Real Estate Report Sponsored section ►►page 20
Church grows Living Faith Lutheran Church has a permanent home ►►Page 12
Budding biz Sprouts opens first of two Forsyth County locations ►►Page 14
Float on Check out Mark Ray’s boat of a car ►►Page 10
October 1, 2014 | forsythherald.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 39
‘We’ve all had traffic fatigue’ Ga. 9 widening to four lanes a welcomed project By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com
Family fun at Fowler Festival goers show off their dance moves during the 12th annual Family Fun Day event, Sept. 21 at Fowler Park. See more pictures, Page 24. Aldo Nahed/Staff
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of residents and business owners participated in the Georgia Department of Transportation input open house meeting to address the widening of Ga. 9. For Jo Woodard, who attended the open house at Vickery Creek Middle School and lives off Campground Road in south Forsyth, the population growth has really put stress on county roads, especially on the two-lane Ga. 9 (Atlanta Highway). “I think we need to hasten it,” Woodard said. “I don’t know how you can build it fast enough.”
The proposed widening would take Ga. 9 from the Fulton-Forsyth County line (McFarland Parkway) to Ga. 141 (Bethelview Road/Peachtree Parkway) in Cumming. The proposal would widen Ga. 9 to a four-lane divided highway following the existing roadway but straightening out curves and flattening hills. The plan includes sidewalks on both sides of Ga. 9 and a new bridge over Big Creek. But engineers associated with the project told residents the project is likely not to get started until 2019 and would take about 18 months to complete. Kim Harper said that’s too long to wait. Harper described morning traffic getting out of her road onto Ga. 9 as a “nightmare.” “Where we live, it can take
See GA. 9, Page 4
Cumming Fair brings shows, family entertainment By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com CUMMING, Ga. – More than 40 classic midway rides and numerous games provided by the Great James H. Drew Exposition, a host of historical displays, musical performances and Cherokee Indian demonstrations could only mean one thing — the Cum-
See FAIR, Page 8
If you go:
What: Cumming Country Fair and Festival When: Oct. 2 – 12 Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road Costs: Admission – $7 for adults, $3 for students 5 to 18, free for children 4 and under; Parking – $3; Ride tickets – $1.25 each, $20 for 21, $50 for 55, $100 for 120.
ALDO NAHED/Staff
Residents attend an open house addressing the widening of Ga. 9, also known as Atlanta Highway.
public safety
2 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
$10K in construction materials stolen CUMMING, Ga. — Someone trespassed onto construction property and stole over $10,000 in copper wire, breaker boxes and drills, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report.
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Police Blotter All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
School buses broken into FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Someone broke into a bus parked at a school and left the flashers on, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. An employee of Oak Grove Academy, 3480 Francis Road, told deputies she arrived for work at 6 a.m. Sept. 15 and saw the flashers were turned on in the “big bus.”
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 ►► David Stephen Wise,
27, of Bethelview Road, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 17 on Chamblee Gap Road in Cumming for DUI and tag light
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A front page story entitled “Verizon proposes 180foot tower at wastewater facility” that ran in the Sept. 24 issue of the Forsyth Herald, misidentified Barry Lucas, deputy director for the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department, in a photo.
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The owner of Doc Holiday’s Electrical Services told deputies Sept. 16 the theft occurred overnight at 510 Lakeland Plaza. Suspects went through the unlocked gate and stole 9,500 feet of copper wire,
She said the top right glass in the door was cracked, or “spider webbed,” and the door was open. She checked the other buses and found another one had its weather stripping pulled away from the door. No other buses or pieces of property seemed tampered with. Deputies were unable to review video surveillance because it was not turned on at the time of the incident.
Pushy solicitor harasses neighbors CUMMING, Ga. — Two women felt harassed after a solicitor wouldn’t “take no for an answer,” according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident violation.
►► Brandon Paul Lostetter, 32,
of North Glen Drive, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 13 on Post Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Anthony Joseph Hopeck, 52, of Reives Road, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 14 on Freedom Parkway in Cumming for DUI. ►► Adam Nicholas Tapley, 28, of Cleveland, Georgia, was arrested Sept. 14 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Kenneth Allen Funk, 48, of Dawsonville was arrested Sept. 14 on Nix Road in Dawsonville for DUI. ►► Sean Patrick Gorman, 48, of Davenport Manor, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 21 on Pendley Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Jose Reynoso, 22, of Hightower Circle, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 21 on
main breaker boxes, drills and a large gang toolbox. Deputies said the suspects were careful by cutting the copper wire from the outside of building and only touching what they took.
report. A woman in the 5000 block of Stevenhaven Lane told deputies a blond solicitor wearing khaki shorts and a pink shirt knocked on her door Sept. 16. The solicitor talked to her about books or magazines, but the woman said she was not interested. The solicitor continued to move closer to her front door, so the woman shut the door on her. Then at about 12:45 p.m. Sept. 19, the solicitor came back and knocked on the door of the home across the street. The neighbor there told deputies the solicitor had a bag of materials with her she tried to sell. The neighbor said she was not interested, and she Browns Bridge Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and no license. ►► Donna Butler, 54, of Dawsonville was arrested Sept. 19 on Hurt Bridge Road in Cumming for ►► DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Eugene Edward Lang, 60, of Dawsonville was arrested Sept. 20 on Martin Road in Cumming for ►► DUI, failure to maintain lane and open container. ►► Marla Olcott, 49, of Tucker was arrested Sept. 20 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Suwanee for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Anne Eriksson Clarke, 49, of Atlanta was arrested Sept. 20 on McGinnis Ferry Road in Suwanee for DUI. ►► Alice Stone Chancellor, 47, of Gainesville was arrested Sept. 20 on James Burgess Road in Cumming for DUI. ►► Ricardo Najera, 52, of
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Burglars steal kids’ clothing, jewelry CUMMING, Ga. — Someone broke into a family’s home while they were at church and stole $3,670 in valuables, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A man in the 5000 block of Double Branches Road told
See BLOTTER, Page 3 Gainesville was arrested Sept. 15 on Pea Ridge Road in Gainesville for DUI, failure to maintain lane and no license. ►► Geoffrey Charles Thompson, 21, of Moor Pointe Drive, Cumming, was arrested Sept. 20 on Kelly Mill Road in Cumming for DUI. ►► Dwayne Adair Johnson, 21, of Hampton Square Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Sept. 5 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI, failure to yield and possession of marijuana.
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Continued from Page 2 deputies they came home Sept. 21 at about 1:45 p.m. and noticed someone had broken into the home. When deputies arrived, they cleared the home, but did not find any suspects. The victims said they were missing $100 in children’s clothes, electronics, jewelry and $170 in cash. During the investigation, a neighbor in the cul-de-sac told deputies he had video surveillance facing the roadway. The neighbor gave deputies a copy of the surveillance footage and deputies identified the suspect’s silver minivan.
17 catalytic converters stolen FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Someone cut and removed catalytic converters from 17 cars parked at a repair shop, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. The owner of 400 North Collision and Service Center, 857 McFarland Parkway, told deputies he started noticing the missing converters around July 14. Deputies said the owner compiled a 28-page report documenting the stolen property.
‘Friend’ vandalizes car CUMMING, Ga. — A woman’s good deed did not go unpunished after she
let her friend borrow her car, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. A woman told deputies she let her friend borrow her 2002 BMW 325i on Aug. 22. She said she later found the car at a home in the 4000 block of Pittman Road on Aug. 25. She said it was badly damaged and not drivable. It had been spray painted, kicked and scratched. Deputies looked over the car and said the wires were ripped down from the steering wheel and under the dashboard on the passenger side. Multiple parts were taken out or loosened underneath the hood. Deputies also said obscenities were written on the back of the driver’s seat headrest with markers. The victim said she has not seen or heard from her “friend” since.
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 3
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$800 in yoga pants missing CUMMING, Ga. — Retail employees noticed Sept. 14 yoga items missing from the store, but they have no idea who stole them or how, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s incident report. The product manager of Victoria’s Secret, 410 Peachtree Parkway, told deputies the items were taken over a two-day period. The manager said she does not know the exact amount of yoga pants missing, but estimates about 40 pairs. Surveillance video could not identify any suspicious activity.
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Ga. 9: Community voices opinion on project Continued from Page 1 five-to-seven minutes just to make a left-hand turn,” Harper said. Harper and two of her neighbors came to the meeting because they were interested in the state’s traffic plan and the group recommended the addition of a traffic light to their street near McFarland Parkway and Ga. 9. “We obviously need an expansion to Ga. 9,” Harper said. “You can see the traffic back up, exactly where they want to start the project.” For Espressos Coffee business owner Jeff Amodio, widening the road is a muchneeded plan, but he said the median will hurt businesses located along Atlanta Highway. “We will lose all the business of people trying to come up to our restaurant going north,” Amodio said. “The way it is now, they would have to go half a mile north to turn around, do a U-turn, so the only business we would get is southbound traffic.” Amodio said a good alternative would be turning lanes like those that exist now and getting rid of the medians. “I don’t know why they can’t keep the turning lanes and widen the road,” Amodio said. GDOT engineers and consultants discussed the proposal with residents and business owners, but there was no formal presentation. Forsyth County Commissioner Todd Levent, who owns Midway Warehouse, said it’s his responsibility to jumpstart the project and he used his massive email list to let resi-
Transportation Summit to address bond, traffic Oct. 8 CUMMING, Ga. — The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce along with local and state government leaders will discuss traffic issues in the county on Oct. 8. The 2014 Transportation Summit takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Cumming. The lunch event is $15 per person and limited seating will be available at no cost for those choosing not to partake in lunch. The actual program begins at 12:30 p.m. and will feature Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Keith Golden, Bayne Smith, director of field services, and dents know about voicing their concerns to GDOT. “It’s important to let GDOT know that we need this project really bad and it’s been a long time coming,” Levent said. As far as the median, Levent said his business will also be impacted. “If you have a product and you have a store people like, they will find a way to pull into your parking lot,” Levent said. “I’m one of the ones who have to suffer through this as well, but this is transportation for the future of our county and it brings all kinds of business. We’re all stuck in traffic right now and we’ve all had traffic fatigue.” Anyone who was unable to attend the public information open house can send comments on the project to Hiral Patel, state environmental administrator for Georgia DOT, 600 West Peachtree St., 16th Floor, Atlanta, Ga. 30308. All comments will be considered in the development of the final
Brian Tam, Forsyth County commissioner and chairman of the Transportation Committee. The program will be moderated by state Rep. Mark Hamilton. Attendees will learn about Forsyth County’s plan of action to widen Ga. 400 and improve Forsyth County traffic issues overall. They will also learn more about the $200 million transportation bond and its effects. To register for Transportation Summit, visit the chamber’s website or visit www.bit. ly/1DzWErb or call 770-887-6461. Attendees must register to attend. —Aldo Nahed
End Project 007844 Begin Project 0008357 SR 371/Post Road
End Project 0008357 SR 371
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End Project 0007843 Begin Project 007844 McFarland Road Begin Project 0007843 Fulton/Forsyth County line
Big Creek Greenway
project design and must be received by Oct. 3. Plans and handouts can be viewed at the Georgia DOT District Office located at 2505 Athens Highway in Gainesville. Project information will be available on the DOT website
after the open house meetings at www.dot.ga.gov. On the home page, choose “information center,” then public outreach” and select the project’s county and choose “go.” A list of active DOT projects in the county will appear.
GARAGE SALES See more garage sales in the classifieds • Page 30
ALPHARETTA: Park at Windward Village. 2932 Commonwealth Circle 30004. Estate sale. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Tools (power/hand), household, African collectibles, hiking, MORE!!!!! CUMMING: Multiple sales in large Lake Forest neighborhood, off Hendrix Road between John Burris and Highway 369 (Matt Highway/Browns Bridge). Friday 10/3 and Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Follow signs and balloons CUMMING,Multi family. Northern Oaks Subdivision, 3125 Yellow Oak Cove 30041. Friday, 10/3, 8am-2pm. Saturday 10/4, 8am-12pm. CUMMING: Fieldstone Glen. 3690 Azurite Street 30040. Friday 10/3, Saturday 10/4, 9am-2pm. Estate sale! Grandma’s moved here from Amelia Island,
Florida with antique furniture, jewelry, real cut glass and more! CUMMING: Multi-familyyard sale. Fieldstone Glen, 3690 Azurite Street 30040. Friday 10/3, Saturday 10/4, 9am-2pm. Furniture, clothes, exercise, electronics, more! JOHNS CREEK 30022: Multi family/ location. Falls Of Autry Mill Subdivision, 4225 and 4170 Falls Ridge Drive, and 320 Willow Glade Point. Saturday 10/4, 8am-1pm. Something for everyone! JOHNS CREEK: Multi family. Fox Glen Subdivision; Jones Bridge Road to East Fox Court 30005. Saturday 10/4, 8am1pm JOHNS CREEK: Kingston Crossing Subdivision (off Buice Road), 9585
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Fenbrook Court 30022. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Yard sale: 2 sets of bunk beds, boys’ clothing, home decor, etc. Roswell/Alpharetta: 405 Northgate Pass, at Chafin, 30075. Friday 10/3 and Saturday 10/4, 8am-4pm. Moving sale! Various household items including furniture, mens’ and womens’ clothing, yard tolls; something for everyone! ROSWELL, Devereux Downs/ State Street Subdivisions. Multi-family yard sale. Woodstock Road 30075. Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm. Rain/shine SOUTH FORSYTH, Entire Springmont community! Peachtree Parkway and Old Alpharetta Road 30041. Friday 10/3 and Saturday 10/4, 8am-2pm.
To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday prior week Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@northfulton.com
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 5
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Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com
Jimmy John’s victim of data breach Old Milton Parkway location hit CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Customers of the Jimmy John’s restaurant on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta may have had their credit card information stolen in yet another corporate data breach. On July 30, 2014, the sandwich company learned of a possible security incident involving credit and debit card data at some of Jimmy John’s stores and franchised locations. Jimmy John’s immedi-
ately hired third party forensic experts to assist with its investigation. While the investigation is ongoing, it appears that customers’ credit and debit card data was compromised after an intruder stole log-in credentials from Jimmy John’s point-of-sale vendor and used these stolen credentials to remotely access the point-of-sale systems at some corporate and franchised locations between June 16, 2014 and Sept. 5,
2014. The security compromise has been contained, and customers can use their credit and debit cards securely at Jimmy John’s stores. Approximately 216 stores nationwide appear to have been affected by this event. Cards impacted by this event were those swiped at the stores, and did not include those cards entered manually or online. The credit and debit card information at issue may include the card number and in some cases the cardholder’s name, verification code and the
• 6135 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross
card’s expiration date. Information entered online, such as customer address, email and password, remains secure. In Georgia, the locations affected are: • 365 14th St. NW, Atlanta • 925A Peachtree St NE, Atlanta • 4180 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta • 3217 Macon Road, Columbus • 51 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan
Jimmy John’s has taken steps to prevent this type of event from occurring in the future, including installing encrypted swipe machines, implementing system enhancements and reviewing its policies and procedures for its third party vendors. The company is offering identity protection services to impacted customers, although Jimmy John’s does not collect its customers’ Social Security numbers. To take advantage of these services, please call 855-3986442. In addition, customers are encouraged to monitor their credit and debit card accounts, and notify their bank if they notice any suspicious activity. For more information and updates, visit www.jimmyjohns.com.
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Tax bills are in the mail. The 2014 Forsyth County property tax bills were mailed out last week. Their due date is Nov. 15. Matthew Ledbetter, the county’s tax commissioner, said that in an effort to avoid longer wait times and to help process payments more efficiently, property owners are encouraged to send their payment by mail to A sample tax bill. 1092 Tribble Gap Road or pay by personal online banking or credit card at www1.forsythco.com/ PayPropertyTax. Doing so helps to minimize operational costs and to lower taxes associated with collections, Ledbetter said. Tax office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Locations: Main office (mailing address) at 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, Ga. 30040 or the Sharon Springs branch at 1950 Sharon Road, Cumming, Ga. 30041. Call 770-781-2110, or email tax@forsythco.com for additional information. —Aldo Nahed
Submit your news & photos to news@forsythherald.com
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 7
Upcoming public hearings
Pryor joins county as director of Parks and Recreation
Alcohol code, outdoor advertising and animal control items to be discussed
Pryor will direct the operational and managerial activities in addition to the strategic planning involved in all aspects of the operations and activities of Parks and Recreation.
By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold several public hearings on Thursday, Oct. 2 to consider changes to the county’s alcohol code, the county’s sign and outdoor advertising laws and the county’s animal control code. The Forsyth County Commissioners are considering revising an amendment to the county’s alcohol ordinance No. 68 to modify the effect of a prior misdemeanor conviction on the issuance of a server’s permit. This will be the second public hearing and the board can take action after the public hearing. The first public hearing on the alcohol ordinance modifications was held Sept. 4. The county is also going to consider the outdoor advertising and signage ordinance No. 74 to allow for certain signage to be placed on residential
property with an active land disturbance permit. The first public hearing on this item was also held Sept. 4. Finally, the Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider amending the animal control Ordinance No. 11 with respect to animal sterilization, fees and other preconditions regarding adopting or retrieving animals from the Forsyth County Animal Shelter. This will be the first public hearing on the animal control ordinance changes and a second public hearing will take place at a date to be determined before it can become law. The public hearings will be held at 5 p.m. in the Forsyth County Administration Building (Suite 220), located at 110 E. Main Street in Cumming. All Forsyth County residents and any other affected and/or interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend.
Brings years of experience to position FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County has hired a director to lead operations of its Parks and Recreation Department. Jim Pryor will join the county staff as the director of Parks and Recreation on Monday, Oct. 13. Pryor is an experienced parks and recreation professional with more than 17 years of experience. Most recently, Pryor served as the director of Brunswick County (North Carolina) Parks and Recreation. Pryor holds a master’s degree in sports management and leisure services and is a certified parks and recreation executive (CPRE) and certified parks and recreation professional (CPRP). Pryor has extensive experience in the accreditation process with the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). CAPRA recognizes parks and recreation agencies across the nation for excellence in operation and service. Pryor is a certified visitation
I AM
chair for CAPRA and has served as the team chair for 12 agency visitations. “We are very pleased to welcome Pryor Jim to the county staff,” Deputy County Manager Tim Merritt said. “Jim has participated in many parks and recreation program accreditations across the nation. Therefore, he has seen how the best of the best deliver services and brings this knowledge to our parks and recreation programs. Jim will identify new and exciting opportunities to deliver parks and recreation services to all our citizens in a cost effective manner and bring us to the next level of service and professionalism.” As the director of Parks and Recreation, Pryor will direct the operational and managerial activities in addition to the strategic planning involved in all aspects of the
operations and activities of Parks and Recreation, County Manager Doug Derrer said. “He will oversee the preparation and management of the budget, supervision of personnel, development of departmental goals and objectives, evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of department operations, provide services focused on quality and high customer service and coordinate provisions of a comprehensive recreational program for the community,” Derrer said.
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Fair: Event runs at Cumming Fairgrounds Oct. 2 – 12 Continued from Page 1 ming Country Fair and Festival is on the way. “We always look forward to the fair,” said Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, noting that in years past, the event has drawn more than 165,000 people. “It’s the biggest event of the entire year. It’s a great time to see old friends and to make new ones.” This year’s 11-day festival runs Oct. 2 – 12 at the Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, and features an array of down-home country fun. Hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy, including top-quality country music acts under the fairgrounds’ covered arena venue. The 2014 concert line-up includes: • The Oak Ridge Boys at 8 p.m. Oct. 3 • Colt Ford at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 • The Charlie Daniels Band at 8 p.m. Oct. 9 All concerts are free with fair admission, which is $7 for adults and $3 for students 5 to 18; children under 4 are free.
NON PAI
More info Points of information: All rides require more than one ticket. No coolers, alcohol or pets are allowed on the Cumming Fairgrounds. Online: www.cummingfair. net for more information Parking is $3, and ride tickets are $1.25 each, $20 for 21, $50 for 55 or $100 for 120. All rides require more than one ticket. A number of daily attractions will also captivate fairgoers both young and old. On the 2014 roster are returning favorites: Brian Ruth, Master of the Chainsaw; North Georgia Petting Zoo and Pony Rides; Oscar the Robot; Statue Viva; and the Tiger Encounter. New this year is Galaxy Girl, a highflying aerial act that combines gymnastics and dance. Marvel Super Heroes Team will perform at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. during Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Day on Oct. 8, and the American Bull Riders Tour will again close out this year’s fair with competitions at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 and at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 in the covered arena. Tummies will enjoy classic fair fare such as corn dogs,
ALDO NAHED/Staff
Last year’s Cumming Country Fair had nearly 170,000 attendees.
hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and barbecue. There are also more unique options like deep-fried Oreos and candy bars, homemade ice cream and hand-pressed apple cider. Coolers, alcohol and pets are not allowed. There’s no limit on money-savings deals at the fair. Almost every day offers either free or reduced admission and/or ride ticket discounts. Specials for 2014 are: • Oct. 2 – Northside Hospital-Forsyth Day – free admission for all ages and unlimited rides for $20 • Oct. 4 – Kids’ Day – free admission and rides for all ages from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; free admission for children 12
and under and $25 unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (can be used through closing but must be purchased during the designated time frame) • Oct. 5 – Senior Citizens’ Day – free admission for 55 and over; free student (18 and under) admission and rides with coupon from fair brochure or website from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.; bring seven nonperishable canned goods and receive one free adult admission (donations will go to Feed the Hungry Forsyth Inc.) • Oct. 6 – Student Night – free admission for students (18 and under); unlimited rides for $15 per person (all ages) • Oct. 7 – Unlimited rides for $20 per person (all ages)
• Oct. 8 – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Day – free admission and unlimited rides for $20 per person (all ages); CHOA Parade at 6 p.m. • Oct. 10 – Football Friday Night – free admission after 9 p.m. with any high school football game ticket stub • Oct. 11 – Free admission and rides (all ages) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; $25 unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (can be used through closing but must be purchased during the designated time frame) • Oct. 12 – Last day of the fair – free student (18 and under) admission and rides with coupon from fair brochure or website; bring seven nonperishable canned goods and receive one free adult admission (donations will go to Feed the Hungry Forsyth Inc.) Dave Horton, director of the Cumming Fairgrounds, said he hopes to continue the trend of record-setting attendance. In 2012, there were about 141,000 over the 11 days, he said. “And last year, we shattered that record at just under 167,600 people,” said Horton. “Hopefully, the 2014 Cumming Country Fair and Festival will be our biggest and best yet.” For more information, visit www.cummingfair.net or call 770-781-3491.
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It’s a boat, it’s a car — it’s a boat car By ALDO NAHED aldo@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Mark Ray is making waves on the roads. That’s because his boat car cannot float, or else he’d be making waves in the water, too. About a year ago, Mark Ray made a bet with his wife. She said he couldn’t build a boat car. The Alpharetta resident has now showed her and pretty much everyone else on the road. “I was determined to make my dream a reality,” Ray said. “I’ve got a boat, a car and it’s a convertible.” The first thing he did was purchase and strip the body of a GMC Jimmy with a V6 engine. Except for the chassis, the seats and the motor, everything else was removed. Then he found an 18-foot Sea Ray bow rider ready for the landfill. “I got the boat for free,” Ray said. “I had to cut the floor out of the bottom of the boat.” Then he mounted them together. As he is explaining all this, a motorist pulls over and wants to take a picture of the custom vehicle. “This happens all day long,” he said. “People are always pulling me over asking permission to take pictures of the car; they ask if they can stand in front of it and… ‘Does it float?’” The woman was taking pictures of the boat car to show her husband. “This is so different,” the woman tells us.
Mark Ray mashed up a car and a boat to create a boat car. The fiberglass-body boat car is street legal and has turn signals, a boat horn, a ship’s bell, headlights and taillights. There’s a windshield, a diamondplate hood, compass, power steering, brakes and side view mirrors, and it seats about seven people comfortably. “I dedicated the creation to my wife, Robyn, who battled with breast cancer and is now cancer free,” Ray said. “The whole family loves the boat car.”
ALDO NAHED/Staff
Ray, who runs Door2Door Shredding in Alpharetta, brings the boat car to car shows and parades, but he has not yet taken it to a boat show. He has also won a lot of trophies for his creation. “The biggest trophy is that my wife does not have cancer,” Ray said. “That’s the most important.” Visit http://www.theboatcar.com for more information.
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Spanish classes begin Oct. 6 at West Forsyth HS By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com CUMMING, Ga. – There’s still time to learn Spanish. Literacy Forsyth will be hosting beginner level to intermediate classes with a focus on conversational Spanish. The fall Spanish lessons take place Mondays and Thursdays from Oct. 6 through Nov. 20. This year, the $250 Spanish classes are being held at West Forsyth High School, 4155 Drew Road, Cumming. Annaliza Thomas, executive
director for Literacy Forsyth, said Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S. In the last 20 years, Forsyth County’s growth has led to economic and demographic changes. Many businesses, schools, doctor’s offices and other government agencies have really seen the need to have bilingual staff, Thomas said. “These classes would be great for anyone who works with Spanish-speaking clients,” Thomas said. “The instructors can help our students learn
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vocabulary and phrases specific to their professional and personal needs.” This program will serve as a fundraiser for Literacy Forsyth. The money raised from teaching Spanish classes will help pay for the GED programs that run throughout the year. Each year, Literacy Forsyth and its community partner Lanier Tech Adult Learning Center serve more than 1,000 adults studying in the adult education programs, Thomas said. About half of those adults
To sign up for Spanish classes When: Mondays and Thursdays from Oct. 6 – Nov. 20 Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: $250 per semester Where: West Forsyth High School, 4155 Drew Road, Cumming Email: LiteracyForsyth@gmail.com Call: 770-876-2011 are studying for their GED. Literacy Forsyth partners with other community groups to offer literacy programs throughout Forsyth County.
For instance, in partnership with the Forsyth County Public Library, they offer a Digital Storytelling Camp for teens. Visit www.literacyforsyth. com for more information.
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Living Faith Lutheran Church finds Forsyth home By SHANNON WEAVER shannon@northfulton.com CUMMING, Ga. — After gathering in houses and renting meeting spaces for 14 years, Living Faith Lutheran Church has a permanent home at 1171 Atlanta Highway in Cumming. Its first worship service in the new location was July 27, and there will be a dedication ceremony at 4 p.m. on Oct. 5. The congregation outgrew their last location, said the Rev. Tim Droegemueller, the pastor of Living Faith.
The church was founded in 2000 as an outreach of Rivercliff Lutheran Church in Sandy Springs, first meeting in members’ homes. They used North Forsyth Middle School, a community center and Byars Funeral Home before settling on a lease at Buford Dam Road, the previous meeting place. “It was a lot smaller than what we have now,” Droegemueller said. “Now we have a place for kids to gather, plenty of space for Sunday school and for them to play outside.” The first service at the new
location was in July, which was attended by about 180 people. The Living Faith congregation is estimated at 250 members, or 80 families. The church offers a oneyear catechumenate, or discipleship teaching, program as well as free meals on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m., which are followed by Bible studies. Its Sunday morning services are at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Korean service at 12:30 p.m. “Our concern is on believing His word, hearing Him, studying His word and being a
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blessing to the people around us,” Droegemueller said. “We know that the Lord will take
care of the rest.” For more information, visit www.livingfaithlutheran.com.
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Your Vision Is Our Priority Leading the way with laser-assisted cataract surgery
Our mission has always been to help set the standard in cataract care and lens implantation. Today, our tradition of eye care excellence continues with the introduction of a breakthrough procedure. Now, we are offering laser-assisted cataract surgery, the most advanced technique for cataract surgery available today. After researching and testing the available technologies, we confidently selected the Catalys Femtosecond Laser for our patients. The laser is designed to increase the safety and precision of key aspects of the cataract procedure. The Catalys laser enables us to not only perform bladeless cataract surgery while reducing astigmatism, but also create a precise circular opening in the cataract while softening the cataract prior to its removal. r Ou tion Dr. Kaufman is a leading iV sit Loca board certified ophthalmolw Ne ogist in Northern Georgia. Fellowship trained to sub-specialize in laser-vision correction, corneal disorders, and cataract surgery, he is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Surgery at North Our new expanded office Georgia Eye Clinic. 1230 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Ste 100 • Cumming, GA 30041 Matthew B. Kaufman, MD
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 13
Purrin’ on with the Ritzy kitty CUMMING, Ga. — Two-year-old Ritzy is a beautiful black and white adult female in the cat room. This petite cutie needs some extra love, and she can be wary of people at first. She may have not have been treated well by people before she arrived at the Humane Society of Forsyth County. But with lots of love and affection, Ritzy will bloom in her forever home. She would be best suited in a quiet home without small children. She would be good with another kitty, as long as the other cat is not aggressive. Meet Ritzy at the Humane Society Forsyth County, 4440 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, from noon to 6 p.m. every day.
Nina looking for good home CUMMING, Ga. — Smiley Nina is a 2-year-old female Boxer/ Lab mix with stunning markings. She is a sweetheart and is wonderful with children. She just wants to be your big lap dog. Nina gives amazing hugs,
too. Nina would probably do best as the only dog in the home. Give this sweet girl an opportunity to show you how much love she has to give. Visit www.forsythpets.org or call Karin at 770-940-2940.
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New grocery store ‘Sprouts up’ in Forsyth County By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of eager shoppers lined up at 6 a.m. to attend the grand opening of the new Suwanee Sprouts Farmers Market. “I think that speaks to the brand and the excitement that it generates in people,” said Donna Egan, a Sprouts spokeswoman. “People are interested in eating more healthfully and doing so at a great value, which is really our sweet spot.” The new store, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, hired 100 new team members, and this will mark the company’s fourth location so far this year. Other locations include Snellville, 1250 Scenic Highway; Dunwoody, 2480 Mount Vernon Road; and Norcross, 5130 Peachtree Parkway. And the Sprouts Farmers Market growth is not slowing. Early next year, a location is planned for Cumming’s Lakeland Plaza, 501 Buford Highway. There are plans to build a distribution center in the Atlanta area in the next couple of years, Egan said. “Atlanta is the anchor for the Southeast, and then we’ll
Aldo Nahed/Staff
Sprouts Farmers Market offers fresh, organic food as well as a wide selection of wine and beer. continue the Southeast expansion,” Egan said. “We’ve been planning our expansion for a while.” The Phoenix, Arizona-based grocery store has generally been located through the Southwest, but in 2014, they opened two stores in the Kansas City area with a focus in Atlanta. Next year, there are plans for a new Alabama location. The company has about 200 stores, and their aim is for 1,200. “It’s a big deal to be move to a different region of the coun-
try because it requires thinking about the supply chain differently,” Egan said. Sprouts Farmers Market stores offer a variety of bulk items, baked goods, vitamins and beauty products, dairy and fresh meats, but the operation revolves around produce, which generate about 25 percent of sales. “We are a farmers market and we prioritize that in our store,” Egan said. Produce selections are both conventional and organic with different local farms highlighted.
All specialty items are marked with QR codes that give products more information or play videos. “There are people who follow specific diets; there are signage throughout the store to highlight product attribute and what it means,” Egan said. “That’s really part of why Sprouts has been so successful. We are focused on the customer who has just started to eat more healthfully. As opposed to other specialty retailers who might cater to more affluent customers, we really
Customers pour into the new Sprouts Farmers Market during the grand opening Sept. 17. go after the average grocery shopper. “We try to set up our store so they are not intimidated,” Egan said, “So people feel like they fit in, they can ask questions, they can learn about product attributes and are not expected to know everything when they enter the store.” For information, visit www. sprouts.com or for a career, visit sprouts.com/careers.
15 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Italian furniture designer carves way into Roswell By ALDO NAHED aldo@forsythherald.com ROSWELL, Ga. — An Italian outdoor furniture designer is not lounging around when it comes to winning over the American market. Designer Carlo Basso is working to break through by visiting direct buyers and going to exhibitions to woo new wholesale customers through Roswell-based Affinity International Furniture. Basso, along with his wife and creative director, Erlina Darmi, say the European market has been extremely receptive to the work. “The main difference from Europe,” Basso said, “is the distribution. In Europe, there’s a lot of retail shops, in America, it’s all about the big stores.” So don’t expect the outdoor furniture, including coffee tables, lounge chairs and other living accessories that Basso creates to be sold at Home Depot or Target. “We are after the mediumto-high quality consumer,” Darmi said. Basso, whose line of outdoor furniture combines retro and vintage with a modern twist, added that distribution through Crate and Barrel would be closer to his retail customer base. “New and fresh always comes out of the traditional, because the traditional is the base,” Basso said. Basso, whose work is featured at several world-re-
nowned hotels, said he aims to reach local interior designers and smaller boutiques specializing in artistic, but functional furniture. “I think the volume market is full of low quality products from China,” Basso said. Ferdinal Winarta, who is representing Basso through Affinity International Furniture, said he’s thrilled to be able to showcase the award-winning designer. “He’s a top outdoor designer and I’m excited to bring him to the United States,” Winarta said. “Carlo Basso’s work is
Ferdinal Winarta, of Affinity International Furniture, Erlina Darmi, creative director of Tanjaya; Carlo Basso, designer. solid and exclusive.” Basso manufactures his furniture in Indonesia, using mostly polyethylene and natural rattan to create functional and durable outdoor pieces. “The keyword is classic contemporary,” said Darmi. For more information, visit www.affinityinternationalfurniture.com or http://web. tanjayasinar.com.
Free small business mentoring! SCORE, a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administra�on, has thousands of qualified and experienced business leaders across the USA who have volunteered their �me, and are ready to help you.
Both small business owners and those planning a new business are welcome to contact SCORE. Have some ques�ons about SCORE? Use the QR code shown to get more informa�on about SCORE and its ac�vi�es.
Morning, a�ernoon, & evening mentoring appointments are available. You can meet with your SCORE Business Mentor as o�en as you wish. SCORE now has an office right here in Cumming, so this is the �me to act! To meet with a SCORE mentor, visit www.atlanta.score.org and click on the red “BOOK NOW” bu�on, or call 770-714-6331.
16 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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August home sales: national and local The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that existing home sales fell across the country by -5.3 percent in August vs. one year ago. That number is greater than the drop in sales we saw in North Fulton but very different from sales figures in Forsyth County. Oddly, the NAR attributes this to investors pulling back because of fewer cash sales. I say oddly because their data comes from a small number of realtors surveyed around the county. The national media outlets have picked up this story but it’s not the case here, in our area. Looking at North Fulton and Forsyth County, August home sales year-over-year are down -2.9 percent in North Fulton but actually up 1 percent in Forsyth County. Additionally, the median sales price for existing homes dropped -5.2 percent nationally but rose 4.7 percent in North Fulton and 11.7 percent in Forsyth County. Finally, cash sales in August were up over 20 percent
Robert Strader
Local Realtor Keller Williams Realty
in North Fulton and while cash sales in Forsyth were down -7 percent, keep in mind that sales overall were up 1 percent. So, all this begs the question: “What’s going on in our market?” We’re seeing the differing effects of new construction in North Fulton and Forsyth County. New home building has increased in both areas but consider this fact: the median sales price of a new build in Forsyth is $369,900 - a little higher than the $302,000 median sales price of all homes. However, the median sales price for a new build in North Fulton is $722,000; much higher than $382,000 which is the median sales price of all
homes in North Fulton. Because of the dramatic rise in home prices from last year, buyers have been cautions and willing to wait out good values all year long, for both existing homes and new construction. Now, with new home prices skyrocketing, existing homes are looking far more attractive. Bob Strader is a local realtor with The NORTH Group of Keller Williams Realty. More information can be found on his blogs liveincumming.com or liveinalpharetta.com or email him: info@thenorthgroup.com.
Prioritizing your sales pipeline Are you taking the time each week to prioritize your sales pipeline? Are you evaluating opportunities using quantitative data to make decisions on where you are going to focus your time? Is your sales pipeline full of old opportunities that don’t seem to be panning out? Prioritizing your sales pipeline is the first step in ensuring you are focused on the right opportunities at the right time. The first question you have to ask yourself is quite simple. Is there actually an opportunity? In other words, does your customer actually have an issue or challenge that your service or solutions can
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address? If the answer is yes, then you need to answer question number two; Is there a compelling reason for them to do this? If there is either a benefit for hiring you or negative consequences for not hiring you, this will provide the impetus for the client to make a decision. The third questions should
focus on how you win the deal, and prevail against your competitors. This is all about the relationships you have with the key decision makers. If you have built solid relationships with the decision makers and your competition has not, then you have a “leg up” in winning the business. Ask yourself these questions for each opportunity. Is there an opportunity? Can we compete? Can we win? Score each opportunity and focus on the ones with the highest score. Prioritizing your sales pipeline is key to sales success in your small business.
Gwinnett Medical Center has expanded its robotic surgery capabilities.
Gwinnett Medical Center »
Robotic surgery expansion gives patients more options LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Recently, Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) obtained a second da Vinci Surgical System designated for single site and laparoscopic surgery. According to local surgeons, robotic surgery promotes precision and efficiency. “The da Vinci Surgical System Robot, with its precision and 3-D camera, allows us to do single incision surgery, like gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy, in a very precise manner,” said Dr. James Elsey, a vascular surgeon at GMC. This is in line with a national trend toward limiting surgical incisions, he said. “Through the robotic system, we are able to offer single incision surgery to more types of patients,” added Dr. David Schmidt, also affiliated with Gwinnett Medical Center. “It allows us to perform
advanced operations with optimal 3-D visualization.” Schmidt said GMC will soon offer robotic surgery as an option to patients requiring more complex laparoscopic procedures. Surgeons have full control, directing the robot to make precise movements. The da Vinci Surgical System has 3-D vision and a magnified view and provides the surgeons with full control of the laparoscopic instruments. This allows physicians to perform surgery using laparoscopic instruments, which mimic the way human hands and wrists work in open surgery. GMC also offers robotic-assisted surgery for procedures in bariatrics, gynecological cancer and prostate cancer. Visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org for more information.
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 17
Peach Clinic opens two new locations in Cumming Business: Peach Clinic Opened: First location: May 2014, second location September 2014. Owners: Dr. Dhaval Shah, Dr. Monal Shah and Dr. Amita Ghia What: Primary care and pediatric practice catering to
patients of all ages. Where: 3030 Old Atlanta Rd Ste 500 Cumming 30041 and 2320 Atlanta Highway Ste 105 Cumming 30040 Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday Call: (770) 203-2000 Web: www.peachclinic.com
Georgia among nation’s New basketball, beach volleyball leaders in job growth Up With Kids Sports opens a new training facility, Hoops N Sand, featuring basketball, volleyball and indoor beach volleyball, court rentals, travel teams and more in Cumming.
facility opens in Cumming CUMMING, Ga. — Hoops N Sand, a basketball and indoor beach volleyball training facility, opened Sept. 26 in Cumming at 1710 Redi Road, Suite 100. This 8,800-square-foot facility houses a full-size basketball and volleyball court, a half basketball court and a sand volleyball court. Hoops N Sand will offer a variety of year-round training opportu-
nities for youth through Up with Kids Sports. Up with Kids was founded by coach Samuel Hines, a former professional basketball player, and offers basketball and volleyball programs to boys and girls as young as 5 through middle school. For more information, visit www.hoopsnsand.com or call 470-297-5620. —Shannon Weaver
Coach Samuel Hines
ATLANTA – Georgia is ranked sixth nationally and third in the Southeast for top job growth. With over 79,300 new jobs in the past 12 months, Georgia represents a 2.0 percent annual growth rate, which is higher than the nation’s average of 1.8 percent. These encouraging numbers were announced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of jobs in Georgia totaled 4,132,900 in August, up from 4,053,600 in August 2013. The Augustto-August job growth was
the second largest in Georgia since 2005. “Georgia has been ranked in the top 10 states for job creation for the past two years,” said State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “Our state’s employers are to be commended for their confidence in our state’s economy, as they continue to invest in hiring and growing their companies.” Georgia’s job gains came in several sectors, including computer system design, accounting, architectural and engineering.
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American Family Care 1095 Woodstock Road in Roswell
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Chukkar Farm & Event Facility Giddy Up Personal Training 1140 Liberty Grove Road in Alpharetta
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Center for Energetic Healing 260 East Crossville Road in Roswell
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13360 Canary Lane in Milton
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NewBusinessSpotlight Fitness, medical group opens in Johns Creek
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18 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald
Business: Medical Fitness and Wellness Group Opened: July 7 Owner: Michael Hardy What: Medical Fitness and Wellness Group provides comprehensive medical exercise, massage therapy and wellness programs for those diagnosed with chronic conditions who are looking to lose weight, improve their health, lower their stress levels and/or manage their current condition. We will work with your physician to help you achieve your goals while providing you a safe and effective exercise program. We also work with individuals with no conditions that
are looking to improve their current level of health and fitness. Whether it is to lose weight, tone up, strengthen your core, improve your favorite sport or improve your flexibility and live pain free, we’ve got you covered. Let us put our medical expertise and experience to work for you and your family. Where: 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 205 in Johns Creek Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday Call: 678-469-6497 Web: www.exercise4prevention.com
REAL ESTATE »
Ashton Woods announces new South Forsyth community ATLANTA — Ashton Woods Homes has unveiled its newest community in South Forsyth, The Grove at Spring Valley, which opens for sale this month. The community provides 69 single-family homes with architecturally distinct floor plans and options for master bedrooms on the mains, third floors, finished basements and outdoor living, and a selection of floor plans. The Grove at Spring Valley will also offer a pool and cabana.For more details about The Grove at Spring Valley, contact Tara Brown at 770-642-6123 or visit www.ashtonwoods.com.
Providence Group opens Ruth’s Farm model home ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Providence Group of
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BusinessBriefs Georgia officially unlocked the doors of its brand new, fully-decorated model home at Ruth’s Farm in Alpharetta. In celebration of this stunning model home, home buyers can currently save big when they purchase a new home at Ruth’s Farm. Featuring the Brentwood home design, interiors of the model home are spacious and open with five bedrooms and a finished basement. The Brentwood model showcases luxury finishes and features including a gourmet kitchen with large island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, family room with coffered ceiling and a wall of windows, hardwood floors throughout the main level, large dining room with butler’s pantry and outdoor living space. For more information on available homes or to schedule a tour, call 678-392-7466 or visit www. TheProvidenceGroup.com/Ruths-Farm.
Nicole Buchanan joins Harry Norman, Realtors JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Harry Norman, Realtors welcomes Nicole Buchanan as a realtor in its Johns Creek office. Nicole and her family live in Gwinnett County and she is highly regarded by her clients and peers for having a high level of integrity, in depth market knowledge, and an incredible work ethic that deliver results. Buchanan For more information, contact 678-322-7717, nicole.buchanan@harrynorman. com, or visit Buchanan online at www.nicolebuchanan.harrynorman.com
COMMUNITY »
GaPTA gets donation from Alpharetta Beverage ATLANTA— The Georgia Parent Teacher Association (GaPTA) has signed an agreement with the Alpharetta Beverage Company (ABC). The company pledged to donate a portion of every bottle sold of Tenacious Tea in the state of Georgia to the GaPTA. Tenacious Tea has no sugar, no carbohydrates, no calories and naturally caffeine free, ABC representatives say. “We applaud ABC for the development of an all-natural, zero calorie beverage as a healthy drink alternative,” said GaPTA President Rita Erves. “We are excited to work together to educate our communities on healthy lifestyles.” For more information, visit www.gapta.org.
WET or DAMP
BASEMENT? CRACKED FOUNDATION?
From left: Tatiana Kosolapova, massage therapist; Mike Hardy, owner and medical/corrective exercise specialist; John Bemont, president Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce; and Susan Grissom, chair.
Michael Buckham-White, senior vice president of sales & marketing at Alpharetta-based Agilysys, along with a few members of the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta. Also pictured is Ziggy Asfaw, executive director of the Brookhaven Club.
Agilysys Donates Movie Tickets to Boys & Girls Clubs ALPHARETTA, GA. —Agilysys, Inc. a technology company with corporate offices at 1000 Windward Concourse in Alpharetta, is donating 500 AMC movie tickets to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in conjunction with its rGuest product launch, held during Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) 2014 in Los Angeles. Movie tickets will be distributed among Boys & Girls Clubs located near most Agilysys U.S. locations— Atlanta; Bellevue, Wash.; Las Vegas; and Santa Barbara, California.
APPOINTMENTS »
Forsyth resident named district engineer GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Keith Golden announced the appointment of Brent Cook as district engineer for the 21 counties in northeast Georgia that make up DOT District 1. Cook, of Forsyth County, is responsible for systems inventory, environmental services, public transportation, COOK as well as planning and programming construction projects throughout the district. He became district traffic engineer in 2004 and was responsible for the placement, installation and maintenance on all traffic signals and other traffic control devices. Cook was named assistant district engineer in 2013 while remaining district preconstruction engineer, but assumed the duties of district engineer Sept. 16.
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 19
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me your event...
Submit your event to northfulton.com or email with photo to calendar@northfulton.com. For a more complete list of local events including support groups, volunteer opportunities and business meetings visit the calendar on northfulton.com.
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Erica O’neal
Calendar Editor erica@northfulton.com
CUMMING COUNTRY FAIR & FESTIVAL
Fall is here and along with it is the annual Cumming Country Fair and Festival. The fair has carnival rides, games and food along with all kinds of entertainment. Thursday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 12. Cumming Fairgrounds. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. Please call 770-781-3491 or visit cummingfair.net.
GWINNETT BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS “19-20-21”
Come out to watch a dance experience set to the music of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. Please call 770237-0046.
BIG FISH THE MUSICAL
ATLANTA EATS LIVE
Bring out family and friends to the Atlanta Eats Live event. Last year’s event brought thousands of food lovers together to experience their favorite restaurants and meet chefs face to face. Atlanta Eats is a combination of food and rock star chefs on the biggest stage around. This year, Atlanta Eats Live brings back more than 40 of Atlanta’s restaurants under one roof. Tickets are $45. Sunday, Oct. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Pkwy., Alpharetta. Please call 404-733-5010.
West Forsyth High School’s award winning studio, West Productions is excited to announce its fall production, the Georgia Premiere of “Big Fish, the Musical!” Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest and then some. Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Thursday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 12. Showtimes are varied. Tickets are $8-$12. WFHS Studio West Productions, 4155 Drew Rd., Cumming. Please call 770888-3470.
Events:
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CRABAPPLE FEST
CHATTAPOOCHEE PET FEST
Bring your pet to the Chattapoochee Pet Fest. The event features pet vendors, craft vendors, food vendors, rescue and adoption groups. This is a family friendly event and all “well behaved” leashed dogs and cats are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Historic Strickland House. Sunday, Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rogers Bridge Park. 4291 Rogers Bridge Rd., Duluth. Please call 770-663-7952.
Whether looking for antiques or nifty household items, Milton’s Crabapple Fest has everything. The annual event will close down much of historic Crabapple Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nearly 100 vendors will show their wares alongside music, games and an Oktoberfest Biergarten at the Olde Blind Dog pub. Visit www.crabapplefest.com for information.
BREW MOON FEST
The Alpharetta Business Association (ABA) presents the 3rd annual Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest. Beer, wine and food from select Alpharetta restaurants will be available for sale as the city comes together for one big street party. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6:30-11 p.m. Historic downtown Alpharetta, 35 Milton Ave., Alpharetta. Please call 678-297-0102.
ROSWELL FINE ARTS ALLIANCE ART SHOW
The Roswell Fine Arts Alliance announces their 20th annual premier member’s juried show called “Genesis XX.” The show has 70 works of art available for viewing and purchase. This year’s event will be hosted by the Bank of North Georgia. Viewing is available Sept. 19 until Nov. 7 during banking hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–noon, closed Sunday. Bank of America. 10446 Alpharetta Street Roswell (Corner of Holcomb Bridge Rd. and Alpharetta St.). Please visit rfaa.org.
OKTOBERFEST: BENEFIT FOR STANDUP FOR KIDS
Please join the fun in celebrating Oktoberfest. Enjoy craft brewed beer tastings and soft pretzels along with music by George Martini. Admission is $30 per person. Proceeds benefit StandUp for Kids - North Fulton Initiative (SUFK-NFI). SUFK-NFI goes to local high schools to assist “homeless” students struggling to survive, as they are also trying to stay in school and graduate. Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6-9 p.m. Jekyll Brewing. 2855 Marconi Dr., Alpharetta. Please call 678-5571329.
Races & Benefits:
CHEROKEE ZOMBIE FEST
Halloween comes early at the Cherokee Zombie Fest. Activities include bands, food trucks and a Zombie Response Unit Vehicle Show and much more. The festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. Main St., Canton. Entrance is a $5 donation. Please call 770-345-5483 or visit CherokeeZombieFest.com. will be a huge celebration filled with music, food and local entertainment along with hundreds of people who understand the impact of diabetes. The walk will begin with a Stop Diabetes Festival at Independence High School. A healthy breakfast will be provided along with a fun warm up before the 5k walk through downtown Alpharetta. Saturday, Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Independence High School. 86 High School Dr., Alpharetta. Please call 404-320-7100 or visit stepout.diabetes.org.
MICHELOB ULTRA MARATHON
After five years in Brookhaven, the Michelob ULTRA Atlanta 13.1 Marathon moves to Cumming on Oct. 4. The event is expected to draw 3,500 runners and walkers. The race kicks off at 7 a.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Cumming. Register at www.131marathon.com/ atlanta/#register
STEP OUT WALK TO STOP DIABETES
Step Out Walk To Stop Diabetes is a fundraising event for the American Diabetes Association. This year’s walk
ALPHA PAL 5K
Join hundreds of runners Oct. 2 at Jackson Healthcare, 2655 Northwinds Parkway in Alpharetta for this local Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Vendors, food and the race benefit Alpharetta Police Athletic League, a non-profit that helps local youth. 6:45 p.m. Oct. 2. Cost: $25 (pre-register); $30 (on race day). To sign up and for more information, please visit www. active.com.
20 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Why a pre-approval is essential to your home search By BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Some people think pre-approval means limiting possibilities, but the reality is that if you do not earn a loan pre-approval before you start looking, you might actually prevent yourself from finding your dream home. Here’s why. Streamlined Hunting Most start their home search by browsing homes for sale to get an idea of what neighborhoods and housing styles they like. If you do not know what you can afford, you may be looking out of your price range and wasting your time. You may also be looking below what you would have qualified for and not getting the right home for you. If you start with getting a pre-approval, you can sort by price, identify the right neighborhoods and find your dream home much faster. Better Results from a REALTOR® When a REALTOR® knows what you want and what you can afford,
they are able to do a better job finding your dream home. Rather than performing a general search across several price ranges, if you have pre-approval, a REALTOR® would know exactly what to focus on and would be Rawlings able to suggest different neighborhoods, sizes and conditions of homes to match your needs — making it easier to get you exactly what you want. Higher Acceptance Rate If you are not pre-approved and you find a home you want to make an offer on, you are taking a gamble. REALTORS® and sellers are less willing to accept offers from a buyer without a pre-approval. Odds are, they will go on to the next offer — and you could miss out. If you are pre-approved, you have more room to haggle. Sellers may be more willing to lower the asking price, include appliances, cover closing costs or make other allowances to work with a pre-approved buyer.
Less Stress Finally, skipping this step can cause you additional, unnecessary stress. If you are not pre-approved, you will spend longer looking for homes. You may not feel like you are getting great service from a REALTOR®.
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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
October 1, 2014 21
Zillow and Trulia… Good or bad for real estate? By ROBERT AIKEN
... Use Zillow and Trulia ONLY as a reference. Go to a professional to verify and provide accurate real estate information.
Are Trulia and Zillow good or bad for the real estate industry? That question is one of the most contested amongst real estate agents today. Not contested is the fact that both companies have enjoyed impressive revenue and valuation growth. Real estate agents subscribing to their “lead-generation” services represent the lion’s share of each company’s revenue. These agents pay on average $3100/year and $2300/year to Zillow and Trulia respectively. Some of the good things about Zillow and Trulia: Provides greater listing exposure to millions of consumers, the addition of tax records, school ratings and other information to listings is good for consumers and makes the agents’ job easier, levels the playing field for newer agents and agents without many listings, gives consumer access to FSBOs, foreclosures and other non agent represented properties, painting a fuller picture of the available market, creates a new, broadly reaching, advertising platform for agents to advertise their skills. Some of the bad things about Zillow and Trulia:
Trulia ONLY as a reference. Go to a professional to verify and provide accurate real estate information.
A high percentage of their “available” listings are actually sold or off the market. This confuses and upsets consumers and makes agents look bad, the sites’ property valuations are often way off, making agents’ jobs harder, promotes non-listing agents alongside listings that aren’t theirs, tricking consumers into believing they know the property, sells to any agent, regardless of experience, the title of “Premier” or “Pro”, the “leads” generated for subscribing agents are low quality, non-responsive and a waste of time, the cost of being a subscribing agent is too high for what you get. Basically, use Zillow and
The Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office can be reached at 770497-2000, ashley.panter@ harrynorman.com or visit their website at www.HarryNormanForsyth.com. About Harry Norman, REALTORS® Founded in 1930, Harry Norman, REALTORS ® is Atlanta’s oldest and largest residential real estate firm with 11 sales offices, various franchise and satellite offices, and more than 1,000 real estate professionals. Harry Norman, REALTORS ® is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. HomeServices is the second-largest full-service independent residential real estate brokerage firm in the U.S. with 17,000 sales associ-
Welcome Home:
Top five things to know when preparing to sell or buy a home (NAPSI)—For the first time in years, rising home prices are boosting sellers’ confidence. At the same time, interest rates remain relatively low, helping to boost potential homebuyers’ confidence. Millions of Americans will decide in 2014 to put their houses on the market and/or shop for new homes, and need to understand the current housing market conditions as they move closer to buying or selling homes. The following “top five things to know when preparing to sell or buy a home in 2014” should be considered by anyone thinking about a home sale or purchase. 1. Is 2014 the time to make a move? What sellers should know: The pool of prospective buyers hasn’t been this large in several years. Now may be the time to move, depending on your market. What buyers should know: You’re competing with more buyers, but interest rates are still ideal, so the hunt for your next home could be well worth it in the end. 2. The price is right, right? What sellers should know: Don’t overprice your house. After the first 21 days on the market its “freshness appeal” diminishes. What buyers should know: The house is probably too expensive if your debt-to-income ratio (mortgage, property taxes and insurance) is higher than 36 percent of your monthly gross income. 3. Look for added value in a home protec-
tion plan. What sellers should know: Homes sold with home warranties spend an average of almost 11 fewer days on the market and sell for an average of $2,300 more than homes without a home warranty, according to a recent home sales study conducted by American Home Shield®. 4. Improvements ... to make them or not? What sellers should know: View your home as a potential buyer and make improvements accordingly. Consult with a real estate agent to see if improvements are good investments, and to avoid overimproving the property. What buyers should know: Assess your abilities, time constraints and commitment level when it comes to renovation work. Negotiate improvements with the sale of the house, when appropriate. 5. Know the full scope of a Realtor’s responsibility. What sellers should know: Real estate professionals can identify the appropriate list price, determine necessary improvements, create a plan to promote the listing, and facilitate showings of the house to potential buyers. What buyers should know: Real estate professionals can access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), help you understand what you want in a house and find a good fit. They can provide market trends and comparable pricing and guide you through the negotiation and closing processes.
ates spanning 20 states. Harry Norman, REALTORS ® is the exclusive Atlanta affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate and achieves additional international exposure through membership in such exclusive real estate networks as Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® the largest network of independent residential real estate firms, with 600 members representing 5,000 offices and 150,000 associates across the U.S. and in more than 35 countries. More information is available at www.harrynorman.com. About HomeServices of
America HomeServices of America, Inc. based in Minneapolis, Minn., is the second-largest homeownership service provider in the United States. Owned by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., HomeServices’ operating companies, who average 54 years in the respective markets in which they operate, offer integrated real estate services, including brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties and other homeownership services. HomeServices Relocation, LLC is the full-service relocation arm of HomeServices of America which provides every aspect of domestic and international relocation to corporations around the world. Information about HomeServices and the locations of its subsidiary companies is available at www.home services.com.
22 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Alpharetta 35, Lambert 17
Longhorns struggle to find end zone CUMMING, Ga. – The Alpharetta Raiders remained unbeaten in Region 6-AAAAAA, winning 35-17 on Sept. 19, at Lambert (1-2). Miles Smith ran for three touchdowns for the Raiders, 3-0 in region play and 3-1 overall. Two of them were in the first half as Alpharetta took a 14-3 lead. Smith scored on a 7-yard run early in the second period and made it 14-0 on a 28-yard TD following an interception by the Raiders’ Matt Moore. But Lambert got on the board at the end of the second quarter, 14-3. On the third period, a 46-yard pass from Austin King to Nick Carlton increased the Raiders’ lead to 21-3. Longhorns’ running backs Trevor O’Brien and Hunter Shepherd got a two-point conversion in the third period to bump up the score to 21-11, but Alpharetta’s Moore went 38 yards for a score late in the third period. Longhorn wide receiver Jarrett Wright also scored for the Longhorns 28-17. But on the fourth quarter, the Alpharetta Raiders stopped the Longhorns drive and scored again 35-17. Both teams had problems with the officiating, incurring a combined 24 penalties for 215 yards. –Staff Reports
Lambert’s Will Dunavant tackles Alpharetta QB Austin King.
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 23
Brock Lohnes wins That Guy award
Area fencers begin season at Roswell HS ROSWELL, Ga. — On Sept. 6, the Georgia High School Fencing League Tournament was held at Roswell High School. There were 172 fencers (104 men and 68 women) competing in the tournament. This was the fourth largest tournament the league has ever held. Roswell HS has been host of the first tournament of the season since 2004. The Sept. 6 tournament was their 22nd year.
The top four men and women winners from the Georgia High School Fencing League Tournament, from left are Erin Maurer (Pope), Cassandra Cronin (Northview), Lian Feng (Chattahoochee), Ana Cristian (Pope), Ryan Carroll (Dunwoody), Patrick Malloy (Northview), Jonathan Choi (Chattahoochee) and Donovan Munlin (Lassiter). –Vallari Bhave
ROSWELL, Ga. — The 2014 Legacy Lacrosse Cup has recognized Brock Lohnes as the recipient of its That Guy award. The winner is chosen by the Legacy Lacrosse Board from a group of male high school goalies recommended by coaches and fans who feel they are deserving and represent the pillars of the award: “competitive spirit, camaraderie toward teammates and opponents and character which honors the game.” Lohnes, a graduate of the class of 2014 at Roswell High, earned many honors throughout his high school lacrosse career. The four-year letterman at Roswell High was named to the Under Armour AllAmerican Uncommitted 2014 Team. The 2014 Georgia 6A lacrosse state championship was won on Roswell’s home turf with Lohnes in goal. “We are delighted to recognize Brock and feel his future on the Young Harris lacrosse team is very bright,” said a representative of the Legacy Lacrosse Board. “We know he will be a significant part of
Roswell HS graduate Brock Lohnes wins That Guy award for lacrosse.
their success at Young Harris and look forward to watching Brock play college lacrosse.” The Legacy Lacrosse Cup was established to celebrate the legacy of Parker Jackson, a 16-year-old lacrosse star at Milton High School, who was killed in a single vehicle accident in 2006. For more information about Lohnes and the Legacy Lacrosse Board, visit www. legacylacrossecup.com. –Rachael Dier
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24 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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Families come out to play at Fowler Park CUMMING, Ga. — This year marked the 12th annual Play at the Park Family Fun Day. The event, hosted by the Humane Society of Forsyth County and the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, drew thousands of families and their dogs to Fowler Park on Sept. 21. The daylong event offered pet adoptions, ven-
dors, raffles, dog shows and inflatables. “We always look forward to the annual Play at the Park Family Fun Festival,” Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Tommy Bruce said. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come out together and enjoy a day at Fowler Park.” –Aldo Nahed
The Humane Society of Forsyth County held pet adoptions.
Bounce houses were a popular feature for attendees of the Family Fun Day.
Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies showed off their gear and educated children on safety.
Rascal was one of the kittens seeking a home.
Photos by ALDO NAHED/Staff
Sean Frisbee enjoys the park with Jinger.
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Ruby the Clown, also known as Reuben Haller puzzles Emmy Lou, left.
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forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | October 1, 2014 | 25
Lisa See brings Chinese stories to Forsyth County By KATHLEEN STURGEON news@forsythherald.com CUMMING, Ga. — Fans had the opportunity to listen to and meet Lisa See, a New York Times bestselling author, when she visited the Forsyth Conference Center to discuss her novel “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” as well as autograph books on Sept. 16. This signing was a part of this year’s Forsyth Reads Together event. This year’s book choice resonates well with all ages because See uses her personal family history and background to create her stories. See discussed how she traveled to China to get all the details she could before writing “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.” During the event, See spent most of her talk going in depth about the Chinese tradition of foot-binding, the main topic in “Snow Flower.” See spoke of her journey to China to learn about the history of foot-binding, as well as figure out the secret language that the women used between each other while being trapped in rooms getting their feet bound. See also spoke of her family’s background and how her
grandparents and parents had to face adversity and racism when moving to the United States. Mother-daughter relationships was another topic that See brought up multiple times. She discussed her own relationships with her mother, her children and also her characters’ relationships with their mothers. She says this is one of the most interesting parts of footbinding, and she often questioned how a mother could do that to her child. Laura Bradley, information services supervisor at Post Road Library, said the event is put on every year once a book is picked for the entire county to read. “We started the event several years ago,” Bradley said. “We wanted to have something that would unify the community and have the community focus on one book, so we provide programs and events around that one book. It turned out to really be a great thing, even for all ages.” Bradley said this year, many programs were offered to get readers interested and involved outside of reading the book. Since registration isn’t required, a committee decides on various events to engage all.
KATHLEEN STURGEON/Staff
From left to right, Laura Bradley, Sarah Reynolds and Lisa See. “This year, we offered a family program with Chinese dance that garnered a large crowd of children and adults,” Bradley said. “We have book clubs at each of our branches and offered some other programs like writing groups and book publishing workshops
and a screening of the movie. We had Chinese tea appreciation programs. We had a good turn-out at each of those other programs.” Having the author of the chosen book visit Forsyth is a big plus for the event. Forsyth Reads Together is in its sev-
enth year, but this is the third year that the author visited as well. “From here on out, that’s something we definitely want to try to do,” Bradley said. “We’re trying to find authors who have a large draw, have literary works that are well read and well-reviewed. We look all around and we have a committee that decides on the author.” Once the author and book are chosen, Bradley said the library stocks up on copies of the book. “When offering book clubs and things like that, we want to make sure we have plenty for our patrons to have access to,” said Bradley. The amount of books the library has access to didn’t deter patrons from attending this event. Over 400 people came out to hear See. “[I hope to get the community to have] a larger appreciation of literary works,” said Bradley. “It’s great to be able to select something that appeals to a large range of readers and to be able to host programs and support that book and get the word out to the community. It’s a really great program that we have, and I look forward to doing more in the future.”
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26 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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100 years of Extension: history and mission FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In 1914, the population of Georgia was about 2.7 million people. About 2.35 million of these people lived in rural areas and many were engaged in producing food for the nation. Meanwhile, over in Athens, Georgia, researchers with the University of Georgia were discovering ways to increase harvests, preserve perishable foods and ensure food safety. The story was similar at land-grant universities around the nation. But in an era with few cars and fewer roads, getting this valuable information out to the people who needed it was tough. To remedy this dilemma, two Southern senators, Hoke Smith of Georgia and Frank Lever of South Carolina, coauthored national legislation that created the third branch of land-grant universities: Cooperative Extension. This legislation provided funding to educate and employ agricultural Extension agents
Heather kolich hnkolich@uga.edu
who would live in the counties they served. Their mission was technology transfer: to bring the innovations developed at the universities to the people who could put it to use. Through Extension, U.S. production of wheat, a critical war-time commodity, nearly doubled in four years. UGA Extension researchers have battled the boll weevil, laid the foundation of Georgia’s poultry and egg industry and developed the turfgrass that graces many athletic venues, from golf courses to football fields. More recently, UGA Extension has helped the Georgia blueberry industry grow from $20 million to $150
More recently, UGA Extension has helped the Georgia blueberry industry grow from $20 million to $150 million in farm gate value per year. million in farm gate value per year. Program areas Youth education was an important aspect of Extension, too. With over 20 million alumni, 4-H is probably the most recognizable program area in Extension. This leadership development program grew out of the Georgia Boys’ Corn Clubs, started by Newton County School Superintendent G.C. Adams in 1904, and the Hancock County Girls’ Tomato Canning Club that started in 1908. When the Smith-Lever Act
was signed into law, the clubs were combined to create Georgia 4-H. Today, Georgia 4-H offers opportunities to learn and lead in numerous interest areas. While the family and consumer sciences program area began as home economics, it’s grown to encompass most aspects of quality of life. Food safety and preservation are still important, but FACS also focuses on health, wellness and nutrition, family financial management, parenting and family relations and other areas of family and social health.
What Extension is today Today, Extension agents serve both rural and urban counties. In urban areas, we support the commercial green industry and help homeowners make sound decisions about their landscapes, learn to grow fruits and vegetables and conserve natural resources. We offer classes and lectures on a wide variety of topics related to gardening, nutrition and living well and services such as soil and water testing. Trained master gardener and master naturalist Extension volunteers help us extend our educational mission to more people in the county by creating and maintaining public demonstration and education gardens, and answering homeowner questions at our office and at special events, including the Cumming County Fair and Festival. While you’re at the fair, visit the Extension booth to learn more about our programs in Forsyth County.
Oct. 6 marks voter registration deadline for general election ATLANTA — Georgians must be registered to vote by Oct. 6 in order to participate in the Nov. 4 general election. This leaves less than one month before the deadline, said Secretary of State Brian Kemp. “Every Georgian should have the opportunity to vote in the Nov. 4 general election,” said Kemp. “The good news is that it is easier than ever to get registered to vote or to change your registration information.” Georgians with a valid Georgia driver’s license can go online and register at: https://
registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/#no-backbutton. The “GA Votes” app also allows Georgians to register to vote. Using the MVP feature on the app, Georgia voters can view their specific sample ballot, find their polling locations, check voter registration status and track the status of their absentee ballot. All of this information is available on mobile devices on Apple and Android platforms. To find the app, search for “GA Votes” in the Apple app store or the Google Play store.
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Volunteerism is way of life for county family CUMMING, Ga. — A group of Cumming veterans heard a story of challenges and personal growth from a Forsyth County special education teacher and her daughters who spent part of their summer break taking care of sick kids. This is the third year Wendy Yarbrough and daughters Hailey, 15, and Shelby, 12, volunteered at a Port St. Joe, Florida camp for pediatric cancer patients and their families called Camp Blue Skies. The North Forsyth Middle School educator and her girls not only volunteer, but pay their way and work during the rest of the year to raise funds to support the camp and to help defray expenses of the “guest families” as they are called. In addition to the primary work of making sure the sick kids and their parents and siblings have a good time with lots of activities, the volunteers do laundry, make beds and generally tidy up. The Yarbroughs told about their volunteer work at the Sept. 8 meeting of the Cumming chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Camp Blue Skies is one of the charitable organizations the VVA provides financial support to each year. “It was a challenging year,” said Wendy Yarbrough. By that, she means some of the children were very ill and that one child she and her daughters worked with passed away soon after their week at camp had ended. As Yarbrough put it, “Braden got his angel wings.”
From left: Hailey Yarbrough, Shelby Yarbrough and their mom Wendy Yarbrough speak to Cumming Vietnam veterans about their experience at Camp Blue Skies. Yarbrough and her girls say they get as much as they give through the experience and have forged close lasting relationships with some of the families they have met and befriended. All three Yarbrough family members say they volunteer to help the camp
families, but in many ways, the experience helps them as well. “I can’t imagine my life without Blue Skies,” said Wendy Yarbrough. For more information about Camp Blue Skies, go to www.blueskiesministries.org.
Chapter 1030 of the Vietnam Veterans meets monthly at the Golden Corral Restaurant at 7 p.m. and is open to all Vietnam-era veterans. Due to the staffing of the chapter’s booth at the Cumming Fair, there will be no meeting in October.
28 | October 1, 2014 | Forsyth Herald | forsythherald.com
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Reader takes issue with ‘economic signals’ Mr. Hatcher Hurd, Please refer to your Business Post headline of Sept. 10, 2014, titled “Economy sending mixed signals.” I disagree, the economy is sending strong signals that it is in a steady decline and it has been so for decades. In the past 20 years, the decline has been picking up speed. This will continue until the federal government takes some positive action on our foreign trade policies and reels in the Federal Reserve. Any mixed signals are coming from the likes of Mr. Rajeev Dhawan, our community of economists and our politicians. Mr. Dhawan is paid good money to know what is going on in the economy. The AJC writers
Lambert High School hallways.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
have been quoting our college economic professors for years and they have very little of value to offer. It would be fun, Mr. Hurd, to draw him out. Find out if he really knows anything and if so, what. I get so aggravated with the Congress and the president for not seeing the forest for the trees and taking no positive action on improving the economy. Maybe the problem rests with our universities. If you can get the boy to talk, I will buy you a steak dinner at the Taco Bell of your choice.
How Forsyth County lost $43 million in 2013-14 to build new schools Truett Cathy’s impact The purpose of impact fees is to assess the costs of accommodating new development. Fees are based on a reasonable relationship between the project’s impact and the school expansions needed. The formula is simple: Number of students expected times the local per seat cost for needed construction, said Steve Donnelly, a Marylandbased consulting planner, who specializes in school planning regulations and development impacts. Donnelly is a member of the Council of Educational Facilities Planners, International. Considering Mr. Donnelly’s formula, the Student Impact Study information our Planning Commission was given by Forsyth County Schools and the recent estimated cost to build new schools in Forsyth, the following school impact fees would apply for South Forsyth District Schools (the most overcrowded): • $5,984 High School Impact • $5,470 Middle School Impact • $5,446 Elementary School Impact • $16,900 Total Impact per new household In 2013 alone, there were 1,164 new homes approved in severely overcrowded South Forsyth Schools. Not a penny generated for new school construction. Assuming a School Impact Fee was in place as suggested by expert and certified school planner Mr. Donnelly, there would’ve been $19,671,600 generated in 2013 alone to
build new schools. If you include the additional 994 new homes zoned in 2014 for Districts 2 and 3, there’s another $16,798,600 that would’ve been generated. In less than two years countywide, the absence of a School Impact Fee has cost Forsyth County taxpayers $43,778,576 in LOST funding towards new school construction. The Forsyth HOA & Homeowners is one of six members of a greater group referred to as “the Homeowner’s Coalition.” We have been working together for the past year to try to get our Forsyth County Board of Commissioners and other elected officials to address a huge problem we are facing in Forsyth County. That problem is too much growth, too quickly, without the means to address the infrastructure needed to support the growth. That is what has left us with overcrowded schools, athletic fields and roads. Forsyth County has a land use map, a comprehensive plan and a unified development code (UDC) that all give guidelines on how our county should be developed. The problem is that our commissioners are not following the plan in many cases. Every time we put in another neighborhood that does not conform to the plan, we are slowly chipping away at the quality of life that brought us all here in the first place. Chapter 8, section 5.4 of the Forsyth UDC states
In less than two years countywide, the absence of a School Impact Fee has cost Forsyth County taxpayers $43,778,576 in LOST funding towards new school construction. that “on all rezoning applications ... on ten acres or more, the impact on the local population density pattern and public infrastructure, including but not limited to schools, utilities and roads, must be considered. So why then are our Commissioners are not considering the impact of these zonings, when clearly we are years behind with regards to roads, schools and park funding? The burden of paying for these new schools and roads and the like is not falling on the shoulders of the developers who are financially benefitting from these projects. It is falling on us. To find out more and to sign the petition to manage growth, please visit www.forsythhoa.org. Dwight Kieser Forsyth County HOA & Homeowners
I met Truett Cathy at a Rotary Club meeting where I received a certificate for my high school leadership achievements. I was just 17 years old. Little did I know the impact that meeting would have on my life. Mr. Cathy spent some time with me that day. In fact, he gave me a set of motivational tapes by Zig Ziglar, a tape recorder to play them on, a $50 check and a promise to put me to work for Chick-fil-A if I would go on to college and graduate. Off to Athens I went to attend the University of Georgia. I listened to those tapes, served my fellow students in various capacities and set some goals. One of those goals was to become a statewide elected official. Upon graduation, I went back to Mr. Cathy’s humble Hapeville office, did the interview, got the offer – but turned down the opportunity to run a Chick-fil-A store in Texas because of my desire to enter Georgia politics one day. Looking back, I can’t believe I told this man I couldn’t move out of state. After being elected, I visited with Mr. Cathy that first year and thanked him for his challenge and mentorship – albeit it through cassette tapes. The result was still the same – a changed life. Something, it turns out, that he did with literally thousands of young people like me. You see, helping kids was really Truett Cathy’s spe-
Many thanks, Mitchell Easter, Cumming
Tim Echols Georgia Public
Service Commission
cialty. People just think it is chicken because his company does that so well. Look at their business today. Of their 60,000 employee workforce, 80 percent are less than 21 years old. This is a company that gets these young people to say “It’s my pleasure” on cue whenever a customer says any version of thank you. Those who are parents know that this is no small feat. This respect, an accompanying work ethic and career opportunities have served many of his former employees well in life. But Truett Cathy’s commitment to children and youth extends far beyond Rotary Club honorees and store employees. Mr. Cathy, with profits made from selling chicken sandwiches, has rescued hundreds of orphans and underprivileged kids from a certain life of poverty and all that can go with that. Mr. Cathy’s WinShape Foundation establishes foster homes – paying a full-time salary to foster parents to care for the kids, even buying the house, van and groceries. He often funds vacations, college educations and weddings. Add to that the WinShape
community
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Community invited to yard sale Oct. 4 Hosted by Forsyth County Parks and Recreation
From left: Forsyth County District 2 Commissioner Brian R. Tam; Chairman R.J. “Pete” Amos; District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff; Jack William Rolland Flikeid; John Flikeid; District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent; and District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills.
Eagle Scout recognized by county commissioners CUMMING, Ga. — At their Sept. 18 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized the accomplishments of an Eagle Scout.
Jack William Rolland Flikeid was presented with a Resolution from the commissioners in recognition of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
Flikeid is a member of Troop 1099 in the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and is a student at Lambert High School.
Studio West Productions presents ‘Big Fish, the Musical!’ CUMMING, Ga. — West Forsyth High School’s award winning Studio West Productions has announced its fall production, the Georgia premier of “Big Fish, the Musical!” “‘Big Fish’ is a thoroughly entertaining family show, perfect for all ages,” said Director Eric Gray. “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you might even dance in your seat.” “Big Fish” is a Broadway musical featuring music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (“The Addams Family,” “The Wild Party”) and a new book by screenwriter John August (“Big Fish,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”). “It is filled with toe tapping dance numbers and visually stunning special effects,” Gray said. “The students have worked very hard to make the characters believable in this whimsical, imaginative production.” Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, “Big Fish” centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some. Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his
Cathy: Continued from Page 28 camps serving 15,000 kids of all socio-economic stripes per summer, and his foundation is taking a huge burden off of our government social services. Truett Cathy lived a life of
Arrests: Continued from Page 2 Buford Highway in Cumming for possession of marijuana.
If you go What: “Big Fish the Musical!” Where: 4155 Drew Road in Cumming When: Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $8 to $12 devoted wife Sandra. But their son, Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, “Big Fish” is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theater – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself. “I think ‘Big Fish’ will take audiences on a journey from reality and fantasy,” Gray said, “and may just have them questioning which is which.” –Aldo Nahed
vision and purpose. He successfully built a business that people usually feel fortunate to work for, and he transmitted his values continually – even through serving fried chicken. He was focused on young people and knew how to assess character and potential. He was not afraid to challenge a person, and ► ► Tatianna Robinson, 21, of Sandy Springs was arrested Sept. 19 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for possession of marijuana, speeding and failure to exercise due care.
certainly not afraid to give his money away. We’ll miss Truett, but his legacy will live on through the many people he has touched. Tim Echols serves on the Georgia Public Service Commission. He considers Truett Cathy a mentor in his life since age 17. ►► Jonathan Maurice Martin,
26, of Crabapple Lake Drive, Roswell, was arrested Sept. 13 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and suspended registration.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Parks and Recreation invites citizens to visit the Central Park Recreation Center at 2300 Keith Bridge Road in Cumming for a community yard sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 4. “We are excited to be hosting our third community yard sale at one of our parks.” said Tommy Bruce, interim director of Parks and Recreation. “The previous events
have been well attended and we are looking forward to an even better turnout on Oct. 4.” The space for vendors is full at this time. Vendors who have signed up are expected to sell items such as household goods, furniture, clothing, children’s toys and more. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 678-455-8540. –Vallari Bhave
DEATH NOTICES Michael Daniel Diem, 17, of Cumming, passed away September 16, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Delwin Travis Hammons, 94, of Cumming, passed away September 18, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Bettie Callaway Harden, 80, of Commerce, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Muriel Kellman, 94, of Roswell, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Sandra Lankford, of Cumming, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Fabian McMahon, 93, of Roswell, passed away September 23, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Christ Henry Miller, 79, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Martha Elizabeth Paprism, 61, of Duluth, passed away September 18, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home.
Timothy Rossi, 41, of Cumming, passed away September 16, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Roy Yates Sanders, Jr., 92, of Cumming, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home. Monnie Scott, 100, of Roswell, passed away September 23, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Andrew Solarski, 90, of Alpharetta, passed away September 20, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Josephine Soldt, 94, of Roswell, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors.
Sharon Steinke, 70, of Duluth, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home. William Turk, 64, of Cumming, passed away September 18, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home. Jase Clayton Workman, infant, passed away September 19, 2014. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.
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