Chandon Adams. In that contest, Semanson secured 43 percent, Hawkins garnered 32 percent and Adams finished with 24 percent of the 3,809 votes cast in that race.

“Justin ran a strong campaign, and exhibited a zest and energy that will be a big asset to our community,” Semanson wrote in a letter. “I wish him the

best in his endeavors, and am certain that his future is very bright.”

Incumbent Jim Boff did not seek re-election.

There were 2,722 people from District 5 who voted out of the 22,749 registered voters, or 11.97 percent.

She also was bestowed the designation of being a “Homeowner’s Choice” by the Homeowners Coalition.

That group was formed in 2013 when members of various community activist groups joined forces, including Fix Forsyth Traffic, Forsyth Citizens for Responsible Growth, Forsyth HOA and Homeowners, and Post Road Committee for Proper Development.

The group sent out a 10-question pledge to the six candidates running for the three open Board of Commissioners seats.

The coalition chose Semanson out of the three candidates. They also chose Rick Swope, who ran unopposed for BOC District 2, and Kelli Warren running for BOC District 4 who was defeated by incumbent Cindy Jones Mills.

“We have a lot of brick building to do in the county to make us realize that everything we do in any part of the community affects all of us,” Semanson said.

Commissioners discuss sales tax, parks and transportation bond funding

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — County commissioners laid out transportation plans for the hundreds of millions of dollars the county has received and expects to be generated from special purpose sales taxes passed by voters.

At its July 26 meeting, the commission reviewed the projects from past sales taxes. While county officials consider new projects, including road widening and improvements, they got a rundown on what sales tax dollars have already paid for.

The presentation began with special purpose local option sales tax VI,

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which voters approved February 2008.

Although the tax expired June 30, 2013, some of the projects are still in the works. Projects funded by SPLOST VI include transportation, Sexton Hall Enrichment Center and Fire Stations 3 and 4.

Currently the county is on SPLOST VII, approved by voters November 2011.

Collections began July 1, 2013 and will continue through June 30, 2019.

First, an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the city of Cumming was needed. This was approved July 21, 2011 by both the board and the Cumming City Council. The board then approved the SPLOST VII election for November 2011. SPLOST VII totals $200 million.

Then on July 18, the board approved a county proposed project list, which categorizes projects into priority A or priority B. The new county courthouse and jail were part of this SPLOST. Projects funded under SPLOST VII include widening of Bethelview Road

See FUNDING, Page 6

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6 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

NEWS

New water reclamation facility opens Shakerag plant 20 years in the making

By JULIA GROCHOWSKI julia@northfulton.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — On Friday, July 29, the new Shakerag Water Reclamation Facility officially opened in southern Forsyth County.

The Shakerag plant, like Forsyth County’s six other water reclamation facilities, treats and filters wastewater to put clean water back into nearby rivers. In this case, the new facility returns water into the Chattahoochee River and serves the southeast portion of Forsyth County.

The wastewater comes from water usage in everyday life, from flushing toilets, to taking showers and washing clothes. Once that dirty water goes down the drain, it ends up at a water reclamation facility like in Shakerag.

“All that sewage ends up here,” said David Word of Joe Tanner and Associates, which helped produce the facility.

“This facility takes all of that raw sewage that’s highly polluted and causes problems in rivers. It takes the sewage, and it treats it through a biological process. “Microorganisms basically eat the waste and the pollutants in the sewage and digest it to render it harmless. All of the solid material is filtered out through very porous membranes so that the clean water can get through and get put into the river.”

Forsyth County has six other water reclamation facilities, but the one at Shakerag has the newest technology.

“It has the best technology,” Word said. “The membrane filters at this plant are unique in that they are probably the newest in Georgia, if not the nation.”

The project has been in the works since 1993, when the Shakerag property was first identified as the best place to build a new water reclamation plant.

“There’s probably never been a project in the history of Forsyth County that’s taken this long to build,” said Director of Water and Sewer Tim Perkins.

“We’ve had 25 commissioners elected

Funding: Continued from Page 4 from Castleberry Road to Ga. 20, widening of McFarland Parkway from Ga. 400 to McGinnis Ferry Road, and widening of McGinnis Ferry Road from Sargent Road to Union Hill Road.

Tim Perkins explains the 20 years of work that went into building Forsyth County’s newest water reclamation facility.

since this project got started.”

After the property was acquired in 1996, the county had to obtain the necessary permits, fight appeals and hold multiple public hearings to greenlight

the building. Most of the concerns were over the surrounding wildlife, nearby companies and other counties using the water. The construction was further delayed by changes in technology.

The plant had to be redesigned three times throughout the permitting process, said Perkins. The technology and parts that went into the facility had changed drastically through those years, and they had to update their plans to stay up-to-date.

“Water and sewer people are environmentalists, and the last thing we ever want to do is to do something to pollute our drinking water,” Perkins said.

Building finally began officially in February 2014 and cost $38.5 million to complete. The finished plant now occupies 12 acres of the property’s total 287 acres, most of which is used as an undisturbed buffer. CH2M Hill served as engineers for the project, and PC Construction Company was the contractor.

“Everyone stayed committed to this project, and we didn’t give up on it,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Pete Amos. “We’re proud to have it open.”

It also includes intersection improvements at Ga. 369 and Ga. 9, improvements at McGinnis Ferry Road at McFarland Parkway, and widening at Wallace Tatum Road at Burnt Bridge Road.

Traffic safety improvements, bike and pedestrian paths, and the Sharon Forks library will also undergo expansion and renovation under SPLOST VII. On November 4, 2014 Forsyth

County voters approved a $200 million general obligation bond for a variety of transportation projects. Of that $200 million, $81 million will be in conjunction with Georgia Department of Transportation, leveraging state and federal funding. The remaining $119 million will be for county projects.

Transportation bond projects included widening of Ga. 400, now under

construction with a completion date of October 2018. The list also includes improvements at the Ga. 371/Ga. 369 interchange, McGinnis Ferry road at Ga. 400 interchange, and Ronald Reagan Boulevard exit, all marked under design.

To view more on the bonds and SPLOST projects, visit forsythco.com/ Departments-Offices/Finance.

The water basins filter and treat millions of gallons of water a day before the facility returns them to the Chattahoochee River.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 7

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8 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

OPINION

Who is on the Trail?

Publisher Ray Appen began walking the Appalachian Trail back in March.

He is writing from the trail and we will publish his columns as they come in. He has traveled quite a few miles now; stay tuned for the rest of the story.

Everybody has a story. No, everybody is a story.

The hikers on the Trail are of all ages and from all walks of life.

They are hiking by themselves and together. Some are RAY APPEN hiking with dogs.

Publisher, AT Hiker ray@appenmediagroup.com There are parents and children hiking, grandparents hiking with grandchildren, seniors hiking with seniors. They are from all over the world and they are your next door neighbors.

Asking who is on the trail can be similar to asking someone to describe the clothes on the trail. However, if one proceeds to only describe all the colors of clothes people wear on the trail — which could be quite accurate — but neglected to describe the feel and texture of the fabrics of the clothes, the thread counts, the cut, style and design of the clothes as well, the account would be hollow and wholly inadequate.

So in the interest of providing you with the most complete account, I’ll do my best to not only go over their colors but also thread counts, design and any other vital details at my disposal — all gleaned from about a 30-minute stretch of time I experienced one rainy afternoon at a shelter on the trail somewhere in North Carolina. Then I’ll share a few additional hiker notes.

I am sitting in a shelter talking to a young woman I’ve just met — in her early 20s — from Chicago who is just back from a two-year stint in Albania with the Peace Corps. I am taken aback. She learned the language there and worked in very remote areas teaching English. She didn’t go with a group; she went by herself.

“It was a good experience” she said “but I wasn’t prepared for the isolation” she reflected matter-of-factly as we sat there. She said she wasn’t ready to return to “civilian life” as she put it back in the States and hoped that hiking the Trail would be something that she could embrace more than Albania.

We talked about 20 minutes, then she thanked me for the conversation and headed back out on the Trail to get a few more miles in for the day — in the rain. The kids — as I call them — never seem to be ready to stop for the day and always want “one more mile.” I

never got her Trail name unfortunately.

A few minutes after she left, the rain started coming down harder and a rain-coated man — a Brit (actually an Aussie) — stormed hurriedly into the shelter, soaked. He reminded me of a wet rat. One of my hiking buddies recognized him from the previous year on the Trail. Small world.

He looked to be in his fifties, thin, animated, and somehow I couldn’t imagine him ever being still. His Trail name was — don’t ask — “Wanjana.”

We talk for a bit. He asked my Trail name. “Alpaca,” I tell him. He thinks for a moment than says “I like your name.

Alpacas are sometimes put with other herd animals to help protect them — to help the herd stay safe,” he tells me.

Then he announces that he’s hungry and heads back out of the shelter to a picnic table to eat — in the rain. Why he didn’t just eat in the shelter I have no idea. After he finished eating he just sat at the table — still in the rain — for what seemed the longest time deep in thought. Then, abruptly he too headed off for a “few more miles.”

My friend later went on to tell me that the rain-soaked guy had had to leave the trail the prior year to go help oversee disaster relief in Nepal and was now back on the trail to finish his thruhike. You just never know.

Danni and Matt were also in the shelter that afternoon. Danni (the mother) was with her university-age son for two weeks to see how they liked hiking the Trail — with plans to return the following year if all went well. They were Canadian and lived, I believe, in Montreal.

It was obvious they had done their homework in advance. They had all the appropriate gear and knew where they wanted to hike and why. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they seemed completely at home making everyone’s acquaintance and conversing.

Our paths crossed several times in the weeks that followed which allowed me to watch the progress of their adventure. After the first week, they changed their plans, and with the car a section hiker had offered to loan them — even though the section hiker never even knew their real names, just their trail names — they drove to another section of the trail to hike. I ran into them again about a week later when I was trying to get a room or bunk at a full hostel. Danni overheard the clerk tell me there were no openings and offered me space in the cabin she and her son had rented for the night. I was floored as she really didn’t know me from Adam, but that is how the Trail so often works. And, yes, she did return the borrowed car to the section hiker

Wanjana sits at a picnic table eating in the rain. on time. The last time I saw her, she and Matt were giving out cold beers and fruit to hikers and preparing to go home.

Also in the shelter that afternoon were another pair of Canadians — two women in their mid- to late 50s who as far as I could tell were thru hiking the Trail. However, neither spoke English — only French. One spent much of her time doing crossword puzzles — in French — while the other always seemed to be studying maps and presumably a plan for their hike. They spoke to no one, although they would often exchange smiles with anyone who looked their way. I spotted them at various places on the Trail for over the next month, than ceased to see them more.

The final visitors to the shelter in those 30 minutes that afternoon were a group of “kids” — late teens —who were just finishing up their extended weekend hike and had stopped into the shelter to get ready to go home.

They were all tired but excited to have had the experience. They gave all their uneaten supplies to the other folks in the shelter as well as some of their equipment. That’s not uncommon on the Trail — this unspoken bond among both strangers as well as friends.

So in the space of 30 minutes in that shelter my Trail acquaintances ranged from kids to late middle aged adults — some of whom didn’t even speak English. The group was as eclectic as it could possibly be; you can’t make this stuff up. All were wanderers with keen interests in new experiences and the most amazing air of self-confidence and childlike curiosity. What they all seemed to have in common was that in reality they had almost nothing in common.

Here is a supplemental profile of several other hikers - primarily just the color of their clothes.

“Roadrunner” - a 72-year-old retired public school administrator from Florida. He was trying to hike the remaining 500 miles of the trail he lacked from hikes in prior years. When I talked to him last I think he decided it was too much for him and was giving up in the next town. He asked me to email him photos of where we both hiked as his hands trembled too much to hold a camera steady. His hands have gashes from a fall on the trail.

Lou and Julie - retired pediatricians (husband and wife) from Utah in their late 50’s. They alternate yearly, either hiking or bike tours. Organized, focused, on time. No trail names. They think those are silly.

Diamond Ears, Pack Rat, Huckleberry: Trail names of three hysterical moms in their 40s and 50s from Michigan who have met for the past 16 years to section hike a part of the Trail for two weeks. We shared shelters a few times and I loved their company and sense of humor.

Outback: A 28-year-old veteran (retired) who, upon getting out of the service, toured the country for almost two years on his bike, racking up something like 15,000 miles. After finishing his bike trip he decided to thru-hike the AT. There is a huge number of vets on the trail, many dealing with PTSD. Sam Squared: A 79-year-old grandfather hiking the Trail with his 13-yearold grandson. Both of their real names are “Sam.” Mogley (like from “The Lion King”): Trail name of a young kid in his very early 20s who I will let represent that huge contingent of millennials on the Trail who typically have graduated from college with – frequently — STEM degrees and worked a year or two on a career track and hated it and decided to hike the Trail instead — instead of what?

NEWS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 9

Forsyth ranked among counties receiving local economy investment FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.— Forsyth County was ranked by financial technology company SmartAsset as one of the top 10 counties in the U.S. for receiving the greatest amount of investment to the local economy.

Forsyth County was the only county in Georgia to make the list. Other counties listed among the top 10 include Dallas County, TX and Berkeley County, SC. “Local investment and economic expansion are positive signs for communities because of the inherent quality of life improvements they represent,” Bruce Hagenau, Chairman, CummingForsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said.

SmartAsset considered four main factors when conducting this study: business establishment growth, GDP growth, new building permits and municipal bond indebtedness.

In business establishment growth, Forsyth County ranked third in the top 10 with a 14.7 percent increase over the past three years.

SmartAsset also considered the GDP of an area, using real growth in the local economy. Forsyth County’s GDP grew by $580 million over the course of the study.

SmartAsset also looked at investment and development in the local residential real estate market.

The number of new building permits was used to measure the real estate growth.

Forsyth County had the second-highest number of new building

Local investment and economic expansion are positive signs for communities because of the inherent quality of life improvements they represent.”

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BRUCE HAGENAU Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chairman permits with 52.2 per 1,000 homes.

The final factor SmartAsset considered was investment in municipal bonds. Forsyth County had the lowest bond indebtedness per capita of the top 10.

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10 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

SCHOOLS

Local teachers take D.C. Prepare for inauguration tour in January

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the country focused on who will become our next president, we sometimes forget that children are watching history unfold, too, and may need help understanding.

In an effort to better educate those students, teachers from around the country will visit Washington, D.C., in January with their pupils for an inauguration trip led by EF Explore America, which offers student trips across the country and Canada. While in D.C., students will visit landmarks including Arlington National Cemetery, various veteran memorials and Capitol Hill.

They will also witness the inauguration.

“Inauguration tours are a unique way for students to truly live history,” said Carla Gottschall, executive vice president of Explore America. “They’ll witness the peaceful transition of power from one president to the next and return home with new perspectives after experiencing democracy in action from this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

As a way to prepare for the trip, teachers traveled to the capitol July 22-24 to experience the city and sights before students accompany them later this year.

One of those teachers is Heather Tallant who teaches AP U.S. government and politics and American government at West Forsyth High School.

She, along with West’s Principal Heather Gordy, will be leading the group of students in D.C. Tallant said after learning about the trip she immediately saw the enormous educational value in it.

“Taking students to Washington, D.C. always has high educational value, but a presidential inauguration trip is such an incredible opportunity for our students and cuts across multiple class curricula,” Tallant said. “I strive, like many teachers, to bring experiential opportunities to my students as these experiences solidify classroom learning. It is clear that our students and parents see the value in this opportunity, as well.”

Tallant said she saw high student interest in this inauguration trip, so the initial cap of 40 students was expanded

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Heather Tallant, left, and West Forsyth High School Principal Heather Gordy visit Washington, D.C., to prepare for their presidential inauguration trip in January with EF Explore America. to 80.

“I wish I could take all of our students, but unfortunately I have been informed that we can’t close West Forsyth down for the week of the inauguration,” she said.

What Tallant said she loves about teaching political science and government is the student comments of how they never thought they liked the subject until they took the class.

“This is so critically important in the government classroom because as citizens it is our responsibility to be an active part of the democratic process,” Tallant said. “I take the responsibility to produce well informed and active

citizens seriously.”

One unit in her class that receives the most “ah-ha moments” is the election process, she said.

“Now students will be witnessing for themselves the culminating moment of the presidential election process they have been studying, not to mention, the curriculum ties to the U.S. Constitution, the American presidency and the founding years of our democratic republic.”

In the future, Tallant is looking forward to traveling with students to Boston, Philadelphia and New York through EF Explore America.

To learn about EF Explore America, visit efexploreamerica.com.

SCHOOLS

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 11

Teachers, BOE deliver supplies to students Meet pupils prior to school year starting

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Students living in the central part of the county received a special house call July 28 when their teachers showed up knocking on their doors.

As a way to get to know students before the first day of school on Aug. 4, teachers, staff and administration from Cumming Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central High along with members of the Forsyth County Board of Education delivered school supplies to students who live nearby.

School social worker for the three schools Amy Gamez helped organize the event named Project Connect. This is the fourth year Central has done this and the second year the cluster of schools teamed up together.

The bands of teachers stop by about 400 homes, Gamez said, and deliver basic school supplies to try to get connected to the kids and families.

As part of her job, Gamez often visits students’ homes. She frequently gets

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

Teachers from Cumming Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central walk through a neighborhood to deliver supplies to students. asked if she knows the child’s teachers.

“They get so excited about their teachers,” Gamez said. “Part of the reason we wanted to do this was to get teachers out there and get connected.

We wanted them to get excited about coming back to school and engage in our community.”

She said the district has received positive feedback both from students and parents, but also teachers.

“I hear so much positivity about what a great experience it was seeing students they know or taught in the past,” Gamez said. “They enjoy it.”

One of those teachers is Marlo Miranda who teaches automotive technol-

ogy at Forsyth Central and has participated in Project Connect twice. He said it gives teachers a chance to connect to the community when people see teachers walking up and down the street, knocking on doors and saying “hello.”

“When the kids open the door and see their teacher’s face, their eyes brighten up and they get a big smile on their face,” he said. “They know we care. We are out here to let them know we are here for them, to connect with them and to make sure we are on their side. We want them to be successful. We want to make contact with the parents and let them know their kids are going to be OK and we’ll take care of them. We will be successful together.”

Back to school facts about Forsyth County Schools: • During the 2015-16 school year, the district had the highest ACT score in the state, highest SAT math score in the state, highest SAT score in metro Atlanta, highest financial efficiency star rating in the state, and the highest graduation rate in Metro Atlanta • Lowest operational millage rate in metro Atlanta and lowest per pupil cost among Georgia’s 12 largest districts • 225 new staff members for 2016-17 school year • Enrollment for 2016: 44,675; up 1,988 from 2015 *Source: forsyth.k12.ga.us

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SCHOOLS

JCHS seniors develop rideshare app ‘Vroom’

By MILES GARRETT news@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Getting to and from after-school activities can be a hassle for any student without a driver’s license.

Six seniors at Johns Creek High School have developed an app called “Vroom” that helps students solve this problem at their school and in surrounding areas.

The app was created for the Verizon Innovative Learning App Challenge among high school students across the country so that kids can get to their extracurricular activities after school.

The Challenge aims to inspire the next generation of creators by engaging students in STEM subjects, giving them an opportunity to use technology to solve problems.

The competition is open to any middle and high school students who have an idea for an app that can solve a problem in their school or community. Past winners of the award have been featured at the White House Science Fair.

“Vroom” matches users with other students, or parents, in their area who have cars and are willing and able to drive them to their after-school activity.

The “Vroom” team is presented with a check for $20,000 awarded to Johns Creek High School.

Sneha Iyer, Pretti Iyer, Tiffany Hseih, Jacob Abramow, Stephen Hahn and Avery Paul were the six members of the team that finished in the nine Best in Nation winners of the App Challenge. The students were able to work with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab experts to help create their app.

The Johns Creek students though, worked differently than other groups.

The team used its own software rather than the one other teams utilized.

“We used a different software and

a different language than the other teams,” Paul said. “We thought there’s was a little restricting. We wanted flexibility over convenience.”

The students presented the app before the Technology Student Association Conference in Nashville June 28-July 2 where they were awarded the honor.

“Nashville and the experience was a lot of fun,” Paul said.

The students said the concept of creating an app like “Vroom” came up through an engineering project that Hsieh men-

tioned during a brainstorm session.

“I just spit out the idea,” Hseih said.

“A lot of times we bring some underclassmen home in our area, so we wanted to make it easier for them to get rides.”

The kids they were bringing home were underclassmen on their robotics team who often could not get rides home after school. Being the only kids on the team who could drive, it was up to the upperclassmen to get them home.

This got old quickly for students who had plans of their own after robotics concluded.

“We all got tired of taking kids home,” Paul added.

The group is hoping their app can spark interest from other places in Georgia and across the country in helping other high school students with the same problem. The students also hope the app will encourage more students to join extracurricular activities.

“The broad goal of this app is to get kids more involved in extracurricular activities,” Hsieh said. “Transportation is often the biggest hindrance.”

“Vroom” is now available for free download on Google Play. For information on the Verizon Innovative Learning App Challenge, visit appchallengetsaweb.org.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 13

Government go-getters: Meet Donna Kukarola Director of procurement

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com The Forsyth Herald is running a monthly series on the people who make Forsyth County and the city of Cumming run. We will feature a different department head each month to really dig behind the scenes of the government to see how and why these people do what they do.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Since 1998, Donna Kukarola has been determined to bring the best value to Forsyth County from the Procurement Department.

Initially an employee of the county’s Engineering Division, she has always been interested and worked in the public works arena. She first got involved with the county when she heard about an engineering job and applied because it was close to her home. Then a few years later she took a risk and decided to switch to the Procurement Department.

“The joke was I have the last name of Kukarola and I won’t get hired because no one knows me,” she said. “Lo and behold, I was hired.”

Often procurement is thought of as “purchasing,” but it is something that Kukarola said is more transactional.

“It’s as if I buy a pen and I’m done with it,” she said. “It’s transactional. It’s one thing.”

Instead, she refers to the process as “from womb to tomb.”

“We hope to be strategic partners with our departments to be there from the beginning and work through the

By the numbers: The procurement department 2015 • $80.4 million encumbered • $7.8 million cost savings that were able to be captured 2016, through June • $30 million encumbered • $2.1 million cost savings whole project, process or whatever we’re doing until the very end,” she said. “We like to think of procurement as the whole process.”

She said she enjoys how much of a challenge the job can be and often gets looks from people that say, “You have to be crazy.”

“You’re balancing your departments, contractors and suppliers,” Kukarola said. “The ultimate goal for any of us on my team is the best value for the county. We want to get the right service or item at the right time and right price.”

She enjoys helping her departments get what they need in a more efficient manner and at a lower cost to the county. She also enjoys working with the contractors as they grow and learn how to do business with the government agency.

Some of the most exciting projects that are intangible include a public safety software venture the county is currently working on.

“That’s a huge project,” Kukarola said. “It goes from the Sheriff’s Office to the Fire Department to the E-911 Center. It is so multi-faceted. You get all these people together and talking

Donna Kukarola says she strives to be fair in her work. and going toward a common goal. It is exceptionally satisfying to me.”

She said she can’t take total credit for that, but it’s still rewarding to be part of the big picture. She also credits a lot of the department’s success to the staff.

She said she and her team are open to answering questions from any citizen. Often, people don’t realize there are many local, state and federal laws and regulations the department has to follow.

“I try to make it as less bureaucratic as possible,” Kukarola said. “But we are government. I have to follow the guidelines or we won’t get the money. So it’s important.”

Even with all the rules, she is still

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

enthusiastic about her job.

“In the end I really do feel that we are providing a very good service to the county as a whole,” Kukarola said. “To the county government itself and to the citizens. I live in this county, too.”

However, she and her department do find it challenging at times because they deal with a lot of different people with differing opinions.

“I try to listen to it all, but I still have to make my recommendation based on all the information I have,” she said. “My job is that the (Board of Commissioners) have all the information they need to make an informed decision.”

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RISPA presents ‘Leader of the Pack’ at Cumming Playhouse FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Performing arts school RISPA’s production of “Leader of the Pack” opened July 21 at the Cumming Playhouse. The show runs through Aug. 14, with shows at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and matinee shows at 3 p.m. on Sundays.

“Leader of the Pack,” which was nominated for the 1985 Tony for Best Musical, captures the fun of the “da wop” era. The show traces the biographical tale of 1960’s hit maker Ellie Greenwich, who along with writing partner Jeff Barry, wrote her way into pop music history with a long string of hits.

Greenwich’s personal story of her rise to success is spotlighted in the

show through many of her hits, such as “Chapel of Love,” “Be My Baby,” “Da Do Ron Ron,” “Then He Kissed Me,” and the title song, “Leader of the Pack.”

According to its website, RISPA is a “cultural performing arts school committed to making performing arts a meaningful experience for all individuals.” RISPA seeks to prepare young performers for a serious career in dance, musical theatre, acting, and singing, while also building skills such as discipline, self-confidence and creativity.

Last year, RISPA put on “CATS” at the Cumming Playhouse.

All tickets to “Leader of the Pack” are $25. To purchase tickets, go to playhousecumming.com or call the Cumming Playhouse at (770) 781-9178.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 15

Forsyth County Family YMCA brings donors to camp Donors see impact in last weeks of summer camps

By KYLIE McFADDEN news@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — As the summer wraps up and school sessions return, Forsyth County Family YMCA hosts its last week of summer camps.

Forsyth County Family YMCA offered full-day camps weekly from May 31 to August 3 for children ages 5 to 12. Each week of camp was given a theme, including Super Hero, Y’s Got Talent, Around the World and more.

Sarah Pedarre, director of membership and community engagement, said that changing themes every week allows camp staff to bring in extra activities for campers.

“We have kids that come all summer, so that way they can look forward to the next week because they know it’s going to be something different,” she said.

The full-day camps were held at Camp Eagle Point on Lake Lanier, a 22-acre campsite that backs up to Lake Lanier. Children were split into groups based on age, with 5 to 8-year-olds in Eaglet Nation and 9 to 12-year-olds in Thunderbird Quest.

The camp consists of a waterfront area, with a water trampoline and pontoon boat, kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as the wooded campsite with an archery area and covered pavilion.

Half-day camps were also offered weekly for campers ages 2 to 12 through July 29.

In all, 1,600 kids participated in camps throughout the summer, 430 of whom were on scholarships.

Forsyth County Family YMCA invited its donors to visit the camp on

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Donors test their archery skills during a tour of one of Forsyth County Family YMCA’s summer camps.

July 22 for the final day of week 9.

Kerry Carithers, senior branch operations director, said bringing donors to visit the camp allows them to see their impact.

“It’s one thing to hear about what your support does, but it’s another thing to connect to the impact and let them see their dollars in action,” Carithers said.

Donors were given a tour through the facility and ended the tour with a cookout with campers.

Forsyth County Family YMCA board chair Jeff Davis has been involved with the YMCA since before it opened, helping to zone the Forsyth location, and visits summer camps every summer.

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It’s one thing to hear about what your support does, but it’s another thing to connect to the impact and let them see their dollars in action.”

KERRY CARITHERS Forsyth County Family YMCA senior branch operations director “Our job is to help this operation.

They do so much more than just gym and swim, they help the elderly and kids and do foster child support,” Davis said. “You have to give back at some point, and it’s my turn to give back.”

Helen Sawyer has been a member of the Forsyth County Family YMCA since 2000, and she said getting the op-

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portunity to visit a camp gives donors confidence in their support.

“With most organizations, you don’t see the money being used,” Sawyer said. “Here, you can come and see your impact through the children.”

For information and to support Forsyth County Family YMCA, visit ymcaatlanta.org.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 17

SEMENT

cummingforsythchamber.org

Forsyth County is Top for Investments Forsyth County was recently ranked by financial technology company, SmartAsset (smartasset.com), as one of the top 10 counties in the U.S. for receiving the greatest amount of investment to the local economy.

Forsyth County was the only county in Georgia to make the list. Other counties listed among the top 10 include Dallas County, TX and Berkeley County, SC.

number of new building permits was used to measure the real estate growth. Forsyth County had the second-highest number of new building permits with 52.2 per 1,000 homes. The final factor SmartAsset considered was investment in municipal bonds.

Forsyth County had the lowest bond indebtedness per capita of the top 10.

SmartAsset considered four main factors when conducting this study: business establishment growth, GDP growth, new building permits and municipal bond indebtedness. With regards to business establishment growth, Forsyth County ranked third in the top 10 with a 14.7 percent increase over the past three years. SmartAsset also considered the GDP of an area. They used real growth in the local economy.

Forsyth County’s GDP grew by $580 million over the course of the study.

The financial firm weighted scores from these factors equally then combined the scores to create a final ranking of counties. SmartAsset created an index to measure the places with the most incoming investments. Forsyth County ranks number 9 nationally with an Incoming Investment Index of 75.5/100.

SmartAsset also looked at investment and development in the local residential real estate market. The

“Local investment and economic expansion are positive signs for communities because of the inherent quality of life improvements they represent,” said Bruce Hagenau, Chairman, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

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Navigating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem By: Dr. Ruben Boling, Director of the Center for the Future of North Georgia I believe almost everyone would agree that starting and growing businesses is a major contributor to the welfare of a community.

It is fairly common knowledge however, that a high percentage of new businesses fail within the first three years of existence. The entrepreneur that starts the busiDr. Ruben Boling ness, failure or success, almost always gets the credit for what happens. However, the community and those close to the entrepreneur ultimately feel the results or become victims of the success or failure. So, I propose we look at this opportunity differently. If we agree that starting and growing new businesses contributes to the community, then shouldn’t we be actively strengthening the support system that contributes to the success of new and growing businesses in our region? While area Chambers of Commerce and other organizations seek to support entrepreneurs, isn’t there more we can do?

In recent years, Georgia has developed itself as one of the fastest growing entrepreneurially-minded states in

the country. It has been named in publications as one of the top five states for entrepreneurship and is quickly becoming one of the prime locations for filmmaking.

Georgia has set itself apart and continues on the fast track to developing an environment of job growth and business expansion.

But while within certain areas of Georgia entrepreneurship is thriving, can the north Georgia region tote that same swagger? Are we encouraging that same interest? Or, is it just in the Atlanta area that entrepreneurs can thrive? While there are pockets of entrepreneurial thinking and small business and startup growth in our region, there is always room for improvement. North Georgia can be a place where entrepreneurs grow and succeed. So what might be the reason Atlanta is so successful? The answer is simple, but one that has developed over many years with hard work and dedication.

Navigating a path to becoming an entrepreneurial hub for our state will take new found partnerships and work. There are questions to be answered and problems to be solved, but entrepreneurship can thrive in north Georgia.

The University of North Georgia, in partnership with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, will be holding two lunch and learn events discussing what an entrepreneurial ecosystem could look like in north Georgia. The first event will be held on August 24th at noon in the UNG MBA suite on the fourth floor of Cumming City Hall. In addition, please go ahead and mark your calendars for October 4th as we hold our second annual StartItUp Conference at the Forsyth Conference Center where we discuss entrepreneurship in our region and hear from four entrepreneurs who all got their start here in our state.

We hope you can make it.

The interesting fact to me is not where you are behind, but who you are ahead of.

TOMMY HOWARD, COO of the Norton Agency 18 | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016

Norton Agency: Forsyth growth continues to sizzle Has few rivals for future growth, headed to population of 500,000

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — While much of the rest of the state and country suffered through the recession, Forsyth County was an anomaly continuing to see growth. That growth is not going to stop in the foreseeable future, so Forsyth needs to begin planning for that growth.

That was the news according to Tommy Howard, COO of the Norton Agency, which specializes in north Georgia real estate.

Howard spoke July 26 at the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce’s Chairman’s Cabinet Economic Outlook breakfast giving his insights into the economic status of northeast Georgia, the Ga. 400 corridor and Forsyth County.

In 2015, Forsyth was among the largest populations in north Georgia coming in at a little less than 225,000 residents. Only Cherokee County exceeded Forsyth by a small margin.

Forsyth ranks ahead of many counties including Hall, Dawson and Clarke should continue to outstrip them.

“The interesting fact to me is not where you are behind, but who you are ahead of,” Howard said. “For those of you who have lived in Forsyth County for a period of time, you understand not that long ago you were the stepbrother of Hall County. You were swallowed by Hall County.”

KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD KATHLEEN STURGEON/HERALD

COO of the Norton Agency Tommy Howard speaks on the economic outlook for metro Atlanta focusing on Forsyth County.

Today, Hall County has around 193,000 residents, about 15 percent less than Forsyth’s population.

Population predictions say Forsyth will have well over half a million people in the county by 2042, Howard said.

“Like it or not, that’s the growth we see,” he said.

Forsyth also has the highest median household income out of north Georgia counties coming in at about $95,000.

Oconee is second is a distant second at just about $75,000 annually. Hall is at an average annual income of $51,000.

“You’re exceeding northeast Georgia

as far as your income is concerned,” Howard said. “That’s huge. That has impact. You have to pay attention as to how you are going to handle that. That will affect you moving forward.”

The average home price in Forsyth for 2015 was close to $400,000.

Hall County’s average home price was about $235,000. Forsyth saw a small decrease in total housing permits from 2003 to 2013 from around 3,200 to just over 2,400.

But with all this growth, Howard said it’s time for Forsyth to decide if it wants to increase job growth to go with those bedrooms in the county.

“Right now, Forsyth’s biggest industry is home construction. That will begin to taper as buildout approaches by2049. Forsyth needs to consider enriching its economy as it continues to

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grow. But it will need a plan for economic growth,” Howard said.

Forsyth needs to reevaluate its affordable housing because that is often what millennials are looking for and they are the largest group of consumers.

Lake Lanier is also a popular place to live, so the county needs to capitalize on that opportunity.

“You are a popular place to be,” he said. “Some of you might say that’s a great thing, and some might think it’s not such a great thing. In my world that’s a fantastic thing,” he said.

“It’s all in how you deal with it.

How do you take that and use it as an opportunity to shape that to make our county what we want it to look like?”

For information on the Norton Agency, visit gonorton.com.

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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 19

There are Fintechs among us If you are not familiar with the term “fintech,” then you may unknowingly be out of an important Atlanta loop. Fintech is an industry that employs nearly 40,000 people in Atlanta and plays a part in more than 70 percent of all payments processed in the United States.

Atlanta’s economy is so very diverse.

Our four largest companies are on the Fortune 100 list and each represent GEOFF SMITH completely different sectors of the global Assurance Financial, gsmith@lendtheway.com economy: The Home Depot, UPS, The Coca-Cola Co., and Delta Air Lines Inc. Diversity in industry makes for a healthier economic climate. If one industry is down, real estate agents, for example, may only see a slight drop in home purchases because there are so many other industries here to fall back on.

Atlanta is known for its strength in several industries, including logistics, transportation, financial services and technology. It is the presence of these last two, among other things, that has put Atlanta at the center of one of the fastest growing new industries: financial technology, or fintech.

When someone tells you they are in the fintech industry, most of you might nod your head and change the subject.

Well, you won’t have to do that anymore. I’ve perused several sources on the Internet trying to find a solid definition, and here is what I’ve come up with: Fintech is essentially the application of technology to the financial services industry in an effort to make its processes more efficient. I know that is an incredibly general way of explaining it. So here is a list of some Atlanta fintech companies and what they do: NCR Corporation: The global leader in consumer transaction technologies. NCR’s software and machines enable nearly 550 million transactions a day. Currently based in Duluth, they are relocating their headquarters to Midtown.

Groundfloor: An online real estate investment site where people can invest in real estate and borrowers can borrow.

Kabbage: An online lending site where businesses can get approved for loans up to $100,000 in minutes.

Bridge2Solutions: Based in Alpharetta, they develop and manage loyalty and rewards program websites for banks, credit card processors and employee incentive companies.

So that’s fintech. From what I read, as more and more transactions occur online, this industry will continue to grow.

And the technology industry in general will continue to grow in North Fulton and the rest of Atlanta. These companies are uploading and downloading exponentially more

data, and it is important that they can move that data quickly. This is a big part of why North Fulton is such a big tech mecca. Years ago, when fiber optic cable wasn’t even cool, the state laid miles of the stuff along several key roads in North Fulton. Because of this, Alpharetta alone is host to more than 600 tech companies today.

Comcast recently announced major upgrades to its infrastructure in Roswell and Alpharetta which includes a new fiber network that will deliver 10-gigabit Internet speeds to businesses. It’s a significant upgrade that will no doubt make North Fulton an even more attractive and competitive market for relocations.

According to a press release, the cable will run in Roswell along Ga. 92 from Hardscrabble Road to Eves Road, and along Ga. 9 from just north of the Chattahoochee River to downtown Alpharetta.

The 10-mile Alpharetta network will run along Westside Parkway from Old Milton Parkway to Haynes Bridge Road, then along Haynes Bridge Road to North Point Parkway, then along North Point Parkway to Mansell Road, and along Mansell Road to Westside Parkway.

Geoff Smith, gsmith@lendtheway.com 770-674-1433, Personal: NMLS#104587 Business: NMLS#70876 *The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of Assurance Financial Group

YARD SIGNS

Would you buy your own business?

Have you ever thought about selling your small business? A lot of small business owners fail to maximize the money they can make from their business when they sell it by not “stagDICK JONES ing” it well before Founder & President Jones Simply Sales they want to sell it. Staging in this context is synonymous with preparing in advance to get the most amount of money you can when you sell your business. A good question to ask yourself during this process is “would you buy your own business?”

If you ask this question to yourself and the answer is “no,” then you most likely aren’t going to attract a lot of buyers. Conversely, if the answer is “yes,” then you probably are going to get a lot of buyers very interested in buying it and sell it for a top dollar price!

Potential buyers want to know a lot about your business before making you an offer. Their list could include information about your customers, suppliers, employees, operations, financials, revenue, cash flow, expenses and many other things.

How prepared are you to answer these questions in a positive way, and back up the answers with data and examples?

Keep in mind that if you would buy your own business, you’d probably make the decision on similar criteria and would want to know all the facts about everything you can. When selling your small business, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. If you would buy your own business, you’re probably going to attract a lot of buyers and make a lot of money selling it!

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20 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Pieology Pizzeria opens in Alpharetta Business name: Pieology Pizzeria About: Pieology is the study of custom pizza. Guests order from a selection of crusts, sauces, cheeses and unlimited fresh toppings, fired in a stone oven and delivered hot to the table in five minutes or less. Fresh salads, Coke products and draft / bottled beer also available.

Owner: Lisa Lewis Opened: June 27, 2016 Address: 2685 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta GA 30009 Phone: 770-569-4426 Website: www.pieology.com

Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson and First Lady Val Peterson, center, pause with staff of Kimberly Clark in Roswell after a tour of the facility June 22.

GT President stops in Roswell/Alpharetta for tour ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson visited General Motors and Kimberly Clark before wrapping up the third day of his annual Summer Tour with a reception at the Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta on June 22.

This week marks Peterson’s eighth tour as president. Each summer since his arrival at Georgia Tech, the president and First Lady Val Peterson have used the summer as an opportunity to visit communities across the state. The tour is a chance for the Petersons to meet with alumni, Regents, businesses, lawmakers, and other friends of the Institute. This year’s tour will cover 570 miles through Middle Georgia and metro Atlanta. They will travel through 21 counties and 15 cities.

Skyline Pest Solutions hires branch operations manager ATLANTA — Marcus McCoy has recently joined Skyline Pest Solutions as branch operations man-

NEWBUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

Black Walnut Cafe opens in Alpharetta

Business name: Black Walnut Cafe About: Black Walnut Cafe is a unique dining concept offering an extensive menu of American fare in a warm and inviting ambiance. With a menu that has something for every appetite and occasion, the restaurant invites its guests to an elevated dining experience that makes the most of their time, whether they’re craving a quick coffee or a leisurely retreat.

Opened: July 2016 Address: 5805 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Phone: 404-600-1222 Website: www.blackwalnutcafe.com

BUSINESSBRIEFS ager for its offices in Marietta and Cumming. He brings 20 years of experience in the pest control industry.

In his new role, McCoy will oversee the training of employees, budgeting, generating business for the two branches and ensure quality service for Skyline Pest Solutions’ customers. The two offices MCCOY have 27 employees total.

Prior to joining Skyline, McCoy spent much of his pest control career working for Terminix International, most recently as a general manager in the Atlanta area. While at Terminix, he won the company’s Award of Excellence three times and its President’s Club award once. Skyline Pest Solutions is operated by Environmental Pest Service.

“Marcus’s extensive leadership experience in the industry will make him a valuable asset to the Skyline team,” said Joe Finney, CEO of EPS. “Marcus has a proven history of consistently focusing on customer satisfaction, which fits perfectly with our strategy of maintaining high levels of customer service.”

McCoy attended Clark Atlanta University.

It’s raining silver, gold and platinum at HSP ROSWELL, Ga. — Henderson Shapiro Peck was recognized June 13 by both the Communicator Awards and Hermes Creative Awards, taking home a total of 14 trophies for their work. The marketing company is headquartered in Roswell and offers a full-range of marketing services to its clients, including, branding, design, public relations and advertising.

With over 6,000 entries, the Communicator Awards is the world’s largest international awards program. It recognizes companies for innovative ideas in the marketing and communications indus-

try.

This year, the Communicator Awards judges selected HSP’s “Keeper of the Code” book cover for the “Marketing and Promotion of a Book” gold. The agency was awarded silvers for “Keeper of the Code” video trailer, the corporate identity of the “Brain Expert” Dr. Jim Robinson, C2 Education’s Point-ofPurchase Materials, the 70 West Builders’ business-to-consumer brochure and overall design of a brochure. The Hermes selection committee gave the agency a platinum award for the integrated marketing materials for “Keeper of the Code.” They also received a gold award for Advanced Gastroenterology’s “1 Hour” advertising campaign, Alex Luxury and Classic Car’s Logo Design, and the Merial Custom Vaccine’s video marketing product. HSP was given three additional honorable mentions.

To learn more about HSP, visit hendersonshapiro.com or call 678-352-7100.

Keller Williams Partners welcomes new member ATLANTA — Nick Alexander Ulatowski has recently joined Keller Williams Community Partners in Cumming. Alexander comes to the firm after serving as a student in the area. He also served as a dock worker at Bald Ridge Marina and has grown up in Cumming.

Alexander’s extensive research of the business led him straight to ULATOWSKI Keller Williams, where he is now serving the local community.

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, with approximately 700 offices and more than 110,000 associates in more than a dozen countries around the world.

Alexander can be reached at 770-314-9811 or at nickalexander@kw.com.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 21

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22 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

CALENDAR

OLD SOLDIER’S DAY RACE AND PARADE Join the annual Old Soldier’s Day race and parade Saturday, Aug. 6 to celebrate the veterans of all wars. The festivities will include free hot dogs, drinks, activities and keynote speaker Colonel Anthony C. Dill. The 8K road race will start at Wills Park at 7 a.m. and the parade band will kick off in downtown Alpharetta at 9:15 a.m. Race registration starts at $24. For more information and to register for the race, visit awesomealpharetta.com.

Looking to get the word out about your event?

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

EVENTS: CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK

What: Children’s car seats will be checked for free by certified car seat technicians to help improve their safety during trips.

When: Saturday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: location TBA More info: cityofmiltonga.us or 678242-2527

FAMILY, FUN, FLICKS & FOOD TRUCKS

What: “A League of Their Own” will play for free at Milton High School. The event starts at 7 p.m. with food trucks, and the movie starts dusk.

When: Aug. 6, 7 p.m.

Where: Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway, Milton More info: cityofmiltonga.us, 678-2422533

WATER DAY

What: Water Day celebrates the wonders of water as summer winds down.

Splash through sprinklers, meet water-loving community partners, play games and make water crafts.

When: Sunday, Aug. 7 Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Cost: Included with general admission, $6 for children, $10 for adults More info chattnaturecenter.org

FREE OUTDOOR FITNESS

What: The Johns Creek Recreation and Parks division is offering free outdoor fitness classes for all fitness levels and taught by certified instructors. Participants must be at least 16 years old.

Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Sunday, Aug. 7, 9-10 a.m.

Where: Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov, 678-5123200

WEEKLY WEST COAST SWING DANCE What: Learn swing dancing or refine your skills at these weekly sessions.

The first introductory lesson is free.

When: Sunday, Aug. 7, 6-6:45 p.m.

Where: American Legion Club 201, 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta More info: swinginvasion.com

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

What: The Citizens Police Academy provides an in-depth look at JCPD operations and the policies it follows over nine weeks. Ages 21 or older. Must fill out application.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek Police Headquarters, 11445 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek More info and applications: johnscreekga.gov, JCPDcommsvcs@JohnsCreekGA.gov

DATE NIGHT ON THE RIVER

What: Come relax at the Chattahoochee Nature Center on this adults-only, 2 ½-hour sunset evening paddle. Ages 21 or older.

When: Ongoing 5-9 p.m.

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Cost: $30 general public, $25 members More info: Check availability and register at chattnaturecenter.org/families/ canoe-programs

FARMERS MARKETS, FOOD TRUCKS: JOHNS CREEK FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

What: Johns Creek’s Food Truck Fridays return to Technology Park, with different food trucks each Friday.

When: Friday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Technology Park, 35 Technology Drive, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekadvantage.org

ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET

What: The Alpharetta Farmers Market features fruits, vegetables, natural

meats, fresh flowers and herbs, and a variety of home goods.

When: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., through Oct. 29.

Where: Old Canton Street in downtown Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Alpharetta’s Food Truck Alley on Thursday evenings offers a variety of six to eight rotating area food trucks.

When: Thursdays, 5-9 p.m., through Oct. 20.

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

Scott Road, Roswell Cost: tickets start at $28 for 5K, $15 for fun run More info: liveforjamie.com

THE GET RIGHT BAND

What: The Get Right Band will perform at the free Roswell Riverside Sounds Concert Series. At least two food trucks will be on location from 6-9 p.m.

When: Saturday, Aug. 6, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

ROSWELL FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

What: The Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market offers fresh, local farm, ranch and artisan foods direct from producers, and much more.

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon.

Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell More info: roswellfam.com

JOHNS CREEK FARMERS MARKET

What: Held at the Newton Park Amphitheater, each market features more than 25 local farmers and vendors with organic and/or sustainable foods and produce.

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, through Sept. 13.

Where: 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: JohnsCreekGA.gov

MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: SPOTLIGHT: ARTIST KELLY CROSBY

What: Come visit the Roswell Cultural Arts Center and view Kelly Crosby’s “Plastic Abstractions” exhibit in the lobby. Open to the public.

When: Monday-Friday, Aug. 2-30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell More info: kellycrosbydesign.com

SERENITY GARDEN CONCERT

What: The Roswell Summer of Fun program is organizing on a free concert in the Roswell Area Park Serenity garden behind the Visual Arts Center.

When: Friday, Aug. 5, 3-5 p.m.

Where: Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

ROCKET SHOT 5K ROAD RACE

What: Join the third annual 5K Road Race and fun run for the Jamie McHenry Memorial Foundation. All proceeds will go toward the foundation and used to award local students with scholarships. Shirts included in price.

When: Saturday, Aug. 6, 7:30 a.m.

Where: Centennial High School, 9750

97.1 THE RIVER PRESENTS BOSTON

What: 97.1 The River presents a live performance by Boston with special guest Dennis DeYoung.

When: Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta Cost: Tickets starting at $20 More info: vzwamp.com

SEUSSICAL

What: ACT1 Theater presents “Seussical,” a musical that melds classic Dr. Seuss tales together and brings to life timeless characters like Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Jojo and more.

When: July 14-Aug. 7, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta.

Cost: $20 for adult, $17 for child More info and tickets: act1theater.com

LIBRARY EVENTS: MIDDAY AT MILTON BOOK CLUB

What: Come join the Milton Book Club for a discussion of this month’s book, “Happiness Key” by Emilie Richards.

When: Friday, Aug. 5, noon-1 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road More info: julia.padgett@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-4445

BOOK AND MOVIE SHARING FOR ADULTS

What: Participants will get to share their favorite book and movie titles with one another or talk about any good media they have discovered lately.

Find new titles to explore. Registration required.

When: Saturday, Aug. 6, 1:30-3 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info and registration: afpls.org or comments@co.fulton.ga.us

COOKING WITH CHEF LYNN

What: Learn how to create healthy back to school meals full of vegetables. Chef Lynn is known for her creative, healthy and tasty recipes.

When: Monday, Aug. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or michael.salpeter@fultoncountyga.gov

SUMMER CRAFTS FOR ADULTS

What: Enjoy making summer crafts with Sharon Crumley, a local mixed media artist, for free. Adults only. Registration required.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m.-noon Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: afpls.org

ASTRONOMY CLUB: SATURN

What: Join Jeff Thompson as he traverses through the night sky. If weather and light permit, the class will take the telescope outside after the talk to look at the stars.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6-7 p.m.

Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta More info: afpls.org or milton.branch@ fultoncountyga.gov

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: ALICE COOPER

What: Alice Cooper will be playing a uniquely theatrical brand of hard rock, designed to shock, in Atlanta during his worldwide tour.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta Cost: Tickets starting at $35 More info and tickets: atlantasymphony.org

CALENDAR

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 23

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA:

Sharrows come to town If you’re like many, you may enjoy taking the ol’ bicycle out for a morning or evening ride along one of Alpharetta’s designated bike routes.

Make no mistake: a STEVE HUDSON two-wheel, pedGet Outside Georgia, al-powered excurChattahoochee Media Group sion is a great way to enjoy the out-of-doors.

You may also have noticed some new roadway markings on some of those routes – chevron-style arrows paired with an illustration of a bicycle.

They’re called “sharrows,” and they’re another tool in the ongoing effort to help motorists and bicyclists safely share the road.

These shared-lane markings are being stenciled onto a number of local roads.

According to John Maloney, traffic operations manager for the City of Alpharetta, the idea behind sharrows is to bring drivers’ attention to the fact that there may be something, in this case a bicycle, ahead of them in the roadway. They serve as what he calls an “on-street driver notification system,” which reminds motors that they’re sharing the road with bicyclists.

“Anything we can do to alert drivers, the better,” Mahoney said.

Are sharrows effective? The National Association of City Transportation Officials has noted that sharrows potentially offer several benefits on shared roadways, reminding motorists that bicycle traffic may be present, while also reminding cyclists where they should be.

However, NACTO and others have noted that sharrows are not the same as bike lanes, which offer some degree of separation between bicyclists and motorists.

Are more bike lanes a possibility for Alpharetta’s roads?

That depends, and the reason is that the construction of bike lanes requires an additional four feet of lane width.

“Any time we build a new road, we try very hard to get that four feet in there,” Maloney said. However, he added that it’s not so simple on existing roads. The presence of existing curbs and drainage structures makes it much more complicated and expensive to widen a lane on an existing road by the necessary four feet.

“That’s where sharrows come in,” Maloney said.

WAYNE UTZ/BIKE ALPHARETTA

Alpharetta Public Safety Officer Amanda Clay left, and bicyclist Emil Walcek during placement of new sharrows on an Alpharetta roadway.

The city placed its first sharrows several weeks ago. Most recently, sharrows were added to Charlotte Drive, and other roads, including Wills Drive and Milton Ave., should see the addition of sharrows in the future.

“Our goal is to keep putting more of them down,” Maloney said. “In this area, we want [bicyclists and motorsts] to get along.”

Wayne Utz, co-secretary of Bike Alpharetta, is enthusiastic about adding sharrows to local roads. Bike Alpharetta worked with the city to come up with Alpharetta’s designated bike routes, and the sharrow program should help make those routes safer for all concerned.

“Local drivers are now better aware of the presence of cyclists,” Utz said, praising the program as “part of the city’s long-term plan to include a

‘share the road’ focus.” He added, “The project helps to continue Alpharetta’s community-centric efforts for a safer dynamic downtown and around-town living environment.”

By the way, I asked Utz what he considers to be the best place for a family bike ride in the area. Next week we’ll take a look at what he had to say.

To learn more about Bike Alpharetta or about Alpharetta’s designated bike routes, visit bikealpharetta.org.

Steve Hudson’s book, “Hiking the Hooch,” will help you discover the great trails of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, including the trails of the Cochran Shoals Unit.

Check it out in local outdoor shops or on Amazon, or order online from www. chattahoocheemedia.com.

24 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

24 | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016

Sponsored Section

Home improvement – From a real estate professional’s opinion By: Karen Pate, Senior Vice-President and Managing Broker Harry Norman Realtors Forsyth/Lake Lanier Let’s face it there are many options for today’s homeowner to make improvements to their home. How do you decide what is the highest priority? Will you get your return on your investment at the time of sale? In my opinion you should think about making the improvements mostly for your personal enjoyment. My suggestion is to make these improvements so you have the time to enjoy it and not just for resale purposes. Often a homeowner will spend hard earned dollars getting their house ready for the market then they wonder why they didn’t do these things earlier. Sometimes they elect to stay because now they love their home again!

If you are thinking about making improvements or even a complete renovation here are four things that are game changers. There are many factors

that play into how much you will regain at the time of sale such as what’s going on in the market, the season, etc.

However, will it increase your odds of getting your home sold quicker and for the most that the market will bear? The answer to this is yes.

Kitchen – The kitchen is the heart of the home! This is the gathering place no matter how big or small your home might be. First your kitchen should function, meaning that all of the essentials are in the right place. i.e. refrigerator, stove/ovens, sinks and counter space. If you are about to replace these items see if it is reasonable to relocate them so that it functions. Try not to go too cheap with the cabinetry & under light the upper cases. Stone is still the most popular for countertops and tile for your backsplash. Some may disagree but, white is still the safest. You can add your color elsewhere. Keep it simple!

Master bath – In my opinion if the space is too sterile it doesn’t appeal to

me as much as if it feels warm & inviting but, not cluttered. Again, the quality of the cabinetry matters! Tile or stone is the “go to” for flooring & shower enclosures. Stone for the countertops and be sure to give yourself ample mirrors and lighting. A few high end items are heated floors & towel bars, steam showers, rain or multi-head showers.

Outdoor living space & lighting – has this become ever so popular! Homeowners are spending a fortune on outdoor living space. Closed in patios, pools w/ waterfalls & spa tubs, fireplaces, koi ponds and built-in grilling areas. If your home reaches a certain price point the homebuyer is expecting outdoor living space and mood lighting! Mood lighting has become much more reasonable due to more sophisticated solar lighting. One thing to remember is that in our market we need to pay attention to the heat and the bugs. No one can give a guarantee as to how much you will recoup when it comes time for sale, however, does it

help sell the house? Absolutely! Almost every new home being built has some sort of outdoor living space.

Landscaping – For you, your family and your neighbors a well-manicured and pretty landscaped yard makes everyone happier! If you are limited with your time be certain to take into account the amount of maintenance certain things may require. There are many ways to create a mostly maintenance free yard. Ask your neighborhood nursery before you buy and remember to pay attention to the amount of sunlight and moisture your items will need. Add color! If you are creative you can stage/ time it so that there is always something blooming. How beautiful would that be?

If you need additional guidance reach out to your Realtor. If we at Harry Norman, REALTORS® can assist you feel free to call us at Harry Norman, Realtors. Karen Pate, Senior Vice-President and Managing Broker for our Forsyth/Lake Lanier office. #770-497-2000

Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations!

Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More Fulton County ManorView (Milton) 770-663-0027 Homes from the low $600s to the low $800s Forsyth County Arbors at LakeView (Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes from the low $300s Arbors II at LakeView (Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes from the mid $300s Champions Run I (Suwanee) Now Selling 470-385-6616 Homes from the low $400s

Champions Run II (Suwanee) Now Selling 470-385-6616 Homes from the mid $400s Herrington Trace (Cumming) Now Selling 770-557-2289 Homes from the low $400s Marketplace Commons (Cumming) 770-889-8619 Homes from the mid $300s Reserve at LakeView (Cumming) Model Now Open 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $400s

Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $400s Seneca lll (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $300s Shiloh Pointe (Cumming) 770-781-1112 Homes from the mid $300s Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) Model Now Open 678-672-0862 Homes from the upper $300s

For a Limited Time Purchase a To-Be-Built Home and Receive:

15,000

$

Use How You Choose Credits*

6,500

UP $ TO Toward Closing Costs*

*Available only when you close on a to-be-built home in the Atlanta Division pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 8/1/16-8/31/16. Seller provided “Use How You Choose” 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. Receipt of closing cost credit 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 of 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. 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. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/ school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements (including geographical) may change over time. You should independently confirm which schools/districts serve the project and learn more information about the school district’s boundary change process prior to executing a purchase contract. 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.CAATL012

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Crye-Leike continues to grow in the Atlanta market It’s been eleven years since Harold Crye, CEO of Crye-Leike Real Estate, expanded the company’s footprint into the Atlanta metro area. The fourth largest privately owned real estate company in the nation recently opened its tenth office in the Atlanta Metro area at 1240 Highway 138 SW in Riverdale.

Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Karen Baxter as the new Managing Broker. Crye-Leike’s Riverdale office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs. The office is also in the process of recruiting and interviewing agents to grow its team. It will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this summer.

“The Atlanta real estate market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves,” said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. “We see a lot of potential for the local market and are very happy to be expanding in and around the Atlanta area with additional offices opening soon in Lawrenceville, Gainesville, Dahlonega and Marietta.”

“Being a full-service real estate brokerage firm, our goal is to make it convenient for our customers and sales associates to utilize all of our services before, during and after a home purchase by offering reliable, efficient and convenient services for today’s busy lifestyles,” said Steve Brown, president of Crye-Leike Residential Sales.

Crye-Leike Real Estate Services had a great year in 2015 achieving $5.7 billion in sales volume. Over a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled Crye-Leike agents sold 31,400 properties. CryeLeike’s sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market.

Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/Roswell, Norcross, Carters-

Being a full-service real estate brokerage firm, our goal is to make it convenient for our customers and sales associates to utilize all of our services before, during and after a home purchase by offering reliable, efficient and convenient services for today’s busy lifestyles.”

STEVE BROWN President of Crye-Leike Residential Sales ville, Cumming, McDonough, Smyrna/ Vinings, Johns Creek and Woodstock in addition to a Residential Property Management, Commercial and Relocation division.

As a full service real estate company, Crye-Leike offers real estate and related services, including: relocation services; commercial business and investment real estate services; property leasing and management services; insurance services; title & closing services; mortgage services; home warranty services; home services; auction services; business brokerage services; REO services for bank-owned & foreclosed properties and real estate schools.

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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

What is real estate due diligence?

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings, BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty What is Due Diligence? Due diligence is a time period given to you as the buyer to investigate the property and make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase before the final transaction of ownership.

In the case that there are any defects found in this investigation period, you as the buyer have the opportunity to cancel the purchase or the seller may offer solutions to compensate for the issues found. It is very important to take advantage of the due diligence period and make sure that the purchase you are making is as great on the outside as it is in-between the walls.

Your agent will assist you throughout this process and will advise that you take the following steps during due diligence period: Schedule a Home Inspection: Completing a home inspection during due diligence is one of the most important steps to take. Your agent can recommend a professional home inspector to come through the home and find any major problems that could end up being a problem in the future. The most common problems can be found in the foundation, termites, roof and HVAC, just to name a few. There can also be issues within the neighborhood and surrounding areas, such as being in a flood zone. It is important that an inspector complete as thorough of an examination as possible.

Title Search: Title search allows for you to take legal ownership of the home that you are purchasing. Completing a title search is the best way to find any hidden issues such as unpaid debt and disputes with the seller in advance before closing.

Homeowners Association Fees & Regulations: Another important detail to review during the due diligence period are Homeowners Association fees and regulations. Although not all neighborhoods and communities have an HOA, those that do often have bylaws and fees, so it is a good idea to see if your lifestyle and meets their regulations and expectations.

Taking these precautionary steps, as well as any others your agent may recommend, ensures that you are fully informed before taking the final steps to prepare for homeownership.

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.

Article is adapted from: http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-is-due-diligence/

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 27

Is your house priced ‘right’ to sell?

By Melinda McBrayer McBrayer Milton Real Estate www.themiltonteam.com As home prices continue to increase, and bidding wars in Milton and surrounding areas are on the rise, many sellers want to list their homes for the highest price possible. But, listing your home at the “wrong” price can often leave it on the market longer than you’d like. And, it may force you to keep dropping the price making potential buyers suspicious something is wrong with the property. If you want to sell your house quickly – you need to price it right!

Here’s a few things to consider before you decide on your home’s listing price.

DON’T set a listing price based on how much you paid for your home, the remaining balance on your mortgage, or the profit you need to buy something new. The right listing price should always be inline with a professional home valuation based on specific market statistics and analysis that guide what your home is actually worth.

DO get a home valuation that includes a comparative market analysis

an tri es ate u t Eq Es

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of homes recently sold in your neighborhood, homes currently on the market, and those that have been taken off the market because they didn’t sell.

DON’T choose your real estate agent based on who suggests the highest listing price. Without research to support a higher price, your house may sit on the market longer than you’d like.

DO choose a “local” real estate agent who is actively selling homes in your community, and has the inside track on local market conditions, upcoming city plans, developments, etc. All of these things will impact your home value and how fast it will actually sell.

DON’T ignore the advice given by the listing agent you choose. If they point out items that need to be addressed to sell your house quicker, consider making some improvements or concessions.

Your real estate agent is an industry expert with a single goal: to help you successfully sell your home.

By considering these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be more successful in determining your homes “right” listing price.

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28 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 Burgundy Drive, Cumming, was arrested July 23 on Market Place Blvd. in Cumming for DUI and failure to dim lights. ►► Kimberly Leigh Fraser, 48, of New Hope Circle, Dawsonville, was arrested July 23 on Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Cumming for DUI, following too close, and open container. ►► Jimmie Aubrey Lewis, 53, of Pintail Court, Suwanee, was arrested on Pintail Court in Suwanee for DUI.

Blotter: Continued from Page 2

Car broken into at Greenway FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A car was reportedly broken into July 24 while it

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►► Juan Ramirez-Hernandez, 36,

of Fran Mar Drive, Gainesville, was arrested July 24 on Martin Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane, and no license. ►► Sarah Elizabeth Dean, 25, of Bagley Drive, Suwanee, was arrested July 24 on Sharon Road in Cumming for DUI, expired license, and expired registration. ►► Gustavo Gallomartinez, 37, of Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, was arrested July 19 on Atlanta Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane, no headlights, and open container.

was parked unattended at the Greenway off Union Hill Road.

A deputy noticed the car had its rear passenger glass broken with shards left on the ground. He saw the vehicle was unoccupied. After running the tag, he called the phone number associated with the car. The owner, who happened to be walking on the Greenway, answered the call and was told a deputy was waiting at his car. When the owner arrived, he was told his car was broken into and to check whether anything was stolen. The man said there was a bag left in the car seat that had juice boxes and snacks, totaling $30.

Deputies helped the man clear the broken glass and remove a child’s seat.

Road rage yields gun FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A man contacted the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office July 24 after another driver reportedly waved a gun at him.

The man told deputies he was driving along Union Hill Road when another driver flipped him off. The man said he returned the gesture and continued

Drug arrests Circle, Woodstock, was arrested July 25 on Buford Dam Road in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug related items, and failure to use seatbelts. ►► Tonya Jean Willbanks, 42, of Treeline Drive, Cumming, was arrested July 22 on Atlanta Highway in Cumming for possession of marijuana. ►► Ryan Hamil Wills, 31, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was arrested July 23 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and open container. ►► Kiersa Nicole Harris, 22, of Fowler

Hill Road, Alpharetta, was arrested July 23 on Fowler Hill Road in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana, failure to yield when turning left, obstruction of a police officer, and giving false information. ►► Keyetta Latrice Pittman, 32, of Hay Market Lane, Lawrenceville, was arrested July 24 on Martin Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana, suspended license, and no brake lights. ►► Javan Raymond Pierce, 40, of Timber Mist Court, Lawrenceville, was arrested July 20 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Suwanee for possession of cocaine, suspended license, and suspended registration.

along the road. The unknown other driver then reportedly followed the man.

Once stopped at an intersection, the man asked the other driver “what his problem was.” The other driver then started yelling and picked up his revolver.

He reportedly never pointed it at the man.

The driver then sped off when he realized the complainant and his wife were trying to get his tag number.

The neighbor told deputies she thought the man was very rude to her when he first pulled up so she went over to confront him. She said in that during the altercation he pushed her when he stepped in between his wife and the woman. She said she wanted to press charges for simple battery.

She was also referred to magistrate court.

No neighborly love, here

Dark window tint leads to pot bust

►► Adam Shane Jesse, 32, of Rucker

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A woman called the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office July 24 to report a verbal dispute.

The woman’s husband said when he pulled into his driveway, he saw a neighbor who said hello to him, but he told her “not to talk to him and to leave him alone”. The neighbor then came over to the man’s house and was “very outraged by his comment.” She then reportedly began yelling at the man and his wife before she was told to leave when the man got in between his wife and the neighbor. The neighbor’s husband also came over and told the woman to leave them alone.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A man was arrested July 14 for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute after he was pulled over for having windows tinted too dark.

An Alpharetta officer stopped a white Dodge Durango on Old Milton Parkway to talk with the driver. While he was taking to the man, the officer reported that he could detect a strong smell of marijuana from the car.

He found a medium sized mason jar under the front driver’s seat with six baggies of suspected marijuana.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Georgia Transmission Corporation: Notice of Availability of a Finding of No Significant Impact AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA ACTION: Notice of Availability of a Finding of No Significant Impact SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) associated with the proposed CummingPinecrest 230 kV Transmission Project. The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 15001508) and RUS’s NEPA implementing regulations (7 CFR Part 1970, Environmental Policies and Procedures). The purpose of the EA was to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with a potential RUS loan or loan guarantee for the proposed project to Georgia Transmission Corporation. The project consists of building a 230 kV transmission line and modifying associated facilities in Forsyth County, Georgia.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the FONSI or EA, or for further information, contact: Ms. Lauren McGee Rayburn, Environmental Scientist, USDA/RD/Rural Utilities Service, 84 Coxe Ave., Suite 1E, Asheville, NC 28801; telephone: (202) 695-2540; fax: (202) 690-0649, or e-mail: lauren.rayburn@wdc.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Georgia Transmission Corporation (Georgia Transmission) proposes to construct 7.4 miles of 230 kV line to connect the Cumming 230 kV Substation to the Pinecrest (formerly known as the Sharon Springs) 230/115 kV Switching Station. Line construction would require new equipment at the existing substation and switching station, although no new land disturbance would be required at the Cumming Substation. The transmission line would primarily follow existing road or highway right-of-way.

A notice of availability of the EA for public review was published in the Forsyth County Hearld on June 30 and July 6, 2016. The EA was available for public and agency review at the Forsyth County Public Library, located at: 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, Georgia.

The 14-day comment period ended on July 13, 2016. RUS received no comments.

Alternatives considered by RUS and Georgia Transmission include (a) no action alternative, (b) electrical alternatives, and (c) alternative routes. An environmental report that describes the proposed project in detail and discusses its anticipated environmental impacts was prepared by Georgia Transmission Corporation. RUS conducted an independent analysis of the assessment and concurred with its scope and content. In accordance with 7 CFR § 1970.102(6), RUS accepted the assessment as its EA for the proposed project.

Based on its EA, RUS has concluded that the proposed project would have no significant effects to water quality, wetlands, the 100-year floodplain, land use, aesthetics, transportation, or human health and safety. The proposed project will have no adverse effects on historic properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and no adverse effects to federally listed species or designated critical habitat.

The proposed project would not disproportionately affect minority and low-income populations.

No other potential significant impacts resulting from the proposed project have been identified. Therefore, RUS has determined that the issued FONSI fulfills its obligations under NEPA for its action related to the proposed project. RUS is satisfied that the environmental impacts of the proposed project have been adequately addressed. If RUS takes a Federal action on the proposed project, it will not result in significant impacts to the quality of the human environment. Accordingly, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared for the proposed project.

ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | August 4, 2016 | 31

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32 | August 4, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com